The PNG Mosquitoes excellent performance in the 2017 AFL International Cup is attributed to the great support they received during their training preparations back in the country.
That’s the word from the Mosquitoes National Assistant Coach Mr. Douglas Lai when appreciating the help the players got, especially from the PNG High Performance Centre.

Mr. Lai is great full because the team got a lot of assistance in terms of how to deal with injuries, fitness preparations and the use of the facilities for fitness training which improved each player’s performance.

He is also thankful for the two High Performance Centre staffs who went along with them and provided much help to the PNG AFL men’s national team, which then resulted in their victory over New Zealand in the grand final on Saturday.
“The victory also makes PNG become the first country to get a back to back win in the International Cup,” he said.

Mr. Lai is proud of that and is also great full for other supports coming from the sponsors and the National Government to get them to this level on the international stage.
PNG won the first International Cup title back in 2014 against Ireland and has successfully defended it in this year’s International Cup against New Zealand.
Meanwhile, the Mozzies arrived back home yesterday along with the women’s AFL national team, the PNG Flames who also did well in the 2017 International Cup.
Pictures: The highlights of the grand final match between the PNG Mosquitoes and New Zealand on Saturday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia.

Elections for the Southern Highlands Provincial Seat cannot be failed, says Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato.
“Section 81(3) of the Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections gives the power to the Electoral Commissioner to make or allow extension.”
Mr. Gamato was responding to calls on him to declare the Southern Highlands Provincial Seat elections as “failed” and for supplementary elections to be held since counting hasn’t been completed after first sitting of the new Parliament three weeks ago.
He explained that counting for the Southern Highlands Provincial Seat was recently ordered by Court to be conducted in Mt. Hagen.
“PNGEC made preparations in the Eastern Highlands capital, Goroka, as a neutral venue but some Southern Highlands Provincial candidates went to court and asked the Court to have counting done in Mt. Hagen.”
“Because of the decision by National Court we (PNGEC) are now working to move the SHP Provincial count back to the Western Highlands capital, Mt. Hagen.”
Mr. Gamato confirmed that the Election Manager for Eastern Highlands Steven Gore Kaupa has been appointed as the Provincial Returning Officer to oversee the continuation and completion of the Southern Highlands Provincial count.
Meanwhile, the National Court has put a hold on the return of writ for Kundiawa-Gembogl Open electorate and also ordered the counting of two (2) disputed ballot boxes after lawyers for the former MP Tobias Kulang obtained the court order and asked for the count.
“The two disputed ballot boxes were not counted. I as Electoral Commissioner ordered the boxes to be counted. The Returning Officer did not count the two boxes during the counting and elimination processes.”
“Because there is a standing court order, I cannot accept the writ for Kundiawa-Gembogl Open and return it to the Head of State.”
“We will have to comply with the court order and count the two ballot boxes. Otherwise, I will be in contempt of the court order.”

By Roderick MANDAU/PNGFM

Research [fundamentally] plays a pivotal role in its contribution to knowledge generation and hence the development of a knowledge- based society. In many developing and emerging economies, investments in research and innovation have resulted in new knowledge and ideas, discoveries and technologies with application in the industries, health, agriculture, fisheries and the energy sectors.

Equally important, is the engagement in research methodology and investigation that contributes to a professionally qualified and trained manpower with skills in leadership, development of creative thinking and critical minds, skills in solving complex problems, dealing with difficult issues and exploring the unknown – THE FUTRE!

The Outgoing Papua New Guinea Minister for the Department of Higher Education Mr. Francis Marus rightfully put it, during the Official Hand over, Take over ceremony, “Research, Science and Technology is a sleeping giant that has immense potential to grow our economy and thus the need for the Government to invest more into this sector”.

And to support the Government’s priority in that area, at Pacific Adventist University (PAU), the new Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science& Technology Mr. Pila Niningi was excited as well as very pleased when presenting a Cheque of K200, 000 for the Pilot Bio - Fuel Project to the Deputy Vice Chancellor for the Pacific Adventist University Professor Jeff Crocombe.
He also acknowledged and thanked the Deputy Managing Director for PNG Science & Technology Secretariat, Dr. Kulala Mulung, Representative from the Department of Planning & Monitoring, Officers from the Ministry of Higher Education, Reseach, Science & Technology, Officers from the PNG Science & Technology Secretariat and the Academics & Staff of PAU, especially the School of Science & Technology for spear heading the Innovative Clean Energy Bio - Fuel Research Project.

Operator of the PNG LNG project ExxonMobil PNG Limited in partnership with Buk Bilong Pikinini distributed library books during the National Book Week to schools near the LNG plant in Central Province, Moro in Southern Highlands Province and Hides in Hela Province.

Pictured is ExxonMobil PNG’s LNG Plant Operations Manager Jagir Baxi (middle), his wife Karen
(left) and Community Affairs Officer Christine Yango (right), reading to students at Boera
Elementary School to officially launch the National Book Week activities for schools near the LNG
plant on Wednesday 2 August.

ENDS

About ExxonMobil PNG
The PNG LNG Project is an integrated development that includes gas production and processing facilities,
onshore and offshore pipelines and liquefaction facilities. Participating interests are affiliates of Exxon
Mobil Corporation (including ExxonMobil PNG Limited as operator), Oil Search Limited, Kumul Petroleum
Holdings Limited, Santos Limited, JX Nippon Oil and Gas Exploration and Mineral Resources Development
Company. Visit pnglng.com.

Surveying the vast rice fields of Markham Valley, Sunrice and Trukai Industries board directors have seen first-hand Trukai’s vital role in supporting a viable commercial rice industry in Papua New Guinea.

Members of both Sunrice and Trukai Industries board of directors travelled to witness the progress of Trukai Industries’ expansive Markham Valley rice project, established with the cooperation of the Chingwam Rice Growers Cooperative.
The board was met by members of the Chingwam Co-operative on the new development site near Rangiampum Village.
During the historic tour, a cheque for K84,700 for the purchase of the 140 ton of rice harvested in May was presented to the Chingwam Rice Growers Co-operative by Trukai Industries.
Trukai’s ever-evolving partnership with the local farming community is evident. The results of Trukai providing local farmers with intensive training in commercial rice production methodology, and most importantly the finished rice product set for households around the country, were all on display.
Rob Gordon, CEO Sunrice & Trukai Director, with Sunrice Chairman Laurie Arthur and several directors from both Sunrice and Trukai were warmly met by Michael Maran, Chairman of Chingwam Rice Growers Cooperative and John Maran, the Cooperative’s Project Coordinator.
Other members and leaders of the Rangiampum community and Chingwam Rice Growers Cooperative were present along with Bernard Maladina of Niugini Strategic Services, as Trukai Rice Development Manager Humphrey Saese and Trukai GM-Agriculture Jarrod Pirie delved into the intricacies of their stunningly successful project.
The occasion presented a prime opportunity for all stakeholders to reflect on the significance of the land development project’s progress over the previous 2 years - and get an indication of what is involved in the project expansion for this year and the potential for further expansion into the future.
“This a significant milestone in the development of our rice industry in Papua New Guinea. The project has progressed from a ‘pilot testing’ to a whole new level in rice farming in the country,” said Mr. Saese.
“This project involved an initial pilot testing of 10 hectares in 2015 and saw the successful cropping and delivery of 20 tons of rice.
“Expansion into a slightly larger area of 40ha in the 2016-17 cropping season delivered over 140 tons of paddy now in storage for milling.”
Trukai is currently expanding to a 500-plus hectare rice plantation near Rangiampum and the site will be progressively expanded up to 2,000 hectares over a number of seasons, subject to relevant agreements and climatic and soil evaluations.
Trukai’s contribution involved significant costs for machinery and consumable procurement, staff recruitment and training, maintaining positive relationships and mitigating any issues that would have a negative impact on the project
As Rice Development Manager for Trukai, Mr. Saese is now reaping the rewards of 15 years of dedicated planning and labour in Markham Valley.
“I have worked for over 15 years in the Markham Valley in Papua New Guinea on promoting and encouraging farmers to grow rice. There has never been a moment like today when are able see farmers get the support in growing rice but more importantly actual Kina being paid,” he said.
“We have a positive community response from this commercial project with overwhelming interest from farmers and landowners in the valley who are keen to give their land for rice farming.”

Photos:
First photo – Mark Robertson (Trukai Chairman) presents payment to Michael Maran (Chingwam Cooperative Chairman).

The Papua New Guinea SP Hunters  have claimed the 2017 Intrust Super Cup Minor Premiership after holding off spirited Wynnum Manly Seagulls 28 - 22 at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday.

A large crowd of well over 12 000 filled the fifteen thousand seat stadium to witness the Hunters historical win  and  the minor title. Prime Mininster Peter O'Neill presented the minor premiership title and medals to the players and congratulated the Hunters team and the management for a job well done.


The Manly Seagulls came to Port Moresby to hurt the Hunters on their backyard and spoil the Hunters early aspiration for the Minor premierships title.

With that determination, they  sent Paora Kemp on the 7th minute for a unconverted try and took the early lead 4 - 0.   The Hunters replied with a try on the 13th minute through Stargroth Amean. Captain Ase Boas added the extras and the home side was infront with 6-4 lead.

In a physical game, both team threw everything in attack and defence  to each other. The visitors had an upper hand when Papua New Guinea Kumul Captain and Brisbane Broncos player, David Mead scored for the Seagulls on the 35th minute. Conversion was successful by Shaun Nona and the visitors led 10 - 6 into half-time.

The second half began with the Hunters mounting huge pressure on the Seagulls. Hunters center Israel Eliab dived over the line to score the Hunter's second try. Boas missed the conversion and the score was squared at 10 all.

In a physical encounter, the home side attacked the Seagulls line again. A nice ball off load from Watson to winger Abavu attracted Seagulls defenders and created a gap for forward Nixon Putt to dive over the line for the third try after a flip pass from Abavu. Boas found the uprights and the Hunters were leading with 16 - 10 with 20 minutes on the clock.

The Seagulls replied with a try through Mitch Frei  on the 59th minute to level the score again with 16 all.

Hunters star player, Stargroth Amean scored his second try of the afternoon on the 63 minute to put his team ahead with 22 - 16 lead. This lead was further extended when captain Boas scored on the 68th minute and converted his own try  to 28 - 16.

The visitors regrouped and sent David Mead for his second try. Conversion was successful and the visitors trailed 22 - 28 . Hunters forward Stranton Albert was sin binned for elbowing and this inspired  the Seagulls with more attacks on the Hunters line but the determined Hunters shut out the Manly Seagulls attack with solid defence in the dying minutes and held on to win the game 28 - 22 on full time.

Tries: Stargroth AMEAN (13m) Israel ELIAB (43m) Nixon PUTT (52m) Stargroth AMEAN (63m)
Ase BOAS (68m)

Conversion: Ase Boas  4/5
Paora KEMP (7m) David MEAD (35m) Mitch FREI (59m) David MEAD (71m)

Conversion: Shaun Nona:  3/4

The Tuvalu Cabinet has agreed to postpone the second session of the Parliament for this year because of misunderstandings that could not guarantee a smooth Parliament meeting.

The session was scheduled for 16 – 22 August 2017 but has now been postponed to a later date this year.

At a press conference Thursday 17 August Prime Minister Enele Sosene Sopoaga clarified that it is important that issues requiring proper clarifications are sorted before Parliament is reconvened.

PM Sopoaga explained that the Government is collaborating with the Parliament Office to have the same understanding on the application of recent High Court Judgements and most importantly the readiness of the Parliament to continue.

Therefore, the Parliament Session has been postponed to a later date in 2017, said a government statement.

The Prime Minister assured that Cabinet decisions are consultative and based on the requirements of the Constitution of Tuvalu and Rules of Procedure of the Tuvalu Parliament.

Meanwhile the Government continues to fully implement the priorities laid out in the Roadmap, Te Kakeega III and island community priorities.


SOURCE: TUVALU GOVT/PACNEWS

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill wants to bring back for debate the proposal to reserve 22 seats in Parliament for women.

He told a breakfast meeting with the business community in Port Moresby Thursday that he would bring it up with his coalition partners and Opposition MPs.

The proposal is to have two governors – one male and one female – in each of the 22 provinces. It guarantees at least 22 women in the House.

He said it should not stop women from contesting the other 89 Open seats.

“I’m quite disappointed that there is no woman is in this parliament,” O’Neill said.

“Woman’s representation in parliament has been a subject of discussion for many years. Even the previous government had tried to do some legislative reforms to bring more representation of women into parliament. But those who objected most were women themselves.”

A motion to have 22 reserved seats for women in Parliament was defeated in the House in 2014 after intensive lobbying.

But O’Neill said he would discuss the idea again with his coalition partners and Opposition MPs before it could be re-tabled in Parliament.

“I can assure you that I will be discussing this with our coalition partners and see if we can get the reserved seats – bring some women representatives into parliament as appointed members,” he said.

Digicel Foundation chief executive Beatrice Mahuru brought up the issue during yesterday’s breakfast. She asked O’Neill what his government planned to do before the next general election in 2022 to address the lack of female representation in Parliament.

O’Neill said “going forward, we need to have a long-term solution”.

“Just appointing members to reserved seats is not the way to go into the future,” he said.

He said he supported the idea of having one male governor and one female governor “but elected by everyone” in each province. It will mean expanding to a 133-member Parliament.

“I’ve been personally supportive of that option because that immediately gives 22 women to go into parliament,” he said.

“That option does not restrict the women from running in the open seats. They can compete with their male counterparts for the open seats.

“But for the regional seats at least, you can have some fair representations.

“Those are the options we will look at over the course of this term (of parliament). I will prefer a bipartisan approach in this regard. We will start talking with our colleagues on the other side and see how we could go, said PM O'Neill.

SOURCE: THE NATIONAL/PACNEWS

A 19-year old male suspect has been arrested at the New Zealand Camp area East of Honiara today in connection with the removal of a plaque from the Bloody Ridge War Memorial last weekend.
This follows on from the discovery of the stolen plaque by a woman yesterday in the Lunga River area
RSIPF Guadalcanal Officers arrested the suspect today after information received from the woman who found the plaque and other members of the local community. The suspect will now be formally charged and to appear before the Court in due course
“The police want to thank members of the community including members of the suspect’s immediate family for assisting in the arrest. This is a welcome trend when members of a suspect’s immediate family come forward to assist the police in their investigations. It shows that the community condemns such behaviour and want to live in a safe and secure community,” says Provincial Police Commander, Guadalcanal Province, Mr Nixon Manetoga.
PPC Manetoga also commends his officers for working tirelessly over the past couple of days which resulted in the arrest of the suspect today.