NARI drought resource centre launched

Morobe Governor Luther Wenge today (Wednesday, May 05, 2010) launched the National Agriculture Research Institute's model resource centre as Papua New Guinea prepares for the next big El Nino-induced drought in 2010

This is part of NARI's plan to prepare rural communities in PNG for frequent and prolonged El Nino-induced drought events.

The National Government has provided Public Investment Programme (PIP) funding of K2.5 million to equip a network of resource centres throughout the country – operated by government, non-government and church organisations – with the information and resources to help communities cope with recurring drought events.

The most-imminent risk to PNG posed by climate change is the increased frequency of strong El Nino events and the severe drought conditions they bring to much of the country.

Following the drought of 1997, NARI developed a series of strategies to help communities adapt their traditional food production systems to cope with the effects of drought.

These strategies have since been publicised at NARI field events and open days in various parts of the highlands and lowlands.

Notwithstanding this, most rural communities in the highlands, lowlands and islands regions still do not have good access to the necessary information and resources to cope with prolonged drought conditions.

Mr Wenge, when launching the model resource centre, said he was proud to have fought against NARI's abolition by the National Government in 1997 and had now shown its true value to everyone in PNG.

This fact was earlier acknowledged by NARI director general Dr Raghunath Ghodake and council chairman Dr John Kola.

Mr Wenge said that in 1997, after only one year in existence, the Government wanted to do away with NARI but founding council chairman Sir Alkan Tololo, founding director general Valentine Kambori and himself dissuaded the Government from this.

"Today is a very important day for NARI, especially after the Government wanted to do away with it in 1998," he said.

"With God's help, the Government listened to us.

"NARI has come a long way since then and NARI has achieved a lot of things."

Mr Wenge said he had full confidence in the NARI team to help carry PNG through the expected 2012 drought.

"I'm confident that NARI has the scientific team to carry us through the expected 2010 drought," he said.

Drought plan launched in Lae

Chief Secretary to Government Manasupe Zurenuoc today (Wednesday, May 05, 2010) launched a major drought preparedness plan at the National Agriculture Research Institute at Bubia outside Lae.

The plan, appropriately titled, "Preparing Rural Communities in PNG for Drought and Climate Change", involves NARI as Papua New Guinea prepares for the next major expected drought in 2012 after the havoc caused by the last El Nino-induced drought in 1997.

Mr Zurenuoc said the launching of the project was very timely and relevant to the lives of PNG's farming and rural communities as the effects of climate change were all too real in these areas.

He said the changes taking place in the country's rainfall patterns had been much more sudden and unexpected due to variations in the strength and frequency of El Nino events in the tropical Pacific.

"These events are triggering severe dought conditions in PNG once every 10 to 12 years," Mr Zurenuoc told a stakeholder forum at Bubia.

"There are two major concerns with these El Nino events: the associated drought conditions they bring have been getting progressively more severe and causing ever-greater food and water security problems; and because they only happen sporadically, every 10-12 years, the necessity to put contingency measures in place to help them cope with these problems."

He commended NARI for taking the initiative over the past three years and campaigning to prepare PNG for drought, and indeed another mega-drought in the near future, particularly principal scientist Dr John Bailey.

Mr Zurenuoc said the PNG Government recognised the importance of what NARI was doing and was pleased to provide funding for this initiative under its Public Investment Programme (PIP).

"This will be a long-term investment to assist NARI and its partners in equipping a network of resource centres throughout the drought-vulnerable parts of the country," he said.

"It is envisaged that these resource centres – possibly 50 in total – will be located at existing stations or bases owned and operated by various extension or outreach organisations including the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, divisions of primary industry, non-government organisations, community-based organisations, schools and church-based organisations.

"I understand that NARI will work in partnership with all of these organisations to ensure that our communities are well prepared to cope with drought events in the foreseeable future."

The model resource centre, launched by Morobe Governor Luther Wenge, will be built at strategic points around the country.

"The model resource centre, on show here today with its poster displays, food-processing demonstrations and indoor technology displays, illustrates the types of information and resources that need to be made available to out rural communities," Mr Zurenuoc said.

"They have shown us how to alter the ways in which we manage and use our food and water resources in order to minimise the risks to food and water security during crisis."

Preparing Papua New Guinea for drought and climate change

From MALUM NALU in Lae

Hundreds of people are expected to converge on the National Agricultural Research Institute at Bubia outside Lae tomorrow (Wednesday, May 5) for the annual Agricultural Innovations Show for 2010 to be staged at its Sir Alkan Tololo Research Centre.
The programme starts at 8.30am and continues for the whole day.
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 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 has invited 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.
Guests will include Acting Chief Secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc, Morobe Governor Luther Wenge, National Planning and Monitoring Secretary Joseph Lelang, John Malai from PNG Red Cross, Andrew Kalai from Salvation Army, Merilyn Gairo from Adventist Development and Research Agency, Dr Siddhartha Datta from World Health Organisation as well as NARI Director General Dr Raghunath Ghodake and scientists Dr Pikah Kohun, Dr John Bailey, Dr Akkinapally Ramakrishna and Dr Workneh Ayalew
Local NGOs, churches, community-based organisations and rural farming communities have also been invited to participate in this forum.

Papua New Guinea in African tube

By JAMES WANJIK

 

When Ghana gained independence Africa celebrated. Colonialism could be removed. The celebration was short lived. Then new form of colonialism crept in. It was neocolonialism. It was colonialism by Africans against Africans.
South Africa had apartheid till 1990. Congo had no government for years. Somalia has no government with pirates running riot in Somali waters. Nigeria has civil war in the Niger delta where oil is produced and exported.
Many African countries are mineral dependent economies. They rely on mineral receipts for keeping respective national economies alive.
The resource law and policy favoured the outsiders. Land and resources were hard to get in former colonising countries.
Recent oil spill in Gulf of Mexico jostled President Obama's plan to allow oil and gas drilling in offshore of USA. No such action would be possible in Africa.
Africa is a black continent. War rages on in many black nations of Africa. Politics of oil, minerals and money power is the source, means and end of many of these wars.
Papua New Guinea is now well positioned to follow African tube way. Panguna mine led the onslaught. Ok Tedi mine destroyed the Fly. Misima closed leaders' eyes. Ramu is waking up people of Madang. Nautilus is moving people of New Britain and New Ireland. Liquefied Natural Gas will let all hell break lose in Hela.
So many leaders are working for money. It is the reason for bad leadership and corrupt governance in PNG.
PNG is vulnerable now more than ever before. Only true national professionals will tell truth and advocate truth for change. Change where PNG people become source, means and end of development.
PNG is now a nation of resource abundance. It is a land of milk and honey. No leader is leading people for people. Money and more of it has made many leaders arrogant. Arrogance leads leaders astray. Many of them are on the way to being exposed and deposed.
Any leader who is worth his or her salt will make PNG a place for all PNG people. Where leaders use money and position to dictate what, for who and where development should take place is leadership of position power play PNG must reject.
PNG needs leadership of development where all people of PNG will share in the spoils of development. This will land power playing leaders without power.
Tunnel Vision 2050 is a dangerous plot. Never have we been openly lied to as we are with Vision 2050. National Alliance Party has been systematically manipulating leaders, advisers and institutions to stay in power. More and more leaders are realising it and exposing it. No way and no more will they continue without people making a stand.
Our leaders are only opening their eyes from deep slumber. People have political power and it will be leaders who will politicise leadership for leadership of development. Sun and rain leaders will be removed and replaced with all weather leaders. Only then will PNG get out of African tube.

Partnership is important in serving the community

By BUSISI SIWAKA of DAL

 

Public and private partnership between government agencies, non-government organisations, community groups, business houses and local community is important in promoting better livelihood.

One good example is the community work carried out by the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation (PNG) Inc, through its network of Couples for Christ members, in and around the Gerehu suburb of Port Moresby.

One of the partners it is working closely with is the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, which has actively promoted food self-sufficiency including rice cultivation and teaching livelihood skills.

DAL has already been given special recognition for promoting agriculture and good livelihood within the community around the Gerehu suburb, which comprises mostly of landowners of Koitabuan origin and settlers.

Alex Sanny, who has worked with the community on behalf of Gawad Kalinga, says the organisation is doing a good community service and there are positive changes having an impact on people from different ethnic backgrounds and not only Koitabu people.

Gerehu and its settlements on the fringes are regarded as unsafe but that is slowly changing, thanks to the efforts by Gawad Kalinga and its partners, he said.

Many people are beginning to show interest in the group’s activities, which include farming, youth and church activities.

Mr Sanny, a Bougainvillean married to a Koitabu woman, said there had been overwhelming support from organisations such as Super Value Stores, National Capital District Commission, City Pharmacy Ltd, PNG Power Ltd, Digicel and others. Infrastructure and facilities that have been established included houses, a pre-school, clinic and a multi-purpose hall for community activities.

He said with DAL, some livelihood projects had already been implemented including backyard gardening and floriculture.

Plans are underway for development of livestock projects in poultry and piggery.

More residents are being encouraged to venture into agriculture farming activities.

DAL’s women in agriculture development unit and food security branch, and Fresh Produce Development Agency, have been in the forefront in encouraging the residents, mainly local landowners, to grow their own vegetable gardens and produce rice for consumption.

Mr Sanny said the most-important thing was that everything was being done through the Lord’s blessings and he urged all stakeholders to maintain that Christian spirit and continue the good work.

Partnerships and freight subsidies will boost agriculture growth

By SOLDIER BURUKA of DAL

 

Public private partnerships and freight subsidies will assist in promoting agricultural production, particularly the cash crop industry, according to Western province Chamber of Commerce and Industry executive and PNG Rubber Industry Board chairman Warren Dutton.

Mr Dutton made the call during the recent Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) Southern regional development forum in Popondetta.

He said without strong public private partnerships and workable freight subsidies, the production of most smallholder crops had been in continual decline.

Mr Dutton said previous governments had introduced a policy on freight subsidies for smallholder produce; however, it had not been properly implemented.

He questioned why recommendations by the National Agriculture Council and CIMC national development forum for a freight subsidy scheme were yet to be implemented.

He said that without the partnership between village growers, co-operatives, buying and exporting companies, provincial governments and the national government there would be no cash crop industries in PNG.

Without freight subsidies to provide acceptable prices, all those industries would die, and 85% of PNG’s population would be the losers.

Mr Dutton told the forum that freight subsidies could be made to work in PNG.

“It is the most cost-effective way of distributing the large revenues that are already being earned from mining and oil projects and that will be earned from the LNG project,” he said.

“Surely, now is the time to use some of the funding of the NADP and the revenues which will flow from the LNG project, to provide the freight subsidies that will stimulate our most-remote and neglected smallholders to restart and/or increase their production.”

Mr Dutton said without subsidies, production of most of PNG’s smallholder crops had been in continual decline.

Production has been in decline ever since PNG “destroyed” its plantation industry and the partnerships which the plantations had with their neighboring smallholders.

He said the Government’s policy of encouraging public private partnerships was correct because it would rebuild the relationship which used to exist between smallholders and expert agricultural investors.

Those expert investors are then responsible for providing the training, transport, and marketing for their neighboring smallholders.

Most importantly they must pay an acceptable price for the smallholder’s product.

Mr Dutton said many cash crop industries were under threat because the prices offered to the smallholders were not acceptable to them.

The low prices do not provide an acceptable return for their labour.

He told the forum that the Western province smallholder rubber industry was the only successful smallholder rubber industry because it had hardworking village growers, a good public-private partnership and freight subsidies which allowed the growers to be paid an acceptable and competitive price for their cash crops and labour.

North Fly Rubber Limited’s public-private partnership first with Ok Tedi Mining Limited, then with PNG Sustainable Development Program, and now with the Western province administration has contributed greatly to the development of a sustainable rubber industry in the province.

OTML has for the past 18 years shipped processed rubber from Kiunga to Port Moresby or Queensland, allowing rubber growers to be paid an extra 25t per kg for their cup lump rubber.

 Now it allows them to be paid an extra 43 toea.

Without this assistance it would not have been worth the growers’ while to ever tap their rubber trees.

Rugby union alive and well in Kavieng

Caption: Kavieng rugby union action between N4C and Royals at the weekend.-Picture by GEBING JETHRO

 

By GEBING JETHRO in Kavieng

 

Kavieng rugby union has been running its pre-season competition for the last two weekends and next weekend heads into its seven competition.

Eight teams are set to tussle for the sevens crown this weekend.

In-form teams include Nomads and Royals, who have retained most players from the Buluminski Marlins, semi-finalist at last year’s Black Orchid Sevens in Buka.

The rest of the teams will be out to showcase yet some hidden talents.

Teams taking part are Royals, Nomads, Redskins, Watersides, Plumbers, N4C, Snafu and Putput.

An invitation is still open to intending teams.

After the sevens, it is planned to have a shorter 15’s season.

All teams are set and a planned three-day basic clinic on rules and skills will be run tomorrow (Tuesday, May 4), Wednesday and Thursday by Samson Korong, Mack Lentruth and other key figures in the local rugby fraternity.

Organisers have seen a huge interest among Kavieng youngsters and want to get them all on board.

The next thing is to establish contact with and affiliate with the PNG Rugby Football Union.

Interim committee members running the show are Sergent Silau (Digicel 72844465) and David Lotar (Digicel 71523501).     

All teams must attend tomorrow's clinic starting 4pm at the Court House Oval.

A meeting will also be held.

Protest march reminder

To all

Be advised that the planned protest march by the Port Moresby public has been approved by the police commissioner to be staged tomorrow and is expected to be violent, as criminal elements will take advantage of the situation to engage in activities like looting, rioting, etc.

The protesters will assemble at Boroko and will march to Waigani.

Therefore, remind the kids to stay away from these areas.

All the PMVs will be off the roads and shops will also be closed for business.

Tok save tasol.

 

 

 

bemobile Cup kicks off next Sunday

By HENRY MORABANG

 

Leading mobile phone company bemobile has committed K800, 000 as naming right to support the semi-professional bemobile Cup rugby league competition for 2010.

  Marketing Officer George Trad said this would be the second year for bemobile to back the premier rugby league competition in the country.

 Under the slogan “bemobile cup 2010 best yet”, this year’s contest promises to be one of the most-exciting and competitive seasons.

 The slogan is recognition that bemobile Cup is an exhilarating competition in its own right.

 Trad said that this year would again feature some of the top local rugby league talent PNG has on offer.

 He said this was the company’s second year as the official naming rights sponsor, stamping its strong commitment and support for rugby league in the country.

 “Our financial commitment for this year is K800,000 as well as promoting the game in all media and the community whenever and wherever we have an opportunity, with road shows, store visits and events throughout the season,” Trad said.

 He acknowledged key partners in the media as very important in achieving goals through effective dialogue to promote the game to the community as the bemobile Cup season unfolded.

 “We will be looking to utilise players in the community as never before, and hope to take great strides in making the game attractive to family groups by providing more family entertainment during pre-match and halftime periods,”Trad said.

 The bemobile Cup is a tough competition and also provides a platform for bringing people together as a promotional poster shot.

 Even though the players go head-to-head on the field there is a friendship and camaraderie off the field which makes them ideal ambassadors in the community.

 The return of prodigal team Simbu Warriors back into the high-profile rugby league competition mean there is definitely something in store for fans throughout the country.

 They will bring in their own unique brand of football into the competition.

The bemobile Cup competition has retained all seven franchises from last season with the inclusion of new kids on the block Warriors and Mount Hagen Kuris.

 Teams from last year are reigning premiers Agmark Guria, Toyota Mioks, Masta Mak Rangers, Bintangor Lahanis, ATCL Bombers, Civpac NCD Vipers, SBS Muruks and Bintangor Eagles.

 The Bintangor Group of Companies has pulled the plug on Mt Hagen Eagles, with Wantok Gaming System taking over as new sponsor.

 The bemobile Cup is set to kick off next Sunday, May 9,

 Despite the legal battle within the PNG Rugby Football League, the 2010 draw will see 18 rounds of matches with one team having a bye every weekend.

 The opening clashes will kick off with a big bang in Port Moresby where sister teams Vipers play Rangers, Eagles will host Mioks in Mt Hagen, reigning champions Gurias will tackle Lahanis at the Kalabond ‘graveyard’ in Kokopo while Bombers meet Muruks in Lae.

 Warriors will have a first bye but will have the luxury of hosting their first bemobile Cup game in the second round when they host seasoned campaigners Lahanis of neighbouring Goroka at the newly-upgraded premier Dickson Oval.

Papua New Guinea's new sea training school contributes to maritime shipping industry

By REGINALD RENAGI, DMS, OBE, psc, jssc (Rtd.)

 

Serving the maritime industry of PNG

For the first in many years, Papua New Guinea now has a new sea training school aimed at filling an important gap in the maritime industry.

 It’s a small start at this stage but the country’s first private sea training school - Pacific Maritime Training College (PMTC) - is managed by former professional mariners having a strong passionate vision of training educated men and women as skilled seafarer deck ratings to serve our maritime shipping industry.

The management of the school firmly believes the initial training provided now will support our growing shipping business by the provision of skilled seafarers graduating from the school.

The school believes in learning through application and requires its seafarer trainees (students) to learn and fully apply what they learn in the classroom at sea in whatever capacities they may be employed in future.

PMTC puts special emphasis on ship safety aspects as it considers this to be of paramount importance.

 The course materials are designed in a way that specifically instills in students general personal safety responsibility, discipline and social responsibility as seafarers.

The school’s complementary mission is to provide lifelong career learning skills opportunity for those serving in PNG’s maritime shipping industry.

 In so doing, our graduates will serve our country and further promotes PNG’s maritime interests within the region and globally.

National recognition

PMTC is recognised as a national undergraduate and graduate education sea training school.  Founded and recognised in 2009 by the National Training Council (NTC Approval Number # 181) and the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA).

 It is located in Konedobu, National Capital District, Port Moresby. 

One of the few schools in PNG, PMTC offers a complete line of training programmes that are specifically designed to help mariners advance from ordinary seafarer to bosun or assistant engineer, working onboard vessels of unlimited tonnage trading in PNG coastal waters.

Maritime courses

The following is a complete listing of PMTC programs that will lead to a specific qualification or endorsement:

• Basic Seamanship course for General Purpose (Deck and Engine). 
• Additional training may be required, including the completion of Basic Safety Training (BST). 

• On completion of the above-referenced minimum standards will permit graduating trainees to work in an entry-level position (General Purpose) as an Ordinary Seaman (deck hand rating), or engine hand rating.

• Ratings Forming part of a Navigational and Engine Watch course;
• Able-Bodied Seafarer course;
• Assistant Engineer course; and
• Bosun/Coxswain course.

Creating a positive-learning environment

PMTC director of training and master trainer, Reginald Renagi (OBE), who works under the college principal (a former merchant shipping master mariner, executive of the National Maritime College and National Maritime Safety Authority) has since last year been working hard with his training team to create a positive learning environment for new trainees enrolling to do courses each month. 

Renagi sees a very big future in the country’s first private maritime training provider and is very excited about including other intermediate and advanced maritime course within the next 12 to 24 months.  

As master trainer, he sees what the new school is offering to meet a very-important development requirement for this country by producing deck-rating seamen for its growing shipping business. 

This industry is going to grow very rapidly with the country desperately needing properly-trained skilled seafarers. 

The trained seaman will initially work on commercial coastal vessels, with many eventually going on to serve onboard foreign-flag vessels working in international ports. 

Reginald Renagi is serious about assisting the government meet this urgent demand for trained seaman and the PMTC is the perfect vehicle now being designed for this important industry development requirement. 

The director said the school opened in 2009 and presently conducts general purpose deck ratings basic seamanship training courses graduating some eighty seafarers within eight months of opening it doors to the public. 

Many of the students passing through the school have since found seafaring jobs onboard vessels putting to good use the training they received at PMTC.

The school is currently conducting its third training course for this year with more new course being designed by Reginald Renagi and his training team of former mariners.

The present seamanship course is of four weeks duration.

 On completion, three certificates are issued to trainees.

These certificates are: Basic Seamanship and a Safety at Sea Programmes including a General Purpose Rating (an NMSA approved certificate) for PNG Coastal Area of operations. 

All PMTC courses are conducted in accordance with professional requirements of the “Merchant Shipping Act” (STCW Convention) Regulations.

The courses involve both classroom and outdoor practical/demonstration sessions with external training service providers as required.  

In future, the PMTC plans to have onboard professional trainers from recognised international maritime schools to conduct specially designed professional short course programs at the school.

Crewing agency

Currently, plans are underway now to work closely together with Pacific Marine Crewing Agency to do job placements not only for seaman graduates from the school, but also with other seafarers seeking shipboard employment opportunities, but do not know how to go about it. 

Reginald Renagi said business is booming in PNG, especially now with the LNG project and the need for more seamen will only increase with time. 

The expanding shipping business and other commerce activities in PNG’s petroleum and mineral sectors of our economy will see that many vessels will want to employ trained seafarers to work in both coastal, and overseas trading vessels – and PMTC will be there to meet their needs now and in future.

External service providers

Director Renagi said the PMTC has already drawn up memorandum of agreements (MOA) with external service providers like PNG Fire Service, National Fisheries Authority and National Fisheries College.

 It is having discussions with interested stakeholders like PNG Customs Services, PNGDF, RPNGC, NTC, NMSA, Department of Transport and PNG Ports authorities to mention a few. 

PMTC further plans to soon conduct customs operations-related courses as well as port facility security courses. 

On this, the former Royal Australian Navy trained and senior defence force operational and executive manager is very confident the PMTC is here for the long haul with it long-term vision and mission of training and providing skilled seafarers for the PNG maritime industry. 

This will in future also have a big impact in the Pacific region’s shipping industry.

The PMTC is currently self-funded but the former navy man and master trainer believes with the right approach he is very confident the government will see it in their direct interest to support the country’s new sea training school’s vision to provide trained seafarers required for PNG’s shipping business, and help grow a strong economy.

 The sky is the limit and the PMTC plans to expand by running more relevant industry-related courses as well as increasing its trainer staff within the next 24 months.

 

Papua New Guinea needs a coast guard service

By REGINALD RENAGI

 

Papua New Guinea’s national security since independence has remained very much static. 

It is time the government shows it is serious about our national security. 

For a start, the whole Defence organisation must be completely overhauled as part of the government's national strategic plan 2010 - 2050. 

 The Ministry must critically improve its capacity in several key critical areas: command, management, leadership, organisational culture and effectiveness, assets and facilities, administration processes and staff procedures, strategic policies, programmes and projects, military rules and regulations, conditions of service for active members and retirees (pensioners), all ancillary services; and in general improving the general of our servicemen and women with their dependents in our defence communities. 

 This future challenge is now before our government. 

This is most vital if PNG is to get the very best out of defence in future. 

A lot of hollow-sounding speeches by politicians over the years are nothing more than mere platitudes. 

Such useless speeches only give people unnecessarily high expectations come election time, or on some special occasions.

 Soon after getting into public office, politicians easily forget about improving our country's security. 

 Politicians to date have yet to develop their required statesman skills with much finesse.  They must be well educated in what defence is all about and what it can do to develop PNG in numerous positive ways. 

Defence has an important nation building function mandated by the constitution.

 The defence organisation can on the whole contribute immensely to national security, development and unity of PNG if it is adequately resourced. 

 Since independence, defence has always been a very-loyal, committed and dedicated employee to successive governments. 

Over the years, service personnel have been inculcated with the noble ethos of diligently serving “God, Queen and Country" from day one. 

This noble Mindset makes defence very different from the normal run-of-the-mill dysfunctional bureaucracy we have now. 

 Despite some inherent deficiencies, defence is a more-loyal and committed state employee than other national agency. 

This has unfortunately been a one-way street for defence.

 The fact is our politicians and bureaucracy have no real idea at all about enhancing our national security. 

 Our elected representatives are just plain ignorant about key issues affecting national security. 

PNG needs a far-sighted visionary leadership that will address our national security today - not in another 33 years time. 

In future, when PNG may face a grave security threat then it will be too late as we will not even be ready then. 

 Today, the question of 'affordability' is no longer an option as we now have the resources to not keep neglecting our security. 

The Ministry and its defence council must demand more from our government for a better deal for defence. 

Defence officials must no longer be reticent about this vital issue of getting the government's attention to effectively put its money where its mouth is about national security.  

 I also urge senior defence officials to effectively articulate to our parliamentarians in several ways they know best.

 Defence has become a national disgrace because our country's leadership has consistently failed it. 

We only have to see what our neighbours' armed forces are doing these past few years to strengthen their defence forces to make us feel very ashamed of our own lack of real leadership here. 

I again encourage senior officers to professionally assert their real concerns to the defence council. 

The council must get the best deal for defence from government and parliament, and in the process, get full community support for defence. 

 In addition, a major paradigm shift is needed within defence. 

We need more personal effort, commitment and resources to really improve defence capabilities.

 PNG has the resources to positively change defence's present status.

It is time politicians stop their lip-service and show a real commitment towards modernising defence.

 If the government and parliament cannot even do this despite the pressing need today, than abolish the defence department and let a regional government take care of our national security.

 Yes, it does look too easy this way, except that our country will be seriously compromised to potential enemies.

 Today, the most feasible and viable option for government is to set up its own independent National Coastguard Service (NCS) by 2012.

 This must be a part of PNG's new national strategic plan.

 A future NCS will truly serve PNG well by contributing directly towards security and economic development in a far more cost-effective manner than before. 

A NCS will be a fully justified decision as this maritime security agency will generate revenue in several different ways. 

With our new strategic plan for the next 40 years, this presents a great opportunity for the defence Ministry and government for a new future security option.

 The coast guard's offshore tapestry resource protection tasks will include naval, coast guard and civil agency missions conducted all year round on behalf of several line agencies.

 The coast guard will be a new maritime security regime generating substantial revenue for our economy.

 In addition, the NCS will pay itself off many times over in any one year in the conduct of enforcement activities in support of government policies. 

We will have the required revenue to upgrade existing surveillance platforms including acquire additional operational assets. 

Current fleet strengths of ships and aircrafts will need to be augmented as required for improved surveillance and resources protection duties. 

 After 35 years of independence, PNG's national security will be further enhanced through an independent coast guard service. 

I suggest government planners incorporate this security planning option as a key priority development program within the MTDS and the national strategic development plan.

 

• The writer is a former patrol boat commander and defense chief   

 

Tourist numbers in Papua New Guinea drop dramatically: Sir Peter

Former Madang Governor and prominent tourism operator Sir Peter Barter says tourist numbers in Papua New Guinea have dropped dramatically.

Sir Peter, an outspoken former Health Minister, also reiterated his earlier calls for PNG to import Cuban doctors to serve in the rural areas of the country.

He was speaking at the Divine Word University open day in Madang today which was presided over by Governor General Sir Paulias Matane.

“Sadly today, despite what we read in the media, tourism has decreased dramatically not only in Madang and the Sepik, but throughout PNG with perhaps the exception of the Kokoda Track,” Sir Peter said.

“Visitor arrivals have increased but this is mainly as a result of other economic activities including the LNG projects. 

“Airlines are happy, hotels in Port Moresby may be happy but provincial tourist operators are seriously concerned over the decline.

“Students at DWU should delve into some of the obvious and not-so-obvious reasons why bona fide tourism is in decline.”

Sir Peter said it was also his intention to import initially 50 Cuban doctors to work with church health services to assess their effectiveness to improve rural health services.

“It was also to send 50 PNG students to Havana to train as rural doctors but equally, if not more important, was the development of a rural doctors programme at DWU,” he said.

“Whilst the Cuban concept remains stationary, I am pleased that DWU is moving ahead with its plan to train rural doctors.

“As Minister for Health, I had National Executive Council approval to fund K300 million to improve health infrastructure including hospitals, equipment and rural health services.  

“This was eroded down to K187m.

“Little of this money was released and as we all know our health service is in a terrible state. 

“As Minister, I introduced several legislations: that included the Health Service Management Act which effectively combined national, provincial and LLG health services and hospitals; and the Church Health Act which was to allow Churches to do what they do best and allow them to seek direct funding through donors and other sources and stand on their own two feet. 

“The National Aids Council Amendment provided a multi-sectoral council to coordinate the fight against HIV/Aids in PNG.

“In June, DWU will be hosting an important youth HIV/AIDS debate.

“This debate will be the first of its kind in PNG where all universities will be involved and already they have met and finalised the rules of engagement. 

“The debate will be opened by Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare, and will be attended by the Health Minister and hopefully other leaders, but they will be here to listen to the educated youth, keeping in mind they are the most-likely to be effected by the HIV virus and together, we need to hear how the youth feel the Government should improve in awareness, treatment and care.”

Governor-General at sea

Governor General Sir Paulias Matane trying out his hand on the wheel of Melanesian Tourist Services vessel mv Kalibobo Spirit in Madang.

Divine Word University open day

Pictures of today's Divine Word University open day in Madang, which was presided over by Governor General Sir Paulias Matane.

Divine Word University urged to take lead in Ramu Nico conflict resolution

Caption: Governor General Sir Paulias Matane visiting a stall at the Divine Word University open day.-Picture courtesy of Sir Peter Barter

 

Former Madang Governor Sir Peter Barter has called on the Divine Word University in Madang to take the lead in conflict resolution at the Ramu Nico Mine in the province.

He made the today at the Divine Word University open day in Madang, which was attended by Governor General Sir Paulias Matane.

“In Madang, the Government has an agreement signed with MCC to develop the Ramu Nickel Mine, the process of evaluation of the mine and environment was all approved,” Sir Peter said.

“Promises were made for roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

“Just weeks before the multi-billion kina project was to begin production, a court order has stopped the project from proceeding due to doubts as to safe dispersing of the tailings.

“We now have NGOs springing up from nowhere that have planted their ideas in the minds of the people, most of whom are foreign NGOs being funded by foreigners targeting their anger at the Chinese. 

“They seem oblivious to the fact that the issues related to the environment were approved by scientists in or contracted by the Department of Environment and Conservation.

“On this issue, I am not taking sides, but I think in a place of higher education we should all act on the best advise available – if there is a risk to the environment then some other options should be considered, if in the calculated of independent experts it is safe, we must be very careful not to destroy the project.

“Perhaps, institutes like DWU can develop faculties to deal with conflict resolution, perhaps in the future DWU may have to look at introducing faculties to train environmentalists and mining engineers so PNG themselves can evaluate projects such as the Ramu Nico Mine?”

Sir Peter voiced his disappointment  that Madang business houses, who derived so much benefit from DWU, were noticeably absent on the open day.

“DWU has become one become a large industry in Madang,” he said.

“ By sheer size of the university, which is now the second largest in PNG, providing 4,000 meals a day and accommodation for 1,00 students and lecturers in what was a virtual swamp just 14 years ago is no mean achievement.  

“Madang has become the largest centre of learning outside the capital, Port Moresby – the combination of Lutheran School of Nursing, PNG Maritime College, Institute of Medical Research, Madang Teachers College, Madang Vocational Centre, College of Allied Health Science, St Fidelis all involved in providing tertiary education in what can only be described as an almost-perfect learning environment.”

Voco Point gets a new lease of life with hardware shop

Voco Point Hardware all dressed up for opening day on Saturday.-Pictures by GABRIEL LAHOC

First customers rushing into Voco Point Hardware

Customers checking out what is on offer at Voco Point Hardware

One of the first customers of Voco Point Hardware with a roll of wire

By GABRIEL LAHOC

The seafront of Voco Point in Lae is experiencing a renaissance of business activities, with Voco Point Hardware as the latest to set up shop at this once-bustling business hub of Morobe province.
Lae’s newest hardware shop was officially opened to the public yesterday at a ceremony witnessed by members of the public, clients and customers.
Operating as a subsidiary of Mukito Suppliers Ltd, Voco Point Hardware Ltd is a 100% nationally-owned hardware shop specialising in general, industrial, electrical and agricultural supplies.
From humble beginnings in Goroka, Voco Point Hardware brings competition to other hardware suppliers in Lae, with a strong faith to provide the best service and prices to customers.
The hardware shop may be small compared to other established hardware shops, however, the management is of the firm view that it is a very big achievement in terms of the ownership and investment by any Papua New Guinean.
“It’s a big achievement for all small nationally-owned businesses, as most times, these businesses have been overlooked by bigger foreign businesses,” said proprietor Allan Mandi, who started his path as a businessman in 2004 from his experience and a start-up capital of K900 finish pay from another hardware shop.
Voco Point Hardware is located at the junction of Frigate Street and Seagull Street, opposite Trends Beauty Saloon and The National Lae bureau office, and has current staff strength of 20 working under manager Charlie Lapila.
According to Mr Mandi, total staff strength including Mukito Supplies up in Goroka was 50.
Voco Point Hardware promises very-competitive prices and services, which includes special deliveries, with major clients from the rural districts services in Eastern Highlands province such as Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the University of Goroka.
“We can challenge the giants and create competition in this industry,” Mr Mandi said.
The official opening on Saturday, in line with the Christian background of the Mandi family, was led by Pastor Yakura Mandi, who emphasised that God had plans for everyone and everyone should have faith in God.

Investigation concludes at University of Goroka

The independent investigation team at the University of Goroka (UOG) for the past month concluded its investigations into the recent student boycott last Friday (April 30, 2010).

As directed by the UOG council, the three-member investigation committee comprising of Michael Gene, Prof Allan Easton and George Kuno was 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) containing issues related to the boycott of classes.

Chancellor of UOG, Benais Sabumei, said today (Sunday, May 02, 2010) that a report of the investigation’s findings would be formally presented to the UOG council at its next meeting.

 

 

NARI to release kaukau ensiling technology for pig farmers

Caption: Michael Dom of NARI (left) explaining the kaukau ensiling technology to Agriculture Minister and guests at Bubia recently.

 

By SENIORL ANZU of NARI

 

Pig farmers in Papua New Guinea will know a new methodology for developing and preserving improved feed from sweet potato or kaukau which can be stored over longer periods before feeding pigs.

The methodology, known as ‘sweet potato silage for pig feed’, will be officially released to the PNG farming community on Wednesday (May 5) during the 2010 Agricultural Innovations Show organised by National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) at its Sir Alkan Tololo Research Centre at Bubia outside Lae.

Other highlights of the occasion include a major stakeholder forum on preparing PNG for drought, launch of NARI’s national drought preparedness project and the display of a model resource centre which will be fully equipped with information and resources that will be made available to some 50 centres throughout drought-vulnerable regions of PNG.

The silage technology is a result of NARI’s research and development effort by its livestock programme to improve efficient use of feed by commercial pig growers.

Director for agriculture production systems improvement, Dr Sergie Bang, said kaukau silage developed though the technology could be stored for up to seven months with very simple equipment and relatively-low material costs.

Dr Bang said the technology also improved digestibility of feed, maintained good growth of pigs and potentially improved carcass quality and economic returns

He said the process of silage worked for kaukau in the trials conducted by NARI over the last few years, under both lowland and highland conditions.

“Fermentation acidity was measured at pH 4, which is an indication of high grade silage quality and when fed to pigs, kaukau silage has improved the digestibility of all feed nutrients,” he said.

“When silage was supplied as 50% of diet, digestibility was similar but the growth of pigs was expectedly lower than the sole grower ration.

“The kaukau mixed diet led to improved overall performance of pigs than those on traditional feeding options.”

Dr Bang said all materials needed for ensiling such as graters, bins and plastic sheets

could be easily obtained from agricultural stores in PNG.

The kaukau silage is made through ensiling techniques.

 Ensiling is a method of processing green and raw feed materials that enable their preservation and storage over many months.

Material that undergoes ensiling, known as silage, can provide a very-nutritious and highly-palatable meal for animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.

The technology has been proven for pig feed in PNG using kaukau tubers and vines at NARI Labu and was then promoted to villagers and smallholder farmers from communities in which pigs are culturally and economically-prominent.

 Feeding kaukau tubers and vine to pigs is a popular practice by pig farmers in PNG. Growing feed for pigs or providing for pigs from the family garden is a laborious daily chore.

 Kaukau tubers are also cooked before being fed to pigs.

Preparing silage means that cooking pig feed will not be an added task, usually for women.

It is hoped that the ensiling techniques will help save time and labour by enabling pigs to be fed from the preserved and stored feed.

Silage contains feed nutrients, carbohydrates and proteins, from ingredient materials, which have been partially broken down by fermentation processes and are readily digested and absorbed by animals.

Proper ensiling and careful storage enables feed to be kept in good quality for feeding long after the growing season of the crop.

Other food crops such as cassava, cassava leaf, banana and legumes as well as agro-industrial by-products such as copra meal, corn and wheat mill run and rice bran can also be used for ensiling.

Two contact farmers in the highlands and their surrounding farmers have become keen users of this technology, since the silage process and feeding was demonstrated to them. 

They are Albert Kirimpa of Kainantu and Akilo Purunu of Tambul.

Mr Purunu is a semi-commercial pig farmer on whose farm the on-farm feeding trial was concluded.

Members of the Highlands Pig Growers Association from other parts of the Highlands have requested for this technology.