Paula DAVID

After a long 10 years wait, the Lae Area Medical Store (AMS) in the Morobe province finally received assistance with a total of 14 solar lights from the United Nations Population Fund to improve the security of the medical supplies warehouse. The Lae AMS team managed to successfully set up the lights at the warehouse with two flat lights around the yard and the two security lights on the roof of the warehouse. The remaining lights will be set up inside the warehouse storage space. According to the Acting Assistant Manager Mr. Lukey Pokapon, “It has been close to 10 years since we had proper lights in and around the warehouse and it has been a security risk for the team and the medicine suppliers stored here.” The Area Medical Store in Lae, Morobe Province is responsible for medicine supply and distribution for almost 200 Health facilities in Morobe Province and four other catchment provinces: Eastern Highlands, Madang, Manus, and the Northern Province. “We have had incidents of several break-ins into the property,” shared Mr Pokapon. “With no lighting in the area, common thieves have stolen supplies and have left unseen.” “This is not good, especially when we have essential medical supplies for five provinces stored here.” The AMS works closely with the UNPFA, through its Reproductive Health Commodities Supply Chain team, for procuring these commodities and storing them at the warehouse. “We receive support from UNFPA and they are our good partners.” “So I told them of the situation of the no lights in the AMS last year,” Mr. Pokapon added. “Through their positive response, we now have four street solar lights.” “The two we have mounted on the roof provide light from the AMS onto the streets around AMS ensuring that there is no room for any theft, helping the guards that monitor the area.” Mr. Pokapon expressed his gratitude towards UNFPA for recognizing the need and responding. Although it may seem small in gesture, it has a lasting effect. The remaining 10 lights will be set up before the year ends. “To install these 10 solar lights inside the warehouse, we need a qualified electrician to do that, and we have engaged one already,” said Mr Pokapon. “We should have a fully lit-up warehouse before the year ends, but for now, we are more than happy that our yard is fully lit up!” UNFPA’s work with the Lae AMS is part of the organization’s work in strengthening reproductive health commodity supply chains, ensuring that medicines and devices are available when and where they are needed in health facilities around the country. In addition to procuring reproductive health commodities, UNFPA works in partnership with the National Department of Health to provide inventory management training for health facility staff responsible for managing stock levels of essential medicines to improve logistics between the Area Medical Store and health facilities.

Nasfund Contributors Savings and Loans Society (ncsl) wishes to inform all its members that the Poro Card system is back online and working better than ever! Chief Operating Officer of NCSL Presley Semi said, "We are delighted to announce the successful relaunch of our Poro Card system, which reflects our unwavering commitment to providing our valued members with modern and efficient banking solutions. Furthermore, Acting Chief Executive Officer Keith Raimo said “We would like to thank our members for their patience, and we look forward to their continued support.” If members experience any issues with Poro Card access or have queries regarding pin resets, please visit your nearest branch or contact customer care team on 2072000 or 313 2000 or email callcentre@ncsl.com.pg. Our members can also visit our website www.ncsl.com.pg/poro and download any necessary forms.

As teams across the Pacific prepare for the ultimate U17 Basketball Championships, the official logo for the FIBA Oceania U17 Championships 2023 has been revealed with less than 50 days until the event tips off in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. “The logo references the national emblem of Papua New Guinea, the bird of paradise, complimented by our traditional national colors, red, black and gold.” That’s according to the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea. “The traditional Motuan tattoo design, namely the Revareva, is used across Oceania by various tribes linking Pacific cultures everywhere.” “There is a pulse in the Revareva design that also highlights the intrinsic link shared by the Oceania people.” BFPNG have also included a pink thread on the basketball to recognize and promote awareness for breast cancer which is a core national educational priority in Papua New Guinea (PNG) during the month of October, coinciding with the championships, PinkTober. “We are excited to have this event taking place in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea,” said FIBA Executive Director – Oceania, Amanda Jenkins. “Launching this culturally significant logo is a key milestone as we approach event tip-off on October 2.” The FIBA Oceania U17 Championships serve as the first step in the qualification process to the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup. The top two finishers will qualify for the FIBA Asian U18 Championship 2024.

Lana Del Rey is hitting the road. Live Nation announced on Monday that the singer is heading out on a limited tour this fall. It all kicks off on Thursday, September 14 in Franklin, Tennessee and will make stops across ten cities in the US, including Austin, Texas, Tampa, Florida, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before wrapping up at Charleston Coliseum in in Charleston, West Virginia, on Thursday, October 5. Her ninth studio album, “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd,” was released in March. Over the past few months Del Rey has been performing in the festival circuit including at Glastonbury and Lollapalooza. She also stirred a buzz while serving coffee at a Waffle House in Alabama in July. Source: CNN News

After winning eight straight to book an unlikely finals berth in 2022, the Roosters are confident they can once again defy the odds and find themselves among the September action. The Tricolours' season looked all but over after a loss to the Broncos saw them slump to 14th after Round 22 but three consecutive wins have them sitting two wins away from a place in the eight. While everyone else is already eyeing the possibility of a do-or-die clash with their arch-rival Rabbitohs in Round 27, Trent Robinson’s men have pledged to stick to the process and focus on making it four straight against Wests Tigers on Sunday. “Being in a similar situation last year sort of helps and I know it's a cliche but we're just going with that mentality of just one game at a time,” Roosters forward Nat Butcher told the media on Saturday. “When you focus all your energy and effort into that week and then you play as hard as you can, you get the result and then you just go again for the next week. “That pressure has also freed us up a little bit. I feel like we're not as tight at training and then producing that on the field in the game. “We're just playing our footy, playing our strengths and letting the result take care of itself. "You obviously don't choose to be in a situation like we are, but it is what it is and we’ve just got to come up with the wins." After he helped Roosters string together eight straight wins to claw their way back to last year's finals, Robinson is also expected to welcome back 21-year-old halfback Sam Walker (ACL sprain) for his first game since Round 7. In pleasing signs for the Roosters, Walker got through his second 80 minutes performance in NSW Cup last weekend, however a battle for the No. 7 jersey looms with Drew Hutchison steering the side to three-straight wins alongside Luke Keary in the halves. “He’s looking good at training. He's tough to come up against, he's obviously on that right edge with the reserves and then I've been on the left,” Butcher said. “He does throw a lot of questions at you at training and he's looking good, back to the full Sam Walker. “He just brings that X-factor and carefree footy. He throws those long balls, puts in the grubbers, does a lot of things that you don't expect and have to react to and that's probably been his best attribute coming into the NRL and why I love playing with him. “But in saying that I think Drew (Hutchison) has done such a great job, he's in career best form at the moment. “I love seeing him not only step up and do a job but really execute his role and he’s been one of our best players on the field for the past couple of weeks.” Meanwhile, after the Roosters suffered a big blow in Friday's win over the Eels with James Tedesco now undergoing concussion protocols, Butcher has full confidence in Golden Boot winner Joey Manu to step seamlessly into the No. 1 role. “You never want to see that...especially Teddy being our captain so that was sad to see, but hopefully he just gets that rest that he needs and can come back whenever it is and play with us again,” he said. “When you’ve got Joey Manu, you know he’s 1B, Teddy being 1A. "He's such a great player what he does for New Zealand and then when we do get him for a couple of weeks throughout that Origin period there at fullback, he really executes his role there.” Source: NRL. Com

The Raiders have moved four points clear of the chasing pack in the battle for the remaining top-eight spots, following a 36-24 win over a stubborn Bulldogs outfit on Sunday. After an opening 66 minutes in which the gap between the two sides was never more than six points, Jordan Rapana struck the telling blow with a four-pointer that sent a wave of relief across GIO Stadium in Canberra, before Josh Papali'i put the icing on the cake with a try under the posts. The try capped off a brilliant game from Rapana, who set up another three tries and broke the line three times from fullback. Remarkably the 12-point gap was the Raiders' biggest winning margin in 2023 and with just two regular season rounds remaining and four points up for grabs, it puts the Green Machine within touching distance of the post season. In what was one of their better performances of the year, the Bulldogs simply refused to go away for the first hour, with star recruit Viliame Kikau coming up with several big plays and Jake Averillo putting in a strong showing from the back. Canberra centres Matthew Timoko and Jarrod Croker both got over for first-half tries, but on each occasion the visitors scored next, with rookie wing Blake Wilson crossing out on the left before Jacob Kiraz juggled the ball and regathered just in time to ground it five from the break. With both goalkickers on song it was 12-all at the half. Timoko grabbed his second nine minutes after the return of play, but it was quickly cancelled out by Toby Sexton who fended through Hudson Young to get over from close range. As both sides traded blows in the second half, the Raiders appeared to be slowly gaining an advantage and began to enjoy more time on the ball. Nick Cotric battled over to give his side the lead again on the hour mark and from there they never looked back, with Rapana's try following and Papali'i sealing the deal. Liam Knight scored a consolation try inside the final two minutes, but it was too late to threaten the outcome.  Source: NRL.Com

The SP PNG Hunters 2023 campaign has come to an end at the hands of Norths Devils on Saturday, 19th August, falling short 30-40 in Round 22 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. Although they finished on the wrong side of the scoreboard, the Hunters made the most of their last showing this season to give fans plenty of hope for what is to come. It’s been a year of learning for Head Coach Stanley Tepend’s men, who have developed out of sight to just miss out on a finals berth this season. With one of the youngest and least experienced squads in the entirety of the Hostplus Cup competition, the Hunters have embraced the underdog tags all season and produced some memorable performances. A farewell game for Devils skipper Jack Ahearn made things too difficult for the Hunters in their last game of the year, but not without threatening to spoil the party at the Devil’s home ground. A trademark try to Hunters prop Junior Rop kicked off an entertaining contest at Bishop Park. As he’s done all year, Judah Rimbu’s craft from behind the ruck bamboozled Norths goal-line defence and gave Rop an opportunity to crash his way over the line. Burrowing low and using his strength to drive into the in-goal, Rop gave the Hunters first points in their last game of the season. Try scoring sensation Solo Wane almost added to Norths troubles when the Hunters backline combined smoothly down the right edge. Rodrick Tai’s quick hands sent Wane down the touchline, but a desperate tackle from the man of the hour – Jack Ahearn – managed to hold Wane up over the line. The game quickly settled into a grind from there as the try scoring opportunities dried up and the Hunters and Devils traded blows in yardage. A try to Gagan just before halftime gave Norths a 20-14 lead at the break which lasted less than five minutes into the second half. A trademark Komati show-and-go, split the Devils defence on their try line to score first points after the break before Rimbu crashed over himself just three minutes later. Both tries came on the back of some Devils’ ill-discipline and the Hunters impressed to take the opportunities presented to themselves in attack. It’s a good example of the Hunters development this season. Rimbu – once a utility and now a specialist hooker – and Komati – playing in just his first year at Hostplus Cup level – have consistently turned half-chances into points in 2023 and the Hunters improved ladder position is testament of this. With 20 minutes to go and everything to play for, it was the home side who finished strongest. It’s hardly a disappointing end to the Hunters 2023 campaign, though. A desperate and emotional Norths Devils side were too good on the day, but the Hunters were never out of it. It’s a good example of the improvements made by Stanley Tepend this season to put the Hunters in a position to win almost any game in their 2023 campaign. With key players like Rimbu, Mavoko, Morea, Tai and Whallan Tau-Loi now all a full season older and wiser, the Hunters will begin the 2024 season with a host of confidence and experience – something they’ve lacked in previous years.

A pioneering carbon market regulatory framework recently developed to guide the carbon market in the country received resounding validation from national stakeholders in Port Moresby recently. This landmark step signifies an epic stride towards climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability through a robust and accountable market mechanism. Led by Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), the Climate Change (Carbon Markets) Regulation 2023 was developed through rigorous consultation involving environmental bodies, regulatory agencies, industry leaders, NGOs and Community Based Organizations. CCDA’s Acting Managing Director William Lakain said that the carbon markets exist to incentivize emission reductions and help mobilize resources and reduce costs to give countries and companies the space towards a low-carbon transition. Mr. Lakain said that the challenges confronting the country in the absence of a regulatory framework prompted the need for the government to regulate this sector. “Recently, we have experienced an influx of interest in the country from developers targeting the Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCM) in the absence of a regulatory framework, posing significant risks of governance, transparency and standards.” “Given that challenge, the Government of PNG through the CCDA was tasked to ensure administrative processes are established to provide for regulatory guidance and oversight for project developers pursuing the Voluntary Carbon Markets,” said Mr. Lakain. Many stakeholders in the country expressed their contentment on the final draft of the Climate Change (Carbon Markets) Regulation 2023, but also provided additional inputs on the contents of the regulation. Next step is for the regulation to go before the National Executive Council (NEC) for endorsement. CCDA’s Acting General Manager for MRV and National Communication, Ms. Debra Sungi who officially closed the validation program, sincerely thanked all the key stakeholders who have contributed to the development of the regulation.

The BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) has added its financial support to become a gold sponsor for the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP) PNG Learning Centre, who will lead the ANCOP global walk on Sunday 15th October. The Cry of the Poor (ANCOP) PNG Learning Centre - located at Gerehu Stage 7 in Port Moresby - runs learning and nourishment programs for under privileged children below the age of 8 years, with no formal early education. “Through our pre-school program, we aim to provide children with a strong foundation upon which to build their future academic and personal success,” Cecille Chuacuco, ANCOP POM Fundraising Chairperson said. “Our program includes a comprehensive curriculum, tailored to the needs of young children, that focuses on developing key skills such as literacy, numeracy, and socialization. In addition, we also provide daily nutritious meals to our students, ensuring that they are receiving the sustenance necessary to support their physical and cognitive growth. “This will be our first time engaging with corporate companies in PNG, and we are very grateful that BSP is supporting our foundation’s effort,” she added. Community and people are among BSP’s core values and take pride in helping underprivileged children not only in Gerehu, but from other suburbs in NCD. “We are more than just a bank,” said Amelia Minnopu, BSP Corporate Sponsorship Manager. “As a responsible corporate organization we give back in sponsorships, donations, and charity work. In 2022, we invested over K2.4 million in sponsorships, more than K800 thousand in donations and K1.6 million in community projects here in PNG. “It is our belief that when our communities prosper, our ecosystem thrives, and our customers, stakeholders, shareholders, and businesses remain successful. Our donations reach organizations, charities, community groups and other worthy causes that contribute meaningfully to improving lives. It is our hope that we are able to enrich and empower for the better.

For the first time in 21 years the Warriors have won six games in a row, after a Dallin Watene-Zelezniak hat-trick helped them overcome a dogged Sea Eagles side 29-22 on Friday night. In front of 24,112 at the Warriors' traditional home in Auckland – renamed Daniel Anderson Stadium for Round 25 in honour of their former coach who suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury late last year – the home side were forced to overcome a 22-16 deficit at the break to earn a victory which ensures they will remain third heading into Round 26. Earlier both sides went on first-half runs which saw them score 16 unanswered points, but with Manly edging out an advantage thanks to Jason Saab's hat-trick and an earlier Jake Arthur strike. The Sea Eagles were ultimately left to rue a series of missed opportunities late in the game, with the defeat all but ending their hopes of playing finals in 2023. After being a late call-up to start at five-eighth, Arthur made a dream start when he bounced through two would-be tackles and dived over from close range, but that joy would prove to be short lived as the Warriors promptly ran in 16 points in the next 17 minutes. First captain Tohu Harris got over for his third try in as many games, before Watene-Zelezniak took it upon himself to give the hosts the lead with a pair of special tries. The first was a trademark flying finish in the corner, before he embarked on a monster run that left Arthur flat on the deck on his way to the line. But whatever the Warriors could do with ball in hand, so too could the Sea Eagles it seemed, as they then had their turn at running in three tries, during a period which saw both sides also have four-pointers ruled out by the Bunker. Saab was responsible for all three with near carbon copy breaks down the right flank as Daly Cherry-Evans and Sea Eagles took full advantage of some leaky edge defence. Saab's third three minutes from the half was followed by a sideline conversion from Reuben Garrick which put him into fifth on Manly's all-time scorers list and gave his side a 22-16 lead at the half.  Watene-Zelezniak's third and a Adam Pompey sideline conversion tied scores at 22-all and they stayed that way until the 73rd minute when Marata Niukore – who was playing in the centres after Marcelo Montoya's 67th minute injury forced a reshuffle – was put into a gap by Shaun Johnson and ran 35 metres for the match winner. It came just minutes after Garrick missed a go-ahead penalty from out wide, before Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad hit Garrick in mid-air in a collision which didn't draw a penalty, due to the bouncing ball negating the mid-air tackle rule. The Sea Eagles had their chances late but couldn't find a way through, before Johnson kicked a field goal to ice the win at the death. Source: NRL.Com  

The Roosters overcame the loss of two of their leaders as they outscored the Eels 34-12 to keep their finals hopes alive. Prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was a late withdrawal before the match due to acute neck pain, but in big news, captain James Tedesco left the game mid-way though the second half for an HIA, with the head knock later deemed to be Category 1 by the independent doctor, which would rule him out for next week's match against the Tigers. Going into tonight's game, there was all to play for with both teams needing to win to keep their finals flame flickering. The Eels were always going to do it tough without their chief playmaker Mitchell Moses, who suffered a facial fracture last week and it showed, despite them looking up for the contest early, displaying the type of intent expected of a game of this importance. Parramatta even scored the first try of the match to the delight of the home crowd at CommBank Stadium when a fully outstretched Bryce Cartwright reached out and was able to touch the ball down on the line to garner a green light from the Bunker. The Roosters however were able to soak up more pressure before returning fire, going bang, bang, bang with three unanswered tries to close out the first half. They got their first try thanks to skipper James Tedesco following a scrum, with the Eels defenders falling for his dummy and falling off their attempts to tackle him as he ran through the score. They went back-to-back, again following a scrum play, but this time by going to the other corner, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii finding space down the right side. The third try came by exploiting Parramatta's left-side defence once more, with Joey Manu galloping down field, producing an offload back on the inside to Tedesco who was trailing up the middle, who then ran over for his second of the match and the third try of the half for the visitors. The second half saw the Roosters open the scoring with Tedesco again involved, setting up Suaalii to do over for his second. Eels skipper Clint Gutherson provided a brief moment of hope when he was able to run in for a second half try, with his conversion narrowing the margin to 10 points. But that hope was short-lived, with Siua Wong and Nat Butcher adding to the scoreboard extend the lead for their side. Prior to this win, the Roosters' season looked to be on a knife's edge after suffering a heavy loss to the Broncos, but they have since won three games in a row and are showing good attacking form. Source:NRL.com

Cronulla have kept their top four hopes alive and put North Queensland's finals aspirations in jeopardy with a statement 32-12 win over the Cowboys on Thursday night. The beginning of the match saw an even contest play out with both sides trading sets and tries but new Cronulla halves pairing Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall proved the difference in the end, with their kicking and game management a class above in Townsville. As if a place in the top-eight wasn't motivation enough, the Cowboys also celebrated captain Jason Taumalolo's 250th match in front of home fans but couldn't overcome a gallant and gritty Sharks who are now three wins on the trot. After both sides traded sets in the first 13 minutes, the Cowboys quickly capitalised on a Sharks no-try, marching the ball downfield before Scott Drinkwater scooted from dummy-half and sliced through Sharks defenders to score the opening try. Five minutes later the Cowboys were made to pay for their first error (offside) and the Sharks hit back when Hynes and Connor Tracey combined superbly out the back to set up Ronaldo Mulitalo flying over on the left edge. Hynes' conversion locked the scores 6-6. But the scoreboard continued to reflect the see-sawing style of the first-half when Chad Townsend stamped his authority on the match, busting the Sharks wide open and delivering a superb pass to Semi Valemei who burrowed his way over to put North Queensland back in front. Five minutes after entering the fray, Cronulla cult hero Tom Hazelton got one back for the visitors thanks to some nice lead up work from hooker Blayke Brailey and the scores were brought back to a 12-12 deadlock. Seven minutes before the break the Sharks stole the lead when Royce Hunt carried several Cowboys defenders over the line to score his third try of the season and hand the Sharks a 18-12 lead. The arm wrestle continued early in the second half with both teams trading sets before the Sharks extended their lead 24-12 with departing skipper Wade Graham scoring his second try in as many matches, pouncing on a perfectly weighted Hynes' grubber in-goal. Come the 72nd minute and Hynes' put the game out of reach for North Queensland, showing off some classy footwork to stretch the visitors' lead 32-12 and put them into contention to leapfrog the Storm into fourth position on the NRL ladder. Source: NRL.Com