Photography is a vital tool in communication, education and the preservation of history and the BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) is pleased to support the University of Papua New Guinea’s Journalism & Public Relations Strand with a camera on Friday 15th October, 2021. BSP  Marketing’s  Public Relations & Communications Manager Lavinia Mul on behalf of the bank presented a camera to the students and said the bank was pleased to support not only UPNG today but it continues to support various education initiatives in the communities we operate in. “Upcoming journalists should be equipped with a host of skills, both traditional and digital and by having access to a proper high quality camera; we hope the device enhances student’s skills for your internal productions and other publications the strand has. In encouraging the students to look after the new asset, Ms Mul said, “The importance is not the camera itself but what it produces. Photographs and videos have become vital to communication, education and preservation of history. It also plays a vital role in our daily business at the bank.” This year BSP supported over 30 education projects in PNG through our Community Projects worth over K900,000 including various other education related sponsorships. UPNG Registrar Professor Peter Petsul on behalf of the university management thanked BSP for continuing its reach in the communities and extending that support to the University. “Such equipment (camera) goes a long way and we are privileged and thankful for the support. Our business involves imparting knowledge to our students and equipment enhance the quality of our products. It will help our school go a long way. Executive Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Leo Marai which the Journalism and Public Relations strand comes under appreciated the support for the program’s close to a hundred students.

The army general who seized power in Myanmar in February has been excluded from an annual summit of regional leaders later this month. The Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) agreed to invite a non-political representative from Myanmar instead of Gen Min Aung Hlaing. It is a unprecedented move for the 10-member bloc, which traditionally avoids interfering in its members' affairs. Myanmar's military junta said it was "disappointed" with the decision. Asean said the military had not done enough to end the turmoil in Myanmar. In August, Gen Min Aung Hlaing named himself prime minister and said the country's state of emergency would be extended as fighting between the army and militia forces opposed to the military coup continued. Asean said in a statement that an emergency meeting of its foreign ministers on Friday was unable to reach a consensus on whether the military should represent Myanmar at the summit held between 26-28 October. The group said Myanmar's military leaders had refused to fulfil promises of dialogue and de-escalation and said its representative had been banned from meeting the deposed and imprisoned civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. The statement - issued by Brunei, which is hosting the summit - said the situation in Myanmar "was having an impact on regional security as well as the unity, credibility and centrality of Asean". In April, Asean urged Gen Min Aung Hlaing to end the violent crackdown in the country and to release political prisoners. The BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok says the decision to exclude the general from the summit, which will also be attended by US President Joe Biden and other world leaders, is a significant blow to the military government's hopes of eventual international recognition. There have been no indications yet, our correspondent adds, that the military is willing to reduce the use of violence against the opposition and to start negotiating with them. Asean did not name the Myanmar representative it was inviting to participate in the summit. "Myanmar is extremely disappointed and strongly objected (to) the outcomes of the emergency foreign ministers meeting, as the discussions and decision on Myanmar's representation issue was done without consensus and was against the objectives of Asean," the Myanmar foreign ministry said in a statement. Demonstrations spread across Myanmar following the February coup. Security forces responded with a brutal crackdown, killing more than 1,000 people and detaining more than 6,000, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Essential medical emergency equipment worth K119, 000 was donated to Gerehu General Hospital by BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) today (Friday 15th October, 2021), in Port Moresby. This equipment includes two Portable Sonsoscape Ultrasound machines, two Pulse oximeters, Disposable test kits, and combo pads. Thank you to the Pacific International Hospital (PIH) Biomedical Engineering team who assisted in procuring the specialized emergency equipment and ensuring a safe installation and tests were conducted during the handover. Gerehu General Hospital Emergency Head of Department, Dr Ware Vagoli grew emotional when receiving the equipment from BSP Group Chief Operating Officer, Frank van der Poll. Dr Vagoli said, “The equipment donated are very much needed instruments that doctors and nurses required in any hospital, and Gerehu General Hospital is privileged to be selected by BSP, especially at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic help our staff perform our duties diligently,” “We receive close to 300 to 400 daily emergency patients at this hospital. With these new emergency medical kits, it will very much assist our nurses and doctors in providing effective medical treatment to patients.”  said Dr Vagoli emotionally. BSP Group Chief Operating Officer Frank van der Poll when presenting the equipment to the hospital said, “BSP is pleased to mobilise support and provide assistance to promote life-saving practices through investing in health care prospects.” “We are very keen to be an active player in all aspects of our community development, and we strongly support health, education, environment, sports and social wellbeing of the communities we operate in, ensuring appropriate services are provided to improve overall livelihood of the communities”. This donation is part of the banks 2020 annual community project initiative delivered by our combined strategic business units, Operations, HR and Corporate. As the only homegrown bank in the South Pacific, we understand that we have the opportunity to make a difference where it matters most and with this donation, we believe it will it will go a long way in helping the community, province and nation.

The Board and Management of PNG Air are pleased to advise our valued customers, corporate clients and the general public of the appointment of Simon C. Pitt, as Chief Commercial Officer. In this important role, Simon will be in charge of the Commercial Division for both the passenger and cargo, supporting the business changes that the organisation is going through. Simon brings to PNG Air a wealth of knowledge and experience from leading international air carriers spanning over 3O years in management and leadership roles in Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Simon effectively takes over duties from Nancy Nakikus, who up until this appointment was Acting Chief Commercial Officer since May 2021. We thank Nancy for her leadership in this period PNG Air looks forward to working with Simon and warmly welcomes him to Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea

BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) is pleased to continue its support to Digicel Foundation’s Men of Honour 2021 awards with a sponsorship of K20, 000. The Men of Honour Campaign is in its sixth season and with the Awards scheduled for 10th December, 2021, BSP is pleased to support a campaign that highlights men coming together to influence positive changes in their communities. BSP Head of Marketing and Public Relations Gorethy Semi said Leadership and Community are core values BSP holds highly and what better way to demonstrate that through this support of K20, 000 for the New Guinea Islands Region Award, which includes merchandise packs to three winners of the Regional Award. “We are pleased to support the campaign for the second year and reward a Man of Honour in the selected category and overall male leaders for their commitment and contribution in influencing positive changes in their respective communities. “As a community oriented bank that gives back to the communities we operate in through our Annual Community Projects, we are also proud to be supporting other worthy projects. Digicel Foundation CEO Serena Sasingian in receiving the cheque said Corporates like BSP have been critical to the success of the Men of Honour Campaign through their ongoing commitment as a category sponsor. “Through this platform BSP is showing its support towards the important role men play in ending Gender Based Violence in PNG.” Four Men of Honour will be chosen from each region in PNG. BSP have come on as the official sponsor for the Men of Honour New Guinea Islands Region Award.

“Public servants must undetake High Competency Based Training to ensure competative effort to deliver government programs and activities.” These were words from the Secretary for the Department for Community Development and Religion, Mr Jerry Ubase today in a small but significant MoU signing ceremony between the Department and Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance (PILAG). This MoU will now provide oppunities for staff within the department who wish to undergo further Public Management training or enhance their capacity through various competency training programs offered by PILAG. While saying his thank you and appreciation to the CEO of PILAG – Mr Michael Barabe, Secretary Ubase said, the MoU was written in a way to address specific training needs and plans for staff in the department and also fulfil the priorities of the Government of Papua New Guinea. “This MoU will support and ensure the department has a competent and dedicated working force that is able to deliver community development programs through this partnership initiative." "Through this initiative our cooperation efforts will scale up activities and access for our department personnel, our stakeholders and beneficiaries of our programs to undertake competency based trainings and programs, specific to the legislations, policies and programs for the department,” emphasised Secretary Ubase when giving his remarks. Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of PILAG, Mr Barabe said that this partnership or such initiative with this particular department is long overdue. And with this MoU Signing it adds more purpose and meaning because PILAG is now the Govenrment’s mandated Public Sector Training Institute. “As the government mandated Public Sector Institute, we strive to offer high competency based training to meet the skill level required by public servants." "This kind of partnership with the department is very important and gives prominence to the staff who receive our training to perform effectively as we expect to see higher output by officers after receiving training from us,” said Mr Barabe. Moreover, Mr Barabe told the Secretary and the staff of the department that they are happy to accept and receive staff that wishes to take up their progams even if the department does not have the money to pay for their fees. But, they can be paid later when the funds are available for the department.  Mr Barabe’s comments were very welcoming to the Secretary and the department staff. He aslo added that they will be rolling out online training courses to cater for those that wises to study and work at their workplace at a minimum cost. The MoU document was signed by Secretary Ubase and Mr Barabe, witnessed by the Principle Legal Officer of the Department and in the presence of few department staff and PILAG staff.

Bank South Pacific Lae Commercial Branch handed over a brand new classroom complex to the community of Labu-Tale village in Huon Gulf, Morobe Province on Friday. The new building consists of two classrooms and a store room built at Labu-Tale Primary School as part of its community project for 2021 BSP Lae Commercial Branch Manager Robinson Panako says BSP community projects are undertaken nationwide by each of their branches, strategic business units and subsidiary branches as a way for its staff to contribute meaningfully back to the community. "While we stand as a corporate organisation, each of our staff is a part of a community, " says Panako. These community projects are conducted across BSP branches in Papua New Guinea and offshore branches in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Cook Island Vanuatu, Tonga, Cambodia and Laos. "Today BSP community projects are being delivered to communities in these countries and you should be proud that Labu Tale Primary school project is part of not just a PNG beneficiary but truly a whole and bigger South Pacific, BSP Initiative." "I hope that through our contribution today, it will make a meaningful and lasting change in the lives of the people in our communities," added Mr Panako. Mr Panako also thanked the Labu Tale Primary school community for the opportunity for BSP to go into their community and to conduct this worthy project. "We appeal to the Labu Tale Primary School community to look after these facilities, as these will in return be beneficial in the long run."

Schools in Jiwaka Province have had to close for 10 days as teachers have tested positive for Covid-19 last week. “3 schools were closed on Monday and another 2 schools were closed on Wednesday.” “Students in Grades 3-7 have been asked to remain at home with only Grade 8s remaining in school to prepare for their upcoming exams,” said the Jiwaka Provincial Education Advisor, Dr Charly Muke. Lee-Eby Primary school, Banz Elcong Primary school, Nondugl Admin Primary School, Kugark Primary School and Kimil Primary school have had teachers test positive to Covid-19 so the schools had to close. The schools were told to provide hand sanitizers, face masks and adhere to social distancing for the Grade 8 students and teachers that have remained in school to continue lessons and preparations for the national exams. Dr Charly Muke said that other schools remain open but he encouraged students and teachers to strictly follow the new norm so they may not have to close any more schools and disrupt lessons. He added that once the Nationals exams are over then they will have to decide on the next step to take on ensuring that students and teachers remain free from COVID-19.

PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape has decried assertions by Member for Ialibu-Pangia Peter O’Neill that his court trial was a politically-motivated “witch hunt”. PM Marape said the former prime minister’s words are misleading and erroneous, taking public attention away from the facts – that his trial is a proper police case mounted in 2014. After the handing down of the decision yesterday by the National Court clearing him of the ‘abuse of office’ charges, Peter O’Neill had told The National “you have to defeat me at the elections”, alluding that his opponents were using the courts to take him out. He later published on his Facebook page a longer response, saying "One of the aims of this political witch hunt was to shame and isolate me." O'Neill continued on Facebook: "To some of those so-called witnesses who took the stand in court , I hope you reflect on your attention seeking actions and now you know your presence had no impact." To those claims, PM Marape said today: “Let us be clear on one thing. O’Neill’s legal case relating to the purchase of the two generators was a police case. It was mounted in 2014 by Belden Namah when he was Opposition Leader." “As head of the present government, I condemn these assertions he has made this week, that it was all politically-motivated. These kind of talk does nothing good for the integrity and image of our Police Force and Public Prosecutor who are constitutionally mandated to keep watch over laws of our country." “These are the facts of the matter. Belden Namah mounted this case in 2014 when he was Opposition Leader and O’Neill Prime Minister. The Police took it up as a fraud case, and from initial investigations, it was found there was prima facie evidence, or enough grounds established by the public prosecutor, to commit O’Neill to stand trial." “O’Neill ought to be humble and not make a show of himself, as if he has been victimised by the Government." "The major and real victims in this sad state of affairs is the people of Papua New Guinea, who have lost K120 million from the purchase of these faulty, un-functioning generators. Not only do they not have the promised power supply, but have lost out on the chance to K120 million worth of services." "At the behest of the public prosecutor and complying with the legal process, I appeared as a state witness unlike Belden Namah, the initiator of this case, who failed to show up, including others." “For the Member for Ialibu-Pangia to allude to shady political push to vilify him is mischievous and rubs mud into the independence and integrity of the functionality of the law and justice sector,” said PM Marape.

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force last week celebrated the commissioning of its’ second Australian gifted Guardian Class Patrol Boat HMPNGS Rochus Lokinap at the Lombrum Naval Base in Manus Province. The vessel is the second of four Guardian-class Patrol Boats to be delivered to PNGDF under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project which is part of the Australian Government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program. It follows the delivery of the HMPNGS Ted Diro in December 2018. The navy vessel was named after former Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force from 1987 to 1992, Brigadier General Rochus Lokinap. Deputy Chief of Defence Force (PNGDF) Commodore Philip Polewara along with the Australian Head of Mission officially commissioned the navy vessel.

‘It’s been a cool experience and I’ve really enjoyed the time with the boys.’ Working as a support staff member for the Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis has been a great experience for Lorenzo. Originally from Cape Town, South Africa he has been working with the Barras since 2019 and truly appreciates the journey so far. With over 15 years of experience in physiotherapy, he says one of the best parts about what he does is being involved with the team and sharing their achievements. He plays an important role as a member of the support team. And knowing this, he must always be present during training and tournament days. ‘Injury is inevitable, so we try to minimise the risks. It’s my job to assess everyone, their fitness state, injury level and to treat and rehabilitate. I also organise and coordinate checks if required, provide dietary & nutrition advice and make sure the players are hydrated.’ Being a sport physiotherapist, he adds that some of the qualities that anyone in his role must have are a love and keen interest in the sport, mental tenacity due to the strenuous job and a fun-loving character to deal with different personalities, and to make light of different situations as well. In addition, he says support team staff should be humble and of service putting the players first. Plus it always helps to just be who you are. Always a supporter of the Barras, Lorenzo urges Papua New Guinea to get behind the team. ‘The boys have worked so hard to be here. It’s a historical and monumental moment for them and for the country. They just have to play with their heart. ‘I just encourage PNG to rally behind the boys. It’s been a challenging time so far and now that they are here it’s an opportunity to back the Barras.’

“Our BSP customers do not have to travel all the way to Kimbe or Bialla to do banking. We have 12 BSP Agents in the province who can provide basic banking services like accepting deposits and paying out withdrawals,” said BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) Kimbe Branch Manager Betty Posangat. In acknowledging BSP Agents this week, Ms Posangat said, “altogether BSP has two branches and two sub-branches in West New Britain Province (WNB), a lot of people still have to travel far to access basic banking services.” “However with the help of our 12 agents, basic banking services are now accessible to the unbanked and rural areas of the province and we are grateful for these partnerships. One such agent is Otto Akinan who owns Adagas Trading located at Buluma Village in WNB. As a BSP Agent, he is issued an EFTPoS terminal that assists him serve customers along the Hoskins Highway with basic banking services. Ms Posangat added, “Adagas Trading serves local Oil Palm growers, New Britain Palm Oil Limited (NBPOL) employees and Public Servants. Bulk of the customers travel the Hoskins Highways daily and on NBPOL paydays, Adagas Trading accepts deposits and pay out withdrawals.” In the recent Aulu Nakamutmut Cultural Mask Festival held in Akonga Village in the Gloucester LLG, BSP Kimbe Branch Team including two of its agents - Nalai Coco Trading and Bariai Corporative Society were part of the event assisting the local community at the event. Apart from the 12 agents in WNB, BSP has 130 active agents established around PNG who collaborate with BSP to bring banking services to the rural areas, a service that BSP embarked on 10 years ago, and it has grown over the years through agreements with commodity buyers, sellers, merchants and trade stores. Ms Posangat added that apart from providing banking services in the province, BSP continues to extend its reach to the communities it operates in through the annual Community Project initiative. “BSP has invested in 26 Community Projects since 2009 in WNB valued at K610, 000 and we will continue to deliver similar projects,” said Ms Posangat. “This year we will hand over two worthy community projects valued at K60,000. One for Sasavoru Health Centre in Kaliai-Kove LLG whilst our Bialla Branch will deliver school desks to Salesege Primary School, in Central Nakanai LLG. In 2020, Kimbe Branch renovated the Kimbe General Hospital Children’s Ward Nutrition room and Mini Library, giving back a place for sick children to read while the Bialla Health Centre received 10-baby cots for its Maternity Ward from BSP Bialla Branch.