Air Niugini apologises for a number of flights in recent days which have been disrupted due to a much higher number of crew than usual falling sick, as well as the current wet weather conditions across the country impacting on the airline’s operations. The airline is doing everything it can to manage the situation, but will of course not compromise safe operations. Passengers in Lae, Hagen, Madang and some other ports, who were not able to fly out today will be accommodated onto the next available flight. Air Niugini regrets the inconvenience caused, however the safety of our passengers and our employees is always of paramount importance and we seek the public’s understanding.

Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) Chairman, Mr Reg Monagi, today announced the appointment of Mr Michael Uiari and Dr Thomas Webster as the newest Independent Trustee Directors of the NSL Board. Mr Monagi welcomed Mr Uiari and Dr Webster, noting that their collective 50-years of experience in their respective fields would quickly make them valuable members of NSL’s Trustee Board. Mr Uiari has over 20 years of extensive legal, management and executive-level experience in PNG's oil and gas, mining and electricity sectors. Throughout his career, he has developed comprehensive skills in strategy and planning, legal functions, analytics, commercial operations, communications, stakeholder engagement and management. Dr Webster brings extensive experience, predominantly in public sector, research and advice. Through his various roles, Dr Webster has refined his skills in Government liaison at both political and bureaucratic levels, property and customary land development issues, stocks and bonds investments, research and data analysis, and policy advocacy. “We expect that the expertise, experience and networks Michael and Thomas [they] have developed throughout their careers will be a great benefit to the Nambawan Super Limited Board and members of the Fund.” Mr Uiari and Dr Webster have been appointed for a 3-year term, in line with the Bank of PNG Prudential Standards related to Corporate Governance for Authorised Superannuation Fund Directors. Directors can be renewed for additional terms, with a maximum tenure of 9-years. “Planning for the future needs of the Board is an important responsibility for the sitting Directors today,” Mr Monagi added. “My fellow NSL Trustee Directors and I have great confidence that Mr Uiari and Dr Webster will play a crucial role in the success of the Fund throughout their tenure.” Nambawan Super is PNG’s oldest superannuation fund and has been building better futures for our members for 60 years. With more than K8.5 billion in Funds Under Management for our more than 208,000 members, NSL is a leading institution that continues to contribute to the growth of PNG.

After almost six years away from the court, one of Australia’s greatest-ever basketball players is back. Former Opals star Lauren Jackson confirmed her return to the sport, signing with NBL1 East team Albury Wodonga Bandits. The 40-year-old, who hails from Albury, will get the chance to play in a stadium named after her at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre. Jackson labelled the chance to play for her hometown team as a “dream come true” and refused to rule out anything, including a potential return to the Opals. “When I played in America and Europe, overseas living the dream, there were times when I just wished I played for Albury at home, so it’s a bit of a dream come true,” Jackson told News Corp. “I haven’t really played for eight years and I haven’t played a game yet so I’ve got not idea what to expect. “After a couple of months of playing NBL1, who knows how I’m going to feel, what I’m going to be doing or how I’ll be playing, it’s a complete unknown. “I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing at the moment because it seems to be working and we’ll see wherever it takes me, who knows? “I’m not closing the door on anything.” Bandits President Luke Smith was ecstatic to have secured the signature of an Australian sporting great. “We’re just over the moon that Lauren’s playing for her hometown and her home club,” Smith said. “It’s huge for the Albury Wodonga Bandits and for the Albury Wodonga community. “I think it’s going to be a really big year and we’re really looking forward to her playing in a stadium named after herself and in front of her friends, family and her two boys. “They’re at the age where they’ll be able to remember seeing their mum play, not only basketball, but basketball at home too.” Aside from the community and family benefits of Jackson playing for the Bandits, Smith expressed his delight about what she will bring to the squad. “Our young players are going to have a massive opportunity to play and train with arguably the world’s best-ever female basketball player,” Smith said. “It’s huge for them, it’s huge for every kid and it’s huge for every basketball player in Albury Wodonga.” Jackson is a four-time Olympic medallist and one of the greatest WNBA players in the league’s history. A 3-time WNBA MVP, she had her No. 15 jersey retired by the Seattle Storm after retiring in 2016 due to a series of chronic knee injuries. At a domestic level, Jackson is a five-time WNBL champion and a four-time WNBL MVP. She is also in the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame and holds the honour of being the first Australian inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. SOURCE: FOX SPORTS

FAST emerging fullback Godfrey Haro has been recalled into the PNG National Men Soccer Team for World Cup 2022 Qatar OFC qualifiers in March. Haro replaced another fullback Giamale Essacu who sustained a hamstring injury during the recent training camp in Port Moresby. The Southern Strikers FC fullback was named in the non-travelling reserve as part of OFC/FIFA's new competition regulations in-light of the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide for teams to have a wider pool of players registered in order to draw from when the need arose. Haro is the first to be called up from this pool of non-travelling reserves and will now join the 25-man travelling team when the final training camp resumes next week. PNGFA Technical Director Paul Isorua after consultation with the coaching staff announced the changes this afternoon based on the facts on hand in consideration of the time limitation and technical advantages of the team. Isorua said the 23-year old Iokea chap in Gulf Province has been part of the training squad for senior men’s team and have attended all past training camps in both Lae and Port Moresby. As stated earlier, as part of OFC/FIFA requirement, the Technical Team had to stick within the squad to announce replacement; hence, Haro's selection to replace injured player Gimale Essacu. Haro deservingly now joins the team of young debutants such Yagi Yasasa, Pala Paul, Mathew David, Stahl Gubag, Ilai Ilarova and Russel Chris who will form the foundation of the future PNG Kapuls team in our bid to slowly under re-shape and re-mould our national team in the years to come. Haro described his recalling to the national team as a great opportunity to excel on the international scene with the PNG Kapuls Mens National football team. The former Gulf Komara fullback thanked PNGFA for giving him another opportunity to represent his country in Doha, Qatar in March, 2022. “I actually did not show my real potential when they announced the final team but was glad I stuck in there for another opportunity to arise. I am very happy to be recalled into the squad,” Haro said. The full team is: Roland Warisan, Russel Chris, Ilai Ilarova (goalkeeper), Alwin Komolong, Felix Komolong, Philip Steven, Joshua Talau, Daniel Joe, Koriak Upaiga, Emmanuel Airem, Godfrey Haro, David Muta, Emmanuel Simon, Jacob Sabua, Yagi Yasasa, Michael Foster, Stahl Gubag, Ati Kepo, Kolu Kepo, Obert Bita, Paul Pala, Raymond Gunemba, Mathew David, Patrick Aisa, Tommy Semmy Head of Delegation: Roy Kamen, Team Manager Joseph Ealadona, Joshua Kayenbing (Assistant Team Manager), Marcos Gusmao (Head Coach), Bob Morris( Assistant Coach), Godfrey Baniau (Goalkeeper Coach), Samson Steven (Kit Manager), Jimmy Kepas (Physio).

The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) completed its visit to Papua New Guinea, the 31st country out of the 72 Commonwealth nations and territories it is visiting. The Baton was taken to Wewak on Saturday, 29th of January and was officially welcomed by, PNG Commonwealth Games Association President and Honorary Life Member of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Sir John Dawanincura, East Sepik Governor Allan Bird and the British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea His Excellency, Keith Scott. The Baton spent three (3) days in the country and will leave our shores on Tuesday 1st February 2022. During its time in Papua New Guinea, the Queen’s Baton Relay and PNG Commonwealth Games Association (PNGCGA) took part in various activities and festivities hosted by Governor Bird and the people of East Sepik, which involved over 80 baton bearers that have been specifically selected to showcase and embody the three themes of the QBR, Youth, Journeys that Matter, and Stories given the opportunity to carry and run with the baton. The Queen’s Baton arrived on Saturday morning, January 29th to a Guard of Honour and Traditional Welcome at the Boram Airport in Wewak witnessed by hundreds of East Sepik locals, that turned out in troves to either accompany the Baton on its journey, or play host to it with unique celebrations in their respective villages. East Sepik is known for its diverse culture, traditions and prestigious tourism hotspots’, from the mighty Sepik river to the mountains, and down to the seas with three (3) natural landscape boundaries and localities that give rise to its six (6) districts in the province. In East Sepik: The Queen’s Baton Relay celebrated the youth in sports and sustainable activities, journeys that the notable Game Changers and leaders have taken to alleviate social issues impeding on national development aspirations and foster conversations and stories to bring common good and peace, unity and prosperity to advance developments and growth in sports, health, education and agriculture. Day 1: Saturday 29th of January 2022: Among the notable places visited on Day 1, a special visit to Kreer Heights, at Wewak Town, was made to honour and pay respects at the mausoleum of the founding Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and the longest serving Parliamentarian in the Commonwealth, the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare. Here, the Papua New Guinea Commonwealth Games Association President and the British High Commissioner paid their respects with the laying of wreaths at the tomb of the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare. Michael Somare, the son of Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare was one of the baton bearers who participated in the relay in Wewak. The relay continued through Wewak town ending Day 1 with official speeches in the heart of Wewak town by Governor Alan Bird, British High Commissioner, Keith Scott and President of PNG Commonwealth Games Associations, Sir John Dawanincura. Day 2: Sunday 30th January 2022: At Angoram District the Queen’s Baton Relay visited Kopar, where it witnessed the opening of one of the Largest and Biggest Rivers in PNG locally known as Maus Wara (in pidgin), where the largest breeding ground of Tuna is found in the Southern Hemisphere. The Baton then went to Kambaramba to visit and see the unique lifestyle of its people. Unlike most Sepik villages, the people of Kambaramba build their houses on the river and have maintained this practice for generations as part of their community’s preservation of their natural habitat and river ecosystem. The Baton then journeyed on to the Chambri Lakes to visit the very beautiful Islands, Lakes and local tourist hot spots for perfect getaways to both local and international tourists. It is also where the sacred traditional Haus Man culture and norms are very much alive and still practiced by its people. The Baton then visited Ambunti Dreikikir District, which boasts the vast grassland of the Greater Sepik, and is home of the renown Sepik Crocodile Festival, the largest in the country. The final District completing the journey of Baton was Maprik District, where the Baton visited the tomb of Sir Peter Lus at Maprik. Sir Peter Lus was another founding father of the nation and also a long-serving parliamentarian in PNG’s political history. Maprik is also significant in that the Papua New Guinea National Parliament was built and designed to mirror the Maprik Haus Man. Maprik is locally known as Central Sepik, as it serves as the central and economic hub of the Greater Sepik Region. Sir Peter Lus was one of the greatest supporters of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and his political, educational, economical and social endeavours for the greater good of PNG and its people when he was alive. A short relay and reception in Maprik ended the Queen’s Baton relay in East Sepik Province. Upon its return to Port Moresby, the Queen’s Baton made courtesy visits to the, British High Commission, Papua New Guinea National House of Parliament, PNG Sports Foundation and the PNG Commonwealth Games Association’s Olympic Haus at Boroko, before heading to the Government House where the Governor General, His Excellency Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae will host a Sunset Reception. Since its inaugural appearance at the Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay has been a tradition for the Commonwealth Games. The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay started at Buckingham Palace on 7 October 2021, when Her Majesty The Queen placed her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton. PNG Commonwealth Games Association President, Sir John Dawanincura said “I am filled with pride that Papua New Guinea had the opportunity to host the Queen’s Baton Relay and be part of this momentous journey. Not only did it give us the opportunity to celebrate the spirit of being Papua New Guinean but it represents the coming together of communities across the whole of the Commonwealth.” Sir John further added “We have relished in the opportunity to commemorate our community’s part in the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay. Everyone here has had a great time taking part in all the activities and supporting our local champions, as they represent Papua New Guinea as Batonbearers.” The Baton will now travel to Solomon Islands to continue in its journey touring the other Commonwealth nations and territories in the build up to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay is an epic journey covering the entirety of the Commonwealth as it will travel to all 72 nations and territories, covering a distance of 140,000 kilometres. For 269 days, the Baton will travel to Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean and the Americas, before it embarks on the final stretch of its journey across England for 25 days. The Queen’s Baton Relay will complete its journey at the Opening Ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on 28 July 2022. This is a traditional and fundamental part of the Games and the Opening Ceremony, as the final Batonbearer will pass the Baton back to The Queen. The Queen’s message to the Commonwealth will then be removed from the Baton and read aloud, marking the official start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. For further information about the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay visit: 
www.birmingham2022.com/qbr  

The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) completed its visit to Papua New Guinea, the 31st country out of the 72 Commonwealth nations and territories it is visiting. The Baton was taken to Wewak on Saturday, 29th of January and was officially welcomed by, PNG Commonwealth Games Association President and Honorary Life Member of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Sir John Dawanincura, East Sepik Governor Hon. Allan Bird and the British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea His Excellency, Keith Scott. The Baton spent three (3) days in the country and will leave our shores on Tuesday 1st February 2022. During its time in Papua New Guinea, the Queen’s Baton Relay and PNG Commonwealth Games Association (PNGCGA) took part in various activities and festivities hosted by Governor Bird and the people of East Sepik, which involved over 80 baton bearers that have been specifically selected to showcase and embody the three themes of the QBR, Youth, Journeys that Matter, and Stories given the opportunity to carry and run with the baton. The Queen’s Baton arrived on Saturday morning, January 29th to a Guard of Honour and Traditional Welcome at the Boram Airport in Wewak witnessed by hundreds of East Sepik locals, that turned out in troves to either accompany the Baton on its journey, or play host to it with unique celebrations in their respective villages. East Sepik is known for its diverse culture, traditions and prestigious tourism hotspots’, from the mighty Sepik river to the mountains, and down to the seas with three (3) natural landscape boundaries and localities that give rise to its six (6) districts in the province. In East Sepik: The Queen’s Baton Relay celebrated the youth in sports and sustainable activities, journeys that the notable Game Changers and leaders have taken to alleviate social issues impeding on national development aspirations and foster conversations and stories to bring common good and peace, unity and prosperity to advance developments and growth in sports, health, education and agriculture. Day 1: Saturday 29th of January 2022: Among the notable places visited on Day 1, a special visit to Kreer Heights, at Wewak Town, was made to honour and pay respects at the mausoleum of the founding Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and the longest serving Parliamentarian in the Commonwealth, the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare. Here, the Papua New Guinea Commonwealth Games Association President and the British High Commissioner paid their respects with the laying of wreaths at the tomb of the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare. Michael Somare, the son of Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare was one of the baton bearers who participated in the relay in Wewak. The relay continued through Wewak town ending Day 1 with official speeches in the heart of Wewak town by Governor Alan Bird, British High Commissioner, Keith Scott and President of PNG Commonwealth Games Associations, Sir John Dawanincura. Day 2: Sunday 30th January 2022: At Angoram District the Queen’s Baton Relay visited Kopar, where it witnessed the opening of one of the Largest and Biggest Rivers in PNG locally known as Maus Wara (in pidgin), where the largest breeding ground of Tuna is found in the Southern Hemisphere. The Baton then went to Kambaramba to visit and see the unique lifestyle of its people. Unlike most Sepik villages, the people of Kambaramba build their houses on the river and have maintained this practice for generations as part of their community’s preservation of their natural habitat and river ecosystem. The Baton then journeyed on to the Chambri Lakes to visit the very beautiful Islands, Lakes and local tourist hot spots for perfect getaways to both local and international tourists. It is also where the sacred traditional Haus Man culture and norms are very much alive and still practiced by its people. The Baton then visited Ambunti Dreikikir District, which boasts the vast grassland of the Greater Sepik, and is home of the renown Sepik Crocodile Festival, the largest in the country. The final District completing the journey of Baton was Maprik District, where the Baton visited the tomb of Sir Peter Lus at Maprik. Sir Peter Lus was another founding father of the nation and also a long-serving parliamentarian in PNG’s political history. Maprik is also significant in that the Papua New Guinea National Parliament was built and designed to mirror the Maprik Haus Man. Maprik is locally known as Central Sepik, as it serves as the central and economic hub of the Greater Sepik Region. Sir Peter Lus was one of the greatest supporters of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and his political, educational, economical and social endeavours for the greater good of PNG and its people when he was alive. A short relay and reception in Maprik ended the Queen’s Baton relay in East Sepik Province. Upon its return to Port Moresby, the Queen’s Baton made courtesy visits to the, British High Commission, Papua New Guinea National House of Parliament, PNG Sports Foundation and the PNG Commonwealth Games Association’s Olympic Haus at Boroko, before heading to the Government House where the Governor General, His Excellency Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae will host a Sunset Reception. Since its inaugural appearance at the Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay has been a tradition for the Commonwealth Games. The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay started at Buckingham Palace on 7 October 2021, when Her Majesty The Queen placed her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton. PNG Commonwealth Games Association President, Sir John Dawanincura said “I am filled with pride that Papua New Guinea had the opportunity to host the Queen’s Baton Relay and be part of this momentous journey. Not only did it give us the opportunity to celebrate the spirit of being Papua New Guinean but it represents the coming together of communities across the whole of the Commonwealth.” Sir John further added “We have relished in the opportunity to commemorate our community’s part in the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay. Everyone here has had a great time taking part in all the activities and supporting our local champions, as they represent Papua New Guinea as Baton bearers.” The Baton will now travel to Solomon Islands to continue in its journey touring the other Commonwealth nations and territories in the build up to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay is an epic journey covering the entirety of the Commonwealth as it will travel to all 72 nations and territories, covering a distance of 140,000 kilometres. For 269 days, the Baton will travel to Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean and the Americas, before it embarks on the final stretch of its journey across England for 25 days. The Queen’s Baton Relay will complete its journey at the Opening Ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on 28 July 2022. This is a traditional and fundamental part of the Games and the Opening Ceremony, as the final Batonbearer will pass the Baton back to The Queen. The Queen’s message to the Commonwealth will then be removed from the Baton and read aloud, marking the official start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. For further information about the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay visit: 
www.birmingham2022.com/qbr

NRL legend Cooper Cronk believes new Storm recruit Xavier Coates has the potential to become one of the best wingers in the game in a warning to the rest of the competition. The 20-year-old made the move south from the Broncos and already has Origin experience under his belt being a part of the winning 2020 side and the 2021 team. Coates has become known for his acrobatic try scoring ability and his blistering pace, made all the more impressive by his imposing frame out on the wing. After making the big switch, former Storm premiership winner Cooper Cronk believes coach Craig Bellamy knows exactly how to take Coates’ game to the next level. “I think it is scary what Xavier Coates could do this year,” Cronk said. “Melbourne Storm have a history of finding players, particularly on the wing, Coates is already a star, he has played Origin but he could become one of the elite wingers in the competition. “I think of Koroibete, Vunivalu, Addo-Carr and I think Xavier Coates will be pushing that marker to be one of the best wingers in the game within a very quick period within the start of the 2022 season.” Melbourne’s new recruit possesses all the hallmarks of a top-quality winger including “speed to burn and electric skills up in the air” and Cronk believes he has them all in spades. But there is one aspect of his game that could be pivotal to his success at the Victorian club. “Defensively, Craig Bellamy will instil that into his bones about how to defend on the wing and he has good decision makers inside of him, I imagine he is going to play outside Justin Olam,” Cronk said. “The ingredients are there for Xavier Coates to just follow in Josh Addo-Carr’s footsteps.” SOURCE: FOX SPORTS

Mason Greenwood was detained on suspicion of rape and assault on Sunday after a woman alleging incidents of violence posted pictures and videos on social media. Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood has been further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill. On Sunday he was detained on suspicion of rape and assault after a woman alleging incidents of violence posted pictures and videos on social media. The 20-year-old was suspended from playing or training with the club following the weekend allegations. [caption id="attachment_18808" align="aligncenter" width="929"] Investigators at Mason Greenwood's mansion in Bowden, Greater Manchester[/caption] In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: "Detectives have been granted further additional time to speak to a man in his 20s who was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault of a woman. "The suspect was detained in custody on Sunday (30 January) afternoon after we became aware of online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence. "He continues to be questioned after magistrates authorised an extension until tomorrow (Wednesday 2 February). "Following enquiries so far, he has since been further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill." The allegations were posted on Instagram on Sunday morning and included videos, photographs and a voice note which claimed to be a conversation between Greenwood and the woman. They have since been deleted. [caption id="attachment_18810" align="aligncenter" width="909"] Police arrested Greenwood after being made aware of the allegations on social media[/caption] Manchester United said in a statement: "Manchester United reiterates its strong condemnation of violence of any kind. As previously communicated, Mason Greenwood will not train with, or play for, the club until further notice." The striker, from Bradford, made his debut in 2019 and has since made 129 appearances for Manchester United. He made his senior England debut in 2020. A spokesperson for sportswear giant Nike, which sponsors Greenwood, said in a statement: "We have suspended our relationship with Mason Greenwood. "We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation." The striker has also been removed from FIFA 22 by EA Sports. A spokesperson said: "Mason Greenwood has been removed from active squads in FIFA 22 and has also been suspended from appearing in FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) packs and Ultimate Draft." SOURCE: SKY NEWS

The Secretary for Education has announced today the payment of K211 million to all schools in the National Education System while he welcomed more than 2.2 million students and 65,000 teachers in 12,700 schools nationwide to the new school year. “The K211 million has already been paid as of yesterday and schools should access these funds this week. Schools can use these funds to assist with their operations and also pay off credits from last year,” Secretary, Dr. Uke Kombra said. The K211 million is outstanding from 2021. The Secretary also announced the further processing of K158 million for Term 1 which should be paid this week. Despite the economic challenges, the Marape/Basil Government is fulfilling its commitment and I on behalf of the parents and schools commend the government for the appropriation of K632 million for 2022 and the release of the K158 million last week. We have received a warrant of K316 million and are expecting the next payment of K158 million soon. The provinces which the GTF functions have been decentralized are urged to make sure that schools receive their payments as soon as the funds hit the provincial trust accounts. “The GTFS calculations are done based on the enrolment data that is received from the schools. Schools that have not submitted their enrolment data for 2019, 2020 and 2021 would have payment issues” Dr. Kombra said. The provinces that are very poor in submitting the 2021 enrolment data are Manus (39%), New Ireland (41%), Gulf (43%), Madang (51%), EHP (51%), whilst the better provinces are Morobe (61%), East Sepik (62%) and West New Britain (65%). Principals are once again reminded of every student’s right to education and warned that no student is refused enrolment or attending school for want of school fees.

BSP Financial Group Limited having the biggest customer base in the country ensures Covid-19 protocols are implemented internally amongst its staff and externally to customers. BSP Retail Group General Manager Daniel Faunt in responding to health concerns raised around the long bank queues said the use of facemasks are mandatory inside the banking chambers. BSP also manages queues outside the branch by encouraging customers to observe all Covid-19 measures adding the onus is on customers to adhere to these measures. “Recognising that this is a peak period for school fee payments, BSP had selected branches open since Saturday 22nd January, 2022 for Saturday Banking to manage the increased traffic to the branches. Saturday Banking runs for six Saturdays and ends on 26th February at 16 main BSP branches: Alotau, Goroka, Kimbe, Kiunga, Kokopo, Kundiawa, Lae Top Town, Madang, Popondetta, Tari, Wabag, Waigani Banking Centre, Wewak, Buka, Mt Hagen Branch and Banz Hybrid Sub-Branch. Customers can deposit school fees as well as apply for Personal Loans. School Fee Payment service is also available through BSP Mobile Banking *131#. BSP offers schools and institutions the ability to accept instant school fee payment from parents and guardians through BSP Mobile Banking *131#. Payments are only accepted through schools that are registered as BSP Mobile Merchants. Each school is issued a School Code that allows parents and students to reference when making school fee payments via BSP Mobile Banking *131#. The full list of registered schools is on the BSP website www.bsp.com.pg “We encourage our customers to use BSP Mobile Banking to pay school fees directly to the schools at the comfort of their home or office. Alternatively, customers can use BSP Internet Banking to pay fees directly to these schools”, Mr Faunt added. Furthermore There are also safer ways of banking during this time and BSP has rolled out alternate, safe and convenient banking options such as Mobile Banking, Internet Banking, BSP Customer Self Service App, BSP Pay and IPG payments to name a few. Meanwhile BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming said digital banking channels are available to all customers, these digital banking options would reduce physical visits to the branches. “We must embrace change and adapt to digital banking channels made available through digital banking. Our staff have been encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves, especially the front line staff. While Covid has been around since 2019, customers are encouraged to continue practicing Social Distancing and wearing of masks not only when accessing our branches but also when out in any public space.,” he added.

Consortium of Leadership Excellence (COLE) will now be able to accept payment of school fees using ncsl’s EFTPOS terminals when the academic year starts. This arrangement was made possible through a partnership between ncsl and COLE Group of companies. CEO and Managing Director of COLE Group, Mr. Shivalinga Prasad said the two terminals will be utilized to facilitate school fee payment for students. “Primarily these EFTPOS Machines will be used by parents of our students to pay for their fees without any problem,” Mr Prasad said. He continued, “the EFTPOS will be used at our Educational coordination office where our parents come to register their children for various courses. They will be used to collect fees.” The installation of the terminals means school fee payments can now be made using debit cards from other commercial banks and micro banks besides ncsl’s poro card. More merchants around the country are now opting to use EFTPOS machines to minimize the risk of carrying cash. CEO Prasad said that the terminals provide cashless transactions making it safer and more convenient for their business and the customers. The installation is the first for this year as ncsl continues to roll out its EFTPOS terminal installations around the country. The Society urges interested merchants and registered SME’s to contact the e-Banking Department for EFTPOS installation on 313 2073 or email ebanking@ncsl.com.pg. For more information on this article, please contact Ms. Louise Mary Kodor – Media & Communications Officer on 313 2055 or email lkodor@ncsl.com.pg.

Deputy Controller of the National Pandemic Response Dr Daoni Esorom has voiced concern over a possible rise is COVID-19 cases in schools. “My concern is kids going back to school and in overcrowded schools, schools are expected to see an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. This is due to Omicron,” said Dr Daoni. He said Omicron has shown to infect young people and children more than the other variants. He said, “Schools must prepare and put in place measures to cover for teachers in the event that a lot of teachers get infected and miss schools. “At the same time, schools must work closely with parents to ensure that the spread among kids or children is minimized. “We are also expecting a lot of kids to be absent from school if they become infected. Omicron has been shown to infect young people and children and this will happen in PNG.” Dr Daoni said Omicron, one of the five variants of concern, is easily transmissible so a lot of people will become infected so he advised that people who have flu-like symptoms and cough must get themselves tested. Knowing one’s status will enable people to access care and prevent themselves from spreading the virus. He also strongly advised those 18 years old and above to get vaccinated. “Omicron will spread very fast and a lot of people will become infected,” Dr Daoni said.