Owning a house comes with a lot of sacrifice, commitment, and determination. NCSL is pleased to share the story of a loyal member who religiously deposited funds into his NCSL savings account for 19 years purposely to build his dream house. Continuously saving money for 19 years may seem like a long time, especially as Papua New Guineans with culturally diverse obligations. Ignatius Dongmai hails from Bunu village along the north coast of Madang province. Ignatius became a member when NCSL first commenced operations back in 2003. His commitment paid off with savings interest earned over the years resulting in him meeting his goal. His house in the village was built using his savings accumulated over 19 years without resorting to loans. Here’s what he shared. “The possibilities are endless and it’s amazing what you can do with your savings. I started building my house in 2019 and saved for my household items for years. “I have been saving with NCSL since it was established in 2003. In the 19 years, I benefited a lot from NCSL'S service and product offerings which are easily accessible and you can achieve your goals with  disciplined savings habit,” he said. “I have been utilizing savings products at NCSL and have also been buying items using the Value Back discount program where you present your membership card to receive instant discount. “All in all I see almost every product introduced by NCSL is geared toward improving my well-being and that of my family,” he said. With a strong savings culture, Ignatius was also able to put his son to a private school in Port Moresby using his savings with NCSL. “My son was also put through a private school and I couldn’t be more satisfied with how many things I have accomplished with my savings. Ignatius is among many advocates who have shared their stories on the personal achievements through their savings and association with NCSL.

East New Britain province in Kokopo will facilitate a two days important meeting for the Pacific Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Ministers forum this February 13th to the 14th 2023. The National Department of ICT, National Information Technology Authority (NICTA), National Broadcasting Operation (NBC) the three agencies under the ministry of ICT are the leading hand in this event plus other agencies in the national government are in the province to meet with the ENB provincial government. The delegates met at Rapopo Resort today to host, consult and work on resolutions with the ENB provincial government in preparation for the event. According to the Dupty Secretary ICT and digital government Russel Woruba the team consist of technical officers and policy makers of different agencies are in the province to established contacts, do ground assessment, collect ENB government input and resolutions to formulate the program. Mr Woruba explained that the purpose of the meeting to initiate logistics and arrangements towards the hosting of the inaugural senior officer’s ICT workshop in the month of February. He said this is a very important meeting because in the field of ICT the national government passed a ICT road map in 2018 which indicated key elements on how to grow the local economy. “This has given rise on how we as a country can run as technology in ICT so that we can better serve our people and these has cause some of these challenges for us to have this meeting,” he said. Mr Woruba said that is why the good minsiter has gone ahead to initiate discussions counter-part ministers in the pacific such as Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and others for this summit. He said up to 17 countries in the pacific will be part of this meeting and expect up to 100 senior ICT officers will be in Kokopo for this important meeting. T he summit in Kokopo purposely to work on resolutions that will be passed to the ICT ministers in the future. The meeting is the key summit where they will align all the ICT agenda for the pacific. Mr Woruba further stated that many times the government go to international forums but do not have one voice for the pacific and it is very sad that all the good things that the national government want to do in ICT sector such as how to manage social media in Facebook, how to roll out digital services, upgrading mobile and other ICT services all these are common challenges across the pacific. “We are excited for this event and we thanked the Governor Michael Marum and the ENB provincial administration for welcoming us and for working together to have this meeting,” he added.

After winding back the clock to produce some of his best ever form last season, Corey Oates is hoping to be even better this year after spending more time working with his centre partner Herbie Farnworth. Speaking to media following the Broncos' training session on Tuesday morning, as well as saying what he was doing to work on his own game, Oates was full of praise for the England star who has returned to Red Hill following a huge World Cup campaign. "(To improve, I will need to) stick with what I've done well, just do my job, my effort areas, work hard with my centre partner Herbie and get my carries and try and be error free," Oates said. “Herbie, I always say it, he's going to be a massive talent if he keeps his head on and to be honest, he's done that well the last 18 months with what's going through the club and how the performance has been, and I think he's been a really, really big improver for us, and he’s going to keep improving. "He’s got a lot more to offer and he knows that and he's working hard; and for him and I as an edge combination, we have got a lot to work on, just finishing those half-a-dozen tries that we probably didn't do last year. “We are just trying to get that completion on the finishes, try and get that to a high percentage. “(Since his return from England duty) he's coming back confident and really, really confident in what he set up talks about in the in the group huddles and he’s been good to be honest. "Really happy for him and how he went as an individual performance and their team played really well.” Oates also addressed questions about the well-being of Payne Haas, who has been granted personal leave by the club and who he expected back at training next week, and the feeling amongst the group following the resurfacing of a podcast in which Selwyn Cobbo questioned Kevin Walters' coaching ability. The Broncos were quick to address the comments, issuing a club statement, and Oates said Cobbo and Walters had also put the issue to bed just as quickly, avoiding any awkwardness at training. “They cleared it up, and it had nothing to do with us, it was just between those two,” Oates said. “And yeah, to be honest, they had it all sorted before we come back in and we cleared the air really quick and they’re fine, the team’s fine. “We're all training great, nothing’s really changed to be honest, so it’s happened and yeah, that's between those two. “I've been here through a lot of things and I think I think Kevin's done a great job … I think he's done a great job to be honest … bringing players to the club and getting boys to perform and for me, I think that's a coach on the way to really knowing what who they are as a coach, so I think he's doing a really good job.” Oates also said that while it was up to each individual player, he often turned down requests to speak on podcasts unless asked to through the club. "Yeah, if he [Selwyn] asked me if you should have done it, yeah I would have probably said no, but he might feel comfortable doing it," Oates said. "I'm not too sure, but yeah, if you ever ask me on that sort of stuff, I'd just say no. I don't like it, I've never really done unless it's through the club, (but) yeah, I probably wouldn’t do them." With the NRL pre-season challenge fast approaching, as well as a trial match against Wynnum Manly Seagulls on February 4, the Broncos will be hoping more focus turns to their on-field preparations with all their fit players – including World Cup winning forward Pat Carrigan – having returned to pre-season training. Source: NRL.Com

H.E. Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, GCL, GCMG, KStJ, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, officially welcomed the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese to the country at Government House this morning. Prime Minister Albanese is on his first Official Visit to Papua New Guinea since becoming Australia’s Prime Minister in 2022. Mr. Albanese visited the Governor General shortly after his arrival to a military guard of honour at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby. Speaking with the Governor General, Prime Minister Albanese expressed his gratitude for the ‘warm welcome reception’ he received on his arrival. He informed the Governor General that his visit to PNG was to build on the existing close relations shared between Australia and PNG and to lay the groundwork for closer ties between the two countries as PNG heads towards its 50th independence anniversary. “I have strongly campaigned for greater interaction with Papua New Guinea for stronger economic and social interaction. We have a lot in common as far as our history is concerned and my visit aims to lay the groundwork for closer ties between our two countries for the next 50 years as PNG celebrates 50 years of independence in 2025,” Mr. Albanese said. Regarding his visit, Prime Minister Albanese also expressed his gratitude for the honour to extended to him by his counterpart Prime Minister James Marape to address Parliament today. “It is the greatest honour and privilege in my life and as Prime Minister of Australia to be given this honour to address the Parliament during my visit and I feel privileged for the opportunity to do so,” Mr. Albanese said. Grand Chief Sir Bob said, Papua New Guinea cherishes the close relationship shared between PNG and Australia, adding that both countries look at more meaningful people to people interaction and corporation in the areas of education exchange programs and employment opportunities. Prime Minister Albanese will travel to Wewak, East Sepik province as part of his two days Official Visit.

Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) is pleased to be starting off the New Year with great news for its Members with the renewal of its Discount Partnership Agreement with Atlas Steel PNG, who are part of the Kenmore Group. The Partnership will see Members of the Fund receiving up to 10% in discounts on selected products at Atlas Steel branches across PNG. Atlas Steel Branch Manager, Mr. Peter Browne said, “We are pleased to be renewing this Partnership with NSL so that the 214,000 Nambawan Super Members can have an extra bit of support when purchasing their dream home now and enjoy long into the future”. “Through this partnership with NSL, Members can now enjoy an amazing free kitchen when they purchase the Ezi Build starter house; 10% off the Fully Kitted Houses; 10% off all fencing materials; and 5% off all housing products.” Having been in the industry for decades we understand the local needs and are able to supply suitable layouts and designs that combine quality and style with affordable pricing. We are proud to be offering our quality products to all Nambawan Super Members.”, Mr. Browne added. NSL CEO, Mr. Paul Sayer thanked Atlas Steel for their initiative and generosity in partnering with the Fund for the benefit of its Members. “We are pleased to have renewed our Discount Partner Agreement with Atlas Steel PNG, who have been operating in PNG for over 35 years and is well known for being one of the most trusted and preferred manufacturers in the PNG steel buildings and components industry”, Mr. Sayer remarked. “I am sure that our over 214,000 Members will also be very pleased to receive the news of the new discounts.” “Atlas Steel re-joins over 160 participating businesses across the Country as a Nambawan Discount Provider.” “We encourage all our Nambawan Super Members including those in Retirement Savings and Choice Super, to take advantage of these discounts if they are looking to purchase Kit Homes and housing products at affordable prices for themselves or their families”, Mr. Sayer added. Nambawan Super offers a full list of over 160 Discount Partners, to help members to plan where to shop a save throughout the year.

Western Pacific University has officially received 6 newly constructed staff houses and 3 completed student dormitories from the People’s Republic of China’s government. The official hand-over takeover ceremony was held on Monday the 9th of January at the WPU campus in Ialibu, Southern Highlands Province. The People’s Republic of China was represented by the China Ambassador to PNG His Excellency Ambassador Zeng Fanhua, whilst the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (HERST), Hon. Don Polye CMG, BE (Civil) MBA, MIEPNG represented the government of PNG. His Excellency Ambassador Zeng Fanhua said, “I’m sure the new buildings will provide better learning, sleeping and study conditions for the students and staff. I also see that the lecture building and the library are well under construction and should be ready for use in the second half of this year.” His Excellency Ambassador Zeng Fanhua further stated, “The Republic of China is not only offering support to the construction of hardware such as the buildings at the Western Pacific University, we are also ready to provide assistance, within our capacity, in other aspects including teaching and management of a university and cooperation with Chinese universities.” Minister for HERST, Hon. Don Polye, CMG, BE (Civil) MBA, MIEPNG expressed his delight at the progress of the infrastructural development taking place on the WPU campus and thanked the Chinese government for their financial support. He emphasized that he is focused on developing PNG’s tertiary institutions to become digital and commended WPU for taking the lead in embracing digitalization and by seeing the vital role it plays in contemporary society, offering the academic programs that our citizens need in-order to be able to remain competitive in this new age. The Hon. Don Polye, CMG, BE (Civil) MBA, MIEPNG also expressed his pleasure to hear that the first-ever digital library to be built in the country is nearing completion and looks forward to seeing it. In accepting the keys to the staff houses and the dormitories, WPU President, Dr. Janet Rangou, PhD, thanked both governments for their support to the university and took the opportunity to highlight the academic programs offered at WPU that put prominence on creating PNG citizens to become digital citizens. She made mention that apart from the current 4 programs on offer, the WPU is looking to introduce Cyber Security program in the future. The current programs offered at WPU are Certificate in Higher Education Foundation Studies (CHEFS), BA in International Business Management, BSc in Computer Networks and BSc in Computer Programming. Other dignitaries in attendance included the Lord Mayor of Ialibu, representatives from the Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (DHERST), and representatives from the local surrounding churches, staff from the project and staff from WPU.

At least 14 people have died in California as a fierce storm brings torrential downpours, high winds and flooding to the state. Thousands of people have evacuated their homes, while millions more are under severe weather warnings. Nearly 188,000 homes and businesses were without electricity, according to data from Poweroutage.us. Heavy rain is forecast to last much of the state throughout Tuesday, with some areas at risk of dangerous mudslides. The National Weather Service (NWS) has described it as "the most impressive storm since January 2005". The weather is expected to dump up to 7in (18cm) of rain in some parts by Wednesday and could produce additional flooding, mudslides and landslides. particularly in areas previously hardest hit by heavy rainfall, NWS officials warned. "An enormous cyclone" is developing off the coast, officials said. A five-year-old, who was swept away by floodwaters near Paso Robles on Monday, is still missing. The boy and his mother were reportedly in a truck taking him to school when the vehicle was overcome by water. It sparked a seven-hour search that was called off when the conditions became too dangerous for divers. He has not been declared dead, local officials said, however details of when the search will resume have not been given. Around 90% of Californians - some 34 million people in the most-populous US state - are under flood watch, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "This is not a day to be out doing anything you don't have to," Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown told the Los Angeles Times. An order issued on Monday afternoon by the Montecito Fire Department directed residents of the town and nearby canyons: "Leave now!" Residents unable to flee were told to move to their innermost room or high ground. The NWS reported that up to 14in (35.5cm) of rain was dumped in the last 24 hours in the region. Across the state, average rainfall totals have hit between 400% and 600% above average values, the NWS said on Tuesday. People living in the elite coastal enclave of Montecito were among those ordered to leave their homes. Montecito is home to many Hollywood stars, including actor Rob Lowe, and comedian Ellen DeGeneres, who posted a video from the banks of a flooded creek on Monday. "This is crazy!" DeGeneres said. "This creek next to our house never flows, ever. It's probably about nine feet up and is going to go another two feet up." The evacuation comes on the fifth anniversary of a mudslide in Montecito that killed 23 people and destroyed more than 100 homes. This new round of severe weather will bring heavy rain on already flooded rivers, damaging winds that are expected to topple trees and power lines, and heavy snow in the California mountains. The NWS forecasts the heaviest and most widespread rain to hit early Tuesday and into the afternoon. The agency issued a flood warning in areas around Los Angeles, including Orange County and the San Bernardino County Mountains. Other evacuations have been ordered by officials, including in areas downstream of reservoirs that could overflow. President Joe Biden declared a state of emergency for California on Monday, which allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) to provide disaster relief. Source: BBC

The New Zealand government is asking for feedback on proposed measures to crack down on youth vaping. These measures include new rules for packaging, flavour names, nicotine salt concentration and single-use product safety, as well as restrictions on the location of specialist vape shops. Associate Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall said youth vaping was on the rise, with many choosing to vape despite never having smoked. "Alongside our efforts to reduce tobacco smoking, we want to ensure vaping products are safe, regulated and are only being used for cessation purposes as intended," she said. "Vaping has a role to play in ensuring smokers who wish to quit smoking can do so using vaping products. "However youth vaping rates are too high and we need to strike a better balance." What's being proposed? Location restrictions: new rules about where specialist vape shops can be located, so they are not near places like schools and sports grounds. This would not apply to general vape retailers like dairies and petrol stations, which are already limited to the sale of three vape flavours. Flavour names: Restricting vape flavour names to reduce their attractiveness to young people. For example, flavour names like 'cotton candy' and 'gummy bears' may no longer be allowed, with a generic term 'candy' having to be used instead. Packaging: Limiting vaping liquids and product packaging to a description of the product's flavour. Requirements specifically for single-use/disposable vapes: reduced concentration of nicotine salts from 50mg/mL to 35mg/mL (people can choose to use a lower concentration of nicotine in reuseable devices, but single-use devices have a fixed nicotine concentration) including serial numbers so devices can be traced if there are safety concerns a safety mechanism to stop children being able to use them. The consultation document - Proposals for the Smoked Tobacco Regulatory Regime - also asks for feedback on proposals to heavily reduce the availability, appeal and addictiveness of tobacco. Source: Radio New Zealand

Angela Bassett has won best supporting actress for her role in "Black Panther, Wakanda Forever." Jennifer Hudson read her name aloud as the winner, saying "Angela Basset baby!" Bassett had a speech ready on her phone, saying that courage, faith, and patience are required in a life with many unexpected detours. "I stand here grateful," she told the crowd, thanking producers, her team, and quoted her mother as saying, "good things come to those who pray." She thanked Marvel and Disney, the cast and the crew for embarking on the movie journey together. Finally, she remembered the late Chadwick Boseman, and thanked the Marvel fans for the love. "Weeping may come in the evening, but joy comes in the morning. We embarked on this journey together. With love, we mourned, we loved, we healed and we were surrounded each and every day by the light and the spirit of Chadwick Bosman," she said. "We have joy in knowing that with this historic 'Black Panther' series, it is part of his legacy he helped lead us to, we showed the world what Black unity, leadership and love looks like beyond, behind and in front of the camera." Source:edition.cnn.com

A career which began 17,000 kilometres from home will continue for Joe Chan this year at the same club his father helped turn into a NRL powerhouse 18 years ago. The 20-year-old arrives at the Storm after spending the last six years in the south of France, which included two seasons playing in the Super League with Catalans Dragons, where dad Alex has been the general manager since 2016. Prior to taking his family to France, originally as a player in 2006, Alex spent the 2004 and 2005 seasons with the Storm. In that time he helped them to consecutive semi-final appearances as they unearthed a golden generation of players who helped them to make the Grand Final in each of the next four seasons. While determined to make his own mark at the club, second-rower Joe told NRL.com that his dad's memories of the Storm played a key role in him signing there for the next two seasons, with a mutual option for 2025. [caption id="attachment_34209" align="alignnone" width="1008"] Alex Chan in action for Melbourne during the 2004 NRL season. ©NRL Photos[/caption] Should Joe play NRL in 2023 - and provided development player Cole Geyer, who is the son of Storm legend Matt Geyer, doesn't debut before him - the Chans will become the first ever father and son to play for the club. "Dad really spoke very highly of the Melbourne Storm and the things they do, and he wasn’t lying," Joe said. "The pre-season he said was the hardest thing he has ever experienced in his career… that’s actually been even worse than he described and I think he left out a few details! "He spoke very highly of Craig [Bellamy] and what he does for the team and individuals and how he won’t hide or shy away from the facts. "When you get here you understand why Craig has won so many premierships. "It’s fun to hear stories about dad here at the club and it makes me push a little bit more, not so much to beat him, but to make sure I make a name for myself here." Born in Australia with Māori, Samoan, Irish and Chinese heritage, Joe was approached by France to represent them at last year's World Cup but declined because he didn't want to take the spot of a player with stronger ties to the nation. Between 2009 and 2016, when the family returned to Australia in between Alex's stints with Catalans, Joe played his junior football at St Clair Comets and then Wentworthville, with Panthers centre Izack Tago and Eels flyer Will Penisini among the opponents he came up against during that period. As a 15-year-old in France he went straight into the same U-17 team as his older brother Tiaki, before moving into the Catalans' first-team setup two years later. After such a transient childhood, Joe said he is pleased to now be settled in Melbourne after arriving at the back end of 2022. "As a kid it was fun, but moving to France the second time at 15 was hard, trying to adjust to a community I didn’t know that well," Joe said. "I have always thought Australia was home, which is a bit different to some of my family members who prefer France. "I feel like Melbourne has been very welcoming, and the food over here is very good, so I need to stay away from that!" Source: NRL.Com

PNG Power acknowledges that there are challenges on its operations nationwide which is affecting the supply of a safe and reliable electricity supply. In Port Moresby, recent system outages were experienced due to technical issues between all generation power stations both at PNG Power and the Independent Power Producers (IPPs). We are working together with our IPP stakeholders to ensure we correct those issues with respect grid control and regulation issues, in order to provide stable power. Other isolated outages around the city is due to current rain fall and vegetation controls. Many customers resist PNG Power officers from cutting the trees and clearing of the vegetation within their properties. We are working with external parties to control this. On the Ramu Grid, we continue to undergo load shedding in Madang and the Highlands Provinces as the Ramu Hydropower Stations cannot supply to full generation capacity due to lower water levels at the Yonki Dam Reservoir. This has affected our supply since August 2022. Lae has been split to run on 'island mode', mainly getting it's supply from the Taraka and Mildford Power Station, Baiune Power Station in Bulolo and the Munum IPP. All Highlands centres and Madang have their standby power stations which supplement the load. There has been little increase in the water level but not to a capacity for the Ramu Hydropower Station to generate to full capacity yet. Gazelle Grid has stopped loadshedding and the system is back to normal for Kokopo, Rabaul and Kerevat customers In all other provincial centres who run on diesel fuel power stations, our challenge is ensuring our fuel suppliers get supply to our power stations on time. When there is late supply, our teams resort to load shedding, which is conserving fuel until the next supply of fuel is delivered. Discussions are ongoing with our fuel suppliers to ensure we have an understanding on on time supply for our diesel power stations.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Policy & Planning Dr. Philip Mitna has been appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations by the Marape/Rosso Government. Current Deputy Commissioner Anton Billie’s appointment was revoked and Dr. Mitna was appointed by the National Executive Council on December 21 last year. Dr. Mitna’s appointment takes effect today. An official handover-takeover ceremony will be held at the National Police Headquarters in Konedobu, National Capital District on Monday 16 January. Police Commissioner David Manning today congratulated Dr. Mitna on his appointment. He also thanked Mr.  Billie for his service and wished him all the best in his future endeavors.