NCSL is excited to welcome its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Keith Raimo, and Manager Member Services and Branch Support, Noel Keyala. Keith Raimo possesses more than 12 years of experience in the area of accounting and financial management, including senior management roles with Digicel, Capital Group, and recently with Paradise Private Hospital before joining NCSL. He is keen to look at technology to accelerate transformation with a view to ensuring greater efficiency and achieving quicker turn-around times. “I believe technology is vital to creating greater efficiency in member service and reporting. Technology will be the enabler for the delivery of key strategic outcomes. Equally important are people and process development. Without good people following good processes, there is no implementation. These to me are key to positioning NCSL as the go-to brand for our current & future members. Great systems, great people, great service,” Raimo said. Raimo is also passionate about helping people. “Helping and developing people leaves a legacy. I believe the work at NCSL to develop financial literacy and other people development initiatives are key value-added services for our membership,” he added. Manager Member Services and Branch Support, Noel possesses more than 14 years of banking experience. He was previously Manager Contact Centre and Manager Client Services with Kina Bank, then Acting Head of Customer Experience prior to joining NCSL. “I am thrilled to join at an exciting time and be part of NCSL’s transformation and journey as it aspires to become an e-bank,” Keyala said With an expansion in membership growth- and business demand, NCSL also expanded its Lending team with two new additional Lending officers namely, Rebecca Manihoru and Fidelma Watir. NCSL Chief Executive Officer, Vari Lahui said ncsl is delighted to have such talented officers with fresh ideas joining the ncsl family. “I am confident with their level of experience, expertise, and contribution, NCSL will reach greater heights,” the CEO said when welcoming the new faces.

Credit Corporation PNG Limited staff recently participated in a mangrove planting initiative at Gaire village in Central province. Risk Support Officer Hindira Ivahupa says the initiative is one of the company’s sustainable projects undertaken as part of its corporate social responsibility. “The goal of this initiative is to promote sustainable development by providing our staff with environment conservation activities that will benefit both the community and the environment,” said Ivahupa. “Our sustainable projects are also a great way to connect with the local communities we operate in and raise awareness on the importance of being environmentally conscious,” she further added. Ivahupa also acknowledged the community-based organisation, ARO who initiated the Gaire Mangrove Conservation and Rehabilitation program for their support in helping Credit Corporation to undertake its first mangrove planting initiative. A donation of K2000 was also presented to ARO in support of the organisation’s conservation efforts within the community. In thanking Credit Corporation for its generous donation, ARO Project Coordinator and Gaire local, Roy Hitolo, said the aim of the project is to restore degraded mangrove areas along the village’s coastline and river system. “We started in 2020 with a group of 20 youths, all from Gaire and we are now in our third year. We are aiming to plant 20,000 mangrove seedlings before 2025. So far, we’ve planted a total of 3,000,” said Hitolo. He further added that mangroves play a very important role in preventing the rise of sea levels and preserving coastal ecosystems and encouraged coastal communities around the country to start up mangrove planting projects to protect their coastlines. “We all have role to play when it comes to conserving our natural environment and I would also like to thank Credit Corporation and its staff for their contribution to the fight against climate change,” said Hitolo.

BSP’s strong business performance across the Group was maintained in the third quarter of 2022, with Group net profit after tax of K672m, compared to K699m for corresponding 2021 period. This sound performance was achieved notwithstanding BSP having expensed the Additional Company Tax (ACT) payment of K190m, which was introduced this year. According to BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming, the company’s underlying profit growth reflects the improved economic conditions in the region, resulting in loan growth of +5.6% and increased transactional activities, which has contributed to non-lending fee income increase of +14.3%, despite BSP continuing to reduce its fees. Overall Group expenditure increased by 15.1% in Q3-22, compared to Q3-21. This higher level of expenditure was driven by additional roles being created in Retail, Operations and Compliance teams to support customer growth, more effective compliance, higher channel related costs (contributing to the higher channel revenue raised above) and property maintenance costs. With the support of its shareholders, BSP is pursuing a judicial review to challenge the constitutional validity of the ACT, given its material impact on shareholder returns. Nevertheless, the K190m tax was paid on 30 September 2022 into an escrow account held with BPNG, pending the outcome of BSP’s legal challenge to the ACT. The full K190m was taken up in BSP’s first quarter accounts. Despite the above, Mr Fleming stated that BSP Group’s key performance ratios remained strong, with cost-to-income improving to 37.7%. He added that BSP’s capital base remains robust, with total capital adequacy as at September 2022 at 23.3%, in line with September 2021 levels, well above the minimum Bank of Papua New Guinea prudential requirement of 12.0%. Group Return on Equity (ROE) was 27.1% in Q3-22, impacted by the ACT. Mr Fleming also said that irrespective of the K190m Additional Company Tax, BSP has expanded its branch network, with Eriku branch opening in the first week of November 2022, NCD Lending Centre in Port Moresby in December 22, Telefomin hybrid sub-branch in the first quarter of 2023, and Dobel branch in Western Highlands in the first half of 2023. Mr Fleming concluded that BSP remains the largest and most profitable bank in the South Pacific. BSP also continues to deliver sustainable growth, as evidenced by its strong year to date profit results.

The vehicle used by Senior Constable Nelson Kalimda has been recovered, however the policeman is still missing, says Hela Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector Robin Bore. He said the vehicle was recovered within the premises of the residence of a prominent man in the Hela Province. The residence was left vacant as a result of a recent tribal fighting. “People from the community are coming up with some information so we are working around to locate the whereabouts of the missing policeman. “The vehicle was recovered in very good condition. Nothing was removed or tempered with. The vehicle key was also on the vehicle’s ignition. We still do not have any concrete leads or information as to his whereabouts,” Mr Bore said. Assistant Police Commissioner Operations Samson Kua and Director Special Services Division Julius Tasion were sent to Tari on Tuesday to investigate the policeman’s disappearance. Yesterday and today Acting Deputy Commissioner Specialist Operations Donald Yamasombi visited the families of policemen at the Red Sea Police Barracks in Bomana in the National Capital District to talk to the worried and frustrated families. They have blocked the entrance to the barracks where Senior Constable  Kalimda  and his family also reside. “At 11.30am today they presented their petition which I received on behalf of the Police Management at the Red Sea Barracks. I reiterated the fact that the matter is being investigated and results will be made known. “I told them that the day the men and women (now policemen and women) who decided to join the police, they swore an oath to serve their country and its people without fear, favour or ill will. So, in this case we cannot accuse Hela people. They are part of our country and we have an obligation to serve them and other parts of the country as well. “However, the men and women in the blue uniform have a duty to abide by the guiding principles in times of official deployments. The rules are there to guide us and only if we deviate then we are bound to invite such situations upon ourselves when we could have easily avoided them. The police force has a duty to the country as a whole, not to a particular region or race therefore its men and women must serve with humility according to these guiding principles,” Mr Yamasombi said. The Acting Deputy Commissioner said on Tuesday the mothers were planning to march to the National Parliament to demand an explanation from Prime Minister James Marape who is also the Member for Tari Pori. “I advised them to wait as the matter is still under investigation,” Mr Yamasombi said, adding that he told the families that the facts have to be established before “we start coming up with conclusions”. He told the families to make their concerns known first to the RPNGC management before they resort to any other action that may be counter-productive. They have done that in the petition presented today to Mr Yamasombi. Mr Yamasombi told the families at the Red Sea Barracks that there was no confrontation on the day Senior Constable  Kalimda went missing. He said the policeman left everything behind, even his weapon, and drove out without informing his Squad Commander, his NCOs or his squad mates. “The police hierarchy is just as concerned about the whereabouts and well-being of Senior Constable  Kalimda. It is our prayer that God will keep him safe and bring him back to us and especially to his wife and sons,” Mr Yamasombi said. Mr Yamasombi said police teams in Hela are working day and night to locate Senior Constable  Kalimda. “I follow on with Commissioner David Manning’s plea to anyone who has any information about Senior Constable’s whereabouts to come forward and assist us in locating him. He has a wife and twin sons, extended families, friends and colleagues who are very worried,” Mr Yamasombi said.

For most of the third and final year programs that are offered at the University of Papua New Guinea, practicals and internships are compulsory for students, including the Accounting Practicum, for students studying the Bachelor of Accounting. Air Niugini has, for the first time, accepted students to participate in their internship at their head office in Port Moresby. Air Niugini has accepted third year Accounting students, while others have been accepted by various organisations. The students are attached with Air Niugini’s Finance Department and will be there for the next four months as part of the requirement to complete their degree program. The Executive Dean of the School of Business and Public Policy, Prof. Lekshmi Pillai, who was present during the orientation event for the students, said that this is the start of a long relationship between Air Niugini and UPNG’s School of Business and Public Policy, and that both institutions will benefit from this relationship. He thanked the Air Niugini management for accepting these nine students for their internship. The Accounting Divisional Head, Mr. Panditha Bandara, also thanked the Air Niugini Management, including CEO Bruce Alabastar and Financial Controller Fredrick Tongogo, and said that this is a significant achievement, which will enable students who undergo internships to engage with organisations within the country after their graduate, and that their exposure to the real-life working environment while studying is beneficial for the students and the industry as a whole. The students went through an orientation session at Air Niugini Haus where they were briefed on what to do, where to go and who to see during their work experience. According to Fredrick Tongogo, it is also an opportunity for Air Niugini’s Finance Department to have extra hands on board to clear any backlogs, and also help to prepare their end of year audit. He added that it is exciting to provide internships for UPNG accounting students for the benefit of the country and improve local talent. He assured the University that Air Niugini will be happy to help students in the future also. The Accounting Division regularly arranges placements in various reputed organisations to undergo accounting practicum. After students complete their third year of study, they are expected to carry out their practical for a minimum of 200 hours to pass this course and be eligible to graduate. The Division requests companies and government agencies to accept students for practicums to allow them to be exposed to real working situations for personal development. This program has been ongoing for the past five years.

Grade 8 students from Losuia Primary School, Milne Bay Province have had to separate and sit for their exams in two different schools because of a fight that happened on the island at the beginning of the week. District Administrator, Mr John Ephraim said that students from Gumilababa village are sitting for their National Exams at the newly established Gumilababa Primary school while students from Losuia Station, Muloseda and Kavataria villages continued sitting for their exams at the school. “We came up with this solution after the school had closed its doors on Tuesday while we tried to calm the situation between the warring villages.” “So students missed the second paper but they sat for it on Wednesday and will continue with the last paper today.” “We want the students to complete the exams without any more disruptions while we work with the police to sort out the issue here on the island.” Ephraim said that the police are on the ground from Alotau and are currently carrying out their investigations. Meanwhile, Principal for Kiriwina Secondary school, Mr Cyril Tomodiwaona said that the has closed for this week and boarding students have been sent home. Only a handful of students from the outer islands remain in the school grounds. Kiriwina Secondary school will reopen next Monday. PC: Stanfford Nisim

Chairman of Lae Biscuit Company and franchise owner of Lae Snax Tigers today announced the return of the Snax 9s tournament in 2022. Ian Chow confirmed the annual Lae Biscuit sponsored Snax 9s returns in December aback its cancellation last year due to Covid-19. The 2022 Lae Biscuit Snax 9s is scheduled for 8th–10th December 2022 at the Lae Rugby League oval with over K40, 000 price money up for grabs. Mr. Chow is happy to bring back the annual event for the 8th year now since its inception in 2014. The Snax 9s tournament is primarily the scouting avenue for the Lae Snax Tigers team ahead of another season. With the Rugby League World Cup currently underway in England there is so much motivation to grow the code where ever it’s played. Papua New Guinea is no different standing firm behind the PNG Kumuls to go the extra mile. But there is so much that we can do at the local frontier to one day see the Kumuls soar higher where we all wanted. The Snax 9s has been the signature tournament converging vast rugby league talents in PNG and is testament to the continued success of the Snax Tigers in recent years. The Tigers hold 4 premierships and 6 minor premierships in the semiprofessional Digicel Cup and two Melanesian Cup championships and will continue to be back stronger in another season given such tournaments. The stakes will be higher and the onus is on participating teams to impress,” Chow said. Erave Hornbills of Southern Highlands are the defending champions beating West New Britain’s 15 City Roosters 22-4 in the 2020 Cup final. The Hornbills are returning to defend the title led by the Teme Brothers, David and Jerry Teme.

We can thank the “Black Panther” sequel for Rihanna finally returning to the world of music. The “Fenty” founder tweeted Wednesday about her forthcoming single, “Lift Me Up,” which is set to release on Friday. The original song will be featured on the soundtrack to the new Marvel movie, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” The song will mark Rihanna’s first new music as a solo artist in six years. According to a press release, the tune was written by Rihanna, fellow artist Tems, Oscar winner Ludwig Göransson and “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler as a tribute to the late “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman. Boseman died in 2020 at age 43 following a private battle with colon cancer. “After speaking with Ryan and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them,” Tems said in a statement. “Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor". The song was recorded in five countries and Rihanna shared only a snippet of it on social media. Fans have been eagerly awaiting new music from Rihanna since her last album, “Anti,” which dropped in 2016. There had been speculation that she would release something new in anticipation of her performance as the headliner for the upcoming Superbowl Halftime Show in February. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - Music From and Inspired By” will be released on November 4. The film hits theaters on November 11.

Papua New Guinea's Mackenzie Yei and Cook Islands forward Reubenn Rennie face one match bans after being charged over incidents in Tuesday night's World Cup match at Warrington. Both players were sinbinned during the match, won 32-16 by the Kumuls. Yei, who plays for the Central Queensland Capras, has been charged with a Grade A careless high tackle and will miss PNG's clash with Wales in Doncaster. Rennie, who plays for the Newtown Jets, has also been hit with a one-match ban and is set to miss this weekend's must win clash with Tonga at Middlesbrough after being booked for a dangerous throw. Ireland prop Jaimin Jolliffe will miss the game against New Zealand after unsuccessfully contesting his ban for a high tackle, while teammate Liam Byrne and Fiji's Tui Kamikamica will also miss the final round of World Cup pool matches. With Byrne suspended for two matches on separate dangerous contact charges, the Wolfhounds challenged Jolliffe's ban in a desperate bid to have him available for the must-win match against the Kiwis in Leeds. Byrne also received a caution for contrary behaviour. Fiji team-mate Taniela Sadrugu, who plays for the Cowboys, received a caution for dangerous contact.

It was a day of mixed feelings within the perimeters of the church-run St. Charles Lwanga Secondary School in Port Moresby as the school farewelled its 6th batch of Grade 12 students at a graduation ceremony witnessed by parents and guardians. Keynote speaker and Deputy Opposition leader Douglas Tomuriesa reminded the graduands that it was the start of a long journey for them and not the end of their career as students. [caption id="attachment_29193" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] D/Opposition leader during his keynote address to graduating students of Charles Lwanga Secondary School.[/caption] He challenged them to remain committed in what they were good at doing and to turn their weaknesses into strengths. “Be wise as you enter the world. One day you may hold a high position in society. But always remember, with great power comes greater responsibility. Be nice to everyone on your way up the ranks. You will meet the same people during your downfall,” [caption id="attachment_29194" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Welcome remarks by the School Principal Br. Joymon Mathew.[/caption] School Principal Bro. Joymon Mathew encouraged his band of students to live and shine the Christian values taught and instilled in them as they venture into the world, living them a reminder “Once a Lwangan, Always a Lwangan.” The packed-to-capacity school hall was host to the graduation ceremony attended by parents, guardians, fellow students and a handful of invited guests to play witness to the important occasion for the departing students. “169 grade 12 graduands made up the Grade 12 classes for this year including a new Gr. 12 science class,” said Bro. Joymon. He said despite three weeks of missed lessons due to election-related violence in the metropolitan city, the students showed commitment in their learning and attended the make-up classes and remedial lessons to compensate the loss. He commended the students for maintaining the discipline of the school and showing their leadership which resulted in no major disciplinary issues faced throughout the year. “As a result we are expecting high results from the examinations for both the grade 10 and 12’s,”said Joymon. The graduating students received their school attainment certificates while three (3) of the schools dux awardees were presented a laptop each, courtesy by the school. The principal assured parents that their children are now well equipped with the best academics and necessary tools to improve their skills as well as elevated ethics and values to lead them in the path of spirituality. “Go forth and embrace your future with open arms, and enthusiastically pursue your own life journey of discovery,” he concluded.  

The FIBA Melanesian Cup 2022 tipped off at Vodafone Area Suva in Fiji with Papua New Guinea and Fiji starting their tournaments with wins. Papua New Guinea (PNG) women held off a fast-finishing Solomon Islands in the first game of the day to start their FIBA Melanesian Cup defence, 63-51. Joycelyn Basia was prolific for the Solomon Islanders with 21 points, but that was not enough to claw their way back in the second half when PNG were in foul trouble, and their fitness was put to the test. PNG Captain, Marca Muri said it was a great fight and a good way to start the tournament with the remainder of their squad due to arrive in Fiji later tonight. “It’s so amazing, we can with only six players, so it was amazing to win today,” Muri said.  “We have another six players arriving tonight, so we are very much looking forward to that.” Finishing the game with 17 points and 5 assists, Muri said the team had to dig deep, especially in the final half to hold off the fast-finishing Solomon Islands. “We just had to hang in there and tried to keep our fitness levels up,” Muri said.  “We have been training a lot and putting in the effort, so it was great hold them off.” The host side, Fiji was too strong for New Caledonia (78-61) in the second women’s match of the day despite strong individual performances from Enola Ah Ah Tchung, Adeline Souque and Moone Konhu from the bench with 14 points for the game. Fiji debutant, Matila Vocea was prolific from the bench with 15 points and 12 rebounds to launch her national career. “It was a really tough game but I’m really proud of the girls, we got through it and we got it done,” Vocea said.  “Playing tonight was really humbling and although it was really tough getting here, I’m really grateful for the opportunity to play for my home.” The former Fiji national netballer, Vocea said that she has always had a love for basketball so converting to the game she loves has been rewarding challenge.  “Netball is more reliant on agility, I was a shooter, so basketball is that plus defending and more running,” Vocea said.  “ “Netball is more agility related, so netball shooter, inside circle so for basketball it’s shooting and defending and running more, the fitness is a lot more.” The FIBA Melanesian Cup 2022 continues tomorrow with Papua New Guinea taking on New Caledonia at 12pm (local time) and Fiji coming up against Solomon Islands at 7:30pm (local time). The top two teams at the Melanesian Cup will qualify for the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.  The Pacific Games then serves as the official qualifier for the Oceania region to the FIBA Asia Cup Pre-Qualifiers. Source: fiba.basketball

'I love getting whacked and I love whacking people. That's what we do'. With that clear mission statement, Nene MacDonald sums up what makes the PNG Kumuls tick and what makes them such a dangerous opponent in the World Cup knockout stages. After knocking off Cook Islands 32-16 to secure their first win of the tournament on Wednesday morning (AEDT), the Kumuls are on track for a quarter-final showdown with England at Wigan on November 5. It's a mouth-watering prospect for all those who have adopted the Kumuls as their second favourite team, but perhaps not so much for the tournament hosts and their fans. "It will be one of our biggest challenges if we get there but we have the team and lots of our players have played alongside each other for many years now," MacDonald said. "It's almost like the same team [from 2017] and we have gelled a lot and we are rising up and trying to make a difference. [caption id="attachment_29155" align="alignnone" width="906"] Yei from the back fence[/caption] "We have our brand, our own style and we want to have an effect in this Cup, not just be part of it. One day we'd like to win it for our people." That Kumuls' style is built on brutal defence and power running through the middle, a mantra coach Stanley Tepend admits his team went away from in a scratchy first half against Cook Islands. Tries to Rodrick Tai and Kyle Laybutt set up a 10-0 lead but the sin-binning of MacKenzie Yei for a dangerous tackle in the 28th minute invited the Kukis back into the game, a try to Paul Ulberg closing the gap to 10-6 at the break. "We went away from our way, the Kumuls way. We tried to go wide too early so at half-time I just told them to run straight, run hard, tackle hard," Tepend said at the post-match media conference. "The boys were not down [after the loss to Tonga] but proud of the performance and we had to put our attention to Cook Islands, who we respect. The start of the second half we played the way we wanted to play. [caption id="attachment_29156" align="alignnone" width="906"] Rocket Rodrick[/caption] "We have a good bunch of boys. It's sad that two of our wingers [Xavier Coates and Edene Gebbie] had to fly home with injury sad but the connection we have is still strong." That connection came to the fore in the second half at Halifax Jones Stadium as the Kumuls ran in four tries through Rhyse Martin, Lachlan Lam, Justin Olam and a second for Tai to give them plenty of momentum heading into next week's clash with Wales. With big men Wellington Albert, Sylvester Namo and Yei laying the platform, Lam was able to take control and get quality ball to destructive outside backs Olam and MacDonald, while Rabbitohs star Alex Johnston was cool and composed at fullback. After a rollercoaster eight-year NRL career that included a horrific broken leg in 2019 and being sacked by the Cowboys the same year, MacDonald was thrown a lifeline by Kumuls legend Adrian Lam at Leigh Centurions and flourished with 26 tries in 27 games. In a stunning season of dominance Leigh won 26 of 27 matches in the Championship before defeating Batley Bulldogs in the grand final to earn promotion to Super League in 2023. "It has been an amazing year, getting promoted to Super League and now playing at a World Cup. It means so much to me putting this jersey on," MacDonald said. [caption id="attachment_29157" align="alignnone" width="906"] Olam to Lam "It has been five years since I last put the jersey on, with injury and other stuff, and then to get a shot at Leigh and fight my way back has been amazing.[/caption] "It has been a long and emotional journey but it’s like I never went away." Making the World Cup experience even more special for the 28-year-old is getting the chance to share it with Adrian Lam, who has been in camp to present jerseys and offer encouragement to the new breed of Kumuls. "We are rising up and creating our own brand and one thing we are doing is making sure we don’t forget the players who made the path for us, so having Adrian and Stanley Gene here has been fantastic," MacDonald said. "Without them, we are not who we are today, and we want to show them how much they mean to us. Source: NRL.Com