Forty – nine (49) Affiliated Rugby League Associations will attend the 7th Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Annual General Meeting (AGM) this Saturday June 6, 2020 at the Bluff Inn Resort outside Port Moresby.
PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Reatau Rau said that following consultation with the legal team and endorsement by the PNGRFL Board early this week, all 49 leagues that affiliated to the PNGRFL in 2019 are eligible to attend the AGM this Saturday.
“One of the reasons why the first AGM was deferred to March 28 from March 6, 2020 was that the 32 leagues that attended were not fully compliant with the PNGRFL affiliation requirements due to conflicting reports from Confederates,” Rau said.
He said the four requirements set for all leagues to fulfil are:
- Full affiliation fees to be paid to PNGRFL by all associations
- Full players / officials registration fees including insurance to be paid to PNGRFL
- A Men’s Senior, Women’s and Under 20 competition must be played in that season ending with a grand final.
- Minutes and Financial reports of an AGM must be submitted to the PNGRFL by December 31 of that year.
“I can confirm that 49 leagues affiliated in 2019,” Rau said. “We found that the 32 leagues were not fully certified in line with these affiliations and therefore to be fair and consistent, the Board has endorsed all 49 leagues to attend the AGM.”
The 49 eligible leagues to attend are:
NGI – 9
- Kokopo City
- Kimbe
- Kavieng
- Namatanai
- Buka
- Lihir
- Gazelle
- Rabaul
- Hoskins
Northern – 6
- Madang
- Lae
- Ramu
- Walium
- Wewak
- Maprik
Highlands – 15
- Goroka
- Banz
- Kimil
- Mt Hagen
- Komo
- Nondugl
- Minj
- Baning
- Wabag
- Mendi
- Pangia
- Porgera
- Ialibu
- Kunumb
- Kundiawa
Southern – 19
- Port Moresby
- Pom South
- Pom Suburb
- Motu Koita
- Koiari
- Rigo
- Buria
- Tabubil
- Popondetta
- Kiunga
- Kerema
- Daru
- Sioupusa
- Hiri East
- UPNG
- Alotau
- Hiri West
- CPPL
- NRLC
The CEO said that among the agendas of the AGM is the election of Chairman and four Confederate Directors.
“The other major concern that led to the deferral of the March 6 AGM were reports received prior to the start of the meeting of a candidate for the Southern Confederate Directors position banned by the PNGRFL Judiciary in 2006 from taking public office and questions raised on the legality of a seconder of a candidate – nominee in Northern Confederate replaced by a new president,” Rau said.
He said the PNGRFL have sighted the decision by the PNGRFL Judiciary of 2006 that the person (named) was banned for 15 years. “The 15 years is up in 2021 and as per advice from the legal team is that this decision be upheld and will remain in force,” Rau said. “Therefore this nomination is deemed null and void.”
Rau added that in another twist to the Southern Confederates Directors position following the deferred March 6 AGM, seconder of incumbent Director withdrew his nomination as seconder.
“The withdrawal has been accepted and as per the constitution, new nomination for the position of Director of Southern Confederate can be called for on the floor during the AGM,” Rau said.
He said the nominations for the Northern Director’s position will also called for on the floor on Saturday. “The seconder of the candidate – nominee was in fact not authorised to second that nomination which has been deemed null and void,” Rau said.He said these issues have been addressed and cleared to ensure the integrity of the election process is protected and transparency and good governance is maintained.
“We have seen some irregularities at this AGM and the participation of all 49 affiliated leagues gives an opportunity to the majority on the make up of the PNGRFL Board for the next three years,” Rau said. “We have learned some big lessons and will be making recommendations to the new Board for changes to the constitution and by- laws to address these issues and challenges from re-curing.”
He said a Returning Officer from the Electoral Commission will conduct the elections and the swearing-in of the elected Board will be officiated by the Chief Magistrate of PNG straight after the declarations.
He said the PNGRFL Board as per the constitution has powers to convene and set dates and venues for the AGM.
Rau said all 49 Presidents will arrive on Friday June 5, 2020 at the Bluff Inn Resort and undergo Covid 19 protocols and processes. “It is important that we adhere to these health protocols and processes,” he said. “Social distancing will be exercised at the AGM this weekend.”
The presidents return to their places of residence on Sunday.
