‘I want to play like Nosaina Pokana because he’s a left arm bowler too.’ Karoho’s dream is to become a Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis player. It’s no wonder he looks to Barras bowler Nosaina for inspiration. Playing in the Pari Cricket Club at the age of seven, the now 18-year-old says making the PIH Under 19 Cricket PNG team was one of his proudest moments. ‘I loved cricket since at a young age. When I was picked, I was very happy, and I was proud. My family was very happy for me too.’ Karoho isn’t the only one in his family to represent PNG in cricket. He says he follows in his cousin’s footsteps, Vagi Kalo who also made the U19 PNG cricket team a few years back. Karoho is proud to carry that legacy through. As the U19 team continues to train hard and prepare for their World Cup games in the West Indies, Karoho encourages his teammates to simply go out and play well. That is the same talk he gives himself. ‘Yes, I’m ready for the World Cup. I just want to go there and play well and one day become a Barramundis player, just like Nosaina.’ ‘I want to experience playing other international teams. I look forward mostly to playing against Pakistan.’ The young bowler from Pari says they have been through intense training before they left, especially the last weeks and so when he has time for himself, he spends as much time as he can resting at home. ‘We have so many trainings so when I go back home, I just relax.’ When he can, he listens to one of his current favourite songs, Nasobe – a Motu hit that’s on top of his playlist. Karoho looks forward to being with his team on tour and is ready for the challenge ahead.

Prime Minister James Marape has directed the Health Department to work on direct procurement of drugs and medicines from World Health Organisation-sanctioned manufacturers and do away with the current system introduced by the previous O’Neill government. He issued the directions after a meeting with Indian High Commissioner to PNG, H.E. Shri S. Imbasekar, on Tuesday (January 4 2022). High Commissioner Imbasekar impressed upon PM Marape that India was the cheapest supplier of generic drugs – recognised by the World Health Health Organisation (WHO) – to the world. He said India could supply drugs to PNG on a government-to-government basis at a fraction of the costs PNG was currently paying to pharmaceutical companies, and save a lot of money. “My Government made a deliberate policy to do a holistic overhaul of the existing drug procurement system when we came into office in 2019,” PM Marape said. “However, a three-year drug-procurement contract issued by the O’Neill regime, was already in place and we have had to live through that. “That contract has been the subject of much controversy and riddled with allegations of corruption, including Public Accounts Committee inquiries in 2014 and 2019. “This year, as we move out of the contract period, we will move into a new drug-procurement system my Government will design.” PM Marape said lives of the people of PNG could no longer be endangered with an ineffective drug-procurement system. “We want quality drugs to be readily-available without middlemen,” he said. “This means straight to the Health Department from a trusted source. “I have directed the Health Department to immediately start procuring drugs from manufacturers like those in India. “India is a renowned pharmaceutical nation that the world relies on. “The Government, working with WHO and the Medical Pharmaceutical Board, will enter into this new direct drug-procurement system with India if all requirements are met.”

International PNG rugby league rep Keven Appo says giving back to the communities that contributed to his success in his career is a sign of respect and appreciation for all the knowledge, experiences and skills gained whilst playing rugby at the village level. The SP Hunters second-rower and member of the current train-on squad donated two sets of jerseys to his local club back in Seigu in Goroka last October before heading to Port Moresby for the first block of the Hunters pre-season training. He said the custom-made jerseys which were sourced all the way from France through an arrangement with the current Hunters Assistant Coach Paul Aiton, will be used by his local club the Eastern Suburbs which is taking part in the famous Gahuku off-season league in Goroka. The club which was established in 2010 had their first jersey presented to them by Appo’s father through collaborative efforts and then in 2014, Appo joined the team and at the same time donated the clubs second jersey which were presented to him by the late Ifisoe Segeyaro. “When I first started playing in the B grade in 2014, I brought along with me to the team a new set of jerseys which was presented to me by Late Ifisoe Segeyaro in 2012.” [caption id="attachment_18177" align="aligncenter" width="880"] Appo in the club's old jerseys presented in 2010 & 2014 respectively[/caption] “The set was used for 6 years from 2014 till last year and were to be used this year too when the competition starts except, they won’t be using them anymore as they now have two new sets of customised jerseys to play with this year and onwards.” Appo said that such gestures go a long way in boosting the morale of young boys back home who are also working hard to make their rugby dreams come true. “I was once in their shoes when I started playing in 2014 and to this date, I am the only one from the Eastern Suburbs club who has made it to the Hunters level so I definitely want to go back and invest in these young men’s dreams as well,” Appo said. The youngster who is looking forward to celebrating his 23rd birthday in 6 days’ time said that his plan for this year is to make the final cuts and to focus on winning more games in the upcoming season. “In everything we do, we all want to move forward so for me this year, the aim is to perform better than last year so that I can make it into the Kumuls team and hopefully make the cut for the Rugby League World Cup later this year.” Appo’s fellow Hunter Brandon Nima also did a similar gesture last month when he presented a jersey set to his local club the Five Mile Spartans who did not have a full set team jersey since the formation of the club in 2016. Nima said his decision to donate the jerseys was influenced by his willingness to motivate and inspire his brothers back in Goroka to refrain from bad behaviors and trouble and instead be good citizens in their community. Both men who were home for the festive season have now returned to Port Moresby this week to take on the last leg of the pre-season training with the hopes of making the final cut at the end of this month. Keven is looking forward to his fourth season with the Hunters this year and said that there is no room to slack off as there are a good number of players who have been enlisted in the pre-season squad and one must work hard to secure his spot. “Although there are many good players in the camp now, it is however, up to each individual player to prove their worth on the field in order to make the final 26-men squad at the end of this month,” Appo said. Image sources: SP PNG Hunters, Yomba KisimPiksa, K.Appo

Border officials said Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia, and his hopes of defending his Australian Open title later this month now appear over. Novak Djokovic has been denied entry to Australia by the country's border force and faces deportation after his visa was cancelled amid a row over his medical exemption from COVID vaccination rules. The tennis star's hopes of defending his Australian Open title later this month now appear over. Border officials said the world number one failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the country's entry requirements. [caption id="attachment_18171" align="aligncenter" width="895"] A protestor holds signs outside Park Hotel, where Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic is believed to be staying[/caption] The 34-year-old Serbian player had been held up for several hours at Melbourne airport by a visa error and was ultimately refused entry. But court documents show that his lawyers are planning to appeal against the decision. Djokovic, who has repeatedly declined to say whether he has been jabbed against coronavirus, confirmed on Tuesday he had received an exemption to compete in the nation's top tennis tournament. But on landing in Melbourne, Victoria, late on Wednesday local time, the 20-time Grand Slam winner was waiting for permission to enter the country after his team had reportedly applied for a visa that does not allow for medical exemptions for being unvaccinated. The sportsman, left stranded at the airport, has now been issued a letter by the Australian government saying his visa was denied and he would be deported. He is currently believed to be quarantined at the Park Hotel in the city. During a news conference, Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters: "On the issue of Mr Djokovic, rules are rules and there are no special cases. "It's been our government's strong border policies and particularly in relation to the pandemic, that has ensured that Australia has one of lowest death rates from COVID anywhere in the world. "We will continue to make the right decisions when it comes to securing Australian borders in relation to this pandemic." Djokovic was 'left in room guarded by police' The border force said: "Non-citizens who do not hold a valid visa on entry or who have had their visa cancelled will be detained and removed from Australia. "The ABF (Australian Border Force) can confirm Mr Djokovic had access to his phone." Before the announcement, Djokovic's coach Goran Ivanisevic posted a selfie on Instagram from the airport lounge with the caption: "Not the most usual trip from Down Under." Border officials had earlier contacted government officials in Victoria to sponsor Djokovic's visa. But they refused to do so and he was forced to wait for hours. He was questioned by border officials, and his father Srdjan said his son spent time alone in a room guarded by police outside. Outrage in Serbia The Serbian president, Aleksandar Vucic, criticised the "harassment" of the country's sporting star, saying he had spoken on the phone to him and offered his support. Mr Vucic said: "I told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him and that our bodies are doing everything to see that the harassment of the world's best tennis player is brought to an end immediately. "In line with all norms of international law, Serbia will fight for Novak, truth and justice. Novak is strong, as we all know." Djokovic falls foul of Australia's notoriously tough COVID border rules Mr Morrison earlier said the tennis champion would be "on the next plane home" if he was unable to provide "acceptable proof" for a COVID vaccination exemption. Rules in Victoria, where the tournament begins on 17 January, state players must be double-jabbed against COVID. Australians had called the decision to give the top tennis star a medical exemption to enter the country "a slap in the face" after they endured months of harsh lockdowns. Djokovic has not made public on what grounds his exemption had been granted. But a possible explanation is that he contracted coronavirus for a second time at some point in the last six months, having previously caught it during his Adria Tour event in Belgrade in 2020. That would negate the need for vaccination, according to rules published last year by one of two independent medical panels involved in the decision to grant him an exemption. Only 26 people connected with the Australian Open applied for a medical exemption and just a "handful" - estimated to be around five - were granted, according to tournament boss Craig Tiley. SOURCE: SKY NEWS

A wanted crime suspect who was involved in a number of hold up incidents in Lorengau Town was apprehended by police in a dawn raid during the New Year period. Manus Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector David Yapu said the suspect, Leeroy Passingan was recently involved in a hold up at City Pharmacy and at United Fuel where goods and a substantial amount of money were stolen. He is currently in police custody awaiting court appearance. In another incident, five suspects were also arrested and are in police custody for the murder of a man at Derembat village. Chief Inspector Yapu said the deceased was drinking with his friends at the village when an argument started and a fight broke out. “The suspects assaulted the deceased and he sustained head injuries where he was taken to Lorengau Provincial hospital and admitted there for two weeks but later died,” Mr Yapu said. Meanwhile in the other incident, a young man was cut on his leg with a bush knife by another man and later died from the injury sustained. The incident took place on Bipi Island and police are currently awaiting fuel supplies to carry out investigations.

An estimated K3million worth of files, infrastructure, health supplies and equipment were lost in a fire when the Central Provincial Headquarters in Konedobu, NCD went up in flames last night. Central Provincial Administrator Francis Koaba told PNG Hausbung that the damage is extensive with several of the very critical offices totally burnt out. “The offices burnt are the deputy provincial administrator corporate affairs, Human Resource office and conference room, health dispensaries, works office, the internal audit, pay office and the LLG and Liquor Licencing offices,” Mr Koaba said. “Along with those offices, we lost vaccinations and medications for all the health facilities in the province as well as all the personal files of the provincial administration staff.” He said the fire started around 11pm last night with its' cause still unknown as Fire Service officers are currently conducting investigations. Security guards on the premises speculated on a possible electricity fault and advised that they had also tried to contain the fire when it started. He says the administration is currently doing up an action plan in regard to their operations at this time. “We are trying to create some temporary work stations for staffs who are now displaced at work.” “In the meantime, our internal staff are advised to work from home,” Mr Koaba said.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has commended the National Government for the increase in the Tax Credit Scheme (TCS) ceiling from 0.75% to 2% as announced in the 2022 National Budget. The change, along with strengthening production from the mine, will see a significant increase in annual tax credits from current levels approximating PGK25 million per annum to more than K100 million per annum over the life of the mine. The funds will be used to develop high impact priority projects in Health, Education, Law and Justice and Transport Infrastructure and Utilities in the Western and neighbouring Sandaun Provinces. OTML Managing Director & CEO, Musje Werror said the National Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Hon James Marape has recognised the need for more funds to be diverted to develop remote regions and has shown confidence in the public private partnership arrangement under the Ok Tedi TCS to deliver the infrastructure projects. Mr Werror added that OTML has spent over K300 million on TCS projects in these two provinces since the inception of the scheme in 1997 and there is much more to be done to improve and sustain the livelihoods of the people “We want to connect these two provinces by a road network from the North to the South and open up the region for the people to have better access to services and develop their local economies. This is the legacy that OTML wants to leave behind.” [caption id="attachment_18158" align="aligncenter" width="881"] Tabubil to Telefomin Road, one of the projects under the TCS[/caption] Other major projects being considered include the upgrade and sealing of the Daru Town Roads and airport extension, construction of a new District Court House in Kiunga, upgrade of the Kiunga District Hospital, refurbishment of the Aiambak Secondary High School, sealing of the Kiunga/Tabubil Highway, road link to Vanimo and Hela Province, construction of Atemkit/Kavorabip road and construction of the road from Alice Pit to the border. He said the new TCS projects will be aligned with the National & Provincial Governments priorities and will be managed through OTML’s projects and contracts management processes.

Governor of Enga Province, Chief Sir Peter Ipatas, has commended the National Government for its vision to re-open the world class Porgera Gold Mine this year under a new project framework. Sir Peter said, “The Marape Government has been bold and decisive in negotiating a new deal for the country and I am proud to say that Enga Province under my administration has firmly supported those efforts”. He made this statement after the Enga Provincial Executive Council (PEC) met over the weekend to formally endorse the new project framework proposed for the mine. The endorsement by the PEC is an important step forward toward reopening the mine this year and Sir Peter has called upon all Porgera landowners to unite and support the Marape Government’s new vision for Enga Province and the country as a whole. Sir Peter said that the Provincial Government is now looking forward to negotiating a new Memorandum of Agreement with the project partners and will work closely with the Marape Government to ensure that its vision for the mine is achieved in order to secure further prosperity for current and future generations of Enga province.

This is Joe Mitakaiva from Gulf province who is one of the many young men taken under the care of the City Mission PNG. 27 years old Joe resides at Vadavada settlement and has been involved in all kinds of criminal activities at an early age. After learning of City Mission PNG and the good work they do to empower youths from some of his friends who came through the programs provided by the organization, Joe decided he needed a change in the way he was living his life and turned to City Mission for help. City Mission PNG is an NGO organization that takes young boys like Joe off the streets and away from criminal activities and drugs. The organization trains and up skills many youths that come from broken families who end up on the street and contribute to the increasing number of crimes that happen in the country. Unfortunately, the organization does not receive direct funding from neither the government nor the department responsible - the Department of Community Development, Youth and Religion. A few business houses and individuals have assisted in cash and kind over the years which has kept this important organization operational. The organization received a kind donation today from the member for Kikori and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Soroi Eoe who presented a cheque of K50, 000 to help City Mission with operational costs. Minister Eoe visited the center last year and realised that most of the boys there were from Kikori and he made a commitment to assist and that commitment was fulfilled today. Eoe said young people have the potential to do greater things and with the right kind of guidance and skills, they can contribute meaningfully to the country. The organization takes care of over 100 underprivileged young men from all over the country and the funding delivered today will be put towards new equipment that the center needs for the different life skills training programs offered.

The Ombudsman Commission of Papua New Guinea has expressed concerns on the recent decisions of Leadership tribunals. In a statement, the OC stated that while it respects the decisions the tribunals have made, it is concerned, especially on the tribunal’s failure to consider important evidences, laws and the application of the criminal test on leadership matters which concerns integrity issues. It stated that it may be possible that the tribunal overlooked some important constitutional provisions or failed to accept the facts on a “Prima Facie” standard of proof or has relied on a non-existing law or laws which have been struck down by the Supreme Court. The Commission would like to make it known that a leadership tribunal is not a criminal court and does not necessarily need to apply the strict rules of evidence where the test should be proof beyond reasonable doubt. Leadership Tribunals are quasi-judicial in nature and the tribunals ought to conduct an enquiry on the conduct of the person referred and not to apply the strict rule of evidence. Leadership Code matters are purely disciplinary matters that are referred based on Prima Facie evidences and the test should be a test based on a standard that is higher than the civil test and less than the criminal standard of proof. This has been the status quo over many years and the commission is concerned that the decisions have now changed the dynamics of the precedence which has been developed over many years. As far as the tribunals are concerned the commission has fulfilled to the best of its ability all requirements under the law to bring all the cases up to the level of the tribunal and it hopes that future tribunals consider the concerns highlighted. It added that regardless of whatever the outcome would be the commission will continue to fulfil its constitutionally mandated duties to ensure good governance and good leadership in Papua New Guinea. The Commission is currently assessing the recent decisions of the tribunals and would decide what cause of action it would take.

Late Central Bougainville MP Sam Akoitai’s body this morning lie-in-state at the National Parliament House as fellow MPs paid their last respect. Acting Parliament Speaker Koni Iguan received the pall-bearers and the casket of late Akoitai into the Grand Hall of the National Parliament before it was viewed by fellow colleague MPs including Prime Minister James Marape along with the Regional Member for Bougainville Peter Tsiamalili Junior. The casket has left Parliament for the funeral service to be held at the Sioni Kami Memorial Church from midday to 2pm. The casket and body of late Akoitai will leave for Buka tomorrow morning where the Acting Speaker of Parliament Koni Iguan will officially hand over the casket to the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government Ishmael Toroama at the House of Representatives. Late Akoitai, 60 years of age died on December 17, 2021 after he collapsed at his home in Wakunai. He was first elected into Parliament in 1997 and held the ministerial portfolio for Bougainville Affairs under then Prime Minister Sir William Skate government and later as Minister for Mining, Environment, Conservation and Correctional Institution Services by then Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare. Photo credits: Parliamentary Media Services

Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) wishes to advise that all squatters on the NSL land Portions 2157, 2156 and 2159, including NSL members, are required to relocate to enable orderly redevelopment. NSL has previously informed its members on the NSL owned 9-mile land Portions that there will be no exceptions made for members or any other organization, group, or body illegally squatting on the land Portions. To ensure the best development outcome, and lot configurations, the site must be vacant. Major civil works will be required across sites to deliver power, water, drainage, and sealed roads. No services, such as power or water, are available on site. Delivering this infrastructure is key to future redevelopment so that all homeowners can have proper services available. NSL hopes that squatters haven’t illegally tapped into services, as this ultimately causes problems for water and power systems within Port Moresby. NSL sympathises with the members that will be affected, however, as the Trustee for over 208,000 hardworking Papua New Guineans we must remain committed to protecting the interests of the Fund’s membership as a whole. Through recent social mapping exercises, NSL has identified 210 members illegally residing on the NSL land Portions. Of the 210 members, our records indicate a small percentage applied for housing advance, and a very small percentage were successful in having a housing advance approved. Securing the titles for the land Portions at 9-mile has been a challenging process, ultimately delaying progress on the site and leading to confusion that resulted in squatters being misled. No housing advances have been approved since the Court Ruling of 2020 which had granted rightful ownership of the land Portions 2156, 2157 and 2159 to NSL. Since the Court Ruling, 24 members have applied and been advised that they were not eligible to receive a housing advance as their proposed site would illegally encroach on NSL land. Member’s that have applied for or believe they have received housing advances from NSL for construction or improvements made on the 9-mile land Portions should register their queries with the 9-mile Project Management Team (PMT) via email to 9mile@nambawansuper.com.pg or in person at the Project office on Portion 2157. NSL ensures that all our products and services offered to members follow the strict regulations established by the Superannuation (General Provisions) Act 2000 and regulated by the Bank of PNG. As such, NSL has systems in place to vet all applications for housing advances and other products to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our members while complying with statutory regulations. NSL’s primary objective is to provide members with superannuation services that aim to deliver real returns and create wealth for members to enjoy in their retirement. NSL is not mandated to provide housing schemes. However, recognizing the need for appropriate housing in PNG we do provide Housing Advances to our eligible members as a subsidiary service. At present, NSL is not selling any land at 9-mile, however, parties interested in purchasing land upon the completion of the redevelopment project should register their interest with the PMT. NSL also advises that it is not accepting deposits to secure land at this time and anyone found accepting deposits should be reported immediately to the PMT and/or the appropriate authorities. NSL will prosecute anyone who is continuing to sell Portions of NSL lands; all such activities are to cease immediately. The PMT is also continuing to provide valuable information and deliver awareness sessions for the benefit of the squatters. The Project site/office, located at Portion 2157, remains open for all enquiries and can be accessed from Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm, and Sunday from 1pm – 4pm.