Hagen water returns

NORMAL flow of water to Mt Hagen city, Western Highlands province, is expected to return to normal today, The National reports.

This follows tireless efforts by PNG Waterboard Hagen branch staff to flush out water in the storage tanks which were contaminated after someone poured engine oil into the tanks.

One of the raw water pumps started pumping water late yesterday afternoon to fill the contact tank before supplying to the town area.

With the second pump expected to start working this morning, water will return to normal today.

Two suspects were arrested and questioned by police investigators over the incident but later released yesterday. Investigations are continuing into the matter.

PNGWB branch manager Jack Moro yesterday condemned the manner in which a few individuals held the entire city at ransom by contaminating the water.

Staff had completed cleaning the chambers and the wet well (holding tank under the pump station) yesterday.

He reassured that water was only supplied to consumers after ensuring that it is clean and safe for consumption.

Guard Dog security personnel are guarding the raw water pumps and treatment plant premises.

PNGWB has appealed to consumers to boil water derived from other sources to ensure it is safe and clean for consumption.

It also called for community assistance to find the culprits who contaminated the water.

Meanwhile, a community leader in Mt Hagen has called on people living near the city to take ownership of public properties and look after them.

Michael Wamp from the Moge tribe said yesterday that destroying public property would lead to many innocent people suffering.

Mr Wamp said the contamination of the water supply clearly showed that people lack common sense and did not care about others.

“Western Highlander should be ashamed of this,” Mr Wamp said.

 

Government borrows to develop Kokopo

THE National Government is borrowing money to fund several projects in Kokopo, East New Britain province, The National reports.

The Government is borrowing locally, from Nasfund, through the issue of treasury bills, under a scheme described as the sovereign community infrastructure treasury bill (SCITB) series.

It is understood a number of Government projects is to be funded under this scheme.

Kokopo will get K125 million to fund its water and road infrastructure projects.

This was announced jointly in a statement by Treasurer Patrick Pruaitch, National Planning Minister Paul Tiensten and Communications Minister Patrick Tammur.

An appointed agent has been instructed by the Treasurer to issue the treasury bills on behalf of the Government.

Mr Pruaitch said this funding met the debt and fiscal strategy of the Government.

The statement did not detail the water and infrastructure projects to be funded in Kokopo.

Joint chief executive officer of Nasfund Rod Mitchell said this investment would deliver a return to members of the fund in two ways.

He said, financially, it would provide a good return to support member retirements and, socially, it would provide good infrastructure for the Kokopo community.

Mr Mitchell described this investment as a low risk, reasonable returns with a PNG focus.

In the statement, the ministers said the scheme was “within the full parameters of the law”  within PNG.

“I am delighted by the work done and the structure of this community treasury bill. It is the first direct infrastructure treasury bill to be issued and fully invested by one institution, Nasfund,” Mr Pruaitch said.

He assured the people of Kokopo that the funding and expenditure would be transparent and the coordinator would release and utilise the funds in accordance with the agreement and terms of the SCITB.

 

Are more PNG autonomous regions the answer?

From PAUL OATES

"Yes, we must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately."

Benjamin Franklin 1706 - 1790 (at the signing of the US Declaration of Independence).
___________________________________________________

Before any further split up of PNG happens, those promoting the break up as a remedy to produce better times should ponder on just what has caused the current impasse.
Clearly, the effects of ineffectual leadership and massive amount of unprosecuted corruption at all levels of government has resulted in diverting national resources away from providing desparately needed services for the vast majority of PNG people. A few have obviously
benefitted at the expense of the many.  This situation has been allowed to continue for many, many years by the very leaders who now suggest regional autonomy will be better for their people.
While everyone in PNG knows what the visible effects of the problems are, very few have come out and said what they would do about effectively fixing those problems?
If the obvious solution has been too hard for current leaders to manage or is far too electorally painful to contemplate, exactly how are smaller fractions of the same, basic, mathematical formula going to be any more effective than the current, unbalanced equation? More of the
same will not produce any different results, no matter how much it is further dissected.
Where are the politicians with enough guts to stand up and publically denounce what is clearly wrong with today's PNG? Plenty are prepared to talk about what is morally right but who has actually achieved any real results? The people responsible for PNG's current
woes must be clearly identified, publically denounced and officially charged by public authorities. Anything else cannot and will not work. That much is patently obvious.
So what will change with potentially smaller, fragmented, PNG autonomous regions?
Three fifths of five eighths of nothing!

Lest we forget

In loving memory of my beloved wife, Hula, who left us alone so tragically on this day, March 23, 2008.

The times we spent together will be cherished forever.

Never-ending love from me and our children Malum Jr, Gedi, Moasing and Keith.

Papua New Guinea cyclone hits Australia

Village-inspired Papua New Guinean son Tyrone "The Cyclone" Tongia will be fighting for the Australian professional light middleweight title in Brisbane on Friday.

It is the culmination of a long journey in which the 27-year-old has fought his way to the top, taking on the best Australia has to offer in boxing.

Born to a father from Hanuabada, NCD, and mother of mixed New Ireland decent, professional boxer Tyrone Tongia began an unconventional pugilistic journey in 2002, vowing to bring honour to his fellow PNG youth.

On Friday, "The Cyclone" fights Andrew "Sundance" Gosden, for the Australian light middleweight title at the Mansfield Tavern in Brisbane.

After completing Year 12 at Brisbane State High in Queensland, Australia, it was while on a New Year's pilgrimage in 2001 to feel his roots in Port Moresby and Nokon, New Ireland, that the inspiration for self-knowledge and self-respect for the well-being of others was cemented.

His family and village experience along with a chance meeting with an uncle, PNG's former world-rated kyokushin champion and SOS director Walter Schnaubelt, ignited the will to merge his sense for adventure and sport with the greater good for family and community by channelling his raw energy constructively.

With initial ambitions for rugby league and union where he earned the nickname "Cyclone" for breaking lines and defensive competency, Tongia instead pursued boxing because he believes the gruelling sport challenged his "personal growth and sense of liveliness" like no other. 

Inspired by the international feats of our own professional boxing legends Johnny Aba and Martin Beni, Tongia ventured to Sydney to learn and train with Australia's best, remaining undaunted by the new city, his inexperience and lack of personal networks.

Tongia recalls encountering many obstacles but stayed on track at all costs, even sleeping in a park a few days until he was accepted to train at the world-renowned Team Fenech headquarters with Billy Hussein in Marrickville.

He did many menial jobs to economically support his ambition including factory work, fruit market packing, and cleaning jobs.

After three disciplined years plying his trade as an amateur, Tongia returned to Brisbane to train for his professional debut which was held in Sydney on the undercard to the biggest boxing fight in Australian history, Danny Green vs Anthony Mundine in May 2006.

 Tongia's alias "The Cyclone" was given new life as he exceeded expectations and blew out his opponent during his professional debut which quickly received over 35,000 views on worldwide internet site YouTube.

Building a growing army of supporters in Brisbane, Tongia has attracted praise from both Mundine and Green.

 In Australia's Courier Mail on March 6 this year, which headlined Tongia as one of the hottest prospects in Australia, three-time world champion and sporting icon, Jeff Fenech, commented:

"He (Tongia) has talent and great power.He just has to stay determined to make it."

For the first time since his pledge to honour his fellow PNG youth in 2001, "The Cyclone" returned to Moresby and New Ireland last September to again experience his roots.

 Tongia then resumed his boxing career in Australia, refreshed with village-inspired creativity, purpose and vigour; consecutively knocking off highly-touted fighters to earn a shot at the coveted Australian title.

After meeting with both setbacks and victories along the way, Tongia is proof that where there's a will, there's a way – it takes disciplined and constructive efforts.

University to host Donigi, Maladina public debate

From PAUL OATES

This is real, practical politics in action and should demonstrate a healthy way forward for PNG. Peter Donigi is to be congratulated for speaking out and standing up for his country in a time of desperate need.
The only problem I foresee is that a debate in Moresby is disconnected from most of the PNG people.
What should now happen is a concerted effort to advertise, televise and broadcast this debate on all  publically-accessed TV and radio stations and in the local PNG newspapers. Rural residents and those in other PNG towns and cities desparately need to become interested and involved. They need to start asking what their local member thinks and how they will vote on this issue?
Who would initiate and promote interest in this debate however? The PNG Opposition or perhaps some public spirited NGO's and business leaders? Perhaps the press may find that this important issue is a great way to sell newspapers?
Now is the time for action by all true PNG patriots to stand up with Mr Donigi and be counted.
__________________

University to host Donigi, Maladina public debate
Source:
By JASON GIMA WURI

A PUBLIC debate on the proposed constitutional amendments now before Parliament will be held at the University of Papua New Guinea main lecture theatre (MLT).
Member for Esa'ala Moses Maladina, who had successfully moved for the amendments to go past the first reading in Parliament, had accepted the challenge by lawyer Peter Donigi to a public debate on the matter.
While allowing the public debate to take place at the MLT following a written request from Mr Donigi, UPNG Vice-Chancellor Prof Ross Hynes said he would not be involved in moderating the public debate.
"The moderator must be someone who is independent and who has relevant status to such a debate," Prof Hynes said.
That person is yet to be identified including the date and time for the debate.
Prof Hynes, however, only indicated that the public debate would take place on the week after March 19.
In his letter to Prof Hynes, Mr Donigi said: "I understand that Mr Maladina will likely call for a second reading of his constitutional amendments at the next sitting of Parliament which is scheduled to start on May 4.
"It would appear, therefore, that we only have a short window of opportunity to debate this issue before it is presented for its last and final reading before passage by Parliament," Mr Donigi said.

Is it worth a Nickel?

From PAUL OATES

In the PNG newspaper 'The National' there is a report that there has been an initial triumph by local landowners in obtaining an injunction to try and prevent the dumping of five million tonnes of slurry waste from the Chinese Nickel mine (MCC) behind Madang into the pristine Basamuk Bay. This is only a temporary injunction however.

One would think that the PNG government, who clearly approves of this project, might start to take the issue seriously and have another look at the whole set up. Not so! In the same article it reports: 'No Government or mineral resources authority officials were available for comments last night, but they are expected to join MCC in fighting the injunction.'

Yep! You can be rest assured that the ol' PNG 'gavaman' is backing the 'right side'. Pity the right side doesn't appear to the PNG people's side isn't it?

Hello! That's the PNG people, who with their families and descendants, have to live with their government's mistakes, ineptitude and worse.

Eh ya! Sori tumas. Telepon blong bus ibagarap pinis ya! Nau husat igat sampela liklik samting blong mi a?

_______________________

article from PNG's The National

Mine work halted
LANDOWNERS in Madang have won a David-and-Goliath battle to freeze a Chinese nickel miner's construction of a massive pipeline to dump waste into the sea.
The National Court in Madang last Friday ordered work to stop on the nickel mine's previously approved submarine tailings disposal system.
The Ramu mine in Madang, operated by the Chinese Metallurgical Construction Group Co (MCC), plans to dump five million tonnes of slurry waste annually into Basamuk Bay.
The company was preparing to start blasting coral reefs for the tailings pipeline to be laid. The stop-work order is another setback for the Chinese project, which had suffered a series of problems with the mine's construction and relations with local people.
Tiffany Nonggorr, the lawyer representing the Madang landowners, said MCC must find an alternative to dumping the mine waste into the bay.
"This injunction is a massive victory for us, definitely a David-and-Goliath struggle.
"Landowners have stopped the Chinese, who have spent US$1.4 billion (K3.8 billion) to build this mine," she told AAP.
"The mine's proposal is just too risky. There are grave environmental concerns," she said.
Despite having Government and environmental approval, the proposed deep sea tailings pipeline would destroy the environment and local people's livelihoods, Mrs Nonggorr said.
Judge David Cannings granted a temporary injunction forcing MCC to stop work "that involves directly or indirectly damage or disturbance to the offshore environment including all coral blasting or popping of dead or live coral and laying of pipes".
MCC "shall not carry out directly or indirectly any such work, pending determination of the substantive proceedings" to be heard at a later date, he said.
Last July, construction of the mine was briefly stopped due to health and safety concerns, while in May outbreaks of violence exposed simmering tensions between Chinese management and PNG workers.
The Ramu mine is expected to yield 143 million tonnes of nickel over 20 years and, during construction, will employ 3,000 workers including 700 Chinese.
Revenue from the mine is expected to add to the country's GDP growth, and forms part of PNG's growth strategy under the National Government's Vision 2050.
No Government or mineral resources authority officials were available for comments last night, but they are expected to join MCC i n fighting the injunction.

Advert "Age" 20March.

Your tax payer dollars propping up a corrupt government. 

Integrity of Papua New Guinea Speakers comes under question

Check out this YouTube hit from Papua New Guinea: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZdDBLw6DAc

It really makes you wonder about Papua New Guinea.

Tomorrow is World Water Day

World Water Day celebrations will be held at Port Moresby Grammar School tomorrow.

Department of  Environment and Conservation Secretary Dr Warilea Iamo (pictured) has invited relevant State agencies and major water industries to participate in WWD celebrations spearheaded by DEC.

Elsewhere, Waterboard will hold celebrations in Popondetta while Eda Ranu will mark the day in Port Moresby.

Dr Iamo said he envisaged coordination and collaboration among different stakeholders to inform policy makers and the general public about water quality challenges faced today and years to come "as PNG is undergoing rapid development accompanied by population growth and climate change, which poses significant threats on human lives and the environment".

"I understand that certain sectors use more water, while others use less water and yet generate more wastewater," he said.

"I wish to stress that accusations over whom, when and where these challenges occur should rather be avoided, as we maintain focus on preventing, or mitigating these challenges.

"I strongly believe it should be in our collective interest to coordinate among all stakeholders to address these challenges, in order for our vast water resources to be replenished for the benefit of all, including our future generations."

Dr Iamo said as head of DEC, he wanted to invite relevant stakeholders whose activities revolved water resources to participate in observing this year's WWD.

"Each stakeholder has been given opportunity to showcase their efforts in addressing water quality challenges from their own perspective and interests," he said.

"May I take this opportunity to thank those stakeholders who have expressed interest and made commitments by responding to my call in pledging their support to this cause.

"I wish you all successful WWD-2010 celebrations and a clean and healthy future for PNG.

WWD was declared under the auspiciousness of the United Nations in 1992 by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, which is observed around the World on March 22 each year.

The Global Theme for this year's WWD is "Communicating water quality challenges and opportunities".

"The United Nation's overall goal of WWD March 22, 2010 is to raise the profile of water quality at the political level, so that water quality considerations are made alongside those of water quantity," Dr Iamo said.

"The DEC captured both the global and Pacific themes and adopted a national theme: 'Communication Challenges and Opportunities-Safe Water for a Healthy Papua New Guinea'."

University of Goroka students to return to classes tomorrow

Classes at the University of Goroka are expected to resume tomorrow after eight weeks of standoff between students and administration.

The University of Goroka’s newly-elected Chancellor Benais Sabumei (MBE) yesterday announced to UOG staff and students the resolutions reached by the new full council regarding the student boycott of classes.

He said in an open letter to all staff and students of UOG that Student Representative Council members Benjamin Michael and Genevieve Mungkaje, present at the council meeting held last Friday, informed council that classes for all programs would commence tomorrow. 

Mr Sabumei stressed the importance of classes commencing tomorrow as “any further delay would grossly affect the academic calendar and more drastically every student’s future academic progress at the University of Goroka”.

He said in the letter that council was pleased with the decision and commended the SRC members for their undertaking.

Mr Sabumei also announced that registered students would be given the opportunity to express their individual democratic right to return to classes via a referendum which is to be conducted at UOG tomorrow afternoon.

Other resolutions reached at the council meeting last Friday, with the participation of the SRC members, included:

·       Compilation of the terms of reference (TOR) for the investigation committee;
·       Composition of an investigation into the student boycott;
·       Approval of the TORs, the approval of the TORs, the approval of an investigation committee, the elections of representatives to the final four vacant seats of the University Council namely: chancellor, pro v ice chancellor, graduate representative and a representative of one of the vice chancellors from another university; and 

·       Approval of the revised 2010 academic calendar.

Mr Sabumei said agreed members of the investigating committee were former Attorney General Michael Gene, prominent academic Prof Allan Easton and accountant George Kuno.

 The duration of the investigation will be four weeks commencing on March 29 and will examine several issues from the TOR concerning governance, processes and procedures, administration matters, academic matters, student welfare, staff welfare and financial matters.

Mr Sabumei said in his letter that the university now had almost a full complement of a council as required by the UOG Act.

Only a Minister’s nominee and one academic board representative, on an acting basis, will need to be elected.

Mr Sabumei said he looked forward to working and cooperating with all the members of the Council.

Another vital milestone for Datec (PNG) Ltd

Caption: Datec CEO Bhanu Sud (left) seals the deal with ISC CEO and Global Chairman Tony Wilde

 

Datec (PNG) Ltd has announced a new initiative to bring management system training courses to Papua New Guinea through an arrangement with International Standards Certifications Pty Ltd (ISC).

ISC is a full scope JAS-ANZ accredited certification body providing independent third-party auditing and certification to companies, organisations, government departments and enterprises who are seeking recognition of compliance to various national and international Standards.

ISC also has a range of accredited training courses in various subjects including quality management, environmental management and occupational health and safety.

With the commencement of the liquefied natural gas projects about to begin, the acquisition of relevant skills by local people will be a crucial factor in PNG’s goal of self sufficiency and will ensure it has the ability to provide the services required by suppliers who wish to work in this huge development project.

Independent third-party auditing and certifications are much sought after all over the world and achievement of certification to the various standards enhances the reputation and global acceptance of any organisation, making it more-competitive and capable of marketing its products and services in a globally-accepted manner.

Bhanu Sud, CEO of Datec (PNG) Ltd said: “With this agreement between ISC and Datec, training can now be provided to government and private organisations in PNG to master the art and science of quality management systems and also to become world-recognised lead auditors, a skill set that has an extremely high demand worldwide and opens exciting new global career opportunities.”

On the occasion of signing the agreement, Tony Wilde, CEO and Global Chairman of ISC, said: “I am extremely happy that we have been able to identify an organisation like Datec, wishing to add a meaningful contribution to the future of PNG by helping to make these training courses available.

“ISC offers flexible, modular-style training which enables you to choose the pace in which you wish to progress to the auditor's qualification.

“The flexibility of the modular style training enables the delegates to digest and consolidate training information before moving on to the next module or stage of training.

 “This new and exciting training concept is a competency-based learning experience and has the ability to evaluate and recognise prior learning and competencies obtained through other training establishments.

“This would obviously mean that the training provided would meet the highest levels of competence and the trainers selected from our global pool would provide relevant and the most effective training.”

These programmes are being launched through the Datec Learning Centers, the training and education arm of Datec, which provides the finest training in PNG and the programmes will be conducted at various locations including the Datec Learning Centers’ facilities at Lae and Port Moresby.

More details of the programme can be found on the Datec website, www.datec.com.pg .

 

Passing of veteran photographer William Williando

This is to let all friends and media colleagues know of the passing of veteran Papua New Guinea photographer, WILLIAM WILLIANDO, earlier today at the Port Moresby general Hospital. William was well-known in this country for his friends-to-all, enemies-to-none approach.

SYB in PNG: Making Up for lost time

By Jenny Hayward-Jones

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was busy improving bilateral relations with more than one neighbour last week. Incredibly, for two countries that share an island and a difficult border, President Yudhoyono was the first Indonesian President to visit PNG since President Soeharto in 1979. 

Making up for lost time, the two governments signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement, a Double Taxation Agreement and letters of exchange on agriculture cooperation. They also agreed to open an official border crossing at Sokau-Wutung. And, according to media reports in PNG, Indonesia has agreed to train PNG police to prevent transnational terrorism, money laundering and people smuggling.

PNG's Post Courier newspaper has suggested that Indonesia's improved relations with Australia paves the way for new forms of trilateral cooperation between PNG, Australia and Indonesia. Whether or not this eventuates, PNG stands to benefit from a more mature bilateral relationship with Indonesia. The focus on economic as well as security cooperation evident in President Yudhoyono's visit is a positive development for the Pacific Islands region's most populous country.

The situation in West Papua was apparently not on the agenda, despite the efforts of Port Moresby's Governor, Powes Parkop, to present a petition to the Indonesian President calling for greater Papuan autonomy. The PNG Government will not have missed President Yudhoyono's warnings to the Australian parliament about respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

This will no doubt be disappointing to Vanuatu, West Papua's most vocal supporter in the Pacific Islands region. PNG's desire to enhance and protect its relationship with Indonesia seems certain to continue to trump Vanuatu's efforts to use the Melanesian Spearhead Group to promote the West Papuan cause

Failing public sector could derail equitable benefit sharing of the gas project

This Editorial - from the Nasfund newsletter -  is in dedication to five outstanding State agencies that give us hope that we can do it right.

 

• Bank of Papua New Guinea
• Institute of Public Administration
• Alotau General Hospital
• Goroka Base Hospital
• Post PNG

 “The evidence we have shows that fiscal management and accountability have collapsed” – Timothy Bonga MP, Chairman Parliamentary Accounts Committee

Without an effective public service, we will increasingly see Papua New Guinea’s growing mineral boom being fritted away with the benefits unequally shared. This will mean minimal impact on service delivery, especially outside of Port Moresby.

It is clear that the PNG Government Sector has lived well beyond its means for a decade or more. It is costly, grossly inefficient and largely ineffective. Large sections have been corrupted and deskilled.  To quote the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

“systems of accounting and reporting in all government departments have collapsed under the gaze of the departments of Finance and Treasury, law enforcement agencies and Parliament with no attempt to stop the endless illegalities and incompetence.”

The recent expose’ in the papers of the PAC findings are simply breath taking as to the incompetence and lack of accountability right throughout the machinery of government. In the latest round of PAC reports covering 900 state agencies only five made the grade. As the Chairman of the PAC stated

“Of the hundreds of agencies we have examined, we can only find five that maintained proper, lawful, auditable and reliable financial information. “

How are we going to provide education, aid posts, roads and other services, when the very machinery is incapable of basic delivery? How are we going to progress the Nation if the Lands Department is assessed by the Committee in the following less than complementary terms “Corruption and criminal collusion by senior managers is an accepted incident of the departments functioning”.

Sadly, the facts as being highlighted have been well known for over a decade. Currently the expenditure on salaries and wages within the public sector takes up approximately 45% of recurrent budget expenditure. Many look to the LNG project tax receipts as the solution, believing that the answer is just to throw more money at the problem. Sadly money has never been the root cause of the effectiveness or lack of effectiveness of the public service. Money has always been there, it has just been washed away through incompetence, corruption and lack of discipline. The real solution to the Public Service is leadership…and from that taking responsibility. Two key words sadly in short supply.

 

Kapris: I am sorry

Prisoner given another 4 months, K1, 000 fine for firearm

By GEEJAY MILLI

PRISON escapee and bank robbery suspect William Nanua Kapris said sorry yesterday about his deeds, and said he wanted to serve his time in jail and become a good citizen again, The National reports.

The alleged mastermind of the 2008 bank robberies appeared in court yesterday in Boroko before Magistrate Danny Wakikura.

He and 11 others escaped from the Bomana maximum security facility on Jan 12. He was caught three weeks later in a motel in the city. He had a gun in his possession at the time.

Kapris was sentenced to four months imprisonment and fined K1, 000 for being in possession of an unregistered firearm.

Before sentencing him, Magistrate Wakikura asked him why he did not appear in court in the last two days.

 “Askim ol CIS lo explain why mi no bin apia, bihain ol kalabusim mi, ol i lokim mi na mi nogat idea wanem taim lo kam lo kot” (ask the CS to explain the reason why I did not appear. After I was captured, they locked me away and I had no idea when to come to court),” Kapris said.

Kapris was convicted of this offence after he pleaded guilty on Feb 10.

Mr Wakikura told him he had four months to pay the fine, or four months would be added to his time.

Police prosecutors informed the court that Kapris’ existing sentences included a sentence on Jan 29, 1997, of four months for escaping; a Nov 3, 1997, sentence for 15 years for two rape charges; a sentence on May 4, 1998, of 20 years (concurrent) for attempted murder; a sentence for four weeks hard labour for assault on May 29, 1998; a three-month sentence on Feb 1, 1999, for escaping from lawful custody; a 12-month sentence on Oct 5, 2000, for unlawful assault; and a three-month sentence on March 26, 2004, for escaping.

All that adds up to about 16 years for Kapris because of the concurrent nature of most of the sentences. This does not include the alleged crimes he is still to face trial for, including the robberies and the Jan 12 escape from Bomana.

Kapris spoke out when Magistrate Wakikura asked if he had anything to say to the court.

“Olsem mi bin tok pinis, kes blo mi gat politics involve; mi holim displa firearm lo protektim mi yet; mi nogat tingting lo bagarapim public; mi askim marimari blo kot so mi ken servim stret taim blo mi.

“Givim seken sans long mi so mi ken senis; mi ken pinisim taim blo mi lo kalabus na kamap gutpla citizen blo kantri.

“Mi tok sori. Mi save mi rong. Mi tok sori lo kot na sori lo pablik tu. Em tasol, tenkyu (Like I stated previously, politics is involved in my case; I kept the firearm to protect myself; I had no intention of harming any member of the public. I ask for the mercy of the court so that I can serve my time. I ask for a second chance, to change, so that I can finish my term and become a good citizen of this country; I am sorry; I know I have done wrong. I say sorry to this court and to the public. That is all, thank you).

Media personnel reporting the court proceedings were not allowed to interview Kapris.

On the charge of escaping from lawful custody, the matter would be indicted by the public prosecutors on April 8.

The firearm Kapris had is to be tendered in court on March 22 and will be destroyed within 30 days if no one steps forward to claim it.

Rambi: NEC to step in on row

INTERNAL Security Minister Sani Rambi yesterday admitted the Government’s hand in the problems confronting the top hierarchy of the police force, and promised to go to Cabinet today to have it resolved, The National reports.

A press conference was arranged at the police headquarters at Konedobu where Police Commissioner Gari Baki spoke to reporters first, and Mr Rambi joined about 30 minutes later.

Both Mr Baki and Mr Rambi were concerned about the headlines Mr Baki has been making in the last three days, relating to the court case between him and Tony Wagambie, and another case filed by Raphael Huafolo, and Mr Baki’s decision to bring back Geoffery Vaki from suspension.

Both were concerned that the media publicity was giving the impression the police force was divided, and deviating away from its responsibility to fight crime and maintain law and order.

Mr Baki also criticised The National for reporting on its front page that he had filed a legal challenge against the National Executive Council, when that action was actually a judicial review proceeding instituted by Mr Huafolo relating to his appointment.

Mr Baki said at no stage in the whole saga was he challenging the NEC, the appointing authority.

Mr Baki said Mr Huafolo was seeking to ask the courts to rule that the NEC had acted improperly and outside of its jurisdiction in appointing Mr Wagambie under section 49 of the Police Force Act1998 to the position of acting deputy commissioner of police.

Mr Baki said he had made the decision to bring Mr Vaki back after a year out in the cold. Mr Vaki was suspended to allow police investigations into alleged abuse of a female companion. He was cleared by the court later.

Following Mr Vaki’s suspension, Mr Huafolo was appointed to act as deputy commissioner by Mr Baki.

But it appears that NEC decided to appoint Mr Wagambie when the submission to suspend Mr Vaki was brought to NEC.

Mr Wagambi’s case is before the court, and a contempt proceeding against Mr Baki is related to this.

Asked if bringing a fresh NEC submission to reinstate Mr Vaki would be disrespect of the court, which is dealing with these issues, Mr Rambi said he did not think so.

“I’m taking a submission back to NEC to recall Mr Vaki, to confirm his appointment. The court process is there, and we respect it. But these are urgent issues within the force which we have to deal with.

“The submission might go to NEC tomorrow (today).

“There are rumours the Government is split about this. I can assure you we are not. I met the Prime Minister on Tuesday and briefed him, and he said to allow the court to take its course.”

'Senat is a menace'

AIDS patient Nicholas Senat is becoming a menace to the Lae public, The National reports.

He has been threatening students, commuters and the public with a syringe.

The Morobe provincial AIDS committee last night asked the police to step in and arrest him.

PAC coordinator Charles Pepe said Mr Senat should not be threatening the public.

“He should be taken into custody and sent home,” Mr Pepe said.

He said Mr Senat’s behaviour was placing the lives of other people at risk.

Mr Pepe said under the HIV/AIDS Management Act, people who knowingly transmit the virus could be charged with a criminal offence.

He urged relatives to meet with the PAC to discuss ways to care for him.

“We can send him to Siassi but who is going to look after him?” Mr Pepe asked.

Mr Senat’s parents are in Port Moresby.

In January, the PAC had paid boat fares for both Mr Senat and an escort to Siassi Island to his Omom village, where his medication would be sent.

But Mr Senat returned to Lae in February.

At the beginning of this month, he began threatening people.

Last Saturday afternoon, he walked into the Foodmart Supermarket around 5pm and started eating the food he collected before paying for it.

On Monday, he walked into the Amba Demonstration School’s elementary section at Ampo and chased all the pupils out, threatening “to inject them with AIDS”.

The next day, he confronted an upper primary pupil from the school and tried to grab him but was shrugged off.

On a PMV bus from Balob to China town on Tuesday, commuters ran out of the bus at China town and fled for their lives urging the driver and conductor to “take him to the police”.

At Eriku yesterday morning, he swore at people who stared at him.

He pointed to a group of about 50 men, women and children and shouted: “You call me AIDS man. Ten of you have AIDS.”

Baki takes NEC to court

Caption: Mr Baki (right) talking to private lawyer Jacinta Murray outside the Waigani National Court premises yesterday after his request for a judicial review was deferred to April 15 for substantive hearing. With them, at left, is assistant commissioner for investigations, Raphael Huafolo.

By JACOB POK

POLICE Commissioner Gari Baki has gone to court challenging a National Executive Council decision to appoint Tony Wagambie as acting deputy police commissioner operations, The National reports.

The move by the head of the police hierarchy came days after a bench warrant was issued for his arrest after failing to appear in court on numerous occasions to answer contempt charges taken out by Mr Wagambie on allegations of defying a National Court order last year to install him as acting deputy police commissioner operations.

Although Mr Wagambie is now on the job he was fighting for, he still pursued the contempt charges against Mr Baki because of the long delay and failure to attend court and act on court orders.

Cabinet’s appointment of Mr Wagambie as acting deputy police commissioner operations was gazetted last March 27 but was not effected until recently while the contempt charges against Mr Baki were pending in court.

Mr Baki voluntarily appeared in court on Monday and the bench warrant was set aside.

He was put on bail.

In a new twist of events yesterday, Mr Baki appeared before National Court judge Justice Ambeng Kandakasi along with private lawyer Jacinta Murray of Murray Lawyers, foregoing State lawyers, to seek a judicial review of the NEC decision.

However, Justice Kandakasi ruled in court yesterday that the application for review was related to the same issue that had led to the contempt proceedings.

As such, he said the matter would be discussed at the substantive hearing, slated for April 15.

He said the contempt proceedings had to be dealt with before other matters.

Also this week, former deputy police commissioner Geoffrey Vaki, who was sidelined on allegations of abusing a woman, was recalled to his position.

Media reports said a minute, dated March 12, from Mr Baki to Mr Vaki directed that the latter take up the job no later than 8am on Monday, March 15.

The minute also advised that Mr Wagambie will return to his job as commander Southern region

Moem ex-soldiers query finish pays

MORE than 100 Moem Barracks soldiers, who were discharged from the army in 2000, are urging the PNG Defence Force to speed up the settlement of their entitlements so that they can return to their villages, The National reports.

The 113 soldiers were retrenched 10 years ago but they are still staying in the barracks under trying conditions with only about K100 a fortnight to cater to their household needs including food, school fees for their children, medical expenses and other obligations.

A group of the ex-soldiers told The National yesterday that life at the barracks had become too difficult for them to bear as their school children could not attend higher educational institutions when they were still struggling to have an adequate meal daily.

They said younger soldiers who were trained by them and had served fewer than 10 years were retrenched and paid off between K60, 000 and K90, 000 but they were paid between K15, 000 and K20, 000.

“It is total injustice for the years of service,” they said.

They said many of them started serving the army before independence and the defence hierarchy now wanted to repatriate them with nothing to commemorate their loyalty, commitment and dedication to the nation.

Spokesman John Kapo said: “There have been several court proceedings on our grievances, the recent being at Waigani last September where the court ordered that we be paid before Christmas so that we could leave for our villages.

“We are still waiting.”

He said since 2000, a total of 11 ex-soldiers waiting for their entitlements in Moem had passed away and nine family members of soldiers in their group had also died.

“Most of us are reaching old age and do not wish to die in the barracks but in our villages where we can settle down with our families,” he said.

The ex-soldiers claimed the army was inhumanely treating them and appealed to anyone who could help to contact 76362102, 71358835 or 71316881.

Narakobi, a man of law

He was a role model to young lawyers: Kua

PAPUA New Guinea Law Society president Kerenga Kua has described the late Bernard Narokobi as a man who dedicated his entire life to the service of the rule of law.

“Every once in a while comes a man who expresses an ideology that gives an alternative way forward for a nation.

“For PNG, Mr Narokobi exposed the Melanesian Way as a doctrine and a path for developing PNG.”

Mr Kua said the Melanesian Way ideology was intended to enable PNG to forge its own unique path of development or as a compromise to blend the PNG ways, customs and practices into the western lifestyle, customs and practices.

“Dr Narokobi took that philosophy with him, even to the bench where he served as an acting judge for a short while and during that term he firmly held the view that there was an important role for our customary laws to play amongst the laws of this country,” he said.

“For instance, in one criminal case, he ordered the payment of pigs as adequate compensatory payment for a criminal offence (that judgment was set aside by the Supreme Court on appeal).

“This goes to prove his commitment to ensuring that the customs of this country were recognised and allowed to play an important role amongst the mostly Western-styled legislation and common law.

“It takes a man of courage and a high degree of intellect to be able to do that. It is to espouse a unique brand of philosophy and to defend and implement it too.

“Dr Narokobi was such a man,” Mr Kua said in a public statement yesterday.

He also said Dr Narokobi was one of the first Papua New Guinean lawyers who dedicated his life to the service of the rule of law.

“Dr Narokobi has set a very high level of moral, ethical and professional standard and all young lawyers should aspire to set such standards.

“His life will be an inspiration and a role model for lawyers for generations to come.

“Lawyers mourn his death and convey their heartfelt condolences to the children, grandchildren and relatives of the late Dr Narokobi, one of Papua New Guinea’s most distinguished lawyers.”

Rotary Club of Lae celebrates 50 years serving the people

Caption: Rotary Club of Lae is a major supporter of Angau Memorial Hospital over the years

One of the biggest challenges for Papua New Guinea has long been making sure that everyone regardless of gender and background receives the best-possible support and foundation in order to live successful and happy lives wherever they may be.

As simple as this may seem, it has somewhat and at times been a difficult task for appropriate institutions to carry out.

Recognising these shortfalls and servicing them where appropriate is by far one of the greatest achievements of the Rotary Club of Lae.

The club this year marks a historical 50 years serving PNG and its people.

The club currently has a registered membership of 20 committed individuals who come from various organisations in Lae.

Their passion to support communities in need all over PNG is really what drives these tireless individuals to volunteer their time and effort to ensure the development and successful implementation of community projects.

Since its inception on Dec 26, 1959, the club has supported multiple projects in the area of health, education, community development and individual development nationwide.

Some of its most notable achievements have been:

· The expansion and eventual building of two new children’s ward at the Angau Memorial Hospital worth over K500, 000 in 2005;

· Sending children suffering from cancer to Camp Quality locations in Australia for treatment;
· Most recently the club supplied and installed many water tanks in affected areas to assist overcome the outbreak of the cholera epidemic; and

· The ‘Rotary against Malaria’ project through their ‘adopt a village’ strategy by supplying treated mosquito nets to villages most affected by the illness. In PNG, this is a committed investment of $US150 million which translates to over K441 million

“The Rotary Club of Lae extends its gratitude to many, many sponsors both organisations and individuals who have dug deep to assist various causes,” the club said in a statement.

“To name them would not fit these pages and would not do justice to their commitment and support over the years.“It is an amazing gesture of goodwill and contribution to the Rotary Club of Lae and from there on to the people of Papua New Guinea.”

Last respects for Narakobi

Parliament was suspended yesterday as Members, led by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare (pictured) and Speaker Jeffrey Nape, viewed and paid their respects for the late Bernard Narokobi as he lies in State at the Grand Hall. A funeral service will be held this morning before the body of the late Mr Narokobi is flown home to Wewak and onto his Dagua village for burial.

 

No response for Kapris no-show

By JACOB POK and GEEJAY MILLI

ALLEGED bank robbery mastermind William Nanua Kapris only appeared in one of his two scheduled court hearings at the Waigani National Court yesterday morning, The National reports.
He did not show up at the Boroko District Court later on in the day, making it the second time that he had consecutively "missed" his hearing on charges of escaping from lawful custody and possessing an unlicenced firearm.
Police prosecutors and District Court magistrate Danny Wakikura also could not provide any explanations as they themselves had spend the whole morning waiting in vain.
Mr Wakikura then adjourned the matter to tomorrow.
Back at the Waigani National Court, Kapris briefly appeared and sought directions for hislawyers to visit him and provide legal advice.
Not looking well Kapris, however, confidently entered the room in an orderly manner escorted by Correctional Services officers.
When the court convened and found out that some of the committal matters in Kapris' alleged bank robberies were yet to be mentioned in court, National Court judge Justice Ere Kariko adjourned the matter to April 20 for further directions hearing.
That was when Kapris stood up, and said in pidgin: "Mi laik askim kot long givim tok orait long loya blong mi long kam lukim mi long kalabus na toktok long kot bilong mi. Bikos nau yet, ol woda i no tok orait long ol loya long kam lukim mi." (I would like to ask the court to issue directions for my lawyers to come and see me in prison and provide legal assistance. Correctional officers were not allowing any of my lawyers to visit me.)
Justice Kariko agreed to the request, stating that the accused has the right to consult his lawyers.
Counsel David Dotauna confirmed that he would assist Kapris on the matter, and was instructed to file and serve his legal representation notice.
However, the judge ruled that any other visitations would have to wait until proper procedures and directions had been established with the respective lawyers concerned.
The lawyers were instructed to turn up on Friday and further discuss the issue of visitation.
When contacted and queried on why Kapris did not turn up at the Boroko District Court, all the Correctional Services could say was that "Kapris did appear in court".
Kapris has been under tight security surveillance and has not been allowed to see a lawyer.

Ex-army chief recalls lessons from Sandline

By OSEAH PHILEMON

THIRTEEN years after the Sandline mercenaries were forced to leave Papua New
Guinea, the Government has still not learnt any lessons from the Bougainville crisis, former PNG Defence Force commander Major Gen (retired) Jerry Singirok said yesterday, The National
reports.
Today, March 17, is the 13th anniversary of the Sandline crisis.
Gen Singirok, the man who masterminded the departure of the Government-hired mercenaries to put down the Bougainville rebellion, said the Bougainville crisis presented lessons before the PNG Government about the need to invest in and strengthen national security, yet nothing has been done about it.
The Bougainville crisis also had lessons about the need for the Government to be extremelycareful in trying to engage foreign security companies to work in PNG, especially in big resource projects.
"Now with the LNG project in the Southern Highlands, the Government has allowed developers to bring in foreign-owned security companies who have no appreciation of the local customs, cultures and the people.
"These companies are dismantling the police and Defence Force by recruiting their best men to work on the project sites with promises of better pay and conditions," Gen Singirok said.
"With lousy pay and service conditions, police and Defence Force personnel are living below poverty line.
"That is why they are taking up offers to work as security personnel for foreign-owned security companies at the LNG project," Gen Singirok said.
"Has anyone done any due diligence checks on these foreign security companies?" he asked.
Gen Singirok said the foreign-owned security companies came here with one purpose, to use maximum force against landowners or anyone who tried to frustrate work on the project.
"The presence of foreign-owned security companies in PNG poses a great threat to the country.
"I want to know what their rules of engagement are, what types of firepower they have and who authorised them to have high-powered firearms.
"The use of foreign private security companies happens in countries where the state has failed to provide the needed security.
"This situation does not exist in PNG and so the Government needs to reassess its own attitudes towards security issues surrounding the big project," he said.
"If they are not careful with what is happening in the LNG project area, the situation there can be much larger and far worse than Bougainville," Gen Singirok warned.
"Conditions are ripe for a major crisis if the Government is not careful.
"Firstly, there is a serious breakdown of law and order in Southern Highlands province right now.
"Secondly is the massive build-up of illegal firearms as a result of lack of control by State law enforcement agencies to contain the influx of these firearms.
"Thirdly is the lack of border control on the PNG-Indonesia border as well as the PNG-Australian border.
"The fourth issue is the obvious lack of Government investment in Defence Force, police and Correctional Services.
"These are the concerns that all add up to what I call a very serious threat to our national security by governments in office," Gen Singirok said.
"My greatest fear right now is that we are now setting the stage for another Bougainville crisis in Southern Highlands because all the right conditions are there."
He said the social issues afflicting the people of Southern Highlands province had not been adequately addressed by the Government before the start of the multi-billion-kina liquefied natural gas project.

Prime Minister tables new 20-year plan

PRIME Minister Sir Michael Somare celebrated 42 years in politics yesterday by tabling the Papua New Guinea development strategic plan 2010-30 in Parliament, The National reports.
The 20-year plan is aimed at transforming the country from a low-income to a middle-income nation.
The Prime Minister said the plan provided the guide to a successful and prosperous future for all Papua New Guineans.
"On Sept 16, 1975, Papua New Guinea took a big step in entering unknown territory as an independent sovereign nation.
"Transition of a people of many languages and cultures to a global economy within three decades is in itself an achievement and testimony of resilience of the people of this great nation.
"PNG has progressed and is now at the crossroads of economic development," Sir Michael said.
He said three critical questions were asked when putting together the plan; Where are we now, as a nation? Where do we want to be in 2030? How do we get there?
"It, therefore, sets out the broad framework, targets, and strategies to achieve theGovernment's vision," Sir Michael said.
He said the plan was designed to quadruple the national income which should give all Papua New Guineans an improved quality of life by exploiting the available opportunities, enabling them to become key players in the overall socioeconomic development of the country.
"It is designed to strategically inform and guide Papua New Guineans in all walks of life to engage in the development process of our country.
"We have, for far too long, been swinging on the back of rhetoric and ad-hoc decision-making processes which do not reflect Government policy initiatives.
"This reflected badly on Papua New Guinea's development goals and priorities, thus, leaving the rural majority with minimal or no economic options to become key players in socioeconomic advancement.
"This plan is designed to change all these.
"This is homegrown document taking into account concerns and aspirations of the Government, non-governmental organisations, churches, private sector and people of this nation," Sir Michael said.

World Water Day falls next Monday

World Water Day celebrations will be held at Port Moresby Grammar School next Monday, March 22.

Department of Environment and Conservation Secretary Dr Warilea Iamo (pictured) has invited relevant State agencies and major water industries to participate in WWD celebrations spearheaded by DEC.

“I envisage coordination and collaboration among different stakeholders to inform policy makers and the general public about water quality challenges we face today and years to come, as PNG is undergoing rapid development accompanied by population growth and climate change, which poses significant threats on human lives and the environment,” he said.

“I understand that certain sectors use more water, while others use less water and yet generate more wastewater.

“I wish to stress that accusations over, whom, when and where these challenges occur should rather be avoided, as we maintain focus on preventing, or mitigating these challenges.

“I strongly believe it should be in our collective interest to coordinate among all stakeholders to address these challenges, in order for our vast water resources to be replenished for the benefit of all, including our future generations.

“As head of the Department of Environment and Conservation I wish to invite relevant stakeholders whose activities revolve around our water resources to participate in observing this year’s WWD.

“Each stakeholder has been given opportunity to showcase their efforts in addressing water quality challenges from their own perspective and interests.

“May I take this opportunity to thank those stakeholders who have expressed interest and made commitments by responding to my call in pledging their support to this cause.

“I wish you all successful WWD-2010 celebrations and a clean and healthy future for PNG.

WWD was declared under the auspiciousness of the United Nations in 1992 by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio De Janeiro, which is observed around the World on March 22 each year.

The Global Theme for this year’s WWD is “Communicating water quality challenges and opportunities”.

“The United Nation’s overall goal of WWD March 22, 2010 is to raise the profile of water quality at the political level, so that water quality considerations are made alongside those of water quantity,” Dr Iamo said.

“The DEC captured both the global and Pacific themes and adopted a national theme: ‘Communication Challenges and Opportunities-Safe Water for a Healthy Papua New Guinea’.”