Garden Hills community in Amazing Port Moresby is all set to host the first NCD SME Fair, an effective avenue for growth and success for emerging businesses. With the combined force of Governor Powes Parkop, NCDC, NCD SME Service Centre and the Active City Development Programme backing the initiative, the monthly event aims to train, promote and support the local SMEs across the city. The first provincial government-backed SME Fair will be held on July 31, with 60 vendors participating and a product range of fresh produce, food, handicraft, clothes, and jewellery. In the past 2 weeks, there have been awareness sessions conducted by the organisers to ensure that the Garden Hills community understands the significance of the opportunity. In one such interaction with the vendors and the residents, NCD Governor’s First Secretary Ms. Immaculate Javia highlighted that having access to financial services and learning the basics of money management is one of the priority areas identified to lift SMEs in Port Moresby. “Our track record shows that a majority of the SMEs cannot sustain themselves, and it comes down to lack of support services. With a collaborative partnership, however, this is going to change.” NCDC Markets Division has been tasked to coordinate with the “market mamas”, with Officer Kay Kaugla leading the charge. “We are here to work with you, and make your dream bigger, by imparting the right knowledge, financial support and a big platform for sales,” Kaugla said. In addition to promoting the SMEs, the NCD SME Fair will also provide wholesome family entertainment to visitors, with dances, songs, acrobatics and more planned by the volunteers of the Active City Development Programme. ACDP Director, Fazilah Bazari said that this is also an important stage for showcasing talent and potential of the community. “This is an inclusive event – which means that we want to provide an opportunity to young children and the youth to express themselves positively. Through this engagement, the young population of the area will earn trust, respect and be a change for tomorrow.” Addressing the community, youth representative Hans Mark said: “Youths and kids shouldn’t be ignored, we are part of the society and the development and the transformation of the nation.” The municipal body has also taken an innovative approach to create dialogue between the city residents and their various divisions, by setting up information and feedback booths. With representation from the Waste, Health and Education divisions of NCDC, residents can find easy and convenient access to raise their concerns with the city administrators. The vision behind the NCD SME Fair initiative is to create opportunities for suburbs, both formal and informal, to be recognised as valued contributors to Port Moresby’s economy. At the end of the year, the SME Fairs will culminate into a Mega SME Expo.

BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) with Community Partner and popular Australian NRL Club, Brisbane Broncos, joined hands to relaunch the BSP Financial Literacy Program for schools at the Ted Diro Primary School and St Joseph’s International College respectively  today ( Wednesday 28th, July 2021), in Port Moresby. This program is aimed at helping schoolchildren understand a life skill of saving money, basic understanding of simple budgeting and practice making decision on the use of their money. The selected primary and secondary schools within NCD and around PNG will take part in BSP’s Financial Literacy Program. The partnership will see the Brisbane Broncos assist BSP in promoting the Financial Literacy Program through various messages and talks with the students about the importance of saving. Present via the Zoom Online Conference to launch the program with BSP was Brisbane Broncos Ambassador and retired player, the legendary Sam Thaiday. Thaiday said: “we are happy to be a Community Partner of BSP to relaunch the 2021 BSP School Banking and BSP Financial Literacy Program for schools. Together with BSP, we are here to talk to you about the importance of saving your money.” “It is wise to save in a bank account so we are not tempted to spend all our money unnecessarily. When we save a little bit of the money we have now, we are able to buy things we need in the future, such as stationery, books or even a new computer,” added Thaiday. BSP Area Manager for NCD, Dennis Lamus said, “it is an honour to partner with a professional rugby league team such as the Brisbane Broncos whose core values are similar to BSP’s in terms of Community Commitment and focusing on key areas as education. [caption id="attachment_12936" align="aligncenter" width="938"] BSP NCD Area Manager Dennis Lamus speaking to Gr 3 Pupils of Ted Diro Primary School[/caption] We at BSP believe that, it is important to have financial literacy taught in the schools today, because it equips the younger generations and future bank customers with a solid foundation that is built on the knowledge and skills they need to confidently and effectively manage their finances,” commented Lamus. Lamus added that; “it is better to expose young minds to real-life, financial dilemmas so they develop wise spending habits and realize savings goals.” “BSP’s partnership with such a reputable club is not only in rugby league but also in business and leadership programs, which is beneficial for both parties. The partnership associates with similar core values and community commitments,” said Lamus.

Air Niugini is the only organization in the country offering Dangerous Goods (DG) training to external clients under the airline’s Part 141 training organization, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA), Civil Aviation Rule (CAR) Part 92, Standard Aviation Training Certificate (SATC). The training is being offered at Air Niugini’s Training Centre at 7mile here in Port Moresby. Last week, saw yet another group complete their week-long training. The group comprised of participants from Hevi Lift PNG, Puma Energy (Aviation), Daru Hospital (shipment of Infectious substances) and Unitech Lae (Chemical Safety Department). Dangerous goods are articles or substances that pose hazard to health, safety, property and environment and are listed in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations. Air Niugini’s Non-Technical Training Instructor, Martin Tugano who normally conducts DG training explained that dangerous goods can be flammable liquids, explosives, radio-active materials, dangerous chemicals, infectious substances (Covid-19, TB, Polio cultures or samples) compressed gases, poisons and aerosols among others that pose high risks to the airlines, passengers and crew. Tugano said “Dangerous Goods, especially hidden DGs like lithium batteries, aerosols, paints, mercury, human or animal blood or body samples and tissues must be carefully checked and packed in accordance with regulations before they are airlifted.” He said transportation of dangerous goods by air is very restricted because of the pressure, temperature and vibrations experienced during air transport and therefore, it is important that companies who deal with dangerous goods need to undergo this training to help them understand what DGs are and how they can safely prepare them for transportation. “All parties involved, freight forwarders, shippers, those sending and also those receiving the goods need to understand the requirements.” Tugano also emphasized that passengers must comply and answer airline’s dangerous goods safety questions during check-in. These questions are necessary so that any risk to the aircraft and its passengers and crew posed by hidden dangerous goods are eliminated or minimized on the ground rather than in the air. There was positive feedback from participants emphasising that they have learnt a lot of new things during the week long training. Solomon Bulu from Unitech Lae said “It was an eye opener, I learned a lot of new things. I will use the skills and knowledge gained here once I am back on the job”. Jesse Wangoa from HeviLift said “Although the training was intense, it was very helpful and worth the money spent. The instructor is very knowledgeable on the subject matter.” Apart from the training on dangerous goods by Air Transport, Air Niugini also conducts training on Dangerous Goods by sea transport (IMDG Code). Air Niugini has trained many nationals and expatriates in all sectors, mostly targeting mining, exploration, airlines, freight forwarders, packers and chemical manufacturing companies.  “We have highly qualified instructors who can deliver these training programmes tailored to your company’s needs. We can also provide on-site training if you have more than 10 participants,” Tugano concluded. For further information and bookings, please contact Air Niugini on (675) 327 1481/ 73725101 or email: ekila@airniugini.com.pg or mtugano@airniugini.com.pg

This year, 31,500 students from 205 Secondary Schools including private and permitted schools and 6 National High Schools in the country have nominated to sit for the grade 12 Written Expression Examination which is scheduled for Monday, 2nd August, 2021. “I confirm that the Department through the Measurement Services Division has already dispatched all the materials for the Grade 12 Written Expression Examination on time to all Provinces. All Grade 12 students should have received their Written Expression Resource Booklet at 8am on Monday 26th July 2021 from their Schools of Nomination and read and prepare for the actual Written Expression Examination which has been scheduled for Monday 2nd August. By requirement, all students are given a week to prepare themselves well for the Written Expression Examination”. All the Provincial Education Advisors (PEAs), Provincial Examination Supervisors, Senior Secondary Inspectors, Guidance Officers, Principals and Governing Councils must be vigilant and security conscious with the security of the Examination Materials and through the actual administration by following the rules enforced by the Measurement Services Division. Everyone involved in the examination process are advised to prevent all tendencies towards any mal-practices that may compromise the results. They are also reminded that the penalty for cheating or assisting to cheat in national examinations is non-certification and requested all citizens to support fair examinations to all which is in our national interest. “In light of the covid-19 and its variants, we need to be vigilant in taking care of ourselves by following the new normal protocols such as washing hands, wearing masks and the reasonable social distancing guidelines. Though vaccination is not mandatory, it is encouraged that we avail ourselves with the vaccinations where possible for the good of ourselves and the well-being of others." "I would like to wish every student in Grade 12, all the very best in their examination."

The people and residents of New Ireland not only celebrated the New Ireland Provincial Day this week, they are also celebrating the improved banking facility with the opening of the BSP Namatanai Branch today, Wednesday 28th July, 2021. BSP, the leading bank in PNG and Pacific, opened its Namatanai doors today with an upgrade from Sub-Branch to a Branch, offering more banking services for customers in Namatanai. In opening the upgraded branch, BSP Financial Group CEO Robin Fleming said, “Our bank is committed to our people in New Ireland and particularly to the people of Namatanai.” “The Namatanai Branch will be a relief to the people in the district as well as customers who travel to Kavieng, Lihir and Kokopo main branches to conduct simple banking. Our customers will be able to save time and money as the service is now at your doorsteps. SMEs, churches, schools, Family Groups and Personal Banking customers will benefit from the bigger facility. Namatanai is the southern and larger of the two districts of New Ireland Province, which includes the Tabar and Lihir Groups and Tanga and Feni Islands. It is one of the most populated districts in the country and in New Ireland as well. Mr Fleming added that BSP has six banking facilities in New Ireland Province. “We have branches in Kavieng and Lihir and sub-branches in Simberi, Konos, Lukurumau and Namatanai Hybrid Branch which service over 30,000 BSP account holders. Apart from these branches, we have around 10 ATMs and over 240 EFTPoS in the province.” “We’re not just a financial institution; we are a Bank for the community. We have given back to the people of New Ireland through our Community Projects, over K550, 000 in value since 2009 in our 24 projects covering Education, Health, Sports and the Environment. “This year our Kavieng Branch will renovate the Ablution Block at the Kaselok Primary School and our Lihir Branch will supply of desks for Olekowa Primary School and we will continue to provide these projects in New Ireland in the years to come. Mr Fleming concluded saying, “BSP remains committed to expanding, upgrading and improving its services around the country with the recent opening of our branches in Maprik, Koroba and now Namatanai Branch this week. BSP will also open new banking centres in Lae and Mt Hagen in the near future.” Minister for Forest and Member for Namatanai Honourable Walter Schnaubelt in acknowledging BSP for making it happen said the Branch opening is a huge achievement for the people of Namatanai and New Ireland and encouraged them to look after the facility. “Our local farmers now have access to income due to the Buying Point established by the Namatanai Advancement Limited (NAL), a business arm of the Namatanai District Development Authority which was established two years ago. Our local farmers make an average of K18,000 per week. With all these monies floating around we need financial institutions like BSP so that our people can save their monies,” He added. Namatanai is set to see more developments taking place soon with plans underway to have the airport open that would attract more investors and deliver more services to the people. With the expected expansion in the district, Mr Schnaubelt further added, “BSP Namatanai Branch would not only serve our people but the business houses and the population at large that come to the district to invest”.

SP Brewery has a long history in supporting cultural events thus it comes as no surprise the Company renewed its support to the Goroka Show this year. A K10,000 cheque was presented to the Goroka Show Organising Committee today at SP Brewery’s Goroka Depot by Regional Sales Manager-Highlands, Aaron Japu. “SP Brewery is happy to be involved with the 65th Goroka Show, as one of the longest traditional sponsors of the event. We all know that the Show is a highlight for Eastern Highlands Province thus SPB is happy to continue to be associated with the event to promote PNG’s diverse cultural heritage.” said Mr Japu. “We are glad to note this year’s theme “Save our planet, save our future”. In a world where technology is fast changing the way we do things, SPB believes in preserving and promoting our local culture so that they are not lost. Let’s continue to preserve our unique culture for the future generation.” During the Goroka Show, SP Brewery will be promoting Responsible Choice (Responsible consumption of alcohol message) as part of SP Brewery's community social responsibility. The Goroka show is scheduled for the 17th – 19th of September 2021.

The work on the establishment of Papua New Guinea Defense Force’s (PNGDF) Forward Operating Base is progressing well at Piapali in Tari, Hela Province with the anticipation of it being completed in September later this year. PNGDF Commander Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo gave the update following the MoU signing of the work in June last year between the Hela Provincial Government, the Department of Defense and the PNGDF Commander. The Forward Operating Base is the beginning of the lead up work to the planned establishment of the PNGDF’s Third 1000 men Infantry Battalion in Tari. The Hela Provincial Government had committed K300, 000 for the work and K50 million for the next 10 year after its opening. Brigadier General Toropo says the project is a strategic and deliberate one to allow continuous presence in addressing security issues in the resource rich region of the country as well as the highlands region and along the PNG land border.

Nambawan Super is urging retired public servants who have exited the Fund between January 2016 and April 2021, and are still waiting to be paid their previously ‘unfunded contributions’, to contact the Fund. Chief Executive Officer, Paul Sayer, said there are 3,500 former public servant members, who have exited the Fund, that currently have their final benefit available to them. “Since 2018, Nambawan Super has received regular payments from the State to fund unpaid public sector employer contributions from prior to 2009,” Mr Sayer said. “Only former members with very specific circumstances have funds become available after they exit the Fund.” Call 1801599 or visit the Nambawan Super Branch in your province to determine if your final benefit is now available if you meet the below 3 conditions:  Were employed in the public service and member of Nambawan Super before 1 January 2009  Exited the Fund and received your 1st exit payment between January 2016 and April 2021  Were advised you were owed a second and final benefit payment that would be available after a few months when paid by the State. “Exited members have a rare second chance at managing their retirement benefits,” Sayer said. “Many choose to open a Retirement Savings Account which allows them to receive a small, regular income while their savings remain invested to earn interest. “As an RSA member, you continue to enjoy the benefit of our member discount program and have access to our financial literacy education and counselling.” For members who retired from May – July 2021 funds will be available in the coming months. “We encourage affected members who are still waiting for unpaid employer contributions to leave us reliable contact numbers so the Fund can reach out to you when funds do become available,” he added “Whilst Nambawan Super understands the tough economic climate that has affected the State’s revenue, we appreciate the efforts that the State is making to settle members' outstanding employer contributions,” he said. “I would like to assure our affected members that Nambawan Super is committed to fully resolving the Unfunded Public Service Employer Contribution issue. “We appreciate that Public Servants who are still members of the Fund want to retire with certainty having faithfully served the State.” Nambawan Super will continue its discussions with the State with the aim of settling any unfunded contributions that need to be paid for those affected exited members.

Port Moresby Nature Park as an ecotourism destination continues to advocate to the next generation of young leaders, the importance of Ecotourism through its Education Programs. Tourism & Hospitality Students from Lasalle Technical College in Port Moresby visited the Park today to learn about Ecotourism and how to operate an Ecotourism attraction. There is so much to learn from Port Moresby Nature Park as a leading international tourist attraction in Papua New Guinea, and advocate of Ecotourism, of which students from Lasalle Technical College were privileged to have this interactive opportunity today. “Papua New Guinea is a country reach in biodiversity. As while it occupies only 1% in landmass of the Earth’s surface, 7% of the World’s Biodiversity is found here in Papua New Guinea”, stated Port Moresby Nature Park’s Education Manager Shirley Mogi. “50% of the country’s biodiversity is yet to be discovered and that puts Papua New Guinea in a great position as we still have most of our natural environment intact, rich with flora and fauna which are vital in operating and promoting an Ecotourism attraction”, added Ms. Mogi. Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving responsible travel to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving the well-being of the local people. Port Moresby Nature Park through its Education Program educates people on the importance of the natural environment in order to enhance the cultural integrity of local people, giving them more reasons to protect and conserve their natural environment.

Existing infrastructures in various sectors of the Motu Koita villages are being revamped under NCD Governor Powes Parkop’s modernisation program for the indigenous people. Amongst others, Hagara Primary School in Hanuabada continues to benefit under the program. In 2015, Governor Parkop donated a coaster bus to the school. Last year, NCDC partnered with Motu Koitabu Assembly in the delivery of a double-storey classroom for Motu Koita Fode Centre which is also located at the school. During the presentation of 40 desks by Theodist Limited last Thursday, Governor Parkop made a commitment to donate 60 more desks to Grade-three students who have been sitting on the bare floor for two years. Governor Parkop, MKA Chairman and Deputy Governor Dadi Toka Jnr, three members of Motu Koitabu Assembly, and Theodist representatives joined teachers, students and their parents last Thursday to witness the presentation. Governor Parkop said these desks would enable the students and teachers to enhance the learning environment. Commending the company for its kind gesture, Governor Parkop said their contribution for the advancement of the children would go a long way. He added that Theodist was a household name in PNG, supplying stationery including school materials. “This contribution is consistent with their goals to impact communities they live and work in." Mr Dadi Toka said they were slowly rebuilding the school’s capacity. He said he was also grateful for the partnership with the company. “NCDC together with MKA is always working together to fully empower our indigenous communities in the villages. This desk contribution will help our students at Hagara and Tatana." Theodist Group CEO, Kumar Baliah said Theodist had been in business for over 50 years. “We have been part of Port Moresby’s landscape. Our key philosophy is to contribute positively to communities that we live and work in. We are a key education partner and we see education as vital part of our children’s future." Head teacher, Henao Koregai thanked everyone for relieving students and teachers with the kind donation.  

NCSL has welcomed a new face to its Board of Directors. An experienced Director in the Pacific Region and over 24 years’ senior executive experience in PNG, Mr Troy Stubbings, has been newly appointed as an Independent Director to the ncsl Board. Mr Stubbings was Managing Partner of the KPMG PNG practice for over 7 years. He brings to ncsl a wealth of technical and commercial experience across a wide spectrum of business including Financial Services, Corporate Finance, Investment Banking and Retail sectors. Mr Stubbings is also skilled in Strategic Planning and Business transformation which fits the skill requirements sought by the nscl Board. Mr Stubbings possesses a Bachelor of Business from the Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education (now University of Queensland) and a graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment from the Financial Securities Institute of Australasia. He is also a Chartered Accountant and professional member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and the PNG Institute of Accountants. Mr Stubbings is a member of both the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the PNG Institute of Directors. Chairman Ian Tarutia said ncsl is pleased to have a professional of Mr Stubbings caliber on board. “Given the strategic direction and banking aspiration advocated by the ncsl Board, Mr Stubbings joins at the right time to support the Board’s endeavours to meet the expectations of our members,” the Chairman said. Director Stubbings will replace outgoing Director Murray Woo. Murray served on the ncsl Board since its inception and his valuable contribution played a significant role in the success of ncsl today. For more information on this article, please contact Ms. Louise Mary Kodor – Media & Communications Officer on 313 2055 or email lkodor@ncsl.com.pg

Ryan Maskelyne completed a successful night (Tuesday 27 July) for Team PNG as he broke his own National Record in the 200m Breaststroke at Tokyo Aquatics Centre to finish second in his heat. Maskelyne who is based in Brisbane, Australia was ecstatic with setting a new National Record and attributed his performance to his work with his coach Shaun Crow. “It was pretty special. I didn’t have the best preparation for the last week as I have been dealing with some issues with my knee and Matthew (Team PNG physio) has been awesome with helping me sorting that issue out,” said an elated Maskelyne. “I thought I was going to go slower than what I did six weeks ago at the Australian trials which was 2:17.56. To go out and do a personal best and do it at the Olympics is pretty special”. “My goals were to be the best Pacific Islander in my event, set a personal best and win my heat. To tick off two out of my three goals is amazing”. Maskelyne has stated that “having the opportunity to live and train in Brisbane has been a great blessing throughout this time as Queensland has been largely unaffected by the COVID pandemic over the last 12 months. “There have been a few short 3 day lockdowns in which I was given permission to train through, by the Queensland Government. “The biggest thing for me over the past 12 months is training to full capacity without a clear indication if the games would actually go ahead”. Maskelyne was born in PNG and started competing for Team PNG at the 2015 Pacific Games. He represented Team PNG again to the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2015 (Samoa) and 2017 (Bahamas) and in 2017 at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Turkmenistan. In 2019 at the Samoa Pacific Games, he won silver in the 200m Breaststroke. He won the SP Sports Awards PNG Junior Sportsman of the year in 2017. Chef de Mission Tamzin Wardley confirmed that Tokyo 2020 was Maskelyne’s Olympic debut. “Maskelyne’s goal from these games is to swim better than his personal best time of 2 minutes 15.55 seconds for the 200m breaststroke and to be the highest placed Pacific Islander at the Games. “He took part in the Australian Trials in June, in Adelaide but missed out on obtaining a qualifying time. He is attending the Games based on the Olympic Committee’s universality program that allows a male and female athlete from every competing country in the world to take part. Maskelyne is PNG’s current top ranked swimmer.” Maskelyne said “to take part in any Olympics is an unreal feat and something that I am incredibly humbled by. “Given the circumstances of these Olympics and that it has nearly been cancelled on multiple occasions, I feel this makes these games even more special and unique. “I am honoured and proud to be able to represent Papua New Guinea on the world’s biggest stage."