Governor of Enga Province, Chief Sir Peter Ipatas, has commended the National Government for its vision to re-open the world class Porgera Gold Mine this year under a new project framework. Sir Peter said, “The Marape Government has been bold and decisive in negotiating a new deal for the country and I am proud to say that Enga Province under my administration has firmly supported those efforts”. He made this statement after the Enga Provincial Executive Council (PEC) met over the weekend to formally endorse the new project framework proposed for the mine. The endorsement by the PEC is an important step forward toward reopening the mine this year and Sir Peter has called upon all Porgera landowners to unite and support the Marape Government’s new vision for Enga Province and the country as a whole. Sir Peter said that the Provincial Government is now looking forward to negotiating a new Memorandum of Agreement with the project partners and will work closely with the Marape Government to ensure that its vision for the mine is achieved in order to secure further prosperity for current and future generations of Enga province.

This is Joe Mitakaiva from Gulf province who is one of the many young men taken under the care of the City Mission PNG. 27 years old Joe resides at Vadavada settlement and has been involved in all kinds of criminal activities at an early age. After learning of City Mission PNG and the good work they do to empower youths from some of his friends who came through the programs provided by the organization, Joe decided he needed a change in the way he was living his life and turned to City Mission for help. City Mission PNG is an NGO organization that takes young boys like Joe off the streets and away from criminal activities and drugs. The organization trains and up skills many youths that come from broken families who end up on the street and contribute to the increasing number of crimes that happen in the country. Unfortunately, the organization does not receive direct funding from neither the government nor the department responsible - the Department of Community Development, Youth and Religion. A few business houses and individuals have assisted in cash and kind over the years which has kept this important organization operational. The organization received a kind donation today from the member for Kikori and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Soroi Eoe who presented a cheque of K50, 000 to help City Mission with operational costs. Minister Eoe visited the center last year and realised that most of the boys there were from Kikori and he made a commitment to assist and that commitment was fulfilled today. Eoe said young people have the potential to do greater things and with the right kind of guidance and skills, they can contribute meaningfully to the country. The organization takes care of over 100 underprivileged young men from all over the country and the funding delivered today will be put towards new equipment that the center needs for the different life skills training programs offered.

The Ombudsman Commission of Papua New Guinea has expressed concerns on the recent decisions of Leadership tribunals. In a statement, the OC stated that while it respects the decisions the tribunals have made, it is concerned, especially on the tribunal’s failure to consider important evidences, laws and the application of the criminal test on leadership matters which concerns integrity issues. It stated that it may be possible that the tribunal overlooked some important constitutional provisions or failed to accept the facts on a “Prima Facie” standard of proof or has relied on a non-existing law or laws which have been struck down by the Supreme Court. The Commission would like to make it known that a leadership tribunal is not a criminal court and does not necessarily need to apply the strict rules of evidence where the test should be proof beyond reasonable doubt. Leadership Tribunals are quasi-judicial in nature and the tribunals ought to conduct an enquiry on the conduct of the person referred and not to apply the strict rule of evidence. Leadership Code matters are purely disciplinary matters that are referred based on Prima Facie evidences and the test should be a test based on a standard that is higher than the civil test and less than the criminal standard of proof. This has been the status quo over many years and the commission is concerned that the decisions have now changed the dynamics of the precedence which has been developed over many years. As far as the tribunals are concerned the commission has fulfilled to the best of its ability all requirements under the law to bring all the cases up to the level of the tribunal and it hopes that future tribunals consider the concerns highlighted. It added that regardless of whatever the outcome would be the commission will continue to fulfil its constitutionally mandated duties to ensure good governance and good leadership in Papua New Guinea. The Commission is currently assessing the recent decisions of the tribunals and would decide what cause of action it would take.

Late Central Bougainville MP Sam Akoitai’s body this morning lie-in-state at the National Parliament House as fellow MPs paid their last respect. Acting Parliament Speaker Koni Iguan received the pall-bearers and the casket of late Akoitai into the Grand Hall of the National Parliament before it was viewed by fellow colleague MPs including Prime Minister James Marape along with the Regional Member for Bougainville Peter Tsiamalili Junior. The casket has left Parliament for the funeral service to be held at the Sioni Kami Memorial Church from midday to 2pm. The casket and body of late Akoitai will leave for Buka tomorrow morning where the Acting Speaker of Parliament Koni Iguan will officially hand over the casket to the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government Ishmael Toroama at the House of Representatives. Late Akoitai, 60 years of age died on December 17, 2021 after he collapsed at his home in Wakunai. He was first elected into Parliament in 1997 and held the ministerial portfolio for Bougainville Affairs under then Prime Minister Sir William Skate government and later as Minister for Mining, Environment, Conservation and Correctional Institution Services by then Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare. Photo credits: Parliamentary Media Services

Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) wishes to advise that all squatters on the NSL land Portions 2157, 2156 and 2159, including NSL members, are required to relocate to enable orderly redevelopment. NSL has previously informed its members on the NSL owned 9-mile land Portions that there will be no exceptions made for members or any other organization, group, or body illegally squatting on the land Portions. To ensure the best development outcome, and lot configurations, the site must be vacant. Major civil works will be required across sites to deliver power, water, drainage, and sealed roads. No services, such as power or water, are available on site. Delivering this infrastructure is key to future redevelopment so that all homeowners can have proper services available. NSL hopes that squatters haven’t illegally tapped into services, as this ultimately causes problems for water and power systems within Port Moresby. NSL sympathises with the members that will be affected, however, as the Trustee for over 208,000 hardworking Papua New Guineans we must remain committed to protecting the interests of the Fund’s membership as a whole. Through recent social mapping exercises, NSL has identified 210 members illegally residing on the NSL land Portions. Of the 210 members, our records indicate a small percentage applied for housing advance, and a very small percentage were successful in having a housing advance approved. Securing the titles for the land Portions at 9-mile has been a challenging process, ultimately delaying progress on the site and leading to confusion that resulted in squatters being misled. No housing advances have been approved since the Court Ruling of 2020 which had granted rightful ownership of the land Portions 2156, 2157 and 2159 to NSL. Since the Court Ruling, 24 members have applied and been advised that they were not eligible to receive a housing advance as their proposed site would illegally encroach on NSL land. Member’s that have applied for or believe they have received housing advances from NSL for construction or improvements made on the 9-mile land Portions should register their queries with the 9-mile Project Management Team (PMT) via email to 9mile@nambawansuper.com.pg or in person at the Project office on Portion 2157. NSL ensures that all our products and services offered to members follow the strict regulations established by the Superannuation (General Provisions) Act 2000 and regulated by the Bank of PNG. As such, NSL has systems in place to vet all applications for housing advances and other products to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our members while complying with statutory regulations. NSL’s primary objective is to provide members with superannuation services that aim to deliver real returns and create wealth for members to enjoy in their retirement. NSL is not mandated to provide housing schemes. However, recognizing the need for appropriate housing in PNG we do provide Housing Advances to our eligible members as a subsidiary service. At present, NSL is not selling any land at 9-mile, however, parties interested in purchasing land upon the completion of the redevelopment project should register their interest with the PMT. NSL also advises that it is not accepting deposits to secure land at this time and anyone found accepting deposits should be reported immediately to the PMT 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. The PMT is also continuing to provide valuable information and deliver awareness sessions for the benefit of the squatters. The Project site/office, located at Portion 2157, remains open for all enquiries and can be accessed from Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm, and Sunday from 1pm – 4pm.

The Vitis Group of Companies very recently launched a new foreign currency exchange service in the city of Port Moresby, aimed at enabling ease for businesses or individuals wanting to change currencies. Vitis Group of Companies General Manager Dr. Sergey Mosin, said the foreign currency exchange is a new product offered by its subsidiary, Malina Finance Limited, at the Mosin Plaza at Gerehu. He adds that to be part of market economy, businesses and population should have fast access to foreign currency for travel, trade, for business, or for tourism. This is what led to the company offering this product to its customers. “Exchange rates will be better if there is no monopoly by the banks. Countries with financial freedom are rich and countries with many restrictions and bad banking are not that well off, PNG is one of them,” he said. The foreign currencies offered at Malina Finance are the US dollars, Chinese Yuan, Australian Dollars, New Zealand Dollars, Philippine Peso, the Euro, and the British Pound. Meanwhile, Vitis Group of Companies includes various businesses running under it like Malina Finance, Zoya Travel & Tours, and Fortuna Pharmacy to name a few.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you.  Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10 This is one of his favourite memory verses, and a great motivation that has kept him focused on his goals.  Especially his dream of representing Papua New Guinea in the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup. The 18-year-old has found sports as an avenue to keep him active and disciplined. Having been playing cricket for four years now, Junior says he dreamt of playing in the world cup and when that opportunity came to try out, he gave it his all.  In fact, he says, ‘mi pilai long wanpla niupla ragbi tim tasol mi kam aut and joined cricket because of the world cup.’ [I was a part of a new rugby team, but I had to come out…] Being young and determined to pursue his dreams came from a lot of encouragement from people around. ‘Femili, na frens blo mi, na ol bikpla ol players tu ol givim gutpla toktok lo mi. Ol tok: discipline yourself and you will become a good person.’ [My family, friends and even the senior players gave me great advice. They told me: discipline yourself…] Junior really has come a long way, especially after completing grade 8 and seeking alternatives for a brighter future for himself.  With all the invaluable advice and inspiration around him he was motivated.  ‘Role model blong mi long kriket em Norman Vanua ya bikos long bowling techniques blong em.’ [My role model in cricket is Norman Vanua because of his bowling techniques.] He adds, another person he looks up to is his older brother who represented PNG in va’a. ‘Mi hamamas,’ [I’m excited] he says about his first time leaving the country and his debut in the upcoming World Cup tour.  The young Hanuabada bowler urges his teammates to ‘work hard and sacrifice ourselves to play for our country and families’.  He also thanks them and his coaches for the training and support leading up to the World Cup.

The St John Ambulance Service was out in full force during the new year celebrations with 6 ambulance units on road and more than 28 ambulance officers, paramedics and clinical crews on duty from 6pm to 6am at the Ambulance Headquarters 3mile. A total of 36 cases and incidents were attended to across the city by ambulance personnel and paramedics. Over half of these were trauma cases involving alcohol related incidents of violence including a number of stabbings. 84% of the cases that St John attended on New year's eve were all related to trauma with majority of the incidents happening between 12:30am and 2am in the morning. CEO for St John Matt Cannon said they speculate that alcohol was involved in most cases of violence that occurred. “St John has always been busy with emergency operations in Port Moresby and the New Year." "We are greatly concerned about the availability of cheap high-strength liquor in NCD." "Our ambulance crews are seeing the violent effects of people becoming heavily intoxicated on such cheap, strong liquor." "St John Ambulance supports the call from ACP Anthony Wagambie Jnr, RPNGC and NCDC for a review into the sale of cheap, high-strength liquor in NCD, with an important view that we must protect vulnerable people in our community."

The world's most valuable company is the first to reach the $3tn milestone as investors bet that consumers will continue to shell out for iPhones, MacBooks and other gadgets and services such as Apple TV and Apple Music. Apple has become the world's first company with a $3tn (£2.2tn) stock market value. On the first day of trading in 2022, the Silicon Valley-based tech company's shares briefly hit a record of $182.88 around midday on Monday. The stock later pulled back from that level, closing 2.5% higher at $182.01. The iPhone maker passed $2tn (£1.4tn) in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic that has stoked demand for personal electronics and digital services, and reached over $1tn (£740,000) in 2018. [caption id="attachment_18097" align="aligncenter" width="895"] The surge marks the latest accomplishment for Apple's chief executive Tim Cook[/caption] In comparison Microsoft Corp is now worth about $2.5tn (£1.8tn), while Alphabet, Amazon.com and Tesla have market values above $1tn. 'A fantastic accomplishment' The world's most valuable company is the first to reach the milestone as investors bet that consumers will continue to shell out for iPhones, MacBooks and other gadgets and services such as Apple TV and Apple Music. It also marks the latest accomplishment for Tim Cook, who became chief executive of Apple in 2011 shortly before the death of the company's co-founder Steve Jobs. "It's a fantastic accomplishment and certainly worthy to be celebrated," said Jake Dollarhide, chief executive officer of Longbow Asset Management in Tulsa, Oklahoma. "It just shows you how far Apple has come, and how dominant it is seen as in the majority of investors' eyes." 5G boost Scott Wren, senior global market strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute, said: "The market is rewarding companies that have strong fundamentals and balance sheets, and the companies that are hitting these sort of huge market caps have proven they are strong businesses and not speculation." The rapid embrace of technologies such as 5G, virtual reality and artificial intelligence has also helped these stocks become market darlings as investors move towards cash-rich companies and away from businesses that have been more sensitive to economic growth. Apple's quick adoption of 5G, a technology that has broad implications in the future, has provided a big boost. It recently launched iPhone 13 in its second wave of phones with 5G technology. SOURCE: SKY NEWS

Even Conor McGregor’s training partner has been stunned by the UFC star’s enormous new frame. The Irishman has not been in the Octagon since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July and since then, recovery and rehabilitation has dominated his days. The Sun reports McGregor has gradually been increasing the intensity of his training sessions but much of his early process was strength training, having been limited to what he can do while nursing the broken leg. It meant McGregor piled on the pounds and revealed at one point he weighed as much as 86kg — that’s 15kg heavier than he was when weighing in for his bout against Poirier six months ago. And judging by his recent Instagram post, the former two-weight UFC champion has kept on the muscle mass. His SBG teammate and regular sparring partner Cian Cowley commented: “Steak and eggs the size of you.” And Cowley was not the only one, as a fan posted: “Heavyweight champ next?” Another wrote: “Heavyweight champion?? (Francis) Ngannou stands no chance.” [caption id="attachment_18087" align="aligncenter" width="899"] McGregor is filling out that sweater in his latest Instagram post. Photo: Instagram[/caption] [caption id="attachment_18088" align="aligncenter" width="890"] The Irishman has bulked up big-time. Photo: Instagram.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_18089" align="aligncenter" width="877"] He’s more than happy to flex.[/caption] The focus on McGregor’s body transformation continues after Poirier and former UFC star Chael Sonnen made mention of his physique last month. Poirier suggested McGregor looked a “little puffy” while Sonnen voiced his concern. “That picture of him at 190 (pounds) … he looked like he was extremely bloated,” Sonnen said on his podcast. “And when somebody weighs 190 – that’s used to weighing 155, 175; what you have to wonder is how. How did you get this big? Why? The answer to me seems redundantly obvious. “You’re not training. You cannot train the way you need to prepare in MMA, which we’re well aware. We are well aware that Conor is not. He’s got the hurt leg and he’s not doing what he is used to. He’s not jumping rope. He’s not running. He’s not pulling the sled. He’s not sparring. We get it. He’s having to do other exercises. “If you’re not doing our sport, who gives a damn what you weigh? If your calorie deficit to intake got so far out of control, that you’re bigger than you’ve ever been, that’s not a good thing.” [caption id="attachment_18090" align="aligncenter" width="874"] McGregor tipped the scales at 70kg in July - 15kg lighter than he was last month. Photo: Stacy Revere/Getty Images/AFP[/caption] [caption id="attachment_18091" align="aligncenter" width="863"] He was much more trim in January too. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)[/caption] “That picture of him at 190 (pounds) … he looked like he was extremely bloated,” Sonnen said on his podcast. “And when somebody weighs 190 – that’s used to weighing 155, 175; what you have to wonder is how. How did you get this big? Why? The answer to me seems redundantly obvious. “You’re not training. You cannot train the way you need to prepare in MMA, which we’re well aware. We are well aware that Conor is not. He’s got the hurt leg and he’s not doing what he is used to. He’s not jumping rope. He’s not running. He’s not pulling the sled. He’s not sparring. We get it. He’s having to do other exercises. “If you’re not doing our sport, who gives a damn what you weigh? If your calorie deficit to intake got so far out of control, that you’re bigger than you’ve ever been, that’s not a good thing.” Poirier — who was beaten by McGregor in 2014 but won their 2021 rematch by knockout — later went on to challenge for the lightweight belt. But he was beaten by champion Charles Oliveira, 32, who went on to call out The Notorious. Sonnen predicted McGregor could leapfrog No. 1 contender Justin Gaethje, 33, to a lightweight title shot. “There’s a story going around that Conor McGregor is going to return right into a title fight with Charles Oliveira,” Sonnen said on his YouTube channel. “To support that story is a guy who has a say in this called Charles Oliveira. Charles said, ‘Justin Gaethje, you’ve done everything right and it’s no disrespect but step aside, I’m getting my (fight with McGregor)’. “OK, well, we have to listen to the champion of the world. We don’t wanna disrespect Justin Gaethje but put that on hold. “Oliveira gets to do what’s best for him and he’s made it very clear that he will push the number one contender aside, whoever the hell it is. Happens to be Justin Gaethje. “But whoever it is, he will push them aside if it means (he can fight) against Conor McGregor.” SOURCE: FOX SPORTS

Former President Trump’s eldest son and daughter have refused to comply with subpoenas issued by the New York State attorney general’s office as it conducts a civil investigation into the way the family real estate business valued its holdings. “A dispute has arisen between the OAG and the Individual Trump Parties regarding the Subpoenas,” a document filed Monday said. The document, filed jointly by New York Attorney General Letitia James and an attorney for the Trump Organization, said Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump will now be named as respondents in James’ ongoing inquiry, which parallels a criminal investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. “As her investigation into financial dealing of the Trump Organization continues, Attorney General James is seeking interviews under oath of Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Ivanka Trump," a spokesperson for the AG's office said. "Despite numerous attempts to delay our investigation by the Trump Organization, we are confident that our questions will be answered and the truth will be uncovered because no one is above the law.” Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump sought to quash the subpoenas Monday evening in a motion. Alan Futerfas, an attorney representing both Trump children, questioned James' motives: her office is also involved in the criminal investigation of the Trump Organization. “The goal of the subpoenas is all too clear: Attorney General James seeks to circumvent the entire grand jury process and nullify Moving Parties’ most fundamental constitutional and statutory rights by requesting that they provide non-immunized testimony to the OAG – when the OAG/DANY is jointly conducting a grand jury investigation,” Futerfas wrote in a motion to quash the subpoenas, which he said violate the rules of criminal procedure. The former president and his company have denied wrongdoing and have attacked the investigation as political. The ongoing criminal investigation has so far resulted in indictments against the Trump Organization and its longtime chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg on tax charges. Prosecutors said the company had been paying Weisselberg’s rent, living expenses, private school tuition and car lease without proper reporting on tax returns. Both pleaded not guilty. SOURCE: ABC NEWS

The first batch of police reservists undergoing police training at Hope Institute in Tari, Hela Province will pass out on the 12th of this month after undergoing two months of intense training. Hela Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Teddy Agwi said the 90 personnel includes 86 male and four female personnel who will assist regular police going forward into the National General Elections period. The Hela Provincial Police Reservist Program follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Hela Provincial Government and Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) to train grade 12 school leavers in the province with the aim to increase police personnel in each of the three district. Chief Inspector Agwi said the 90 are from Tari Pori Dsitrict alone and they are currently waiting on the other two District CEOs to submit names of their applicants for training. He further said the training conducted is the same training that is carried out at Bomana Police Training College but these 90 will go back to training once funding is made available.