Missionaries, Headhunters & Colonial Officers

Captions: 1. Book cover. 2. Christopher Robinson (1872 – 1904) the first Australian born governor of British New Guinea. 3. James Chalmers.

 

James Chalmers was the so-called “Livingstone of New Guinea”.
He was a star in the London Missionary Society’s firmament.
For 34 years from the 1860s onwards he preached the Gospel in the South Seas.
He also loved whisky, enjoyed exploring the unknown territory and had a genuine rapport with the Papuan people.
But not even this charisma and courage could save him when late in his career he and his party were lured into an ambush on Goaribari Island.
They were beheaded and eaten by the natives.
It is the Goaribari incident that lies at the heart of Peter Maiden’s extraordinary history of what was then British New Guinea.
This is a history that proves that fact is indeed stranger than fiction.
Sorcery, magic, head-hunting and cannibalism were rife.
To possess a skull collection was to enhance one’s standing in the spirit world.
In 1901, on Goaribari Island alone, a missionary, Harry Dauncey, found about 10,000 skulls in the island’s Long Houses.
The second half of Maiden’s history focuses on the career and tragic end of the very first Australian-born governor of British New Guinea, the Brisbane solicitor Christopher Robinson.
He arrived in BNG in May 1903 and soon afterwards witnessed a savage conflict between the native constabulary and Papuan warriors.
In March 1904, Governor Robinson committed a catastrophic error in the Goaribari Affray.
June 9th, 1903, was a proud day for Queenslanders in general, but most particularly for the people of Brisbane, for that day the Australian Prime Minister, Edmund Barton, had appointed a local man, 30-year-old Christopher Robinson, as acting-governor of British New Guinea (BNG).
Robinson spent practically all his life in Brisbane, settling here as a five-year-old boy, after his father became rector of All Saints, Brisbane in 1878.
Christopher was educated in Brisbane, and then articled to T. W. Daly, a Brisbane solicitor.
A clever student, Robinson graduated top of his year and was admitted as a solicitor in 1895.
He practiced law briefly on the Etheridge and Croydon goldfields, before returning to Brisbane where he took up a private practice in 1898.
He was a handsome and highly presentable bachelor and the first Australian born governor of BNG.
However, it was a difficult assignment and despite his legal skills Robinson was quite inexperienced.
For this shortcoming he was to pay a terrible price.
In 1903, Britain was in the process of passing control of BNG to the Australian government and the colony’s administrators, operating on a shoestring budget, faced fearful difficulties.
Sorcery, cannibalism and headhunting were endemic in Papuan society.
Sorcery was a criminal offence but still it flourished.
Its practitioners “spoke” directly to the Spirit World and could simply frighten a Papuan to death.
A sorcerer had only to tap his victim on the shoulder, tell him he would soon die and within a week the unfortunate native would be in his grave.
And these magicians seemed omnipotent.
In 1903, for instance, a disgruntled sorcerer in eastern New Guinea announced that within three days he was turning every man in the village into a woman, and every woman into a man.
The men were panic stricken, New Guinea being such a male dominated society, but, as the investigating white magistrate observed, “the women viewed the threat with supreme complacency”.
Headhunting was another obsession.
To possess a skull collection was to enhance one’s standing in the spirit world.
In 1901, on Goaribari Island in the Gulf of Papua, a missionary, Harry Dauncey, found 10,000 skulls in the island’s Long Houses.
Even as late as 1957, Australian government officials on one occasion confiscated 78 skulls on Papua’s Casuarina Coast.
Fortunately, cannibalism was not quite as widely practiced.
As one writer, Wilfred Beaver, pointed out, “the population would eventually be reduced to small proportions”, if everybody was a cannibal.
The weakest tribes were most vulnerable.
West of Port Moresby the Mohohai tribe, according to Beaver, was regarded as “a kind of larder” for the predatory Ukiaravi warriors.
Elsewhere, the Scottish missionary, James Chalmers, newly arrived at Suau in 1878, was pleased to be invited to his first tribal feast – before learning that a terrified young boy was on the menu.
Chalmers, the so-called “Livingstone of New Guinea” was a star in the London Missionary Society’s firmament.
For 34 years he served in the South Seas islands as a near-perfect example of “muscular Christianity”.
Chalmers was a physically impressive man with a commanding presence and he possessed a cool head in a dangerous situation.
He liked whisky, loved exploring the magnificent countryside and had a genuine, albeit paternal affection for the Papuan people.
But for a white man, life in New Guinea was anything but a sinecure.
‘If a man escaped dying of fever in the first three weeks he was eaten by cannibals within the fourth week’, wrote Wilfred Beaver.
And if that wasn’t bad enough, even the humble toothache could be a major problem.
With dental help thousands of kilometres away, treatment could be crude: “A red-hot wire jammed into the gum, or a crystal of crude carbolic inserted into the raging stump.”
Murder and massacres were commonplace.
In 1900 a single government patrol led by the ex-Queensland policeman, turned magistrate, William Armit, killed at least 54 natives on the Upper Kumusi River.
In 1901 Alexander Elliot’s constables killed 42
On another patrol, magistrate Allan Walsh’s men disposed of 32 more Papuans in 1902, and in 1903, Whitmore ‘Old Shoot and Loot’ Monckton, a highly regarded magistrate, allowed his constables to kill 18 Paiwa natives.
Of course, the Papuan warriors, too, were aggressive.
Numerous lonely miners and missionaries met with a grisly end, most notably in 1901 when the Reverend Chalmers’ party of 12 was lured into an ambush on Goaribari Island.
There they were beheaded and eaten by natives.
This atrocity demanded revenge and more than 20 Goaribaris were killed in a government reprisal raid.
Soon after arriving in BNG, Christopher Robinson joined a government patrol along the Yodda River and saw at first hand the savage conflict between the native constabulary and Papuan warriors.
This patrol appears to have soured Robinson’s attitude towards the Papuans.
Afterwards, Robinson seemed to show little sympathy to the indigenous population.
He once declared that he had “an intense loathing” for these “inhuman creatures”.
He had no friends among the colourful Port Moresby expatriates and he was overwhelmed by a monumental backlog of work.
Robinson was capable and one local identity described him as ‘one of the most promising officers New Guinea ever possessed’.
Others, though, believed he was arrogant, and even frightened by the very people he was supposed to be protecting.
In March 1904 Robinson led a strongly armed commando to Goaribari, intent on arresting those responsible for the Chalmers’ missionary massacre.
Unfortunately his serious mismanagement of a confrontation with the Goaribaris became the subject of a sensational Royal Commission in Sydney in July.
While the native bowmen fired only a handful of arrows in anger, Robinson’s men replied with a murderous fusillade of 250 rounds.
At least eight natives were shot dead and two European witnesses testified that the governor had shot at least three of the Papuans.
Robinson’s career prospects were in tatters.
The lonely young governor, now afflicted with a severe bout of malaria lost heart and fell into a mood of deep depression that worsened as the date of the Royal commission approached.
Finally, on June 20th, 1904, Robinson took his own life under the flagpole at government house, Port Moresby.
This is a history that makes the clash of the proselytising white colonials with the Papuan warriors come vividly alive.
It is a story of dedication and courage, but also a story of tragic failure.
A riveting read.

Missionaries, Cannibals and Colonial Officers
British New Guinea and the Goaribari Affair 1860s-1907
Written by Peter Maiden
Central Queensland University Press RRP $25.95

 

My reading over Easter

I had a great Easter weekend with my four young children at home as well as went through a lot of reading, especially on the history of Papua New Guinea, given my avid interest in this subject.

This is not my first time to read these books, and they are certainly not hot off the press, but given all the problems the country is currently going through, I felt duty-bound to read through and refresh my history.

I will do same with all PNG books in my collection.

I spent the best part of Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday reading two absorbing books of PNG history – Michael J Leahy’s Explorations into Highlands New Guinea and Peter Maiden’s Missionaries, Headhunters and Colonial Officers.

A review of Missionaries, Headhunters and Colonial Officers is given separately above.

Explorations into Highlands New Guinea (cover pictured) tells of the 1920s and 1930s when there were adventures to be lived and fortunes to be made by strong young men in the outback of Australia and the gold fields of New Guinea.

This is the diary of five years spent in hot pursuit – not of honor and glory, but of excitement and riches – by one such adventurer Michael ‘Mick’ Leahy, his brothers Jim and Pat, and friends Mick Dwyer and Jim Taylor.

Leahy and his associates explored the unknown interior of New Guinea, seeking gold and making contact for the first time with the aborigines of the interior mountains and valleys.

Their explorations recounted here probably represent the last of their kind in this century.

The discovery of gold in New Guinea in 1926 lured Mick Leahy (and a short time later his brothers Pat, Jim and Dan) into an adventure that resulted in important geologic, geographic, and ethnographic observations of Stone Age people in a region unknown to the rest of the world at that time.

Compelling reading for all who want to know about the history of a fascinating country!

 

Alcohol and drugs must cease in Papua New Guinea

By LYTHIA SUITAWA

 

CONSUMPTION of alcohol and drugs are revolting habits that must cease if Papua New Guinea is to progress.

University of Vudal Vice Chancellor Professor Philip Siaguru said this when opening the 39^th annual Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship (TSCF) conference at the university on Good Friday.

“Alcohol and drug abuse continues to infiltrate youths and matured workers alike in this country,” he said.

“Youths are making drinking their God because they learn from their fathers and mothers.

“The society must check itself and discard this habit.”

Prof Siaguru said many times alcohol and drug abuse caused youths as well as adults to assault, destroy or simply act in manners that defeated reason.

“The actions of a good majority of youths (and adults) today leave a lot to be desired,” he said.

“To be a God-fearing country, we must strive to follow procedures, compliance, good governance and live with disciplined and respectful principles.

“Sadly, many young Papua New Guineans allow themselves to stray from a disciplined code of conduct and create situations that place them in conflict with the law and they end up in cells and jails throughout the country which are simply filling up.”

He said young Papua New Guineans must begin to respect and obey the rule of law for a better country for themselves and their children.

Citing a recent report in the media on the high incidences of alcohol and sex related cases before the courts implicating university students, Prof Siaguru also urged educational institutions to unite to rid their campuses of what he termed as “alcohol related nonsense”.

“In a developing country with very little financial resources, we expect our educated youths to be responsible and humble enough to accept that the education sector receives very little financial attention from the government purse and whatever little we have acquired, we must care for,” he said.

He said students must accept that their present responsibility in society now is to successfully complete their studies.

The three-day TSCF event, which attracted more than 1000 students from tertiary institutions and secondary schools throughout the country as well as visitors from Australia, ended on Easter Sunday.

 

 

Fuel prices rise slightly in the wake of international demand

Domestic fuel prices have risen slightly following increased international demand for refined fuels.

Diesel increased the most (about 9 percent) with unleaded gasoline (ULP) and kerosene rising only marginally.

InterOil President Bill Jasper said the April fuel cost structures reflected the volatility of the international marketplace.

“It is driven by perceptions of future demand,” he said.

“Last month both diesel and kerosene eased in price, this month they have increased.

“Presently the overriding perception on international markets is that demand will increase in the months ahead as various government economic stimulus measures around the world begin to take effect.

“Unless supply also increases, higher international demand forces up the price, an economic fact we have seen in evidence during the past eighteen months.

“The price changes we are experiencing here in Papua New Guinea reflect what is going on throughout the globe.

“We are part of the international community and, as such, are not immune from the effects of what is happening overseas.

Mr. Jasper said there were two sets of forces in play.

“On one hand we have an international recession, which on its own would drive prices down,” he said.

“However, we also have a series of political tensions and civil unrest in oil producing countries in Africa and the Middle East.

“This coupled with expectations of increased future demand have forced up prices.

“For example, crude oil prices have edged upwards by about 10% in recent months.”

Crude prices are well below the record high of mid-2008 when they hit around $US150 a barrel.

The volatile nature of the international marketplace is such that making medium or long predictions is virtually impossible.

“Again we find ourselves at the mercy of a complex array of international factors”, Mr Jasper said.

For further information and to arrange media interviews contact:

 

Susuve Laumaea

Senior Manager Media Relations InterOil Corporation

Ph: (675) 321 7040

Mobile: (675) 684 5168

Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com  

 

 

Collateral damage when the Oil Explorers come

By JOHN FOWKE

 

Poor old Granddad's passed away, cut off in his prime,

 

He never had a day off crook - gone before his time,

 

We found him in the dunny, collapsed there on the seat,

 

A startled look upon his face, his pants around his feet,

 

The doctor said his heart was good - fit as any trout,

 

The Constable, he had his say, 'foul play' was not ruled out.

 

There were theories at the inquest of snakebite without trace,

 

 

Of redback spiders creeping and death from outer space,

 

No-one had a clue at all - the judge was in some doubt,

 

When Dad was called to have his say as to how it came about,

 

'I reckon I can clear it up,' said Dad with trembling breath,

 

It's a simple story - but it could explain his death.'

 

'This here exploration mob had been looking at our soil,

 

And they reckoned that our farm was just the place for oil,

 

So they came and put a bore down and said they'd make some trials,

 

 They drilled a hole as deep as hell, they said about three miles.

 

 Well, they never found a trace of oil and off they went, post haste,

 

And I couldn't see a hole like that go to flamin' waste,

 

So I moved the dunny over it - real smart move I thought,

 

I'd never have to dig again - I'd never be 'caught short'.

 

The day I moved the dunny, it looked a proper sight,

 

But I didn't dream poor Granddad would pass away that night,

 

Now I reckon what has happened - poor Granddad didn't know,

 

The dunny was re-located when that night he had to go.

 

And you'll probably be wondering how poor Granddad did his dash--

 

Well, he always used to hold his breath

 

Until he heard the splash!!

 

Melanesian Law vs Western Law

Captions: 1. Villagers digging a drain for an airstrip in Ogerenang, Morobe district, in 1969. 2. Paul Oates. 3. Paul Oates as a young Australian kiap (patrol officer) at Pindiu, Morobe district, in 1970. 4. Paul Oates supervising construction of Ogerenang airstrip, Morobe district, in 1969. 5. Villagers building the Ogerenang aistrip in Finschhafen, Morobe district, in 1970.Pictures supplied by PAUL OATES.

My two recent Weekender articles in The National on April 27 regarding the violence in Wau, Morobe province, as well as John Fowke’s views on ‘The Melanesian Way’ have brought in mixed reaction from both Papua New Guinea and overseas.
Among those who wrote to me was Paul Oates, a kiap in PNG from 1969-1975, who served in out flung rural areas of Morobe district like Pindiu, Kabwum, Aseki, Wau, Sialum and Finschhafen before being transferred to Port Moresby.
He and his wife and I now run a small property in rural South Eastern Queensland where they breed stud Droughtmaster cattle and grow cabinet timber trees for the future.
“Like many kiaps and their families, I developed an affinity and empathy for Papua New Guinea and her people,” he wrote me.
“On my return to Australia in 1975, I found it very difficult to assimilate back into the Australian culture as did many others who worked in PNG.
“We paid the price of totally committing our time and effort to a highly-specialised vocation.
“Now with the opportunity to concentrate on matters other than fulltime work, I and many former kiaps, didimen, chalkies, etc,  would very much like to help PNG where possible and to educate our fellow Australians about our nearest neighbour.
“There is a move to try and foster more interest in PNG and some of us are trying to have the work of PNG kiaps recognised by the Australian government.
“If this move is successful, it will hopefully raise the profile of PNG in Australia.”
Mr Oates sent me his thoughts on now Melanesia Law and Western Law could co-exist and how selection exercises could be run without perceived bias.
“The laws of each country are based on a number of principles,” he says.
“In so-called Christian countries or those that have a history of Christian principles, there are some basic tenants of law derived from established precedents that have been laid down over many hundreds of years.
“English Common Law is established on this framework of previous decisions.
“Overlaid on this framework that goes back many centuries, are the laws that various Parliaments have then passed that refine these basic principles and establish rules and regulations under which a modern society regrettably needs to maintain cohesion.
“Sometimes laws are put into effect and then withdrawn when they are no longer required.
“Look at the previous law regarding playing cards in PNG.
“Now how does this square off against traditional Melanesian law?
“When I lived and worked in PNG some people would express to me their thoughts that everything about Western Society seemed to be right and everything about their traditional society appeared to be wrong.
“To this I would say, ‘Nogat tru!’
“There are many aspects of traditional Melanesian society that are, in my opinion, far better than the current precepts of so-called Western society.
“Take for instance how people in the villages look after widows and orphans.
“Look at the notion of family and the support for one's relatives.“Compare this to what happens in many Western countries and see how old people are treated and how the poor of each society are treated.
“Similarly, PNG was able to exist for thousands of years without a police force and traditional culture ensured traditional leaders maintained control over their communities.
“However, when the good aspects of Melanesian society are 'used' in a 'selective way' by those who are also immersed in a Western type culture, problems escalate out of control.
“Look at the 'wantok' system and how this can be used top 'bludge or sponge' off those who have paid work by those who haven't or couldn't be bothered finding it?
“So how can the two types of 'law' operate in practice?”
“So what's my suggestion?
Mr Oates suggested applying the type of legal environment that worked on Cocos Islands where traditional customs and culture that can be recognised in PNG, don’t conflict with enacted legislation
 “Now how does that fit with PNG at the moment?
“Not all that well I would suggest.
“Why?.... because there are two sets of rules and laws that are being hopelessly mixed up and where you have a mixture and therefore confusion, people are naturally liable to take and use whatever rule that affords them the maximum opportunity to do what they want.
“The same principle of human nature has been found to confuse and adversely affect some indigenous Australian communities.
“I can remember when indigenous Australians were not allowed to have alcohol because of the effects this had on their traditional lifestyle.
“This law was passed by those who thought they were doing the right thing but without reference to those to whom it applied as they didn't have the vote at that time.
“Fifty years later, with experience and now political power through being able to vote, the effects of alcohol are so disruptive to many traditional indigenous Australian communities that they themselves are now requesting and obtaining bans on it being brought into their community.
“So my suggestion is this.
“I've seen and experienced where traditional laws and western law can co-exist and work in harmony together.
“This situation was also not where traditional Christian laws were practised so that is an extra factor that could have created problems but it didn't.
“Partly however, this harmony was due to the effective size of the community where traditional customs were practiced.
“It was also due to the rigid maintenance of laws by the administration in an impartial way.
“Now here is where I offer some observations.
“Humans are by nature still at the Neolithic stage of personal development.
“That is, we are still cave men or women of the Cro Magnon level.
“Therefore, we are able to effectively manage human relations when a family group expands in number to a clan and even to a village.
“Once the size of a group of coexisting humans increases to more than the village size however, no one can control what happens within the community unless there are protocols and procedures that are made and enforced.
“At this point, a leader is either elected or takes control and a bureaucracy comes into existence and laws are made to keep control and to help satisfy the majority at the expense of the individual or minority.
“What is clear to me, given the world's very recent financial history, is that no one individual is either able to manage a country or to be on top of everything that can happen in our so called 'global village'.
“So what's my suggestion?
“Well... how about applying the type of legal environment that worked on Cocos Islands? That is traditional customs and culture that can be recognised in PNG where they don't conflict with enacted legislation.
“Where there is conflict, enacted legislation takes precedence, with the onus on the accused to defend their actions.
“How would this work?
“Well imagine where someone favoured a wantok and allowed him to break the law without being caught.
“Would there be a conflict of interest and for whom?
“Clearly, if there was a recognised hierarcy of laws, customary, traditional PNG law would have to take a back seat when enacted law must be followed.
“If the rules are well known and followed impartially and effectively, there is no conflict of interest.”

Christian students gather at University of Vudal

By VERONICA MANUK

 

The University of Vudal is hosting the 39^th National Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship (TSCF) Easter Conference with more than 500 students from all tertiary institutions in the country attending the conference.

The conference officially begins tomorrow (Friday) and ends on Sunday with the theme “Appointed to Lead Across Cultures.”

The official welcome will be made by the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Philip Siaguru and main speech by East New Britain Governor Leo Dion.

The main speakers for the conference are Minister for Justice & Attorney General and Member for Rabaul Dr Allan Marat, Dr Richard Chin from the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students and former Chief Ombudsmen Ila Geno.

New Guinea Islands TSCF Coordinator, Ezekiel Lulu said the University of Vudal was selected to host the conference on behalf of New Guinea Islands region because of the modern facilities the university has and the dormitories to accommodate large number of students attending the workshop.

The TSCF ministry has six regions - Momase, Lae, Lower Highlands, Upper Highlands, Southern and New Guinea Islands region.

He said it would be the second time for the university to host the conference, the first time was in 2002.

Mr Lulu said the information in the conference would be vital for students, as apart from word of God, there would be workshops on different topics which include, academic excellence to be presented by Dr David Kavanamur, Christian leadership, HIV/AIDS its latest status in PNG, cult worship, family welfare, law and order in relation to alcohol and drug abuse and boy/girl relationship.

He encouraged majority of the students in the province and the region to attend.

The ministry’s vision is “Raising Young Generation to become men and women of integrity and God fearing people”.

The main aim of TSCF is to co-ordinate the work of affiliated Christian fellowship in PNG, encourage the evangelistic activities of the various affiliates, encourage promote training in leadership, assist members in Christian growth and faith and encourage members to consider full-time Christian work for churches of PNG and to encourage a missionary attitude among the churches and also TSCF work in the country.

Mr Lulu invites surrounding communities, churches and government organisations to also attend the conference to understand the vision of the ministry as it is an interdenominational ministry.

 

This poem was nominated by UN as the best Poem

When I born, I black

When I grow up, I black

When I go in Sun, I black

When I scared, I black

When I sick, I black

And when I die, I still black

And you white fellow

When you born, you pink

When you grow up, you white

When you go in sun, you red

When you cold, you blue

When you scared, you yellow

When you sick, you green

And when you die, you gray

And you calling me colored?

2009 WALK AGAINST CORRUPTION

To be officially led by the Grand Chief Sir Paulius Matane, GCL, GCMG, KSt.J, Governor General of Papua New Guinea.

Walk Against Corruption details:

 

Day & Date: Sunday 14th June 2009

Venue: Murray Barracks Ovals – Opposite PNG Motors

Assemble Time: 5:30 am

Walk Commences: 6:30 am

Prizes for:

1. Best dressed team
2. Best anti-corruption message

Register a Team to Participate:

K2, 000 per team of 10 walkers.
K200 per team of 10 for school teams (payment to cover cost of water and refreshments)

In 2009 TIPNG is offering participating teams the chance to sponsor a school team's participation. TI PNG knows that while it is on our shoulders to fight corruption today, it will be the adults of tomorrow who will win the war. We therefore wish to make every effort to get school teams participating in the WAC and encouraging PNG's children to take a stand for responsible citizenship. We would be thankful if your organisation could, in addition to supporting your own team, sponsor one of the school teams who have elected to take part in the WAC.

For more information contact TIPNG office on the following:
Phone: 320 2188 / 320 2182
Email: communications.tipng@daltron.com.pg or
Email: youthagainstcorruption@gmail.com

The TIPNG Fund Raising Committee is humbled by the support shown by 61 organisations in the public, private, NGO and sectors as well as individuals who contributed to registering 100 teams to participate in the 2008 WAC and raising close to a whopping K200, 000.00.

With your support, the grassroots support, TIPNG will go a long way in having a voice against corruption.

Do not give a free ride to the ugly face of corruption. 

Say No to Corruption.
Register a team to Participate in the biggest ever Walk Against Corruption.

 

Businesses Against HIV AIDS (BAHA) website keeps working women informed about HIV

People are interested in how HIV affects young, working women. In March over 1000 people visited the BAHA website www.baha.com.pg  for the first time to look at the new page aimed at providing resources specific to young working women and HIV.

The new page was launched alongside the BAHA March Newsletter because International Women’s Day is celebrated in March.

Apart from stories, reviews, songs and links, BAHA considers as most significant, the promotion of procedures around "post-exposure prophylaxis” for HIV or PEP in case of exposure to HIV.

Dr Nano Gideon (pictured above) from the Heduru Clinic talks about “accidentally exposed” steps to follow which were developed as part of the BAHA workplace training program.

PEP for HIV is an emergency short-term disease-specific treatment to reduce the likelihood of infection. PEP may be prescribed after a workplace accident, sexual assault or sexual accident like a condom breakage.

BAHA General Manager Dr Ann Clarke said: “Information on PEP is a component of BAHA training and BAHA workplace champions learn about universal precautions, first aid kits and PEP. The training includes information on transmission. Although it is quite a mouthful, PEP, as we most need to know it, is a 28-day course of ARVs taken after someone has been exposed to HIV.

“Participants at workplace training participate in role plays to help reinforce the importance of time. If PEP is started within 72 hours of the exposure (and the sooner the better), PEP is highly effective in preventing HIV infection.” said Dr Clarke.

Not many people either know about or understand the process of PEP for HIV. Our champions leave BAHA training knowing critical facts about rapid response, access to services and the drugs involved

At the recent BAHA Tokaut, a participant from PNG Ports said: “I had no idea that an HIV infection could be prevented after accidental exposure All workplaces have accidents and now we know we could prevent an unnecessary infection.”

Dr Nano is in the process of ensuring PEP is understood and delivered at accident and emergencies through Papua New Guinea.

He said: “We would like to see all people who have been accidentally exposed within the first 12 hours!”

Information on rapid response and access to services steps is available from the BAHA website or through enquiries@baha.com.pg.

Tribal clash puts Black Cat Trail operations on hold

By PISAI GUMAR in The National

 

ETHNIC fighting between Biangais and Watuts two weeks ago are believed to have delayed the operations of a British volunteer team that has come to PNG to set up tour facilities in Morobe province.

Trekforce Worldwide has been in the province for the past two months to set up equipment along the World War II Black Cat Trail from Salamaua to Wau.

The volunteers – four women and seven men, who are based at Komiatam village, Salamaua, Huon Gulf – are involved in educating gateway villagers along the trail on ways to improve hospitality standards.

They have also been assisting the community in projects funded by the Morobe Tourism Bureau.

However, the conflict between Biangais and Watuts was said to have put Trek Force’s plans on hold.

Projects that have been postponed include the installations of a radio base at Kamiatam and contact points along the track in accordance with the development plan launched at Lae International Hotel in March last year.

Three of the volunteers left for Britain last Friday.

The others will remain in the province for about two months to teach in community schools in the district, including Salamaua High School.

During their time here, the volunteers completed a community project – a bio eco-friendly bathroom – for Komiatam village.

The semi-modern facility, containing a shower room, washing place and toilet, was launched last week.

K128 million jet for Papua New Guinea government! You got to be longlong, Somare!

By IAN TAUKURO

 

Interesting news on the front page of the Post-Courier, don't you think!???

The government is buying itself a sleek new corporate jet for a paltry K130 million! Yes, first they give themselves hefty allowances increases and now they see fit to get themselves a jet. What the hell is going on at Waigani!?

What about fixing up the schools, the hospitals, the roads or helping with the housing situation for us battlers? If appropriated properly, K130 million can go a long way and benefit a lot of people in real tangible ways - for instance, a classroom for kids who have to be taught under a tree, or more medicines for doctors/nurses to prescribe, or better roads that people can use to get to or from markets or subsidies on housing materials so people can build houses for themselves.

But, no, the government prefers that the people's money be spent on one of the most expensive items of all: a jet that only 109 people can use.

I cannot believe how out of touch the government is with what is going on in our country. It simply defies belief!

As you all know not all airports in our country can handle a jet. So if the MP's want to visit a remote part of their electorate(yes, every MP will find some excuse to joy ride on the new jet!), they'll most probably take the jet to the nearest jet airport  and then hop on a third level airline (propeller type) or helicopter to get to the remote village. In other words, it's going to cost more for their travel (fuel, plane/helicopter hire, pilot's salaries, etc.) Guess who will foot the bill?

The reasoning behind this particular government decision is also a bit of an insult to the older folk of our nation! They say the PM, who will use the jet more than others, needs a more comfortable ride because he's getting old and suffering from long periods of high altitude travel.

Screw him! What about the millions of old people in the country who suffer from long periods of WALKING because there isn't a vehicle nearby because the nearest road is unusable!!!!!!

It is plain to see that the pollies only want the jet for the image that it will give them. And to the MP's, we taxpayers, who are funding the purchase of the jet, can just go to hell!

 

Ian

Statement for World Health Day 2009

WHO Director General Dr Margaret Chan talks to nurses during her visit in November 2008 to the earthquake-affected areas in China’s Shichuan province

BY MARGARET CHAN-Director General of theWHO

WHEN an emergency of disaster occurs, most lives are lost or saved, in the immediate aftermath of the event.
People count on hospitals and health facilities to respond, swiftly and efficiently, as the lifeline for survival and the backbone of support.
The tragedy of a major emergency or disaster is compounded when health facilities fail. When a hospital collapses or its functions are disrupted, lives that depend on emergency care can be lost.
Interruptions in routine services can also be deadly.
In large emergencies, such as those caused by earthquakes or floods, some countries have lost as much as 50% of their hospital capacity, right at the time when life saving services were most acutely needed.
Apart from causing increased suffering and loss of life, the failure of health facilities during an emergency can provoke a public outcry, especially when shoddy construction or violations of building codes are thought to be at fault.
To commemorate World Health Day this year, WHO is advocating a series of best practices that can be implemented in any resource setting to make hospitals safe during emergencies.
Apart from safe sting and resilient construction, good planning and carrying out emergency exercises in advance can help maintain critical functions.
Proven measures range from early warning systems to a simple hospital safety assessment, from protecting equipment and supplies to preparing staff to manage mass casualties and infection control measurers.
Different types of emergencies bring typical patterns of injuries, such as crush injuries in earthquakes and hypothermia in floods, with corresponding needs for training and supplies.
These needs can be anticipated in advance, and surge capacity can be tailored to manage them.
It is smart to think and plan ahead.
Worldwide, the number of emergencies and disasters is rising.
This trend is certain to continue as urbanisation crowds people together on unsafe sites and climate change brings more frequent and more severe extreme whether events.
We need to anticipate a growing number of areas that will become disaster prone.
Abundant experience demonstrates the tremendous pay off, also at the political level, when hospitals remain standing and functioning as beacons of security and solidity in the midst of disaster and despair.
We must never forget: hospitals and health facilities represent a significant investment. Keeping them safe in emergencies protects that investment, while also protecting the health and safety of people-our foremost concern.

World Health Day 2009: ‘Save Lives. Make Hospitals Safe In Emergencies’

WORLD Health Day 2009 focuses on the resilience and safety of health facilities and the health workers who treat those affected by emergencies.
Events around the world will highlight successes, advocate for safe facility design and construction, and build momentum for widespread emergency preparedness.
World Health Day 2009 focuses on the safety of health facilities and the readiness of health workers who treat those affected by emergencies.
Health centers and staff are critical lifelines for vulnerable people in disasters- treating injuries, preventing illnesses and caring for people’s health needs.
They are cornerstones for primary health care in communities-meeting everyday needs, such as safe child birth services, immunisations and chronic disease care that must continue in emergencies.
Often, already-fragile health systems are unable to keep functioning through a disaster, with immediate and future public health consequences.
This year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and international partners are underscoring the importance of investing in health infrastructure that can withstand hazards and serve people in immediate need.
They are also urging health facilities to implement systems to respond to internal emergencies, such as fires and ensure the continuity of care.

Ian Thompson responds to The Melanesian Way

By IAN THOMPSON

 

What John Fowke has to say about the Melanesian Way is 100% correct, and is thoroughly understood by every Melanesian citizen of PNG.

What is very unusual is to see this obvious truth expressed publicly.

Expatriates from earlier times understand this "problem" very well, but because the subject is never mentioned by Melanesians in the presence of an outsider, very few recently-arrived foreigners have a clue as to the underlying reason why PNG is completely unable to govern itself.

They blame individuals rather than a way of life, and don't understand that they can't fix things using Western methods.

They get angry and frustrated and eventually either accept the situation or pack up and leave.

I knew Michael Somare before independence, and listened to his ambitions and his fears.

 He knew that he could never govern this country using the constitution forced on him by the UN and the Australian Government.

That's why he invented the "Melanesian way".

 I think he somehow believed that this would work.

He knew that it was his only hope.

There was nothing else.

For the reasons that John just expounded, the Melanesian Way would never be of any use in managing anything outside of a clan group.

It has done a wonderful job making Michael and his family enormously rich.

That's what the Melanesian Way is supposed to do.

The same system is also supposed to disadvantage your enemies in any way possible.

 It has done this too.

But don't blame Michael.

 He is just doing what his parents told him was his sacred duty.

 If you prosecute Michael and make him give back his Millions (Billions???) the next guy would do exactly the same thing.

Every Melanesian knows this, which is the reason why he can get away with the most blatant acts of mal-administration.

One finger pointing is three fingers back to you, so who can accuse?

You press guys do a fantastic job exposing the corruption that you know is preventing your country from progressing.

It breaks my heart to see how hard you try, and what little reward you get for it.

The ordinary PNG citizen simply coudn't care less.

They see Government money not as "theirs" but some kind of free handout that falls from the sky, and they see the corrupt politicians and public servants (plus their scum bag lawyers) as lucky people doing exactly what they would do themselves.

 Just look at the useless and mainly-silent Opposition parties.

Half a million here and there is enough to keep them quiet. (Teil blong pik em inap lon ol).

The number of PNG citizens who would actually put their country before themselves or their clan is so few that after nearly 50 years living there I honestly can't think of a single example.

Probably a few young educated people try, but they can't achieve much, and what are they really thinking anyway? Many pretend, but it's mainly bullshit for the consumption of ignorant foreigners.

I think PNG will be like the British, who never seem to get it right, but they "muddle along" and somehow survive.

Your wantok system is the best thing going for you, and anyone who would destroy that for some foreign and unproven system would have to be crazy.

I wish you a long and happy life living comfortably within the wantok system.

Take pride in your ancestors, who did a very good job of surviving as a race for many thousands of years, and have handed down a rich and vibrant culture to the wonderment of the whole world.

 

 

I love you all.

 

Regards,

 

Ian

Dreamers and their dreams

By JOHN FOWKE

 

Dear Ian,

 

I hope you won’t mind my using your email contact to get in touch direct.

Malum forwarded both your recent emails generated by my article Melanesian Way etc.

 I think we met briefly many years ago somewhere in Hagen or the Wahgi; I have an impression of a short, energetic and enthusiastic person.

 We are both dreamers in our own ways, both as pro-PNG thinkers who speak from realistic, up-to-date experience; and also dreamers, perhaps, from a cynic's point of view, in regard to the small likelihood of anything we express being taken to heart by large numbers of PNG'ians or, importantly, Australians.

I've been trying to get into the heads of AusAid and DFAT for a decade-and-a-half, with absolutely no success, despite the fact that an academic spy at ANU tells me that at DFAT they are absolutely desperate to come up with a new, more effective list of policies for Oz's ongoing assistance to PNG.

This has been commanded by King Kev for presentation in June 09!

 Long ol planti ol kiaps belong bipo mi les olgeta, except for a few such as yourself and my old friends Graham Pople, Chris Warrilow, Tony Pryke and Bill McGrath, and those few such as Rick Giddings, Ben Probert etc who stayed on for long in Government jobs in the belief that sacrificing a bit of dignity and tangling with the turmoil was far more worthwhile than fleeing with the "handshake," thus becoming something between a taxi-driver or a tax-accountant.

Maybe wives had a lot to do with it.

 The voices of these people, today, must be seen as irrelevant, no matter that they think they all deserve medals, for fuck's sake!

 We forget that one of the drivers of the mass exodus of Aussie public servants pre- and after independence was race prejudice and peer-pressure at the after-work, or social-club level.

They couldn't see themselves working on an equal footing, or worse, as subordinates to PNG'ians.

We were well rid of them, despite the chaos which has followed in the public service. PNG has had no post-independence racial problems to speak of, until the corrupt relaxation of the migration, logging and business laws for those who pay their way became widespread.

 Aside from the occasional uproar from academics (foreign) and PNG political circles there is a deep well of positive feeling towards Australia in PNG, as you say.

And whilst this is due to the quite wide adoption of Oz cultural and attitudinal characteristics and through sport, it is the ongoing presence of Aussies like yourself and others like myself-(Kiwi turncoat) - and our PNG'ian friends of like-mind, and our efforts to be a friendly, sociable, and an accessible source of all sorts of information, that Oz still keeps a foothold in minds and imaginations throughout PNG.

A bank of information and an emotional connection which is very much to the benefit of both countries and their future together as close neighbours.

 Please don’t imagine that I decry the Melanesian Way of Subsistance, by any means.

 My article is the first polite, and thus publishable, opinion piece, to bring out into the open the fact that PNG is held back through a cultural bias which makes it ok to lie to non-blood-relatives, to steal from non-blood-relatives and to do a lot of talking without getting to the point and ultimately to suspend or cover up what is being contended.

 These characteristics are described, euphemistically, today as “wantok sistem bilong mipela" but although this assertion is partly correct, as you and I know there’s a great deal more to the wantok system than the lies and cover-ups and nepotistic appointments which paralyse the progress of the nation at present.

The task is to filter out the elements which are spoiling PNG's efforts to engage successfully with modernity and build a healthy, vigorous and proud nation.

 Whilst all PNG'ians are entitled to bristle and even to roar loudly at these assertions by a foreigner, I have believed for many years that it all needs to be said out loud.

In fact it was said, in a more-wordy and detailed way, long ago, in a series of three linked articles which were published, either in The National or Post-Courier, I forget which, under the by-line of the current Governor General.

The GG had a weekly comment/column at the time.

He had picked the articles up from others who had received them from me by email and he published it as..."the opinions of a concerned expatriate resident etc etc..."

The articles were originally intended to catch the attention of AusAid and to encourage them to provide proper preparation and orientation for both staff and contractors/consultants entering PNG.

I worked for 11 years for Coffee Industry Corporation, and one of the tasks which I was finally able to do (with generous help from the European Union) was to turn its research and extension divisions, by far the most-expensive and inefficient parts, from a living, breathing, totally-useless model of Department of Agriculture Stock and Fisheries from the'fifties, as reconstituted by well-meaning pre-independence Aussie ex-didimen.

Men who were totally out of date in their thinking, to a small, potentially cost-effective single entity with about 90 staff,  from one which had previously used almost 500 persons plus housing, vehicles etc in similar generous ratio.

 Nothing very effective ever comes of all these efforts- but like you, I believe in PNG - in a sense I am in sympathy with the late Rev Percy Chatterton of the London Missionary Society,  whose book of reminiscences was entitled ‘Day That I Have Loved’.

 Luckily I was blessed with a wife who felt the same way.

 I continue to hold out hope and in one way or another try to influence events, so that PNG will not descend into the chaos of such world-record-holders for state corruption and poverty as Haiti under Papa Doc and Zimbabwe under Uncle Bob Mugabe.

I don’t think its going to happen, but the road to recovery is in the shadows right now.

 

Cheers,

 

John