Digicel becomes major sponsor of PNG's premier rugby league tournament

The newly titled Digicel Cup tournament will provide rugby league in PNG with a major boost, following the announcement of a new partnership with PNG-NRL, which sees Digicel become title and major sponsor of the country’s premier semi-professional rugby league tournament.

The significant sponsorship investment by Digicel will include the provision of communication services to the tournament organiser and teams as well as a major marketing and promotional campaign, which will help to take the country’s favourite rugby league tournament to a new level. 

Digicel is committed to supporting the PNG-NRL’s stated ambition of growing the footprint of the tournament and bringing in new teams and new host cities across the country.

The inaugural 2011 Digicel Cup will kick-off in early May and feature 10 teams, increasing from nine in 2009, playing 18 weeks of round robin action with five exciting games each weekend to look forward to.

The major PNG-NRL sponsorship sees Digicel become one of the country’s biggest investors in rugby league. 

Digicel’s unrivaled nationwide network offers mobile coverage in all seven cities and surrounding areas that will feature in the 2011 Digicel Cup

Digicel PNG CEO, John Mangos said: “Digicel is passionate about the development of sport in PNG and rugby League is the sport of the people.

“As PNG’s leading mobile service provider, there is a natural fit for us with the country’s premier national tournament which engages with hundreds of thousands of fans right across the country.

“We look forward to working in partnership with PNG-NRL board and the participating franchise teams to support their ambition to grow this wonderful tournament further and make provide even bigger and better league action.”

Don Fox, chairman of the board of PNG-NRL, welcomed Digicel as the tournament’s new title sponsor.

“Digicel’s sponsorship is fantastic news for the tournament, for the franchise teams and for all rugby league fans across country.

“The inaugural Digicel Cup, which will see 10 teams compete for the country’s most-coveted title looks set to be even more exciting than ever. 

“Digicel will be very welcome partners on our board and we look forward to their assistance and support over the next few years.”

PNGNRL bid gets on Broncos' shorts

PAPUA New Guinea, through its PNGNRL Bid team, will fork out more than K700, 000 as a minor sponsor for Brisbane Broncos in the upcoming NRL season, The National reports.

The move had expanded PNG’s horizons and, seemingly, its chances of success by opting to go into partnership with the glamour NRL club in a deal that would see the government-backed pro-ject effectively buy advertising space on the Broncos uniform (shorts).

Newly-elected Broncos chief executive Paul White, along with the club’s development manager Marty Roven and general manager of commercial operations Terry Reader, flew into Port Moresby yesterday to finalise a shorts sponsorship deal with the PNGNRL bid team worth about A$250,000 (K700,000) a season.

The visitors were holding talks with PNGNRL Bid board members Powes Parkop (NCD governor) and Philemon Embel (Sports Minister) over the deal.

The package, when confirmed, would see the country’s NRL bid aspirations use the famous Broncos club as a springboard to better name recognition in Australia’s NRL market.

“We are using Broncos as a medium to promote the bid and, at the same time, learn from them how to promote PNG-NRL franchise in preparation for the NRL expansion exercise,” Parkop said.

“The PNGNRL Bid team needs necessary skills on how to run a franchise, and could not go past Brisbane.”

But the new development had come at a cost with the preemptive resignations of the bid’s strategic adviser Paul Broughton and general manager Beverly Broughton.

The husband-and-wife team called it quits after what they described was a “conflict of interest” situation where Paul’s concurrent position as an executive of the Gold Coast Titans franchise had placed him in direct opposition to the proposal.

Broughton claimed the deal was put together at his back and he did not favour a marketing drive for NRL inclusion over funding for player, coaching and infrastructure development.

“Once I found out that the negotiations were going on, I immediately resigned because it was a conflict of interest because of my role with the Titans,” Broughton said.

 “(The Broncos) have made a commercial decision and they are going to be paid money for doing it.

“But, I could never do it against my own club.

“(The PNG bid team) knew I did not favour that type of progress to enable them to secure a licence.”

Sources within the bid team, however, have countered Broughton’s assertions, saying he had been aware of the impending deal months in advance and was also a part of the planning process which agreed that branding would play an essential role in marketing the country’s bid.

Funding for the shorts’ deal would come from the K20 million allocated by the national government to the PNGNRL Bid team. It was meant for the team to work with partners to secure a licence for the PNG team in the world toughest rugby league competition in Australia.

The National has been informed that the deal had been signed but was yet to reach the NRL commercial and marketing division for registration. NRL director of commercial and marketing Paul Kind could not be reached for comments.

However, a sports administrator in the country has described the move by the bid team as hypocritical and shallow.

He said the bid had yet to show one tangible result for all the monies poured into the project (see back page).

He said the Broncos joining forces with the PNG bid team could harm the chances of the consortium rallying for a second club in the city.

Former Broncos backer Craig Davison was behind a bid for a second Brisbane team to enter the NRL if the incoming independent commission to run rugby league decided to expand the competition.

The PNGNRL Bid logo would make its first appearance on the Broncos’ shorts when they play their opening trial of the pre-season against Gold Coast at Wynnum on Saturday night.

The Broncos were yesterday adamant the commercial association had no connection to the bid for a rival Brisbane team headed by Davison.

“This deal has been in the pipeline for nine months but we are on our way there as we still have to finalise some details,” White said in a statement.

“It will be an exciting partnership for both parties.

“For the Broncos, it will be a formal link into the one country in the world where rugby league is the national sport. And, it will also provide a link for Papua

New Guineans and their favourite team, the Brisbane Broncos.”

The group behind a potential second Brisbane club would hold its official launch at Suncorp Stadium on Feb 21, unveiling ambassadors and sponsors.

 

 

Brand scheme key to rich New Zealand market

By BOSORINA ROBBY

 

PAPUA New Guinea is among six Pacific Island nations to join in an economic venture targeting the New Zealand  market through a branding concept called “true Pacific” (TP), The National reports.

The brand was a development project of the Pacific Co-operation Foundation (PCF) and the NZ government to help Pacific economies grow by helping them export their products under this concept.

The “TP” brand would focus on fresh produce, shelf-stable foods and spa and natural beauty products that countries like PNG, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu and Cook Islands could export to NZ under the TP brand.

This was revealed at a TP stakeholder feedback meeting on Monday in Port Moresby hosted by PFC and Investment promotion Authority. 

The meeting aimed to gather feedback from stakeholders regarding TP quality assurance programme and to provide updates.

The Pacific quality mark has been established to help raise consumer awareness of quality products of Pacific origin.

PCF auditor Kevin Budd said the concept of supplying the NZ market began in 2008 and that the foundation was now finalising the policy before launching in June this year.

He said so far, more than 40 enterprises had indicated interest in participating in this programme and that he was optimistic that more would join before the launching.

International standards form the basis of the guidelines and specifications that had been developed within the code of practice which the enterprises would need to meet in order to be registered and use the TP quality mark.

PCF is working closely with the IPA to target PNG’s export sector.

Budd, who visited three of the participating countries, was meeting with the IPA and stakeholders to discuss how PNG could be part of this and what   needed to be done to be registered.

 

 

Revenue boost for OTML

MINING giant Ok Tedi Mining Ltd has posted its financial statements ending the fourth quarter of last year with K5.1 billion in full year sales revenue – an increase of 27% from 2009 – reflecting higher copper and gold prices, The National reports.

The financial report stated that the full year copper concentrate shipments were 9% higher than 2009 with no river constraints.

The export shipments of copper-gold concentrates were 24% higher in the fourth quarter (168,731 tonnes) than in the third quarter with 136,228 tonnes.

This result was mainly impacted by lower head grades of copper (2%) and gold (6%), and also by the 16-day industrial action taken by union workers in April that resulted in a 9% lower mill throughput.

Total gold production of 15.6 tonnes was 6% below the 2009 production rate; however, OTML remained within the top three of PNG’s gold producers.

OTML also realised for this period that the average copper price was US$3.68 (K9.65) per pound, compared to US$2.44 (K6.40) in 2009.

The report said net cash generated before dividends was up by 96% compared to the previous year, mainly due to higher metal prices and volumes shipped.

Dividends paid were K1.687 million which included K1.387 million for the benefit of PNG interests.

OTML payment of mining royalties were 40% higher than 2009, with the Fly River government and the mine area landowners each receiving K46.8 million.

The mining company had also paid out a total of K920 million in taxes last year.

The report stated that the state was finalising feedback on the detailed mine closure plan submitted in December 2009 and advised OTML that a response would be given this month.

The Inmet share buy-back is expected to be completed by the end of last month with OTML buying back Inmet’s 18% shareholding for a lump sum payment of US$335 million and cancel the shares.

Serpent ‘guards’ naked constable

Policeman Kami lost in Tari jungles for 52 hours

A policeman and a health worker watching over First Const Mathew Kami at his hospital bed in Tari, Southern Highlands, after he was found huddled up under a tree naked with a large snake at his side in thick jungles between Tari and Benaria. – Picture courtesy of police media unit

A POLICEMAN, who disappeared for 52 hours, was found naked but alive with a coiled serpent as his guardian deep in the jungles of Upele between Tari Gap and Benaria in Southern Highlands, The National reports.
The police media unit reported last night that First Const Mathew Kami was among a police contingent sent to the area in pursuit of criminals operating in the Ambua Ranges who, allegedly, raped five women and robbed travellers last Sunday.
Kami got separated in the jungle and did not rejoin his group.
He was found at around 3pm yesterday by four villagers, who carried the policeman for more than five hours in a stretcher made from tree branches and vines.
Kami was carried through thick jungle and across rapid river torrents before reaching Ambua where police were camping.
The 32-year-old policeman from Tambunum village, East Sepik, was last night reportedly exhausted and recovering at the Tari Hospital.
The bizarre twist in this tale, police pointed out, was that locals, who rescued the policeman, said they found Kami lying next to a large snake completely naked and incoherent.
They also found his weapon, a high-powered police-issued A2 rifle, by his side and had returned it to police in Tari.
When interviewd by police, the four villagers said the snake coiled itself close to where Kami was lying but slithered away when the rescuers recited a prayer.
Policemen engaged in the search and rescue operation were mystified because Upele was too far and separated by at least four fast-flowing rivers. It would take about five hours to walk between Upele and Ambua.
Police said their colleague appeared weak and delirious when he was taken to the Tari Hospital at 10 o’clock last night and was placed in intensive care.
Kami’s wife and three children were informed on Monday night and arrangements had been made for them to travel to Tari to be with him.
Medical superintendent of Tari Hospital Dr Hamiye Hewali said Kami would continue to receive fluids in drips until he regained his strength.
The doctor said blood tests would also be taken to examine the presence of any foreign substance and, depending on the outcome of the tests, appropriate medication would be prescribed for the patient.
Policemen who took Kami to the hospital said he lived on wild taro and fern leaves during his 52-hour ordeal.
Commander of Operation Paijele Haminye acting Chief Supt David Manning thanked the villagers for saving Kami’s life and said investigations would be conducted into the matter.
Locals said according to traditional beliefs, spirits guarding the forests did not accept foreigners.

Yasause denied bail, transferred to Bomana

By JACOB POK

Dr Theo Yasause...now remanded in custody at Bomana jail

FORMER executive director of the office of climate change, Dr Theo Yasause, appeared briefly before the Waigani Committal Court yesterday charged with the wilful murder of former PNG rugby league star and junior rugby league development officer, Aquila Emil, The National reports.
Yasause appeared exhausted and was taken to the court house from police custody where he had been detained the previous night after he was charged and denied bail.
Yasause, 43, from Bukinera village in East Sepik’s West Yangoru, was charged with wilful murder under section 299(1) of the Criminal Code Act.
He appeared without a lawyer before magistrate Rosi Johnson, who, after reading the charges, adjourned the matter to March 8 for further hearing, allowing Yasause to make bail applications at the National Court pending the next appearance.
Yasause had denied shooting Emil at close range outside a nightclub in NCD last Friday.
NCD-Central Assistant Commissioner of Police Fred Sheekiot said during interview, Yasause denied shooting Emil and further denied being in possession of a firearm on the morning of Friday, Feb 4.
Despite his denial, police detectives arrested and charged Yasause based on their own investigations and evidence, Sheekiot said.
“The suspect is formally arrested and charged with the wilful murder of Emil and will appear for mention in court today (yesterday),” Sheekiot said.
According to Sheekiot, police were also considering another charge against Yasause for “being in possession of an illegal firearm” once all investigations were completed.
While exiting the courtroom yesterday, the doctorate holder was caught by surprise by waiting media personnel who flashed their cameras while he tried to cover his face using his hat to avoid the cameras.
He was escorted by a police prosecutor to a waiting police vehicle and was taken away.
A police report tendered in court by prosecutor Judith Tom reconstructed the scene of the killing last Friday morning.
Emil was shot with a handgun as he got out of his car near the National AIDS Council office in front of one other person. A taxi driver transported Emil’s body to the hospital.
Emil was pronounced death on arrival at the Port Moresby General Hospital.
The murder weapon was not produced.

Dr Theo Yasause charged with murder of Aquila Emil

Sydney Morning Herald

A former chief of staff to the Papua New Guinea prime minister has been charged with murdering a PNG rugby league legend.
Dr Theo Yasause, part of the highly connected East Sepik political elite, has been charged with the wilful murder of Aquila Emil, Port Moresby Metropolitan Police Commander Joseph Tondop told AAP on Tuesday.
Emil, 44, who played for PNG's national rugby league side the Kumuls, was shot dead in his car near the Lamana night club in Port Moresby early on Friday.
Mr Tondop said Yasause was arrested after he went to the police on Monday afternoon.
"Dr Theo was arrested then charged with one count of wilful murder.
"He is expected to be in court today (Tuesday) to apply for bail and make a plea," he said.
Mr Tondop said Yasause spent the night in custody in a Port Moresby police cell.
Emil was shot with a pistol at close range about 3am local time on Friday following an argument outside the club where both Emil and Yasause had spent the evening.
PNG's Post Courier reports an argument started when their cars collided outside the club.
A woman who was with Emil witnessed the incident.
On Monday, former Newcastle Knights rugby league player, now PNG national selector, Arnold Krewanty said Emil's death was a massive loss for PNG.
"We played footy together and he was a mate and comrade and we both were working on getting a PNG side into the NRL," Mr Krewanty said.
"Aquila had a lot to offer PNG, especially helping the schoolboy rugby league in the capital.
"Rugby league won't get another like this, he gave so much back to the game," he said.
Yasause was chief of staff to Prime Minister Michael Somare in 2007 and 2008 before becoming head of PNG's office of climate change.
He was suspended from this position in 2009 after numerous scandals and allegations of corruption.