A crowd has gathered this afternoon at the Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby today to witness the arrival of the late former Prime Minister and Member for Moresby North West, late Sir Mekere Morauta. At this time, the plane has touched down and the funeral procession and family of late Sir Mekere are being received at the VIP carpark by the Prime Minister James Marape and his Parliamentary Members.

Seventeen of BSP employees from the Retail Bank Strategic Business Unit who clocked a combined total of 573 colourful years of service will call-it-a day at the end of today (Thursday 31st December, 2020). In the presence of BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming, Retail Bank Management and colleagues, the retirees were treated to a Heros’ farewell ceremony on Tuesday 29th December, 2020, in Port Moresby.  The group comprised of Janitors, Customer Service Officers and Managers with years of service with the bank ranging between 30 and 40 years. Amongst them was Madang Branch Customer Service Officer, Steven Wapikwari, who reflected on his term of service as “Loyalty to one’s employer. Serving the bank and the people of PNG was what I enjoyed the most in my almost 42 years of service with Bank South Pacific.” “I came from a not-so-well-off family and commenced my employment with BSP in 1979 at Lae’s Top Town Branch. Through BSP, I was able to look after my family and in return served the bank with commitment and loyalty.  I am proud of my achievement and will continue to serve after leaving formal employment with BSP in terms of providing banking services as a BSP Agent.,” Steven added. Steven is among two staff who has had over 41 years of service with BSP. Lucy Darius from BSP Kavineg Branch is the other. Kanawi Chapiu, BSP’s Field Mentoring & Coaching Manager is no stranger with BSP Home Loans customers. He also leaves the bank after 37 years of service. “BSP is all about people! Today 16 of us leave, having clocked a total of 573 massive years of service in BSP. This has been a milestone. On average that is 36 years of service for us – BSP is one of the preferred employer in the chosen market operating,” Kanawi said. “We take pride in ourselves for transforming BSP to where it is now. From the traditional banking to the digital era now, that’s the change we have witnessed and we should be proud of ourselves for coming this far. We set the growth of the expansion to the Pacific and now Asia market for BSP.  Who would have thought that BSP would come this far? I started with BSP as a subsidiary of National Australian Bank. “We have enjoyed our life with BSP and we have no regrets leaving. Thank you to BSP, we leave behind fine memories and we challenge the young generations to take this bank to the next level,” Kanawi added. BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming in commending the staff for their years of service said BSP is the biggest financial institution in the Pacific and the preferred employer. “Your whole life has been around serving customers, carrying out your duties to the best of your efforts day in, day out. The people you work with every day, you spend more time with the staff than you do with your families. Five days a week, 50 odd hours a week, over 40 years with your colleagues for some of you. As you move onto retirement, take the time to spend with your families. We do thank you very much for your contribution to BSP.”

Two brothers from Southern Highlands are confirmed dead after being shot with a high-powered gun by their own brother on Tuesday morning. The incident happened at Koali Lombo village in Kagua LLG. Silas Frank Nimi and Daniel Frank Nimi were allegedly shot by their brother Timothy Kopi Frank following arguments over the benefits of their deceased public servant father. Police are calling on the suspect to surrender with the M16 rifle he fled with. Kagua Police officer, Constable Jonah Kosen confirms that one died instantly at the village while the other passed away on the way to Ialibu Hospital. The brothers are all sons of former Kagua Erave electorate district administrator, late Frank Nimi. Meantime Constable Jonah Kosen from Kagua Police station told this newsroom that the Kagua Police station also needs a Station Commander. He says there has not been a person in Command for more than a year despite calls on the Provincial Command. Meanwhile the suspect is at large and considered armed and dangerous.

Sir Kostas Constantinou, Chairman of the Board of BSP, announced the appointment of Frank Bouraga as a Director of Bank of South Pacific Limited. Frank Bouraga is a CPA-PNG qualified Professional Accountant with over 25 years in accounting practice presently being Partner Assurance and Business Advisory with SBC Solutions. Prior to SBC Solutions, Frank was the Country Managing Partner for Ernst & Young PNG for 5 years as an audit and business advisory services partner. He also worked with PWC for over 7 years and he has worked with Star Business Consultants between 2004 and 2011. Frank Bouraga has been an Independent Committee Member of BSP’s Board Audit Committee since October 2018. Sir Kostas welcomed Frank to the board of BSP and he also acknowledged that the Board of BSP is committed to appointing qualified Papua New Guineans on merit who meet the Fit & Proper assessment of Bank of Papua New Guinea and who have the necessary skills and experience to oversee and guide BSP’s future strategy.

The death toll of people killed in the Monday landslide disaster at Saki in the Goilala District of Central Province stands at thirteen after two bodies were recovered - This is the official confirmation of the exact number of people in the area buried by the landslide. So far, two bodies have been retrieved. Recovery work has been slow as well due to the enormity of the disaster. The work on clearing the debris from the landslide to as part of the search and rescue operations to recover bodies continues currently with people using whatever tools they have available to dig the earth. Meanwhile the Member for Goilala, William Samb, travelled in yesterday to establish details on what had occurred, assess the damages, and find out how many lives have been affected by this disaster. Mr. Samb through his office including the Central Provincial Government, have organized for basic tools like spades, axes and bush knives, and several chainsaws among other things to be flown in to clear the aftermath of the landslip to recover the bodies of those buried beneath.  So far most of the tools have been delivered by a charter with more tools and rations of food expected to arrive in the days ahead. Goilala District Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Jerry Tamatae and Central Province Disaster Officer Joe Gaida have also arrived at the disaster site. Central Province Governor, Robert Agarobe, is expected to join Mr. Samb tomorrow to further assess the damage and work towards recovering the rest of the bodies and finding a way forward to repatriate bodies back to their home villages across Goilala.

Christmas is a time for giving and Trukai Industries Limited shared this Christmas spirit right around the country by donating about two tons of rice. Trukai Industries Ltd Marketing Manager, Maryanne Tom said their sales team took time off their normal busy schedules to share the Christmas cheer to various hospitals and prisons. “Our Sales team donated our Roots and Trukai 10kg rice products to a number of provincial hospitals and correctional institutions around the country." “This used to be an annual program for us and we are pleased to recommence this worthy community support again." “This Christmas donation is part of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) program under the TruCare banner which drive the message of healthy living and healthy eating." Last week we donated rice to hospitals and correctional service institutions in Mt Hagen, Goroka, Wabag, Mendi, Alotau, Kavieng, Kokopo, Manus, Vanimo, Wewak and Lae. For Port Moresby, we chose the Bomana Correctional Institute which caters for over 700 inmates. “We delivered 100 kilograms of rice to the prison’s kitchen to help with their daily ration." Acting Commanding Officer for Bomana Correctional Institute, Mr Yelly Oiufa, expressed gratitude towards Trukai Industries for the timely donation. He said rice was a staple diet for the inmates and such assistance was highly appreciated. Ms Tom added that Trukai expects to complete donations for Kimbe, Madang and Popondetta in the coming days.

Despite the challenges of COVID19 this year, it's the season of giving and sharing and Air Niugini staff were at it again, this time sharing with people living with disabilities at the Cheshire disAbility Services at Hohola in Port Moresby. “Our staff from Passenger Handling and Customer Service, International terminal presented food hampers, toiletries, clothing, fresh vegetables, cake and other gift bags.” Customer Service Manager - International terminal, Freda Taralulu said its a perfect time to be sharing with the less fortunate and her team is pleased to be able to share with those at the Cheshire home. "It's a staff initiative, a tradition that we started some years back where we would visit a nonprofit, community-based organization during the festive to share gifts and bring smile to their face. " "Most of these gifts were purchased by the staff, while others contributed financially towards the purchase of these items. Each year, we choose a different organization." Cheshire disAbility Services PNG's Program Support Officer, Operations Sam Sarwom in receiving the items said that these gifts will surely put a smile on someone's face this festive season and thanked Air Niugini staff for a wonderful gesture. Apart from Cheshire disAbility Services, Air Niugini staff also visited sick children at the Port Moresby General Hospital on Christmas Day where they presented similar gifts.

Oil Search is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Communications Manager for its Papua New Guinea (PNG) Business Unit following the departure of former PNG Communications Manager Ms Ruth Waram. Ms Celestine Ove, who was previously Communications PNG Senior Advisor for three years has been promoted to the position of PNG Communications Manager. Celestine commenced her career with Oil Search starting as a graduate Trainee 14 years ago. Mr Leon Buskens, Oil Search Country Manager said Celestine’s appointment is a testament to Oil Search’s commitment in helping to expand the national skills base through training, targeted development programmes and ensuring an ongoing focus on diversity in the workplace. The Company also recognizes the valuable contributions, dedication and tireless efforts that Ruth had made in a career spanning 18 years with Oil Search. We appreciate Ruth’s commitment and support to Oil Search during her time with us. Ruth’s leadership, guidance and professionalism are part of the reason why we did not source an external candidate to take on this important responsibility. “Celestine began her career with the Company in 2007 through our Graduate Development Programme. In 2019, she was part of a cohort of female leaders that attended the Oil Search Leading Our Way for Women Programme in Sydney. The programme aims to identify and develop a strong pipeline of female talent and to develop their capabilities to move into senior and executive leadership roles. We are happy to recognize and importantly promote our leadership talents within the organization. "We are confident that Celestine will continue the good work she has consistently demonstrated over the years into her new leadership role andlead the PNG Communications team well." "We look forward to her contributions as a key member of our PNG leadership team.” Celestine holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications Arts (Journalism) from the Divine Word University in Madang. She previously worked as a communications intern with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community in New Caledonia.

Communications Fiji Limited which is the parent company of Legend FM, FM96, Viti FM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam and fijivillage and is the South Pacific’s largest broadcast organisation has completed 19 years of listing on the South Pacific Stock Exchange. Board Chairman William Parkinson says at the time of listing, CFL offered 750,000 shares at $1 and now CFL has 3.558 million shares on issue with an all-time high market price of $6.22 which totals to a market value of $22.13 million. Parkinson says over the 19 years of being listed, CFL has rewarded its shareholders with total dividends paid standing at around $8.11 million adding in terms of shareholder returns, CFL shares worth $1 per share at the time of listing is now valued at $8.51 per share after accounting for the share price appreciation and the dividends paid out by the company. He adds in 2000 the CFL Group comprised of three stations in Fiji (FM96, Navtarang and Viti FM), two in Papua New Guinea, (Nau FM and YUMI FM), the Total Event Company and a fledgling fijivillage.com. Parkinson says 20 years later, Radio Sargam and Legend FM have been added to the Fiji operations and Legend FM in Papua New Guinea. He says fijivillage is now Fiji’s largest news website and a prime source of news and recently a similar news website PNGhausbung.com was launched in the PNG market adding that CFL has a social media presence that outstrips any other media organisation in the market and a multimedia production house, The Magic Factory, a new revenue earner in Fiji. He further says CFL also managed to buy back its 50 percent stake in 231 Waimanu Rd Ltd which was sold as part of the restructure post 2000. Parkinson says when the initial public offering was announced many were a little puzzled by the timing adding the CFL prospectus launched in late 2001 was based purely on the strength and potential of its brands and teams in Fiji and Papua New Guinea. He adds the board at the time led by Chairman Hari Punja, who had much previous experience in listing on the SPX, saw this not only as an opportunity to strengthen the company’s balance sheet but also as a way of allowing listeners and most importantly staff to own shares. Parkinson says despite difficult times facing the world and Fiji in particular, Communications Fiji Ltd continues to grow in both its major markets adding CFL entered 2020 debt free and in a very strong financial position. He says despite all the challenges in the Fiji market, it is delivering strong cash surpluses and growing critical market share. Parkinson says PNG FM Ltd, building on its position as Papua New Guinea’s biggest media organisation in terms of market reach, will deliver a solid profit for 2020 and is in the final stages of completing the purchase of a land in Port Moresby to build PNG FM HAUS. Source: fijivillage.com

Grades 8’s in Jiwaka Province will have to wait a little longer for their selections to be ready and posted up. “Once the PEB meet, one of the things we need to sort out is the selections for the grade 9s for 2021. We will have to decide the cut off mark then principals and head masters from the secondary schools and high schools will be invited to select their students for the 2021 academic year. ” That’s from the Provincial Education Advisor, Dr Charly Muke when asked on the if the grade 9 selections were ready. “The top 5% of the students will be selected by the 7 schools that we have chosen to be the 7 provincial schools of excellence. These schools are Fatima Secondary school, Minj Secondary School, Waghi Valley School, Nondugl Secondary school, Kudjip secondary school, Anglimp Secondary and Jimi Secondary School.” “The high schools will then be given the chance to select their grade 9 students.” He added that even though the year was a tough one due to the pandemic, the schools tried their best to ensure that students were ready for their end of year exams. The school fee structure hasn’t been set yet but parents will have to expect an increase in school fees in 2021. Not only that, parents will have to pay full fees without the government subsidies to help with the operations of schools. Once the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy (formerly TFF) is paid to schools then parents can be refunded.

An official program has been released by the PNG government for a State Funeral to be accorded to the late former Prime Minister and Member for Moresby North-West Rt. Hon Sir Mekere Morauta. The body of Late Sir Mek will be flown in from Australia on Thursday 31st December 2020 at 1:30pm to Jacksons International Airport to be welcomed by State Officials and Dignitaries at the VIP carpark. On Monday, 04th January 2021, the casket will be laid in State in the Grand Hall at Parliament House for the public to pay their respects between 10am & 4pm. On Friday, 08th January 2021, a State Funeral Service will be held at the Sioni Kami Memorial United Church from 10am to 12pm before Late Sir Mekere is finally laid to rest during a state burial at Independence Hill.

Hailing from a mixed parentage of PNG (Tatana) and Malaysian Chinese, Angela Law was the winner of the Vocal Fusion Virtual 2020 who walked away with a whooping K30, 000 in Papua New Guinea’s highest locally singing competition.   Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the competition took another twist going 100% virtual hosting online auditions for hopefuls and aspiring singers to audition around mid-October. Ms Law started singing at a very young age when she was only 7years old and says her dad was her number one inspiration. Auditioning for VFV2020 with her incredible rendition of Sam Smith’s ‘Too Good At Goodbye’s’, she got a very good feedback from the judges and was the one to watch throughout the competition. “My experience on VFV2020 was incredible. The first day I sent in my audition, I never thought I’d make it through to another round. But every round gave me more courage and I improved a lot vocally and mentally as well”, said Angela Just like every competition, there were always challenges but Ms Law did not let those challenges stand in her way on focusing on the competition. “The critics were always a challenge to me and also the song choices. Some of the songs were recommended to me by the vocal coach and I had to memorize the lyrics and try my best to sing my heart out”, said Ms Law Angela added on saying that she had to hire two men from Fisherman Island to help her with all her backing tracks. There was also a man from her mother’s village (Tatana) who was also a big help throughout the competition. “The three of them helped me with my songs and video arrangements plus another challenge was to find outfits to match every theme that was selected for each round”, said Ms Law VFV2020 Top 4 & Grand Finalists (from L - R) Jolina Dela Cruz (Kokopo & 2nd Runner Up), Berthshianne Kome (Tabubil and 3rd Runner Up), Angela Law (Pom & Winner) and Desiree Ure (Pom & 1st Runner Up) The Top 10 contestants had to choose songs to sing according to the music genre selected. They were Legendary PNG Hits in the Top 10; Top 8 had them sing Pop Rock songs, Country songs in Top 7, R&B songs in Top 6, Contestants Choice & Night At The Movies songs during Top 5 and Contestants Choice and Hits of Today during the finals. “Hits Of Today was my favorite of the genres because I sang a Mangi Westpa by Estapacifica and also I had fun filming the video at Fishermen Islands”, said Ms Law This is not the second time Ms Law has won in a singing competition. She took part in a talent show years back and was the winner back at her school Riam Road Secondary back in Malaysia. “My plan is to complete my studies and help my parents out and if I have enough time, I’d love to do some gigs in and around of the country”, said Angela The top 4 contestants who made it thru to the LIVE Grand Finals were Jolina Dela Cruz of Kokopo, Desiree Ure of Port Moresby, Berthshianne Kome of Tabubil and Angela Law of Port Moresby. Photo credit: EMTV