Kalang News

06/12/2024

BSP help Cancer fight

06/12/2024

ADF plan Operations

ADF PLAN OPERATIONS TO SAFELY REMOVE UNEXPLODED ORDINANCE OF WWII IN ENB.

THE Australian Defence Force together with ENB Provincial Disaster Centre, PNG Defence Force and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary are currently planning and in preparation for “Operation Render Safe” an operation to safely remove bombs and small munitions.

Last month, Governor Michael Marum and Provincial Administrator Levi Mano welcomed the Australian High Commissioner John Feakes, Defence Adviser Colonel Travis Gordon and an Australian Defence Force (ADF) team to East New Britain.

The visit was the first in a series to the province as the ADF works with the Provincial Disaster Centre, PNGDF and the RPNGC to start the planning and preparations for Operation Render Safe.

The ADF will continue to work closely with the PNGDF, RPNGC and authorities in East New Britain to develop and agree a plan for the safe removal of bombs and small munitions.

It is important not to touch or move any suspected bombs and small munitions like bullets.

Communities in East New Britain are encouraged to leave them in place and report the location to the Provincial Disaster Center, located at the Fire Station in Kokopo.

For two decades Australia has been helping Pacific countries with the safe removal of bombs and small munitions under Operation Render Safe.

At the Ministerial Forum in June 2024, PNG Ministers welcomed Australia’s conduct of Operation Render Safe in East New Britain as Unexploded ordnance (UXO) from WWII is a concern for communities across PNG.

In East New Britain the Provincial Disaster Office has received multiple reports of deteriorated bombs and small munitions discovered in the jungle or unearthed as people clear land for development.

Lieutenant Henry Beri, officer in charge of the PNGDF EOD said “the PNGDF has been working with East New Britain to remove as many munitions as we can, but we need help.”

There is too much for the PNGDF to deal with alone and extra skills and equipment are required to deal with some discoveries such as a very large bomb that washed ashore and is too heavy to move.

“My team are looking forward to working with the ADF to develop our skills.”

In addition to visiting sites where unexploded ordnance has been found, the ADF team, accompanied by LEUT Henry Beri, met with the Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat and CEO of the Provincial Health Authority Dr Apo Yap.

Picture Caption: Local Community members assist in locating the UXO's

06/12/2024

Nasfund clarified claims

NASFUND CEO CLEARED CLAIMS OF LIMITATIONS ON INVESTMENT OVERSEAS.

By SANDRA ULG.

THE National Superannuation Fund (NASFUND) CEO Rajeev Sharma has clarified speculations on the government limiting the super funds investments overseas leaving them with no choice but to buy the treasury bills being issued by the government.

He made this clarification this morning during the NASFUND FM100 Talkback Show.

Mr. Sharma said all the super funds have up to 35 percent of their assets overseas and it depends on the individual boards of the superannuation where they decide how much they want in overseas assets so as far as NASFUND is concerned their strategic assets allocation sits at 20 percent and currently they have about 16 percent of their assets overseas.

He says NASFUND has not received any instructions from the Bank of PNG (BPNG) to change their strategic assets and so it remains unchanged.

In the meantime, NASFUND’s Chief Financial Officer Debbie Oli adds that recently there was a joint press statement from the association of superannuation funds responding to this speculation reassuring all members that there is very strong governance in place of all super funds and it is a very highly regulated industry with BPNG being the regulators.

Sharing the same sentiment Mr. Sharma says NASFUND has a great governance in place so there is nothing to worry about and the responsibility as superannuation fund is to look after the interest of its members the funds are absolutely safe as it is one of the robust industry which is very well governed by BPNG.

He assured the members that their funds are there and if anyone wishes to withdraw for various reasons there is enough liquidity in the market with the funds to repay with every year NASFUND pays more than 500 million to its members.

Picture Caption: NASFUND CEO Mr Rajeev Sharma during the NASFUND FM100Talkback Show today.

06/12/2024

One step close to don the Kumul jumper.

All the best Hunter

05/12/2024

Son Following Dad's footstep.

'I DREAM TO PUT ON THE PNG JERSEY LIKE DAD': BAI AIMING HIGH

GOLD Coast Titans rookie Cooper Bai has revealed there was never any temptation to follow in his father's footsteps and join the Storm as he embarks on his new NRL deal on the Gold Coast.

Graduating from the Future Titans to a full-time train-and-trial deal in his first year out of school, the talented 18-year-old is the son of former first grade flyer Marcus, who played 144 games for Melbourne between 1998 and 2003 before a three-year stint in the English Super League to end his career.

But despite his dad becoming a Storm legend as an integral part of their maiden premiership, Bai only had his eyes on continuing his journey with the Titans - which will still allow him to replicate parts of his old man's career which began at the Gold Coast Chargers.

"The Gold Coast has always been home," he told titans.com.au.

"I've come up through the pathways since I was young, so I've always wanted to be here and be a part of the great culture the club continues to build.

"Dad originally started off here with the Chargers so it's always been the goal to continue my journey here with the Gold Coast Titans."

Now four weeks into his first pre-season at Parkwood, the Under 19 Queensland forward has admitted the sessions have been a big step up to the training he's previously experienced at Marymount College or even with the Future Titans, but has had a number of senior players help him adjust to life in the NRL.

"It’s been a big change from school training and club rugby league, but it’s been a really good experience so far," Bai said.

"Meeting all the boys and the coaches and put 100 percent effort in each day has been an amazing experience.

"Tino has always been one for me [helping me out], just being a middle as well.

"JJ (Jaimin Jolliffe) has been really big in doing extra stuff with me as well, and teaching me a few things as I settle in here.

"Des really pushes us to our limits to get the best out of us, but we know that's what needs to be done to get that premiership and he's the coach that'll make that happen."

Happy to bide his time at Titans HQ as he adjusts to being regularly part of a NRL system, Bai is aiming to avenge his 2024 Mal Meninga Cup grand final loss next season, which he hopes will lead to a Q Cup berth.

"For 2025, I'm looking to have a really good Mal Meninga Cup season and hopefully get a crack at the Hostplus Cup to be able to play with the older boys there and get a feel for it," he said.

"It's also always been a dream of mine to put on that PNG jersey one day just like dad, so that's a massive goal I'm constantly working towards as well."

Via: titans.com.au/NRL News.
Picture: NRL

05/12/2024

Hunters assistance coach Enock Maki giving few insights of the preseason training

05/12/2024

Pom Floods

05/12/2024

PNG AIR suspended Mendi flights.

PNG AIR SUSPENDS FLIGHTS INTO MENDI

PNG Air regrets to advise our customers and the travelling public that for the past 3-4 weeks, all scheduled PNG Air flights into Mendi, Southern Highlands Province were suspended due to civil unrest.

This suspension will remain in place until PNG Air’s Safety and Risk team can determine the safe operations of our services, back into the province. Services will resume as soon as all safety concerns are cleared.

PNG Air sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates your understanding during this time.

For more information, please contact our Call Centre on 16111 (Digicel Toll Free) or 7411 2644 (Telikom).

Picture: PNG Air Ltd.

05/12/2024

Two dead and two injured in Madang

TWO DEAD AND TWO INJURED IN MADANG TRAGIC ROAD ACCIDENT

By MARTHA LOUISE in MADANG

TWO people are dead and two others were injured in a tragic car accident on Bagawa Bridge along the North Coast Road in Madang last Friday.

Madang provincial police commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, confirmed the incident, revealing that the vehicle, a Toyota Landcruiser, was traveling at high speed when it struck a bridge post and plunged into the river.

Preliminary investigations point to speeding and alcohol as contributing factors.

The accident occurred after the occupants had attended a social gathering earlier in the evening.

The two passengers tragically lost their lives—one at the scene and the other shortly after being rushed to Modilon General Hospital.

The driver and another passenger survived with injuries and are receiving medical care.

Acting Superintendent Baim expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and urged the public to exercise caution and avoid drink driving, especially during the festive season.

Police investigations are ongoing.

05/12/2024

Mapex Training Institute registered as Higher Education Learning Institute

MAPEX TRAINING INSTITUTE NOW REGISTERED AS PRIVATE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTE.

By THERESE PIDIK.

MAPEX Training Institute has now been given approval of 5 years of Registration as Private Higher Education Institute.

The approval of application was given by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) and National Higher and technical education board.

Mapex Board Chairman Dr Solomon Awili when announcing this milestone achievement, thanks the Regulator of the Higher Education Sector, the Board of National Higher Education-Technical and the Higher Education Ministry or DHERST for the approval of registration for five years as a Private Higher Education Institution.

Dr Solomon says, this registration is proof of MTI meeting all 10 required standards as provided under relevant applicable laws, including the Higher Education General Provisions Act 2014, the National and Higher Education Act 2020, met all the 10 standards that are provided for in the PNG National Qualifications Framework to enabling for higher education programs.

He further thanked the relevant authorities for having the confidence in MTI as the Private Training Provider who will now be part of the Higher Education Training Sector continue to provide higher education programs in the country.

“This means that next year onwards Mapex Training Institute will be included in the National Online Selection system, where applicants are required to apply.

MTI will have six online Programs for students to bid for when the National Online Selections opens in the next few weeks', Dr Solomon explained.

The programs include Certificate courses for a duration of 6 months and Diploma course for 1 year.

The programs included, Certificate/Diploma Courses in Information and Communications Technology, Business Management Program, Tourism and Hospitality Management Program, Accounting Programs- Diploma in Accounting and Diploma in Banking and Finance,

Mapex Training Institute also provides another important program, the Technical Vocational Education Training or TVET program, providing technical courses such as excavator operator, semi-trailer operator, backhoes etc.

MTI is now registered to provide both academic programs and TVET programs here in Port Moresby Campus and throughout the 15 centres in the country.

Picture Caption: Mapex Board during the announcement this afternoon including CEO and Managing Director Marcus Palem Kara, Board Chairman Dr Solomon Awili and Deputy Chairman Professor Leo Marai amongst other members of the board.

05/12/2024

PORT MORESBY RUGBY LEAGUE SAGA CONTINUES.

05/12/2024

Miss Bird of Paradise

MISS MAY TAROWI HASOLA BEGINS HER REIGN AS MISS BIRD OF PARADISE.

By LETISHA KOLOKOL

HAILS from the beautiful islands of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), 21-year-old aspiring lawyer Miss May Tarowi Hasola, proudly sponsored by Paradise Boutique was crowned the 2024/2025 Miss Bird of Paradise (MBoP) pageant on Tuesday night.

MBoP theme for this year’s pageant “A Crown for Every Dream”, embodies the vision of the platform to empower young women to inspire others and advocate for education rights of children with special needs.

In her opening remarks, MBoP Chairlady Anna Bais shared that December 3rd 2024, marks MBoP one year and three months anniversary and a significant milestone for the platform from having crowned Miss Tyla Singirok on this date last year.

She added that a new queen will be crowned, and this is more than just a pageant, it is a journey of growing leadership and inclusive growth that has a greater impact on local communities.

The Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Belden Nameh thanked the 10 contestants for being trailblazers for young women in the country.

"True leadership is not about the crown you wear but the impact you leave in the hearts of others, wearing our cultural pride, compassion ads our greatest crowns on our heads,'' Minister Belden remarked.

Miss Paradise Boutique 2024, May Hasola was crowned MBoP 2024/2025 amongst 10 remarkable contestants, with three runner ups, Joyce Jerry (Miss IBSU 2024), Getta Iakanau Barbra Kamar (Miss Datec Ltd 2024) and Natalie Mwayawa (Miss Edible Planet 2024) respectively.

Picture Caption: Miss Paradise Boutique 2024, May Hasola was crowned MBoP 2024/2025

05/12/2024

Limbi Henry on the 🎤 🎙

04/12/2024

OFFICER IMPRISONED

POLICE OFFICER IMPRISONED IN KEREVAT FOR MURDER

By WASITA ROYAL, Kokopo

A POLICE officer in Kokopo appeared in court for the murder of Late Steven Kasiray over the weekend and has been sent to CIS, Kerevat Prison yesterday.

According to Provincial Police Commander in Kokopo, Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat confirmed the police officer Lenon Noan and the late deceased Steven Kasiray were drinking with some other boys on Saturday and later in the afternoon they were at the Kokopo Boat Stop when the victim was shot after arguing with the police officer.

PPC Nebanat further confirmed, the police officer was assaulted and beaten and in retaliation he went to the Kokopo Police station, obtained a loaded rifle, and returned to the location where he fatally shot the late Steven Kasiray on the head.

The victim is believed to be a former police officer’s son, was shot to death at around 6pm on Saturday.

"We want to assure the public and the immediate family of the deceased that this incident will be thoroughly investigated, and the perpetrator will face the full legal consequences for his actions; It is my assurance that we are going to get to the bottom of this, which we already did” PPC stated.

Provincial Police Commander Nebanat also clarified that incident was not related to the Police High SPEED Operation that was launched last month.

"This was an isolated incident that occurred between the Police Officer, Lenon Noan, and the late Steven Kasiray. It is not part of the Police High SPEED Operation that we have been conducting," stated the ENB PPC.

Picture Caption: Police Officer Lenon Noan

04/12/2024

Congratulations ❤️ Mangi Kumul.

CASTLEFORD TIGERS ANNOUNCE THE SIGNING OF JEREMIAH SIMBIKEN

CASTLEFORD Tigers are pleased to announce the signing of Jeremiah Simbiken.

The 24-year-old Papua New Guinea international finished the 2024 season playing for the Brisbane North Devils.

He made 23 appearances for the club in the 2nd row, scoring 10 tries. He has over 50 appearances for the Redcliffe Dolphins and Devils and joins his PNG team-mates, Sylvester Namo, Liam Horne and Judah Rimbu at The Jungle for 2025.

Danny Wilson, Director of Rugby at Castleford Tigers RLFC said: “We have been tracking Jeremiah for a while. Danny McGuire wanted to bring in an exciting second-rower, he is a fan of his game, and so we like what he brings to our side - tries AND tackles.

His tackle percentage rate was mid 90% last season and that gets Brett Delaney excited too!

He has great experience, it helps that he knows some of our lads already, so we look forward to getting him into camp, getting him up to speed with the new coaching approach we have in place and getting the best out of him in a Cas shirt.

Via: Castleford Tigers Official page.

Pictures: PNG Kumuls Media.

02/12/2024

Landslide in Chuave, Simbu province.

01/12/2024

Nambawan Super Ltd Urged to develop Bush Wara

PRIME MINISTER URGED NAMBAWAN SUPER TO DEVELOP BUSH WARA.

By THERESE PIDIK

PRIME Minister James Marape has urged Nambawan Super Limited to develop their Bush Wara Land portion by next year.

The Prime Minister made this statement when addressing the people of Bush Wara and the 9mile community on Friday during the Officiating Ceremony of the Saivara 9 Mile Satellite Township project of which, Bush Wara Resettlement- 14 Mile Farea Concept Plan is one of the five projects.

Nambawan Super Limited evicted the people of Bush Wara this year to allow for development of their land that was occupied by the settlers.

In saying so, Prime Minister Marape expressed that he was heart- broken to see the settlers of bush wara evicted and he now puts Nambawan Super on notice to develop the land by next year or he will remove the land title from them if they do not develop the land by next year.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop also shared the same sentiments and urged Nambawan Super Limited to develop the land.

PM Marape commended Moresby North East MP John Kaupa and NCD Governor Powes Parkop for their partnership in establishing this project.

He said, additional funding will be allocated through the Urbanisation and Land Acquisition Budget, of which K10 million from last year, another K10 million this year and K20 million next year for this program.

He urged the local MP John Kaupa to use the funding for water and electricity services to the allocated area- Bush Wara Resettlement site, so land titles will be given accordingly to the evicted settlers.

Meanwhile, in March this year, Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) Deputy Chairwoman Dame Meg Taylor received the land titles of the land portion from the Minister for Lands & Physical Planning Hon. John Rosso.

She said the land Title for the final Portion of four land parcels owned by the Fund in trust for its more than 208,000 members.

This next phase will see us continue to work with the Department of Lands & Physical Planning (DLPP), and relevant State Agencies to begin developing the land,” Dame Taylor added.

“With the land secured, Nambawan Super can now progress to making investment decisions and determining what is feasible and meets our fiduciary and prudential standards.”

01/12/2024

Counter Terrorism Act boost for security

COUNTER TERRORISM BILL A BOOST FOR NATIONAL SECURITY: DR BILLY JOSEPH

THE MINISTER for National Defence and Emergency Services Hon. Dr. Billy Joesph MP, in support of the Minister for Police Hon. Tsiamalili Jnr, has commended the Government for the Passing of the Counter Terrorism Bill on Thursday 29th of November 2024.

“The passing of the Counter Terrorism Bill in Parliament is a significant step in ensuring a secured Papua New Guinea, and I commend the Government for resolving to effectively protecting the country against all forms of threat,” Minister Joseph said.

“I am in concurrence with the Minister for Police, Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, MP that the Bill is a significant step forward in our national security.

As noted by the Hon. Tsiamalili Jnr in Parliament, the Bill enhances our operational effectiveness in countering domestic terrorism by consolidating resources and expertise.

“I want to put to the people of PNG that this Bill, through the establishment of the Counter Terrorism Joint Task Force, will improve coordination, command and control of our Police and Defence Force personnel jointly deployed in extreme security situations because it provides an avenue recognised by law for our command team at Murray Barracks to gel with the Police HQ.”

He said the Government has been deploying PNGDF personnel to support Police under the provisions of the Constitution and subsequent Acts of Parliament, however those Acts did not establish a joint forces command of Police and Defence and the Bill now has put in place such a high-level body that will have senior members of the Police and PNGDF in one place giving command and coordinating operations.

Furthermore, Minister Joseph said the Bill also provides the necessary cover for the members of our disciplined forces who would be tasked to go after heavily armed domestic terrorists.

He said it would give them the confidence to decisively use reasonable lethal force in high-risk, fast-moving situations, knowing the Government and the Justice system has their back.

“Hence, I want to make it clear to the people of Papua New Guinea that as a government we are doing our job by putting laws and policies in place to counter the rising lawlessness and domestic terrorism experienced in our country. This Bill is a clear example that the Government is taking action and not just doing ideal talk,” Minister Joseph said.