BSP PNG | BSP Financial Group Ltd (BSP), the Pacific’s leading financial institution, have announced changes to its Leadership team. The BSP Financial Group Limited today announced the appointment of two new roles within the Executive leadership team to further support the Bank’s Modernisation for Growth strategy. These changes were announced earlier on Wednesday 7th August 2024 on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) as well as the Port Moresby Exchange (PGX). Group CEO, Mark Robinson announced the appointment of Peter Beswick, to the role of Deputy CEO. Peter Beswick has been BSP’s Group General Manager, Corporate Banking since 2011 having held executive positions in Corporate Banking, Audit, Risk Management and Business advisory across Australia and Southeast Asia. Hari Rabura has been appointed as Group General Manager Corporate Affairs & Community. Hari has served as BSP’s Group General Manager People & Culture, since 2016. This new appointment will support the Group’s commitment and investment across the communities in which it operates in across Papua New Guinea and the broader Pacific markets. As a result of these changes the following appointments within the current Executive leadership team have been made. • Daniel Faunt is appointed Group General Manager Corporate Banking; Mr. Faunt is currently Group General Manager Retail Banking. • Ronesh Dayal, currently Group Chief Financial Officer has been appointed Group General Manager Retail Banking. • Maryann Lameko-Vaai, currently Group General Manager Pacific Markets is appointed Acting Group Chief Financial Officer. • Paul Black is appointed Group General Manager Pacific Markets; Mr. Black is currently Deputy Group General Manager Corporate Banking. • Peter Komon is appointed Acting Group General Manager People & Culture until a permanent executive is appointed. Mr. Komon is currently Head of Payments. These changes are effective from the 19th of August 2024. The remaining executive leadership positions remain unchanged: • Nuni Kulu, Group Chief Operating Officer. • Rohan George, Group General Manager Treasury & Markets. • Mike Hallinan, Group Chief Risk Officer. • Vandhna Narayan, Group Chief Compliance Officer. • Richard Nicholls, Group Chief Information Officer. Mr Robinson said the appointments all came from within BSP’s current executive & senior leadership team, and he was pleased that BSP had the depth of experience to fill the new leadership roles and further develop senior talent. “All the executives are experienced leaders, deeply familiar with the South Pacific region in which we operate” “Their appointments show the depth of banking experience at BSP and will enhance the execution of our modernising for growth agenda.” The appointments are subject to the relevant regulatory approvals.

The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) will host a first of its NCD Youth Summit and Expo, led by visionary Governor Powes Parkop. A first of its kind for youths in the Capital as they gear up for the inaugural NCD Youth Summit and Expo, led by the visionary Governor Powas Parkop with the theme: "Empowering youths for better and progressive NCD". The NCD Youth Summit and Expo, theme: "Empowering youths for better and progressive NCD", will take place from the 10th to the 14th of August, in Port Moresby city. The Exo and Music Festival will kick off first at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium from the 10th-11th of August and the Summit to follow suit at the APEC Haus from the 12th-14th August. Governor Parkop said the mission is to showcase pathways to success in education, sports, youth empowerment, life skills, health and the arts, and encouraging social, moral and spiritual growth while fostering innovation and leadership, addressing pressing issues and creating opportunities for their development. "We aim to direct the incredible energy of our youths toward positive activities, addressing pressing issues and creating opportunities for their development," said Governor Parkop. The event will feature the prime minister as the guest of honor, VIPs such as the Minister of Youth and the UN Resident Coordinator. It will also include the US Ambassador, Australian High Commissioner, and various other national and international dignitaries. Collaborators include prominent organizations like the UN, UN WOMEN, UNFPA UNICEF, National Youth Development Authority (NYDA), US Embassy, DFAT, NCDC TIPNG, PNG Scouts Association and the National Government. "Over the course of five days, we will bring together 200 youths from NCD electorates, 50 national and international speakers, 10 political leaders. We have so far registered 40 booths, 20 SME stalls, 100 volunteers and working team, and 30 service providers." Governor Parkop said the Youth Sumit's theme aligns with the international theme, "From Clicks to Progress Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development. This dual focus highlights the transformative power of digital technology in creating sustainable development opportunities and underscores the importance of collaboration and mutual support across generations. This summit aims to connect various agencies, provide information on opportunities for youth progress, and foster networking and collaboration. It offers a platform for youths to meet peers and stakeholders, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections. It's a space for showcasing talents and aspirations, where young people can share their skills, dreams, and plans for the future. "We are committed to skill-building and leadership, offering workshops, training, and educational sessions to empower our youth. Our goal is to inspire change, encouraging youths to become agents of positive transformation in their communities and beyond, aligning our efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Papua New Guinea's Medium Term Development Plan IV (MTDP-IV) goals."

The Society of Anaesthetists of PNG (SAPNG) recently hosted a five-day training course on SAFE Obstetrics and Paediatrics Anaesthesia, a refresher training designed for both physician and non-physician anaesthetists. With the support of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences and Port Moresby General Hospital, this invaluable training was part of the Safer Anaesthesia from Education (SAFE) Courses, which was jointly developed by the Association of Anaesthetists and WFSA back in 2011. The program ran from 29th July to 2nd August and emphasized basic principles of safe care of the pregnant women and children in particular, assessment, vigilance, and competence in essential skills. According to one of the five facilitators and Pediatric Anaesthetist, Dr Keno Temo, PNG like the other Low-Middle Income Countries (LMICs) have a high Peri Operative Mortality Rate (POMR) and these group of patients (Obstetrics and paediatrics) contribute largely to this health indicator. “Providing anaesthesia and basic critical care for essential surgery in children requires a trained workforce. In PNG, there are few specialist surgeons and anaesthetists, and pediatric surgery and anaesthesia are, of necessity, the work of the general surgeon and non-physician anesthetist in the district hospital,” she stated. “Children present particular challenges to surgeons and anesthetists and, not surprisingly in many settings, peri-operative morbidity and mortality is high compared to developed world standards. Likewise, it is recognized that, worldwide, 15% of all births result in complications. Globally, the major causes of maternal death are hemorrhage, sepsis, and pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.” “Access to safe surgery and anaesthesia is an essential requirement in the management of these patients and other complications of pregnancy. However, poor practice of anaesthesia can result in death. Therefore, as anaesthetists, we would like to address these problems in our space to see how we can help make a difference.” The first three days focused on SAFE Obstetrics Anaesthesia and had twenty-four participants from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department made up of SMO’s, registrars, midwifes, and nurses. Dr Temo said that the course addressed the major causes of maternal death, important skills in obstetric anaesthesia, and the immediate resuscitation of the newborn. The final two days of the training highlighted the SAFE Paediatric Anaesthesia course, which addressed the special needs of children who require surgery and the particular differences between paediatric and adult practice. It had the participation of 23 registrars, SMO’s, ASO, and nurses from Anaesthesia, Paediatrics, and Surgery. In conclusion of the program, participants from both trainings were awarded certificates. The SAPNG hopes the SAFE courses have successfully refreshed or taught participants the importance of mastering the basics when attending to these patient groups. They believe that in critical or emergency situations, the participants will now know how to respond in a structured, systematic way to help save lives.

The much-anticipated Coke Studio Pacifika Tour will feature live performances from the Solomon Islands and PNG’s very own local talents, set for centre stage in Lae at Club 99 on the 9th of August and Port Moresby on the 10th of August, at the Lamana Gold Club. The Coke Studio Pacifika Tour is a musical event which Coca-Cola through their music platform Coke Studio is hosting in collaboration with Makasi Sound & Entertainment to promote music in the pacific region. Makasi Sounds & Entertainment Events Planner Terence Rini said their goal for this event is to bring together pacific island music artists to showcase their talents in PNG and the region. “Partnering with a global brand like Coca-Cola through their music platform Coke Studio, we will definitely achieve that goal.” “We are growing slowly in the Melanesian region firstly with SI and PNG artists.” “We have plans to reach out to Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Cal with up-and-coming events,” said Mr. Rini. Artist from the Solomon Islands to perform on the two nights are JahBoy, Joe Briz, Cottsii and Devande while from PNG, the local talented vocalist Mereani Masani, the ‘Riah’ singer Tarvin Toune & PNG’s young artist Jnr Vigi. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Head of Brand and Channel Management Gabriel Manoi said, they are proud and excited to be part of this journey. Through their brand Coca- Cola and its platform Coke Studios, they are proud to support SI and PNG artist and at the same time, partner with Makasi to bring artists from the Solomon Islands to perform alongside PNGs’ artist. Representing the PNG artist, the ‘Eh Vivi’ singer Jnr Vigi, acknowledged Makasi & Coca-Cola for creating the platform for artists to share their talents not only with their fans but with artist from other countries. He also encouraged upcoming artists to focus on their goals and never let critics diminish their self-worth and aspirations.

Prime Minister James Marape has commended Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr, Police Commissioner David Manning and the Police Force for their dedicated efforts in addressing the series of murders, rapes, and property destruction that occurred in East Sepik Province during July. Following the arrests of 10 young men by police, with further arrests expected as the authorities close in on the gang responsible for the terror in Angoram, East Sepik, and Prime Minister Marape praised the ongoing police operations. “I commend Police Minister Tsiamalili, Commissioner Maning and the Police Force for their efforts in curbing the reign of terror by an armed gang in Angoram, East Sepik,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Those who commit serious crimes and believe they can evade justice are mistaken; they will not escape the long arms of the law.” The Prime Minister highlighted his government’s commitment to revitalising the Police Force after years of neglect. “Our government is working to rebuild the Police Force after a period of decline. When we assumed office in 2019, the Police Force was ageing, with no new recruits trained in over a decade. We are working to restore the force to full capacity, aiming for a total of 10,000 officers, and establishing a Domestic Anti-Terrorism Unit,” he said. He further emphasised the importance of a strong police force in ensuring a safer and more peaceful Papua New Guinea, which he views as essential for the country's economic and social development. “A safer and more-peaceful Papua New Guinea will be a catalyst for economic and social development, leading to a better society. In light of the criminal activity surrounding us, we are committed to strengthening our Police Force,” the Prime Minister added. Marape also urged all Provincial and Regional Police Commanders to fully support Commissioner Manning, noting that police officers now work with improved pay and conditions compared to the past. “I have instructed Commissioner Manning to implement an electronic police complaint system in all police stations nationwide to better track criminal complaints and activities for arrest and prosecution.” Prime Minister Marape concluded by expressing gratitude to the Australian Government for its continued support of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

The National Written Expression Examination for grade 12 students will see a total of 34,360 students from 231 Grade 12 schools including the six National Schools of Excellence, private and permitted schools have nominated to sit the exam on Monday, 5th August 2024. Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra said, he is confident that their students and teachers have prepared well for this exam. "I call on all the Provincial Divisions of Education, school administrations, parents and communities to support our students give their best." "I also call on the general public to respect our students and support them in every way possible to do the exam next week Monday." "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." "Students were issued with the Booklets by their nominated schools on Monday, July 29th." "The reading was for one week in preparation for the actual exam." Dr. Kombra said, all the Provincial Education Advisors (PEAS), Provincial Examination Supervisors. Senior Secondary Inspectors, Guidance Officers, Principals and Governing Councils are asked to be vigilant and security conscious with the security of the Examination Materials through to the actual administration by following the rules enforced by the Measurement Services Division. "I advise everyone involved in the examination process to prevent all tendencies towards any mal practices that may compromise the results." "I would like to remind everyone that the penalty for cheating or assisting to cheat in the national examinations is non-certification and request all citizens to support fair examinations to all which is in our national interest." Meanwhile, the marking of the Written Expression Exam is scheduled for Monday, August 19th in Port Moresby. The Secretary has advised students to study hard for the final examinations which are coming up in October. These exams are scheduled as follows: 1-Grade 10 (October 7th-11th) 2-Grade 12 (October 14th-18th) 3-Grade 8 (October 21-24) 4Grade 12 STEM (September 2nd-6) "I wish all students in Grade 12, all the very best in their Written Expression Examination".

TB patients in NCD seeking treatment at the St Therese TB Clinic will not have to worry about their supply of medicines as the clinic is stocked up on medical drugs. St Therese TB Clinic Officer in Charge Mr. Delvin Robin told PNG HAUSBUNG that they have stocked up on drugs and are not experiencing a shortage at this time. All 228 of their registered patients at the clinic have their own TB Kits. “We already have our drugs from the shipment that was cleared already and is at the Area Medical Store and are waiting for distribution.” “For St Therese Clinic, we have enough drugs to supply it to our patients as per their review dates.” Mr. Robin stated that of their 228 registered patients, the number of new patients accumulates from three (3) to four (4) patients a day. “Like any other clinic, we do the full checkups and collect sputum’s and we send them for X-Ray.” “We also do other test and send them and wait for the results.” “But in doing that, we also put the patients on antibiotics because we don’t have the evidence yet and to help suppress the illness.” With NCD having some of the highest rates of TB in the country, Mr. Robin is encouraging everyone, especially in communities to work collaboratively. “For those who have TB, you must be on treatment, and the community should be the watchful person.” He said, as clinicians they do not always have the time to be watchful of people. One must know their status, seek medical treatment and practice health safety measures to prevent the spread of the bacteria that spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit. He further stated that, when people don’t take their medication for up to a month, the bacteria grow and becomes resistant. “The dangers is that the patient develops resistant TB. It is still curable, but the treatment is very high, sensitive and has high side-effects.” “But as clinicians, we don’t want our patients to reach that stage so we always balance (or ration) our supply.” Mr. Robin is making a call for everyone to do more awareness or conversations with peers is one way of spreading the word to help stop the spread of TB. Some of the common symptoms include: 1. A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks – you may cough up mucus (phlegm) or mucus with blood in it. 2. Feeling tired or exhausted. 3. A high temperature or night sweats. 4. Loss of appetite. 5. Weight loss. 6. Feeling generally unwell “Once you see this type of signs, send the patient to a clinician or clinic to get checked and be on treatment.” “I think this type of awareness is good that we do it for free.” “Like through the media to help our country bring zero TB down.”

The Supreme Court today dismissed an application by the Attorney General to set aside orders for the Opposition’s substantive hearing on August 1. This is according to a statement from the Opposition. The finding of the court was two-fold. The court found that the notice of motion, by the second intervener, the Attorney General filed and moved on Monday this week, was incompetent. Despite the fact that it was incompetent, the Court went on to rule on the merits of the notice of motion, and the court found that in terms of the merits of the motion, there were no compelling reasons advanced by the second intervener to set aside the orders of 19 July. The substantive matter will now be heard on Thursday, the 1st of August.   Meantime, Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa and the Opposition’s MPs welcomed the decision, declaring that this was wonderful news for the people of Papua New Guinea. Mr Tomuriesa said that the court systems were respected by the Opposition and believed that it would be fair not only for them but for the people. "Today's ruling is in favour of the people of Papua New Guinea. We all know the substantive matter will be heard tomorrow (Thursday 1st August), and so we would not like to get deeper into it but allow our lawyers to deal with it.” "We want to announce to the nation that our fight for justice and our fight to make certain the voices of majority of Papua New Guineans must be heard.” He commended the Opposition's legal team and thanked the four men bench in the Supreme Court who ruled on two of the matters in favour of the Opposition. Mr Tomuriesa called on all Papua New Guineas to remain calm and allow the courts to make the rulings. Adding that the Opposition was confident that the course they were running would eventuate and eventually come to the dreams and aspirations that the decisions were right in due course. Mr Tomuriesa thanked all Opposition MPs and looked forward to the substantive matter to be heard in the Supreme Court.

Driven by a passion to steer change through the investment of ‘Human Capital Development’ in the Samarai-Murua District in Milne Bay province, MP Isi Henry Leonard is happy to see off nine (9) students from his district to study at the Adamson University in the Philippines. “My District Office (DDA) signed an MOA with Papua New Guinea Affiliation International Agency (PNGAIA) by tasking the Agency to bring my students to study in Adamson University.” Of the nine (9) students who will study at the Adamson University, seven (7) will take up academic studies from the Adamson University while the other two will attend TVET courses respectively. MP Leonard said, he has prioritized Human Capital Development as one of the most important projects in his district since he was voted into parliament. “Education is among the top priorities that I put more budget into.” “Because I want to develop human resources back in my district, we sponsored in full amount (100% payment of tuition fees) for Samarai-Murua students throughout the Universities and Colleges.” "The way forward for us is through skills training program.” “We need to send our people to be skilled and trained in technical fields and professional levels of training." The 9 students that are now confirmed to study in the Adamson University are all from the 4 LLGs in the district with a total of K600, 000 of allocation from the DDA to support in full amount the students’ studies. Meanwhile, PNGAIA Country Program Coordinator Mr. Reno Kola said, they chose Philippines because the country was once colonized by the USA and their learning facilities and education system (curriculum) is the same. He added that Adamson University is one of the top 5 ranked university in the Philippines. "By the end of next month (August) classes will resume and depending on the flights, the students should travel out by next week Friday."

Kina Bank staff members, who recently participated in the PNG Cancer Foundation’s Futsal Championship, demonstrated their commitment to community welfare by making a generous donation of cash and kind to Life PNG Care on Friday, July 19, 2024. The cash donation totalled K3, 284. 00 and comprised contributions of K500 from KORP8 Futsal Championship win, K1, 500 from PNG Cancer Foundation Futsal Tournament grand final win, K1, 284.00 and clothing items from staff members of the team. Desmond Alesana, Kina Bank’s Employee Wellbeing & OHS Advisor presented the donation on behalf of the team to Colin Pake, Head Teacher at Life PNG Care. “Life PNG Care for Kids is a genuine charity organization and we are pleased to have met the kids, Colin Pake, his wife and the support staff of the school,” Desmond said. The donation witnessed by the children, teachers, and staff at the school will significantly aid Life PNG Care’s mission to support disadvantaged and vulnerable homeless children. Colin expressed his gratitude, emphasizing that the donation would help ensure basic human rights for the children, including access to food, clean water, shelter, and education. This marks the second donation from the Futsal Team to Life PNG Care, following their initial donation in November 2022.

Papua New Guinea is one of five tendering nations that have been confirmed for the International Rugby League (IRL) Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2028. Initially eleven countries, in total, confirmed expressions of interest in hosting the 2028-30 Women’s, Wheelchair and Men’s tournaments. For the 2028 Women’s World Cup, France, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and South Africa have now moved onto the next stage of bidding. The interest reflects the growth of a tournament that was first staged in 2000 as the Women’s World Series in England -one of three occasions on which they have hosted, along with 2013 and 2022. Australia, in 2008 and 2017, and New Zealand, which hosted the inaugural Women’s World Cup at North Harbour in 2003, are the other nations to have staged the tournament. “The response from the rugby league world to the invitation to tender process has been really encouraging,” said IRL chair Troy Grant. “The strategy to reduce the size of World Cup tournaments and to place them in standalone years was based on two main objectives: increasing IRL’s commercial strength and broadening the number of host countries." “The unprecedented spread of potential hosts from all corners of the rugby league map is a clear sign that the World Cup is a much more accessible event than it has been, and we look forward to receiving some compelling final bids.” Recently the final bid submission deadline was extended from October 2024 to February 2025 as a result of local events outside of multiple tender's control. Papua New Guinea hosted matches during the 2017 World Cup and will again be a venue for the next World Cup in 2026. PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said his organisation had the resources and experience to host a standalone Women’s World Cup in 2028. “Papua New Guinea Rugby League is extremely excited to have this opportunity to tender for the first stand-alone Women’s Rugby League World Cup,” PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said. “As Papua New Guinea moves further towards having a team in the NRL, having the opportunity to host the first stand-alone Women’s Rugby League World Cup shows the depth of rugby league in PNG.” PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina added, "Women playing rugby league in PNG continues to grow and become stronger year by year and this has led to greater opportunities for women within PNG. Showing the women that they now have pathways is an extremely exciting."

Member for Samarai-Murua Isi Henry Leonard is calling on other Papuan members of Parliament to step down and move-out from the Government and join the Opposition. He said the denial of the people of the Gulf Province on their allocated Business Development Grant is an example of the day light robbery and corruption that is so rampant in the Government today. The unilateral transfer of the Business Development Grant approved by Parliament from the people of Gulf to another Province is day light corruption and the denial of the Papuan people of the Gulf Province the right to develop their Province. “I’ve seen what has unfolded in terms of sharing the foundation wealth especially for the people of Gulf in terms of their business development grant, where the Government called a ‘Typo-Error’ and given that business development grant to Enga Provincial Government." "And I think this has now called for closed scrutiny of Government in terms of discretion of public funds that are been captured in the 2024 budget.” “As we all are aware, what’s been given to the Enga provincial government from the Gulf provincial government was actually captured in the 2024 National Budget Bill in Parliament and it was passed.” MP Leonard stated that, since that Bill was passed in Parliament, it is a law. “That grant is for the people of Gulf and nothing more.” After what transpired, he has called for all leaders to be mindful of the offices they hold and the interest they serve in that office that is meant for the people. “It is our people who will mandate us back, not the party." "It is based on our performance and how we represent the interest of our people that will mandate us back in 2027." "Let us not be blind and deaf and hear what the people are saying and make that decision well.” “I call on the Treasurer and the Government to honour and respect the dignity and commitment of the early Papuan pioneers, including the Puzzy- Wazzy angels of the Kokoda track." “The visions and expectations of the early Papuan political Leaders in the likes of Sir Albert Maori Kiki, Sir Ebia Olewale, Sir Ruben Taureka, Mr Paulus Arek and Mr Jacob Lemeki, for a united and prosperous Papua New Guinea, based on the ownership and equal distribution of the wealth of our national resources must respected.” He added the Treasurer and the Government is deviating from these core values and commitment of the past and present Papuan leaders and their people. In supporting the call by the Papuan people of the Gulf Province, he appealed to the remaining Papuan Leaders from Western, Gulf, Central, Milne Bay and Oro Provinces to leave the Government and joint the Opposition. “Our integrity is far more important than the packs and privileges in parliament." "This is what defines us as leaders." "So I’m calling on my brothers to protect their integrity and come out because once damaged, it’s irreparable.”