Woman 'lawyer' frees 12 hardcore prisoners

By JACOB POK in The National

 

A WOMAN “lawyer” aided the daring escape of 12 high risk prisoners, including bank robbery suspect William Nanua Kapris from the Bomana Maximum Security Unit in another hostage situation yesterday morning.

Kapris and five others, regarded as dangerous, had been involved in series of major robberies.

Besides Kapris, the others are Oliver Ben Gabi, Ben Nom, Elizah Tingal, Kito Aso and Don Aka.

The other escapees were from the main compound who were temporarily housed at maximum security.

They included John Siko Wel, who was sodomising young prisoners, James Pari, who is a serial rapist jailed for the rape and murder of a woman pilot in Lae several years ago, Peter Plesman, Greg Varvar, Duma Korowa and Raphael Walimini.

Plesman, Korowa and Walimani are on death row, or condemned detainees.

The escape drama started at the Port Moresby General Hospital at about 8.30am where a detainee, accompanied by three warders, was being treated for epilepsy.

Two warders were with the prisoner while the driver, who was in the vehicle, was held up by armed men who blindfolded him and took him hostage to a hotel room.

There he was forced to call the Maximum Security Unit guards to inform them to expect a female human rights lawyer (named) from a law firm to visit prisoner John Siko Wel.

Correctional Service Commissioner Richard Sikani said the daring escape in a hostage situation was aided by this lone woman in a clear breach of established security procedures on which visitation is granted only by the Commissioner, deputy commissioner (operations) or the courts.

Mr Sikani said the woman pretended to act as a human rights lawyer and went straight to the MSU in a blue vehicle where she delivered a letter to the guards and passed through the main gate.

He said the letter was a request letter to the officer in charge of the MSU, seeking entry to give legal assistance to the prisoner Wel.

Mr Sikani said while she was inside the prison, a guard assisted her into the visitor’s section where the prisoner was called out to meet her.

He said they sat and talked at a round table for a while and then the woman lawyer moved her chair and bent forward and in that instance passed a pistol to Siko Wel who held up the guard and ordered the other guard to unlock the cell gates and emptied the entire facility of its 12 prisoners.

He said they then made their way out of the main gate and escaped in the vehicle with the woman at around 10.33 am.

Mr Sikani said his office and police were informed of the escape an hour later at 11.30 am.

This is the second escape of robbery suspect Kapris Nanua who pulled off a similar escape in 2006 where he used a doctor to write that he was very sick and a lawyer wrote to prison officials persuading them to release him for treatment where he escaped when in hospital.

Mr Sikani has reported the matter as high priority to the National Security Advisory Committee who will be meeting today to institute an independent investigation while the CS will carry out its own.

He said all the ports and airports are now being monitored by police and Correctional Service officers and appealed to the community to help report suspicious looking people.

Mr Sikani also asked the public to take precaution and for cooperation in reporting in the escapees.

UK Government to support the preservation of Carteret Islands' Culture

Captions: 1. A Carteret Island family - what does the future hold for them? 2. Carteret Island children playing on fallen coconut trees

 

The British High Commission in Port Moresby is funding the documentation of the Carteret Islands' unique culture to prevent and minimise loss, as well as to assist the islanders maintain their cultural continuity across all relocated groups.

The project which will cost more then K129, 000 when complete will document distinctive aspects of the islanders' culture including songs and dances, ceremonies and traditions, myths and legends.

 This information will then be made available to future generations of Carteret Islanders and others.

The culture of the islands will also be documented in a film, which will be made in close co-operation with local NGO, Tulele Peisa Inc, and in consultation with the Carteret Council of Elders.

David Dunn, the British High Commissioner said, "As is everywhere in the world, people identify themselves with their culture, the Carteret Islanders been no exception, and with their island sinking and the relocation exercise in place, it is important that their culture is captured for the identity of the next generation and beyond." 

The Carteret Islands are sinking due to geological reasons associated with their volcanic origins. Overlaid on top of this are the effects of sea level rising and storm surges, which are accepted as deleterious consequences of Global Climate Change.

Dangerous criminals on the loose in Port Moresby

William Kapris

Peter Plesman

Oliver Ben Gabi

Kito Aso

John Siko Wel

James Pari

Greg Wawa

All of Papua New Guinea’s most-dangerous criminals have escaped from the country’s highest maximum security unit at Bomana jail, outside Port Moresby, yesterday morning and were still on the run last night, The National reports.
The 12 prisoners included three who are on death row, a serial rapist and William Kapris, the mastermind in a series of armed bank robberies.
The National Security Advisory Committee summoned Correctional Services Commissioner Richard Sikani for a briefing yesterday afternoon, saying it was a national security issue.
According to Mr Sikani, the National Security Advisory Committee will be meeting today to institute an independent investigation while the CS will carry out its own.
The escape appeared to be well planned and involved a woman “lawyer” who managed to breach all security procedures to smuggle in a gun and empty the maximum security unit of its occupants at about 10am.
Acting Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga said police had a mammoth task on hand to recapture more than 150 prisoners who escaped from PNG jails in the past 12 months, including 40 from Bomana last October.
Police warned of increased criminal activities in Port Moresby and warned that anyone found aiding, abetting or harbouring the escapees would face the full force of the law.
As news of the daring escape spread, the Business Council of PNG said in a widely-circulated email to its members to take extra precautions when moving in and around Port Moresby because some of the escapees were dangerous.
The maximum security unit at Bomana was undermanned at the time of the escape, Correction Service Commissioner Richard Sikani said.

New Australian high commissioner to Papua New Guinea

From AAP

 

AN Australian who went to primary school in Papua New Guinea is to return - as high commissioner.

Ian Kemish will take up the top job next month.

Mr Kemish, who speaks the PNG language Tok Pisin, is a career public servant who was recently ambassador to Germany.

He was decorated for his work with the Australian Government dealing with the aftermath of the 2002 Bali bombings.

Meanwhile, Australia's consul-general to the Pacific nation of Nauru, George Fraser, has been upgraded to a high commissioner.

The move recognises that Australia's mission to Nauru has been upgraded from a consulate-general to a high commission.
 

Polar bear attacks man in Canada

Man survives bear Attack in Churchill , Manitoba , Canada .

These are pictures of an actual polar bear attack.
The pictures were taken while people watched and could do nothing to stop the attack!
Reports from the local newspaper say that the victim will make a full recovery.

Note to Hillary: Papua New Guinea's government has failed its people

By REG RENAGI

With Hillary Clinton about to visit my country, does she know that the cries of Papua New Guineans go unheard?

Past trends show that PNG’s current political regime will not drastically change its poor governance.

It is now up to the next new leadership and government.

PNG desperately needs a new progressive government after the 2012 elections, one that will totally transform the country.

Since independence, government policies have not regularly being reviewed, updated and broadened.

The next PNG government must have a sound development strategy with two overriding goals: greater participation by the people, and sustainable development.

PNG needs a revolution in political affairs. It must change its political landscape. Every citizen and government must work together for a better country.

A fresh leader with a new political message to inspire PNG is also required.

Today PNG faces very serious national challenges; its performance in the past 20 years has been dismal.

The country is disunited.

There is high unemployment, serious crime, social and political instability, serious health and environmental challenges, a decrepit health care system and rapid urbanisation.

Papua New Guineans are simply fed up with their government’s performance.

Its central agencies are inefficient.

Their output has failed to meet people’s expectations.

The people want to see a progressive and transformational government.

A government with a sound plan and clear strategies targeting critical areas, to totally transform PNG into a prosperous, progressive and united country.

PNG needs a responsive and responsible government with the right plan and a new leadership approach to bring about major change.

The people of PNG desperately wants a caring government with sound policy strategies to target key areas that will grow the economy, create jobs and give full government support to small businesses.

Do we have political parties out there listening to the cries of Papua New Guineans?

Do we have any MP and other aspiring politician prepared to take up this future challenge and field a good prime minister for PNG?

Port Moresby's building boom in pictures

Steamships commercial development in Gordon, along the Poreporena Feeway.-Pictures by MALUM NALU

Nasfund's IPA Haus along Lawes Road

Nasfund's 'The Edge' with Ravalien Haus in the background

The recently-opened ANZ Bank at Harbour City

Nasfund signboard at Harbour City

Nambawan Super commercial development in down town Port Moresby

Crowne Plaza in down town Port Moresby, one of the icons of the city

Steamships commercial development in down town Port Moresby

Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea's current tallest building, the 14-storey Deloitte Tower, owned by Nasfund

Steamships commercial development in Boroko

Datec's new Megastore in Gordon, along the Poreporena Freeway, which will open next week

Latest pictures of Port Moresby's building boom which I took on Sunday.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea Synod starts in Lae

Five hundred tambourine girls added colour to the grand opening of the week-long synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG in Lae, Morobe province, yesterday. Among the VIPs who witnessed the spectacular extravaganza at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium was Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, who praised churches for providing health, education and other community development programmes for the people.-Pictures by OSEAH PHILEMON of The National

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare being greeted by dignitaries after slighting from the Government's executive Falcon jet from Wewak yesterday morning. Officially, Sir Michael is still on Christmas vacation but took time off to deliver the keynote address at the official opening of the 27th Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea. The jet flew from Port Moresby to Wewak, where it picked up Sir Michael and his entourage for the flight to Lae. The plane was hosed down by airport fire trucks upon arrival. Later, at the opening ceremony, Morobe Governor Luther Wenge, who was the first to meet Sir Michael at the airport, defended the Government's purchase of the jet. He called on the people of Morobe to support the Government for buying the aircraft.

World's largest yacht to visit Papua New Guinea

The world's largest sailing yacht, EOS (pictured), is planning a visit to Papua New Guinea later this month.

Melanesian Tourist Services owner Sir Peter Barter said todat that EOS was currently at Cairns Superyacht Marina in Australia and would be heading up north later this month.

"This luxurious sailing vessel is 302 feet long, crewed by around 30 and will cruise the waters of Milne Bay," Sir Peter said.

He could not divulge further information as owners of the EOS are known in international yachting circles to be very publicity-shy since she was launched in 2006.

According to information sourced from the Internet, EOS is a three-masted Bermuda rigged schooner sailing luxury yacht, currently owned by Barry Diller.

It is one of the largest - if not the largest - private sailing yacht in the world, its overall length measuring approximately 305 feet (93 m).

It was launched in Germany from the Lürssen yard in 2006 after being designed by Bill Langan, with Rondal/Huisman supplying the rig, and the naval architecture being completed by the Lürssen team.

The interior was designed by French designer François Catroux.

The yacht is moored in Cairns at the time of writing.

Characteristics

Length Overall (LOA) - 304.86 feet (a significant amount of EOS' overall length comes from her bowsprit)

Length on Deck (LOD): 271 feet (83 m)

Waterline Length (LWL): 233 feet (71 m)

Beam: 44.29 feet (13.50 m)

Hull Material: Aluminium

Superstructure: Aluminium

Gross Tonnage: 1500

Engines: 2 x 2,333 hp (1,740 kW) MTU Diesels

Propulsion: Twin Screw

Max Speed: 16 knots (30 km/h)

Kalibobo Spirit is shipshape for 2010

Popular Madang-based tourism vessel mv Kalibobo Spirit  has undergone annual survey at Norship Shipyard in Cairns, Australia,  according to owner Sir Peter Barter.

“The ship returned to PNG on Christmas Eve after it had a complete paint job undertaken by the shipyard and night vision and infa-red camera was installed to improve safety on the Sepik River,” Sir Peter said today.

Kalibobo Spirit provides the perfect way to see the coastal ports, islands and Sepik River in Papua New Guinea.

The 30m vessel was built in Picton, New Zealand,   and is owned and operated by Sir Peter’s Melanesian Tourist Services based in Madang.

The ship is fully-stabilised, carries the latest navigation equipment including sonar and provide luxurious accommodation for up to 16 guests in four queen, three singles and a state room, all with ensuites, air conditioning, television and telephone.

 There is a dining room, lounge, cocktail bar and three covered decks to observe and relax.

Facilities aboard the vessel include two zodiac tenders, a fast aluminium river boat that can carry 20 passengers at 50mph along the Sepik and tributaries and on selected cruises a helicopter.

 The ship is equipped with a dive shop which enables guests to dive some of the most-pristine waters in the world.

Whilst the Kalibobo Spirit is primarily for charter, several cruises to the Sepik are scheduled.

Since the Kalibobo Spirit arrived it has had cruises throughout the Bismarck Sea including Manus, New Ireland, Rabaul, West New Britain, Siassi, Madang, Port Moresby, Milne Bay and to the Sepik River.

For more information, call MTS on (675) 852 2766 or e-mail mtsoperations@mtspng.com  

 

 

IPA Haus nears completion along Lawes Road, Port Moresby

View of IPA Haus at the bottom of Lawes Road.-Pictures by MALUM NALU

Workmen at IPA Haus on Sunday

View from Lawes Road of IPA Haus

Crane at work at IPA Haus on Sunday

Work on Nasfund’s IPA Haus along Lawes Road, Port Moresby, is progressing well with work expected to be completed by Jan 31, 2010.

I visited the project site on Sunday and saw workmen hard at work to meet the Jan 31 deadline.

IPA Haus, which is 100% owned by Nasfund, has a total area of 2, 792 sq m.

At the back of IPA Haus is another 100% Nasfund-owned property, ‘The Factory’, with a total of 6, 156 sq m, which is expected to be completed by Mar 10, 2010.

The construction of IPA Haus and ‘The Factory’ is part of Nasfund’s ‘Archipelago Project’, which began in the concept stage in 2006-2007.

The project was designed around building an ‘arc’ of construction projects at the 2km edge of Port Moresby Town, which would capitalise on the highway access, marine facilities and harbour view access.

Building boom to create surplus commercial space, more empty rooms

Nambawan Super commercial development in down town Port Moresby.Pictures by MALUM NALU

Port Moresby and PNG’s tallest building Deloitte Tower…challenged by increasing commercial spaces

Steamships’ commercial property development in Gordon, along the Poreporena Freeway

Steamships’ commercial development in down town Port Moresby

Nambawan Super commercial development in down town Port Moresby

Nasfund has warned of more commercial vacant spaces in light of the current building and construction boom all over Port Moresby.

Joint chief executive officer Rod Mitchell says commercial vacant spaces will grow in 2010 and peak in 2013-2014.

“In early 2009, in the Nasfund newsletter, we stated that ‘Clearly the freeing up of office space in Town, expected early 2010 will signal the beginning of rent stabilisation’,” he said.

“This was stated on the basis that with Harbour City and surrounding Konedobu coming on line, space would naturally free up in town.

“While we do not believe that we will see a dearth of vacant space in town over 2010, we nevertheless are starting to see vacancies in commercial space in Port Moresby.

“This we believe will grow through 2010 and with peak vacancy appearing sometime in 2013-2014.

“The three to five year prognosis for commercial space is increasingly flashing warning signals if all commercial constructions planned to commence over 2010 eventuate.”

Mr Mitchell said there were a number of reasons for raising the alarm bell on commercial construction.

“A number of alternative commercial buildings within close proximity in Gordon’s, Waigani drive and Hohola are now physically underway or near completion,” he said.

“Steamships are building 6,000 sq m in Gordon, there are two three-storey walk-ups in Hohola approximating 3,000 sq m and 4,000 sq m of quality commercial space is being built next to the Westpac building in Waigani drive: The combined space is the equivalent of one Deloitte Tower.

“The Rimbunan Hijau (PNG) Group is powering perhaps the largest long-term retail and commercial development ever seen in PNG – Vision City.

“Taking away the soon-to-be-completed 33,000 sq m ‘Mega Mall’, the commercial element planned over the coming decade is extraordinary with a further 60,000 sq m of office space planned at Vision City, Waigani.

“This will be the equivalent of four times the current commercial space offered at Deloitte Tower!

“In 2010, Nasfund will commence a further 4,600 sq m in town on two sites and Steamships are planning 8,000 -10,000 commercial on the waterfront: Effectively combined, yet another Deloitte Tower in size.

“A further 4,000 sq m in Hunter St will be commissioned in April 2010.

“Uniting Church House, a brilliantly-renovated 2,000 sq m office complex will be commissioned in January – February 2010.

“Harbour City will shortly see a 4,000 sq m commercial development plus three apartments adjacent to the ANZ building commence by a private consortium with two anchor tenants line up (the implication is that they are being cannibalised from an existing building).

“Finally there is a three-storey walk up approved by Physical Planning for POSF at Two-Mile as their new head office (3,000 existing sq m to be freed up at Era Rumana) and 8,000 sq m planned by CHM in Waigani.

Mr Mitchell said with a large amount of commercial space becoming available over 2010-2012, it was hard to see how demand would meet the oversupply.

“However, it will not be until 2013-2014 that we will witness crunch time,” he added.

“That is when it is expected that Exxon will complete its own head office building of 10,000 sq m and vacate exiting temporary to medium-term accommodation already acquired for the LNG start-up.

“In the absence of another major resource project, vacancy rates will most likely increase substantially from 2013.

“The other factor which has to now be considered is the costs of construction which we believe will face strong upward pressure over the next few years.

“The reasons for this are:

• The LNG project will change the face of skilled labour in PNG. In previous discussions on Nasfund’s residential housing construction at Eight – Nine Mile we talked of a very small but emerging middle class. The LNG project we believe will re-rate PNG skilled labour dramatically with demand for local skills (both trades and professional) propelling hourly rates significantly higher. This will lift a whole new group into what we could describe as ‘aspiring middle class’. The re-rating of labour will mean significantly higher costs to business, higher costs of construction as well as bottlenecks within the economy due to skill shortages. The positive outcome however will be a more visible middle class which tends to drive both greater economic diversity as well as social reform including greater demands on elected officials.
• The increased demand for construction materials will also lead to higher prices over the coming few years exacerbated by the easing of the global economic crisis. Imported construction goods will in the absence of an appreciating local exchange rate be expected to increase as world demand picks up; and
• Finally, inflation and expected higher interest rates will also begin to cause on the margin investment plans to falter or completion costs to rise above budget. In the expected soft demand for commercial space combined with higher completion cost for commercial buildings, we will see a fairly difficult period ahead and certainly a case of lowered expectations than the current display of exuberance by market participants.”

Brighter outlook for quality residential in Port Moresby

Signboard at Harbour City

Work on the ‘The Edge’, Harbour City, on Sunday.Pictures by MALUM NALU

‘The Edge’ with Ravalien Haus in the background

Another view of work on ‘The Edge’

Nasfund has recently committed with Curtain brothers to the biggest apartment construction in Papua New Guinea history.

Based on a 70-30% split, 63 luxury apartments will be constructed at Harbour City next to Sol Wara Apartments owned by Nasfund.

Known as “The Edge”, these apartments will butt the sea, looking straight down Fairfax Harbour and the Yacht Club.

The complex will rise six stories (one more floor than adjoining Sol Wara apartments) and is designed in conjunction with the recent constructions along the archipelago.

“That is, Nasfund has ensured that the development fits within the scale of the landscape,” according to Nasfund joint chief executive officer Rod Mitchell.

“We were very conscious that Harbour City displays a modern yet understated feel: - that instead of breaking the landscape, the buildings merge within the landscape.

“Our aim is to turn Harbour City into a showcase of modern subtlety that lifts the image of Port Moresby and demonstrates the growing sense of a confident nation.

“We are very fortunate that Curtain Brothers share these values as we build a legacy for the 21^st Century.”

The land site covers 6,914 sq m.

At K2, 000 per sq m, the land cost is just under K13.8 million.

The gross floor area covered by the 20 x 2 bedroom apartments and 43 x 3 bedroom apartments including balconies is 14,355 sq m with ground level under cover parking for 126 vehicles taking up a further 2,085 sq m.

Total cost of construction will be K7-8, 000 per sq m with an anticipated yield of 12%.

Construction time is expected to be 24 months with a completion date of March 2012.

Mr Mitchell said demand for premier accommodation remained high in Port Moresby with aid agencies, diplomatic missions and senior executives chasing a shortage of upmarket quality apartments.

“Nasfund has taken the view that the complex will be taken up quickly, either by large multinational companies, embassy staff, or aid agencies,” he said.

“If Nasfund fails to secure large immediate tenants, we will aim to entice existing tenants from upmarket locations currently on Touaguba Hill and adjoining Paga Hill down to the water’s edge.

“Research suggests that a new residential complex tends to attract people from existing older complexes looking for an upgrade.

“Add the fact that ‘The Edge’ will sit on the water’s edge over looking the Yacht Club, Fairfax Harbour and 100m walking distance to SVS Foodland, we believe ‘The Edge’ will become the most-desirable address in the country.

“Rental prices remain tight at the upper end.

“High covenant accommodation going for K3, 500 – K4, 000 per week a year ago is now ranging from K5, 000 to K6, 000 per week.

“This trend should continue for the next few years until increased supply comes closer to meeting demand.

“2010, however, will be a year of shock to many tenants, as rental renewals at the upper end will increase by up to 20%.”

Datec signs partnership with Apple, bringing Apple officially to Papua New Guinea

The MacBook Pro, the high performance notebook for everyone

The new iMac, the ultimate all-in-one

The iPod Classic, iPod Touch and iPod Nano. Music for all

Datec PNG is pleased to announce an increase in its portfolio of world-class professional and personal technology by bringing Apple technology and support to the Papua New Guinea market.
Today, Apple leads the computing industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications.
Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players.
The range of products now available within PNG, courtesy of Datec, includes the ‘ultimate all in one’ desktop computer on the market today – Apple’s new iMac.
The full range of MacBook and MacBook Pro Laptops are now in PNG, that suit everything situation ranging from home life, student life and work life.
A range of Apple Accessories will now be available in-store to complement your Apple Technology.
MS office 2008 for Mac for every occasion whether work, school or home, gives you tools that help simplify your life.
With Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac, you can manage projects, collaborate with others and create dynamic documents and presentations simply and easily.
iPod family range – Which iPod are you? From the shuffle, the worlds smallest and most wearable music player comes in new colours and tells you which song is playing, through to the latest iPod Touch, with up to 64Gb of storage, for your games, movies, music and so much more.
If you like the sound of “no-fuss, no downtime, easy wireless, no viruses, everything-just-works… “ then welcome to the benefits of owning a Mac.
Expected early in 2010, Datec will be certified as the only Apple Authorised Service Centre in PNG.
To find out more about Apple, then visit Datec’s new Megastore, opening 21st January 2010, the Lae retail showroom or contact sales@datec.com.pg.

New Papua New Guinea Defence Force Commander has a big task ahead

By REGINALD RENAGI

 

The PNG Defence Force has a new Commander and General.  He is infantry Colonel Francis Agwi and former Chief of Defence Intelligence who replaces Commodore Peter Ilau after two tours of duty (2001 – 2009).

While Prime Minister Somare and his big entourage were attending the Copenhagen climate change conference, the National Executive Council (NEC) promoted and appointed a new Defence commander.  The new command changes comes just four days before Christmas and twelve weeks after the tour of duty of Commodore Peter Ilau expired on October 12, 2009.  Since then, the Commodore has been on an acting capacity until Monday 21st December 2009. 

In addition, cabinet also appointed another senior infantry officer as the Chief of Staff to the Force commander.  He is Colonel Tokam Kanene who is presently the Defence Advisor within the PNG High Commission in Djakarta, Indonesia.  Colonel Kanene comes from the Simbu (formerly pronounced ‘Chimbu’) province in the highlands.   This is the first time since Independence the PNGDF has had a Commander and Chief of Staff from the Sepik and Highlands region respectively. 

The recent changes saw the former Commander and Chief of Staff (both from the Maritime Element) being replaced by two infantry officers from the Land Element (Army).   Already there are rumours circulating within the Defence community on the criteria used by the NEC to make these new changes when other options were available to the Government.  

Former Commander Ilau was appointed as Defence Commander in October 2001 by a new Government in office under Prime Minister, Sir Mekere Morauta.  The Commander was directed to cull the force manpower strength to 2,000, and de-mob the rest by December 2001 under a very controversial one-time reduction program. 

What followed was a total national debacle and disgrace to loyal servicemen who dedicated their whole life to their country’s military before and after Independence.  The whole political exercise was virtually an administrative nightmare for many long-serving servicemen and their families for over eight years.  To date, many servicemen have not received their full payout service entitlements to this day. 

Many complaints by ex-servicemen still stranded in the barracks and bases, and in the community are falling on deaf ears.  Many servicemen have passed on while still waiting to be paid leaving their immediate families destitute in the cities and towns.  These families need money to be properly repatriated to their provincial villages. 

The government seems oblivious to their plight.  Maybe the next government in 2012 will do something to resolve this situation.  Many more ex-servicemen will die while waiting.  The list of destitute ex-military families grows with many children dropping out of the education system to joining the unemployment ranks as military widows can not afford today’s high school fees.   These military families have been failed by the system.  Governments have done them a great disservice.    

As a result of the forced reduction of service personnel in 2001, all three PNGDF elements now comprise of hollow operational units.  This must now be fixed by the new PNGDF Commander.   

General Agwi will have an almost impossible job as he takes over a grossly-underfunded, undermanned and a demoralised force. 

These are most trying times for this once-proud national icon, as defence and national security seems to be not a top priority for the PNG government.  The present political regime has unfortunately shown its ignorance and apathy about improving PNG’s national security situation for a long time. 

Commander Agwi in his new role must see that some good basic changes be made to a force that needs a better deal.  The new commander will no doubt have his hands full to whip the present military into top shape and form.  This can be done if the new general resists the temptations of all predecessors not to take too many unnecessary ‘out-of-town’ overseas trips, and have a completely new no-nonsense command team to help him.

A new good command team is an absolutely must.  It will ensure the Commander’s intent and mission is not unduly compromised and carried out without fear or favor by fully committed, dedicated officers and subordinates.  This is the only way to make the PNGDF really work to the expectations of the people. 

Commander Agwi needs to put his job on the line by ensuring the PNGDF is not maintained as a mere ‘paper tiger”, but a true national force.  The PNGDF must now be made into a strong force.  To achieve his new defence mission, General Agwi must tell his government and the bureaucracy to ‘put up, or shut up’.  The Government has two choices: give the Defence Force what it needs now or scrap it. 

 

Papua New Guinea does not need the death penalty

By REGINALD RENAGI

The media recently raised the question of whether Papua New Guinea should implement the death penalty as capital punishment to deter serious crime. This follows a public outcry after a Highlands mother allegedly killed her children whilst in a depressed state of mind. Similar emotional reactions have previously been expressed by citizens whenever instances of brutal murder are committed.

For years, the government having already passed the law on imposing the death penalty on certain serious crimes has yet to execute a convicted criminal. The technical snag as it seems is it has not decided yet what the approved method of execution will be for the criminal.

Why the death penalty?

This writer opposes capital punishment in its different forms but let’s see why society should put our worst criminals to death by execution (capital punishment). Capital punishment is lawfully carrying out the death penalty as a punishment. Capital punishment by execution has been used in societies throughout history as a way to punish crime, and or suppress political dissent.

Execution effectively stops a killer from murdering again. There are many cases in which released, paroled, or escaped murderers have gone on to kill again, so by executing them; society ensures murderers do not kill again.

In most countries that practice capital punishment today, the death penalty is reserved as punishment for premeditated murder, espionage, treason, or as part of military justice. Whilst other places carry the death penalty for sexual crimes, such as rape, adultery, incest and sodomy; including drug and human trafficking and serious cases of corruption, which carry the death penalty by execution (e.g. China).

Capital punishment may make us feel that dead criminals are no longer a threat to society, as they cannot commit any further crimes, either within prison or after escaping; or upon being released. Some people often defend capital punishment saying that society has a moral obligation to protect the safety of its citizens.

Moreover, capital punishment will bring about the greatest balance of good over evil. Thus, killing our worst criminals will benefit society because it may deter violent crime, although it is difficult to produce direct evidence to support this claim. Society may further assume that those who are deterred by the death penalty do not commit murders.

Capital punishment is also a form of “retribution”. Execution is an ultimate form of punishment than rehabilitative treatment, and is less costly. The criminal is made to suffer in proportion to the offence (or so we think). This writer disagrees with any form of retribution, but many people will still see it as an acceptable reason for the death penalty according to certain studies in more recent times.

Another strong argument used in favour of capital punishment is ‘deterrence’. The question whether the death penalty deters is hard to prove one way or the other. This is because the number of people actually executed each year (as compared to those sentenced to death) is usually a very small proportion in certain countries that carries out death penalties. To further qualify this, if one studies those countries which almost always carry out death sentences, there is far less serious crime (eg Singapore). This tends to indicate that the death penalty is a deterrent, but only where execution is a virtual certainty. This does convince me that the death penalty is much more likely to be a deterrent where the crime requires planning, and the potential criminal has time to think about the possible consequences. Where the crime is committed in the heat of the moment there is no likelihood that any punishment will act as a deterrent.

Death penalty is not a deterrent

The death penalty is not a deterrent as proven by studies based upon certain US states prove. In some countries, innocent people have been executed and there is no possible way to compensate them for any miscarriage of justice. Another significant but much less-realised danger here is the person convicted of the murder may have actually killed the victim and may even admit having done so, but does not agree that the killing was murder.

Another reason often overlooked is the pain, the innocent family and friends of criminals must go through in the time leading up to and during the execution. Waiting on death row will often cause them serious trauma for years afterwards.

However strongly one may support capital punishment, two wrongs do not make one right. One cannot and should not deny the suffering of the victim's family in a murder case but the suffering of the murderer's family is surely valid too. There must always be the concern that the state can administer the death penalty justly. Most countries have a very poor record on this.

Like ordinary people, even criminals are real people too who have the capacity to feel pain, fear and the loss of their loved ones, and all the other emotions that the rest of us are capable of feeling. It is easier to put this thought on one side when discussing the most awful multiple murderers but less so when discussing, say, an 18 year old girl convicted of drug trafficking. So if PNG MPs are still undecided all these years, then they should consider this: fourteen years ago, Singapore hanged two girls for this crime who were both only 18 at the time of their offences, and China shot an 18 year old girl for the same offence in 1998.

There is no such thing as a humane method of putting a person to death irrespective of what the state may claim. Every form of execution causes the prisoner suffering; some methods perhaps cause less than others. There may be a brutalising effect upon society by carrying out executions.

I believe it is wrong for the government to kill in order to teach people not to kill. In fact it probably promotes more murder than prevents, because it is telling society that it is alright. It is proven failure elsewhere because we have more murders and violence today than before the death penalty was reinstated back in some countries.

We also have more murders and violence in countries without capital punishment. Far from deterring murder, the continued existence of the death penalty makes people also believe the government is not doing anything at all about crime in general. Countries have been killing murderers for years and years but the murders still continue. This only proves that we cannot stop killing with more killing.

Conclusion

If the general conclusion is that capital punishment is desirable, then the first step toward restoration is for our government to present a fully thought out set of proposals that can be put to the people in a referendum. Here it must state precisely what offences should carry the death penalty, how it should be carried out, who will carry it out and what effect on crime is expected to follow from its introduction.

If such a referendum produced a clear yes vote, the government would have a genuine mandate to proceed upon and could claim the support of our people. After this, we should have another referendum 5 years later so that the effects of capital punishments in PNG can be reviewed and voted on again. A national referendum has the advantage of involving the public in the decision making process and raising awareness through the media all issues involved, and the arguments for and against any proposed changes.

Finally, I am also of the view that public opinion should not determine justice. Justice is not supposed to be up to public opinion. On a matter that is so centrally about justice, public opinion should play a minimal role. National hysteria can lead to unjust convictions and execution. In the US, the famous case of the Rosenburgs should remind us all that capital punishment must never be carried out in response to national hysteria.

PNG must not ever allow public opinion as it is a dangerous approach to capital punishment. A corrupt unpopular government trying to get public support could easily succumb to undue pressure and may execute an innocent person as has happened in some countries. In the final analysis, we have just three clear choices:

• Not to have the death penalty and continue to accept other serious crimes;
• Carry out punishment only for just the worst criminals as retribution to punish criminals for their terrible crimes; and
• The death penalty may be a deterrence to see a corresponding drop in serious crimes.

The government must study the results of a national referendum and ensure PNG has a just legal system to deter and reduce future levels of crime, whilst at the same time protect its citizens, society and state from dangerous criminals.

Reginald Renagi is a freelance writer

International peacekeeping is not national priority

By REGINALD RENAGI  

 

 Madeline Arek’s recent The National newspaper report, “PNGDF for peacekeeping duties” and Defence Minister Dadae’s media statements compels me to add that International peacekeeping is not a national priority as discussed here. 

According to this news report, Parliament also recently passed the PNGDF Amendment Bill 2008 to allow among other things, committing our military to international peacekeeping duties in future.  A youth and school cadet programmes towards nation building and national security are also in the pipeline. 

The Minister’s statements have important strategic implications for PNG.  It surprisingly comes amidst no Peal parliamentary discussions on this issue and on related national security matters. 

This important Defence Bill and others over the years are passed with little or no in-depth debate by politicians in parliament, and excludes the public.  Ongoing public opinion do determine much of our public policy considerations in formulating strategic government policies, hence, it is most crucial parliament fully debate all strategic implications with this bill before any legislative decisions can be made for obvious reasons.  

Defence must plan its future roles and activities better from here on as despite two Defence White Papers in 1996 and 1999 respectively and a near 62% cut in 2001, core Defence capacity has substantially eroded.  This seriously has affected Defence’s effectiveness to rapidly respond to national emergencies in recent years.  Here is the way ahead. 

First of all, overseas peacekeeping missions for the PNGDF should not be a national priority at this stage.  Today’s national priority must be to now focus on homeland security by seriously addressing the most basic things lacking with our military.  The government must fully ensure the PNGDF is well equipped to deal with the many transnational security concerns PNG has now.   

Secondly, get the PNGDF to start doing its basic functions well and fully resource it with a realistic budget of some 2.8% of GDP.    

Thirdly, implement a realistic action plan now to systematically upgrade all three force elements in the next decade sound management synergies with all levels of the Defence organisation. 

Fourthly, rather than deploy troops on peacekeeping duties overseas, get our Defence Force to do more national development programs in rural PNG.  The government must immediately establish a “Reserve Force” to directly contribute towards national security and development.  A ready reserve scheme can be activated immediately today in the provinces to ensure effective management of government goods and services to all provinces. 

Last but not the least, develop and implement a creative youth and school cadet program.  We must inculcate general, positive attitude and strong committed ethos of service to others by our young people.  It is time we fully harness them in leadership endeavours. 

PNG can now adopt a military reserve force concept to develop the mindset of our growing young population to serve their country to their fullest potential with pride, dedication and commitment.  This is one good way to protect PNG as a well secured and developed nation tomorrow.

Notwithstanding, I want to commend Minister Bob Dadae in trying his best these past two years to improve Defence under very difficult conditions.  Defence is a difficult portfolio for any MP in recent years to successfully manage, especially when the government and parliament clearly lacks the required knowledge and skills in most matters concerning national security of PNG.  What Defence Ministry urgently needs now is an immediate increase in manpower and budgetary support from the Government and Parliament, the Department and Defence Force, industry and general community.