Rural women attend AusAID-PNG women talk in Lae

Anna Kapus from Wewak showing Dr John Kolia, chairman of the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) Council various oils she produced out of coconut oil at the Women in Agriculture round table conference. Mrs Kapus is showing the next stage of agriculture production which is downstream processing - taking the primary produce to the next level.-Pictures by OSEAH PHILEMON

Samantha Gangai (seated) who is a research assistant with the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) promoting healthy eating by showing women in agriculture how to prepare a delicious meal out of mung bean sprouts, vegetables and rice. She had samples out and everyone who tasted it commented favourably about it.

This is Waghi Rice- rice grown and packed in Wahgi in Jiwaka province.From left- Yara Kagl, Monica Ape and Anna Ane display the rice they
Just harvested from their rice fields in the Wahgi area of the Jiwaka area.

The women of Southern Highlands travelled a long distance to get to Lae for the Women in Agriculture roundtable talks. This is Martha Yawij, president of the Tari LNG women who are involved in vegetable and livestock production in the Tari-Hides LNG area.These women have a huge potential for their produce with the LNG project just starting.

WOMEN from Gabsongkeg village near Nadzab entertaining visiting delegates to the women in agriculture roundtable conference at NARI near Lae.

Susie Silas from Busanim Yalu outside Lae displaying her flowers at the Women in Agriculture roundtable conference. Horticulture is one of the agriculture businesses being talked about at the conference.

Who would beat giant guavas?These are the fruits from the Nglonzua Farm at Munum Village near Lae being displayed by young grower Leilah Gugua at the Women in Agriculture show.These guavas are selling for K4 a fruit.

By SENIORL ANZU of NARI

Rural women farmers throughout Papua New Guinea gathered in Lae this week for a roundtable talk with key stakeholders in the agriculture sector.

The PNG Women in Agriculture Development Foundation (PNGWiADF), with support from AusAID, hosted the meeting on possible organisational support towards PNG women in the agriculture sector.

PNGWiADF president Maria Linibi said the immediate outcome expected from this forum was to establish collaboration and partnership with various stakeholders, government agencies and donor partners to fund and/or implement components of the PNGWIADF Strategic Plan.

While the high-level talk was scheduled for yesterday, the rural women farmers attended a capacity-building workshop on Monday, followed by a knowledge-sharing field day the next day to showcase their agricultural innovations and potentials.

Chief Secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc gave the keynote address while Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Anton Benjamin chaired the roundtable talk.

Among the dignitaries was Minister for Agriculture John Hickey and representatives from various government agencies, international donors such as AusAID and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Australian Women in Agriculture, Rural Industries Council, National Agriculture Research Institute and women leaders and farmers.

Ms Linibi said the three-day event was also to gain recognition of the role of PNGWiADF as the voice of women in agriculture who contribute to food security through the implementation of the PNGWiADF strategic plan.

“In staging the round-table forum, PNGWiADF is bringing women’s voices to the attention of donor partners, line government agencies and other stakeholders to recognise its strategic plan as a plan for all rural women who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods,” she said.

“The plan was developed by the women and it echoes and complements other macro plans such as the Millennium Development Goals, PNG Vision 2050, Medium Term Development Strategy (2005-2010), National Agriculture Development Plan (2006-2016), and NARI Strategic Plan (2006-2015).

Among those who traveled to Lae this week were individuals and groups from Kikori (Gulf), Kutubu and Moran (Southern Highlands), Western Highlands, Eastern Highlands, Sandaun, East Sepik, Hiritano, Oro, East New Britain, Maprik, Aitape Laumi, Abau, Madang, Bougainville, Sogeri, Ramu, Mutzing, Mumeng and Markham.

The forum’s minor sponsors included Trukai Industries, PNG Democratic Governance, NARI, Rural Industries Council, Momahi Guest House, Tropical Niugini Woods and Australian Women in Agriculture.

Women in agriculture

Women from the Mumeng area of the Bulolo District in Morobe province display their garden produce at the Mumeng in Agriculture meet at the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) station at Bubia outside Lae.-Picture by OSEAH PHILEMON

 

InterOil responds to allegations

Port Moresby PNG; Cairns, Australia and Houston, TX --March 29, 2010 --INTEROIL Corporation believes that allegations made in an article concerning certain litigation which has been ongoing in Texas since 2005, have been raised now in an attempt to divert attention from the successful operations of the company.

Operations conducted by the company which were evaluated by independent engineering evaluations consultants, GLJ Petroleum Consultants Ltd., resulted in an increase in our gross best case contingent resources estimate by 889 million barrels of oil equivalent resources, to a revised total of 8.2 tcf of natural gas and 156 million barrels of condensate, in the past fiscal year.

The article was timed to benefit recent short selling activities.

The “short” interest in InterOil increased to 3,548,056 shares in mid-March.

InterOil's policy is to not provide commentary on ongoing litigation beyond the description of it appropriately and consistently set forth in our Annual Information Statement and Form 40-F available on our website or from the SEC.

In our Annual Information Form (AIF), filed on March 1, 2010 the Company continued to disclose that Company's Chief Executive Officer, Phil Mulacek, and his controlled entities Petroleum Independent & Exploration Corporation and P.I.E. Group, LLC, together with the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, are defendants in Todd Peters, et. al. v. Phil Mulacek et. al.; Case No. 05-040-03592-CV; pending in the 284th District Court of Montgomery County, Texas.

Appropriate details concerning this long running action are provided. InterOil and its subsidiaries were not party to, nor otherwise involved in, the Nikiski Partners filing referenced in the article.

 

For Further Information

Contact:

Susuve Laumaea

Senior Manager – Media Relations/Public Affairs

 (PNG Operations)

Tel: 675 - 3099 363

Mobile: 675 – 721 3870

Email:susuve.laumaea@interoil.com or slaumaea@digicelpacific.blackberry.com

Wall is coming down Gooding

By JAMES WANJIK

 

THE STORY, “Ramu mine work halted”, (Post-Courier, Wednesday, March 24, 2010 p.31) is wall now exposed. Time was when miners hid behind the wall from reach of landowners. The game is shifting. Landowners will bring down the wall. That wall and its Waigani legal eagles will soon be laid bare.

Plot World Bank and European Union had leaders did not know. Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) is very dangerous for PNG. No lawyer of Government had wanted truth known.

When I raised serious constitutional legal issues in September and October 2006 with the Government’s Law Office it was enough to get their arrogance ignited. Little did they know about MRA. Mole MRA planted in Justice Department was a politically devious lawyer from Wakunai. Rest Wakunai leader wanted hidden. No more and MRA is wandering leaderless already.

Many truths about MRA are out. National Alliance (NA) Party leadership struggles is a result of MRA withdrawing mining powers on Bougainville from the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG). Hopeless and powerless on Bougainville MRA plotted removal of Paul Tiensten. MRA played off NA leaders to hide its sin.

At Kainantu Barrick Gold acquired Highlands Pacific’s interest to shut the mine. MRA has not raised an eye.

At no time and place has MRA acted for PNG people. Ramu mine is worse. It wanted Somare and his leadership to be openly challenged. Looking at lot of abusive and derogatory articles on the internet blogs for Ramu mine and crime and corruption in PNG tells a lot about MRA. It has not answered any of these articles for the leadership of Somare.

Gooding is last person to know about MRA it seems. No miner including Highlands Pacific has challenged my view that MRA is a counterfeit regulator of mines. MRA is unconstitutional and was operating illegally. It has no legal standing and competence to do anything lawful. For Ramu mine this means MRA had no lawful authority and worse no legal competency to approve mine construction in about June/ July 2007. Highlands Pacific, like the Ramu mine manager and operator, has no code of ethics to have let the Government know about this basic and fundamental legal flaw.

Law on MRA is unconstitutional. MRA is now exposed. Miners will regret working with MRA. And ignorance of law is no excuse. Knowingly supporting breach of law and worse constitutional law is reckless.

Gooding, how do you fare?

 

Japan-PNG relations take a turn for the better

B y MALUM NALU

 

Japan-Papua New Guinea relations take a turn for the better tomorrow (Wednesday March 31) with the opening of the new PNG Embassy building in Tokyo and the commencement of twice-weekly Air Niugini flights from Port Moresby to Narita.

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare will open the new PNG chancery today, the same day that Air Niugini launches its second weekly Port Moresby-Narita flight.

Charge d' Affaires Dennis Bebego said from Tokyo that the PNG Embassy in Toky was currently in the process of finalising arrangements for the formal opening and naming of the newly-constructed building by Sir Michael.

"This is a significant national event and is a realisation of the national government's commitment to the tune of K20 million towards this chancery project," he said.

"It is historic in that this would be the second building to have been constructed and owned by the government to house its overseas diplomatic mission; the first being the PNG High Commission building in Canberra.

"The construction of this chancery, which began in May 2009 with a groundbreaking ceremony performed also by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, was completed in December last year and the building formally handed over on Jan 19, 2010.

"It is now scheduled for formal opening on Mar 31, 2010, when Prime Minister makes an official visit to Japan.

"A large entourage of guests and VIPs from PNG as well as Japan will attend the event."

Mr Bebego said the commitment by the government to this project was recognition of the important and maturing relations between Japan and PNG – "a relationship that in recent times has gone to a higher level, with the recent involvement of some high profile Japanese companies in the PNG LNG project".

 

University of Goroka into distance learning

 

Caption: Workshop participants in Goroka

 

The University of Goroka last week hosted a workshop with Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) to discuss a partnership with UOG's School of Distance and Flexible Learning (DFL). 

FODE will form the basis of support for new programme -  Bachelor of Education in School Management at UOG -  starting in semester two of this year.

The roles, responsibilities and functions of the entities involved were part of the workshop along with critical components for the delivery and support of learning materials to distance learners. 

Topics such as learner support functions, tasks and the perceptions of distance learning were also covered. 

A mission statement was also developed at the workshop based on in-service teacher education through the partnership with FODE.

Ouka Lavaki (ML), assistant secretary National Capital District for general education services,  was present at the workshop and fully supported UOG’s move to offer in-service teacher education via DFL. 

Mr Lavaki said the programme at UOG was “a way forward for many teachers out there who wish to upgrade by bringing services to their doorstep”.

The workshop was also attended by Eileen Lala, academic registrar from FODE and provincial co-ordinators from Eastern Highlands Joe Sogone, Western Highlands Robert Alua and Oro Cecilia Gangai. 

FODE distance learning centres will be utilised as support centres for the DFL program. 

Demas Tongogo, principal of FODE, said he was happy to be “party to the work UOG is doing to upgrade teachers and to directly contribute”.

Visiting specialist in distance learning ProfTony Wrightson commented “it was not an easy task to begin nurturing this ‘baby’ at a single mode institution like UOG… but this kind of innovation is about access and giving opportunities to those who could never have tertiary education before”. 

Prof Wrightson said that UOG staff and their goodwill towards DFL had been of a high standard, and that it made sense for UOG and FODE to march together to achieve their goal.

A memorandum of agreeement (MOA) document is planned to be signed between UOG and FODE later this year.

UOG is fully committed to DFL and has provided funding and new staff positions to assist with the running of the new course.

Momis signs up to vie for presidency

By ALOYSIUS LAUKAI

 

FORMER Bougainville Regional Member and Ambassador John Momis (pictured) became the fourth candidate to nominate to contest the presidential seat in the Autonomous Bougainville Government second general elections yesterday, The National reports.

He was accompanied by a huge crowd of supporters which included the sacred UPE group from Wakunai.

Mr Momis will lead the New Bougainville Party in this coming election.

The other three presidential candidates who have nominated are current President James Tanis, Ruben Siara and a woman candidate, Magdalen Toroansi.

Mr Tanis was the first to nominate following the issuing of writs last Friday. He started his campaigning at Gogohe at the weekend and is now in Arawa.

 

 

Sir J: Govt filthy rich, people poor

 ‘Speaker totally biased, courts are tired, law enforcement agencies cannot cope with computerised white collar crimes while jails have become transit picnic grounds for criminals’

 

NEW Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan says the Government is filthy rich but its people continue to live in saksak houses, no medicine, dilapidated schools and totally forlorn.

“The Parliament is no longer the People’s House, but a rubber stamp for the multi-billionaires who can influence our leaders to introduce laws and agreements we know very little about, yet the long term impact is unpredictable.

“The Speaker is totally biased, the courts are tired, law enforcement agencies can no longer cope with computerised white collar crimes, whilst our jails have become transit picnic grounds for criminals.

“The people of this country are tired of sitting on the outside and begging for what is properly theirs,” he said.

“For too long, Papua New Guineans have been spectators of resource developments on their traditional lands which do not equate with the wealth and benefits derived from their rich resources.

“It is time for the Government to transfer wealth from the State to the people,” Sir Julius said.

“The people are tired of others telling them what they can and cannot do with papagraun.

“The people are tired of seeing pay raises and allowance raises in Waigani, when the State does not even consider it necessary to provide them with the pittance the State has promised to provide.

 “Under the current and previous governments, New Ireland has not improved after 15 years of Lihir gold and three years of Simberi mining, and this would be the same scenario in all mining provinces across the country,” he said.

Sir Julius said mothers in Bougainville, after the 16 years of the crises, had shown determination and resilience to sustain a society built out of nothing, making the best use of them to rehabilitate and rebuild families and communities.

“This is the reason we need strong representation of the women in all spheres of endeavour, a step that we, in New Ireland, have accepted and submitted to the autonomy committee to have nine seats of deputy presidents of LLG to be contested only by women and give them free choice to contest all other seats in the provincial elections.

“We need to re-look and reassess our policies and strategies and exercise fairness and justice that will position our people to access more benefits from what they already inherit and own as citizens of our country,” he added.

Sir Julius said women must start exerting their influence as equal stakeholders of the wealth of the land to attain balanced social-economic development for the country.

“In the wake of the mineral, oil and gas boom, they must seize the opportunities to benefit as equal stakeholders of the land,” he said at a gathering of women in Faniufa village outside Goroka yesterday.

He said the role of women needed to be redefined and strengthened to uphold their status.

“They have been taken for granted as participants in the various levels of landowner agreements and investment undertakings with developers and the State irrespective of their special status and role in the communities.

“You have to move on from housemaids to housekeeping and stop the men from squandering and signing agreements that cannot be fulfilled,” he added

Soldiers hear about K13mil, no pay date

PROTESTING soldiers at the Taurama Barracks in Port Moresby were told yesterday K13 million has been awarded for their pay rise, but no date has been given for its implementation, The National reports.

They were told that K13 million was approved by the Government for the PNG Defence Force to implement its new salary structure for this year and also to pay outstanding payments only for January to December last year.

But it is still uncertain which payday this would actually come into effect.

PNGDF director for personnel Navy Cmdr Michael David was at the Taurama barracks yesterday to calm down the soldiers and explain the break-up of the funds.

He said the salary and conditions monitoring committee, (SCMC) led by Department of Personnel Management (DPM) had decided to award an 8% pay rise despite their earlier demands last month for a 100% increment.

The disgruntled soldiers had claimed then that the increment had been outstanding since 2007.

The implementation phase of the funds for officers from the rank of private to colonel, and of how the increments would be paid according to the new PNGDF salary structure, was discussed with soldiers at Taurama yesterday.

However, no schedule as to the actual date of commencement was given.

Cmdr David assured them that although some agreement had been reached, DPM has not given a clear confirmation as to what payday this would be effected.

Of the K13 million, K4 million would take care of outstanding salaries from last January to December while K8 million would be used to implement the new salary structure beginning in January this year. 

As Cmdr David was leaving the Taurama barracks in his car, he was shouted at by the soldiers who were still not convinced by what he had informed them.

After Cmdr David left, Taurama barracks Cmdr Lt Col Emmanuel Todick reassured the officers that he would be pursuing the matter but called for understanding and patience from the soldiers while DPM and other agencies put an implementation schedule in place.

Frabelle workers walk off job

MORE than 500 workers of fish cannery Frabelle (PNG) Limited walked off their jobs yesterday morning, The National reports.

They left the SpeyBank Street, Milfordhaven, factory in Lae in one large group, over complaints of transport, lunch, uniforms and safety wear fees.

The workers said both skilled and unskilled workers were paid K2.29 across the board.

Despite the national minimum wages board (NMWB) rate, there is no margin rate between the unskilled and the skilled workers, spokesman of their interim union

Gabriel Garame said.

The workers who come from Munum and Yalu villages, along the Highlands Highway, are charged K4.10  as transport fees daily, while those commuting from Miles, Bumayong, are charged K1.60.

“The management imposes an identification card system to verify commuters before and after hoping on to the vehicle. A fee of K5 is charged, or three days without pay, if one has no ID,” employees said.

For meals at the work-place, “dry scones were provided for lunch costing K1”.

“Within the company a man, without a certification from Investment Promotion Authority, sells half scallop and sausages for K1, broccoli at K1 and bananas for K0.50,” Mr Garame said.

He said two pairs of uniforms cost K6 while a pair of safety gum boots costs K30.

He said there were no face masks and safety clothes for workers in the boiler section.

At Christmas, each worker receives two packets of rice, three packets of noodles and three tins of Isabella fish.

Frabelle (PNG) Ltd operates fish canning for the local and export markets.

Workers said it also manufactured frozen loins, fish meal and deals in scrap metals.

“The deductions on various things exceed what they pay us fortnightly,” workers said.

 “It has been an on going issue,” Mr Garame said.

The workers vented their frustration to the provincial labour and industrial relations division, Morobe Provincial Fisheries Management Authority and health and safety authorities of the Lae City Council. They said the government agencies were negligent.

“They are depriving and denying us of proper welfare at the work place. They benefit from our commitment, effort and marine resources using us as cheap labour,” he said.

Unionist Tom Vevo said the issue was the same in other fish canning companies.

He said that at RD Tuna, employees received a K0.15 increase, despite the K2.29 approved rate.

He said the K2.29 rate was for the unskilled workers.

“The company has to set its margin and add its portion on top the pay for those skilled nationals.

“Failure by the provincial labour division to implement its roles and responsibilities effectively, leads to unnecessary protests without employees following proper procedures.

“Workers were the foundation of industry which generates income for the Government. Therefore responsible authorities have to intervene and solve such issues.

“They are human beings and have to afford to eat and sleep, and be protected with medical and insurance cover for their safety,” he said.

Frabelle management refused to comment.

Pictures of the funeral service of photographer William Williando

Pphotographs of the funeral of media photographer William Williando in Port Moresby last Friday.

Investigation committee commences at UOG

An independent investigation team will commence proceedings at the University of Goroka this week on Tuesday March 30, 2010.

As directed by the UOG Council, a three-person investigation committee has been established to investigate several concerns outlined in an agreed terms of reference (TOR) document previously submitted by the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the National Academic Staff Association (NASA) at UOG.

Some the concerns are matters relating to: governance, processes and procedures, administration matters, academic matters, student welfare, staff welfare and financial matters.

The independent investigation committee is composed of Michael Gene, prominent lawyer and former Attorney General; Prof Allan Easton, prominent academic; and George Kuno, practising accountant and will meet with representatives from the UOG Council, SRC, NASA and management teams to investigate issues from the TOR document.

The investigation will run until April 29, 2010, after which the University Council will meet to consider the findings of the report.

University of Goroka Chancellor Benais Sabumei said investigation would be completely independent to ensure the findings and recommendations were unbiased and neutral.

The investigation committee will appoint its own administration staff, and the university will provide logistical support for the duration of the investigation.

Mr Sabumei said he was pleased to see that classes have now resumed, and things were back to normal at UOG.

National Court commended for Ramu nickel mine decision

By BAPA BOMOTENG

 

Congratulations to the Madang National Court for being the listening ears for the silent majority.  The National Court in Madang did justice to put on hold the tailing of waste into deep Bismack seas.  They should enforce a permanent stop order!

The giant Ramu nickel project got its okay for construction almost on a golden plate (almost 80-90%) Chinese owned. PNG got peanuts in ownership.  The deal looked funny and not right right from the start, as there may have been hidden players and gainers, as is the game with some Asians deals.

 Every people group along the coast and the Islands of Madang, Raikos, Karkar, Rooke Is, Umboi, Manam Is and Wasu should be speaking out. What pollution and waste dumping will do to marine life is unpredictable.   Look at 40-50 years from now when the nickel has been plundered out of Ramu.  What will be left there after?  Ghost towns, half-castes, polluted rivers and the sea bed?  Nauru Island went through a time of prosperity.  What has happened to it now?  Where it is on the map after the phosphate is gone?

 Look at what Rio Tinto did for the Panguna rivers and the Arawa Bay in Bougainvile.  Look at what OK Tedi has done for Fly River bed and the Western with its sedimentation and the waste dumping.  Look where Misima Mines is right now.  Look at the open cut and giant operations in Lihir.

 Madang people need to stand united here and protect the "Beautiful Madang", the tourist destination. And for the sake of the generations in the future, protect the environment, our flora, the fauna and the marine life.

 

Chapman Freeborn to move LNG cargo

Partnership with Air Niugini

 

By YEHIURA HRIEHWAZI in Brisbane

 

ONE of the world’s largest air chartering companies, Chapman Freeborn, has entered into partnership with the national flag carrier, Air Niugini, to move construction cargo for the PNG liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, The National reports.

Chapman Freeborn has 32 offices in 22 countries and last year alone, it co-ordinated 5,000 charters, according to a statement on its website.

One of the aircraft being offered for use in the project is a large L-100 Hercules aircraft – one similar to the two from South America that were in joint-venture with Nationair in the mid-1980s to move cargo from Nadzab to Moro for the construction of the Kutubu oil fields and oil pipeline to the Kumul Marine Terminal in the Gulf province.

The cargo handling facilities are already available at Nadzab and it has anticipated that most of the PNG LNG construction cargo for the Southern Highlands will be airlifted out of Nadzab to Tari, Komo and Moro.

 The arrangement will provide Air Niugini with access to the international cargo charter market, allowing the airline to offer its clients freighter aircraft from third party operators managed by Chapman Freeborn.

Through the new venture, shippers and forwarders will be offered a one-stop shop for project cargo with main deck charter solutions to Port Moresby International Airport and onward connections to smaller airfields and unpaved strips across PNG.

Clients will also be able to utilise Air Niugini’s cargo capacity on their current scheduled passenger aircraft which offer the greatest frequency into the country.

The aircraft offer to the market included the highly capable L-100 Hercules which will be utilised to service specialised high altitude airstrips, to assist with the logistics relating to the development of a major LNG project and to supplement domestic cargo operations by Air Niugini’s Dash 8 freighter aircraft.

The L-100 Hercules is unequalled in its ability to lift up to 20 tonnes of cargo from unprepared and short airstrips.

Chapman Freeborn and Air Niugini are also studying a niche regional freighter for some of the smaller loads required in the country.

Shahe Ouzounian, Chapman Freeborn’s chief operating officer, said:

“We’re delighted that Air Niugini has chosen Chapman Freeborn as their partner in this venture.

“I’m confident that with their regional capabilities and unparalleled local knowledge, combined with our global expertise, together we will help to further unlock Papua New Guinea’s potential for shippers and forwarders worldwide.

“We are very pleased that this partnership allows the national carrier of Papua New Guinea to be an integral part of the air logistics involved in the LNG project in the country and we are proud of our association with Air Niugini.”

Air Niugini will, in turn, benefit from working in partnership with the world’s leading aircraft charter company.

Chapman Freeborn has a reputation for innovation, expertise and professionalism built up over 36 years.

BSP flaunts strength

Caption: The chopper flying the BSP banner across Fairfax harbour last Friday. It is the largest banner ever flown in the South Pacific. – Picture by ROCKY ROE

 

BANK SOUTH PACIFIC (BSP) last Friday showcased its innovation and strength by taking over the skies above Port Moresby city with the largest banner ever flown in the South Pacific, The National reports.

The seven-story high and 10,000sqft feet banner was flown above Port Moresby by helicopter where BSP was clearly seen and proudly showcased as “your bank”.

The largest banner fly-by was a reinforcement of BSP’s drive to transform into a modern bank.

BSP announced last year through its re-branding initiative that it was seeking to continue to grow from its position as a locally-owned banking group offering traditional banking services to its customers.

BSP has continued to grow its ATM network throughout PNG and aims at having more than 200 ATMs nationwide by year end.

The bank has also expanded its Pacific network with 29 branches in the Solomon Islands, Nuie, and more recently into Fiji.  

This year, BSP has launched an internal “transformation programme” aimed at improving all areas of its business.

Qantas' direct non-stop services to PNG

QANTAS has been swiftly given approval by the Australian government to operate direct non-stop services to Papua New Guinea, and has received all the seats that it requested, The National reports.

All 888 seats, or 12 weekly services with a 74-seat Bombardier, have been given the green light from the international air services commission, as there were no competitors who sought to block the move.

Interestingly, despite Qantas having requested the rights for its subsidiary QantasLink, the commission has given the carrier approval to also ply the route with its Jetstar brand if needed.

“Qantas is an established carrier which is clearly capable of obtaining the necessary approvals and of implementing the proposed operations,” the government in its announcement, said.

“This means that there is public benefit arising from the use of the entitlements.

“The commission will allocate to Qantas the 888 seats of capacity per week it has sought.”

Currently, Qantas code-shares on the route with Air Niugini, while Pacific Blue code-shares with Airlines of PNG.

Qantas plans to launch services in July this year.

This move is set to become QantasLink’s first international destination.

 

 

'We were conned'

Landowners frustrated over LNG participation

 

By JASON GIMA WURI

 

LANDOWNERS in the Southern Highlands province are becoming increasingly frustrated with the National Government over funds promised to them, and their lack of participation in the early works of the PNG liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, The National reports.

Landowners were promised K120 million in seed capital funding to start up businesses for their involvement in

the massive project.

It was because of this, and other financial commitments including K600 million for impact projects in the province this year, that they signed the umbrella and later the licenced-based benefits sharing agreements.

The signing represented the “green light” from them for the project to go ahead. 

Landowner leaders and even Government MPs spoken to admitted that the Government had promised 20% of the seed capital up front, but has failed to deliver.

“It is very disappointing for them, and I can understand,” a Government minister said.

 “Even the Department of Petroleum is so disorganised and not helping the landowners,” the minister added.

With the engineering, procurement and construction contracts (EPC) already determined, the landowners feel they will be spectators in their own land.

Some quickly negotiated and formed joint venture partnerships with foreign partners were now bidding for sub-contracts from the EPC contractors.

Yesterday, one group of landowners demanded not only their share of the K120 million, but also wanted the seed capital increased to K500 million.

The landowner representatives said after the Kokopo signing, they had realised that K120 million was not enough to divide among all registered landowner companies.

Chairman of the meeting and landowner Albert Mokai said no agreement or nomination of umbrella companies were made in Kokopo.

“We are here to cooperate and participate, but we want the agreement to be in our terms also and the State must respect the people,” Mr Mokai said.

 

Abduction claim surfaces at inquiry

PAPUA New Guinean border crossers were involved in abducting an Australian woman at gunpoint in the Torres Strait Islands recently, an inquiry has been told, The National reports.

PNG nationals, who are believed to be traditional border crossers, were also accused of crossing into the Saibai and Badu islands in the Torres Strait at will, “at any time they like, any time of the day and stay as long as they like”.

They were also accused of moving in and occupying 30 of the new 100 homes built on Badu Island and were involved in gun-running and drug smuggling – mostly cannabis.

The claims were made in a senate inquiry into matters affecting Torres Strait islanders on Thursday Island early last week and then heard further reports in Brisbane during the week.

Concerned about the reports, PNG’s consul-general in Brisbane Paul Nerau told The National he would make it a priority to visit Thursday Island and collect first-hand information regarding the situation on the ground and recommend a set of proposals to the Government on how best to deal with the problem.

Torres Strait regional authority chairman John Kris told the senate inquiry that islanders were basically without Australian police presence, which allowed Papua New Guineans to move at will and, recently, abducted a Sabai woman at gunpoint.

Torres shire mayor Pedero Stephen told the inquiry police response times were too slow because of travel times from their base on Thursday Island.

The five-man senate inquiry heard that the islands were vulnerable to border-hoppers from PNG, unresolved crimes and foreign diseases.

Reports in the past also pointed to drug-smuggling and gun-running between PNG and the Torres Strait Islands.

A 1985 Torres Strait treaty between PNG and Australia allowed for certain freedom of movement privileges among traditional border crossers.

Mr Nerau said the problem could be associated with lack of services on the PNG side of the border, but he would have to visit the area before making recommendations.

 

 

ABG now accepting election candidates

WRITS for the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) second general election were issued last Friday by the House of Representatives Speaker Andrew Miriki upon the advice of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner Reitama Taravaru, The National reports.

This means nominations for the elections are now open and will close on April 2.

ABG President James Tanis was the first nominated candidate for the presidential seat.

Two candidates for the Atolls seat, one candidate for the Mahari seat and candidates for the Haku seats were also named.

Last Saturday, Hagogohe incumbent MP and Minister for Peace and Reconciliation Robert Hamal Sawa was nominated.

The Tsitalato seat saw the nomination of businessman Cosmas Sohia Ceetow.

Former Bougainville governor John Momis is expected to be nominated today along with with several other hopefuls.

Most candidates for the seats in central and south Bougainville will also receive nominations in their respective districts.

A total of 40 seats are up for grabs in this general election.

There are 33 single constituency seats, three seats for women representatives for north, central and south Bougainville.

 

How could Australia help Papua New Guinea break their 'Gordian Knot'?

From PAUL OATES

In ancient times, the Macedonian Greek prince Alexander, later called 'The Great', led his army into Asia and encountered a city whose doors were held together by a knotted rope. The knot in the rope was so complicated that legend had it that whoever undid the knot would be the city's ruler. Clearly a man who possessed 'lateral thinking', Alexander reportedly drew his sword and cut the knot to pieces and went on to take the city.
So what could be done to break the current impasse where it seems, nothing is happening to improve PNG's domestic woes? Continual complaining about the metaphoric knot holding up improvement will clearly not produce any change to the 'status quo'.
An impartial observer however, often finds it easier to highlight a significant problem than people who have already been grappling with it for some time. It seems a human trait that the more one is immersed in trying to understand the problem, the greater the risk is of losing objectivity.
It's a bit like looking at something from atop a mountain and, having become interested, walking down to have a closer look. After a while, you end up climbing over fallen trees and losing sight of whatever it was that caught your eye.
Solutions are also easier to understand if they are kept simple: that's the KISS principle; 'Keep it simple, stupid'.
To use yet another analogy, in Tokpisin a tok piksa, what might be the 'helicopter view' of what is happening in PNG at the moment?
Put simply, there is a lot of input of resources but few results. One could say that much of the effort to make things work better seem to vanish. Why is this so? as old Professor Julius Sumner Miller used to ask.
Clearly the well intentioned efforts and significant resources of entities such as AusAID are misdirected. The time has come when a change in direction is warranted.
While many PNGians despair at where their country is going, no real connection seems to exist between the vast majority of voters and those leaders who are determining PNG's priorities.
The sophisticated, urban elite is doing very nicely, thank you. But the urban poor are increasingly turning to crime to survive. And the rural subsistence farmers are almost totally disconnected from day to day events.
So what's the answer? Why not have some of the AusAID millions sponsor an effective communication program for the vast majority of PNGians? Roll out community radio and television facilities to each local area.
How would this work in practice? Well, each, self identified community would be required to specify a public meeting place where that community could meet each evening.
This could be a Local Level Government hall or perhaps an NGO or Church building. The community would elect a volunteer committee to apply for an equipment grant.
The application must specify who the volunteers were who would be held accountable for the equipment and guarantee the security of those who may freely attend. The program must also be self sustaining and would therefore require provision for ongoing maintenance and supply of subsidised items like a solar generator and batteries, light globes, etc.
An essential and significant point would be that this program must not be in any way associated or linked to any government body or authority. Each community would have understand that they, themselves were responsible for the security and upkeep of this public facility. There must be public ownership to ensure people will value what they themselves own.
This would not be a PNG government run arrangement and those who were required to run this program could well be recruited by AusAID from Service Clubs and Church organisations on a purely volunteer basis. School principals could for example, effectively use this program to help their students.
So might this work? Surely it couldn't be less effective than the current arrangement.
Any comments or suggestions?

Query of the week

From PAUL OATES

In last night's local news there was an expose from the Queensland government on how much the health services currently being provided to PNGians travelling to Australian facilities in the Torres Strait are costing the Queensland government. The estimated cost was in the many millions of dollars. The Commonwealth government is now being asked to help with funding.

Now why isn't this assistance being funded by AusAID?  Afterall, it is overseas aid and directly being applied to our immediate neighbours. At least the expenditure of these funds could be accountable under the Queensland government and not under a very fluid and extremely murky PNG government program as revealed by the recent PNG Commission of Inquiry (COI), into government finances. Only five PNG authorities were exonerated by the COI from the many other government bodies expending funds.

But what might happen if PNG people from all over the country start travelling to Australian facilities in the Torres Strait for treatment?What happens if the trickle becomes a flood? Would these people then be shipped off to Christmas Island to be ultimately accepted as
permanent residents? Many PNG people would welcome the opportunity.

Some might also say that PNG people have an equal or better claim toAustralian citizenship than others from elsewhere.

Indian group eyes LNG slot

Gail India Ltd wants to tie up with InterOil on second gas project

 

By YEHIURA HRIEHWAZI in Brisbane

 

INDIA’s state-owned oil and gas company Gail India Ltd is considering joining InterOil Corp to develop the second LNG plant in PNG, The National reports.

InterOil office in Port Moresby yesterday confirmed that the company is in discussions with Gail.

“Yes, InterOil is in talks with Gail, but we do not comment on discussions until any transaction is complete,” spokesman on behalf of CEO and chairman Phil Mulacek said.

Gail’s chairman and managing director BC Tripathi made the announcement during a sideline press conference where a regional gas conference is in progress this week.

It received wide coverage by local media including the Calcutta Daily Telegraph and major financial websites like Bloomberg and Dow Jones.

He said Gail was planning to invest in gas infrastructure globally and is looking at projects in Papua New Guinea, Nigeria, Ghana and Egypt.

“We are examining the possibility of having a stake in the Papua New Guinea LNG terminal,” Tripathi told reporters.

The state-owned firm is talking to Canadian firm InterOil Corp to buy a stake in its proposed liquefied natural gas project (LNG) in Papua New Guinea.

“In Nigeria, we, along with partners Total and Shell have been shortlisted as one of the companies to develop the Nigeria gas master plan worth about US$7 billion (K`19.4 billion),” he said.

Nigeria is estimated to hold 184 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, most of which remain unexplored.

The short-listed companies would be invited to build three major gas gathering plants and pipelines that would supply fuel to power firms.

Tripathi said: “In Ghana, we are talking. Once gas production starts, we will process the gas and transport it to the desired location.”

The firm has a presence in city gas distribution projects in Egypt and China.

“We are also exploring the possibility of expanding our city gas operations in Egypt,” Tripathi said.

 

Flying high in Asia-Pacific

LNG forces Jackson International Airport to plan K1.4bil expansion, upgrading

 

PORT Moresby’s Jackson International Airport will be expanded and upgraded into an international-class aviation facility in the Asia-Pacific region, The National reports.

The development is estimated to cost K1.4 billion.

The airport expansion follows pressures from the liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, which will increase passenger and aircraft traffic volume into and out of Port Moresby tremendously.

National Airport Corporation (NAC) managing director Joseph Kintau yesterday accepted the Port Moresby International Airport (PMIA) master plan from Jacobs Consultancy.

Mr Kintau said the current demand for aviation services had put a strain on the existing facilities.

 “The LNG project, expansions by airlines and booming economic activities are factors that forced us to come up with the plan to raise the airport’s standards to meet the expectations of the air industry,” Mr Kintau said.

“The airport is also strategically located in the region where LNG project developers and consumers from the United States, Europe and Asia can have a convenient transit and exit from Port Moresby to other destinations.”

He said the current airport, constructed in 1989, was designed to serve an annual capacity of 300,000 passengers.

“After 20 years, we are now serving 1.4 million passengers a year.

“That’s a significant strain on the airport’s facilities and infrastructure.”

Highlighting one of the key objectives of the organisation’s reforms, Mr Kintau said the 2010 project was to ensure infrastructure development was based on a comprehensive master plan which PMIA was giving priority.

The plan covers the development of infrastructure and facilities over the next 20 years – from 2010 to 2030.

“It is based on passenger and aircraft movements’ forecast and growth in the aviation industry,” he added.

Mr Kintau said the new airport would feature dual domestic and international terminals, extension of runways, redevelopment of apron and taxiways and also the commercial development of the aerodrome land.

Asked how it would be implemented, he said: “The most probable implementation method NAC will be pursuing is a possible public-private partnership arrangement.

“We are looking at a possible concession agreement to implement the capital programme to deliver the infrastructures, management capacity building and improved financial viability for regional airports through PMIA.”

He said the plan also covered the scope of work and, after deliberation by the NAC board, it would be submitted to NEC for approval.