Morobe group impressed by Japanese culture

Culture shock…Lasi Tewai Siac Group leader Timon Tomala being shown how to use a chopstick by his hosts at an elementary school

The Lasi Tewai Siac Group in one of its performances in and around Tokyo

A bare-chested Yawi Nalu Kwamse with a Japanese admirer after a performance on the streets of Tokyo

From Morobe to Japan…from left (back row) are Andrew Baim Jr, John Sandy and Timon Tomala while front are Yawi Nalu Kwamse, Rose Masio Tomala, Taegiyamo Andrew, Mathew Imata Tomala and Andrew Ananias Baim

A traditional dance group from Morobe province has returned from Japan proud to have been part of the opening of the brand-new Papua New Guinea Embassy building in Tokyo last Wednesday and convinced that our people can learn so much from the Japanese.

The eight-strong Lasi Tewai Siac Group was one of two groups brought over by the PNG Embassy in Tokyo, the other being the Kurti Andra Traditional Dance Group of Manus.

They travelled to Tokyo on March 27 and performed at a number of venues in and around Tokyo in the days leading up to the opening of the new PNG chancery and the launching of the second weekly Port Moresby-Narita flight last Wednesday.

It was the first overseas trip for most members of the group and was a real eye-opener for them.

Group leader Timon Tomala said one of the highlights of the trip was when they were hosted by students at an elementary school at Tsurugashima and later partook in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

"Japan is in a class of its own," he said.

"Generally, life is Japan is very fast-paced, however, the people respect each other.

'They are very hard-working.

"Time to them is of paramount importance.

"I've been to other places around the world, however, they don't compare to Japan.

"There are a lot of things Japan can offer PNG.

"There are many things that PNG can learn from Japan.

"They are very traditional-minded, despite being one of the economic superpowers of the world, and they ensure that their children grow up with that.

"It was a very good learning experience for us members of the Lasi Tewai Siac Group."

Mr Tomala was very impressed to see that PNG students studying in Tokyo were much disciplined like their hosts.

"We could see that our students who are studying in Japan have really taken on board the Japanese culture," he said.

"I would like to see more of our young people from PNG take up studies in Japan, as it will impact on their lives and be good for PNG in the long run."

Something that Papua New Guinea can be proud of: Abal

The new Papua New Guinea Embassy building in Tokyo is something the whole country can be proud of, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Abal.

He said during the opening of the new building on Wednesday that the plan for PNG to acquire a prime piece of real estate in Tokyo, known to be a very-expensive place, was hatched in 2007.

"After the return of the National Alliance Government in July 2007, it decided to continue its existing policies and at the same time pursue new areas and in particular the Export-Driven Policy to drive growth through the creation of industries for export," Mr Abal said.

"The Prime Minister had firm plans to fund the construction of a Chancery Building in Tokyo during the second term of his Government.

"This project is significant in many ways.

"First, this investment would only be the second, in terms of constructing a new building, after the construction of the Haus Tambaran or the Spirit Haus in Canberra, Australia, which was completed some 30 years ago.

"It is significant also because the investment in a PNG Haus symbolises the close, maturing and evolving relations which PNG enjoys with Japan.

"This building is a statement of our appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support for PNG development efforts and at the same time our firm desire to engage constructively with Japan for the mutual benefit of our two countries and our peoples."

Mr Abal said the Government appropriated K15 million in the 2008 National Budget and further provided an additional amount of K2.97m in the same year.

" The effect of the rising oil prices had directly impacted on the price of steel and building materials, therefore, the Embassy was forced to seek additional funding in October 2008, which I am happy to say Cabinet approved K5 million which was released early this year," he said.

Mr Abal said he was personally satisfied that the project had been executed professionally and the building turned out to fully to his expectations.

"Indeed, the quality of work is outstanding and I commend all parties concerned for their part in making this great project a success," he said.

"Congratulations to Mr Yokoyama for a modern yet PNG flavor design depicting PNG as it strives for its own identity and place in the community of nations.

"The project manager, Sao Facilities,  for representing PNG Government and the people's interests and the contractor, Fujita Corporation, particularly Mr Ta Kayanagi for making our dream a reality and completing the work within budget and on schedule.

" Of course a special acknowledgement to the Embassy staff led by our former Ambassador to Japan and secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr Michael Maue, for successfully delivering the project on time.

"Congratulations to all for an excellent job.

"PNG is both grateful and proud of your achievement.

"I take this opportunity to thank our former Ambassadors, their families and our officers who are serving now and those who served in the past to promote Japan-PNG relations.

"I know they all have worked hard.

 "Some of the former Heads of Mission and spouses of two who have passed away are among us today to witness this occasion.

"Over the years they too have tried hard to secure funds to construct our own building, particularly in a place like Tokyo.

"I am glad that Amb Anthony Farapo, Mr Vincent Maragu, Lady Nicky Nombri and Mrs Elisabeth Lalatute are able to join us today.

"Only Amb Aiwa Olmi is unable to join us on this occasion."

Mr Abal told Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare that his officers had carried out the tasks diligently and with purpose.

"I am satisfied with the work which has been accomplished and I commend the building to you, the Government and people of PNG," he said.

Embassy heralds a new dawn in Japan-Papua New Guinea relations

Japan – Papua New New Guinea relations can only get better with the opening of the magnificent new PNG Embassy in Tokyo, according to Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.

He was speaking in Tokyo on Wednesday when officially opening the new chancery building in front of a large entourage from both Japan and PNG.

The opening of the new chancery at Meguro Ward coincided with the launching of the second weekly Port Moresby-Narita later that same day by Culture and Tourism Minister Charles Abel at Narita Airport.

The K20 million building is named after former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sir Albert Maori Kiki, who was instrumental in developing PNG foreign policy.

Whether deliberately planned or not, a point Sir Michael alluded to, the timing of the opening of the new chancery building on the eve of the cherry blossom season in Tokyo was auspicious.

"As the cherry blossom season heralds new beginnings in Japan, the advent of a new season for business and school, the opening of the Papua New Guinea chancery trumpets a new era of deepened friendship and more stronger economic and trade ties between our two countries," he said.

"I am confident that the relationship between our two countries can only get better from here onwards.

"The signs are promising.

"Papua New Guinea already enjoys a fast-growing investment, trade and economic relationship with Japan.

"Japan is Papua New Guinea's second-largest trading partner.

"Japanese business entities have substantial investment interests in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries and oil and gas sectors.

"JBIC, Nippon Oil Exploration and Tokyo Electric's participation in the first PNG LNG project confirms the trend towards a more enhanced relationship between Papua New Guinea and Japan.

"This is further exemplified by the interest shown by JAPEX in the second LNG project being developed in Papua New Guinea."

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

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.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Michael Maue, former PNG ambassador, said it all began on Sept 20, 2007, when Sir Michael called him to say that he was passing through Narita on his way to New York and directed that he prepare a Cabinet submission for him to consider.

Mr Maue finalised a submission for the new embassy which was signed by Sir Michael and which he directed be faxed to the Cabinet secretary for NEC consideration.

"Cabinet finally approved to fund the project and appropriation was made in the 2008 national budget," he recalled.

"After receipt of the first batch of funds on April 14, 2008, the embassy searched for suitable land for building.

'Over 80 sites were considered with information provided by real estate agents, the Internet, site visits and also land made available by the Ministry of Finance of Japan.

"Let me assure you, the people of PNG, that your investment is sound considering it is in Tokyo.

"May I add, the Government and people of PNG own this block of land because we have the legal title to it duly registered in the name of the Government of the Independent State of PNG.

"The total land area is 324 square metres; however, the total office space of 660sqm almost doubles the size of the land compared to the 240 sqm the embassy rented all these years on the third floor of the Mita Kosukai Building.

"Funds could not permit the purchase of bigger land space or the construction of a residence next to the chancery for the head of mission.

"I will leave that to the imagination of future PNG ambassadors to Japan.

"Having said that, I am fully satisfied and convinced that what we have delivered is the best money can buy."

Other speakers included Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Abal and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms Chinami Nishimura, who spoke on behalf of the Japanese Government.

Traditional singsing performances were done by Lasi Tewai Siac Group of Morobe province, Kurti Andra Traditional Dance Group of Manus, and Engan artists living in Japan.

New Papua New Guinea Embassy in Japan opened

Japan – Papua New New Guinea relations can only get better with the opening of the magnificent new PNG Embassy in Tokyo, according to Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.

He was speaking in Tokyo yesterday when officially opening the new embassy building (pictured) in front of a large entourage from both Japan and PNG.

The K20 million building is named after former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sir Albert Maori Kiki, who was instrumental in developing PNG foreign policy.

"Papua New Guinea already enjoys a fast-growing investment, trade and economic relationship with Japan," Sir Michael said.

"Japan is Papua New Guinea's second-largest trading partner.

"Japanese business entities have substantial investment interests in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries and oil and gas sectors.

"JBIC, Nippon Oil Exploration and Tokyo Electric's participation in the first PNG LNG project confirms the trend towards a more enhanced relationship between Papua New Guinea and Japan.

"This is further exemplified by the interest shown by JAPEX in the second LNG project being developed in Papua New Guinea."

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

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.

Nambawan Super Declares a solid profit for 2009

10% interest crediting rate for members and increases its reserves.

By any measure, 2009 was a difficult year for business and investment.  The global financial crisis (GFC) battered a wide range of industry sectors around the world, tightening the global flow of money and putting intense pressure on investment markets.

To some extent, the Papua New Guinea economy was sheltered from the worst of the GFC’s impact.  A number of the Fund’s investments thrived during the year, against the worldwide downward trend that saw billions wiped from share market capitalisations.

Against these very challenging conditions, the Board is very pleased to report that the Fund has delivered yet another solid result for our members. The Board’s prudent approach to managing members’ money has stood the Fund in very good stead.  This places the Fund in a strong position to take advantage of improvements in the various markets for the benefit of our members.

After tax profit for 2009 was a very respectable K191 million.  Interest of 10% (which equates to K236.5 million) has been approved for crediting to member accounts, including the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) of retired members.  Offset against a headline inflation rate of 5.7%, the declared interest rate represents a positive real return of 4.3%, the seventh year in a row, since the reforms, in which the Fund has delivered double digit interest and, most importantly, real returns to members.

The Board also approved an interim interest rate of 3% for members leaving the Fund in 2010.

Determining the annual interest rate is a very serious decision for the Board of Directors. Account is taken of the audited financial statements of the Fund for the year, and consider all aspects that have bearing on the financial outcome, not just the after tax profit figure. The Board makes sure proper accounting standards are met.  It also factors in economic forecasts for the next few years, to make sure it sets aside sufficient reserves to meet the prudential requirements set by the Bank of Papua New Guinea.

Simply put, the Board does not drain your asset bucket to boast an artificially high interest rate. As you would appreciate, superannuation is a long term commitment. The Board’s job is to make sure that the Fund is sustainable over the long term so it will be there when the member comes to retire, however many years away that may be.

While double digit interest crediting has been approved for the year, Reserves have increased to K74.7 million from the 2008 levels of K66.6 million. Maintaining reserves at such prudent levels can help          reduce the impact on members of future market ups and downs.

In spite of the difficult investment conditions, the Fund’s total assets increased to K2.83 billion, an increase of K210 million over the 2008 total of K2.62 billion.  Income of K249 million was derived from the Fund’s investments, largely attributed to good performance in interest earnings, property revaluations, international shares and exchange rate benefits arising from the drop in value of the Kina.   The Fund has been prudent, responsible and conservative in the valuation of our investments.  This is reflected in only 33% of our total income being unrealised “paper profits”.

Membership of both the Fund and the RSA continued to grow during 2009.  By the end of the year 113,564 Papua New Guineans had entrusted Nambawan Super with the care of their superannuation money, with membership growth double that of the previous year.  Following this positive trend, the RSA also attracted a significant number of new members, people who recognise the value of leaving money in their account to help fund their later retirement years. The growth of the RSA is welcome on another level, as it represents a strengthening of the culture and habit of saving among our members.

All in all, the Fund’s performance and achievements in 2009’s challenging environment were very pleasing.

In the context of the regulatory environment in which the Fund operates, implementing good corporate governance practice and taking a careful and prudent approach to managing members’ money have long been priorities and they will continue to be priorities of the Board.

On behalf of all Fund members I would like to take the opportunity to thank my fellow Board members for their wise counsel and support throughout the year. I also extend a personal thank you to Nambawan Super’s dedicated management and staff and all service suppliers for their hard work and their energetic commitment to the Fund and its members during 2009.

Sir Nagora Bogan, KBE

CHAIRMAN

 

Growing a solid career in agriculture

Coaching in Australia, 2007

Rice breeding in Philippines, 2009

Institute of National Affairs SPSS Survey training Port Moresby 2010

Abner Yalu

Abner Yalu from Bukawa, Morobe province, is one of Papua New Guinea’s most highly-skilled up-coming agriculture experts with a Bachelor of Science degree from University of PNG, post-graduate certificate from University of Technology and Masters from University of Queensland.
The 30-year-old is departing for his MPhil/PhD with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia, in July 2010.
Mr Yalu is a biometrician (applied statistician) and plant breeder (quantitative genetics).
He is currently the leading biometrics consultant for all National Agriculture Research Systems (NARS) such as National Agriculture Research Institute, Fresh Produce Development Agency, Coffee Industry Corporation, Cocoa Coconut Institute, Oil Palm Research Association, etc) in Papua New Guinea.
Mr Yalu has resigned from NARI with the aim of starting his own consultancy firm.
He has run over 20 statistics and biometrics training workshops and has trained over 100 professional PNG researchers in government and non-governmental organisations.
His understanding and expertise in adult learning, learning styles, skills and action learning has made all his training workshops very enjoyable and intellectually-rewarding for all who’ve attended.
Mr Yalu has produced a number of statistics training materials including the ‘Mind Map’ of statistical tests that is used in deciding which statistical tests to apply in different research contexts.
His present biometrics/statistics trainings target surveys and experimental designs, data analysis and interpretations using statistical techniques such as linear models, mixed models, multivariate statistics, non-parametric, and results reporting and also use of statistical packages such as Genstat, R and SPSS.
Some of his consultancies in the past include Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR)-funded biometrics trainings for NARS and World Vision in 2005-2006.
Mr Yalu also has international biometrics consultancy experience with Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI&F) and tutoring biometrics at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
He has plant breeding experience in both self and open-pollinated crops such as taro (Colocasia esculenta) and sweet potato (Ipomea batatas).
His professional experience in the release of four new PNG-bred hybrid taros by NARI are detailed in his book ‘Taro Improvement and Development in Papua New Guinea’ which can be found on the website:
http://www.apaari.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/taro-papua-guinea-final.pdf
He is well-versed with quantitative research analytical techniques from mixed models to multivariate statistics including MET and pattern analysis and biplots and calculating breeding values, combining abilities, heritability and etc.
Mr Yalu’s quantitative genetics knowledge also includes overseas research experience working on bi-informatics projects using online genetics databases to identify genetic sequences, breeding wheat for rust resistance and analysing genotype by environment data of pine tree evaluated across Australia.
He was also trained in rice (Oryza sativa) research to production in the Philippines in 2009.
His experiences have exposed him to extreme physical environments and conditions doing field work in remote places over long periods.
He is well-experienced in carrying out rural surveys, appraisals and impact assessments. He has taken part in surveys such as technology dissemination of rice in East Sepik province and taro in Morobe province.
Mr Yalu is a self-taught expert in adult learning and learning skills such as memorisation, study, thinking, learning, reading, writing and public speaking skills and setting and achieving goals.
He coaches high school and university students and any interest persons on his free time on voluntary basis as community service.
He was a mentor and coach at the Polyvision 2007-Pacific Youths of Tomorrow at the Ipswich Campus, Ipswich, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
His greatest passion is to help young people achieve their dreams in life the way he is living his at the moment.
Mr Yalu was born on Sept 14, 1979, to a Lutheran pastor father from Gobadik and a primary school mother from Lae.
He did his Grades One to Six from 1987-1992 at Ogelbeing Primary School in Western Highlands province, Grades Seven to 10 from 1993-1996 at Hagen Park High School, Grade 11 at Fatima Secondary in Western Highlands in 1997 and Grade 12 at Malala Secondary in Madang in 1998.
From 1999-2002, Mr Yalu was at UPNG studying for his Bachelor of Science Degree.
He joined NARI as a cadet scientist from 2003-2005, during which time he completed his post-graduate certificate in scientific communication/adult learning from Unitech, and from 2006-2008 did his Masters in Agriculture Studies, specialising in biometrics and quantitative genetics.

Meeting a stepping stone for women in agriculture

By DAISY TANIOVA PAWA

 

THE PNG Women in Agriculture Development Foundation’s (PNG WiADF) two-day discussion in Lae on Tuesday and Wednesday should be a stepping stone for women in Agriculture, for the development of this nation.

The importance was stressed with the participation of farmers in forming their strategic plan.

The plan would provide an opening for the foundation to seek assistance from government organisations and donor agencies.

Initiator of the foundation, Maria Linibi, said she recognised that the majority of PNG's population, of over 85%, lived in the rural areas and their livelihood was dependent on agriculture and related food activities for food production and income.

Mrs Linibi said that studies had shown that women in PNG did the majority of work in agriculture.

“That was why it was important that the capabilities of women in agriculture be enhanced so that there can be improvement and development in the standard of living in PNG,” she said.

The talks attracted organisations and dignitaries from around the country and abroad to speak about the challenges women faced in agriculture development and how they could be assisted in overcoming these obstacles.

The PNG WiADF was formed in 2007 and today has 24 affiliated groups from 13 different provinces.

Mrs Linibi said the foundation committed itself with passion to pursue and implement policies that were conducive to investments in human resource development, research and infrastructure to achieve food security.

She said the foundation would encourage generation of employment and income among women and promote equitable access to productive and financial resources.

Mrs Linibi said the foundation recognised the importance of food security for sustainable agriculture, floriculture, fisheries, forestry, other natural resources and rural development.

She said the sustainable development policies of the foundation would go into promoting full participation and empowerment of women, and equitable distribution of income and access to necessary social services such as education and health.

The foundation recognises that improving the quality of life for women can have an enormous effect on society because of the multiple roles women have in raising children, in education and as stewards of natural resources, to provide for their families.

Yesterday’s discussion was the highlight of the event where the women participants were able to air their grievances and establish networks with other stakeholders and partners who provided support and alternatives to the foundation’s effectiveness.

It was also an opportunity for the women in agriculture to showcase their produce by setting up stalls outside the Allan Quatermain Hall of the National Research Institute in Bubia.

Do Australian politicians care about what's happening in Papua New Guinea?

From John Pasquarelli

Since PNG gained its independence in 1975, all sides of politics have barely been interested in what is happening to one of our closest neighbours. Now that the huge Exxon-Mobil LNG development has been signed off, PNG is entering a dramatic phase in its modern history as it becomes a big player in the international energy market. A Communist Chinese 747 recently landed in Port Moresby, discharging passengers in military uniforms and suits – to sign up lucrative contracts for the supply of LNG to China. PNG politicians and their acolytes will rush to gorge at the money trough whilst many PNG villagers will make do with their A$250 annual income.

Southern Highlanders whose lands carry the oil and gas, are flooding into Moresby as a cargo cult hysteria builds and PNG faces more pressure on its demoralised Police and Military forces. Twelve violent criminals recently walked out of Moresby's Bomana prison accompanied by a PNG woman posing as a human right lawyer! - the possible involvement of senior police and politicians is doing the rounds in local markets and the media – not the best PR for a country where there will be a huge influx of foreigners to work on the project. Do Australian politicians care?

Work starts on Wabag police cells

Renovation work on the condemned Wabag police cells in Enga province started on Monday, and would take about four weeks to complete, The National reports.Porgera gold mine developer, Barrick (PNG) Ltd, is renovating the seven cells, doing extensions, replacing the sewage system, connecting water and electricity supplies and adding two more security razor wire fencing to the existing one due to numerous breakouts by detainees, usually by digging through the cell floor shown here by acting provincial police commander Chief Insp Martin Lakari and his policemen. The police cells were condemned by the health authorities in 2006. It all started with Wabag resident judge Justice Graham Ellis and his court staff scrubbing the cells on alternate Sundays.-Nationalpic by JAMES APA GUMUNO.

Calls blocked

Mobile networks fight over rates and payments

 

THE public could be hit with communication and power blackout heading into the long Easter holiday because of disputes between the phone companies and upgrade work at a power facility, The National reports.

Residents in Port Moresby are expected to suffer the most, with the Rouna 2 power station expected to shut down over much of the holiday period for work to be carried out.

The dispute over interconnection rates between the mobile phone companies surfaced again this week, with Digicel blocking off traffic, making calls from bemobile to Digicel impossible.

Industry sources monitoring the mobile activities yesterday said bemobile customers were hard hit, with Digicel blocking 95% of traffic.

Some callers had to try a number of times to get through, causing a lot of frustration.

Digicel said yesterday it was having issues with bemobile and Telikom with regard to who was going to pay for outstanding mobile invoices.

Digicel said both had denied liability and, therefore, Digicel had not received payments for service (interconnection) provided since June 12 last year.

It said the outstanding payments amounted to “several millions of kina”.

“Digicel cannot be expected to keep providing services indefinitely when bemobile is unwilling to even engage in discussions around mobile interconnect, outstanding mobile payments and, indeed, have expressly denied liability,” Digicel said in response to questions about why interconnect calls were blocked.

But bemobile sources said the current contractual relationship was with Telikom, meaning Telikom pays the interconnect fees owed for mobile to mobile calls and sms.

They said Digicel served Telikom with a demand for payment for K2.5 million at the old interconnect rates, and later withdrew this demand.

The sources said Digicel withdrew the demand because it could not invoice on the old rates, and did not want to state the new rates as doing so would be seen as acceptance of the new interconnection rate.

Digicel has recently gone to court to challenge the new rates introduced by the regulator ICCC, but lost the challenge.

Digicel claims it operates a bigger network, and is losing money on the new interconnection rates being applied.

Telikom and bemobile disagree, and argue that termination rates should be further reduced, as is the trend around the world.

Interconnection rates have dropped about 50%, down to 26 toea (peak) and 22 toea (off peak) per minute, from 46 toea to 42 toea per minute.

The rates were set by ICCC last December.

Industry sources say a drop in interconnection rate will mean cheaper calls for all mobile users.

At present, Digicel has the larger share of the mobile market. It controls about 80%.

When contacted about the dispute and the blocking of calls, Communications and Information Department secretary Henao Iduhu said he would meet all three parties to try to resolve the dispute.

Officials at ICCC could not be reached for comments.

 

Bad roads delay work on LNG

EARLY works on the multi-billion-kina PNG liquefied natural gas (LNG) project are running behind schedule, the delay caused in part by the deteriorating state of the Highlands Highway, The National reports.

An official with Esso Highlands (PNG) Ltd, the subsidiary of ExxonMobil, said equipment and machines for early works for Australian company Glough Curtain Joint Venture (CCJV) were still sitting idle at the wharf in Lae waiting for affected sections of the highway to be repaired and freed up before the equipment and machines could be transported to the project site.

One of the worst affected parts is at Kalguwi village, near Kagul River, on the border of Western Highlands and Southern Highlands provinces.

Yesterday, a policeman attached with the Kaupena-based police highway patrol unit 17 reported that more than 100 trucks and cars were stranded at either side of the highway at Kalguwi.

He said that section of the highway had fallen into a state of complete disrepair and while light four-wheel-drive vehicles were being pushed and pulled to negotiate the landslip and the huge crater-like potholes up the slopes, heavy vehicles were unable to cross.

Police highway patrol units have been working around the clock to control traffic and ensure locals do not take advantage of the situation to harass commuters.

Imbonggu community leader Pius Alopea said The National.

Government should immediately look into repairing this section of the highway as it was becoming a national disgrace.

Mr Alopea said many vehicles had developed mechanical problems on this section of the road while the flow of goods and services into Southern Highlands had been greatly affected.

Mr Alopea said with the current wet season in the region, the road condition would only worsen unless the authorities do something.

 

College suspects typhoid outbreak

CLASSES at the Mt Hagen Technical College in Western Highlands province were suspended on Monday due to a suspected outbreak of typhoid, The National reports.

According to unconfirmed reports from student sources, about 60 students contracted what they believe to be typhoid.

The figure is likely to increase after all 400 students, lectures, support staff and their family members went for a voluntarily blood test yesterday.

Principal John Kiele said the results of the test would be made available today.

He said many students were complaining of typhoid symptoms when classes were suspended.

Mr Kiele said a team from the provincial health disease control visited the college and checked the dormitories, water tanks, supplies and collected blood samples from the students, staff and their family members.

He said that typhoid was caused by water, but was too early to point fingers at who is to blame.

Mr Kiele said that the cause of the problem would be revealed after investigations were complete.

He said the water problem was an on-going issue and this was not the first time the college had been affected by typhoid.

He said many of the students suspected to be infected with typhoid, were given medical treatment, however, no students were admitted at the Mt Hagen Hospital.

Mr Kiele said the suspension of classes would be indefinite.

The staff of Mt Hagen General Hospital, who tested blood samples, did not release any information when approached by The National.

They said the test conducted was confidential and they were not allowed to release the results to the media.

 

Gregan hails Genia

Caption: Queensland Reds captain Will Genia getting ready to pass the ball against the western Force in round five of the Super 14 earlier in the month. Genia was praised by former Wallabies scrumhalf George Gregan as being better than him and on his way to greatness.

Papua New Guinea could be looking at its first international sporting great, The National reports in its March 31 edition.
PNG has had several of its sports men make a name for themselves overseas and be considered among their code’s best competitors.
Marcus Bai in rugby league, Stanley Nandex in kickboxing and Mal Michael in Australian Rules spring to mind but 22-year-old rugby union scrumhalf and current Queensland Reds captain Will Genia could set a new benchmark for Papua New Guineans making it big on the international sporting scene.
One of Australia’s greatest halfbacks, George Gregan, has hailed incumbent Wallabies No.9 Genia as a superstar with more skills than him.
Such has been the meteoric rise of the young man who comes from Abau in the Central province who did not start playing rugby until senior high school.
Genia at a nuggety 82kg burst onto the international scene last year and after just 11 Tests, Gregan is touting him as a future Wallaby leader.
Pound for pound Genia is the strongest Australian rugby player, benching 172kg.
“He’s got a lot more skills than me,” Gregan said of Genia.
“He’s bigger, stronger and he can kick a lot further. I’m a dinosaur compared to him. He’s got a good head on his shoulders.
“I like the way he plays. He has time and space to do things, which is a sign of a real quality player.”
“He’s only 22 and has heaps of improvement in him. That’s what’s exciting.”
They are big wraps from the Zambian-born Bledisloe Cup-winning captain who also won a World Cup in 1999, played 139 Tests for the green and gold, and 136 games for the Brumbies, which included two Super 12 titles in 2001 and 2004.
You would trust his judgement as far as halfbacks go.
Gregan will long be remembered for his gritty determination which was highlighted by his infamous Bledisloe Cup-saving tackle on Jeff Wilson in 1994.
He turns 37 in April and will continue to play professional rugby for Suntory in Japan, under Eddie Jones, until mid-February next year.
Gregan was full of praise of Genia, whose potential was also noted by Reds coach Ewen McKenzie who made him captain this year.
“I think that leadership has really helped him go from strength to strength,” Gregan said.
“He is a very good player who understands the game. He’s very skilful and makes good decisions under pressure. He takes care of his forwards, has a very good pass and knows how to change his game when the opportunity presents itself.”
Some have gone as far to say Genia is the next Gregan.
“He’s is his own man, and he’s doing a great job. He also picked up the game late which shows how much talent he has,” he said.
PNG Pukpuks coach Billy Rapilla added further accolades on Genia saying he was effectively the world’s best scrumhalf on current form.
“He’s the best halfback right now and you can’t argue with Gregan’s opinion.
“Will is playing some very special rugby and his profile is rocketing off because rugby union is a truly global sport played in over a 100 countries,” Rapilla said.
On whether Genia’s accomplishments merit being rated above Bai’s and Michael’s Rapilla was circumspect.
“You really can’t compare Genia’s achievements to Marcus or Mal. You’re not comparing apples to apples, these are different sports,” he said.
“Leading sports icons in PNG have excelled in sports that have had good to great following like rugby league but there’s no denying that Genia could be headed for greatness in rugby union.”

Queensland Festival of Photography / BullsEye April 9 - May 29

 

Solomon Island appreciates NARI-EU-ACP programme

Caption: Solomon Islands parliamentary secretary with Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Edward Kingmele, exchanging notes with CEOs of Vanuatu Agriculture Research and Technical Centre and PNG’s NARI after signing an MOU for the NARI-EU-ACP S&T Programme

 

Story and picture by JOSEPHINE YAGA of NARI

 

Agriculture staff in Solomon Islands are in dire need of capacity building in various areas in agricultural research and development to carry out their mandates effectively and efficiently, according to Edward Kingmele, parliamentary secretary with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) there.

He, however, said the new sub-regional programme on capacity building for the three Western Pacific countries - Solomon Islands, PNG and Vanuatu - would now address that capacity.

 “Thus, it is a superb achievement by PNG National Agriculture Research Institute, MAL of Solomon Islands and the Vanuatu Agriculture Research and Technical Centre (VARTC) to win funding for three-capacity development projects in this highly-competitive call from European Union (EU) to the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of states which will benefit researchers in our countries,” Mr Kingmele said.

He said this during the launch of an ACP science and technology programme on capacity building at the Sir Alkan Tololo Research Centre in Lae recently.

 He was among stakeholders from key government and non-government agencies from Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and PNG who witnessed this milestone development.

The major local stakeholders included the management and staff of NARI, Fresh Produce Development Agency, Coffee Industry Corporation, Cocoa Coconut Institute and PNG Women in Agriculture Development Foundation.

Mr Kingmele added that agriculture was the backbone of Solomon Islands as it was the major productive sector, but following the crises in 2000, agricultural research and development in Solomon Islands was crippled in terms of both research and human capacities.

During the launch, programme partners NARI, MAL and VARTC signed a memorandum of understanding to work together in the programme over the next three years.

“The signing ceremony of the MOU between the three countries signifies a milestone in the move that Solomon Island and Vanuatu government are embarking on - having serious partnership arrangements with the regional organisations such as NARI and other lead agriculture bodies in PNG,” Mr Kingmele said.

“This partnership connects us to various international institutions and organisations elsewhere towards further development of the agriculture sectors in the two countries.”

The ACP S&T programme, totaling K11.5 million, is an ACP EU co-operation programme aimed at supporting ACP countries in formulating and implementing science and technology policies that can lead to sustainable development and poverty reduction through economic growth and progressive integration in the world economy.

The specific purpose of the programme is to strengthen the internal science and technology capacity of ACP countries to support research development and innovations in the ACP region at institutional (administrative and policy making), academic (research and technology) and civil society (business) level.

 The programme will be implemented in the three Western Pacific countries involving nine different organisations.

Coffee nurseries for East Sepik schools

Caption:  Navi Anis, CEOof CIC and Dr Mark Kenny, acting general manager of CIC’s research and grower services division, at a procession for the launch of school nursery programme in Maprik, East Sepik province

 

By REUBEN SENGERE of CIC

 

“You can never fail to be a farmer,”’ stresses Navi Anis, chief executive officer of the Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC).

 He quoted from remarks made by James Korarome, a CIC board director at the launch of the nursery programme last month at Aiyura in Eastern Highlands.

Mr Anis was the guest-of-honor at the recent launch of the coffee nursery programme for pilot coffee curriculum schools in East Sepik province. 

He observed in his first official visit as CEO that many farmers along the Yangoru and Maprik sections of the Sepik Highway had abandoned their coffee trees.

Mr Anis expressed sadness at the sight and asked farmers to rehabilitate the coffee trees when officiating at Maprik High School.

Maprik district is the top producer of Robusta coffee in the country so it was fitting that the event took place in the district.

Mr Anis said grower groups were the way to move forward in the coffee industry.

 Service delivery in groups is cost-effective and it provides opportunities for controlling quality of coffee as well as marketing the product.

The occasion was witnessed by stakeholders including students and teachers of participating schools, coffee farmers, provincial agriculture and education officials, and invited guests.

Coffee curriculum advisor Dr Arnold Parapi, who is in charge of implementing this CIC innovation, explained that the nursery package for participating schools would allow students to carry out practicals in the field rather than in the classroom.

 “It is a field laboratory,” he said.

Brian Waranduo and Samuel Pongiwa, principals of Burgam High School and Yangoru Secondary School respectively, said they saw a bright future for the coffee industry in the province.

Schools that are participating in the coffee curriculum pilot programme in the province are Burgam, Kubalia and Maprik high schools; Yangoru Secondary; and Negri and Banik primary schools.

Simon Peter, chairman of Maprik High School Board and a former CIC employee, countered that ‘”CIC officers are no longer sleeping with farmers” as was the case in the past.

East Sepik was the leading Robusta coffee producer until the intrusion of vanilla when farmers started abandoning their coffee gardens.

 However, according to East Sepik Coffee Cooperative chairman Jerry Anisi, production in the province was bouncing back.

“We may see East Sepik coffee regaining its status as the No. 1 producer of Robusta coffee in the near future,” he said.

“The coffee curriculum with its nursery package in pilot schools will skill the students – the future coffee farmers - to increase production in the province.”

United States-Japan Cooperation on APEC

Press Statement

March 29, 2010

Ottawa

Japan and the United States, as the hosts of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in 2010 and 2011, are cooperating closely to achieve substantive outcomes that will contribute to the growth and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.

Together with the other APEC economies, our two governments are working closely to push forward on regional economic integration, taking a practical and concrete approach.

We are also cooperating in the design of a new growth paradigm for the region, to promote growth which is more balanced, inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and knowledge-based.

We are determined to take the lead in ensuring that APEC continues to serve as a driving force for economic prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world.

Japan and the United States look forward to working together with the other APEC economies to inspire new ideas for cooperation and to generate concrete outcomes.

Today, Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Okada agreed to work together bilaterally on several signature initiatives that will support broader APEC outcomes, with a particular emphasis on human security:

· We will work together to ensure that APEC plans and implements specific and significant actions aimed at sustainably increasing agricultural productivity and food availability, and facilitating agriculture-related trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region.

· We will organize a Women's Entrepreneurship Summit to address policy, human resources and financing issues, thereby galvanizing the Asia-Pacific region to unleash the potential of women as entrepreneurs and business leaders.

· We will cooperate in addressing climate change by exploring opportunities to help economies in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly small island economies, to be better prepared to adapt to the likely impact of climate change.

· We will cooperate to enhance emergency preparedness in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on public-private partnerships and networking among experts, building on the outcomes of the Fourth APEC Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum in Kobe in January 2010, and deepening discussions at the Fifth Forum in the United States in 2011.

Beyond these measures, as APEC hosts in 2010 and 2011, Japan and the United States are working closely together to enhance the operations of the APEC organization, with an eye toward improving accountability and efficiency, and ensuring that projects and activities are closely linked to core APEC priorities.

For more information, contact:

Mr. Takuya Sasayama, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan

Telephone: 81 (3) 5501 8342

Revival of Ossima beef cattle will boost development

Captions:  1.Women and children gather to support their menfolk in reviving the cattle project at Ossima. 2. Long-serving livestock officer Paul Waiya checking on a cow at the mission station paddock.3.  Happy resource owners and villagers express their support for the cattle project.

 

 By SOLDIER BURUKA of DAL

 

A proposal to revive the once-active Ossima beef cattle project in the Sandaun province is in the best interest of the resource owners, local communities and the country as a whole.

An initiator and former councilor David Osi said the project would create income-earning opportunities and improve the people’s livelihood and restore the once highly regarded Ossima beef products.

MrOsi said the area in the Vanimo-Green River district had been neglected through lack of agricultural and basic services since the cattle industry declined several years ago.

The Catholic Church previously played a key role in operating the Ossima cattle and slaughterhouse as well as piggery and other livestock and food crops activities.

Mr Osi told a public hearing on the proposed Ossima forest and cattle project last week that many landowners were keen to revive the cattle project because of its enormous potential to provide beef products to consumers in Sandaun and the neighboring Indonesian province of Irian Jaya.

The increased population in Vanimo town and other communities through introduction of impact projects will mean more demand for supply of protein.

He said most people still had the knowledge and skills in managing cattle and did not require much training.

However, the key objective is to get the government to provide funding and technical assistance to revive the project.

“We really need government assistance to get the cattle project up and running again,” Mr Osi said.

“Ossima beef used to be highly regarded in the past and can be restored to its former glory.

“There is a lot of potential for beef and other livestock.

“You can grow oil palm but you will need protein to survive and the Ossima project provides that opportunity for the people to raise cattle and utilise the slaughterhouse, and venture into other agricultural activities.

“Nobody is going to come and feed you- you have to work hard on your land.

“Many of you already have the skills.”

Mr Osi said he had received assurances from the provincial government and the local MP that they supported the project and urged other relevant government agencies to work with the landowners in getting the project moving.

“Forget about your differences – we want to see development. The cattle project once up and running will create opportunities and bring increased benefits.”

Vice-chairman of the landowner company Ossima Resources Ltd, Kalistus Kelau and directors Paul Buep and Peter Bopi, said majority of the resource owners fully supported the initiative.

They said cattle beef farming was once a thriving livestock industry under the management of the church and they believed that it could once again become an impact project for the area.

Government officials who attended the hearing said they took note of the comments and would strive to provide technical assistance to intending farmers.

A livestock officer with permits in slaughterhouse and meat inspection, Paul Waiya, said he was now reaching retirement age and urged the project proponents and resource owners to move quickly and utilise his specialist skills.

With over 30 years experience, Mr Waiya worked in Ossima beef most of that time and agreed that it still has vast potential.

Ossima Resources Ltd in partnership with investors is seeking the extraction of timber trees whereby selective sites will be allocated for cattle breeding.

Slaughterhouse facilities at the Ossima station will be upgraded to cater for the redevelopment.

 It is expected to benefit more than 10,000 people in the district.

Department of Agriculture and Livestock’s deputy secretary for provincial and agriculture technical services, Francis Daink, said agriculture development was the backbone of the country’s economic development and those new or existing projects would support and improve the people’s livelihood.

He said there was suitable land in the Vanimo-Green River district for cattle grazing which made the proposal look more promising.

Over 200 resource owners including clan leaders, women’s representatives, community leaders and individuals unanimously agreed for the project to commence.