Reigning champions, the FC Mix Tribe women’s team remained undefeated over the weekend after securing two (2) straight wins in the Eastern Papua Cup (EPC) tournament with the outcome of both matches 6-0 respectively. Their first match on Saturday 16th November at the UPNG oval saw the ladies take on 28 Plus FC, much to the likes of Mix Tribe’s hat-trick goal scorer Emma Kila and Daphne Ambrose, Ruth Obaoba and Valisandra Aipi scoring one (1) goal each for their team. The ladies played a solid defence, making it difficult for the girls from 28 Plus FC to score a goal despite the intense heat. Returning for another clash against the gentle Kasamadagi FC girls, FC Mix Tribe got away with another win 6-0 at fulltime. The start of the match, Emma Kila couldn’t resist to score another hat-trick for her side while Lisi Robert, Valisandra Aipi and Lilly Haro scored one goal each. Though the young Kasamadagi’s fought hard, Mix Tribe were persistent to keep their scoring spree on a high with a submission of six (6) goals. Under the leadership Camillina Mwadeda, the team compromises mostly youths and a few mothers. Creating a pathway for the young people to come and showcase their talents and skills, Camillina hopes that with this year’s theme: “Embracing Change, Moving Forward,” helps to execute her goals for the team to stay on top of their game and to enjoy the sport of football as well.

Leader of the Opposition Douglas Tomuriesa has acknowledged and accepted the decision by Our United Revolution (OUR) Party MPs, led by party leader Rainbo Paita, to return to the Government and support Prime Minister James Marape’s leadership. Tomuriesa said that while it was unfortunate to see MPs return to the Government after vigorously demanding for a change in leadership, it remained a party decision on what they believe their principles and policies are to contribute to national development. Tomuriesa said: “The Opposition appreciates the contributions OUR Party brought to the Alternative Government, and that appreciation was ultimately demonstrated in September when we supported Mr. Paita as the Alternative Prime Minister.” “We also thank the 14 MPs who are led by Mr. Paita and their provisional support of our goal to #SavePNG from incompetent leadership ruining this country.” “The Opposition maintains a good working relationship with all MPs, and we wish them well in their next endeavours.” “Although the Opposition has fewer MPs as a result of this decision, it by no means decreases our voice, our commitment, or our values toward holding the Government accountable.” “But it must be said how the continuous weaponisation of DSIP and development funds by Mr. Marape is a significant factor forcing MPs to retreat to Government.” “Any MP who has spent time with us in the Opposition will attest to the vindictive treatment by Mr. Marape and his close allies.” “Nonetheless, we still remain steadfast in our goal to make PNG better than it has been over these five disastrous years.” Tomuriesa also called on the Prime Minister to make changes to his cabinet now that he has greater choices to improve his executive management. “The MPs going back to Government know very well what needs to be done to fix this country.” “Through our many caucus meetings and policy deliberations, these MPs know what it takes to turn this country around.” “There is a wealth of experience and expertise within OUR Party, and now being the second largest party in Parliament, surpassing United Resources Party and other coalition partners, we expect the Prime Minister to recognise this through a revamped NEC.” “Examples include Paita’s long service as Finance and Planning, Sir John Pundari also as former Finance Minister and capabilities to serve in any capacity, WNB Governor Sasindran Muthuvel’s experience as former State Enterprises Minister bringing many reforms, Lohia Boe Samuel’s extensive business experience may prove beneficial to commerce and industry – in the same vein Theo Pelgen, Marsh Narewec’s communication and technology experience, Isi Henry Leonard’s potential to serve in the fisheries and tourism sector, and many more informed appointments Mr. Marape could potentially make,” said Tomuriesa. In closing, Tomuriesa also informed the public that the Opposition is preparing its budget response for the final sitting of Parliament and will be disputing several controversial decisions made by the Government since the last sitting.

In a fiercely contested encounter at the UPNG oval, the Solgen FC men's team defeated Ocean Blue FC 2-0 in their first match on the second day of the Eastern Papua Cup tournament. Both teams had a thrilling first half, with the Solgen FC players battling hard for goal attempts but only managing to score their first goal through captain Martin Tokwakwasi. Their opponents, Ocean Blue FC put up a strong defence and tried their best to equalize but could not, due to tight defense from both backlines. Coming back after a much-needed break, both teams came back with the same display and attitude in the first half, but two silly mistakes from Ocean Blue FC earned the Solgen FC players two (2) penalty shots but were unsuccessful due to the strong defense from the Ocean boys. Despite the burning heat in the afternoon hours, Solgen FC came back after two unsuccessful penalty shots and scored their second goal through Nagi Kaniyoisi in the last dying minutes of the match. Meanwhile, despite Ocean Blue FC remaining scoreless in both halves, they put up a good fight and strong defence in the match, taking the fulltime score 2-0.

Youth in North Fly District of Western Province participated in a four-day volleyball tournament. This year's second North Fly MP volleyball tournament took place from October 31 to November 3 with the goal of encouraging young people in the North Fly District to show off their undeveloped skills and develop as athletes. Twenty-two (22) teams which included 11 female teams, and 11 male teams challenged each other both in men and women’s division. This volleyball tournament was held at the Drimdamesuk village situated at East Awin village along the Fly River outskirts of Kiunga town. In men’s division, Team Fly River 1 and Team Gii both played tough, winning two sets each, leading to thrilling fifth set where Fly River 1 won in men’s division. In Women’s division, Fly River 1 played hard and remain victorious over Team Tionams, winning three sets to one. After all the grand finals, Fly River 1 won the volleyball cup topping other participating teams. The grand finals ended on a high note and cash prizes were awarded to all participating teams in appreciation for their participation in this year’s district tournament. North Fly District Administrator Greg Isau officiated the event and appreciated all youths saying such sporting event demonstrated strong community support, youth engagement, fostering community pride and healthy activities for better change in the community. He added that North Fly youth can participate in bigger sporting event in the country if more support and opportunity is given to them. He clarified that this initiative by local MP James Donald which started with first tournament held in Kiunga last year 2023, will continue to ensure youth are better equipped in different sporting codes. North Fly District Development Authority is committed to supporting district tournament in next year’s games going forward. The venue and date for 2025 tournament is yet to be made known pending financial support for hosting the third district tournament. This volleyball tournament has improved youth in North Fly to master their skills and techniques not only in volleyball but other sporting codes.

The much-anticipated soccer tournament for the Milne Bay people, the Eastern Papua Cup (EPC) tournament, kicked off yesterday at the University of Papua New Guinea Oval in Port Moresby much to the excitement of soccer fans. The EPC President, who is also the Assistant Commissioner of Police Human Resources, Samson Siguyaru told PNG HAUSBUNG that the tournament will run for five (5) weeks with a total of 24 clubs and 59 teams. Twelve (12) women’s teams, thirty-five (35) men’s teams and twelve (12) children’s teams. Meanwhile, a sponsorship of K10, 000 was presented to the EPC committee from a representative from the member for Esa’ala and Minister for Petrolum’s office Jimmy Maladina. Siguyaru said, the other elected members have pledged their support but due to other pressing issues, they were not able to attend the opening. He said, since EPC’s inception in 1978 by the likes of the late Noel Bukoya, Hudson Arek from Wanigela, late Sigamate, late Napolean Leosi and a few others, EPC has been seen as an offseason tournament where the people of Milne Bay come together at the end of the year to play soccer and showcase their skills and talents, but as the current president, Siguyaru intends to change the idea of people waiting till the end of the year to take part in a soccer tournament. “I have good intentions, and I want things to change. I want us to take Milne Bay to the next level. Our theme for this year is ‘Embracing Change, Moving Forward.’ For us to move forward, the executive has plans to look at the constitution so that EPC becomes an entity of Milne Bay that does not include the whole Eastern Papua as a whole which includes Central-Amazon Bay, Northern Province and, to Wanigela.” He said once the constitution is looked at, there are plans to change the EPC name, turn EPC into a proper sporting body like PMSA & NSL and not an offseason tournament. Siguyaru said that from this pathway they want to scout and groom players from different clubs to make the NSL team for Milne Bay. Siguyaru also mentioned that they are planning to kick start an academy and appealed to all parents and guardians to support these initiatives. He also appealed to all team managers to support the EPC team to run a smooth soccer tournament for everyone taking part and wished them the best in their tournament. He further stated that anyone caught breaching the tournament rules will be dealt with accordingly.

With the largest maritime space of 80% in the province, the people of Samarai- Murua District in the Milne Bay Province will soon benefit from the recent launching of the fishing vessel Kekeisi-1, that’s set to sail the waters of the province in the coming weeks. With the aim to turn local fishermen to business owners, the member for Samarai Murua, Isi Henry Leonard wants to activity involve unemployed people, especially the mothers and youths to get into the fishing SME space in the district. He said, the four (4) LLG’s in the district are very remote and with the fishing vessel ‘Kekeisi-1’ set to sail the waters in the coming weeks, local fishermen will be able to sell their catch to Kekeisi-1, which will then be exported to Thailand to sell. “Our plan is to produce and export seafood and fishery products out of Samarai Murua and Milne Bay to international markets. I believe this is possible and we are confident with the level of support that we are receiving from the National Fisheries Authority.” He said, NFA is supporting and assisting this project, and their fishing license has been granted to operate commercial fishery in the district. “My DDA has established a partnership arrangement between a Samarai Murua District local private company and Thailand investor to undertake commercial fishing program to support our local fishermen and women,” said Leonard. Leonard stated that the ‘Kekeisi-1’ fishing vessel is a factory vessel that has everything from freezers, ice-making machine, sorting section to packaging and frozen to be exported to Thailand. “I want my people to be businessmen and women. And by the end of the day, I believe my people will be millionaires.” He added that they will set up buying points in the four LLG’s for local fishermen to go and sell their catch to Kekeisi-1.

The men in red, Hekari United FC have delivered once again by defeating Gulf Komara FC 2-1 in the 2024 Premier Soccer League epic grand final showdown at PNGFA Football Stadium on Saturday. The two goals in each of the halves scored by Hekaris Ati Kepo and substitute Joseph Joe were enough to defend their title. Hekari United FC coach Jerry Allan thanked Komara for putting up a good fight stating, “I thank Komora for a good fight. It was a good game.” He said, coming off from second half, he encouraged his side to push their opponents lightly but tightly contend for the ball, resulting in the full-time score. He said, his team fought well in both halves and is proud to have stayed with the team for 15 years and return to finish the campaign on a high note. “I'm very happy because I finished it on a high note. Maybe next season will be the Pro-League, and the system is going to change." "But for now, I am really happy and proud of my boys,” stated Allan. Meanwhile, Lae City FC finished third after defeating Port Moresby Strikers 3-2 after extra time in the 3rd/4th playoff. Hekari's goalkeeper Dave Tomare claimed the golden glove award while Logan Biwa of United Highlands was awarded the golden booth honours for scoring 11 goals throughout the season.

Kangaroos forward Cameron Murray has been ruled out of the Pacific Cup final after sustaining a wrist injury while in camp with the Australian team. Murray, who played a starring role in Australia's 22-10 defeat of the Kiwis in Christchurch last Sunday, sustained a scapholunate injury. The Rabbitohs captain will see a surgeon next week upon his return to Sydney. A South Sydney statement said the injury may require Murray to undergo a scapholunate reconstruction, which would see him undertake an extensive period of rehabilitation. The loss of Murray is a blow to the Kangaroos as they prepare to face the winner of Saturday's New Zealand-Tonga match on November 10 at CommBank Stadium. Clive Churchill Medallist Liam Martin has been ruled out of the upcoming Pacific Championships after succumbing to injuries picked up throughout the NRL season. The Penrith forward has carried shoulder and rib injuries in recent weeks. While he was initially named in the Kangaroos squad, he will now be replaced by Raiders star Hudson Young. The change has triggered a reshuffle to the Prime Minister's XIII squad, with Tyran Wishart coming into the side to take on the Papua New Guinea PM's XIII in Port Moresby on Sunday afternoon. Nat Butcher has also been ruled out of the match due to illness. Meanwhile, the Kiwis have been dealt a major blow with Dally M Medallist Jahrome Hughes withdrawing from New Zealand's Pacific Championships campaign due to a neck injury. “Jahrome is understandably shattered and we really feel for him,” Kiwi coach Stacey Jones said. “He has had an outstanding year and he was going to play a key role for the Kiwis again. “He was desperate to play and we thought, with some time on our side, he would come right with treatment but he has since received medical advice that he won’t be ready to play.” Across the league, there have been a number of payers not considered for selection for the Pacific Championships due to injury. The Kiwis are also missing Jeremy Marshall-King, who has undergone minor knee surgery but is expected to be right to start the pre-season when the club's senior players return. Marshall-King's Dolphins teammate Connelly Lemuel has undergone a shoulder reconstruction and is looking at a five-month rehabilitation period. That will have him back for the pre-season trials and give him a good shot of starting the season in round one for the Dolphins. Panthers skipper Nathan Cleary is set for shoulder surgery while Melbourne five-eighth Cameron Munster will likely go under the knife for a groin injury. New Zealand did not select Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee), Dylan Brown (knee), Kieran Foran (ankle), Moses Leota (shoulder), Brandon Smith (knee), Jeremy Marshall-King (knee), Briton Nikora (ankle), Kayal Iro (hamstring), Te Maire Martin (neck). Panthers winger Brian To'o will also miss Samoa's tour of England after he picked up a knee injury in Sunday's grand final. To'o, who has played in Penrith's four consecutive premiership wins, came from the field in the 59th minute after a knee clash and went up the tunnel to the dressing rooms. He later returned to the sideline and spent time on an exercise bike before practicing passing and tackling with a trainer but did not return to the field. To'o had already clocked up 213 metres from 22 runs when he was forced from the field in the decider. Panthers back-rower Scott Sorensen made it back from a hamstring injury to play his part in the grand final victory. Sorensen had missed both of the Panthers' finals wins but was thrown straight back into the starting side by Ivan Cleary, getting through 70 minutes of game time and running for 124 metres.

Solomon Islands defeated Papua New Guinea 17–4 in the OFC Beach Soccer Men's Nations Cup after suffering a devastating last-minute loss to Tahiti in their first round. The home crowd were in full support as the Solomon Islands made the perfect start with Thomas Amasia scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot in the second minute. Two minutes later Jose Nawo doubled the lead when he turned and shot, the ball creeping across the goal line off the inside of the post. The writing was on the wall for the tournament debutants when Peter Reginald scored his side’s third goal in the 6th minute. Babob Labong’s team had made a dream debut to international Beach Soccer 24 hours earlier when they stunned Fiji 8-6, but the home side were a step up in class and Albert Bobby fired in off the crossbar to put the hosts 4-0 and in command. Raven Samuel pulled a goal back for Papua New Guinea with a fine strike by Raven Samuel before the end of the period to give Papua New Guinea hope heading into the second stanza, and they opened the scoring after the break with a real ‘football’ goal, some nice one touch passing setting up Goiravana Kala who beat James Do’oro in the Solomon Islands goal. The crowd had gone silent, and the home side needed a bit of magic to regain the ascendency, and it came from Erick Wanega who blasted a long-range effort past Kopi Samuel in goal. Max Fa’ari then scored a quick brace to put the hosts firmly in control. Peter Reginald then got into the action as Papua New Guinea wilted under the pressure, before Solomon Islands captain Charlie Otainao scored his side’s 9th goal, with Nawo grabbing his second not long after. Raven Samuel beat the onrushing Do’oro to score his second of the game to briefly hope the Solomon Islanders momentum. Wanega grabbed his hat-trick with a shot that bobbled over a hapless Samuel in goal to end a high scoring period. Max Fa’ari scored his third of the game five minutes into the final period before Navu Willie got on the scoresheet for for Papua New Guinea. Wanega added two late strikes to put the icing on the cake, with Reginald claiming his hat-trick in the dying seconds. The Solomon Islands know a win over Fiji in their final group stage game next will confirm their place in Saturday’s final while Papua New Guinea faces the unenviable task of overcoming defending champs Tahiti while hoping Fiji win for them to make the final.

After passing an evaluation by the Papua New Guinea Medical Board, Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has been given a three-year license to offer medical services in Western province. This followed a visit by several members of the PNG Medical Board to see OTML’s operations in September and conducted a comprehensive review of OTML’s healthcare services, facilities, and its outreach to the communities. The board was impressed by the company’s extensive social responsibility footprint, noting that OTML’s health services extend beyond the mine site to the Preferred Area and other impacted regions. This includes the Medivac program and ongoing support to North Fly District. Manager Health Services, Raymond Singamis, said OTML has been commended for its commitment to delivering healthcare services that meet the National Department of Health (NDoH) Standards, thus being granted a full three-year license instead of the one-year interim extension that was requested. “As a company, we want to be compliant in every aspect of our operations and health services is one of them. It’s an exciting journey because OTML will now be managing the hospital going forward, but will be outsourcing the labour hire to our local contractors as part of promoting local business content." “We are now preparing for a national accreditation assessment by the National Department of Health Standards team in November 2024. The NHSS team will evaluate Tabubil Hospital, which was last rated as a five-star hospital during the 2018 accreditation,” Mr Singamis said. As part of its vision for the future, OTML is now the sole operator of Tabubil Hospital under an owner-operator model, which brings several advantages, including: 1. Compliance and Standards – OTML is committed to adhering to national health standards, ensuring the delivery of high-quality and compliant healthcare. 2. Improved Patient Care – By managing the hospital directly, OTML aims to elevate the standard of care, reduce waiting times, and enhance overall patient satisfaction. 3. Cost Savings – Direct management will enable OTML to reinvest cost savings into the redevelopment of hospital facilities, ultimately improving infrastructure and healthcare delivery. The Health Services Department is working on a three-year strategic plan that will guide the future development of its healthcare services. This plan includes the modernisation of medical technology, the possible introduction of drone medical services, and partnerships with specialised healthcare providers. Meantime, with the granting of this three-year license and the implementation of its strategic healthcare development plan, OTML is committed to elevating healthcare services for its workforce and the communities it serves.

THE U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), partnered with the Santos Foundation, its parent company Santos Limited, and Schlumberger LB to launch a solar-powered mini-grid to provide electricity to the Pimaga Vocational Educational Training Centre (VET). This is the second mini-grid the partnership between USAID and Santos has built in Pimaga. The first was launched in 2022 and currently provides electricity to the Pimaga Rural Hospital to facilitate life-saving blood transfusions and other treatment. USAID Country Representative Nino Nadiradze highlighted the importance of leveraging private sector partnerships to support electrification in PNG, and noted that, “Creative approaches, creative partnerships, and private sector engagement are necessary to bring power to communities like Kutubu, Nipa-Kutubu District, to support the government of PNG’s ambitious goal of lighting up 70% of households by 2030, and to ensure that rural electrification is climate smart.” The $57 million USAID Papua New Guinea Electrification Partnership (USAID-PEP) is the largest bilateral investment in PNG’s energy sector. USAID aims to facilitate 350,000 new on- and off-grid household electricity connections in part by developing sustainable off-grid models and fostering private sector investment. Over 225,000 of these connections have already been achieved. This Pimaga VET mini-grid was developed in partnership with the Santos Foundation and its parent company Santos Limited, Schlumberger LB, the Department of Education, Pimaga VET Training Centre, and the Nipa-Kutubu District Development Authority. The mini grid will support the VET Centre’s training programs, which serve more than 300 students. The power provided will enhance education outcomes, power staff housing, and support expansion to allow more students in Kutubu and elsewhere to benefit from the opportunities the center provides.

The madness goes on! The 321 Lotto Treasure Island Scratch Cards have announced a second jackpot winner, just one month after announcing the first. The lucky family was stoked after realizing they’d struck a massive win. This win has come at a convenient time as this would help take care of various necessities as well as be a boost for the youngest in their family, 19, who has just finished his year 12 examinations. For the 321 Lotto team, it is always extremely gratifying to be able to make dreams possible for their winners. Most successful players who’ve won big are mainly average citizens who look towards making positive changes to their livelihoods. So far, the experience has been a rewarding one, both for players, and 321 Lotto as a whole. “At 321 Lotto, we design our games with the goal of bringing joy and opportunities to our players, while always ensuring responsible gaming remains a priority." "Helping our winners achieve their dreams is just part of what drives us, but we are equally committed to making sure everyone plays responsibly,” said COO Aaron Egan. So far, there have been many winners who have expressed how their winnings have impacted their lives tremendously. The 321 Lotto team is extremely grateful for the success of all its winners and is always delighted to celebrate every win, big or small.