Paula DAVID

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) teamed up with the Port Moresby General Hospital and the Angau Hospital to host a successful blood drive at two office locations in honour of World Blood Donors Day recently on the 14 June, 2024. The Port Moresby General Hospital Health Team said, “Only 1 in 30 people give blood, but 1 in 3 people will need blood in their lifetime.” Valdo Pongiura, CCEP’s Talent Management Executive said, “donating blood is about making a direct and positive difference in people’s lives and CCEP is pleased to support this cause.” Representatives from the blood bank units from both hospitals, Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion and Angau Blood Bank, appreciated CCEP's support, noting the donations will go a long way in saving lives. Aside from giving blood, our staff received valuable information on the health benefits of donation. “Some benefits of donating blood include, mini examination, balanced iron levels, calorie burning, reduced cancer risk, enhanced cardiovascular health, and improved blood flow for repeat donors”. CCEP is dedicated to supporting initiatives that improve employee health and wellbeing and community health.

Vodafone PNG is excited to announce its silver sponsorship of the renowned National Mask & Warwagira Festival, taking place from the 10th - 13th July at Queen’s Park in Rabaul, East New Britain Province. This year’s festival promises to be a spectacular event, showcasing traditional performances, rituals and crafts from in and around the East New Britain province. “Vodafone is delighted to support this festival and contribute to the celebration of our diverse cultural heritage." This is from Vodafone’s PR Manager Charmaine to Robert. “We believe in the power of connectivity to bring people together and this festival is a wonderful opportunity to support and engage with our community.” Festival goers can expect all this and more from the Vodafone Stall - FREE Sim Registration – With every new Vodafone SIM registered, customers can enjoy 200 mins talk-time. SUPA AFFORDABLE Phones – Exclusive to the Mask Festival, there will be touch screen phones going from as low as K129! FREE Show Bags – Visit the Vodafone Stall and see how you can score yourself a free show bag with Vodafone branded goodies inside. FREE Face Painting – Get sighted in the crowd with the Vodafone logo painted on your face and you could win some exciting prizes. Keep an eye on Vodafone’s social media pages for more information and make sure to visit the Vodafone Stall at the National Mask & Warwagira Festival to take advantage of the specials!

Thousands of city residents including NCD Governor, Powes Parkop participated in the 2024 Trukai Fun Run to support Team PNG’s Olympic Dream in Port Moresby on Sunday 7th July, morning. Amongst the participants was Governor Parkop’s special guest from Vanuatu, Lord Mayor of the City of Port Vila, Steve Kiel and four of his councillors. They have been in the city for a week to learn and appreciate what is being done to transform Port Moresby as a livable city. The delegates who return this week were happy to join the governor to support this worthy cause. The annual Trukai Fun Run was successfully hosted at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium along Champion Parade. Newly appointed president of PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) Emma Waiwai, French Ambassador, Guillaume Lemoine; executive management of Trukai Industries Limited and representatives of major sponsors including the National Capital District Commission Director for Community and Social Services Janet Haua also joined the Governor in the fun run. Governor Parkop thanked the corporate sponsors and everyone for turning up in big numbers to support the fun run as well as to walk for their health, fitness and wellness. “On behalf of all of us, I want to thank Trukai Industries for always being here for PNG Olympic Committee, for our sports men and women, going to different competition, regionally and internationally,” said the Governor. He presented a cheque of K13, 000 to Mrs Waiwai on behalf of NCDC as its extra contribution apart from the payment of fun run t-shirts to support our athletes to the Paris Olympics. Governor Parkop also used the opportunity to appeal to everyone to take personal responsibility for their own health, fitness and wellness, reminding them that 62 percent of all deaths in the country now is caused by non-communicable diseases (NCD) or lifestyle diseases. “It’s a major killer now.” “We have to therefore balance between preventive health care and curative health care,” he stressed. The Governor also congratulated and welcomed the appointment of Mrs Waiwai for her appointment as the President of the PNG Olympic Committee noting that it was first time for a woman to be appointed to this prestigious position. He also thanked outgoing president, Sir John Dawanincura for his long and distinguished service to sports in the country. Mrs Waiwai said this year’s fun run, supported by generous participants in purchasing t-shirts in solidarity with team PNG marked another significant step towards achieving their goal. She announced that funds raised from this year’s Trukai Fun Run will be crucial in supporting our athletes’ preparation to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Chief Executive Officer, Mr Stanley Hondina recently announced the vacancy in the PNG LNG Kumuls Head Coach position. Hondina confirmed that he was notified by Justin Holbrook of his unavailability to be head coach of the PNG LNG Kumuls for the end of this year’s internationals. The announcement comes after Holbrook, who steered the PNG LNG Kumuls to its 2023 Pacific Bowl victory and who is currently an Assistant Coach at the Sydney Roosters, gave notice that he would be moving on from PNG’s national men’s team in 2024. “It is with mixed emotions that I have stepped down as Head Coach of the Kumuls. I thoroughly enjoyed coaching the team and winning the Pacific Bowl Championships last year in PNG. To witness the passion for rugby league from all the players, staff and everyone in their country was unbelievable,” Holbrook said. “I have taken up a role as the Australian Assistant Coach for the Pacific Championships under Mal Meninga for this year's series against New Zealand and Tonga. Both series run at the same time so unfortunately, I cannot continue as Kumuls Coach.” Holbrook added, “I want to thank the PNGRFL for the opportunity to be Head Coach. It was an experience I loved. The PNG people were so welcoming of me to their country. The love that they have for their team, and opposition teams, shows how much Rugby League means to the people of PNG.” Mr. Hondina said, “We respect Coach Justin’s decision and are grateful for the time that he has served our national side in 2023, which saw the first invitational and international test series, to be held on our home ground since COVID 19. We wish him well in his future endeavours and as he takes up this new role with the Australian Kangaroos.” “The PNGRFL will be releasing a formal advertisement for the vacancy of the PNG LNG Head Coach role in the coming days.” Meanwhile, dates for the 2024 Prime Minister’s XIII and the Pacific Championships are yet to be released and announced.

The Opposition is calling on the Government to distribute funds equally to all members of the National Parliament. Abau MP, Sir Puka Temu said, in the recent distribution of infrastructure funds at a sum of K5 million, only 4 members on the Opposition were given the privilege of that allocation. He said, “The rest of us who represent 30% of the population close to 3million people have been denied.” He urged the Government to not weaponize the “Budget” to disadvantage those in the Opposition. Sir Temu stressed his worries on the matter that these issues are not resolved. “Because while you are penalizing those who disagree with you, you have to remember that you are penalizing the constituents that we represent." "And that’s the issue." "The people continue to suffer when you hold back budgeted funds.” Sir Temu said, this is basically breaking the law and he is calling on the Prime Minister to be fair. “The 3million people that we represent are also your people.” He stated, going into the future they will find a solution for this once they defeat the VoNC that’s coming and form the new Government. “We will make sure that the funds that are allocated to the budget are protected for every constituent which is the people.” And as a senior Member of Parliament, Sir Temu is looking at moving the service improvement funds whether it’s LLG, provincial or district to constitutional grant guaranteed so that no prime minister of the day has the power to manage the politics of it.

The lack of TB medications in various health centers, which continues to see a lot of TB patients not being fully treated, indicates a very serious issue faced in the country in terms of procuring these lifesaving medical drugs. Ms. Karen Yaman, the Morobe Provincial TB Leprosy Coordinator said that due to this situation their TB patients are currently receiving antibiotic treatment, which is a supplementary medicine for patients to take to suppress the infection while waiting for the TB drugs. At present, they only have the Pediatrics ‘Initial Phase’ and not the ‘Continuation Phase’ of the treatment. “We only have the initial phase and not the continuation phase of the treatment and if patients don’t get their treatments, they develop complications. The chances of developing drug resistance TB are also high.” Ms. Yaman said operating at the provincial level they have more than 60 patients registered and always tend to turn-away patients upon diagnosis due to no TB drugs. She added that they were instructed to raising a kit-box for a patient (which is a slandered practice) but due to the recurrent shortage of TB drugs, they are advising health officers to give out antibiotics while waiting for TB drugs to arrive. She further stated that the issue of no TB drugs and all other medical drugs across the board needs to be seriously investigated and addressed. “The national government needs to look into these issues and help us with adequate money to purchase TB drugs as well as other medical supplies to the health facilities. This is an ongoing issue.”

Prime Minister James Marape has commended the leaders of Bougainville for the completion and operation of the Arawa School of Nursing, an important milestone in the development of the health sector in Bougainville and its district of Central Bougainville. The Arawa School of Nursing is one of the two core priorities for the National and Bougainville Governments as they work at developing more functionality for Bougainville in line with its special autonomous needs. The prime minister said it was a “pleasant joy” to arrive in Arawa and see for himself the college up and running, and fully functional. For the other core health priority of a Level-5 hospital for Bougainville, to be built in Arawa, Prime Minister Marape committed the National Government to fully supporting the government of Bougainville get the project off the ground. He said he was pleased to note that the K70 million earmarked for the project is still available for the construction of the new hospital and encouraged the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) to move the project into its implementation phase. “I want to advise for the procurement to run. We will continue to give support in the 2024 budget, the 2025 budget and in 2026. “Hopefully before we go to the next elections, the hospital is delivered. I look forward to ticking off this major project,” Prime Minister Marape said. Marape also acknowledged the contributions of the former Arawa hospital and the Arawa Technical School, describing them as “light bearers” for Bougainville before the crisis, and pledged to work with Bougainville leaders to get Arawa to regain its lost status. The prime minister made these remarks on Friday when he visited the Arawa Hospital and the newly constructed Arawa School of Nursing before launching the Central Bougainville Five Year District Development Plan.

The Mike Manning Youth Democracy Camp 2024 saw a total of 29 students selected from various secondary schools from all regions who underwent intensive training on democracy. Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) Deputy Director Mr. Yuambari HAIHUIE, told PNG HAUSBUNG that the program is organized by TIPNG and runs for 2 weeks. He said, the students engaged in activities such as drafting their own constitution, creating their own political parties and bills and learnt more about the legislature. “So it’s a really fantastic educational opportunity and we also invite guest speakers to come and speak about the different aspects of democracy.” He also stated that, many of the students have realized the machinery of how decision making happens in the country and what the different pieces that does this to legislature. Meanwhile, straight after his supreme court session on Friday 28th June, Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa was humbled to grace the presence of the young Papua New Guinean leaders and gave some insight on how the Government works and how his side of the house operates. Tomuriesa explained to the young leaders the roles and responsibilities of the opposition in any democratic government system and Parliament. He told them that the opposition's primary role is to keep the government in check and ensure that all decisions made or policies implemented must be in the best interest of the wider population and not only a few people. He also urged the young aspiring student leaders that to become good democratic leaders of this country, one must teach themselves to respect the rules and laws of this country first. The session ended with a Question and Answer session in which the Opposition Leader took time to answer their questions and queries before their tour of the Parliament House and precinct.

When it comes to life in the rugby league spotlight, Jarome Luai and Latrell Mitchell have had their fair share of media attention and controversy, but it’s their similarities that are also driving their connection ahead of Game Two. The Blues duo often dubbed ‘polarising figures’, Luai and Mitchell have not only found a connection off the field but have rekindled the edge combination that helped steer the Blues to a series victory in 2021. “I guess what I've been through and what he's been through, I can relate to him off the field,” Luai told media on Monday. “I know people use the word ‘polarising’ and I think we're definitely in the spotlight of the media a lot and how we sort of hold ourselves, and I think that's why we get along so well.” “He's a big family dude just like me and at the end of the day, we just want to do what's best for our families.” “We've got the same management as well, so we see each other a lot, we do a lot for the community together as well. He's a good energy man and that’s what I love about him.” “I think our relationship will help that on Wednesday and you can't really hear each other, but you when you see each other you know it’s on.” It’s been three years since the pair lined up alongside each other in Game Two of the 2021 series, with Mitchell ruled out with injury in 2022 and '23. After shutting out the Maroons 26-0 in Brisbane to secure a series win in 2021, Luai knows what the South Sydney superstar is capable of in the Origin arena and the influence he can have on the Blues’ performance. “I think automatically if he's out there, you have to think about him and what he can do as an individual,” Luai said. “There’s only a few players as gifted as that and if he turns up ready to rock, we go.” “I'm next to him so I think that's a big responsibility of mine, is to unlock Latrell and what he can do.” “And I've done that before so it gives me confidence in knowing that I can do that for him and for our team.” “Whatever the defence is throwing at us, I’ve got a guy like Angus Crichton outside me as well and he's been playing crazy out there out there with the Roosters.” “So, I've got some weapons that I need to unlock, and I've got my own running game, so I’ll definitely have some options there.” When it comes to players generating headlines, Maroons fullback Reece Walsh has been a hot topic of conversation since being ruled out of Game One following a high shot from Joseph Sua'ali'i. Luai said despite the ongoing build-up surrounding the fullback’s return in Game Two, the target on the No.1 gun hasn’t changed ahead of Wednesday. “I know it's been spoken about a lot, the fact that they think we have a target on his head,” Luai said. “But being the type of player he is with what he can do on the field, we're going to have a target on him already.” “So, you can't go on half-arsed, you can't go out at 50 per cent, we've got to do what we've always planned to do which is just restricting with what he can do.” Source: NRL.com

The Yaralum Primary School, located in Wabag district in Enga province went up in flames this morning. Enga Provincial Education Director Mr. Was Rowatina told PNG HAUSBUNG in an interview today that this incident is linked with a previous incident in Wabag and the 2022 National Election political violence. He said, he will give a full status report of the incident once he gets a full report tomorrow, 25th June on what transpired. Mr. Rowatina described the burning down of the classroom as a ‘terrorist attack’. “Awareness is carried out and we are always telling them that we got the law-and-order operations team here, but these are terrorist actions.” “These fights are tribal fights and a spill-over off the elections in 2022.” He further stated that, once school resumes next week (1st July 2024), students will be relocated to other neighbouring primary schools like Wabag primary and 3 other schools to continue their academic calendar and learning.

The NCD Schools Rugby League competition’s second week of elimination round kicked off this morning at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby. Moresby North East Coordinator Mr. Michael Anaya said, so far, a total of 9 schools remain in these elimination round and the finals to be held next weekend. The divisions for the boys are the U15, U17 & U19 boys team while the girls are U16 & U18. According to Mr. Anaya, the games played today (Saturday 22nd) are Fridays games which were pushed too today due to the field been occupied. Which means, the elimination round will see the last games played on Monday 24th June before they head into the finals over the weekend. Mr. Anaya said, this year saw around 20 schools in the North East area registered in this year’s NCD School’s Rugby League Competition. “That’s roughly around 50 plus kids playing from various registered schools.” He added that through this school’s rugby competition, they have seen positive changes in the students and want to continue to push talented young players into the Vipers Academy pathway program for international selections especially with the Hull Kingston Rovers in the UK. “From this level, we are preparing our students for the POM Vipers Academy which is a pathway program for the students taking part in these competition.” He added that, with the linked partnership with the UK Super League Club, 2 students who took part in the NCDSRL completion since 2021 and have been with the POM Vipers Academy have been selected in their scholarship program to study and play in the UK. “Two were selected and they’ll be playing for Hullkens and they are already in." "One is from Kilakila Secondary School and the other student is from La Salle Technical Secondary School." "This is a very good pathway for all our participating students.” Meanwhile, the first elimination round for the under 15s saw St Therese defeat Ted Diro 6-0.

The Autonomous Region of Bougainville Catholic Education Secretary, Mrs. Joyceanne Pinoko believes leadership starts at home. For her, raising good families helps to build a good community and, in turn, a robust nation. As the Secretary for the Bougainville Catholic Education Agency, it is a belief that she holds onto at home and in her work. “To be a leader one must demonstrate that they can take care of family, and this rolls out to the community and workplace,” Joyceanne said. One of 6 children of subsistence farmers, Joyceanne comes from Porubi village in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. She credits her father with teaching her early on the importance of effective leadership. His ability to manage their farm with limited resources left a mark on her, shaping her belief that leadership is about caring for family, community, and the workplace. Joyceanne went on to have 6 children of her own, and when her husband passed away in 2011, the leadership qualities exhibited by her father came to the fore. “I was devasted, my emotions deeply impacted my mental state, I thought this was it for me and my kids, our dreams of seeing our children through to tertiary institutions was not going to happen,” she said. “I used to be too dependent on my husband but, after his death, I had no choice but to take up the responsibility of a father and a mother, I was able to pull through with the support of my family and colleagues,” Joyceanne said. She was determined to see her children complete their education. Her commitment to her late husband’s legacy bore fruit when her 2 eldest children completed college and obtained employment. It was the proudest moment of her life. At the time, Joyceanne was a teacher, a profession she had pursued since primary school, but she realized if she was going to give her children the best education opportunities she could, she needed to do more as a single parent. She strived in her teaching and other additional leadership responsibilities given to her by the school board and head teachers. A passionate educator, she was not afraid to challenge decisions made by head teachers and school board members when she felt the decisions were not beneficial to students and teachers. “I believe education is the way forward for our children." "We need educated people to work and develop our communities and the country. I believe in education for all, so I continue to be very vocal about education." When Joyceanne’s eldest children completed college and found employment, she was inspired to continue her own studies and enrolled in a Master of Educational Leadership at Divine Word University. In 2022, after 34 years of teaching, Joyceanne embarked on a new chapter as Catholic Education Secretary, entrusted with overseeing educational programs and teacher appointments across Catholic agency schools. Her leadership extends beyond administrative duties; she champions education as a catalyst for societal change, working tirelessly to ensure equitable access to quality education for all children in Bougainville. “After teaching for 34 years, there are some changes I hope to see and now, in my current role, I will work hard to deliver the best education to our children,” she said. Joyceanne has faced some challenges to her leadership roles over the years, including opposition to her appointments from male counterparts. “Men always ask what women can do in demanding positions? I have learnt that it is not about me, it is about what we can do together to bring the necessary education services into our communities,” she said. “I would like to encourage women in all walks of life not to give up on what you want to achieve. With a humble spirit, honesty, and commitment you will be successful in life." Joyceanne exemplifies the resilience and determination necessary to overcome challenges and has made a meaningful impact on her community. As she continues her mission to provide quality education for all, she remains steadfast in her belief that education is the cornerstone of a brighter future for Bougainville. With her leadership and dedication, she is paving the way for generations to come.