Papua New Guinea Women’s National Team coach Spencer Prior has named star midfielder Rayleen Bauelua as captain to lead the team against Panama on Sunday. The match to be played at North Shore Harbor Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, is the opening match for the FIFA Intercontinental Play-off. Prior said, the 28-year-old Loaua villager from Murat Local Level Government in New Ireland province is a hard worker both on and off the field. “Rayleen is going to captain the team given her output, work rate, and leadership qualities she has displayed in the team during camps in Australia and New Zealand,” the coach said. The Mussau lass was nervous when she was told to captain the team. “I was nervous but very honored and proud to lead my team. It’s a big role, but I am happy to lead,” the PNG midfielder said.  

Twenty thousand kina has already been raised by an ‘English Channel Swim’ fundraising event for Cheshire Disability Services. The K20,000 represents 20 percent of an overall K100,000 fundraising goal. The swim is being supported by the Steamships Group, with 100 percent of all sponsorship money going towards initiatives that will directly benefit people with disabilities and the families who support them. Swimmer Neil Papenfus, a General Manager in Steamships’ Logistics Division, is registered to swim the English Channel in October. “I love swimming, I love challenging myself physically, and I love the work that the team at Cheshire Disability Services do for people in our community who are living with disabilities” says Papenfus. The K20,000 already raised has been a mix of personal as well as business donations: · PNG Motors K10,000 · Carpenters Shipping K5,000 · David Doig K1,000 · Ashley Houston K1,000 · Greg Rudani K1,000 · Corey van Genderen · Sean Vincin K1,000 · Bill Crain K500 General Manager of Cheshire Disability Services, Benson Hahambu, says that he’s “extremely grateful” for the generosity of the businesses and people who have donated so far and that “every kina will make a real difference” in the lives of the people who turn to the charity for help. Papenfus is busy not just with raising money but also training. He’s currently swimming an average of 30km per week which includes a 12km swim on the weekends. As October approaches he will be swimming between 30-35km per week and will have completed longer swims of 26km including competitive long-distance events in Australia and New Zealand. Neil’s next international competitive swim will be in Sydney in March where he’ll swim the 26km ‘Palm to Shelly’ open ocean race. In the middle of the Australian winter Neil will attend a special ‘Cold Water Training Camp’ in Sydney which will include a 6-hour swim. Some Facts About Swimming the English Channel · It will take Neil about 16 hours (the world record is just under 7 hours) · He will swim between 34-40 km depending on the tides and currents · The water will be very cold (about 16⁰C) – Fairfax Harbour is around 26⁰C. · Neil will need to eat and drink as he swims – he’s not allowed to get out of the water · The English Channel is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes (an average of 600 tankers and 200 ferries pass through it every day) Steamships will ensure that 100 percent of all money raised will be given to Cheshire Disability Services.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) Southern Command is looking to uncover an alleged drug syndicate operating in the Southern Region and persons of high offices within the region. Southern Commander, Chief Superintendent Clement Dalla, said after the indication given by the Member for Kerema Open Mr. Thomas Opa last year during the launch of the Gulf Police Festive Operations, he and his officers have commenced planning to counter this syndicate. “There is some form of a syndicate on the ground, including in the police and other people who have networks in the province, but we have yet to identify who exactly is behind those and the group that is going around using government authorities to by-pass detection.” The Southern Commander also stated that they are planning to increase police presence in the area along the waterways to try counter the alleged drug syndicate in the Southern Region, especially in the Gulf and Southern Highlands provinces. Dalla added that they will be looking to establish a water police base at Kikori to monitor the surrounding areas. They will also be establishing a police station at the border of the two provinces. This will be constructed with the support from Total Energy along the corridors where drug trade has increased and with the new road link from the highlands towards Kikori, there is a huge number of people heading to the National Capital to conduct business and some might not be the ideal type of business.

Data is important for making informed decisions at all levels of government. However, in Papua New Guinea (PNG), several barriers restrict the availability of quality data for making informed decisions on service delivery. The National Research Institute (NRI) Spotlight Volume 16, Issue 4 titled “Barriers to the use of Data to drive Policy Decisions in Papua New Guinea” by Peter Michael Magury, Research Fellow at PNG NRI, looks at interventions that can be used to build capability and to address barriers associated with the use of data for making policy-related decisions. The barriers that restrict the use of data to drive policy decisions in PNG include the following: • Knowledge gaps in statistical skills and data use resulting in lack of access, analyses, poor interpretation of data, and difficulty in summarizing data into clear messages for decision-makers in presentable formats. • Poor data quality that includes data that are not timely, reliable, accurate and complete that limit the confidence and value that decision-makers place on data. • Unavailability of data, which includes inaccessibility of relevant data and poor packaging of available data that restrict its availability for use in making informed policy decisions. • Poor communication between data producers and users throughout the stages of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and use. Interventions for making quality data available is important for providing the needed confidence in using the data for making informed policy related decisions by policy-makers. Interventions such as building skills and knowledge in data use, improve data quality and communication, access and improve engagement between data users and producers can improve data used to drive policy decisions .

Air Niugini Destinations members can now redeem loyalty points with PNG Office Works Limited. PNG Office Works is offering customers who are Destinations members the opportunity to redeem loyalty points on selected stationery and electronic appliances at their shop located at 6 Mile in Port Moresby. The two-year partnership arrangement provides more options for members to redeem Destinations points in addition to redemption on airline tickets. Air Niugini General Manager Commercial Services, Mr Paul Abbot welcomed PNG Office Works on board highlighting the need to partner with more organisations to add value to the program. Mr Abbot said,“We would like to have more program partners from different industries come on board to provide a wide range of products where members can earn and redeem their points.” PNG Office Works General Manager, Jovita Kenni said they’re pleased to partner with Air Niugini by becoming a points redemption centre for Destinations Loyalty members. Ms Kenni added that PNG Office Works provides an alternate choice for its customers in Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea with a range of quality products and services offered. PNG Office Works inclusion to the Loyalty program now brings the total Destinations corporate partners to 11. Air Niugini’s Destinations Loyalty Program was launched in August 2009 as PNG’s first Frequent Flyer Program with currently over 123,000 active members.

Member representatives of Nambawan Super in Wabag recently witnessed the opening of the upgraded Wabag Branch today. Formerly located within the Post PNG Office, the Wabag Branch has been relocated to the ground floor of the Bettel Building as part of NSL’s continued focus on improving Member access to superannuation services in centres around the Country. The Branch was opened by Nambawan Super Member representatives alongside Enga Provincial Administration – Director Corporate Services Mr. Raphael Taiman and Nambawan Super Limited CEO Mr. Paul Sayer. Mr. Sayer said, “the opening of our Wabag Branch today is part of Nambawan Super’s strategy to renovate and upgrade our Branches Nationwide”. “The Wabag Branch is now conveniently located within walking distance to local schools, Government offices, key state institutions and several other businesses which employ many of our Members in Wabag.” “The strategic location will also serve Members who pass through the town between Mount Hagen and Pogera.” “With the anticipated resumption of the Pogera Gold Mine, We have invested in revitalising this Wabag Branch noting that Enga Province, is a significant contributor to the economy of Papua New Guinea.” “We expect that as the mine’s operations continue to grow, so will the number of opportunities for residents here in Wabag and the potential for the town to grow into a key industrial township in the near future.” “Nambawan Super looks forward to supporting the growth of our Members in Wabag and Enga Province as they work and when they retire. Through this Branch we will continue providing our valuable superannuation products and services, to ensure that our Members here have the chance to enjoy a comfortable retirement”, Mr. Sayer added. Improved features of the Wabag Branch include three counters; one self-service counter for ease of access; and one comfortable interview/meeting room that provides privacy for Members when discussing their superannuation benefits and retirement savings. “The Branch has also been upgraded to accommodate Members with air-conditioning, featuring improved staff and Member amenities, and it utilises a backup generator for the best Member experience for our over 5000 plus Members that live and work in Wabag and within Enga Province”, Mr. Sayer stated. “This is the second Nambawan Super Branch that we have relocated and opened this year after opening our Kiunga Branch last month. In December last year, we also opened our newly relocated Daru and Wewak Branches.” “All the relocated Branches have also been upgraded to improve on Members’ experience and ensure our staff have everything they need to deliver quality services.” “As part of our Branch Relocation and Improvement exercise, we are also planning to open 13 more Branches including relocated, upgraded and new Branches across all four Regions of PNG.” “Through this exercise, we want to ensure that we can provide the same welcoming look and feel that is now the standard for our 22 Branches Countrywide so that our Members receive the same level of services wherever they are.” “At Nambawan Super, our Members are at the core of all that we do and as such we aim to continue delivering quality services while managing our investments to generate strong returns on Members’ savings so that the money they save today, grows over the long-term to help build better futures for our members and achieve their best retirement outcomes”, Mr. Sayer concluded.

Team PNG would like to congratulate Team PNG and Athletics PNG athlete Leeroy Kamau who broke the PNG National indoor 400m record with a time of 47.83 seconds in Kansas, USA!! What an achievement, and great to see your progress abroad in the lead up to the games this year. Leeroy is currently studying and training in the United States as he prepares to represent Team PNG at the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games at the end of this year from November 19th - December 2nd. Source: Team PNG

Melbourne have confirmed they'll be without star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen for at least the opening six rounds of the Telstra Premiership as he continues to recover from a knee injury. The Storm released an injury update on Tuesday indicating they were hopeful Papenhuyzen would make a return between Rounds 6-8 but would also not rule out his comeback potentially being longer. The club also confirmed they'll will be without new recruit Tariq Sims for their Pre-season Challenge clash against the Warriors this weekend due to a calf injury while Marion Seve (knee) is also unavailable. Storm centre Justin Olam will miss six weeks due to a fractured forearm. Meanwhile, Broncos star Reece Walsh is in doubt for the opening round of the Telstra Premiership against the Panthers after scans confirmed a facial fracture suffered in the Pre-season Challenge last weekend. Walsh was electric in his return to the Broncos on Sunday night before copping a knock to the face in a tackle that forced him from the field. The Broncos have confirmed the 20-year-old suffered a fracture to his eye's orbital floor with no surgery required. Source: NRL.Com

The Rabaul District Development Authority recently approved a development budget of K9.8 million for this year (2023) that will have more emphasis on road infrastructure. District Administrator, Benedict Mode said funding sources are from the ENB Provincial Budget support to the district for road infrastructure to allow more accessibility for economic and social developments. Major road infrastructure captured in the budget for the district are: · K2 million- Namanula Boisen Road upgrade and sealing · K4.2 million- Blanche street/Wharf road pavement repair · K0.6 million- Watom island road link · K3 million- Malakuna junction to UMW road maintenance (Gelegele Road) He said also to complement the current LLG and ward policies in the province, a total of K1.45 million for administration support will be allocated to the four LLGs in the district- Kombiu, Watom, Rabaul Urban and Balanataman. He said once this year’s DSIP allocation of K10 million is available, K360, 000 each will be transferred directly and factored into each of the four LLG’s budgets. He said the initiative of this year’s budget is to strengthen and build capacity at the LLGs which will also complement the current ward policies in place. Late last year saw the successful establishment of ward development committees (WDC) for 47 wards of the total of 49 wards in the electorate. “I am of the view that maintaining people’s trust and confidence in the WDC system is very significant in the process of effective governance at ward foundations levels up and the importance of bottom-up planning,” Mr Mode said. He said the district will align itself with the Provincial Fiscal Policy and Provincial Budget theme: “Fostering Sustainable Livelihoods through partnerships for inclusive Economic growth and Development”. Mr Mode said the 2023 District budget comprises programs at the district coordination level and at the LLG implementation level. He said the budget expenditure will be consistent with strategic result areas and sector heads and LLG heads will be responsible and accountable for managing their allocated expenditures. “As much as possible the district is encouraging the sharing of service provision, co-funding and integration of services with other efficient service providers,” he said. Meantime Mr Mode said the district did not fully expend its K8 million DSIP budget as part of the funding came late before close of accounts last year. The district anticipates to receive its K10 million DSIP for this year.

All women have the right to healthcare, especially when they are due to deliver. Basic interventions to prevent infection are helping save lives at Papua New Guinea’s largest public hospital. Through the corridors of Port Moresby General Hospital, hardworking midwives are committed to reducing infection as they prepare for another day bringing our newest Papua New Guineans into the world. WHO estimates neonatal infections result in over 550,000 deaths every year, globally. Almost all are entirely preventable with basic interventions. With the delivery of 40 maternal health kits to Port Moresby General Hospital, midwives report the rate of neonatal deaths has decreased up to 80%. “From experiencing an average of 60 neonatal deaths per month in 2021, in July we saw a significant drop to 17 deaths!” shared Midwifery Society President Sr Mary Sitaing. “In the month of September, we had only 7 neonatal deaths.” “This is more than 80% decrease,” said Sr Mary. “Thanks to the maternity kits that were provided, we were able to ensure safe deliveries.” The kits contain 40 pieces of obstetric equipment, including scissors and trays. According to Sr. Mary, the 40 midwifery kits given to the Maternity Ward were further divided into 160 bundles, 80 for deliveries and 80 for sutures. “The 80 delivery sets include scissors, a sponge holder, a hemostat (clamp), and the delivery trays. Included in the 80 sutures sets are the dissecting forceps and the suture trays,” said Sr Mary. “A woman coming into delivery has one clean bundle to herself which means safe deliveries, with practically nil chances of neonatal sepsis and death.” “Proper infection prevention during the entire process from delivery of the baby to the proper stitching of the mother, is equally important to minimize infections and we were able to achieve this with our clean bundles from UNFPA.” Sr. Roselyn Tunijo who has been a midwife for almost 40 years, rejoined the midwifery team at Port Moresby General after being away since 2011. She expressed her sheer delight in the fact that, unlike when she left, individual mothers delivering had a delivery tray to themselves, thanks to the midwifery kits. “We used to share delivery trays between mothers which greatly increased the risk of cross-infection,” she shared. “The last time the hospital received new delivery trays and important birthing tools was almost 14 years ago.” “Thanks to UNFPA we do not have this dilemma anymore. I came back to the Labour Ward after a time away and I now enjoy delivering babies knowing that we have the adequate tools to ensure best practice.” Sr. Mary Sitaing explained that these tools are standard pieces of equipment that should be given to the Labour Ward by the hospital annually. “While we thank UNFPA for stepping in, the hospital must put more emphasis on our women, and take into consideration delivery kits such as this and delivery beds as well,” she said. “The same way funds and attention are put into public health, the same must be done for maternal health and the Labour ward.” “We thank UNFPA for this support which will last us for years to come.” The team also received one stethoscope for each midwife and 400 thermometers. The team gave 40 thermometers to the Madang Provincial Health Authority. UNFPA works to deliver a world with zero preventable maternal deaths. With the provision of these kits, and with support to strengthen supply chain management for essential medicines and equipment, UNFPA continues to support midwives and other workers in achieving this mission.

The Rural Airstrip Agency of Papua New Guinea has appointed Kim Opiti as its next Chief Executive Officer. Mrs Opiti rejoins the RAA to succeed Hau’ofa Sailasa, who held the position in an interim capacity for 12 months. RAA chairman Stephen Charlesworth said it was an exciting appointment which followed a competitive selection process. “The board is confident that Mrs. Opiti is the right candidate to lead the RAA through its next phase of development,” Mr. Charlesworth said. “Her knowledge, qualifications, and leadership experience, particularly in corporate functions, combined with her strong capacity, innovation, and drive, will significantly strengthen the RAA and prepare the organization for sustainable growth over the next few years efficiently utilizing government and institutional grants.” He said Mrs. Opiti’s passion to see development across rural PNG, home to ninety percent of the nation’s population, was an important factor. The RAA, which has a vision to restore and maintain rural airstrips, is a PNG Government funded initiative that is supported by Mission Aviation Fellowship. Mrs Opiti said the RAA faced funding challenges, but she was confident that the organisation was in good shape. “I believe my experience in business and my previous roles with the RAA have equipped me to take on this role,” she said. “We will continue to make the case for funding because airstrips are a lifeline for rural communities in PNG, bringing economic opportunities and access to healthcare.”

“BSP Financial Group Limited will migrate to the new Core Banking System – Flexcube in April 2023,” says BSP Acting Group CEO Ronesh Dayal. “This is a short delay of a few weeks compared to the earlier anticipated go-live date of late February 2023, but necessary to enable a smooth transition to the new Core Banking System, assured Dayal. The transition to the new Core Banking System is an integral part of the Group’s vision to be the leading financial services provider in our chosen markets, helping customers, staff, shareholders, and communities prosper, reiterated Dayal. Dayal said while legacy systems are inherent in large institutions, BSP has taken on the challenge to execute the necessary changes by migrating to the new Core Banking System that will place BSP in a better position against our competitors. “The new Core Banking System will deliver an enhanced customer experience for all our customers, providing a greater range of digitally enabled services making it simple and efficient for customers,” added Dayal. BSP Group General Manager for Retail, Daniel Faunt also outlined the changes that will come with new Core Banking System emphasizing on Internet Banking features and enhancements. “The new Core Banking system will include enhancements to existing Internet Banking functionalities and for the first time customers will have access to our market leading banking App – the BSP App,” Said Faunt. “BSP App will be downloadable from the Apple App Store or Google Playstore and will deliver all of the functionality you will get on Internet Banking making it easier and convenient for our customers. Customers will be able to do almost all banking transactions via the BSP App,” explained Faunt while commenting on the new BSP App. “With BSP App, customers can be able to transfer money, apply for personal loan, open term deposit, top up phone credits to name a few, all at their fingertips,” Faunt further explained. “Most of the changes that will come with the new Core Banking System have been communicated to our customers through various platforms. Our Relationship Managers and branch staff are also communicating the changes to our customers. This is ongoing and we will continue to inform our customers on the changes. These changes are mostly beneficial to both our customers and the bank,” said Dayal. BSP is calling on all its customers to follow BSP Social Media pages, visit the BSP Website or call into the nearest branch to access information and updates on the BSP Core Banking System upgrade in preparation for GO Live in April.