In their preliminary findings drawn from their observation of the 2022 National General Elections (NGE), Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) has described the accumulated failures in the preparation, conduct, delivery and conclusion of the Elections as being a severely flawed process. The local civil society organization had 340 observers deployed during the polling period. TIPNG has released a Summary Paper outlining its initial assessment of the 2022 NGE drawing from these findings, TIPNG is calling for a genuine commitment from all stakeholders to undertake major reforms of our electoral process and systems to avoid similar problems in 2027. “The PNG Electoral Commission and the Government must not be complacent, the numerous problems experienced during 2022 should be a wake-up call for our nation’s leaders and administrators to take action. In launching its Summary Paper on the 2022 National General Elections TIPNG highlights provides detailed recommendations for consideration in improving the electoral process. This will require a structured intervention to restore public trust and demonstrate greater levels of competency,” said Peter Aitsi, TIPNG Board Chair in a media statement. “There is a five-year electoral planning cycle and that must be properly supported on an annual basis. The issues of 2022 will not be resolved through quick fixes, which run the risk of further depleting limited public funding for this essential democratic process. In undertaking post-election analysis, all stakeholders should focus on structured long-term interventions that will promote transparency and integrity in PNG’s National Elections,” said Mr. Aitsi. Key issues TIPNG identified during the 2022 National General Election were; frequent instances of roll inaccuracy, lack of enforcement against election offences, non-compliance with Constitutional requirements, disturbances in the conduct of the ballot counting, confusion on the declaration of seats; and widespread election-related violence. These issues will be further discussed in the full TIPNG 2022 Election Observation Report to be launched in November 2022. In its preliminary assessment, TIPNG recommended interventions includes; • developing a 5-year PNG Electoral Commission (PNGEC) communications plan to empower voters and electoral partners, • prosecution of electoral officials that were alleged to have engaged in corruption during the 2022 NGE and • developing a public complaints process and an internal anti-corruption strategy within the PNGEC prior to the 2027 NGE.

The United Nations Population Fund in Papua New Guinea has provided 19 Reproductive Health Kits and 2,000 Dignity Kits to Porgera, Kandep and Laiagam Districts in Enga Province following ethnic conflicts and election-related violence which has left hundreds of people displaced, especially women and girls. “During crises, such as what we have seen over the past three months in the Highlands Region, women and girls are particularly vulnerable,” said UNFPA Country Representative Marielle Sander. “During conflicts, natural disasters and public health emergencies, sexual and reproductive health needs cannot be overlooked. Pregnant women risk life-threatening complications without access to delivery and emergency obstetric care services.” “Restoring these services and facilitating transportation to advanced care facilities should be prioritised and, if safe transportation is not possible, we are providing safe delivery kits directly to the health providers in affected communities to prevent infection from childbirth, even during conflict.” Nineteen Reproductive Health Kits (RH Kits) have been delivered to the Enga Provincial Health Authority for distribution between 9 health care facilities in the affected districts. These kits include PPE for safe, clean deliveries, STI and HIV testing and treatment, and pregnancy testing. These kits are essential for ensuring basic sexual and reproductive health provisions are available to women and girls displaced by violence. In addition to the provision of RH Kits, UNFPA has released 2,000 Dignity Kits (DKs) from the Lae Area Medical Store and delivered these to Mount Hagen. A thousand DKs have been delivered to Care International for distribution in Porgera and the other 1,000 kits will be delivered to the Catholic Diocese of Mendi for distribution in Laiagam and Kopiam. These kits contain essential menstrual health and hygiene supplies for women and girls affected by violence to maintain good hygiene. Three months of conflict in Enga has seen more than 70 people dead and more than 300 families displaced in Porgera District alone. Being able to deliver these supplies to the women and girls who need them requires safe access to the affected areas. In this current situation, the closure of Wapenamanda Airport means essential supplies are being transported by air to Mount Hagen and by land to Enga, delaying the provision of health commodities to the communities in which they are needed.

Disappointed Brisbane coach Kevin Walters says the Broncos have an attitude problem and the club’s late-season free-fall is ultimately on him. The Broncos were embarrassed at home for second time in the space of six days with Thursday night’s 53-6 demolition from Parramatta following a 60-12 defeat at the hands of Melbourne last weekend. After conceding 113 points in their last 160 minutes of football, Brisbane’s finals hopes sit uncomfortably on a knife’s edge with their for-and-against plummeting from plus-21 to minus 26, one point worse than Canberra who play Manly on Saturday. If the Raiders beat the Sea Eagles, Brisbane will be out of the top eight before Sunday and face a must-win clash with St George Illawarra next Saturday. Walters said the performance against the Eels was “terrible” and was made all the worse by the horror injury toll that included captain Adam Reynolds (concussion) in his 250th NRL match, Kobe Hetherington (concussion), Brenko Lee (hamstring) and Tom Flegler (throat) who was taken to hospital after having trouble breathing after copping an elbow in an attempted tackle. Flegler was also put on report for a shoulder charge in a night to forget for Brisbane. After missing 66 tackles against the Storm, Brisbane missed 53 against the Eels who had the game signed, sealed and delivered by halftime. “It’s just disappointing for everyone. Obviously, we just need to fix our defence more than anything. Our attitude hasn’t been where it needs to be at this time of the year to compete against the good sides,’’ Walters said. “I’m not going to make any excuses. It (defence) hasn’t been good enough. Walters said the buck stopped with him. “I take full responsibility. Obviously, it’s my job to prepare this team and get them ready to play each week so I take responsibility, I’m not shifting the blame anywhere,’’ he said. “We want our team to perform well and we are not performing well…we don’t have too many answers at the moment, to be honest, but we just need to fix our attitude…our discipline. It’s a momentum swing and we are struggling to get it back,’’ he said.   Source: NRL.com

The EU-STREIT PNG Programme in collaboration with rural youths and students in the Greater Sepik region marked the International Youth Day 2022 (IYD) with a message for all to become innovative and take part in all nodes along the agri-food value chains, including areas supported under the Programme. Led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the EU-STREIT Programme organised two events this year in East Sepik and West Sepik Provinces, bringing together 1,781 youths in total.   These youths were briefed, sensitized, and made aware through engaging interactions, including motivational speeches, cocoa competitions, student debates, contemporary group dances, drama role plays, march pass and collective chanting, in a bid to promote this year’s theme of IYD: ‘Intergenerational solidarity, creating a world for all ages”. IYD is commemorated every year on 12 August, bringing youth issues to the attention of the international, national, and local communities, while celebrating their potential as partners in today’s global society. Explaining this year’s theme, Ms Patu Shang, the FAO International Gender and Youth Inclusion Specialist, on behalf of the Programme Coordinator, called on the elders and parents as well as authorities to provide an enabling environment for youths to excel and take over. “It means mainstreaming young people’s perspectives and we have to come together as one from all ages. Therefore in everything we do, we must sit together and include youths in solidarity so they can tell us their perspectives.” Ms Shang also challenged the youths particularly those from rural areas to become innovative and take part in agribusiness. “Don’t just sit back and observe because the world will pass you by.” She added: “EU-STREIT PNG is supporting a holistic approach to develop cocoa, vanilla and fisheries activities so every young person can find his/her place in any node along the agri-food value chains and with the advantage of technology they can develop a particular value chain either as a farmer, or input supplier, or take part in processing and marketing.” These overarching and inspirational messages where shared in the two celebrations held in Yangoru-Saussia District of East Sepik Province, on Thursday 4 August and in Vanimo, Sandaun Province, on Wednesday 17 August. The youth were also urged to participate and become an integral part of the European Union funded rural agriculture development programme, as well as to appreciate and subsequently take up “Agriculture as a Profession”, thereby curbing rural youth exodus and striving towards Zero Hunger by 2030 through the development of agri-food value chains. The commemoration in Vanimo started with a march pass in solidarity with youths and students from Don Bosco Technical Secondary and Vanimo Secondary, chanting and singing a popular line “ooh when the youths go marching in …”. In addition, present to give their speeches were the Deputy Provincial Administration for Cooperate Services and Director for Community Development, representing the Sandaun Provincial Administrator, as well as the Vanimo Royal PNG Constabulary Commander. After the official speeches, the youths went over to Don Bosco Technical Secondary to promote agriculture as a professional career with a cocoa bud grafting competition. A debate on the topic “is agriculture only for the poor and elderly” was organised as well between students from the two schools. The celebrations in Yangoru-Saussia District of East Sepik Province was held in Baimuru Village and organised jointly with the “Baimuru Heights Youths in Agri-business Group” whose common interest lies in cocoa value chain activities. The day started with a march pass by youths carrying placards and chanting and soliciting community support in their quest to make a change in the community and the country through agribusiness. It was an exciting and fun day for the youths in Baimuru Village with the support of the parents and elders to execute the day’s activities like choral music, dances and three role-plays showcasing challenges that rural farmers face like low prices for cocoa and vanilla beans and awareness on child labour. A successful female and male youth (community Campions) who have taken on agriculture as a profession also shared their success stories. The rest of the youthful population were encouraged to see the opportunities that exist agribusiness. To encorage the youths to their agriculture work, cocoa and vanilla cultivation and processing tools/materials and items like secateurs, pruning saws, wheelbarrows, cooler box/Esky, strainer, thick cloth/blanket and Digital thermometers were presented to three youth groups that supported and participated in the celebrations.  

Redcliffe back rower Jeremiah Simbiken has earned himself an NRL contract with his continual big-match displays in the Hostplus Cup. Simbiken has agreed to a three-year deal with the Dolphins which will see him hold development contract status when the new NRL team begins pre-season later this year. He capped off a big week for his future with three tries against the Northern Pride on Saturday night as Redcliffe extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches with a 49-10 victory. Simbiken was born in Papua New Guinea but moved to Canberra when he was 11 years of age. He spent some time in the Canberra Raiders’ junior system but had limited opportunity with the NSW competition suspended because of COVID and contemplated walking away from the game. The 22-year-old air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic made the move up to Redcliffe for the 2022 season and it has proved a smart choice. He has been one of the Dolphins’ best in the Hostplus Cup as the team has moved up the ladder to entrench themselves in the top four with one week to go to the finals. Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said the club was pleased to give Simbiken the chance to prove himself at NRL level. “Jeremiah has been in tremendous form in the Hostplus Cup and that has made us sit up and take notice of him,” said Reader. “He has demonstrated what an attacking weapon he can be with 13 tries in 14 matches for Redcliffe, including eight tries in his last four games. “We are pleased to be giving a player that has joined the Dolphins at state league level a chance to graduate into the NRL.” Simbiken will complete the Hostplus Cup season with Redcliffe before joining the Dolphins’ first NRL pre-season training group in November. Source: QRL.com

Queensland Rugby League can confirm the Hostplus Cup game between the PNG Hunters and Mackay Cutters in Port Moresby will now proceed as scheduled. Following public support from the Australian Government, and after further consideration of the information provided by the QRL today, the Cutters have reconsidered their position and will travel to PNG to play the final round match. QRL chief executive officer Rohan Sawyer thanked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for his support. “The Hunters have made many sacrifices during the relocation period, so it’s a great outcome to see them back playing in front of their home fans, families and sponsors for the first time since 2019,” Sawyer said. Earlier: Queensland Rugby League has issued the Mackay Cutters with a notice of intention to terminate their Participation Agreement after the club advised it would not provide a team to play in the final round of the Hostplus Cup season. The Cutters were this weekend drawn to play the PNG Hunters in Port Moresby after the QRL Board approved the Hunters’ request to return home and play their first match in Papua New Guinea since 2019. The QRL Board completed an extensive independent risk assessment prior to giving approval for the game to proceed. The QRL said today the Cutters’ decision to not travel to Port Moresby was considered a breach of the Participation Agreement. If the Cutters are unable to remedy the breach of the Participation Agreement, they will be suspended from all QRL statewide competitions as their current Participation Agreement will be terminated. The Cutters have been requested to respond to the allegation and will be required to show cause as to why the club should continue their involvement in QRL statewide competitions in 2023. Source: QRL.com

The Nambawan Super family have answered the call to roll-up their sleeves and give blood in the hopes of helping to save lives around the Country through the Port Moresby General Hospital (POM Gen) Blood Drive program. This week, 51 Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) Head Office staff volunteered to give back to the wider community through the program. From the group, 27 staff were deemed eligible and successfully donated blood for the cause. Every week POM Gen needs approximately 400 bags of clean blood to assist those in need and recognising the need for more blood donors the NSL team quickly stepped up to answer the call. NSL CEO Mr Paul Sayer remarked, “usually when we interact with staff from POM Gen, who are also our members, we are the ones helping them with their statements, lodgements and enquiries but this activity was special as our staff got a chance to partner with them and support the great work that they do”. “On behalf of the Fund, I thank the staff of POM Gen and all our health workers for their hard work every day saving lives through direct medical services and programs like these which are crucial to meeting the needs of patients across the Country”. “I also commend our staff for their initiative in partnering with POM Gen to participate in the ongoing Blood Drive program”. “Nambawan Super is the Trustee for over 214,000 Members but our Vision, Mission and Values extend to all Papua New Guineans. We recognise that the improved health and wellbeing of all PNG citizens is crucial to the continued socio-economic development of the Country”. “As such, throughout our 60 years of service to the people of PNG, Nambawan Super has and will continue to support activities that deliver returns for our members and promote development that can benefit the wider PNG community”. “We at Nambawan Super aim to continue working with the goal of building better futures for our members at the forefront of all our endeavours for the next 60 years and further”, he concluded.

The Department of Personnel Management has issued Circular Instruction No. 14 of 2022 urging all public servants nation-wide to attend and celebrate the National Repentance Day tomorrow (26/08/2022). This Circular Instruction complements Circular Instruction 13 of 2022 that was recently issued by DPM to all heads of Departments, Provincial Administrators, Heads of other Public Authorities and Public Servants advising them on the National Repentance Day. DPM Secretary, Ms Taies Sansan said this is a very important event for the Country, as Community Development Secretary, Mr Jerry Ubase has advised all Heads of Government Agencies through his Circular dated 19th of August 2022 that there is a scheduled Program for the National Repentance Day to be celebrated on Friday 26th August, 2022. “It is therefore not a normal day off so public servants in NCD are requested to attend the program at the Sir John Guise Outdoor Stadium to witness the event of which our Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape, will be the Keynote Speaker for the occasion.” “Provincial Administrators are also requested to arrange similar Program with your Public Servants and the Church community to celebrate this very important day in the Provinces tomorrow”. All Public servants are to resume duty on Monday 29th of August, 2022 at 7:45 am.

Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society cleaned up the city and donated hygiene kits to Cheshire disability services in commemoration of the 2022 World Humanitarian Day under the theme The Human Race. Staff and 48 volunteers did a cleanup along the street and footpaths from 3 mile to 4 mile before they went to Cheshire Disability Services and donated Hygiene Kits. The day was commemorated under the Healthy Life Style and Healthy Environment Campaign to raise awareness and build resilience for communities against COVID-19. The 19th of August is a very significant day in our calendar where we remember and celebrate the work of Humanitarians around the world. This year’s theme is The Human Race and is aimed to highlight the issues related to the global climate change emergency and highlights the immediate consequences of the climate emergency of the world’s most vulnerable people and raise awareness for their wellbeing. Mr. Jimmy Peter, Chairman of the PNGRCS NCD & Central branch said, “We are absolutely delighted to celebrate the day by giving back to the community. PNG RCS is a humanitarian organization that has been serving vulnerable communities in PNG for almost 46 years and it was good to commemorate and remember the hard work and sacrifices made by the Volunteers and staff from the past and present.” Also present on that day were 48 volunteers who came very early in the morning to do clean up and visit Cheshire Disability Services. Jaison Kaut, a volunteer said, “Volunteerism is probably the greatest act a person can do to give something back to the humanity and to make the world a better place.” He acknowledged PNG RCS for organizing the event so they can participate. Peter added that PNG RCS relies on the commitment of the volunteers and it was a great to see our youths and young volunteers spare at least a day to do good will and to be involved in community work. PNG Red Cross Society extends our gratitude to our movement partners the IFRC, ARC and the ICR. Special thanks to NCDC for providing us with garbage bags and also supporting the event and acknowledge the support from our faithful volunteers.

The new Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resource, Jelta Wong, MP, has pledged his commitment to serve the people of Papua New Guinea to create jobs and protect national fisheries stocks from environmental damage and theft by overseas illegal fishing boats. “The Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resource has a significant function for our country right now and into the future, as our marine resources must be managed properly and must be harvested in a sustainable way,” Minister Wong said after being sworn in as a minister by the Governor-General. “It is an honour to serve as a Minister for State in the Government of Papua New Guinea,” the Minister said. “I thank the Prime Minister, the James Marape, who has demonstrated his confidence in myself and the United Resources Party to undertake this appointment. The responsibility the Prime Minister has bestowed upon me is significant, and I will take on the challenges ahead with all of my strength to the service for this great Nation and our people." Wong said as Minister for fisheries and Marine Resources it is clear that there is a lot of heavy lifting ahead in the coming weeks, months and years. "Over the past three years our Government, under Prime Minister Marape, has sought to implement long-overdue reforms in the fisheries sector, but much of this work was undermined by the interruption of the COVID-19 Pandemic. “Now that our country is moving past what we expect is the worst of the pandemic, we must get on with the job and as we say in my office, Yumi Mekim Kamap." “That is our attitude from day one in the Ministry for Fisheries and Marine Resource, let's get it done! "In terms of my initial priorities as Fisheries Minister, I intend to work with our industry partners to look at how we can maximize sustainable harvest output." “The Marape Government had earlier released Fisheries Strategic Plan for 2021 to 2030 and this must be fully adopted, with revisions in the context of a changing global economy." "Sustainability is the key because if we take too much now from our fish stocks, there will be nothing left for our children." He said fisheries is different to the extractive resource sector where once the minerals or hydrocarbons are extracted, they will not be replaced. "If we are smart, we will harvest our fisheries and marine resources carefully so that stocks can replenish and maintain the sector for future generations." "Considering the needs of our future generations is also a reason that I intend to lead a crackdown on illegal fishing in our waters. Working with the Ministry for Internal Security, we will stop the theft of our marine resources through better surveillance, including the use drone technology, and unwavering enforcement of our laws against anyone who thinks they can steal from our country. Wong stated that the PM has indicated his support for the expanded export of sustainably harvested fresh seafood to global markets, and this is very much appreciated by our people. "We will also work within the government, together with other island and coastal areas to strengthen supply chains to access markets particularly in Asia." "We will also work with investors under this plan to value-add in the processing of our tuna and other seafood in our own production facilities." Jelta Wong enters the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource with ministerial experience during the Tenth Parliament, and as a business operator in Papua New Guinea. "I approach this role with ministerial experience in the in the portfolios of Police, Health and briefly State Enterprises." He said the past 5 years have provided him with experience that he will apply as Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources. "The people of PNG have put their trust in our government." "This support is reassuring as it is humbling, and we will never take this trust for granted," concluded Minster Wong.

Broncos Captain Adam Reynolds has been named to play his 250th NRL game as Brisbane face the Eels at Suncorp Stadium tonight. The Broncos will be looking to lift for their skipper’s milestone game with a big crowd expected at his new home. Former Maroons centre Brenko Lee returns for the Broncos after overcoming a hamstring complaint that sidelined for the past two games, and his return means Delouise Hoeter moves back to an extended bench. The remainder of the Broncos’ 17 remains unchanged, with Ryan James named to start at lock in the absence of Pat Carrigan who will serve the last week of his four-game suspension and return for next Saturday’s Round 25 clash with the Dragons. Jake Turpin has been named to start at hooker with Billy Walters coming off the interchange in the No.14 jersey. Source: Broncos.com

There is now a legal duty on local authorities to provide free items such as tampons and sanitary pads to "anyone who needs them". Products will be distributed through councils and education providers as the Period Products Act comes into force. MSPs unanimously approved the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill in November 2020. The bill was introduced by Labour MSP Monica Lennon, who has been campaigning to end period poverty since 2016. She said: "Local authorities and partner organisations have worked hard to make the legal right to access free period products a reality. "This is another big milestone for period dignity campaigners and grassroots movements which shows the difference that progressive and bold political choices can make. "As the cost-of-living crisis takes hold, the Period Products Act is a beacon of hope which shows what can be achieved when politicians come together for the good of the people we serve." What is period poverty? Period poverty is when those on low incomes can't afford, or access, suitable period products. With average periods lasting about five days, it can cost up to £8 a month for tampons and pads, and some women struggle to afford the cost. Georgie Nicholson, of social enterprise Hey Girls, told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland, period products should be as accessible as toilet roll in public bathrooms. Ms Nicolson said: "There's a very simple way to describe period poverty: you go to the supermarket and you have to actually choose whether you can buy a bag of pasta or a box of tampons. It's that basic. "We hear of a lot of mothers going without their period protection just so they can feed their children and using things such as newspaper stuffed into socks or bread... because they're cheaper than period products." In 2018, a survey of more than 2,000 people by Young Scot found that about one in four respondents at school, college or university in Scotland had struggled to access period products. That year, the Scottish government made history by becoming the first in the world to make period products free to students. Since it launched the scheme, another Young Scot survey found that two-thirds of respondents had received free period products from their school, college or university in the past year. Of those who accessed the free products, 84% said the scheme had a positive impact on them. As well as period poverty, researchers say period stigma is also an issue for young girls, with the majority feeling embarrassed when buying menstruation products. The impact on education is also an area the bill aims to tackle - with researchers finding 64% of girls surveyed in the UK have missed school because of their period. Research showed that 13% had missed an entire school day at least once a month, 34% were worried about leaking and 22% had anxiety linked to periods. What difference will the bill make? The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill puts a legal duty on local authorities to ensure anyone who needs period products can obtain them for free. It will be for the country's 32 councils to decide what practical arrangements are put in place, but they must give "anyone who needs them" access to different types of period products "reasonably easily" and with "reasonable dignity". The scheme is operational from 15 August. The Period Products Act says obtaining the free period products should be neither "complex nor bureaucratic". Items should be freely accessible from council or educational institutions, without people having to ask for them. They should not have to justify why they need them or the amount that is needed. There should also be no forms to complete and no other information required for people to access the products, unless it is needed for design or postal delivery. As part of wider work to tackle the stigma around menstruation and period products, the act says responsible bodies should consider the importance of normalisation and visibility. Offering a dignified response does not necessarily require hiding products away. The bill was passed on 24 November 2020 after the Scottish government proposed significant amendments. What has already been done to tackle period poverty? Since 2017, around £27m has been spent to provide access in public settings. The Scottish government made history by becoming the first government in the world to make period products free to students when the scheme began in 2018. In some places, including a number of pubs and restaurants, products are already provided free of charge by the owners. This is a gesture of goodwill rather than a requirement. What happens elsewhere? The UK government has its own period poverty taskforce, with the primary aim of tackling stigma and education around periods. It also wants to improve the accessibility of period products. Free period products were rolled out in all primary and secondary schools in England in January 2020. And a handful of US states have passed laws mandating free period products be provided in schools. Tampon tax The 5% rate of VAT on sanitary products - known as the "tampon tax" - was scrapped in January 2021. EU law required members to tax tampons and sanitary towels at 5% since 2001, treating period products as non-essential. The UK was able to get rid of the tax following Brexit, when it was no longer subject to European Union regulations. Before leaving the EU, the UK government had started putting money raised from VAT on period products into a Tampon Tax Fund, which was used to support organisations and charities. It came about after the Stop Taxing Periods campaign, started by Laura Coryton, attracted over 320,000 supporters and worldwide attention. A number of other countries have lowered or scrapped taxes on period products - including a dozen states in the US and countries including Kenya, Canada, Australia, India, Colombia, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Jamaica, Nigeria, Uganda, Lebanon and Trinidad and Tobago. Source: BBC.com