BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) remains committed to giving young swimmers in PNG the opportunity to progress further in competitive swimming and representing the country internationally. After two years of being closed, in both Lae and Port Moresby, BSP reaffirmed this commitment in presenting K80, 000 to the PNG Swimming Inc as naming rights sponsors to the 2023 BSP National Aquatic Excellence Program and BSP/FINA Educational Clinic and the Fina World Competitions. Popular Australian NRL Club, the Brisbane Broncos as a ‘Community Partner’ of BSP was present to hand over the cheque to the PNG Swimming Inc. at the Taurama Aquatic Centre in Port Moresby. Popular Australian NRL Club, the Brisbane Broncos as a ‘Community Partner’ of BSP was present to hand over the cheque to the PNG Swimming Inc. at the Aquatic Centre in Port Moresby. Former Bronco and Australian professional rugby league footballer, Scott Prince handed over the cheque saying, “As a community partner to BSP, we are privileged to represent the biggest bank in the country in helping and encouraging the people and the community, especially children, to grow and learn about the basics of life." “One aspect of our partnership is to teach young kids to about financial literacy but not not limited to encouraging them to grow and build a career in whichever profession or sport they aspire at.” President of Papua New Guinea Swimming Inc (PNGSI) Ms Elizabeth Wells, thanked BSP and the Broncos for the support saying , “We are happy to announce that we are back in full operation providing the necessary programs and events for our young and enthusiastic swimmers.” “Through partnership, we've witnessed the enormous growth in the development of our young and upcoming sports athletes in realising their dream of representing PNG. We have a viable and productive swimming program in place in building and training our young athletes. The support has made it possible for us to continue providing pathways for new swimmers, to develop skills and a pathway to join the elite swimmers. This is a great milestone achievement for PNG Swimming Inc," said Wells. The BSP National Aquatic Excellence Program consists of the Kundu Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum and Diamond target squads that recognises swimming excellence, and covers swimmers from the ages of 9 through to the Open Division. This program provides the pathway for elite swimmers to be part of the National team representing Papua New Guinea. BSP has invested significantly in children's sporting partnerships. The bank’s association with a huge range of sports includes school Kriket Program, tennis championships, and the Rabaul School Rugby League that help develop young talents in our communities.

An open ocean swim between England and France is the latest fundraising activity being planned for Cheshire Disability Services, the leading charity for people living with disabilities in PNG. 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. The English Channel Swim attracts endurance athletes from many different nations. Zimbabwean born, South African citizen and permanent PNG resident, Neil Papenfus, a General Manager in Steamships’ Logistics Division, is attempting the world-famous swim for the first time. Papenfus and Steamships raised K10,000 for Cheshire Disability Services a year ago when Papenfus completed a 13 km swim in Port Moresby’s Fairfax Harbour. Inspired to push himself further physically and raise considerably more money for the charity he describes as “providing life changing and even lifesaving services to some of the most disadvantaged people in our community”, Papenfus has officially registered to swim the English Channel in October 2023. Cheshire Disability Services General Manager Benson Hahambu stresses that “people living with disabilities in PNG are particularly disadvantaged. There are minimal resources and services to support them and their families. Stigma and traditional beliefs also often prevent families from seeking out what few services are available. Additionally, remoteness and the lack of adequate transport pose significant barriers to accessing desperately needed help.” Cheshire Disability Services rely overwhelmingly on fundraising initiatives, private donations, and partnerships with a range of different organisations to develop and deliver their services. “Without the support and generosity of businesses like Steamships it is impossible to do the work we do” confirms Hahambu. “We hope that lots of other businesses sponsor Neil’s English Channel swim too.” Papenfus expects the swim to take him around 16 hours. The shortest route to swim across the English Channel is 34 km long, but this can change significantly with the current, as well as the rise and fall of tides. Swimmers often end up swimming from 40-45 kms in an ‘S’ shape and at times against the current. “It’s not the distance, or even how long it’s going to take to do the swim that worries me” says Papenfus “but the water temperature.” An understandable concern given that most of his training takes place in and around Fairfax harbour where the average October water temperature is 26⁰C compared to the English Channel’s – literally bone-chilling – 16⁰C. There are other factors to worry about when swimming the Channel which is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. On average, 600 tankers and 200 ferries pass through the channel every day. Jellyfish are also notorious pests to Channel swimmers. Icy water, marine traffic, and jellyfish aside, knowing what good work Cheshire Disability Services can do for some of PNG’s most disadvantaged with K100,000 will provide Papenfus with plenty of motivation during his swim, as well as his next 12 months of training

Prime Minister James Marape’s opening address at the 11th Parliament session on “Restructuring Governance and Real Development Outcomes” was well received by the market. BSP Group General Manager for Corporate Banking Peter Beswick said, “The message of the Prime Minister was well received. With its key focus on support for foreign direct investment and agricultural outputs that have high potential to be competitive across global markets.” “The specific commitment made by the Prime Minister that his Government “will see that Papua LNG, Porgera, Wafi Golpu, P’nyang LNG and Pasca A projects will all move across the line” improves investor sentiment,” said Beswick. He added that; “With the conclusion of the national election, we are seeing a significant uplift in consumer and business enquiries for investing and spending across all sectors.” He said; “This is expected to build momentum leading into a strong 2023/2024, initially driven by Barrick's reopening of the Porgera Gold Mine and then Papua LNG Financial Investment Decision.” “Also note that a major positive was that CPI Inflation has tapered to 5.5% in the June quarter 2022, when the headline CPI for the March quarter was 6.9%,” he said. He continued that; “This is a positive sign, however inflation is significantly impacting business costs and consumer purchasing power nationwide.” The key drivers of inflation remain unchanged—supply chain disruptions, logistic costs, fuel and food.

Meet Milne Bay’s Deputy Provincial Administrator, Corporate and District Services Ms Sharon Mua. Sharon is a trailblazer, as the first woman in her Province to take up a Provincial Administrator position. In this first-person interview, Sharon tells us more about herself and how public servants can enjoy their retirement by saving with Nambawan Super. “I come from Misima Island in the Milne Bay Province. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences) from the University of Papua New Guinea, I joined the Milne Bay Provincial Administration. Only a few of us locals returned to work in the Province after completing our studies. It felt good to give back, and we could see our efforts helping to strengthen and support an aging Public Service workforce. I started work as a casual public servant in the human resources division and then worked in various Provincial Planning roles until I became a permanent public servant in 2006. This is when I also became a Nambawan Super member. I admire the way the Public Service has grown, and I too have grown my career with it. I am now Milne Bay’s Deputy Provincial Administrator. I may be the first female in this role. I had a few role models in leadership positions who gave me the confidence to get to where I am now. I was the Acting Provincial Planner from 2011, before accepting the Deputy Provincial Administrator role in 2013. Nambawan Super is the only savings most public servants have for their retirement. Many public servants in Milne Bay and elsewhere in PNG do not have a backup for retirement. Nambawan Super provides the best investment to help them when they are no longer working. It can be quite challenging to save with the ever-increasing prices of goods and services. With Nambawan Super, it’s encouraging to know we will have something to lean on, especially when we retire. We also need to help transform the behaviors of our people through financial literacy training. This will ensure everyone has access to finance, with a focus on savings instead of loans. Many opt for loans, and it can turn into a bad habit. Be careful because loan repayments can go over your pay package and overwhelm you. Many public servants do not have extra sources of income. The only retirement funding that we have is with Nambawan Super, and we are fortunate that the PNG Government is doing this for us – not just in Milne Bay but also across PNG. Knowing that we can top up our retirement savings with Voluntary Contributions is an important step to changing the outcome of our finances for our future. As public servants, we should be doing this, so we have extra savings at the end of our working lives. Voluntary Contributions can also help you save more and much faster if you want to retire early. Our savings at Nambawan Super are kept safe and the best thing about it is that I don’t get to touch any of it until I’m ready to retire.”

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FAO), under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme is partnering with the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) to assist in the sustainable development of fisheries sector in the Sepik Region of Papua New Guinea. Under this collaboration, a four-day stakeholders’ workshop was organized in Wewak, East Sepik Province, on 11th - 14th October 2022, to validate the results of a fisheries value chain study commissioned by the EU-STREIT PNG Programme to NFA and conducted between year 2020 and 2022 in the Sepik. The purpose of the study was to understand the challenges faced by key actors in the three fishery value chains (aquaculture, riverine and coastal) in the region to determine upgrading strategies and investment plans. The workshop attracted over 60 participants who represented a wide spectrum of the fisheries sector stakeholders that includes the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, local community fisher folks and cooperatives, and also the European Union Delegation in PNG.  Also in attendance were the private sector, and non-governmental organizations. The workshop discussed challenges in the fisheries value chain identified in the study and upgrading opportunities and strategies, investment options and implementation plans to improve the performance of the aquaculture, riverine and coastal fisheries during the duration of the Programme and beyond.  The last day of the workshop was dedicated to consultations between the key stakeholders only who identified some specific roles and responsibilities for immediate actions that will contribute to the development agenda under the EU-STREIT PNG Strategic Objectives and the National Fisheries Strategic Plan 2021–2030. Some activities identified in the fisheries value chain study for upgrading the value chains include the provision of capacity development activities to improve the technical skills of fisheries extension officers and fishers and  facilitation of supply of inputs including quality fingerlings, quality fish feed for fishers to improve quality of fishes. Moreover, the lack of collective action by value chain actors under coastal and riverine fisheries coupled with insufficient support from key government agencies at the National, Provincial, District and Local Level Government was highlighted as a key constraint which negatively affects the fisheries sector in the Sepik Region and PNG as a whole. Addressing these issues collaboratively may unveil the industries potential to venture into agribusiness as an income generating option for the people. The key priorities discussed and proposed in the workshop will be captured in an existing Memorandum of Agreement between NFA and the East Sepik and Sandaun Provincial Governments’ and the review of the 5 years Provincial Integrated Development Plans under the National Government’s Medium Term Development Plan III logical framework through the Department of National Planning and Monitoring. “We are particularly interested in the vision, upgrading strategy,  implementation plans and investment plans for the three fisheries value chains that came out of this value chains study,” said the EU-STREIT PNG Programme Coordinator Dr Xuebing Sun in his opening remarks. The Executive Manager of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries Unit of NFA, Mr Jacob Wani while expressing his appreciation of this partnership forged with EU-STREIT PNG for conducting the fisheries value chain study in the Sepik. He announced that NFA intends to replicate the value chain study in other regions of the country as NFA is now equipped with the fisheries value chain methodology and tools transferred via technical advisory of the EU-STREIT PNG.  The fisheries sector plays an important role in ensuring good nutrition of the people in the Sepik and it is one of three value chains supported under this rural agriculture development programme. The EU-STREIT PNG, being implemented as a UN Joint Programme (FAO as the leading agency/administrative agent, and ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP as implementing partners), is the largest grant-funded Programme of the European Union in the country and the Pacific region. It focuses on increasing sustainable and inclusive economic development of rural areas through Increasing the economic returns and opportunities from cocoa, vanilla and fishery value chains and strengthening and improving the efficiency of value chain enablers including the business environment and supporting sustainable, climate-resilient transport and energy infrastructure development.

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga plans to leave a decision on his No.1 halfback until as late in the World Cup as possible, with Nathan Cleary to get his chance against Scotland this weekend. Cleary replaces Sea Eagles captain Daly Cherry-Evans in one of seven changes to the side which beat Fiji 42-8 last weekend, and will make his Test debut alongside Panthers team-mates Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin. Rabbitohs back Campbell Graham, Bulldogs playmaker Matt Burton and Roosters prop Lindsay Collins will also pull on a Kangaroos jersey for the first time in Coventry. Eels prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard is the other new face in the side, while Jack Wighton, Harry Grant, Pat Carrigan and Angus Crichton will start after playing from the interchange against the Bati. Meninga wants to ensure every member of the 24-man squad has an opportunity to push for a place in the team for the sudden-death matches later in the pool but particularly Cleary and Cherry-Evans. “That will be the toughest decision,” Meninga said. “They will both get a fair opportunity to put their best foot forward. It is not only how they play but how they train and how they gather themselves around the group. “They both know what is in front of them and I know that they are both up for a challenge. At some stage on this tour, I have to tell someone that they are in and someone that they are out, unfortunately.” Cherry-Evans got the first shot at retaining the halfback role he has played since 2018 against Fiji and Meninga was impressed by his kicking game and organisation. Cleary will play against the Bravehearts and then Meninga is likely to recall Cherry-Evans for the next match against Italy, with the possibility he may pair them in the halves and rest five-eighth Cameron Munster. Meninga hasn’t indicated whether he will make the final call before the quarter-final, in which Australia is set to play Ireland or Lebanon, or wait until the semi-final, which is expected to be against New Zealand at Elland Road. [caption id="attachment_28711" align="alignnone" width="840"] Cherry-Evans in action during the opening World Cup match against Fiji[/caption] “Nathan has obviously had a great year from a club point of view and with Chez, his club has struggled but his Origin form was fantastic, and he led the Queenslanders to success,” Meninga said. “They are both very good around the team, they have great knowledge and great communication skills so I will leave it to the last moment.” Meninga said the battle between Cleary and Cherry-Evans for the Kangaroos halfback spot could be compared to that of Allan Langer and Ricky Stuart on the 1990 and 1994 Kangaroos tour. [caption id="attachment_28712" align="alignnone" width="840"] Panthers team-mates Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary and Liam Martin will make their Kangaroos debuts against Scotland[/caption] “It is a bit like that, or Wally [Lewis] and Bert [Brett Kenny] or Turvey [Steve Mortimer] and Sterlo [Peter Sterling] from way back,” he said. “It is a good headache to have and I am just going to keep an open mind and make a judgement late.” Source: NRL.com

Following its annual general meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 18/10/2022, the PNG Resource Governance Coalition (PNGRGC) has now elected Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) as the coalition’s new president. In addition to TIPNG as the President, the following positions on the PNGRGC Council were voted in the 2020 - 2021 AGM; Center for Environmental Law & Community Rights (Vice President), Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (Secretary), and Institute of National Affairs (Treasurer). All officer bearer agencies will serve in these roles for the next 12 months. “PNGRGC looks forward to being more innovative and is prepared to take bold steps in supporting outreach and programs to achieve the objectives set out in the PNGRGC Constitution” said TIPNG CEO, Ms. Arianne Kassman after the election of the new Council at the AGM. The objectives of the PNG Resource Governance Coalition are to: • be used as an umbrella organisation to encompass all CSOs that have an interest and work in or related to the Extractive Sector • contribute constructively to the civil society’s participation in the introduction, promotion, awareness and implementation of the EITI in PNG • introduce, promote and maintain programs and initiatives that are community focused • develop understandings and partnerships with others • maintain high standards of good governance for the Coalition and its members; • establish and maintain a register of membership, as the basis for programs and outreach activities; and • do all such things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the objectives or any of them. The PNGRGC was founded in 2015 and incorporated in 2018 and is an organization that is broadly responsible for coordinating the efforts of CSOs in promoting and advocating the principles of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in PNG.

More sweet days ahead for Papua New Guinea’s very own chocolate company, Queen Emma Chocolate following the signing of a new partnership to improve its cocoa quality, supply, and production. The signing of a new agreement between local food leader Paradise Foods Limited (PFL), parent company of Queen Emma Chocolate, and the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) Program reinforces their long standing partnership and builds a stronger and sustainable export market with high-quality value-added cocoa products produced from cocoa sourced from cocoa farming families across PNG. Through Australia’s and New Zealand’s support, PHAMA Plus will assist Queen Emma Chocolate’s network of growers to attain organic certification for the New Zealand and Australia markets, directly responding to feedback and market demand for certified organic cocoa. According to Queen Emma’s General Manager, Karina Makori, the flexibility and responsiveness of PHAMA Plus’ partnership, especially in the crucial early years, has made all the difference. “We are grateful for our partnership with PHAMA Plus. Thank you for persevering with us and seeing the importance of cocoa in the economic framework of PNG,” Ms Makori said.

Fifteen Air Niugini staff have completed training last week on how to support victims of family and sexual violence (FSV) within the workplace. The two-day training conducted by Business Coalition for Women as part of the Bel Isi Program, focused on raising awareness of the issue and equipping volunteers with the knowledge on providing support and protecting those who may be faced with family and sexual violence. Some areas covered include counselling, legal, welfare, Interim Protection Order(IPO), hospital and accommodation among others. Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Alabaster said such a training is important as it ensures airline staff who may be faced with violence and suffering can get the support they require through a well-co-ordinated programme of support. He said “Air Niugini does not condone any form of violence especially family and sexual violence and we are committed to this training and the partnership with Bel Isi PNG to ensure our staff are protected from violence. With female staff making up nearly 60% of our staff numbers this support becomes even more critical. ” “I commend the 15 staff, mostly volunteers who have put their hands up to play this important role, all towards standing up against violence in any form in the workplace.” About the Programme: Continuous family and sexual violence can have long and short-term impact on a staff members mental and physical health which can in turn affect their performance at work, resulting in lost productivity, increased staff turnover and absenteeism. In the long run, it may result in significant economic and social costs not only for employees and employers but also the wider community. Bel isi PNG is a public, private, civil society partnership that provides access to case management and safe house services for survivors of family and sexual violence (FSV). Along with that it provides business leaders with transformational tools to support change in the workplace and community, this includes awareness training for all staff and support with FSV policy development and implementation. The work of Bel isi PNG is supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea as part of the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Program, Business Coalition for Women, National Capital District Commission, Bank of South Pacific, Steamships Trading Co, G4S and Oil Search.

Redcliffe Dolphins player Liam Hampson has been found dead after being reported missing while holidaying in Spain. The 24-year-old Hostplus Cup player had reportedly been missing for 30 hours. National media are reporting that Barcelona Police confirmed this morning that they found a body believed to be Liam on the floor of a nightclub in Barcelona. The reports are also suggesting his death was an accident. Liam’s father Brett confirmed the news on Facebook this morning. “Waking up to the news no one wants to hear, we are devastated to find out that Liam had an accident and sadly has not survived,” he said in the post. “We are heartbroken to say the least. Liam had a heart of gold and was a much loved son, brother, grandson, uncle and friend. Words cannot express our grief. “We can not thank his mates enough for being there with Liam having the time of his life and assisting in the search for our boy. Our thought are with them.” It followed a volley of frantic post from teammates and friends on social media as they tried to locate him. The Redcliffe Dolphins has been contacted for comment. The club is waiting for more information before commenting. Liam was a standout performer for the club's Hostplus Cup side, which made the Grand Final, this year. Source: Moretondaily.com

More than 12,000 people across 20 communities in Morobe Province now have better health standards and livelihood opportunities, with the official opening today of new solar systems and water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) facilities. Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Jon Philp joined the community in Nasing, Finschhafen District, Morobe Province at the opening ceremony today (Wednesday 19 Oct). The new WaSH facilities in 20 communities across the districts of Finschhafen, Markham, Tewai-Siassi, Huon, Bulolo and Nawaeb include gravity-fed water supply for the communities, 80 laundry and shower areas, and 80 latrines, separated for males and females. In partnership with the Environmental Health Development Agency, a PGK3.9 million grant through Incentive Fund helped to construct the new facilities. The grant funded 310 kitchen and stand taps at 17 schools, seven health posts and 28 churches. The new facilities have already had an impact on community health, with waterborne diseases reduced by over 60 percent. “Before this project, we had no reliable access to water,” said Mr. Allan Siwas, WaSH Committee Chairman and Kuruwe Village leader. “Now, we can be clean and healthy all the time, and have so many options for new businesses and for our children to be safe in school. We are so grateful to the Government of Australia for these new facilities.” In addition to the WaSH facilities, a PGK1.8 million Pawarim Komuniti grant also provided 210 street lighting and 60 indoor lighting systems, all powered by solar, Finschhafen and Tewai-Siassi districts. Local communities supplied labour and transport for the projects, ensuring the skills and understanding for the maintenance of the infrastructure is kept close to the projects. Vulnerable and marginalised members of the community were also engaged throughout both design and construction, building their skills and livelihood opportunities. “The strong community engagement model used by this project serves as a model for other projects. With the support of the PNG-Australia Partnership, we have delivered training in sanitation and livelihoods, including food security, to community members,” said Ms. Matilda Kuahen, EHDA’s WaSH Manager' “I was hugely impressed at the contributions and commitment from the participating communities across Morobe, and I am confident the benefits of these new facilities will be felt for years to come,” said High Commissioner Philp. “The importance of these facilities for women and girls cannot be understated. They not only increase safety, but women and girls have more time to go to school or work as they need to spend up to 94 percent less time collecting water”, he concluded. The provision of solar lighting at the WaSH stations also improves the accessibility of the infrastructure leading to improved personal hygiene, safety, and health outcomes. Mrs. Elizabeth Akes of Malasiga village, Finschhafen, is excited about what this means for women and girls in the community: “Our girls used to feel unsafe and get harassed when collecting water or going to the toilet. “With these new facilities, we all feel safer. Some women are already using their extra available time to weave bilums that they can sell to support their families.” The PNG-Australia Partnership is supporting reliable, safe WaSH and solar facilities for communities all over PNG, including to ensure women and girls have privacy and security when using facilities or collecting water.

Sports Minister Hon. Don Polye has commended the Papua New Guinea Guinea Kumuls for a sterling performance despite going down to Tonga 24- 18 in their World Cup match yesterday morning. He says the match has proven that the Kumuls are right up there with the best in the world and strengthens PNG’s bid for inclusion in the Australian NRL competition. “I was up early this morning to watch the game on TV with thousands of patriotic Papua New Guineans in every corner of our country, from Daru to Kavieng, and from Vanimo to Alotau,” Minister Polye said. “The Kumuls again brought us together as one nation, one people, one country. “Tonga was so lucky to escape with the win in what has been the most-exciting clash of the World Cup so far. “We went in as underdogs, against a highly-rated Tongan side full of NRL stars – and one of the World Cup favorites - and overcame a 12-point difference to level 18-18, only for Tonga to win with a frantic try three minutes from time. “I, like all Papua New Guineans, am disappointed that Rodrick Tai was controversially denied a try in the corner in the second half, which could have swung the game our way. “However, we can all be so proud of the Kumuls, and I commend coach Stanley Tepend and the entire team for showing the world what we are made of. “The match certainly proves that the Kumuls are right up there with the best in the world and shows that we have what it takes to be in the NRL.”