Sport is a passion piece for PNG and Rugby is at the heart of the people. Digicel is proud to share this passion and is committed to the development of sports in Papua New Guinea through partnerships with various local franchises and through the sponsorship of local Rugby League Competitions and National Teams; namely the PNG Kumuls, PNG Orchids, PNG Hunters and is also the naming rights sponsor and host of the country’s biggest Semi-professional rugby league competition - Digicel Cup, for the past 11 years. Digicel PNG CEO Colin Stone said, “Our involvement in sports is more than just a sponsorship. Our involvement is about building a future and developing our young aspiring Papua New Guineans. The aim of our sponsorships is to provide our national teams, access to the best coaching staff, the best support teams and the best equipment. We want our national teams to succeed and compete with the best in the world. They have the passion, talent and skills to WIN. However, this can only be done with the right support and we are here for that journey.” Digicel Pacific is committed to supporting sports across PNG and will continue with this commitment under the ownership of Telstra, Australia’s largest telecommunications and technology company. “Nothing is going to change with our commitment to Papua New Guinea. Nothing is going to change with our name, we are Digicel PNG. Our new owners (Telstra) provide us with greater opportunity. It means growth. It means, better connectivity and more innovation,” commented Digicel PNG, CEO Colin Stone. “We strive to be the best in what we do and to remain connected with our communities. We are listening and always learning. We are finding new ways to improve our services and will continuously give back to communities for future generations. Being a proud partner and sponsor of PNG Kumul’s, PNG Orchids, PNG Hunters and the Digicel Cup Rugby League Competition is a step in the direction of how we do this,” concluded Mr. Stone.

Police Commissioner David Manning today confirmed that a Port Moresby based Mobile squad officer on duty in Tari has been missing since Friday October 21, in the Hela Province. Mr Manning confirmed this when receiving the Police Major Incident Brief (MIB) from the Hela Provincial Police Command, four days after a thorough search and awareness was carried out in the surrounding communities in the Hela Province. “Since October 21 we have had no information from the general public or any agents as to his whereabouts. We are very concerned about his safety and well-being. “This has been reported as a missing person’s case. No one has since come forward to provide any information at all into the officer’s disappearance,” Mr Manning said. The Commissioner said that on Thursday October 20, Senior Constable Nelson Kalimada with some of his colleagues were escorting the Hela Provincial Education Examination supervisors to and from the Magarima Secondary School for the grade 10 and 12 examination sittings. That evening, after returning to the base camp, Senior Constable Kalimada left his colleagues and drove out himself and has not returned since. Mr Manning has appealed to the people of Hela to assist police find Senior Constable Kamlida. “I’m calling on the community and Provincial leaders to assist the Police investigation. The leadership of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, the rank and file and especially the immediate family of Senior Constable Kamlida are gravely concerned about his whereabouts. “I am appealing to anyone with information of his whereabouts to report immediately to the Hela Provincial Police Commander. Please help us find him and bring him back safely to his family,” Mr Manning said.

The Mauberema Ecotourism, Nature Conservation, Education, Research & Training Center (MENCERTC), recently facilitated the donation of books from an Australian based NGO for the Dinima Primary School and Mauberema Early Childhood Learning Center in Sinesine Yongomugl District in the Simbu Province. The Founder and Director of MENCERTC Mr. Moses Kirikumul Kerry, who believes that providing quality basic literacy is fundamental to early childhood upbringing and development, is grateful with this timely donation from BOOKS4PNGKIDS. “I want to thank to BOOKS4PNGKIDS for donating a total of 29 cartons of learning materials to our Dinima Primary School and the Mauberema Early Childhood Learning Centre,” Mr. Moses Kirikumul Kerry said. This book donation is part of MENCERTC’s ongoing efforts to provide training and resources on environmental education to Mauberema and the surrounding communities. “We visited the two schools and identified the statues of their existing libraries and library books.” “And sadly, all the schools didn’t have any proper library or even library books,” Moses Kerry said, adding that thereafter, they prepared a brief report and sent their request to BOOKS4PNGKIDS in Australia early this year. “BOOKS4PNGKIDS responded positively and shipped the first lot of books to Lae, to be transported up to the Simbu Province. ” Because both the Dinima Primary School and the Mauberema Early Childhood Learning Center don’t have an actual library, the MENCERTC will house the book donations for now. “The books will be kept at the Mauberema Community Resource Centre. We have allocated two office spaces for the junior and senior library setup,” Moses Kerry said. Moses Kirikumul Kerry has also revealed that the MENCERTC are also planning to build a separate community library but they face the ever present major challenge of financial constraints. “This year, we applied for the Digicel Community Grant Support to build this library. We pray and hope that our application is successful. ” MENCERTC have also appealed to the Sinesine Yongomugl District Education Authority and the Simbu Provincial Education Board to see and respond to the need to build a library. “We have done our part as a local community based organization, to provide our support and it's now up to them to show their support,” Mr. Kerry Kirikumul said.

The New Ireland Government after numerous postponements by the National Government on various proposed dates has made the decision to pull out of organizing and attending of the Grand Opening of the Kavieng Airport. New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan made the decision after learning that Prime Minister James Marape had decided not to attend this Thursday's 27th of October scheduled Grand Opening. Instead opting to attend on the 3rd of November, a date not endorsed by NAC or NIPG. “This was a bit of a shock, as we had spoken last week – on Wednesday the 19th when you confirmed that you would be in attendance – as the Guest of Honour – at the Ceremony on 27th October, after the agreed date between NAC and my Government through a joint working committee established about two years ago between original date agreed between NAC and my Government,” said Sir J. Sir J expressing disappointment said, “ We have spent huge resources, time and money to organize and keep people from all over New Ireland representing every LLG in Kavieng only to be met with continued postponements. This nonsense cannot continue. Therefore, my Government will remove itself from participation in the Grand Opening of the Kavieng Airport. NAC can just take on the responsibility for organising and carrying out the event. I think this will make those who have argued against the arrangements very happy.” Sir J said the New Ireland Government had formed a great partnership with the National Airports Coporation to ensure the work on the airport was not disrupted by airport landowners who have the right to demand their outstanding payments, which should have been paid long before work on the New look Airport began. “The project is in my Province, the commitment is under the Lihir MoA I signed in 1995. The National Government owes the people of New Ireland a new airport. It’s 27 years overdue,” said Sir J. The New Ireland Provincial Executive Council chaired by Governor Sir Julius Chan who represents an absolute majority of New Irelanders, now withdraws from organising the Grand Opening of the Kavieng Airport, giving responsibility to the National Government to take over the program.

Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) Chairman, Mr. Reg Monagi, on Tuesday (25/10/22) announced the appointment of Nambawan Super’s newest Independent Trustee Director Mr. Philip Samar. Mr. Monagi said, “on behalf of the NSL Board, management and staff I welcome Mr Samar as an Independent Trustee Director”. “His 20 years of experience serving on several boards and working across the private and public sectors, predominantly in the field of mining, where he has been involved in finding solutions across issues with key resource stakeholders including government, customary landowners and mining companies, makes him a valuable member of the Board”. "NSL will also draw on his expertise in corporate and strategic management; regulatory and policy administration; and international and domestic investments to further support the growth and success of the Fund for the benefit of our more than 214,000 Members going forward.” Mr Samar was appointed for a 3-year term, in line with the Bank of PNG (BPNG) Prudential Standards related to Corporate Governance for Authorized Superannuation Fund. Directors can be renewed for additional terms, with a maximum tenure of 9-years. The BPNG Superannuation Prudential Standards sets out specific requirements for the Board Structure and Responsibilities, including Investment, Risk Management and Remuneration of the Fund and its Officers, to ensure that Nambawan Super is prudently managed and that reasoned, informed and impartial decisions are made, in the best interest of its members. The NSL Board adopts an independent recruitment process for any new Director which is aligned to its succession plan and requisite skill set assessment as well as the BPNG Prudential Standards. The Board comprises of all Independent and Non-Executive Directors.

Prime Minister, James Marape has assured the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) of his Government's full support on addressing socio-economic issues facing the capital city. The issues include land grabbing and evictions, proliferation of informal settlements, access to and unlocking land resources, legislation and governance, unreliable PNG Power Supply, Water Supply and Sewage problem, Safety and Security, provision of conducive environment for additional investments, GST Revenue sharing and affordable housing for low-middle income earners. With senior officials from his Office and the Department of Prime Minister and NEC, PM Marape visited the City Hall last night to establish dialogues around the issues and find solutions to address them in collaboration with NCDC, its management and political leaders. PM Marape was invited by NCD Governor Powes Parkop. Led by Governor Parkop, City Manager Ravu Frank, his NCDC staff and NCDC board members including Moresby North-West MP Lohia Boe Samuel and Moresby North-East, John Kaupa were on hand to welcome PM Marape to the City Hall. A presentation was made to PM Marape and his officials on NCDC's take on the problems affecting the city and their solutions. Agreeing in principle the solutions proposed by NCDC, PM Marape said the conversations must be amplified at higher levels. Admitting that the National Government has been putting attention on other provinces, leaving NCDC to be working in isolation, PM Marape assured that NCDC must be given autonomy and all the resources needed to govern the city so he can concentrate on other centres. NCD is the capital city and that its problems are the State's responsibility, he said. "We have to tick off NCDC properly (with powers and resources) so it takes off," said PM Marape. Given the tight fiscal Budget which is being prepared, PM Marape wants funds set allocated for land acquisition next year to create 10,000 housing allotments for low-middle income earners. PM Marape also threw his support behind the Amazing Port Moresby campaign. He said his government would intervene with policies and legislations. Welcoming PM and his team, Governor Parkop said the city achieves developments which contribute to national outcomes. He said the city would remain steadfast on its Amazing Port Moresby Campaign, an international Branding for the city. He further said most of the issues affecting the city are inherited from the provinces. Governor Parkop stated that NCDC manages the city for the National Government, adding the Prime Minister is the chief steward.

A brave Cook Islands outfit handed Papua New Guinea an early scare before the Kumuls powered away in the second half to win 32-16 at Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington. After only two points separated the proud rugby league nations at half-time, but the second stanza was all the Kumuls, running in four tries in 27 minutes to put themselves back on track for a quarter-final campaign. After Papua New Guinea conceded an early penalty for stripping the ball, instead of maintaining the pressure, the Cook Islands opted for an early penalty and winger Steven Marsters converted off the post to open the scoring. The Kumuls opened their account in the 14th minute when Rodrick Tai left the Kukis defenders in his wake and ran 80 metres to score a sensational PNG try. Come the 23rd minute and PNG had their second try when five-eighth Kyle Laybutt jinked and danced his way across the defensive line 10 metres out before crashing right of the uprights to score. PNG went down to 12 men with 12 minutes to go in the first half when prop Mackenzie Yei was sin binned for a dangerous tackle. Wasting no time capitalising on the extra-man advantage, the Cook Islands found an overlap on the left side and halfback Esan Marsters saw the chance to get winger Paul Ulburg over the line with quick hands and bring the score 10-8 at the break. Kicking off the second half, it was Yei looking to make up for lost time, charging right through the Kukis defensive line off the kick off and surging upfield before finally being caught by Kayal Iro. Yei's barnstorming hit up gave PNG position the field position they needed and skipper Rhys Martin finished off the set, spinning over the line from close range to ground the ball. The Kumuls went further ahead early in the second half when South Sydney star Alex Johnston beat multiple defenders to find Tai inside who touched down for a double. Come the 57th minute and Melbourne Storm centre Justin Olam created something out of nothing for the Kumuls, breaking the line and getting an arm free to offload to Lachlan Lam, who runs in to score and extend PNG's lead 26-8 with the kick. The Kumuls put the game out of reach when Johnston capitalised on a premature rush from the Cook Islands defence and put the ball on a string for Olam. The Cook Islands continued to fight to the end with tries to Anthony Gelling and Iro but 32-16 is as close as Tony Iro's men would come to reducing the deficit. Source: NRL.com

“Firmer commodity prices have offset lost foreign exchange market inflows from the closure of the Porgera Gold Mine after Barrick inflow decreased by 75%,” According to the BSP Quarter 3 Economic Insight report. BSP’s Group General Manager for Treasury, Mr. Rohan George said “FX market turnover in the September Quarter fell 6.4% from the June Quarter 2022” said Mr. George, “however, year-to-date increased by 15% compared to the prior year, supported by strong commodity prices, in particular Oil, Copper, Palm Oil, and Coffee.” “The Kina mid-rate was stable against the U.S. dollar at 0.2840.” notes Mr. George, “Recessionary fears “After light FX inflows in the September quarter, we expect pre-Christmas import orders to increase in early in October and November, before end of year FX inflows satisfy the market’s foreign currency appetite.” He added that, “BPNG has also issued enhanced exchange control compliance measures in the June quarter.” To manage volatility in foreign currency flows, businesses should place FX orders (with correct documentation), as soon as possible, ensure orders are cash backed whilst awaiting execution, tax clearance certificates are current and reflect the expected FX order execution time.

Morobe Provincial Education Program Advisor Keith Tangui, while congratulating students in the province who completed their national examinations, has further urged that they keep themselves busy and away from unwanted activities especially criminal activities that could jeopardize their young and bright future. He said the province had recently come out of election-related law and order problems and was not looking forward to another pile of lawlessness brought about by students in the province. Tangui challenged the grade ten and twelve students to find themselves better means to keep themselves occupied while they await their results and postings. He urged parents to assist their children by way of discipline and to find ways to engage their children with productive activities. Tangui encouraged parents to keep their children busy while at home or involve them in informal activities while they were waiting for any formal employment opportunities.  He also commended schools in the province for their efforts in keeping the students calm during a time when the silly season was kicking in with zero reports of violence among the students.

Seini Fisi’ihoi was promoted to the role of General Manager Human Resource for Steamships early this month. She joins a growing number of Papua New Guinean executives and senior managers to help Steamships navigate an exciting future. Seini joined Steamships in 2017 as Learning and Development Manager. Having helped localize the Swire Team Leader Development Program, she was promoted to Head of HR in 2021. Steamships is a strong supporter of PNG talent, and a strong proponent of workplace equality. Rupert Bray, Managing Director of Steamships, said that “Seini has proven herself despite the challenges faced by women in leadership roles and the complexity thrown at the business by managing through Covid-19. She thoroughly deserves the promotion and Steamships is proud of its strong, young, leadership team”. Seini added, “the Steamships board and management team have been nothing short of supportive in seeing to my growth.  As a working mum, I’m so pleased to be part of an organization that cares so much for all its employees.  I look forward to helping guide the Human Resources function as we chart our next one hundred years of growth.” Seini did Biology at the University of Papua New Guinea. After graduating, she worked in hospitality, retail, administration and spent time in a FIFO role up in the Southern Highlands Province before specializing in HR with SP Brewery. Seini is part of the Steamships executive management team. Steamships’ vision is to build businesses that build PNG, and Ms. Fisi’ihoi will contribute to that sense of purpose through the development of Steamships staff and management teams. Source: Steamships website

Police Commissioner David Manning said the 2022 joint security forces election debrief outcome will be presented to the Government through the Internal Security Minister for deliberations. Commissioner Manning made this undertaking during the joint security forces election debrief conference closing ceremony on Wednesday October 19, in Lae, Morobe Province. Mr. Manning said, “From a security perspective we were able to deliver a successful security operation. Many of our views and concerns were cross-cutting issues involving all agencies. Our mandate was simple and also our intent was very clear as we remained committed from pre-election operation till the formation of Government. “The recommendations from this conference concerning the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the partner agencies tasked to provide a free, fair and safe election will be put forward to the Government for further deliberation. “Let me thank the partner agencies for the undivided support in this election." Mr. Manning said challenges to delivering the election security operations were identified and dealt with whilst others remain unresolved and deliberated on with options put forward during the debrief. “As of the RPNGC many activities tied to this was initiated prior to the national general election 2022 security operations and many are ongoing and I make particular reference to the election planning cycle, fairly building the four level of command (C4), strengthening governance and accountability, enhancing interoperability, and finally developing appropriate infrastructure,” Mr. Manning said. He further called on the respective commanders to embrace the constabulary reforms and start instituting corrective measures in addressing the issues faced during the election operations. Commissioner Manning said, “Just as the Government demands performance from your executive, we in turn demand and expect the highest level of commitment and performance from current operators. The executive will continue to assess individual performance. It is incumbent upon us to ensure we continue to strive not only to do things better but also doing better things,” Commissioner Manning said.

Police Commissioner David Manning has announced that a major Police reshuffle will be made soon based on individual performances of police officers. Commissioner Manning made this announcement during the 2022 National General Election Debrief Conference held in Lae, Morobe Province last week. The conference was attended by Deputy Commissioner Operation Anton Billie, Deputy Commissioner Administration Joanne Clarkson, acting Deputy Commissioner Specialist Operations Donald Yamasombi, Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Bougainville Police Service Francis Tokura, all Assistant Commissioners, Divisional and Provincial Police Commanders and Directors of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. Mr Manning said, “This election was also an alternative way to assess your level of command, control and leadership skills in your respective commands. In the coming weeks there will be hard but fair decisions to be made.” Mr Manning said that there will be a reviewed commitment to better support command and demand for greater performances from them. He said the RPNGC is in the face of rebuilding and as an organisation is embarking on a 10-year plan to transition into an organisation that is aspiring to be led and managed by competent people to bring about a Police force that is effective, efficient and readily available to meet the challenge of the people. “Neither I nor the current executives are at the benefit of these reforms. We are very much aware that it is very much to be enjoyed by our successors five to ten years in the future. “What we do collectively now in our time is very critical for the change. Consistent with this, the evaluation of our performance is on-going. “My intent for the new year will be released via the Commissioner's Circular in November this year. I encourage you all to familiarize yourself with it and context it in delivering your end of year parades. “The importance of this evaluation process and reshuffle is key to our success, it is key to rebuilding the force. All of us here are very much part of the transition,” Commissioner Manning said. Mr Manning further acknowledged Mr Francis Tokura, Deputy Police Commissioner and Chief of Bougainville Police Service and Mr Peter Guinness, Commander Northern, for their service. “This is probably your last election debrief and so on behalf of the RPNGC I acknowledge your continuity, dedication and loyalty to the organisation thus far and we wish you well in your future endeavours,” Mr Manning concluded.