Peter Garrett is new Montevideo Maru patron

From MvM Newsletter 8

December 2009

Montevideo Maru Memorial Committee

 

PETER GARRETT is the new patron of the Montevideo Maru Memorial Committee.

In February, he will take over the role from Prof Kim Beazley, recently appointed as Australia’s ambassador to the United States.

The Committee was established a year ago to ensure greater national recognition for events surrounding the fall of Rabaul in 1942 and Australia’s greatest maritime disaster, the sinking of the Montevideo Maru with the loss of 1,053 troops and civilians.

Peter Garrett’s grandfather, Tom Vernon Garrett, was a prisoner on the Montevideo Maru.

Tom, a planter, was born in London UK and served in World War I with the 6^th Light Horse Regiment.

He lived at Varzin Plantation on New Britain and was 54 when he died.

“My grandfather’s death was mentioned in passing at family events, but it wasn’t until my mid-twenties, when I saw an article concerning the incident, that my understanding was filled in,” Mr Garrett said.

“It’s time to fill a huge gap in our history,” Mr Garrett said.

 “By giving recognition to one of the most significant and tragic events of World War II, we can honor those who lost their lives and provide a much-needed commemoration of this extraordinary event.”

“The sinking of the Montevideo Maru was one of the most significant events of World War II but is still relatively little known. It is an important part of Australia’s history and, given my family connection, I was pleased to become Patron of the committee.”

Peter Garrett AM MP was elected Labor Member for the electorate of Kingsford Smith at the 2004 federal election and was appointed Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts following the election of the Rudd Labor Government in November 2007.

He is a passionate advocate and campaigner on a range of Australian and global issues, particularly related to the arts and the environment.

He came to public prominence as a member and lead singer of the Australian band, Midnight Oil.

In this role, he wrote the lyrics of a popular song, In The Valley, which drew its power from the Montevideo Maru sinking and other tragic events that had affected his family.

My grandfather went down with the Montevideo

The rising sun sent him floating to his rest

 

 

 

Hurricane Katrina - Incredible Pictures!

Magee is 150 miles North of Waveland, Mississippi where the Hurricane made
land fall.
Worth passing on!!!
The dance with Katrina, part of her beauty as she left destruction on her
exit. They are remarkably dramatic.
The following picture was taken from the third story balcony of Saint Stanislaus College located next door to Our Lady of the Gulf church in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi on the morning of August 29th, 2005. This is believed to be the initial tidal wave from Hurricane Katrina. The tidal wave was approximately 35 to 40 feet high. When it slammed into the b each front
communities of Bay Saint Louis and Waveland Mississippi to completely destroy 99% of every structure along the beach for 9 miles and over ? of a mile inland. The destruction only started there. The flooding that continued inland destroyed the contents of all but 35 homes in these two communities of approximately 14,000 people.
Can you imagine holding your camera steady enough to take these photos!
These pictures were taken by a man in Magee, MS where the eye of the storm passed through - what an experience.

PNG Ports Corporation Ltd changes work culture

Caption: PNGPCL CEO Brian Riches speaking at a port managers’ conference in Port Moresby earlier this year.-Picture courtesy of PNGPCL

 

PNG Ports Corporation Ltd is making significant efforts to change its work culture from that of the public sector to one of the private sector, according to CEO Brian Riches.

“There has been a significant effort by management to shift the PNGPCL work culture away from that of the private sector to one which reflects that of the private sector,” he said in his Christmas message.

“However, management is committed to making the necessary changes to transform the work culture into an environment that reflects a viable and efficient operation, where customer service excellence and productivity are the primary focus of both employees and management alike.

“Making the necessary cultural changes will continue to require the support the human resource department through training, development, coaching and mentoring programmes and the implementation of an effective performance management system.

“This training and development cannot be undertaken in isolation.

“Its success will be dependent upon all levels of management understanding their own capacity requirements.”

PNGPCL is currently one of the largest employers in the commercial sector, currently employing 450 staff, with nine vacancies for contract officers and 268 non-contract officers.

Mr Riches also announced that the Klein System, a port-specific information technology system, was currently being rolled out in Lae and would run for approximately four months in parallel with the current system, before going live.

“It was developed with the intention of interfacing automatically with the PNGPCL’s financial management system and this phase of the project is yet to be finalised,” he said.

“Testing is being undertaken in Port Moresby.”

PNG Ports Corporation Ltd cannot improve wharves, CEO admits

Caption:  Port of Lae…one of the few that is making money in the country.-Picture courtesy of PNGPCL

 

PNG Ports Corporation Ltd does not have the financial capacity to improve facilities through the country, according to CEO Brian Riches.

Mr Riches made this blunt assertion to staff in his 2009 Christmas message last Friday.

“Currently, PNG Ports does not have the financial capacity to improve facilities to bring them up to acceptable operating standards due to cash flow issues and funding shortfalls,” he said.

“Most of the existing wharves and berthes throughout the entire PNGPCL port network were built in the early 1960s.

“We are currently strategising maintenance and organising capital investment into the port infrastructure for the safety and operational capacity of PNGPCL’s existing infrastructure.

“Investments for capital infrastructure such as reconstruction of PNGPCL berths and new container terminals remain a high priority by the board and management.

“However, the benefits derived from investment will not be maximised unless coupled with improved operational efficiencies and performance.”

Mr Riches said in 2008, PNGPCL’s three largest ports – Lae, Kimbe and Port Moresby – under the PNGPCL management generated 93.7% of total revenue.

“All other ports are not considered to be commercially-viable and PNGPCL argues that they are maintained and remain open as part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to its community service obligation,” he said.

“With the exception of Lae, Port Moresby and Kimbe ports, PNGPCL classifies all other ports as non-viable commercial operations.

“While the financial performance of the smaller ports has improved somewhat over the past five years, there is still considerable cross-subsidisation occurring.

“PNGPCL management is committed to creating subsidiary companies for each of these ports that would operate under the umbrella of the existing parent company.”

Mr Riches admitted that PNGPCL’s engineering department currently lacked the necessary capacity to support and manage engineering and structural requirements of PNGPCL infrastructure.

“Executive management is committed to the rehabilitation of the engineering department,” he said.

“Primary area of focus for engineering will be the development of maintenance and apex infrastructure for next five years, which will identify and prioritise financial expenditure requirements.

“It is recommended that the department work closely with the project team, finance department, operations and port business managers for this process to be undertaken successfully.

“For engineering to function effectively, communication with all the internal and external stakeholders will be critical to the future investment and maintenance of infrastructure and port operations.”

Mr Riches said PNGPCL also placed high emphasis on such areas as occupational health and safety (OH and S), and security at its ports due to international treaties, customs and best practice port security requirements.   

Boeing take off

For those of you who are unaware, Eva is the airline of Taiwan. This is a wonderful photo.
Eva Air Boeing 747-45EM taking off from runway 36L at Amsterdam-Schiphol .
The great timing and angle, and the size of the 747 makes this shot look quite surreal.
The distance to the fence was 145 metres (475ft)  !

A home away from home in Port Moresby

Chief Executive Officer of PNG Ports Corporation Limited Brian Riches (left) about to make an entry into the newly-established Seafarers’ Centre as General Manager-Corporate Services Jerome Peniasi opens the door.

The Seafarers’ Centre has been established by PNGPCL for transiting seafarers to relax in and keep in touch with business colleagues and family members when passing through Port Moresby Port on business trips.

The Seafarers’ Centre has a lounge room, Internet café, telephones, tea room and provides beautiful scenery looking out towards the Port Moresby Fairfax Harbour.

 

mv Mondi unveiled

Mrs Ila Temu, wife of PNG Ports Corporation Limited Chairman, Dr Ila Temu,  formally unveiling the newly-acquired pilot boat mv Mondi last Friday, December 11, 2009 at the PNGPCL Head Office jetty. The pilot boat was named after Mrs Temu.

PNG Media Awards Night 2009 (please click to enlarge)

Gunmen wound Papua New Guinea chief ombudsman

Unknown gunmen have shot and wounded Papua New Guinea’s chief ombudsman, Chronox Manek, in what is being described as an assassination attempt outside his Port Moresby home.

The shooting occurred on Friday night and the newspaper, The National, says a bullet went through his shoulder.

Mr Manek says after shooting several times, the gunmen got back in their car and sped off, thinking he was dead.

He says he tried to follow his attackers but, feeling dizzy from loss of blood, he decided to drive to a nearby hospital.

The Police Commissioner Gari Baki says one of his senior officers visited the chief ombudsman in hospital soon after the incident.

Transparency International ranks PNG 151st out of 180 of the most corrupt countries in their annual list.

A host of other government figures, including the prime minister and the treasurer, are currently under investigation by the Ombudsman Commission.

News Content © Radio New Zealand International

PO Box 123, Wellington, New Zealand

mv Mondi welcomed by PNGPCL

PNG Ports Corporation Ltd’s new pilot vessel mv Mondi (pictured) was officially welcomed at its Christmas function in Port Moresby last Friday evening.

mv Mondi is named after the wife of PNGPCL chairman Dr Ila Temu, who officiated last Friday.

The 13.67m boat, with an aluminium superstructure and powered by two Caterpillar engines, was bought from Bundaberg Port Corporation in Australia

Dr Temu thanked PNGPCL board of directors, CEO Brian Riches, management and the pilotage department for naming the newly-acquired boat after his wife.

Dr Temu said the board, as part of its strategic direction to move forward, had provided the CEO:

• The mandate to expand existing company operations to include harbour management and additional pilotage services;
• Set up the operating vehicle for harbour management; and
• Expand the pilotage service and fee structure.

“The board is aware that PNGPCL is in the process of implementing a strategic plan to identify direction of pilotage services and revenue opportunities, e.g., Australian Reef Pilots,” he said.

“We are committed to support the PNGPCL management in meeting challenges by facilitating economic growth through quality and efficient service delivery, profitability, sustainable investment in infrastructure, exceeding stakeholder and shareholder expectations and meeting legislative and community service obligations.

“The company is currently continuing its organisational restructure, revitalisation of services and rehabilitation of facilities throughout PNG.

“We are proud to be the only pilotage service provider in PNG.

“With the inclusion of mv Mondi, PNGPCL’s pilotage services will be boosted at its Port Moresby port/harbour.

“PNGPCL is aiming to boost the pilotage capacity from its current 15 to 20 pilots with the assistance of Australian Reef Pilots,

“We plan to have more pilotage boats as well for the pilotage department going forward.”

PNGPCL CEO Brian Riches admitted that currently resources in its pilotage division were limited.

“Resources include human resources and infrastructure, each of which require considerable investment to expand and provide an expanded service to other ports and provide reef and coastal pilotage services,” he said.

“Prior to a pilotage strategic review undertaken earlier this year, PNGPCL had estimated that it would have to increase its pilot numbers from 15 to 20 over the next five years.

“PNGPCL, with technical assistance from Australian Reef Pilots, has acquired the mv Mondi to boost its pilotage operations.

“In addition, there is the possibility to develop coastal pilotage services with some initial partnership approaches with Australian Reef Pilots.”

More pictures of The World's visit to Alotau, Milne Bay province

The World visits Milne Bay

Captions: 1. Canadian tourists who were seen delving into Milne Bay's rich World War II history took time to pose happily and with candid smiles at the Alotau War Memorial. 2. An American couple (left) and English couple (right) from The World look at Trobriand artifacts at Alotau's War Memorial Park.3. Renowned Anthropologist Dr Sullivan (second from left) and friends from California pose outside the Alotau market.4.  An American tourist rushes in to the Alotau market for green coconuts to beat down the scorching sun.

 

By LORRAINE JONATHAN                                        

                

 Cruise liner mv The World docked into luxurious tranquility when Milne Bay became its port of call recently.

The Bahamas flag- bearing ship of 250 crew and 200 passengers sent many of its curious passengers ashore on foot and carefree on their bicycles.

Among guests on the 200m-long vessel was renowned anthropologist Dr Nancy Sullivan who is currently based in Madang.

She was accompanied by tourists from California and others from 40 different countries who all exclaimed that they were set to explore beautiful Papua New Guinea.

Dr Sullivan has been a strong advocate of tourism as a way forward for Papua New Guinea and as a guest on The World lectured to tourists from 40 different countries on Papua New Guinea.

"Tourism is good for PNG,” she said.

“It brings much-needed funds to these remote communities, encourages them to maintain a traditional lifestyle and prevents the young men, in particular, from having to seek to work in the cities where they are subject to many dangerous influences."

Dr Sullivan and her friendly entourage cycled to the Alotau War Memorial which was highlighted on the day of their arrival by Trobriand craftsmen and their impressive artwork.

 Soon after they parked their bicycles outside the Alotau Town Market next to several marketing stalls of the informal sector sprawled at the entrance of the market.

While a few stepped in to grab some young, thirst-quenching coconuts and cordial ice blocks, the more adventurous tourists made a bolder move toward the betelnut and tobacco stalls.

The tourists cycled through the outskirts of the quiet town while most of the local people observed a quiet Sunday of Christian worship.

The World, which departed on the same day that afternoon, is no ordinary cruise liner but a floating residential community owned by residents of the ship from 40 different countries.

While she shares similar facilities to those on board a cruise liner, she is more unique because of her residential nature.

Her features include a grocery store and delicatessen, boutique, athletic facilities that include a golf simulator, putting green, casino, full-sized tennis court, jogging track and gym.

The World boasts four restaurants and entertainment including a movie theatre and music performances.

 Classes are also offered for dance, navigation, cooking, language, arts and crafts, music, computers and photography

Her 200-300m bedroom luxury apartments have open plan living and dining areas with master and guest bedrooms that have ensuite bathing facilities.

A full-sized kitchen is also a feature and Internet access is provided to each residence.

The World's website www.aboardtheworld.com describes having a private apartment onboard as "the magic carpet that provides you with the ride of your life with the comfort of home".

While some residents live onboard full time others visit their floating home periodically through the year as their ship slowly circumnavigates the globe.

 

Accra Caucus on Forests and Climate Change (ACFCC)

December 12^th 2009, Copenhagen: UNFCCC Climate Change Summit, Denmark

A robust agreement in Copenhagen to save rainforests is stripped of a global objective on halting deforestation, as developing country governments react to lack of commitment by rich countries.          Non-governmental organisations from around the world today strongly condemned negotiators at the Copenhagen climate summit for removing key content from a draft agreement aimed at protecting the world’s rainforests.

“The outcome of the negotiations of REDD under the UNFCCC will be crucial for the future of tropical rainforests and forest-dependent peoples.  If we lose the battle against deforestation we lose the battle against climate change,” said Kenn Mondiai – Chairman of the Papua New Guinea Ecoforestry Forum speaking on behalf of the Accra Caucus [2] on forests and climate change.

The draft text, released by government negotiators this morning following three days of closed-door discussions, shows that an objective for reducing deforestation by at least 50% by 2020 that had been included in an earlier ‘pre-Copenhagen’ draft of the agreement has now been removed. Similarly, wording that would ensure that biodiversity and the rights of indigenous peoples would be protected has also been moved out of the operative part of the agreement [1].

”In order to be successful, the REDD agreement must include a target for ending deforestation by 2020.  Without this, there is a risk that emissions from forest destruction will be prolonged with devastating impacts that will endanger forest-dependent communities and indigenous peoples, biodiversity and exacerbate climate change” said Kenn Mondiai – Chairman of the Papua New Guinea Ecoforestry Forum.

The loss of the specific target for reducing deforestation is believed to have come about as a result of pressure from tropical countries, who have been angered at the lack of financial commitments from the rich world to help them develop without destroying their forests and the lack of binding and adequate commitments to reducing industrial CO2 emissions by those responsible for creating the climate crisis.

“It’s hardly surprising that developing countries won’t agree to commit to global targets for reductions in deforestation, when rich countries aren't prepared to commit to global targets for reductions of industrial emissions. We are watching an historic opportunity turn into a monumental disaster” said Kenn Mondiai.

The key to saving forests and the climate is that binding targets to reduce industrial emissions, as well as long term financial commitments from developed countries, must be struck at the same time as a deal to reduce deforestation.

 “As developing countries rally around the call for emission reduction targets that will keep temperature increases below 1.5 degrees, so the need for tougher targets for REDD become critical if REDD is to be a part of a meaningful outcome from Copenhagen”³ said Kenn Mondiai.

Notes

[1] The former text stated “parties shall”, but the new wording places no specific obligations on parties to adhere to safeguards

[2] The Accra Caucus consists of over 100 non-governmental organisations from 30 countries, (including all the major countries with tropical rainforest)

[3] notes on G77 position needed

For additional information contact Kenn Mondiai in Copenhagen on +4553996756 or chiefmondiai@gmail.com

 

Exam answers...

Is this just a lull before social turmoil?- Alfredo Hernandez 10.12.09

From John Fowke

What Alfredo and other less-outspoken commentators have said recently regarding a lack of interest in individual enterprise within PNG society-  which they say has led to a vacuum filled by enterprising Asians- -is something to be considered, although it is not entirely correct.It is wrong, in fact it is insulting, to ascribe sign of a growing unrest at the recent Asian invasion into many areas of business in PNG, to simple envy and  jealousy on the part of PNG'ians.

As for the presence of Philippine nationals as such in PNG, most of these, beginning in the 1970's, have been professional and administrative and trades-connected migrants who have come as workers rather than business-people. I think this fact is recognised although Philippinos in general, like all foreigners who stay for long in PNG, are still new colonials in the eyes of most citizens.

 May I recommend to Alfredo and to his countrymen who are of a similar general opinion that they look back upon the history of their own nation?

 The small, semi-tribal kingdoms, rajahnates, and principalities which ruled the islands of that great Asian archipelago, today the independant Republic of Philippines, were free in the same measure as pre-colonial PNG was free up until 125 years ago. These small Philippine kingdoms conducted their own affairs and benefitted for centuries in terms of a sporadic but important contact with seaborne traders from China, Vietnam and other neighbouring kingdoms.

 Then came the Spanish explorers, and the expedition led by Legaspi in 1564 which established the foothold from which dominance and full control by Spain over the whole archipelago arose. Spain ruled, and controlled not only the civil affairs and the laws, but also the trade of this rich colony for more than 300 years. Spain was displaced  by the United States of America which granted full independence to the people of the Philippines in 1946, only 30 years befor PNG became an independant nation.

 Don't tell us, please, Alfredo, that your fathers and your uncles and grandparents, to say nothing of their ancestors right back to 1565, did not chafe under the yoke of authoritarian colonial control and colonial exploitation? Dont tell us that even today,  Phillipine nationals dont have any negative feelings about the heavy presence of American multinational companies and those less-desirable effects emanating from the US military presence in your country? Under Aguinaldo in the 1890's your people fought a vicious and prolonged guerilla war against the colonial forces of the US, until, at the cost of a great many lives on both sides, the Americans again established control over your country. Dont tell us that the Philippinos of that generation together with their descendants held no animosity toward the Americans, who still have quite a large influence on the commerce and the politcs of your country. Think about this and then consider the feelings of Papua New Guineans, at one moment made free of foreign domination, and so soon after independence, once again heavily colonized in terms of influence and takeup of business opportunities by aliens. Is there any wonder that they feel aggrieved? 

 

John Fowke

Pacific Storms Brisbane 2009 (please click to enlarge)

Is this just a lull before a social turmoil?

By ALFREDO P. HERNANDEZ    

 

Thursday, 10 December 2009 10:07 

 

 WHILE Papua New Guineans are looking forward to Christmas Day, Asians in this blessed country are looking beyond this red letter date, and with so much apprehensions, anxieties and dread.

Taking the threat seriously, they are growingly concerned about the violent prospects of December 31, New Year’s Eve. This is the day when all Asian-operated small businesses are supposed to cease operations once and for all, or else they go up in smoke in the fashion of burning pyrotechnics at a Christmas carnival.

The “cease-your-business-operation” order has been issued by a group of faceless and nameless anarchic individuals who are spearheading a hate campaign against Asians in PNG.

In particular, the targets are those small entrepreneurs who run successful businesses – retail stores, shops, grocery, among others -- in urban centers across the country.

Among Asians, it is only the Chinese, especially the old-timers, who have persevered in putting up such enterprises and succeeded. Other Asian people – Malaysians, Indonesians, Indians, Pakistanis, Filipinos, Singaporeans, Japanese, Vietnamese and Thais, among others – came to this country as professionals and technical people; they are not here to work as store owners or storekeepers.

Unfortunately, the generic tag that expatriates carry conveniently lumps them together with the Chinese in the same rubbish bag. All being Asians, they have also become the target of racial hatred and maybe later – racial violence.

This has drawn a sharp reaction from the Philippine Ambassador to PNG, Madam Shirley Ho-Vicario, who resented media reports that had identified an Asian nationality as simply “Asian” and not as one where he comes from.

 She has wished that the country’s newspapers, radio and television would be more specific in their reference to such person who committed some transgression, like for instance, “Filipino”, “Malaysian”, “Chinese”, thus sparing other nationalities of possible backlash which could be physical harm or negative sentiments arising from the news report, instead of just identifying him in the generic.

These hate campaigners are claiming to have the support from various sectors of the society – including a Parliamentary bi-partisan committee investigating the anti-Asian May riot and various civil organizations.

However, this is a claim that has been shoved under layers of questions by thinking Papua New Guinean public because of the means with which they push their silly, stupid and out-of-this-world cause and agenda.

Sensible members of the Papua New Guinean society readily admit that whatever omissions that have ignited such hatred against Asians are of their own making and that of the very government of the day.

This is one anomaly that goes back to Day One of their nationhood but it is only now that they are realizing this: it is a social cancer that has spread wide and far. They were the ones who put those politicians into office, believing that they will do their jobs of making better the lives of the ordinary people.

But as it is, the country’s elected leaders have failed and this is now being attested by a million of people or so who have been marginalized and economically deprived, and are now being used as pawns by the city anarchists to drive away Asians out of this country.

Asians – the Chinese for one -- are just here to make a living because Papua New Guineans gave them the opportunity to do so and they are giving back in return in the form of a lively local economy, helped by the many little stores and shops they have put up.

And yet, these hate peddlers are ready to cause anarchy all over the city on December 31 by burning such innocent, productive establishments.

For more than eight months now, they have been crawling all over the villages and settlements and poisoning the minds of unschooled people that these Asians are the cause of their economic miseries; that they are robbing them of their supposed livelihoods, and depriving them of jobs that they should have right now but are instead in the hands of these people.

Of course, the members of the civil society who got sense in their heads believe otherwise, and they are in great number. Who would want to see their community, especially Port Moresby, go up in smoke on New Year’s Eve, except for these nameless, faceless animals?

These law-abiding citizens believe that should Asians opt to flee the country, there could be more ensuing problems, not only for the entire peace-loving citizenry but for the country’s economy as well.

If the Chinese close shop, who could we expect to takeover from them … the grassroots? I don’t think so.

After the Chinese of Honiara fled the country following the burning of the city in 2006 which ravaged their business houses, the enterprises that they left behind had never recovered, nearly killing the local economy.

It was only when they began coming back to Honiara two years later that the very same businesses have been resurrected. It goes to show that the locals who drove them away were incapable of putting up similar enterprises and running them with success. This scenario could surely be repeated in PNG.

Up to this time, the country’s police hierarchy is silent about the New Year’s Eve threat. Or maybe, they re just waiting and looking, but then I would like to give them the benefit of doubts.

The top echelons must have ignored it and dismissed it as pure “nonsense”. Or it could also be possible that like many Papua New Guineans, they are clueless as to who are causing this social intrigue.

When the first carnage erupted last May, beginning with a public rally attended by people who had nothing to do better in life, and then ending up in rioting and looting of several Asian-operated shops and trade stores, police were caught with their pants down.

Now they should know better.

If Asian expatriates are being gnawed at by insecurity amidst the advent of the Yuletide season culminating on New Year’s Eve, their respective ambassadors are even more worried and are having sleepless nights over this, so to speak.

On both personal and official levels of communications, these envoys have expressed worries to one another over what could happen 21 days from now -- to them and to their respective wards.

Asians in PNG are overseen by their respective embassies whose ambassadors are the highest government officials of their country holding office here. Their job is to look after their compatriots’ welfare, seeing to it that each citizen are obeying the laws of the host country and are free from harm or any form of threats.

That’s why the anarchists’ emailed threat to Asian businesses has become a great cause of concern among the members of the 21-nation Diplomatic Corps in Port Moresby.

During its monthly meeting held on December 4, the envoys from Asia raised concerns over the safety of their respective citizens here. One question they had asked pertained to the accuracy of the information arising from the threat that has been circulated:

“Is it true? Are the police aware of this? Is the Government aware of this? If so, what do they intend to do to prevent such carnage from actually taking place?”

“What does the Government intend to do to protect our citizens?”

Such questions obviously indicate the level of trust that the diplomatic community places on the local authorities, particularly the police establishment. Their confidence is somewhat being undermined by the fact that the perceived threat persists up to the present time, which signals to high heavens that no drastic move is being taken to mitigate the situation, at least on the psychological aspect of the issue.

Most of all, it also questions the police capability to actually gather first-hand intelligence as to what level of intensity such impending anarchy has progressed so far.

Do the police have assets among the grassroots to accurately pinpoint and identify individuals who are in direct cahoots with the brains of the anti-Asian movement? There could be more questions to ask.

Although the hate campaign is targeting Asians, one European ambassador has nevertheless expressed grave anxiety, saying it has now become a European concern and not just Asian’s. “While we are Europeans, we are very much concerned because we are a brother of yours here in PNG …”

Forging a common stand, the members of the Diplomatic Corps have agreed to call on relevant senior Government officials and present their concerns.

But with the brouhaha and excitement generated by green-lighting the US$15 billion PNG LNG project, the biggest resource development ever undertaken in PNG, to push ahead, will those relevant Government officials be responsibly involved enough to act?

Or is it Christmas as usual and that there’s no need to act in haste?

I would like to keep my fingers crossed, anyway.

Merry Christmas!

Email the writer: jarahdz500@online.net.pg   

alfredophernandez@thenational.com.pg   

To see the original web posting, please visit: http://www.batasmauricio.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=983:is-this-just-a-lull-before-a-social-turmoil&catid=40:letters-from-port-moresby&Itemid=117

To see previous articles, please visit: http://www.batasmauricio.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=40:letters-from-port-moresby&layout=blog&Itemid=117

Papua New Guinea LNG project given green light

By AAP

 

A $US15 billion ($A16.5 billion) liquefied natural gas project in Papua New Guinea has been approved by its operator and co-venturers.

The PNG liquefied natural gas project is a joint venture led by Esso Highlands Ltd, a subsidiary of energy giant ExxonMobil, with several partners.

Australian listed companies Oil Search and Santos are both part of the deal, as well as Japan's Nippon Oil, the PNG government's Eda Oil and a trustee to represent landowners affected by the project.

Managing director of Esso Highlands Peter Graham said in a statement that the project had been approved pending completion of sales and purchase agreements with LNG buyers and the finalisation of finance arrangements.

These were expected to be concluded by early 2010, he said.

"With this decision to proceed, the Papua New Guinea government and landowner nominees have joined the project as equity participants," Mr Graham said.

"We are pleased to achieve the important milestone of securing the approval of the co-venturers to move ahead with our project," he said.

News the project would be given the go-ahead was made at a ceremony in PNG's capital Port Moresby attended by the nation's Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare.

"ExxonMobil and our other private sector development partners have shown significant confidence in our nation," Sir Michael said, according to a statement issued by ExxonMobil.

"Cooperation between the public and private sectors will create value for the Papua New Guinea society as a whole and grow our economy in the future," he said.

The project participants will now continue to work with the PNG government and lenders to secure all the necessary environmental and social program approvals, the statement said.

The massive project is tipped to generate 6.6 million tonnes of LNG per annum for about 30 years.

It has hit some hurdles, with some local landowners unhappy at their representation during negotiations.

The PNG LNG project will develop gas fields in PNG's highlands and Western Province and transport the gas via pipeline to an LNG facility near Port Moresby for shipment overseas.

Analysts had been expecting the deal to be given a final approval from the project's partners, with expectations boosted after two big sales deals were recently signed.

In a separate statement Oil Search managing director Peter Botten described the move as "historic" for both his company and for PNG.

"PNG LNG represents a long term legacy project which will add over 19 million barrels of oil equivalent to our annual production and result in approximately a nine-fold increase in our booked oil and gas reserves," he said.

"The development of this project represents an opportunity to fundamentally change the outlook of the PNG economy and its people."

Mr Botten said that when the project commences production, PNG's gross domestic product would more than double and export revenues would triple.

Santos said the approval of the project was the "next major step in its transformational LNG growth strategy".

"PNG LNG will provide Santos with long-term underpinning production and cash flows over the project production period," Santos said in a statement.

Santos chief David Knox said the project would transform Santos' production and earnings profil when it came online in 2014.

The company's share of project production is expected to be about nine million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) per annum at plateau including LNG and associated liquids.

"I appreciate the strong commitment of the government of Papua New Guinea, the PNG landowners and our operator Exxon to make this project a reality," Mr Knox said.

At 1515 AEDT shares in Santos were trading down eight cents, at $14.67 while shares in Oil Search were down nine cents, at $5.81.

 

 

Today is International Anti-Corruption Day

Message from United

Nations Secretary General

The theme of this year’s observance of the International Anti-Corruption Day -- “don’t let corruption kill development” – highlights one of the biggest impediments to the world’s efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals.

When public money is stolen for private gain, it means fewer resources to build schools, hospitals, roads and water treatment facilities. When foreign aid is diverted into private bank accounts, major infrastructure projects come to a halt. Corruption enables fake or substandard medicines to be dumped on the market, and hazardous waste to be dumped in landfill sites and in oceans. The vulnerable suffer first and worst.

But corruption is not some vast impersonal force. It is the result of personal decisions, most often motivated by greed.

Development is not the only casualty. Corruption steals elections. It undermines the rule of law. And it can jeopardize security. As we have seen over the last year, it can also have a serious impact on the international financial system.

Fortunately, there is a way to fight back. The United Nations Convention against Corruption is the world’s strongest legal instrument to build integrity and fight corruption. A new mechanism decided on at the recent Conference of States Parties in Doha means that, from now on, states will be judged by the actions they take to fight corruption, not just the promises they make.

The private sector should not lag behind governments. Businesses must also prevent corruption within their ranks, and keep bribery out of tendering and procurement processes. I urge the private sector to adopt anti-corruption measures in line with the UN Convention. Companies -- particularly those that subscribe to the 10^th principle of the Global Compact, to work against corruption -- should pledge not to cheat and should open themselves up to peer review to ensure that everyone is playing by the same rules.

We all have a part to play. On International Corruption Day 2009, I urge all people to join the UN anti-corruption campaign at http://www.yournocounts.org/. And I encourage everyone to make a pledge: never to offer or accept a bribe. Live by that motto, and the world will be a more honest place – and we will increase the chances of reaching the Millennium Development Goals.

TEPCO and PNG LNG finalise LNG Sales and Purchase Agreement

• Important Project Milestone with Key Asian LNG buyer

 

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, December 7, 2009 – Tokyo Electric Power Company Incorporated (TEPCO) and Esso Highlands Limited, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation and operator of the Papua New Guinea Liquefied Natural Gas (PNG LNG) Project, today announced that TEPCO and the project participants have entered into a binding sales and purchase agreement for the long-term sale and purchase of LNG totalling approximately 1.8 million tonnes per annum.

The agreement is effective for a 20-year period.

“This agreement is the foundation of a new relationship bringing together a premier Japanese LNG customer and an important new LNG supplier. It will provide important and complementary benefits to all parties,” said Ron Billings, vice president, LNG, ExxonMobil Gas & Power Marketing Company. “This is yet another key milestone in the project’s schedule.”

TEPCO is the largest power utility company in Japan serving 28 million customers and one of the world largest LNG importers with 20 million tonnes imports in 2008.

The PNG LNG Project is an integrated development which includes gas production and processing facilities, onshore pipelines and offshore pipelines and LNG plant facilities.

Participating interests are ExxonMobil (through various affiliates, including Esso Highlands Limited as Operator) 41.5%, Oil Search 34.0%, Santos 17.7%, Nippon Oil 5.4%, Mineral

Resources Development Company 1.2 % and Petromin PNG Holdings Limited 0.2%.

(Participation will change when the PNG State nominees join as equity participants at a later date).

 

Media Contact: Miles Shaw

Phone: (675) 322-2133

Email: miles.j.shaw@exxonmobil.com

Esso Highlands Ltd

Level 5, Credit Haus

Cuthbertson Street

Port Moresby. PNG

+675 322 2111 Telephone