Dede Sophie

The Commonwealth Observer Group that are observing the  Papua New Guinea National Elections  has called for immediate reforms to strengthen the election process. Commonwealth Observer Group calls for Urgent Review of PNG Election Process [Photo by NBC News] The Observer Group, led by former President of Nauru, Baron Waqa, has also called for a review of this current national election as a matter of urgency. The Group expressed sadness about the escalation in election-related violence and strongly condemn these acts of violence. Mr Waqa presented the Interim Statement of the Commonwealth Observer Group in Port Moresby yesterday. The Commonwealth Observer Group met voters, polling officials, political parties, security personnel, civil society and scrutineers, to understand the electoral process. This happened in all four regions of the country. Among the key issues of concern, is the highly centralised structure of the Electoral Commission, which has undermined the effective delivery of...

 Commissioner of Police David Manning said Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second, has been a constant presence and beacon of hope for Papua New Guinea as it took its first step as an independent nation 47 years ago. “Sadly, as Papua New Guinea gears up for our 47th independence anniversary celebrations we have learnt of the passing of our Head of State, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second. “The Royal family has enjoyed a long and close history with Papua New Guinea and especially the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. Papua was annexed by Great Britain in 1884. In 1939 King George VI saw fit to grant the prefix “Royal” to the Royal Papuan Constabulary in recognition of the long and meritorious service of the local people in the service of the administration. “On 2nd June 1953, 25 members of the Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary represented the territories and attended the coronation of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. “Her Majesty was the longest serving monarch and has b...

 The SP PNG Hunters can confirm reports that Head Coach Matthew Church will depart the club and has informed management and players that he will take up a new coaching position with fellow QRL Hostplus Cup club Brisbane Tigers, starting in 2023.  The news marks the end of a two-year period for Church as Head Coach of the SP PNG Hunters, during which time he oversaw and assisted in the club’s relocation to Runaway Bay, Gold Coast due to the COVID pandemic.  SP PNG Hunters Chairman Stan Joyce CSM observed that Church was instrumental in the club’s continued participation in the Queensland-based Hostplus Cup competition. “The SP PNG Hunters have faced unprecedented challenges as an organisation over the last few seasons but under Church’s direction the club and players have always demonstrated great resilience, both on and off the field,” Joyce said.  SP PNG Hunters CEO Scott Barker echoed Joyce’s sentiments.  “Church understands what it takes to coach a successful rugby league club and w...

 PAPUA NEW GUINEA WORLD CUP SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT This year’s postponed Rugby League World Cup is shaping up as the most competitive in history, with high-profile players littered across the competing nations. After an impressive win over the Fiji Bati at the Pacific Test and with the Prime Minister’s XIII all wrapped up, the dust has now settled, and it’s left the Papua New Guinea Kumuls squad announcement with much anticipation.  Stanley has already mobilised his squad, with the team landing in Port Moresby on Saturday. He spoke on the importance of the camp and the need for the team to be seen off by the country before the players make their World Cup Campaign.  “The players needed to feel a sense of ownership of the team. It’s important that they see the country is behind them, and to be seen off by our fans in person means that when they play, they can relate directly to it,” said Stanley. For some of the players, it will be a long-awaited homecomin...