West New Britain Province

These youngsters carried the Papua New Guinea flag around the sports oval. In tow, were teams taking in the Rugby 7s tournament. It was a momentous and memorable occasion, put together by village elders.

Villages of Galeaoale, Porapora, Gavaiva, Valoka and converged at Vovosi to have a joint celebration.

Some of the highlights including a game of tug-of-war for men and women.

There was also the usual traditional dance performances. Adding flavor to that, elderly women also put on a show by singing their traditional songs to depict self-governance and independence.

The health facility had come to fruition thanks to a co-funding effort from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the PNG Government, the provincial government, and the Health Department through a church partnership.

The project, which started in 2018 after the PNG Government, ADB, and DFAT agreed to finance the Health Sector, was successfully implemented by the West New Britain Provincial Health Authority.

The opening ceremony was attended by Health Minister Dr. Lino Tom, Governor Sasindran Muthuvel and Australian Minister Counsellor Diane Barclay.

Today the Bialla Suaras Rugby Union club executive was presented with a cheque donation of  K40,000  by the National Gaming Control Board which will go towards facilitating for the upcoming  7s tournament.

The cheque presentation ceremony took place at the NGCB Board room in downtown Port Moresby, officiated by CEO Imelda Agon and Biala Suaras RFUC Chairman Andrew Solomon.

West New Britian Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector John Allan Iara confirmed that four of the suspects are from East Kove-Kaliai LLG in West New Britain and one is from Wasara in East Sepik.

PPC Iara explained that when the passenger vessel was about 4 nautical miles from Bialla wharf, the suspects threw the bags of marijuana onto an outboard motor that was travelling near the ship.

He said two of the suspects jumped into the boat and sped off. But not without the ship’s captain noticing them and alerting police.

There are vandalism cases involving Valoka Health Centre property and the school.

While the incidents have been reported to the Police, there have not been any follow up or arrests done. Village elders and ward members have also turned a blind eye.

The Health Centre and staff are fortunate that the fencing funded by the Provincial Government was completed prior to these incidents but they remain fearful of their safety.

Police Provincial Commander, John Iara presented a vehicle to the Talasea Rural Police Station Commander Sergeant Kevin Moni and his unit to help cater for the ongoing law and order issues occurring in the area.

The vehicle will improve the mobility of police personnel to conduct operations and is one of the two vehicles purchased by the Police Department for Kimbe Police during the National General Elections.

PPC Iara appealed to Sgt. Moni to utilize the vehicle for its intended purpose and serve the people of Talasea by being present in areas that needed policing.

Muthuvel was declared member-elect on Sunday 31 July, by Provincial Returning Officer Emily Kelton after he polled 47, 878 votes.

The absolute majority of votes was 46, 499.

Former Police Commissioner and People’s National Congress Party candidate, Gari Baki polled in second place with 45, 118 votes.

Muthuvel said he is extremely humbled by the decision of the people of West New Britain to give him the opportunity once again serve the province.

He further acknowledge fellow candidates for their contributions to running the election race.

The progressive tally recorded for Nakanai open after the 9^th exclusion has also confirmed the elimination of Independent candidate, Jimmy Joseph with his 997 votes distributed.

The Top 5 contenders for Nakanai Open are:

He was declared member-elect for Talasea Open just this afternoon.

After PANGU Pati candidate John Tuka was eliminated from the race at the 29^th Exclusion count, his 5052 votes were distributed between Kumai and United Labour Party candidate Blaise Dau.

After the 30^th and final elimination, Dau finished with 6779 votes.

Talasea Open seat was held by PANGU Pati candidate Francis Maneke, who is contesting the Open seat for the new Nakanai District.

Top Five Nakanai Open Candidates after Count 9 from Mosa LLG

1. Francis Marus  - 4,537
2. Phil Hans Wai  - 3 305
3. F.rancis G. Maneke  - 2839
4. Kesman Fernan Nandap - 1,563
5. Arnold Tia - 1085

Top Five Provincial Count of Mosa LLG Count 9

1. Sasindran Muthuvel   - 4 853
2. Daniel Aubian Kanau   - 2416
3. Gari L Baki - 1,876
4. Willie Edo - 1,631
5. Mark Lebong – 992

Progressive Tally after count 12 in Kandrian Inland LLG, Open Seat