Nambawan Super Limited’s (NSL) Executive Management team recently attended an interview with NBC Radio to inform Members of the current state of the Investment Markets and how this is currently affecting the Fund and other local investors. NSL CEO, Mr Paul Sayer opened by stating that: “From an investment and economics point of view, 2022 has been the perfect storm for investors like Nambawan Super”. “Globally we are seeing a high inflation environment brought on by supply chain disruptions, rising fuel and energy prices due to the Russia-Ukraine War, and rising interest rates from Central Banks. The combination of all these factors makes the risk of a global recession a very real possibility”, he added. “PNG is unfortunately not spared from these tough economic conditions as we are also impacted by high inflation, expected to be between 6% - 8% for 2022.” “The high local inflation is a result of our reliance on imported goods which as a result has raised our local cost of living putting a strain on many local businesses and slowing our Country’s economic growth.” “Nambawan Super is working hard to maximise our profits and minimize potential losses against the backdrop of these challenging economic conditions”, Mr Sayer remarked. Mr Sayer also noted that NSL is affected by these unfavorable conditions on both fronts with nearly 20% of its investments in global markets and over 80% dependent on local investments. “Currently we have seen the value of our offshore investments reduce by approximately K250 million due to the drop in equity market values. If the markets do not recover, then our Members can expect a 3% - 4% lower crediting from these changes in value alone”, Mr Sayer added. “We are also expecting short-term volatility meaning there will be significant increases and decreases in the international equity markets, however in the past, our investments in the international markets have proven invaluable in providing good returns for our Members.” “As such, over the long term, we intend to stay invested as we anticipate the global markets to recover and continue generating good returns.” “Locally, the Fund is also expecting losses in revenue and dividends resulting from the Dominant Player Levy imposed on the BSP Financial Group, restrictions on SP Breweries' sale of alcohol during Covid-19 and the 2022 General Elections, and the reduction of interest on State securities which we expect will reduce interest income by at least K50 million this year.” “In addition, the State owes the Fund K160 million for the rental arrears accumulated over nearly three years by the various State tenants. The State last week, made the first payment of K52 million towards settling these arrears.” “We are currently working with the State to have the remaining arrears settled before the close of the year so as to not further hurt the returns to our Members”, Mr Sayer stated. Mr Sayer continued advising that despite the current tough economic conditions, Members shouldn’t be disheartened as superannuation is a long-term investment that will continue to generate returns for Members over the duration of their working life. “Over the last 10 years, we have delivered a 7% average interest rate to our Members despite having a handful of tough years. I encourage our Members to be confident that your savings will continue to grow with Nambawan Super as we have proven ourselves to be PNG’s most consistent superannuation fund throughout our 60 years of service to the people of PNG.” “We are cautiously optimistic that these unfavourable economic conditions will be alleviated as PNG’s oil and gas sector expands over the next decade if projects like Papua LNG, Wafi Golpu, Pyang Yang are progressed.” “We are also looking forward to improved investor confidence and a predictable fiscal policy environment as the returning Marape-Rosso Government works to return political stability in PNG.” “In the interim, Nambawan Super is continuing to review our Investment Strategy with careful consideration for investment risks and returns to ensure our Members' funds are managed responsibly.” “We continue to make investments that create jobs, grow the economy and create a conducive environment for you and your family’s future.” “We encourage Members to talk to us about how super is a long-term investment and to register for our free Financial Literacy Training to help you prepare for a better retirement”, Mr Sayer concluded.

Anthony Grande moved away from Fort Myers three years ago in large part because of the hurricane risk. He has lived in southwest Florida for nearly 19 years, had experienced Hurricanes Charley in 2004 and Irma in 2017 and saw what stronger storms could do to the coast. Grande told CNN he wanted to find a new home where developers prioritized climate resiliency in a state that is increasingly vulnerable to record-breaking storm surge, catastrophic wind and historic rainfall. What he found was Babcock Ranch — only 12 miles northeast of Fort Myers, yet seemingly light years away. Babcock Ranch calls itself “America’s first solar-powered town.” Its nearby solar array — made up of 700,000 individual panels — generates more electricity than the 2,000-home neighborhood uses, in a state where most electricity is generated by burning natural gas, a planet-warming fossil fuel. The streets in this meticulously planned neighborhood were designed to flood so houses don’t. Native landscaping along roads helps control storm water. Power and internet lines are buried to avoid wind damage. This is all in addition to being built to Florida’s robust building codes. Some residents, like Grande, installed more solar panels on their roofs and added battery systems as an extra layer of protection from power outages. Many drive electric vehicles, taking full advantage of solar energy in the Sunshine State. Climate resiliency was built into the fabric of the town with stronger storms in mind. So when Hurricane Ian came barreling toward southwest Florida last week, it was a true test for the community. The storm obliterated the nearby Fort Myers and Naples areas with record-breaking surge and winds over 100 mph. It knocked out power to more than 2.6 million customers in the state, including 90% of Charlotte County. But the lights stayed on in Babcock Ranch. “It certainly exceeded our expectations of a major hurricane,” Grande, 58, told CNN. The storm uprooted trees and tore shingles from roofs, but other than that Grande said there is no major damage. Its residents say Babcock Ranch is proof that an eco-conscious and solar-powered town can withstand the wrath of a near-Category 5 storm. “We have proof of the case now because [the hurricane] came right over us,” Nancy Chorpenning, a 68-year-old Babcock Ranch resident, told CNN. “We have water, electricity, internet — and we may be the only people in Southwest Florida who are that fortunate.” Grande said Hurricane Ian came through southwest Florida “like a freight train.” But he wasn’t afraid that he would lose everything in a storm, like he was when he lived in Fort Myers. “We’re very, very blessed and fortunate to not be experiencing what they’re experiencing now in Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach,” Grande said. “In the times that we’re living in right now with climate change, the beach is not the place to live or have a business.” Solar success Syd Kitson, a former professional football player for the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys, is the mastermind behind Babcock Ranch. Kitson envisioned it to be an eco-conscious and innovative neighborhood that is safe and resilient from storms like Ian. The ranch broke ground in 2015 with the construction of the solar array — which was built and is run by Florida Power and Light — and its first residents moved into the town in 2018. Since then, the array has doubled in size and thousands of people have made Babcock their home. “It’s a great case study to show that it can be done right, if you build in the right place and do it the right way,” said Lisa Hall, a spokesperson for Kitson, who also lives in Babcock Ranch. “Throughout all this, there’s just so many people saying, ‘it worked, that this was the vision, this is the reason we moved here,’” Hall told CNN. Perhaps the highest endorsement for the city is that it is now a refuge for some of Ian’s hardest-hit victims. The state opened Babcock Neighborhood School as an official shelter, even though it didn’t have the mandated generator. The solar array kept the lights on. Some of Chorpenning’s friends who live on Sanibel Island — which is now cut off from the mainland after Ian’s devastating storm surge severed the causeway — came to shelter at a friend’s house at Babcock Ranch. It will be a while before they can go back, she said. “They’re going to be renting a place over here for a while, while they figure out what’s going to happen out there,” she said. “I joked that we may be the only people in southwest Florida whose property value just increased.” Even Kitson chose to ride out the storm in Babcock to see how the community would fare in the hurricane. Kitson declined CNN’s request for an interview; Hall said he is focused on helping neighboring communities rebuild. “He was there during the storm; he said, ‘where else would I be?’” Hall said. “We built it to be resilient and as much as you plan and think you’ve done the right thing, you don’t know until you put it to the test.” As utilities scramble to restore power across the state, Babcock residents say September storms showed that America’s energy infrastructure is not well-equipped to handle worsening extreme weather events. Hurricane Fiona ravaged Puerto Rico’s power grid when it made landfall there on September 18. Now, Ian has left millions of people in the dark in Florida. Babcock residents say their neighborhood is a model for urban development in a climate change-ravaged future. “It’s not what it was 20 or 25 years ago; the storms are getting bigger and bigger, and it’s no surprise, because the warnings have all been there,” Grande said. “I think Babcock Ranch’s future has gotten even brighter.” Source: CNN

Dozens of Florida residents left their flooded and splintered homes by boat and by air on Saturday as rescuers continued to search for survivors following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ian, while authorities in South Carolina and North Carolina began taking stock of their losses. The powerful storm terrorised millions of people for most of the week, battering western Cuba before raking across Florida, then it mustered enough strength for a final assault on South Carolina. One of the strongest hurricanes by wind speed to ever hit the US, Hurricane Ian weakened on Saturday as it rolled into the mid-Atlantic. However, not before it washed out bridges and piers, hurtled massive boats into buildings onshore and sheared roofs off homes, leaving hundreds of thousands without power. At least 54 people were confirmed dead, including 47 people in Florida, mostly from drowning but others from Ian's tragic after-effects. [caption id="attachment_27743" align="alignnone" width="585"] A satellite image shows damage to Fort Myers Beach Pier in Florida.(AP: NOAA)[/caption] An elderly couple died after their oxygen machines shut off when they lost power, authorities said. As of Saturday, more than 1,000 people had been rescued from flooded areas along Florida's south-western coast alone, according to Daniel Hokanson, a four-star general and head of the National Guard, who was flying to the stricken state. Chris Schnapp was at the Port Sanibel Marina in Fort Myers on Saturday, waiting to see whether her 83-year-old mother-in-law had been evacuated from Sanibel Island. A pontoon boat had just arrived with a load of passengers from the island — with suitcases and animals in tow — but Ms Schnapp's mother-in-law was not among them. "She stayed on the island. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law own two businesses over there. They evacuated," Ms Schnapp said. "She did not want to go, thinking it wasn't going to be bad," she said. But then she got word on Friday night that her mother-in-law would be arriving at the marina. "Now we don't know if she's still on the island or [has] gotten on a bus [and was taken to a shelter]," Ms Schnapp said [caption id="attachment_27744" align="alignnone" width="586"] For families whose homes remained standing, storm flooding almost to the height of the ceiling destroyed their possessions.(AP: Rebecca Blackwell)[/caption] Survivors recall 'insane' scenes South Carolina's Pawleys Island, a beach community about 117 kilometres up the coast from Charleston, was among the places in that state hardest hit by Ian, and power remained knocked out to at least half of the island on Saturday. Eddie Wilder, who has been coming to Pawleys Island for more than six decades, said Friday's storm was "insane to watch". He said waves as high as 7.6 metres washed away the pier — an iconic landmark — just two doors down from his home. "We watched it hit the pier and saw the pier disappear," said Mr Wilder, whose house sits about 9 m above the ocean and stayed dry inside. "We watched it crumble and and watched it float by with an American flag still floating." Pawleys pier was one of at least four along South Carolina's coast to be destroyed during Ian's winds and rain. Portions of the pier, including barnacle-covered pylons, littered the beach. The intra-coastal waterway was littered with the remnants of several boat houses torn apart and knocked off their moorings in the storm. Traffic was shut off to Pawleys Island's southernmost point, where crews were working to clear roadways of sand and other debris that officials said has been piled at least a foot high. The sand will later be redistributed to build back the dunes along the beach front, as happened after similar damage in 2019. [caption id="attachment_27745" align="alignnone" width="862"] Overturned boat house lays alongside the broken dock on Pawleys Island.(AP: Meg Kinnard)[/caption] Many of the elevated beach homes still had feet of sand underneath, with dunes completely washed over and nearly flattened. On Saturday, John Joseph — whose father built the family's beige beach house in 1962 — said that he was elated to return from Georgetown, which took a direct hit, to find his Pawleys Island home entirely intact. "Thank God these walls are still here, and we feel very blessed that this is the worst thing," he said of the sand swept under his home. "What happened in Florida — gosh, God bless us. If we'd had a Category 4, I wouldn't be here." In North Carolina, the storm appeared to have mainly downed trees and power lines, leaving more than 280,000 people across the state without power late on Saturday morning, according to state officials. At least one fatality connected to the storm was reported in Johnston County, outside of Raleigh. A woman found her husband dead early on Saturday after he went to check on a generator running in their garage overnight, sheriff's office Captain Jeff Caldwell said. The storm's winds were much weaker on Friday than during Ian's landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast earlier in the week. Source: ABC News

Jack Solomon Mahuru, has released a statement today after his family and home came under attack in the early hours of Friday (30/09/22) morning. “The fabric of our society is being ripped because there are people who want to take the law into their own hands, killing and looting at abandon, because we have not extended the full arm of the law,” said Mr Mahuru. “" "The despicable savagery that has been exposed to my family is inexcusable, disgusting, unacceptable and unlawful. The violence and threats on the lives of my loved ones for something that had nothing at all to do with any of us, will not be allowed to go unpunished.” In the early hours of Friday morning, a dead body washed ashore the Bogi Beach at Vabukori Village in the National Capital District’s Moresby South electorate. Before the homicide unit arrived, the Tainaladeara people started a malicious lie accusing Mr Mahuru’s dogs of killing the man. “What my family and I have experienced over the last 48 hours casts a dark cloud and it will not be allowed to stand. The remains of an unknown person whose death is clearly under questionable circumstances must be investigated – the death was not caused by my dogs. Yet members of the Tainaladeara community blamed them of the death, and invited hoodlums from Horse Camp and Joyce Bay to attack my pet dogs, kill my family and burn my house down,” said Mr Mahuru. He said they came by the droves. His wife and their children stood ground and defended their home whilst Mr Mahuru and his cousin, David Rau, Police and his beloved dogs drove them back up the hill. The dogs kept defending their territory over the hill and the men stoned and killed the family pets and paraded them through the settlement as their prized kill, posting it on social media. The values and respect agreed on by the Vabukori forefathers with the Tainaladeara people settling on their land have been broken, and the settlers have shown no regard for law and have acted with no regard to the consequence. Mr Mahuru is calling on the newly formed Central Motu Koita Development Convention’s Members of Parliament, Students and Citizens to stand with them in solidarity as they reclaim their land and safeguard their territory and their people. Mr Mahuru has called for the immediate endorsement of the Motu Koita Assembly and Police as permitted by the MKA Act to impose a curfew at Tainaladeara, and a notice to the Tainaladeara community banning new citizens arriving into Tainaladeara. “Tainaladeara is overcrowded, even the older generations brought in by our elders complain that the new citizens of the past 20 years are the trouble makers,” said Mr Mahuru. “Call it unethical, but Tainaladeara needs to be cleansed and this is the right time to use the urgent threat to our safety to move unnecessary and unwanted people out. It is now or never!”. Mr Mahuru warned that this savagery will not go unpunished, and he will seek compensation for the loss his family has experienced. “I will not rest until all those responsible are brought to custody and punished to the full extent of the law. I will not listen to those of you who continue to spread lies and untruths in social media, but you will be pursued under the cybercrime laws, and I will see you punished. I will also see you punished under the animal cruelty laws for what you did to my pets,” said Mr Mahuru. "Our village was once a tapestry woven with strong bonds of tradition, respect, honour and integrity. It has taken every God bestowed intelligence, and God given fibre in my body to exercise restraint. But we have had enough. My dogs paid the price this time, but I will not allow any of my people pay the price for non-action. This is our catalyst for change." Mr Mahuru will use the appropriate authorities to ensure that justice is swift!!!

The Kumul Petroleum PNG Lewas & Barras have had access to specialist coaching and access to Cricket Australia’s National Cricket Centre and resources over the past two months thanks to the PacificAus Sports Program. The partnership, only signed in August, has already provided huge benefits to the National teams and High-Performance department. The program is linked to specific activities starting with the Kumul Petroleum Barramundis participation in the Cricket Australia sanctioned NT T20 Strike competition in Darwin in August. This competition provided much needed highly competitive cricket with the Barras playing against two BBL franchises, a Cricket Australia XI and the Northern Territory, all sides stacked with international and state players as well as the best of the up-and-coming talent in the Australian system. Following on from that tour, the PacificAus Sports program supported ex Australian cricketer and coach, Michael Dighton, to join the Barramundis in a specialist coaching role throughout their CWCL2 home series with Namibia and the USA. The Lewas then just last week had the opportunity to attend a High-Performance camp in Brisbane at the National Cricket Centre. This was the first time the Lewas have had access to this facility, during the camp they also had guest coaches from both Cricket Australia and Queensland cricket to aid their preparation for the upcoming Pacific Cup being held in Vanuatu. Cricket PNG CEO, Greg Campbell, welcomes the support from PacificAus Sports “ this partnership is invaluable to the growth of our teams and programs moving forward. The Lewas having access to specialist coaches working within the Australian and Qld Fire programs, they have established relationships and we have already had enquiries from these coaches on how they can continue to be involved and they are keen to come up to PNG. We were able to form a mentor program between our Strength & Conditioning coach, Otto Wrakonei and his Qld counterparts while at the NCC, this enables a transfer of information and future secondment positions in both countries. The program is only in its infancy, but we have already seen tremendous benefits, especially towards our women’s program. This is creating not only access but allows them to see what is available and where we want to get the women’s program to, parity is the goal and to achieve this we need to find more investment from our partners and corporate sponsors into the Lewas program.” The Lewas are currently competing in their last international event for 2022 and the Barras will play their last event for the year in Namibia in November. The PacificAus Sports program will continue it’s support over the summer aiding player placements in the Australian domestic competitions. There is also additional High-performance camps planned as well as specialist coaches coming in to assist in Port Moresby early in 2023.

Prime Minister  James Marape has given the green lights to Japanese think tank Japan Development Institute (JDI) to help develop a new Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Master Plan for the country and work with partners like the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the World Bank to build SEZs right across the country. He gave the blessing to CEO and Chairman of JDI, Dr. Shoichi Kobayashi, during a meeting with him in Tokyo last Tuesday (September 27, 2022). PM Marape was accompanied by International Trade and Investment Minister  Richard Maru, East Sepik Governor Allan Bird and Papua New Guinea Ambassador to Japan Samuel Abal. Minister Maru and Ambassador Abal also had comprehensive discussions with Dr Kobayashi to progress the SEZ concept in PNG as a matter of urgency, starting with the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone (PMIZ) in Madang. The JDI is an independent think tank/consulting firm, specialised in international development. It was first established in 1982 as the World Consultant Service (WCS) and later changed its name as JDI after merging with the think tank of the Institution of Engineering Consulting Firms Association, Japan (ECFA) in 1997. With its distinguished experts from numerous disciplines and the network with its associate institutions and experts in the world, JDI provides a broad range of consulting services in the field of development, carries out practical studies, and proposes concrete projects and strategies. “I give JDI my full support to come into PNG,” PM Marape told Dr Kobayashi. “I thank you for responding promptly to our request to meet with you to progress the SEZ concept. “You have the expertise that we need, and Minister Maru and Ambassador Abal have given me the okay to engage you, so let’s work together to progress this. “We have moved ahead with passage of the Special Economic Zones Authority Act in 2019, so the political will is there, it’s just a matter of getting the nuts and bolts in place.”

The Vanuatu Cricket Association is excited to announce the fixtures and team lists for the inaugural Pacific Cup, a T20 International tournament running 3-6 October 2022 to be played between the women's national sides of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and hosts Vanuatu. A joint initiative between the four competing nations and with assistance from the ICC, New Zealand Cricket and with plans to expand the event in future editions the Pacific Cup will see the four teams each play six T20 Internationals over three match days on the 3, 5, & 6 October 2022. Each team will play double headers each day with games commencing from 9.30AM and 1.30PM at the Vanuatu Cricket Grounds near Korman. Entrance is free for all spectators. Whichever team finishes on top of the ladder at tournament's end will be crowned champions. Day one action today will see the Selina Solman-led Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu Women's National Cricket Team - currently the country's highest ranked sporting team at number 30 in global T20 cricket - take on 16th world ranked Samoa on VCG 1. On the adjacent ground, and hot off their 5th place at the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in the UAE, 14th ranked team PNG take on Fiji who will be looking to improve on their 56th ranking during the tournament. TEAM LISTS: FIJI: Ruci Kaiwai MURIYALO (Capt), Ilisapeci Vulisere WAQAVAKATOGA (VC), Ana Kuricava GONERARA, Ateca Isabelle Sigamosi Donald KAINOCO, Elizabeth Pauline Grace ROKORO, Karalaini Vesu VAKURUIVALU, Kiera Muahea'he'a AMOE, Lagakali Ecelina LOMANI, Maeavhanisi Sheena Corine ERASITO, Melaia Biu Olivia SEKILEKUTU, Sulia Vuni Takayawa Leba Talei COLATI, Volau Ledua Vakaloloma MATAKI PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Kaia ARUA (Capt), Tanya RUMA (VC), Melanie Nadea ANI, Geua Pauke TOM, Hollan DORIGA, Kevau FRANK, Mairi TOM, Pauke SIAKA, Brenda Hoi TAU, Naoani Noinoi VARE, Sibona Lucy JIMMY, Henao Jean THOMAS, Isabel TOUA, Ravini OA, Vicky ARAA SAMOA: Kolotita Makerita LUI NONU (Capt), Lagi Otilia TELEA (VC), Florence AGAIMALO, Ariota Manusina KUPITO, Jacinta SANELE, Taalili IOSEFO, Tuaoloa Helen SEMAU, Sarina MOE, Kalala TANUVASA, Leofao APOLINASIO, Eleni Tasha, VAATASI SOLOMUA, Taofi LAFAI, Vanisi TALALELEI, Ailaoa Felicia AOINA VANUATU: Selina SOLMAN (Capt), Alvina CHILIA, Rachel ANDREW, Valenta LANGIATU, Vicky MANSALE, Ruth KALTONGGA, Netty CHILIA, Leimara TASTUKI, Maylise CARLOT, Theresa MANSALE, Rayline OVA, Leisau JACOB, Nasimana NAVAIKA, Lizzing ENOCH. FULL FIXTURES: MON 3 OCT Vanuatu v Samoa 9.30am VCG 1 PNG v Fiji 9.30am VCG 2 Vanuatu v Fiji 1.30pm VCG 1 Samoa v PNG 1.30pm VCG 2 WED 5 OCT Samoa v Fiji 9.30am VCG 1 Vanuatu v PNG 9.30am VCG 2 Fiji v PNG 1.30pm VCG 1 Samoa v Vanuatu 1.30pm VCG 2 THU 6 OCT PNG v Samoa 9.30am VCG 1 Fiji v Vanuatu 9.30am VCG 2 PNG v Vanuatu 1.30pm VCG 1 Fiji v Samoa 1.30pm VCG 2 LIVE SCORES: https://crichq.com/competitions/15181/draws/57121/rounds ABC Pacific Beat story with interviews: https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/pacificcupcricket/101489440 Source: Cricket Vanuatu

Hundreds of soccer fans have held a candlelight vigil for the victims of the East Java football stadium stampede disaster, where police fired tear gas in an attempt to stop violence that left at least 125 people dead. Attention has focused on police crowd-control measures at Saturday night's match between host Arema FC of East Java's Malang city and Persebaya Surabaya. Witnesses described officers beating them with sticks and shields before shooting tear gas canisters directly into the crowds. On Sunday, mourners gathered outside the gates of the stadium to lay flowers for the victims. Later at night, people burned candles in a vigil at a lion statue, the local club's symbol. Hundreds also attended a candlelit vigil in the capital Jakarta on Sunday night, carrying placards that read "Indonesian soccer in mourning" and "stop police brutality." It was among the deadliest disasters ever at a sporting event. President Joko Widodo ordered an investigation of security procedures, and the president of FIFA called the deaths "a dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension." "I deeply regret this tragedy and I hope this is the last soccer tragedy in this country — don't let another human tragedy like this happen in the future," Mr Widodo said in a televised speech. "We must continue to maintain sportsmanship, humanity and a sense of brotherhood of the Indonesian nation." While FIFA has no control over domestic games, it has advised against the use of tear gas at soccer stadiums. Brawls are common among rival Indonesian soccer fans, so much so that the organiser had banned Persebaya supporters from Arema's stadium. But violence still broke out when the home team lost 3-2 and some of the 42,000 Arema fans, known as Aremania, threw bottles and other objects at players and soccer officials. Witnesses said the fans flooded the Kanjuruhan Stadium pitch and demanded that Arema management explain why, after 23 years of undefeated home matches against Persebaya, this one ended in a defeat. At least five police vehicles were toppled and set ablaze outside the stadium. Riot police responded by firing tear gas, including toward the stadium's stands, causing panic among the crowd. "The stadium turned into a smoke-filled battleground when police fired tear gas," said Rizky, who goes by one name. He came with his cousin to watch the game. [caption id="attachment_27739" align="alignnone" width="588"] Spectators say police had started beating fans with sticks and shields.(AP: Yudha Prabowo)[/caption] "I felt hot and stinging in my eyes, I couldn't see clearly while my head was dizzy and everything went dark … I passed out," he said. When he woke up, he was already in the emergency room. He said his cousin died because of head injuries. "We wanted to entertain ourselves by watching a football match, but we got disaster," he said. Another spectator, Ahmad Fatoni, said police had started beating the fans with sticks and shields, and they fought back. "Officers fired tear gas directly at spectators in the stands, forcing us to run toward the exit," he said. "Many victims fell because of shortness of breath and difficulty seeing due to tear gas and were trampled." He said he climbed the roof of the stands and only came down when the situation calmed. Others suffocated and were trampled as hundreds of people ran to the exit to avoid the tear gas. In the chaos, 34 died at the stadium, including two officers, and some reports include children among the casualties. "Some were trampled, some fell down and some got hit," Rian Dwi Cahyono told Sky News from the hospital, where he was being treated for an injured arm. Asked what triggered the panic, he replied: "Tear gas." National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo said the total death toll had been revised to 125 from 174, after authorities found some of the victims were counted twice. More than 100 were receiving intensive treatment in eight hospitals, 11 of them in critical condition. Police defend use of tear gas East Java Police Chief Nico Afinta defended the use of tear gas. "We have already done a preventive action before finally firing the tear gas as [fans] began to attack the police, acting anarchically and burning vehicles," he told a news conference early on Sunday. Indonesia's soccer association, known as PSSI, suspended the premier soccer league Liga 1 indefinitely in light of the tragedy and banned Arema from hosting soccer matches for the remainder of the season. Grieving relatives waited for information about their loved ones at Malang's Saiful Anwar General Hospital. Others tried to identify the bodies laid at a morgue while medical workers put identification tags on the bodies of the victims. Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali said the incident "has certainly injured our soccer image." Indonesia is due to host the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup from May 20 to June 11, with 24 participating teams. As the host, the country automatically qualifies for the cup. In a statement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed condolences on behalf of the global football community, saying "the football world is in a state of shock." The statement did not mention the use of tear gas. Rights groups responded to the tragedy by blaming the use of tear gas in the stadium by police. Citing FIFA's stadium safety guidelines against the use of "crowd control gas" by pitch-side stewards or police, Amnesty International called on Indonesian authorities to conduct a swift investigation into the use of tear gas and ensure that those who are found to have committed violations are tried in open court and do not merely receive internal or administrative sanctions. Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, said tear gas should only be used to disperse crowds when widespread violence has occurred and other methods have failed. People must be warned that tear gas will be used and allowed to disperse. "No one should lose their lives at a football match," Hamid said. Source: ABC. com

The Penrith Panthers have converted three years of dominance into back-to-back premierships with a clinical 28-12 dismantling of Parramatta in Sunday night's NRL Grand Final. With Clive Churchill Medalist Dylan Edwards (281 metres), Brian To'o (299 metres) and Nathan Cleary delivering command performances on the game's biggest stage, the Panthers became the first team since the Roosters in 2018-19 to win consecutive premierships. In front of 82,415 fans at Accor Stadium the Panthers scored five tries to two to secure the club's fourth premiership to go with the 1991, 2003 and 2021 trophies. After a physical opening the Eels tried an early trick shot when Dylan Brown kicked ahead early in the tackle count for Mitch Moses to chase in the eighth minute but To'o covered up well. Four minutes later it was the Panthers who struck first through centre Stephen Crichton, who took an inside pass from Edwards 25 metres out and turned on the jets to score despite the last-ditch effort of Reed Mahoney and Reagan Campbell-Gillard. [caption id="attachment_27727" align="alignnone" width="906"] Crichton splits them to open the scoring[/caption] Winger To'o then finished off a slick left side in the 18th minute as the Panthers stretched their lead to 10-0. With the Eels looking rattled, skipper Clint Gutherson put a short dropout out on the full and Cleary kicked the penalty goal for 12-0. Relentless pressure from the premiers came up trumps in the 28th minute when Cleary put in a pinpoint grubber for Scott Sorensen to score just his second try of the season. Cleary converted and the Panthers were rocking at 18-0. Two minutes before the break Viliame Kikau went within a whisker of scoring Penrith's fourth when he chased a Jarome Luai grubber but Waqa Blake came up with a trysaving play when he knocked the ball dead. A penalty against Ryan Matterson for a crusher tackle in the opening minute of the second half put the Eels on the back foot before a dropped ball by Blake compounded their woes and To'o capitalised with his second try of the night to make it 22-0. Some slick ball movement by the Eels looked to have opened the door for Maika Sivo to grab their first try of the decider but a last-ditch tackle by Crichton denied the Fijian flyer. A clever cross field kick by Mahoney opened the door for Bailey Simonsson to race into the back field in the 58th minute but the Eels centre was cut down by Dylan Edwards in a classic cover tackle. Charlie Staines then finished off great lead-up work by Isaah Yeo, Cleary and Edwards to score and Cleary's conversion made it 28-0. [caption id="attachment_27728" align="alignnone" width="906"] Staines shoots and scores[/caption] Cleary went within inches of a try in the 69th minute but lost the ball just short as the Eels clung on grimly despite the scoreline against them. Eels skipper Gutherson was rewarded for a couraegous effort when he grabbed a consolation try in the 77th minute and Jake Arthur also crossed late but the night belonged to the Panthers. The Panthers have become the first team in history to win the Jersey Flegg, SG Ball, reserve grade (NSW Cup) and first grade premierships in the one season, confirming their status as the modern masters of rugby league. Source: NRL.com

Nambawan Super is advising its Members that they should not purchase any land within the Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) owned 9-mile land Portions (2156, 2157, 2158 and 2159) from squatters or people claiming to be agents of the Fund. NSL CEO Mr Paul Sayer said that they have received reports of individuals and groups of squatters trying to illegally sell portions of NSL’s land in an attempt to de-risk themselves prior to NSL taking vacant possession of the site. “We have received reports that these groups are targeting Members of Nambawan Super and misleading them into believing that if they purchase the land, they will receive special treatment from NSL,” Mr Sayer stated. “We have previously informed Members illegally squatting on the NSL owned 9-mile land Portions that there will be no special treatment for Nambawan Super Members or any other organization, group, or body.” “NSL is not required by law to compensate or refund any illegal purchases made for its land.” “We sympathise with the Members that will be affected, however, as the Trustee for over 214,000 hardworking Papua New Guineans we must remain committed to protecting the interests of the Fund’s membership as a whole.” “To ensure the best development outcome, and lot configurations, the site must be vacant. Major civil works will be required across the site to deliver power, water, drainage, and sealed roads”, he added. Mr Sayer also advised that NSL is not accepting deposits to secure land at this time and anyone found accepting deposits, or claiming to be an agent of NSL to solicit payments, should be reported immediately to the Site Office 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. Parties interested in purchasing land upon the completion of the redevelopment project should register their interest with the Site Office located on Portion 2157. The Site Office also continues to provide valuable information and deliver awareness sessions for the benefit of the squatters. It remains open for all enquiries and can be accessed from Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm, and Sunday from 1pm – 4pm.

Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) confirms that it has received K52 million from the State as partial payment for its K160 million in rental arrears. NSL is now working to finalise a suitable payment schedule to have the remaining K108 million paid before the end of the year. NSL is hoping to finalise the agreement soon with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with the Departments of Finance and Treasury. As such, NSL has put on hold its lockout activity in the interest of finding an amicable and mutually satisfying solution to this issue. However, NSL remains committed to collecting the outstanding balance of K108m in full before the end of this year and will not hesitate to lock out State tenancies if it is unable to do so. More information will be released to the media once details of the agreement are finalised.

Barrick (Niugini) Limited (BNL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Karo Maha-Lelai as Country Manager for Papua New Guinea Operations. Ms Maha-Lelai is a lawyer by profession and has over 23 years of experience in the petroleum and mining industry. She previously held executive positions with Petromin PNG Holdings Limited (now known as Kumul Minerals Holding Limited), Tolukuma Gold Mines Ltd and more recently established a private consulting practice specializing in the petroleum and mining industry. Ms Maha-Lelai is also well known for her contributions to sports in PNG and internationally, as former Chairperson of PNG Athletes Commission, current President of the Basketball Federation of PNG, representative of women in Oceania on the Central Board of Federation of International Basketball Associations and Chairperson of the Oceania National Olympic Committees’ Athletes Commission. “I am immensely proud and privileged to be able to serve Porgera and Papua New Guinea through Barrick. I joined the New Porgera team as a legal consultant a year and 5 months ago. As Country Manager, I look forward to working with all of our stakeholders to ensure New Porgera continues to contribute positively to the project-area landowners, the Porgera Valley, Enga Province and Papua New Guinea as a whole.” said Ms Maha-Lelai. Ms Maha-Lelai will manage the Country Head office in Port Moresby and will work alongside the Mine General Manager, Chad Coulin, to provide the needed support for operations. She takes over from Dr Ila Temu, who has been with Porgera Mine for close to 23 years. Dr Temu joined Placer Dome Niugini in 2000 where he held various roles including the Country Manager role in Tanzania. In 2006, following Barrick’s acquisition of the Porgera Mine, Dr Temu was appointed PNG Country Manager for Barrick (Niugini) Ltd. BNL takes this opportunity to thank Dr Temu for his many contributions over the past 23 years to Porgera Mine operations, to the communities in the Porgera Valley and to the PNG business community.