BSP PNG| An innovative online marketplace - FindrPNG, now able to facilitate payments efficiently between service providers and respective customers after onboarding BSP Online Payment system on its platform. FindrPNG is an online platform that helps connect service providers to customers when looking to get any tasks done. The platform allows the service providers to list their services, thereby allowing customers to search from a broad service category or request for a specific service via the platform. The cost effective click-of-a-button-search-and-match offers convenience to both parties. The local business owner, Gadoeno Gabi describes that, “Whenever a customer needs a job done, they simply post the job on FindrPNG for individual service providers to apply and execute, or alternatively the customer can directly message a service provider and request their assistance via the FindrPNG platform.” “Once the terms of the job such as date of delivery and budget are agreed by both parties, FindrPNG creates a specific Job Identification and facilitate the payment for services rendered once both the customer and service provider confirm that the job has been completed,” added Gabi. He added that; “Onboarding the BSP online payment solution, it will guarantee convenient transaction of payments between service providers and its customers. FindrPNG will ensure transactions are efficient, cash-free and safe in order to protect both Customers and Service Providers on the platform. FindrPNG guarantees its users that this is achievable, knowing that payments will be settled efficiently without the risks associated with physical currency being exchanged,” added Gabi. Thus, to access the online marketplace, both customers and service providers will have to register and log onto the FindrPNG website: www.findrpng.com. BSP encourages businesses to consider moving online and ensures there is support every step of the on-boarding processes.

Maprik Open Electorate in East Sepik has declared PNC Party Candidate Gabriel Kapris as the New Member Elect for Maprik District. Returning officer Godfried Sokomia declared Mr Kapris at 4:30 pm Friday 22nd July 2022. He was declared after exclusion 26 after polling a total of 16,657 beating the absolute majority of 16207+1. Mr Kapris ousted Agriculture Minister and PANGU Candidate John Simon.

The timely donation will go towards the OOH’s funding assistance in carrying out Provincial Paediatric Cardiac Screening and Closed Heart Surgeries- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) ligations at the Port Moresby General Hospital Cardiac Unit. The foundation has saved thousands of Papua New Guineans in the last 26 years– a medical expense that would cost up to K200,000 per case, if done overseas. Since 2000, BSP has been assisting the program with annual donations of K100,000 totalling K2.2 million so far, and is pleased to continue this assistance with a donation again this year. BSP Brand Ambassador David Mead on behalf of the bank presented the cheque of K100,000 to Kathy Johnston – Operation Open Heart Foundation Chairlady and Deputy Chairlady of Port Moresby General Hospital Board, and her team of Cardiac Surgeons on Thursday 14th July, 2022. “BSP is pleased to once again continue its support with the Operation Open Heart – a partnership that spans for more than 20 years. BSP has not only been a supporter of the (OOH), but also a contributor to other health programs including the PNG Cancer Foundation and Kidney Foundation of PNG,” the BSP Brand Ambassador and retired Kumuls Skipper said. The Operation Open Heart Program has been running for 26 years in the country, giving thousands a second chance in life. The program that was a service is now a training program, led by Chief Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Noah Tapaua. Dr Tapaua said BSP’s assistance came in a big way in 2013 when it funded the Cardiac recovery room inside Ward 7 of the Port Moresby General Hospital. “So now that BSP has donated K100,000 our plan is to go out and continue screening in the provinces after the election. We plan to start after the election. Our local Cardiologists conduct screening and because of this program, they have trained and imparted the skills to doctors in the provinces who can now investigate and identify suspected cases for the team in PNG to operate on. “Last year we visited 12 provinces where 400 children were screened. 150 of those patients with heart conditions were detected. This was further shortlisted to 24 patients, of which 17 have undergone surgery by our local medical team,” Dr Tapaua added.

The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) in an effort to stimulate domestic tourism has provided half a million kina to Air Niugini as travel subsidy to promote domestic tourism in the country through the airline’s extensive range of existing tour packages. Of the total K500,000, half of that money will go towards promotions in the domestic market while the other half will be used to support and promote the inbound Australian tourism market. PNGTPA Chief Executive Officer, Eric Mossman in signing the agreement with Air Niugini General Manager, Commercial Paul Abbot in Port Moresby yesterday (Thursday 21st July) said the promotion is timely as travel restrictions are being slowly relaxed after the COVID pandemic with more people now traveling. He said “ COVID19 brought travel and tourism to a standstill over the last two years, however with the restrictions being slowly lifted and more people now traveling, we hope they can make use of the domestic travel subsidies being offered. “ Air Niugini as one of our leading industry partners provides a wide range of tour packages, we therefore encourage people to make use of the subsidies by purchasing domestic tour packages from Air Niugini, which in turn will boost domestic tourism.” Mr Mossman said. Mr Abbot explained that Air Niugini will ensure domestic packages are more accessible in order to stimulate more demand and support the domestic tourism operators. He said once the travel subsidy is in place, every person that purchases an Air Niugini domestic tour package will be offered a K500 discount. A tour package includes airfares, accommodation, return airport transfers, breakfast and taxes. “ We hope to make domestic tourism more accessible and easier for everyone to be able to take advantage of the many and varied tourism experiences in our beautiful country. The flow on effect from people traveling and staying domestically will have a positive impact on communities all over the country.” “Air Niugini has always had great relationship with PNGTPA and this is a shining example of stake holders working together to take domestic tourism to a new level. We look forward to a strong, positive result from this arrangement.” Mr Abbot said Apart from Air Niugini’s current range of domestic tour packages, the airline will also look to create new product to come on the market to further support domestic tourism initiatives

The Brisbane Broncos produced a first half blitz to shock fellow finals contenders Parramatta 36-14 tonight at a soggy CommBank Stadium. Freshened up by a team camp this week at Kingscliff beach, Brisbane looked sharp as they played dry weather football on a rainy night to dominate the opening half and set up an important victory in the race to the finals. Playmakers Adam Reynolds, Ezra Mam and Tesi Niu were dominant as the Broncos piled on 24 unanswered points during the opening stanza to shock the home side, while prolific winger Corey Oates collected a double for a third-straight game to make it 16 tries for the season. The platform for the performance was laid by huge games from middle forwards Payne Haas (225 metres from 22 runs, 9 tackle breaks, 29 tackles and a try), Thomas Flegler (151 metres from 17 runs and 4 tackle breaks) and Pat Carrigan (139 metres from 15 runs and 31 tackles). Brisbane's win catapulted them into fourth spot on the NRL ladder with 26 competition points from 12 wins and just 6 losses. They now play four of their next five games at home at Suncorp Stadium, and have the luxury of a nine-day break heading into their next fixture against the Wests Tigers on Saturday, July 30. Against the Eels, Brisbane started slowly and struggled to get out of their half from the opening whistle with repeat handling errors in the slippery conditions gifting Parramatta field position - and the home side capitalised when a shift to the left saw Maika Sivo cross for an easy try out wide for a 4-0 lead in the 4th minute. But the Broncos steadied and started to control the ball better, hitting back in the 10th minute with some nice work down the left by centre Brenko Lee who grubbered through from 40 metres out, regained the ball off a rebound, and then rolled another grubber through to find Corey Oates who toed the ball through himself before diving on the ball to cross for his 15th try of the season. Reynolds converted from out wide for a 6-4 lead. And the visitors extended their lead in the 19th minute when they charged upfield off the back of a one-on-one strip by Reynolds on Waqa Blake, and then an offload by prop Flegler that yielded a six-again. Brisbane continued to attack the Eels middle, with Haas eventually bumping his way through to score under the posts from 20 metres out to score under the posts. Reynolds converted to make it 12-4. Brisbane were on a roll and Reynolds was at it again shortly after the restart, again cashing in on another six-again call to roll through a perfect grubber on the angle in behind the Eels defensive line for backrower Jordan Riki to touch down. Reynolds knocked over the conversion and the Broncos led 18-4 after 22 minutes. The visitors then continued to hammer the Parramatta line for the next eight minutes but could not crack some staunch defence as the home side made almost 40 tackles in succession. But the Broncos were back attacking soon after with Niu continuing his electric form of recent week with another sizzling, stepping run up the middle and then an offload to Mam who was pulled down close to the line by Will Penisini. The centre would not let Mam get back to his feet and was sent for 10 minutes in the sin bin. Brisbane instantly made the most of the one-man advantage, moving the ball right through hands and then getting the try back on the left where backrower Kurt Capewell strolled through a massive gap to score in the 32nd minute. Reynolds converted for a 24-4 advantage. The Eels grabbed a try just before halftime when they were gifted possession through a slight misjudgement catching a high ball close to the sideline by Broncos winger Jordan Pereira, with Blake crossing on the left and Moses converting to drag it back to a 14-point deficit at the break. Brisbane got the perfect start to the second half after the Eels fumbled the kick-off and from the ensuing set, Oates leapt his to catch a Reynolds cross-kick and scramble well to get the ball down in the left corner to make it a try-scoring double for his third game in a row. Reynolds threaded the conversion from the touchline and it was 30-10. Source: Broncos.com.au

Farmers from the Nadzab area in Morobe province received Village Sustainability Kits (VSK) from Trukai Industries to assist them with their rice farming. The company donated these kits to three model farmers who will be caretakers of the equipment, which will cater to more than 30 farmers from Gabsongek Village. This group of farmers have transitioned their method of farming from dryland rice farming to irrigation rice farming under Trukai Industries’ Smart Farmer Project. While presenting the Village Sustainability Kits to the farmers, Rice Development Manager, Aina Davis advised the farmers that the support that Trukai had given through this donation would greatly benefit them. “I urge you all to take ownership of this farming program which you will benefit from the donation of these Village Sustainability Kits. This will help you in the long run,” said Davis. One of the model farmers, Paul Laban, expressed appreciation of Trukai Industries’ support towards their farming projects and thanked the company for its generosity. “Thank you Trukai Industries for recognising us as we are only village rice farmers. These kits and the skillsets imparted by your field team will greatly help us and in turn help our communities by encouraging more farmers to join this program,” said Laban. Chief Executive Officer of Trukai Industries Alan Preston said this donation was timely as most of the farmers in Gabsongek were transitioning from dryland rice farming to irrigation rice farming. “Trukai Industries’ current Smart Farmer Project aims to shift traditional dryland rice farming to smart farming with irrigation system. The project ensures the farmers are equipped with knowledge and skills of irrigation farming and this donation of the Village Sustainability Kits will greatly help the farmers of Gabsongek village,” said Preston. Through its Small Holder Rice Development Program, Trukai Industries offers support in terms of the Village Sustainability Kit, technical expertise and paddy market access. The VSK is supplied to genuine irrigation farmers who develop and build their skillsets to be model farmers. They are then given a solar rice mill kit, power tiller, manual seeders, knapsacks, sickles and rice seedlings. So far Trukai Industries Ltd, has supported 200 farmers since its inception with plans to expand in the future.

There is no public holiday to commemorate Remembrance Day as it falls on the weekend. This is the message from the Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council, Mr Ivan Pomaleu after certain misinformation had been doing the rounds in the public domain. “Saturday 23rd July is the gazetted day to commemorate the Remembrance Day. It will be observed on that day, with a ceremony in Port Moresby and possibly other parts of the country,” Mr Pomaleu stated in the circular. He said there has been no official change to this approved day; therefore, Friday 22nd July and Monday 25th July are normal working days.

Team PNG is all set to take to the skies today (Friday 22nd July, 2022) bound for the United Kingdom for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Game. As announced earlier this month, 33 athletes from the six sporting codes - Athletics, Boxing, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis and Weightlifting will all be in action during the 11 days of competition from Friday 29th July up to the close of the Games on Monday 8th August, 2022. Upon his departure with the Lead Team on Tuesday 19th July, 2022, Team PNG Chef de Mission, Michael Henao said 16 athletes and officials will leave Port Moresby today, whilst 5 from Table Tennis and Squash left a day early on Thursday 21st July 2022. The Weightlifting Team and part of the Athletics Team have left from Brisbane, Australia, on Thursday as well, direct to Birmingham. “We believe we have put together the best team of athletes and officials and Papua New Guinea is well positioned to achieve good results despite the challenges of preparing for the Games during the pandemic,” said Mr Henao. “The funding support of the Government and our sponsors coupled with the resilience and dedication of our athletes and officials means Team PNG is ready to take the start line.” He also called upon Papua New Guineans far and wide to support our team and to make sure they ‘like’ and follow the official Team PNG Facebook page for real time updates from the Games. Mr Henao, Head Physiotherapist Matthew Natusch and PNG Olympic Committee Administration and Operations Representative Chris Amini have already arrived safely in Birmingham, to conduct pre-arrival meetings with Games organisers in preparation for the Team's arrival. Team PNG departs Port Moresby for Birmingham on Friday 22nd July at 1:25pm via Brisbane and Dubai.

Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander Superintendent John Sagom has confirmed that four people were shot dead and several others hospitalised in an ambush at the upper Nebilyer bridge in the Tambul Nebilyer district of the Western Highlands province on Tuesday 19 July. Superintendent Sagom who was at the crime scene on Wednesday July 20 strongly condemned the barbaric killing saying it was “a first of its kind”and the “worst killing ever” in the history of the Tambul Nebilyer district. “Police will make sure these murderers face the full force of the law. I am appealing to all leaders and the community to work with the police to ensure justice is served in the shortest time possible,” PPC Sagom said. Mr Sagom commended the relatives of the four killed and wounded for not taking the law into their own hands and allowing the police to deal with the matter. He said the suspects are known. Police detectives have commenced the investigation and expect to make arrests soon. “I am calling on the suspects to surrender immediately to police for their own sake,” Mr Sagom said.

The United Nations unequivocally condemns the recent escalation of violence across the Highlands during the election period and calls for its immediate cessation. The United Nations further calls for the swift investigation of alleged crimes and the prosecution of alleged perpetrators and instigators. Recent and consistent reporting highlight a deteriorating security situation across the Highlands provinces of Papua New Guinea. Official sources confirm deaths, assaults, rape, and the extensive destruction of property and infrastructure. “I am deeply concerned over allegations of the brutal killing of dozens of civilians, reports of heinous sexual violence against women, including at least eight girls, and estimates of several thousand people, mostly women and children, displaced,” said Mr. Dirk Wagener, acting UN Resident Coordinator. “This unmitigated violence shows utter disregard for human rights, the rule of law,” he added. Families in many districts are living in fear due to widespread violence in their communities. This violence has already forced an estimated 3,000 people in parts of Enga alone to flee their homes and has caused damage to schools and medical facilities. Businesses and markets have also temporarily closed. Roads have been deliberately cut off through the digging of trenches and destruction of bridges resulting in disruptions in the delivery of goods and services to these communities, which are now experiencing shortages of food, fuel, medicines, and other critical supplies. Expressing shock at the escalating violence and the developing humanitarian situation, Mr. Wagener urged all parties to immediately cease all fighting and called on authorities to fully investigate all alleged killings, assaults, and violence with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice. “I wish to underline that the State of Papua New Guinea has a responsibility to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of all persons and property, particularly its most vulnerable members of society. This responsibility extends to facilitating safe, unimpeded, and sustained humanitarian access to those affected by this violence,” said Mr. Wagener. The United Nations and its partners stand ready to respond to any potential call for assistance requested by the Government.

The Port Moresby General Hospital Labour Ward received 40 pieces of lifesaving obstetric equipment - The Midwifery Kit - courtesy of the United Nations Population Fund Country Office in Papua New Guinea as part of its mission to ensure every child delivery is safe and there are zero preventable maternal deaths in the country.  The Midwifery Kits contain 32 essential items including a stainless kidney basin, plastic draw sheet, infant scale, and thermometers that a midwife and other health workers use to provide a safe delivery and care of mother and baby during delivery and postpartum period . According to Country Representative Ms. Marielle Sander, UNFPA, as a close partner to the National Department of Health, puts the health of women and newborn babies first.   When Port Moresby General Hospital asked for help, UNFPA was able to respond immediately by donating these midwifery kits.  “Sexual and Reproductive health and safety of our mothers and daughters is neglected in the country, especially in the rural areas.   With this donation of sterile midwifery equipment, we can ensure a significant contribution towards lowering the risk of infections, which remains one of the major causes of complications amongst post-natal women and new born babies “ Ms. Sander said.  “UNFPA prioritizes the health of pregnant women and newborn babies especially during life -threatening complications during childbirth and with these kits, we hope to assist health facilities and midwives to make their job a little easier.”  UNFPA has 615 midwifery kits prepositioned and to be delivered to the 22 Provincial Health Authorities in the country.  The procurement of these items was done in partnership with the National Department of Health - through the directorate of family and population health.  A distribution list was developed based on how many newborn deliveries were done per year, determining the number of kits a health facility was to receive.   Accurate record keeping of births is critical to ensuring distribution of these kits where they are needed. Procurement and provision of the 615 Midwifery Kits costs USD$105,000 (PGK 370, 121), an approximate of PGK 602 for one kit.  In receiving these much needed Midwifery Kits, Sister Mary Sitaing, who manages the Port Moresby General maternity ward and who is also Acting President of PNG’s Midwifery Society, expressed her gratitude towards UNFPA for the donation.  “The POMGEN labour ward conducts approximately 12,000 deliveries per month, and as I speak we have run out of these essential items. With limited equipment and delivery packs, work becomes very difficult - especially when we have an influx of mothers coming to deliver at the same time,” Sr. Mary Sitaing said.  “Without adequate sterilized equipment, we have noted an increase in mother and newborn infections at the postnatal ward, especially this year and the last year, due to staff using one delivery tray between more than one mother causing cross infections.”  “This situation could have been prevented if there were enough lifesaving equipment including medical drugs and supplies available within the birthing facilities”, says Sr Mary.  “We thank UNFPA for this partnership in ensuring the quality care of mothers and newborn during labour and post delivery.”  About the Midwifery Kit  Most rural health facilities in the Country have limited basic and lifesaving equipment and at times the available equipment is malfunctioning.  The United Nations Population Fund recognizes the challenges faced by midwives in health facilities and has assisted the National Department of Health to procure Midwifery Kits. Each kit contains 32 essential items that are used in the Labour and Postnatal Wards.  UNFPA procured a total of 615 midwifery kits at a cost of PGK 370,121. The target was all 22 Provincial Health facilities.   This was done in collaboration with the National Department of Health - the Family and Population Health Directorate.  To date some of the kits have already been distributed to the targeted provinces with more ready for distribution.    

Rugby League sensation - BSP Brand Ambassador and retiring PNG Kumuls Captain David Mead while in Port Moresby visited the POM Racquets Club, its executives and a young team Squash players in their lead up preparation for the 2022 Squash and Tennis Open which will be from the 12th to 14th of August. “I’ve always had support at the community level. That has made me to push forward and realize my sporting dreams. It is inspiring to see BSP continue this partnership with POM Racquets Club. Such support enables athletes to excel and achieve positive outcomes at all levels in sport,” Mead said. “It is great to see the bank investing in sports development programs to upskill and develop talented athletes. With that being said, I am proud to be part of BSP and present K10, 000 towards the signage renewal and POMRC Squash & Tennis Open 2022,” Mead further added. BSP has invested in numerous sports development programs, including the PNG Swimming Inc, the junior Golf Development, the Rabaul School Rugby League Program and the biggest and award-winning program - the BSP School Kriket Program. POM Racquets Club President Tim Kriebisch in receiving the sponsorship thanked BSP for its continued support over the years. Participants of the Squash & Tennis Open 2022 were delighted to have the Kumuls captain over at the club and took the opportunity to play a short match with the Rugby league icon.