Online access now available for Datec customers

Caption: Datec CEO Bhanu Sud (left) and ANZ head of retail in PNG MKV Nair seal the deal with a handshake

Tomorrow - Monday, April 26, 2010 - marks a major milestone for the retail business industry in Papua New Guinea, with the official launch of the Datec Learning Centers (DLC) online registration system, which also offers customers convenient online payment options.

"With the launch of this service, we can now provide online information on all our training products and their schedules," said Datec chief executive officer Bhanu Sud.

"Customers can also register for courses and make secure and immediate payment through credit cards.

"This service is designed for speed, convenience and security and will enable our DLC's to provide superior services to our customers."

Online retail has become a major source of revenue for businesses globally and customers can be assured quality of service and security of their transactions with the launch of this service.

Datec customers will also be able to pay online in their currency of choice, through a new product, ANZ eGateä, launched today by ANZ, using Datec as a pilot.

ANZ eGateä is a secure electronic payment gateway that allows merchants to securely accept and process online customer payments by credit card and gives customers the option of paying in their preferred currency.

ANZ head of retail in PNG MKV Nair said: "This product is in direct response to feedback from ANZ business customers who said they wanted to give consumers the option of paying for goods or services online using their currency of choice.

"It's ideal for businesses of any size that are looking to accept credit card payments online."

Explaining the concept further, Mr Sud said: "The DLC and ANZ systems have inbuilt security features to ensure all credit card transactions made for the DLC are fully secure."

The technology behind this has been jointly developed and verified by ANZ and Datec.

"We look forward to continuing to work with Datec to develop more financial and business products to the market," Mr Nair said.

"We believe the introduction of online payments for goods and services for customers while using their currency of choice will have a significant impact on the PNG retail industry."

Papua New Guinea youngster becomes US citizen, Marine Corps

Papua New Guinean Granger Michael was last Friday welcomed by US President Barack Obama at the White House as a citizen of the USA as well as a US Marine Corp serving and protecting US interests and aspirations abroad.

Proud parents, Graham and Celine Michael, said at the weekend that their eldest son, Granger, and PNG, were specifically mentioned by President Obama during the ceremony.

Mr Michael is a former PNG diplomat at the PNG Embassy in Washington DC.

President Obama spoke at a naturalisation ceremony for 24 members of the US Forces.

The ceremony recognises the contributions made by immigrant members of the US armed forces who have earned their American citizenship through service to the country, and the contributions immigrants from all walks of life have made to the US throughout its history.

President Obama commended all 24 men and women for choosing to become US citizens and named PNG and Granger Michael in his address.

“And it’s the patriotism of a young man from Papua New Guinea, who joined the United States Marine Corps and deployed to Iraq -  not once, not twice, but three times,” he said to much applause.

“Asked why he would choose to become an American citizen, he said simply, ‘I might as well.  I love this country already’.

“And so we congratulate Granger Michael.”

Pres Obama commended the parents, who he said “were willing to say good-bye to their own families, their own countries, so they could have an opportunity to give you the opportunity you never had”. 

“Like generations of immigrants before them, they worked hard,” he said.

“They scrimped and they saved. 

“They deferred their own dreams so that you could realise yours. 

“So today is a tribute to their sacrifices as well. 

“And I would ask that you join me in honoring your moms and dads and the families that helped bring you to this day.”

Both video and transcript of President Obama’s speech are available online, the video at http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/naturalization-ceremony-us-service-members and transcript at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-naturalization-ceremony-active-duty-service-members

“As you will note from the video, our eldest son, Granger L Michael, and Papua New Guinea, were specifically mentioned by the president of the United States of America, Barack H Obama during the ceremony,” the parents said in an email.

“We are so proud of his accomplishments first as our son, second as a US Marine Corp serving and protecting US interests and aspirations abroad, and finally as family and friend to so many of you.

 “We hope you join us on this occasion to mark another milestone in Granger's blessed journey through life.”

Drought and climate change to be focus of NARI show

The National Agricultural Research Institute is preparing the annual Agricultural Innovations Show for 2010 to be staged at its Sir Alkan Tololo Research Centre at Bubia, Morobe province, on Wednesday, May 5, 2010

This will be the fourth year of this ‘information exchange and knowledge sharing’ event in which partner and collaborating organisations in agricultural and rural development will be invited to display and exhibit their innovations and improved technologies and interact with farmers and the general public.

Over the past four years, NARI has been spearheading a campaign to prepare Papua New Guinea for recurring periods of prolonged drought linked to changes in the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the tropical Pacific Ocean.

 In recognition of the urgent need to prepare PNG for such a scenario, the theme of NARI’s innovation show this year is: “Preparing PNG for Drought and Climate Change”.

As an integral component of the event, NARI is also hosting a major stakeholder forum under the banner: “Preparing PNG for Drought”.

This aim of this forum is to raise awareness on drought nationally and to debate how best to prepare rural communities for drought conditions.

NARI is inviting representatives from all the major international and national aid agencies and government institutions concerned with food and agriculture, environment and water security issues in PNG.

 Local non-government organisations, churches, community-based organisations and rural farming communities will also be invited to participate in this forum.

“The Government of PNG has recently committed public investment programme (PIP) funding to support NARI in a major project entitled: ‘Preparing rural communities for frequent and prolonged El Niño-induced drought events,” according to NARI director-general Dr Raghunath Ghodake.

 “This project will be launched during the stakeholder forum by the Chief Secretary to the PNG Government, Mr Manusupe Zurenuoc.

“Forum participants will be informed about the project aims, scope of operation and partnering arrangements, and opportunity will be given for feedback and comment on these matters.

“Presentations from other organisations will cover important issues of food distribution networks, clean water provision, and epidemic disease control, in the run-up to a severe drought event, and the forum will explore and debate these matters also.

“We believe that this forum will be an important milestone along the road to secure lives and livelihoods in PNG against a backdrop of increased climate change-related disasters both here and within the wider Pacific region.”

Fullhouse at Bomana for ANZAC Day service

Hundreds of people, mainly Australian trekkers, attended the traditional emotional ANZAC Day Dawn Service today at the Bomana War Cemetery outside Port Moresby.

People started arriving at Bomana as early as 4am for the ceremony and lit candles to see them through to the first rays of sunlight.

This year, unlike previous years, there were no Australian veterans; however, the number of people was up from last year and previous years.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Governor General Sir Paulias Matane, Australian High commissioner Ian Kemish, New Zealand High Commissioner Niels Holm, British High Commissioner David Dunn, PNG Defence Force Commander Brig Gen Francis Agwi as well as military officers from the four countries.

The bands of the Royal PNG Constabulary and Correctional Services were out in force this morning at Bomana.

 Ecumenical services were celebrated by the Salvation Army chaplain.

Students of Ela Murray International School and Port Moresby International School sang Abide with Me while Elaine Kila, holder of the Butch Bisset Memorial Scholarship for Higher Education, read the poem A Tribute To ANZAC Day. 

“Fathers, sons and brothers, together they fought and died,” she recited.

“That we may live in peace while at home their mothers cried.

“When that final bugle calls them to cross the great divide.

“Their comrades will be waiting when they reach the other side.”

The Requiem was read by Col Mark Sheperd, head of Australian Defence staff in PNG while Bible readings were done by Mr Holm and Lt Col Gordon Milward, New Zealand Defence attaché.

Mr Kemish gave the official address.

Sir Paulias lead the wreath laying while The Ode was read by Brig Gen Agwi and Port Moresby Returned Services League president Joseph Fillipi.

The hundreds at Bomana later thronged to the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby for the traditional Gunfire Breakfast.

Hundreds attend ANZAC Day service in Madang

Captions: 1. Madang Governor Sir Arnold Amet with church leaders in Madang yesterday 2. Coastwatchers Memorial Lighouse in Madang yesterday. 3. Group Captain Tony Behm of the Australian Defence Force gives his talk. 4. Madang Governor Sir Arnold Amet addresses the crowd

 

More than 1, 000 people attended the ANZAC Day Dawn Service today at the Coastwatchers Memorial Lighthouse at Kalibobo in Madang.

 It was attended by Governor Sir Arnold Amet, his predecessor Sir Peter Barter together with representatives from the Australian Defence Force including Group Captain Tony Behm and Lt Col Simon Watts from the High Commission in Port Moresby. 

The ecumenical services were celebrated by Pastor Jeffrey Minirav, Rev Joiseph Tuoa and Fr Steven. 

The United Church Choir sang Abide with Me and O Help in Ages Past. 

“Both Grp Capt Behm and Sir Arnold addressed the service, a well-known local Alfred Sibut played the Last Post and Reveille and the Ode of Remembrance was read by Sub-Lt Isaac Napitalai of the PNG Defence Force,” Sir Peter said.

“It was a beautiful morning in Madang as  the sun rose over the horizon at 5.45am as the service commenced and upon the conclusion, a Gunfire Breakfast was served to the more than 1, 000 people who attended the service.”

Sir Peter Barter, chair of the Melanesian Foundation, thanked business houses who contributed towards the event including providing sufficient food to feed everyone, staff of Madang Resort for volunteering their time to set up the area for the service, PNG Maritime College, Correctional Institution Services, Divine Word University, Lutheran and Catholic Churches and choir from United Church for their contribution.

He in particular thanked the many hundreds of Papua New Guineans who had walked in from villages to attend the service.

ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Bomana War Cemetery, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

1.Part of the crowd at the Dawn Service 2. First light at Bomana War Cemetery 3. Bearing wreaths to the Cross of Sacrifice 4. Australian High Commissioner Ian Kemish 5. Governor General Sir Paulias Matane 6. Papua New Guinea Defence Force Commander Brigadier General Francis Agwi 7. Governor General Sir Paulias Matane.-Pictures by AURI EVA

Nambawan Super thanks the State for settling contribution arrears

THE State (Government) paid up the K40 million outstanding in employer contributions to Nambawan Super last Friday.

Managing Director of Nambawan Super Mr Leon Buskens thanked the staff of the Treasury Department, especially Secretary Simon Tosali, who has diligently met a commitment made the previous week in dealing with the issue of contribution arrears.

The State had earlier paid K65 million which included penalty interest and reimbursement. The K65 million represented what Nambawan Super had already paid out, on behalf of the State, to members who had left employment.

Mr Buskens said: “The fundamental issue of under-budgetting on the part of the Government’s superannuation obligations will always give rise to the problem of arrears. Going forward, I hope that this will not be the case from this year and onwards.”

He reiterated that under the Superannuation General Provision Act 2000, employers must comply with their obligations to contribute for and on behalf of their employees and urged the State to ensure that these obligations were met.

Mr Buskens said failure by an employer to remit staff super funds was guilty of an offence under the Superannuation Act and as stipulated, the employer was required to remit employer and employee contributions within 14 days of the date of deduction.

 

 

Yumi rausim malaria long Papua New Guinea

 Port Moresby: SCHOOL children, local communities, global and national health organizations will gather at Waramo village outside Vanimo in Sandaun province

to mark World Malaria Day on Monday, April 26.

World Malaria Day, commemorated annually on April 25, marks a global effort to highlight the need for the prevention and control of malaria around the world.

Papua New Guinea is attempting to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality through delivering preventative, diagnostic and treatment services to all people at risk of malaria, especially pregnant women and children younger than age five who are more vulnerable to the devastating effects of malaria.

The National Department of Health is leading collaborative efforts with two major partners -- Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM) and Population Services International (PSI) – in fighting malaria, thanks to funding from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The national theme “Yumi Rausim Malaria” affirms a call for collaboration from everyone in the country to free Papua New Guinea from malaria, and urges all to sleep under a long lasting insecticide treated mosquito net each and every night.

Malaria has been identified as one of the top five health priorities in the country and the leading cause of hospital admissions. Approximately 1.9 million cases of malaria are reported annually at health centres and hospitals, and every year between 600 and 700 Papua New Guineans die from malaria in health care facilities. The socio-economic burden the disease poses to PNG is substantial.

A recent study from the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research found that 64.6% percent of households surveyed in PNG owned a long lasting insecticide treated mosquito net, but only 39.5% of children younger than age 5 and 41.3% of pregnant women reported having slept under their net.

The Papua New Guinea observation of World Malaria Day will feature the launch of the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) Strategic Plan 2009-2013 and the launch of a new National Malaria Control Programme logo and slogan.

The programme includes a speech by the Minister for Health & HIV, Sasa Zibe. Two demonstrations will occur – one showing how a Rapid Diagnostic Test for malaria works and another on how long lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets are delivered to pregnant women through antenatal care clinics.

 

For more information, contact:

Population Services International

Section 52, Allotment 18, Varahe Road, Gordons

P.O. Box 327, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Ph:  (675) 311 2190 / Fax:  (675) 311 2199

 

Lest we forget!

Captions: 1. (L-R) British Defence Advisor to Papua New Guinea Colonel Mark Hainge and the British High Commissioner to PNG, David Dunn, at last year's ANZAC Dawn Service at the Bomana war cemetary outside Port Moresby. 2.   Wreath laid at Bomana War Cemetary by the New Zealand Governor General during his visit last October.3.  The New Zealand Governor General (right) visits Bomana War Cemetary last October, accompanied by NZ Defence Force personnel.4.  The New Zealand Governor General (right) visits Bomana War Cemetary last October.

Australian High Commissioner's Message on ANZAC Day 2010

ANZAC Day this year marks the 95th anniversary of the landing on the beaches of Gallipoli by the soldiers from both Australia and New Zealand Army Corps.

The ANZAC legend has become part of the national ethos of Australia and New Zealand.

We see it in the spirit of unity, freedom, enterprise and equality that continues to define our nations. Similarly, we see it in the qualities of comradeship, self-sacrifice and good humour that define us as peoples.

ANZAC Day is not a time for glorification but for sombre reflection. The sight of so many graves at places like Bomana reminds us of the terrible cost of war. And of course, the tragedy of so many young lives lost did not end there – the pain of their loss lived on in the hearts of all those who were robbed of a son, a husband, a father, a brother, a friend. While the resort to armed conflict is sadly sometimes unavoidable, ANZAC Day is a time for all of us to remind

ourselves of how precious peace is.

For Australia, one of the toughest tests was here in Papua New Guinea during the dark days of World War Two, in places that have now become part of the history we share with Papua New Guinea - Kokoda, Milne Bay, Buna, Gona and Bougainville, to name a few.

ANZAC Day provides us with a reminder of the close and enduring links between Australia and Papua New Guinea. We will never forget the bravery of those Papua New Guineans who, at great risk to themselves, supported us during our hour of need in the bitter campaigns of World War Two. Many Australian servicemen owed their lives to the selfless courage of these people.

Above all else ANZAC Day is an occasion for us to reflect on how the peace and freedom we all enjoy were won. It is difficult not to feel weighed down by the magnitude of the sacrifice that those who lay here made. But despair must not be our tribute to them. Rather, as we consider the enormity of their sacrifice, let us remember that their true and lasting legacy is the freedom that we continue to enjoy to this day.

Lest we forget.

 

Ian Kemish AM

Australian High Commissioner

 

Remembering those who sacrificed their lives

By His Excellency DAVID DUNN

British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea

 

"At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them" part of the ode repeated all over the world on ANZAC Day and other memorial services throughout the year. 

As we gather for the ANZAC Day Dawn Service this year and young and old together witness the first rays of sunlight illuminating the row upon row of the immaculately-maintained Commonwealth War graves, let us reflect upon the huge debt of thanks we owe those lying at peace in the earth of Papua New Guinea.

These young men and women from Australia, New Zealand, the USA, India, Papua New Guinea, the UK and other Commonwealth nations fought and died together in the defence of common values, democracy and friendship.

But they not only died fighting for each other but also fighting for us.

For without their ultimate sacrifice and bravery we would not enjoy the freedoms and lifestyle that we have today.

As I visit the war graves in PNG I cannot help but be struck by the young age of so many of the of men at rest and I am personally filled with an overwhelming  sense of humble gratitude, sadness and feeling of what might have been?

 How many future fathers, husbands, sportsmen, scientists, inventors and even perhaps Prime Ministers lie shoulder-to-shoulder in PNG?

  So many young lives, hopes and dreams cut short before they had really begun.    

So at the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.

We will remember their courage and valour; we will remember their sacrifice and the families and loved ones they left behind; and we will remember the folly and tragedy of war and all those who have lost their lives and been injured in past and current conflicts. 

But above all else, we must remember and never forget that they did it for us.

The remains of 466 British Servicemen lie buried at the Bomana Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, joining those of their peers from throughout the Commonwealth who died fighting to ensure peace, freedom and justice for all.  

After the ANZAC Day Service the British High Commission will be informally laying individual flowers on the 466 unnamed UK graves at Bomana.

 Anyone attending the Dawn Eervice on Sunday is most welcome to join us.   

In Flanders Fields

By John McCrae (1915)

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

 

'For our tomorrow, they gave their today'

ANZAC Day Message by His Excellency Niels Holm

New Zealand High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea

 

 E nga mate, nga aitua, o koutou, araa o matou

Ka tangihia e tatou i tenei wa

Haere haere haere

 

To the dead and to those being mourned, both yours and ours

We lament them and farewell them

To us the living, greetings to us all

 

As we gather on Sunday April 25, in the beautiful setting at Bomana War Cemetery with the magnificent memorial looking down on us, we know that in even the smallest towns around New Zealand and Australia, and in towns around the world wherever Kiwis and Australians are, people are gathering at their own war memorials to remember their dead.  

 We commemorate no military triumph – but the more humbling triumph of human valour. 

 The courage and endurance of those who did their duty at Gallipoli remains a vivid memory and a source of pride to every New Zealander and Australian.

 Like many operations of the First World War, the Gallipoli operation, however cogent in conception, was inadequately planned and inefficiently directed.

  It became the graveyard for the bodies of thousands of the best men of their generation.

 Our troops at Gallipoli were not professional soldiers; they were not the descendants of a warrior class or men driven by a military tradition. 

 They were teenagers; they were shopkeepers and farmers, they were mostly volunteers, imbued with a concept of duty and a wish for adventure. 

 Their diaries and the written records of their service show an extraordinary acceptance of what our national and imperial masters demanded of them. 

 As any lingering sense of adventure was blasted away on a succession of battlefields, the ghastly conditions in which they lived and fought required qualities of self-sacrifice, tenacity, resilience, courage, and much bravery. 

These qualities forged the ANZAC spirit, which remains a real and powerful force.

Australians and New Zealanders share the knowledge that in times of crisis, we have acted together to defend freedom, our shared values and our common interests.

And we will continue to do so.

On ANZAC Day, as well as commemorating the New Zealanders and Australians who lost their lives in war, we also think about our fellow countrymen and women who right now are serving us proudly around the globe, and also right here in our region.

 It is telling that more often than not these days, our servicemen and women are part of peacekeeping operations and humanitarian assistance. 

 We work together in response to humanitarian emergencies in the Pacific, clearing the debris of tsunamis and earthquakes and providing emergency supplies in the aftermath of devastating cyclones. 

In Solomon Islands, at that government’s request, our troops serve alongside members of the PNG Defence Force. 

Together we help provide Solomon Islanders with peace of mind, and a secure space for the country to heal from its conflicts. 

We also take this opportunity to offer our deep respect and gratitude for the contributions of the people of Papua New Guinea to the successful outcome of the bitter conflict that was waged in this country more than six decades ago.

 Many Papua New Guineans willingly, and often at great cost to themselves and their communities, displayed those same ANZAC values in serving the Allied cause.

On ANZAC Day, we give thanks to all who have served their countries so that we might live in peace.

 And we will indeed remember that “for our tomorrow they gave their today”.

Fireworks over Eyafallajökull

Why 75% of Europe's air traffic is shut down.

Massive ash emission from the Eyjafjallajökull eruption late in the evening.
Lightning caused by electrical discharge within the ash column.
The ash column assumes the shape of a plinian eruption.
Overview of Eyjafjallajökull stratovolcano complex and eruption column at dusk.

Pacific History Conference to be held at the University of Goroka

The Pacific History Conference will be held at the University of Goroka , Eastern Highlands, Papua New Guinea, in September of this year (please click on picture to enlarge). 

The conference theme is: Pacific at the Crossroads - Reflecting the Past, Adjusting the Present and Directing the Future. 

The conference seeks to address a range of issues associated with the theme.

For more information, contact:

 Ms Kate Gunn
The University of Goroka
PR & Marketing Officer

Ph: (675)  5311 877

Email: gunnk@uog.ac.pg

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare's visit to Rotorua, New Zealand

Above are photos from Day 2 of PM Somare's visit to New Zealand.  Details for the attached photos are as follows:

• Wreathlaying: PM Somare lays a wreath at the Muruika Urupa (the Maori Battalion cemetery) at Ohinemutu, Rotorua. Sir Michael is wearing a korowai (ceremonial cloak) provided by the Rotorua District Council for the civic welcome and the wreathlaying as a mark of respect for Sir Michael's status.
• No 067: Sir Michael is greeted with a traditional hongi by Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters.
• No 056: Rotorua Mayor Kevin winters presents Sir Michael with a taiaha (traditional Maori weapon) as a symbol of respect and peace
• No. 048: Sir Michael, delegation members and advisors with the taiaha presented to the Prime Minister by Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters
• No 019: Sir Michael shares a joke with Rotorua Deputy Mayor Trevor Maxwell at this morning's Rotorua mayoral reception
• No 027: Sir Michael responds to Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters' welcome speech this morning and thanks Rotorua for the warm reception he received.
• No 002: Sir Michael receives a traditional challenge from a Maori warrior as part of the Prime Minister's official welcome to Rotorua at the Rotorua District Council Civic Centre 

Papua New Guinea's latest hotel soon to commence operations

The countdown is on at Kokopo in East New Britain province with the Gazelle International Hotel (pictured) scheduled to begin operations in early July.

Papua New Guinea’s latest international hotel is nearing completion.

Final stages of construction will be completed within the next weeks, leaving painting and fitting of furnishings to complete this massive project.

Developed by the Lamana Group of Companies the Hotel is being operated by Gazelle international Hotel Limited, owned by Nambawan Super Airways Hotel and the East New Britain Provincial Government.

The construction phase has employed in excess of 200 over the past 18 months and ongoing operations as Gazelle International Hotel will see 100 team members employed.

Mike and Jane Garvey, both New Zealanders,  will manage the hotel.

Mike Garvey said: "We have started recruiting in anticipation of an intensive training programme.

"An internationally-renowned trainer will be dedicating hours to ensure team members deliver service and standards appropriate for such a beautiful property and location.

"The response to advertisements placed was overwhelming: 3000 were received with 700 coming from East New Britain province.

" To maintain the local focus and friendliness most of the team will be from the province.

" I am impressed with the standard of applicants and their desire to be a part of our team.

"Unfortunately there are a large number of applicants who will be disappointed as they have not had the opportunity to prove themselves.

"Team members chosen will indeed have a great opportunity to provide service to our guests in a hotel and environment to be proud of."

"Gazelle International Hotel is themed on Emma Eliza Coe [ 1850-1913] referred to as 'Queen Emma' of the South Seas with key areas of the hotel named in her honour.

" We are privileged to offer a safe haven to the preservation of the 'Queen Emma' steps, protected in the north-western corner of the property.

" These steps originally leading to Queen Emma’s two story residence are sited looking out over the Ralum Golf Course and the ocean beyond.

"This conjures thoughts of a bygone era, of grandeur and tradition which surrounded Queen Emma and her entourage.

"Her business acumen, interests and gestures of good will are legendary throughout the South Pacific dating back to the late 1800s."

Facilities available at Gazelle International Hotel include Emma’s Restaurant, Chino’s Coffee Shop, Club Coe entertainment and bar area, pool and conferencing for 150 participants.

 Business presentations, conferences, meetings, social gatherings, family celebrations are all activities catered for in this purpose-built venue.

The pool area is adjacent to the conference room and is an ideal location for outdoor entertaining.

 The well-appointed guest rooms are a haven for the business or leisure guest.

The views from the hotel rooms of Tavurvur smoking and the oceans are awe-inspiring and provide the backdrop to any guest's memorable stay in Kokopo, East New Britain province.

Australian report raps Papua New Guinea universities: What?

From BAPA BOMOTENG

The Aussie has done injustice again to try and under-mine the Papua New Guinea university education system again. 

Through the top-up system they tried systematically to kill the brains of this nation by saying PNG is not able to do it. 

With the outcome based education (OBE) and education reform system all paid for by the Aussie tax monies, they try to produce illiterate grade elementary to secondary drop outs.  

 Through the successive government funding, they try to dry up the cream of the intellects of this nation. 

 This is all a systematic ploy by the colonial masters to continue to suppress PNG education system. 

What was wrong with the old Standard 1-6, forms 1-4 and National High School System? 

 They have produced the leaders of today? 

No wonder they are trying to say, our economists, accountants, engineers, lawyers and you name it, cannot negotiate and be marketable in the world. 

PNG can be reckoned with.

John Howard’s government shamed our Prime Minister couple of years ago. 

They tried to pipe the gas to Queensland and re-sell it from there.  

No wonder they are trying to say our economists, accountants, engineers, lawyers and you name it cannot negotiate and be marketable in the world. 

 PNG can be reckoned with. 

 Papua New Guineans can also ask for better deal comparable to counterpart expats like the OK Tedi miners are doing.

Look what has happened with PNG LNG.

They can lick their wounds, as PNG looks north and to North America with LNG.

Product of the old school.

Bapa Bomoteng

Pirates get a lifeline from Bismark Maritime

Captions: 1. Bismark Maritime marketing manager David Black hands over the uniforms to Pirates’ secretary Jackson Varcilli watched by players at SCRUM Oval last Friday. 2. Bismark Maritime marketing manager David Black (left) with Pirates players and officials at SCRUM Oval last Friday.

 

 

Lae rugby union side Pirates is continuing its relationship with shipping company Bismark Maritime.

The company has supported Pirates for the last seven years with two sets of jumpers and this year will be the eighth year running.

Bismark Maritime marketing manager David Black was at the SCRUM Oval at the Lae Showground last Friday to deliver the two sets of jumpers to the buccaneers.

“This year, we’ve gone for a new design with new materials, in traditional read, white and black Bismark Maritime colours, which are also the colours of Pirates,” he said.

Pirates’ secretary Jackson Varcilli said without the support of corporate sponsors, the club would not be able to survive and players would not be able to play rugby week-in week-out.

“It is my privilege and honor to accept these brand-new quality jerseys on behalf of the club and its supporters, and I would like to thank Jamie and Julian Sharp and Bismark Maritime shipping company for its ongoing support in ensuring we are fully kitted for another season,” he said.

“These jerseys are much lighter than our previous set, and will boost out team’s image and our efforts towards winning the competition this year.

“We can assure you that we will take good care of them and wear them with pride and dignity throughout the competition.”

Minor sponsors are Designscope Architects, who are sleeve sponsors.

Pirates have made some strategic improvements to management this year including appointing John Posanei as president, backed by Varcilli as secretary, Maurice Owen as fundraising chairman and Sonny Songake as club treasurer.

On top of that, the Pirates have former representative player Ephraim Tavua, who is also a qualified and very-experienced coach.

Meanwhile, Chemcare Defence spoiled Bismark Maritime Pirates’ celebration of their new uniforms with a late comeback from behind to win 10-7.

Hornibrooks Harlequins opened their season on a high note with a closely-fought 14-13 win over Dulux Viking Dogs and Riback Unitech Reds nailed an under strength reigning champions Consort Reds 22-0.

Kokoda stamp joint issue

From  PAUL OATES

Tomorrow is the release day for the joint issue of Australian and Papua New Guinea stamps in remembrance of the Battle for Kokoda in World War 2.