Scheduling of AGM the sticking point in union talks

THE power struggle that has been a blight on PNG rugby looks to have reached its final stages, with the final issue being the date set for the proposed annual general meeting.
In the National Court case in connection with this matter, the plaintiffs are the late Steven Kami (first plaintiff) and PNGRFU (second plaintiff) versus Ben Frame (first defendant) Robert Nilkare (second defendant) Tony Carbry (third defendant) and Joe Holloway (fourth defendant).
It is understood that the plaintiffs (late Steve Kami’s replacement and PNGRFU) are seeking to reconvene Court-ordered mediation.
This is because the parties have not been able to resolve the remaining issue in order for a mediation agreement to be signed.
Michael Uiari, who holds the position of honorary secretary of the PNGRFU, said the issue in contention was the timing of the AGM.
“The one remaining issue is the timing of an election of executives of the PNGRFU,” Uiari said.
“Whilst this predates my involvement with the PNGRFU, it is my understanding that properly conducted elections for executives of the PNGRFU have apparently not been held since 2009.
“The defendants want an election in November. The plaintiffs and many provincial unions want an election this March.”
In the interim however, Uiari said the plaintiffs had invited the executive committee of Sydney-based Oceania Rugby to take control by actively facilitating an independently administered electoral process with assistance from the PNG Olympic Committee and the registrar of associations.
Moreover, to provide confidence to stakeholders and the rugby fraternity, a jointly endorsed independent sponsorship panel has been set up with Club Pukpuk and accounting firm KPMG to take charge of raising sponsorship and administering funding.
Uiari commended newly elected Capital Rugby Union president, Kori Chan, Dan Khaisir Siaguru and Fiona Speedy of Club Pukpuk for taking the initiative.
At the national player level, both sides have come together, in the best interests of rugby, to support the incumbent sevens national coach, management and players at senior and Under-18 levels.