Boonah Show 16th May 2009 ( Chapter 1)

From Paul Oates in Queensland, Australia

We have been very busy with the annual Boonah Show and here are a few pictures from yesterday. The rest are in Ch 2.

Pacific Media Summit (please click to enlarge)

Pacific Storms Art Exhibition June 3-July 12, 2009

Artwork by Laban Sakale

Artwork by Mairi Feeger featuring various social ills such as sorcery, violence and alcohol. It will go on show in Bundaberg

Joycelin Leahy (centre) with artists Winnie Weoa (left) and Daniel Waswas - both of whom are involved in the Australian exhibition - at Gerehu in Port Moresby last week

Winnie Weoa (left) and Daniel Waswas - both of whom are involved in the Australian exhibition - at Gerehu in Port Moresby last week

Curatorial statement by Joycelin Leahy

Pacific Storms explores the spirit, life, and challenges of the contemporary Pacific peoples. Pacific Islanders are proud of their resources, ocean, land, environment, culture, arts, languages and their traditional knowledge.
The Pacific remains one of the few regions in the world where you can find many hundreds of languages spoken, diverse cultures and some of the most vulnerable communities on the globe.
Being rich in both tangible and intangible heritage provides Pacific people with an endless source for artistic expression.
The unique art forms are evidenced in museum and gallery collections all over the world, collected over centuries.
It is from this valuable artistic source that a selection of well-known and emerging artists across nine countries was challenged to use their heritage to create a contemporary Pacific expression.
In their interpretation of who they are and how they feel about their societies, these new works were developed. In Pacific Storms, the challenge was to draw away from mainstream society’s categories and stereotypes of what is Pacific art and who Pacific people are, to explore new aesthetics.
Pacific Storms is also a platform of contemporary creativity which integrates and addresses the real issues of the modern Pacific society.
The Pacific region is marked by exceptional cultural and biological diversity within spectacular physical landscapes; thus each has their own unique way of building resilience to climate change, globalisation, security and civil unrest, HIV-AIDS and many other social issues.
These expressions are exhibited in hope that wider audiences understand the complex issues through the diversity of art across the Pacific.
In addition, staging Pacific Storms in the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery links contemporary Pacific expression to the region’s significant history through the Australian sugar industry.
Australia’s sugar industry was founded on the sweat of men and women, some kidnapped and all enticed from more than eighty Melanesian islands including the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia, and to a lesser extent, the eastern archipelagoes of Papua New Guinea, and Tuvalu and Kiritabati.
Today’s Australian South Sea Islanders are descended from indentured labourers in the nineteenth century.
In the nineteenth century this form of human trafficking was historically known as ‘Blackbirding’ and the individuals were called ‘Kanakas’.
There were about 50,000 Islanders and 62,000 indenture contracts.
Under the White Australian Policy, between 1901 and 1908 Australia ended this migration and deported most of those remaining.
Some were exempted from repatriation, and along with a number of others who escaped deportation, about 2,000 remained in Australia to form the basis of what is today Australia’s largest non-indigenous black ethnic group.
The question of how many Islanders were illegally recruited and how many chose to come remains controversial.
Bundaberg is a major centre for Australian South Sea Islanders.
Pacific Storms re-unites these communities with their ‘wantoks’ (relatives and friends) through a collaborative community engagement at the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery.

ABAC steps up efforts to uphold anti-protectionism commitments

 

Issued by the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC)

 

Bandar Seri Bangawan, Brunei Darussalam, 15 May 2009 - Key business leaders of the Asia-Pacific region have urged the Leaders of the 21 member economies of APEC to take action to promote the recovery of world trade – expected to decline by 9 percent this year – which they see as vital in overcoming the global economic crisis.

At their second meeting in Brunei, the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) put forward a letter to Leaders on their views and recommendations for immediate action to combat the current economic crisis. In the letter, ABAC urged Leaders to accelerate the efforts to achieve integration among their economies through the faithful adherence to the Bogor Goals and to realizing their vision of a Free Trade Agreement of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP). They also called on the Leaders to show global leadership in rejecting protectionism and pushing for the completion of the Doha Round.

“While applauding the G20 Leaders’ pledge to promote trade and reject protectionism, we are greatly concerned that more and more trade-restrictive measures are being put in place and that protectionism seems to be on the rise. We asked Leaders to abide with their commitment not to introduce any new barriers to trade in response to the crisis even if these appear to be WTO-consistent. This is the time for APEC to show its leadership and to reaffirm the APEC spirit of free and open trade and investment,” said Mr. Teng Theng Dar, the ABAC Chair.

The business leaders also expressed their frustration that the Doha Round remains uncompleted after eight years of negotiations and ask Leaders to push the WTO to set a deadline for the conclusion of the Round in early 2010.

In a separate communication to APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade, ABAC has set out its views and recommendations related to APEC’s agenda: regional economic integration, strengthening capacity building, sustainable development and enhancing connectivity in the region. 

An APEC SME Summit “SMEs in a Turbulent Global Economy: Crisis, Challenges and Opportunities” was held on 12 May, and the three more that will be organised by ABAC in 2009 underline the importance ABAC attaches to the growth of small and medium enterprises (SME) in the region .  

ABAC brings together up to three business leaders from each of APEC’s 21 economies. They provide APEC Leaders with business sector priorities and concerns.

The ABAC members met for the second time in 2009 on May 12-15 in Brunei Darussalam.

 

For more information, contact:

Mr. Martin Yuoon, ABAC Executive Director 2009 at (65) 6827-6886 or mkhyuoon@sbf.org.sg

Mr. Antonio Basilio, ABAC Secretariat at (63 2) 845-4564 or abacsec@pfgc.ph

Ms. Tran Bao Ngoc, APEC Secretariat at (65) 6891 9616 or tbn@apec.org

 

Carolyn D. Williams

Media Manager, APEC

35 Heng Mui Keng Terrace / Singapore 119616

D: (65) 6891 9671 / M: (65) 9617 7316 / F: (65) 6891 9600

 

What goes round comes round

By a former Papua New Guinea resident

 

The rioting and looting by youths in Lae is graphic evidence of just what pressure is building up inside the "social sospen"- that big saucepan inside which dwells the  majority of PNG's population; dwells with the lid firmly wedged on and the heat of impoverishment slowly increasing. 

 

Years of the disgraceful "eyes-shut, pockets open" policy maintained by the authorities are now likely to be challenged by a growing unity in this

previously split, multi-tribal society. A  unity never engendered by  the fulsome words and flamboyant promises of "their lordships," those who govern and administer in situations of personal security and comfort unseen and unimaginable to the boys who rioted in Lae.

 

Many have wondered over the years at the lack of any appearance of a youth-based radical political culture within this potentially-rich but desperately-underprivileged population. Usually tolerant and inclined to talk before acting, PNG's people may have reached the point where an increasingly hard and frustrating life-situation pushes them to a tipping-point.

 

Those big houses and 'permanent resident' status in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and elsewhere may soon prove to be very wise investments for their owners."

Betha Somare explains her father and brother's purchase of property in Australia

This article was first posted on November 14, 2008, however, because of the interest in it, I have decided to repost...Malum

Hi people.

It maybe a sad fact but it is a fact anyway that apart from the fortunate Papua New Guineans that have access to the internet there are scores of Papua New Guineans out there that trust my family.

This is because in all the years of my father’s politics he has not dipped into public coffers to fund family investments.

There are many facts out there that confirm my assertion and if he had, I believe he would not have lasted these 40 years.

In the same way that all my siblings were educated in Australia we have all come back to Papua New Guinea to live and make our contribution.

I cannot speak for my nieces and nephews but I hope that they will also do the same.

If you are interested in checking where my father got his money to get a place close to his grandchildren, please call the National Parliament, Retirement Benefit Funds office and I am sure Graham Whitchurch can help you.

My brother has also explained that he sold his house to get a loan in the interest of his children.

That is his personal choice.

We will always be a public family whether we want to be or not.

I urge you to begin from the premise that not everybody is a thief that is in government.

Betha Somare

Mass looting of Chinese shops in Lae

* Thousands storm Eriku, Top Town and main market areas

* Lae top cop unsure of cause of riots

* General blame on ‘peaceful’ protest march in National Capital District

 

Asian shops hit in Lae

 

By PISAI GUMAR in The National

 

THOUSANDS of men and boys stormed Chinese shops at Eriku, Top Town and the main market to bring Lae to a standstill yesterday morning, catching the public, businesses and the police off guard.

Lae metropolitan commander Supt Nema Mondiai said he did not know the cause of the melee but ordered police onto the scene following the first riot at the Lae market.

Just after 9am, a Chinese shop near the Bank South Pacific branch was attacked by youths claiming that the shop owner should not be operating in the country and the business was restricted to Papua New Guineans.

The shop closed before any damage could be done and its hired security guards alerted police and newspapers.

One youth was reportedly chopped to death and another hospitalised in an attempted break-in of a Chinese shop at the main market area.

Before 10am, all shops, Chinese and local, all over the city were forced to close in fear of being looted.

There were no PMVs, no motor vehicles, but thousands of human traffic.

As the riots gained momentum, members of the mob were seen and heard calling their friends and relatives on cell phones to come into the city from Kamkumung, West Taraka, Buimo and Bundi Camp, Papuan Compound, Tais, Bumbu and the Miles areas.

The Momase police Mobile Unit responded and set up surveillance with the help of several major security firms to control the situation.

That did not prevent two shops at the just-opened Chayter House at Eriku, one in Top Town and Golden Apple at the corner of Kisere and Malaita St from being looted of undisclosed cash and items.

Old timers Papindo, Seeto Kui, Wan Jih Wah, PC & JY Woo and Stevens Trading were unaffected but closed their doors.

Super Value Store and Raumai 18’s wholesale and department shops were also forced to close.

Using cell phones, the youths, who were also engaged by small Chinese shops to sell cheap items at bargain-basement prices on the streets, gathered, mobilised and attacked.

They rushed into the shops and grabbed tills and items of their choice.

The guards were left helpless.

Police arrived immediately and fired tear gas and warning shots to disperse the rioters.

Stubborn rioters were thrashed with vehicle fan belts and batons.

Supt Mondiai noted: “It was the first of its kind that the city experienced mob looting that struck three major shopping areas at once.” He said he was baffled about the motive. He did not know who the organisers were.

Word on the streets yesterday was that the incident was sparked by a protest march in the National Capital District on Tuesday in which youths had wanted to petition NCD Governor Powes Parkop over restrictions on foreigners operating small businesses.

Supt Mondiai warned other provincial centres to take precautionary measures and monitor their areas.

Some youths, who requested anonymity, said: “We are frustrated with small Asian shops sprouting unnecessarily, selling cheap items around the city.

“Who is allowing these Asians to come into our country and own small businesses which should be owned by Papua New Guineans?

“Even they do businesses here (in Lae) using cheap items, ripping us off and invest our money back in their countries.”

“Mip’la tait na les pinis long ol Kongkong nabaut ya. Mip’la ino wari lo polis tu. Tokim Gavana Wenge redi lo sanap lo kot na rausim ol Asians. Inap em inap.”

They said they were tired of the Chinese and did not care about the police. They wanted Morobe Governor Luther Wenge to go to court and remove all Asians.

 

Grand old man of Dei Council

Wunmba Wengdui Manga proudly wearing his Logohu medal surrounded by proud relatives. This and all pictures by WILLIAM WILLIANDO

Wunmba Wengdui Manga proudly wearing his Logohu medal with nephew David Karl

Wunmba Wengdui Manga surrounded by relatives at a feast at Erima last Saturday

Wunmba Wengdui Mangi is congratulated by Lady Kaludia Matane at Government House

Wunmba Wengui Mangi (second from right) at Government House at April 23

Among the many people gathered at Government House in Port Moresby on Thursday April 23, 2009, for the New Year’s honours list for investiture was one sprightly old man from Dei Council in the Western Highland province.
As his name was called, Wunmba Wengdui Manga gingerly trod his way through the long line of people to be invested with the Insignia of an Officer of the Order of Logohu (OL), by Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane.
Mr Manga, though wizened by age, was bestowed the Logohu “for services to the community through contributions as a well-respected traditional leader and councilor among his Dei Council community and the Western Highlands province”.
The National featured him in the Weekender last year, in which the story was told of how the Minimbis and Kombigas of the Dei Council area have become a more-disciplined group of people, largely because of his stewardship.
The Minimbe Mimke Napakes, Papekes, Nambka Uimbosong and Kombiga Mandong people have benefited greatly from his guidance.
Mr Manga is said to have been born in the early 1920s, hence, would have been around at the time of first contact by the Leahy brothers and Jim Taylor in the 1930s.
He was baptised into the Lutheran Church, together with his wife, on June 6, 1949, given a new name, “Wengdui”, and was appointed a church leader.
In 1963, with the establishment of local government councils, Mr Manga was elected as a councilor and remained so until his retirement in 1987.
Because of his Christian upbringing, Mr Managa discouraged retaliation and revenge during his time in office, but at the same time was a feared man whom nobody dared to disobey.
In recognition of his effort and contributions to the development of Western Highlands and Papua New Guinea, in 1997, then Governor, late Robert Lak, presented him a Silver Jubilee medal.
Dei MP Puri Ruing also presented Mr Manga other medals.
Although in his twilight years, he remains a source of wisdom and inspiration, after many years of being such a powerful and authoritative leader in the Dei Council area.
Mr Manga’s nephew, David Karl, said there were many other outstanding leaders like him throughout the country who had died with being given any form of recognition.
Mr Karl said he and other members of Mr Manga’s family had nominated him for a Logohu award towards the end of last year.
“Otherwise, the old man would have died without any recognition,” he said.
“There are many people like him all over the country who are not recognised.
“We nominated him for a Logohu wards towards the end of last year, and surprisingly fast, his nomination was accepted.
“He had tears of joy when he was awarded the medal by Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane.
“He said he would die a very happy man.”
Another family member, Clara Kopil, said it was very emotional for them to see Mr Manga receive him medal at Government House.
“We dressed him and took him to Government House,” she recalled.
“It was the first time for him to be all dressed up like that.
“He insisted that he wear shorts, just like he did in the colonial days.
“It was so emotional for us to see him in shorts and he really stood out among the crowd.
“After he received the medal, he received a glass of champagne, and like everyone else, raised a toast and drank.”
Last Saturday the Western Highlands community at Erima in Port Moresby, in a feast befitting royalty, gathered en masse to celebrate Mr Manga’s medal.
Bigger things are planned for when he returns home, as the Dei Council community will celebrate Mr Manga’s contribution towards building of a new Lutheran church building, as well as his medal.
How many more Mr Manga’s are there out in the country?

APEC Essay Writing Contest

Essay Writing Contest   http://www.apec.org/apec/opportunities/essay.html ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION 20th Anniversary Essay Writing Contest    This year APEC celebrates its 20th Anniversary - twenty years of promoting open dialogue, advancing free trade, and improving the business environment in the Asia-Pacific region. To mark this anniversary, we invite business students - the business leaders of tomorrow - from our 21 member economies to write an original essay on: "What can APEC do for Business?"   Prizes First Prize   An all-expenses paid trip for the winner to be part of the 2009 APEC CEO Summit and APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Singapore in November. The winner will be given the opportunity to present his/her essay during the 2009 APEC CEO Summit, and the chance to also meet with his/her economy's Leader. The prize includes the cost of flights to Singapore, hotel accommodation in Singapore and a per diem allowance. A US$500 cash prize will also be awarded. In the event that a Singapore-based student wins the competition, a cash equivalent to the value of the flights and hotel accommodation will be provided. Second Prize   A US$1000 cash prize will be awarded to the first runner-up. If the winner cannot attend the 2009 APEC CEO Summit in Singapore, the first runner-up will take his or her position. Third Prize   A US$500 cash prize will be awarded to the second runner-up.   Eligibility Entrants must be citizens or permanent residents of APEC member economies (Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; People's Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; Philippines; Russia; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; United States; Viet Nam) Entrants must be a currently registered graduate or upper-level (third/fourth year) undergraduate student. Entrants must be enrolled in a Business faculty/department/school at a tertiary education institution, and be advancing towards a business-related degree.   Judging Criteria Propose new and feasible directions, interpretations and recommendations to enhance the role of APEC in facilitating business.  Demonstrate originality in analytical approach and treatment of topic. The essay should display a high level of critical and independent thinking.  Display clarity and effectiveness of style and organization.  Show evidence of external research and use of bibliography and references. The essay should adhere to format and length rules.   Essay Guidelines Must be written in English Must be between 3,500 and 4,000 words (excluding abstract, footnotes and bibliography) Must include an abstract summarizing the paper in no more than 300 words Must be typed, double-spaced and conform to the standardized style guide of the Chicago Manual of Style <http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html> with all pages clearly numbered Must be in Microsoft Word format Submission only via email to essay@apec.org (No hard copies) Subject header for the submission email must be: Submission for APEC 20th Anniversary Essay Writing Contest Only one submission entry will be accepted from each entrant The essay must be accompanied by a copy of the entrant's current student identification card Entry period: 2 March 2009 - 31 July 2009 Contest deadline: 31 July 2009, 11:59PM (GMT +08:00) Singapore Time Must include a cover sheet indicating: Full Name (as in passport) Gender Citizenship / Permanent Residency Current Mailing Address Current Email address Telephone Number(s) Name of University Name of Faculty/Department/School Level of Study (Bachelor's/Master's/PhD) Year of Study Title of Essay Word count (excluding abstract, footnotes and bibliography) The decisions of the APEC Secretariat's judging panel are final. The Secretariat reserves the right to disqualify any essay submission that does not conform to the above stipulated guidelines. The Secretariat upholds academic integrity and takes a strong position against plagiarism (i.e. submitting essays that are not the result of entrants' own thought, research, or self-expression and/or using ideas from other sources without appropriate acknowledgement). Any essays found plagiarized will be immediately disqualified. Entrants are reminded not to call the Secretariat for information about the status of their essays. Other Information The winners will be notified by 30 September 2009 COPYRIGHT: The APEC Secretariat shall own the entire copyright interest in all essays submitted in the competition until the results are publicly announced. Subsequently, the APEC Secretariat shall relinquish such copyright interest to the authors of non-prize-winning entries. The APEC Secretariat shall own the entire copyright interest in the top three winning entries. The APEC Secretariat will normally, at its discretion, grant permission to those requesting republication of all or part of the prize-winning essays upon submission of a written request. The APEC Secretariat will require parties republishing these essays to: (1) acquire the prior written consent of the APEC Secretariat; (2) acknowledge the APEC essay competition; and (3) note that the views expressed in the essay may not represent APEC's views on any matter. The authors of the essays agree to execute such documents as the APEC Secretariat may request to vest in the APEC Secretariat the entire copyright interest in the essays as provided above. LOST ENTRIES: The Secretariat will not be held responsible for any essays lost or not received. DISCLAIMER: The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in any and all essays are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect the views of APEC. The APEC Secretariat does not make or give any representation, warranty or undertaking, express or implied, as to, or assume any responsibility for: (i) the completeness or accuracy of the information contained in this document; (ii) the reasonableness of the assumptions or the information on which it was based; or (iii) the suitability of this information for its intended purpose. PRIVACY: By submitting an essay, entrants agree that if they should win, the APEC Secretariat may use the personal information on their entry forms for publicity purposes, with the exception of street address, email address and telephone number. The winning authors consent to the use of their personal information by the APEC Secretariat in publicity in all media, such as online, print, television, and radio, and agree to cooperate with the APEC Secretariat in developing the appropriate publicity and promotional materials, in any medium, for such publicity. Data gathered from non-winning authors will only be used in aggregate (i.e., not personally identifiable) form.

UK military course enriching, says PNG Defence Force officer

Captions: 1. Picture caption: (L-R) Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Commodore Nike Randle receives a gift of a miniature Trobriand Islands yam house from Commander Tau Ila of the PNG Defence Force. Randle is the director of the Cranfield University's Defence Leadership & Management Centre 2. (L-R) Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Commodore Nike Randle presents Commander Tau Ila of the PNG Defence Force with his certificate. Randle is the director of the Cranfield University's Defence Leadership & Management Centre.

 

A senior PNG Defence Force officer has described a seven-week defence management course in the United Kingdom as enriching and one that more army personnel should participate in.

Commander Tau Ila recently returned to PNG after completing the “Managing Defence in a Wider Security Context” course at the Cranfield University in the UK. The university is part of the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom.

The course was funded by the British Government and included participants from military forces from the Commonwealth and around the world.

The PNGDF officer, who will take up a senior posting within the defence force’s human resource department, said the course included a section on managing the welfare and career of officers within the army.

At a debrief with the British High Commission, Commander Ila said: “Any organisation is only as good as the people in it. The seven week course looked at a range of subjects designed to ensure that a modern Defence Force not only values and invests in its people but also gets the most out of them. In addition to specific management training the course also looked in detail at the military and civilian government relationship and governance. In particular, the peacetime role of a modern defence force in fulfilling its security obligations and supporting broader national development goals." 

British High Commissioner to PNG, David Dunn, welcomed the participation of the PNGDF in the course and said it was imperative that all military forces constantly updated themselves with the latest thinking in military doctrine and strategic personnel management.

“I am sure that Commander Ila also took the opportunity to brief the UK and other international course participants from around the world, including Africa, Central Europe and Asia, on the experiences of the PNGDF," he added.

InterOil announces March quarter profit

PORT MORESBY: InterOil is optimistic of a “strong and vibrant future” following the release of its latest financial figures.

The company reported a net profit of US$2.6-million for the three months ended 31^st March 2009.

It represents a $US5.0-million improvement over the equivalent period for 2008, when a loss was recorded.

The strongest part of its operation was the midstream refinery segment which posted a net profit of $US10.3-million.

Chief financial officer Collin Visaggio says this is up from a $US0.2-million profit in the equivalent period of 2008.

“It represents a dramatic improvement in our refinery’s results and one that gives us greater confidence in its future viability,” he said.

He cited an improved naphtha premium and gains on hedge account transactions as among the main reasons for the improvement.

The average refinery run rate of almost 19,000 barrels per day during the period of which more than 11,000 barrels were for domestic sales.

The company’s midstream liquefaction segment recorded a net loss of $US2.6-million reflecting expenses incurred in the PNG LNG joint venture project.

“These expenses are a necessary investment in the future of not only our company but also of the entire nation”, Mr Visaggio said.

“In many ways it is the most exciting part of our business and one which, in time to come, may yield outstanding results.”

InterOil’s downstream segment posted a net profit of $US1.0-million while its upstream segment had a net loss of $US2.1-million.

The company’s debt-to-capital ratio also underwent a dramatic improvement during the past 12 months.

“It now stands at a very healthy 34%, compared to 68% in the same quarter of 2008”, Mr Visaggio said.

“This gives us a great base to work from and will help ensure our strength, particularly in these difficult economic times.”

 

For further in formation please contact

Susuve Laumaea

Senior Manager Media Relations InterOil Corporation

Ph: (675) 321 7040

Mobile: (675) 684 5168

Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com  

 

Bishop Rev Dr Wesley Kigasung is laid to rest

PNG Defence Force soldiers lower Dr Kigasung's casket into the tomb. This and all pictures by DAVID HARRO

Some of the thousands of people who attended Dr Kigasung's burial at Aluki village, Bukawa

Tears for Dr Kigasung at Aluki

Bishop Kigasung's body being taken for burial

PNG Defence Force soldiers lower Dr Kigasung's casket into the tomb

Dr Kigasung's tomb

PNG Defence Force Band leads the funeral procession at Aluki

Flashback...we look back to the burial of Rev Dr Wesley Kigasung on Sunday, May 25, 2008 at his Aluki village, Morobe province...

Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG leader, the late Bishop Doctor Wesley Kigasung, was laid to rest at his Aluki village in Bukawa, Morobe province, after 3pm last Sunday, May 25, 2008.

Thousands of people from the Bukawa villages, Lae, Morobe province, Papua New Guinea and overseas flocked to Aluki to see Bishop Kigasung buried in a concrete tomb.

Heavy overnight rain last Saturday night and Sunday gave way to bright sunshine in time for the burial.

It ended a week of mourning in which Dr Kigasung’s body traveled to Port Moresby, Mount Hagen, Madang and Lae before the final journey home to Aluki by road from Lae last Saturday afternoon.

Thousands of people lined the road from Lae to Aluki to bid farewell to Dr Kigasung as his motorcade drove past.

In emotional scenes, men, women and children wept, sang, waved banners, flags and threw flowers at the motorcade.

In one of the most-moving scenes, at Situm primary school, children sang a touching tribute to Dr Kigasung which brought tears to the eyes of those in the motorcade.

Many commented that the respect accorded to Dr Kigasung between Lae and Aluki yesterday, as well as that shown between Nadzab and Lae last Friday, and at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium last Saturday, had never been seen before in this country.

At Aluki, tears again flowed freely for its favorite son as local villagers, those from Lae, and others from Siassi Island – the place where Dr Kigasung was born and the last place he visited – sang traditional songs of mourning for the charismatic and much-loved leader of 1.2 million Lutherans in PNG.

Last Sunday's funeral service was delayed because of the non-arrival of Morobe Governor Luther Wenge as expected.

The burial was later delayed again because of the slow drying of cement in the concrete tomb because of the wet conditions.

VIPs present included Lae MP Bart Philemon, Tewai/Siassi MP Vincent Michaels, Bulolo MP Sam Basil, former judge Don Sawong and Kambang Holdings chairman Namon Mawason as well as a representative of the American Lutheran Church.

ELCPNG Jabem District president Reverend Gedisa Okamaisa said Dr Kigasung was a “humble” servant of God and the people.

“He left us at a time when we least expected,” Rev. Okamaisa said.

“His death is a call for us to take ownership of the church.”

Special tribute to Reverend Doctor Wesley Kigasung (please click individual images to enlarge)

A tribute to Bishop Reverend Dr Wesley Kigasung

This is the tribute piece I wrote about the Head Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea, Rev Dr Wesley Kigasung, on the occassion of his untimely death exactly a year ago on May 14, 2008. Lutheran in PNG continue to pray for a good leader to run the ELCPNG, who will be elected at next January's Synod

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea, one of the largest mainline churches in the country with up to 1.2 million followers, is mourning the sudden death of its charismatic leader – the American university educated Bishop Reverend Dr Wesley Kigasung – who passed away yesterday aged 57.
He will be remembered by Lutherans all over the country for his skills as a preacher of the Word of God.
Wesley Waekesa Kigasung comes from Aluki village in the Bukawa area of Morobe province.
He was born on July 16, 1950, and is married to Susie Manempen Kigasung of Mindere village in the Rai Coast area of Madang Province.
The Kigasungs are blessed with two daughters and two grand daughters.
The young Wesley Kigasung received primary education in remote Menyamya and later on Siassi Island where he did secondary schooling at Gelem High School (now Siassi High School) from1966 to 1968.
He completed High school at Asaroka Lutheran High School in Goroka, Eastern Highlands in 1969.
Kigasung attended Martin Luther Seminary from 1970-1975 and graduated in 1975 with Diploma of Theology and Bachelor of Theology.
He received further studies at the University of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby from 1976 – 1978 and graduated from the University in 1979 with the degree of Master of Arts majoring in history of PNG).
From 1979 to 1980 he served as Circuit Pastor in remote Kaintiba, Gulf province.
In 1981 Kigasung was called to teach at Martin Luther Seminary in Lae until the end of 1982.
In March 1983 he left with his family for Germany for language studies.
Towards the end of 1984 he again left for further studies in Chicago, USA, where he graduated in 1986 with the degree of Master of Theology at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.
Kigasung continued studies for his doctoral degree and completed all doctoral work in 1989, when he received the degree Doctor of Theology from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.
He resumed work as Lecturer at Martin Luther Seminary towards the end of 1989.
In 1991 he was appointed Principal of Martin Luther Seminary and served as Principal until 1997.
In January 1998 Kigasung was elected Head Bishop of the church at the Kimbe Synod.
Kigasung is widely respected as an intellectual and a leading preacher of the word of God in this country.
“I believe it is a special gift from God,” he told me in a rare interview in 2006.
“From my early years in school I already developed the skill of speaking in front of my peers.
“Through the years I have challenged myself to develop my abilities in order to serve well.
“I like to read a lot and I have read lots of books on leadership and other books that help to develop my skills in working and communicating with people.
“My philosophy in life is to do well in a given task; to face life and responsibility without fear and doubt; to take criticisms and face difficult situations with humility and respond with positive attitude and be more proactive rather than being reactionary.”
Kigasung says being the spiritual leader of all Lutherans is not an easy task but he finds so much joy in serving God.
“It is not easy,” he says frankly of his job.
“Very challenging and very demanding.
“But there is much joy and satisfaction in serving God's people.
“I find much joy in meeting people of different cultures and different works of life and back ground and of different nationalities.
“You see and experience God's wonders and life in the faces of these different people in the church.
“I leave my future in God's hand.
“This is my last term as Head Bishop.
“I hope and pray that the Lord will grant me good health and strength to serve him in another role after this final term as bishop.”
From January 9 to 13, 2006, the ELCPNG held its 25th Synod at remote Wasu in Morobe province, where Dr Kigasung was reelected for a third four-year term.
The first Synod was held in 1956 at Simbang, Finschhafen, the site of the first landing of the pioneer German missionary Johannes Flierl in 1886.
It was at this Synod that the Church adopted its Church Order (or Constitution)
The first Head Bishop of the newly founded Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of New Guinea (ELCONG) was elected in 1956.
He was an American missionary, the Reverend Dr John Kuder.
The three Head Bishops preceding Dr Kigasung were Bishop Dr. John Kuder (1956 – 1972); Bishop Sir Zurewe Zurenuoc (1973 – 1981) and Bishop Sir Getake Gam (1982 – 1997).
Dr Kigasung was reelected at a time where there is splintering within the church through the Lutheran renewal movement; when there are criticisms from within the Church itself that it has become sluggish and has been sidetracked from fulfilling its greatest mission of spreading the word of God; that it has become so vocal on business matters without paying any attention to evangelism, ministerial training, health, education and the welfare of its pastors and evangelists; and there has been talk about the creation of a Lutheran university in Lae.
So what of the future?
“The major plans for the future of the Church is to revisit the mission of the church; to revitalise the church to become more responsible and accountable in financial matters; improve leadership responsibility; improve pastoral responsibilities as well as addressing the concerns of the pastors and other church workers.
“I encourage all Lutherans to share their faith in the many gifts and talents that they possess to help build the church.
“I want to introduce to the church the theme for the new period of this church for the next 50 years.
“I want to challenge all genuine and committed Lutherans with the theme: ‘Sharing the Faith, Building the Church’.
“All Lutherans are asked to come forward in support of their church by ‘Sharing their Faith in Building the Church’.”

The life of Rev Dr Wesley Kigasung in pictures

Bishops Council May 2008, Rev Dr Kigasung's last attendance

Buang Circuit office opening - Rev Dr Kigasung officiating

Buang Circuit office opening - Rev Dr Wesley Kigasung leads

Casket carried by Jabem District members to St Andrew's church at Ampo, Lae

Rev Dr Wesley Kigasung

Rev Dr Wesley Kigasung in Germany

Rev Dr Wesley Kigasung meeting mothers at Siassi on his fateful last trip before his death

Rev Dr Wesley Kigasung on a pastoral visit in 2005

Rev Dr Wesley Kigasung preaching at Kundiawa on his ELC Simbu District pastoral visit in 2007

Rev Dr Wesley Kigasung preaching at the Wasu Synod 2006

Rev Dr Wesley Kigasung responding to keynote speech at the 2003 Lutheran World Federation General Assembly in Canada

Wesley Waekesa Kigasung (July 16, 1950-May 14, 2008)

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea marks first anniversary of Rev Dr Wesley Kigasung's death

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG will tomorrow marks the first anniversary of the death of its much-respected and charismatic leader Bishop Rev Dr Wesley Kigasung.

The ELCPNG, one of the largest mainline churches in the country with more than 1.2 million followers, lost   the American university educated Rev Dr Wesley on May 14, 2008, aged 57.

He is survived by wife Susie, daughters Joanna and Maureen, son Luther, son-in-law Franford Dagina, and two grand daughters Natasha and Melissa.

His legacy, however, lives on to this day as Lutherans throughout PNG still struggle to come to terms with his untimely death.

In emotional scenes in Port Moresby, Mount Hagen, Madang and Lae upon his passing last year, thousands of church followers turned up to pay their last respects.

A successor for Rev Dr Kigasung will be elected at the 2010 synod to be hosted by the Jabem district next January.

Staff at the ELCPNG headquarters at Ampo in Lae and the 17 district presidents will tomorrow travel to Rev Dr Kigasung’s Aluki village to commemorate the first anniversary of his death.

They will hand over the headstone for his grave, to be followed by a service, speeches, and a final customary feast to end the traditional one year of mourning.