Preparing Papua New Guinea for drought and climate change

A model resource centre at the NARI field day at Bubia.-Pictures by MALUM NALU

Morobe Governor Luther Wenge launches NARI’s drought resource centre.

Chief Secretary to Government Manasupe Zurenuoc (right) launches the drought preparedness plan together with NARI Director General Dr Raghunath Ghodake
Morobe Governor Luther Wenge, Chief Secretary to Government Manasupe Zurenuoc and NARI Director General Dr Raghunath Ghodake
Food drops being grown on a trial basis at Bubia outside Lae. Will they be evergreen like this in 2012?

By MALUM NALU

The 1997 El Nino-induced drought was, as far as I can remember, one of the worst events that I can ever remember.

I was based in Lae at that time, and often took long drives up the Markham Valley, which is often called the “food bowl” of Papua New Guinea.

The green grass was burnt brown by the prolonged drought, cattle were thin as skeletons and even the chickens didn’t get a respite.

Thousands of villagers in the Markham were affected as their gardens turned dry and betelnut – one of their main sources of income – followed suit.

The Markham Valley epitomised what happened throughout PNG at that time as food gardens turned dry and animals became skeletons.

But amazingly at that time, while the Markham and the rest of PNG suffered, Lae lived up to its “rainy” tag as rain continued by the buckets.

The year 1997, coincidentally, was a national election year so at least many of the people got a free feed just by following their favorite candidate, hence, perhaps 2012 will bring a sense of déjà vu.

And it was also the year of the infamous Sandline Crisis.

Effects of the 1997 El Nino continued into 1998 as it took time for the soil and betelnut trees to recover.

I remember once in 1998, I was driving my late wife Hula to Nadzab Airport to catch a flight back to Port Moresby and on to Australia, and she wanted some betelnut.

Betelnut was as rare as hen’s teeth then because of the drought, and after finding none along the main Highlands Highway between Lae and Nadzab, we drove into a small village near Nadzab where we bought a tiny bunch for K80.

All these memories came back on Wednesday, May 5, as I was among hundreds of people who converged on the National Agricultural Research Institute at Bubia outside Lae for the annual Agricultural Innovations Show for 2010 staged at its Sir Alkan Tololo Research Centre.

As if by divine intervention, to remind us all how fast climate change can take place, it rained heavily that day after fine weather in the preceding days.

This was the fourth year of this “information exchange and knowledge sharing” event in which partner and collaborating organisations in agricultural and rural development displayed and exhibited their innovations and improved technologies and interacted 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 was: “Preparing PNG for Drought and Climate Change”.

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

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

NARI 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 included Chief Secretary to Government Manasupe Zurenuoc, Morobe Governor Luther Wenge, John Malai from PNG Red Cross, Andrew Kalai from Salvation Army, Merilyn Gairo from Adventist Development and Research Agency, 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 were also invited to participate in this forum.

Mr Zurenuoc, no stranger to drought and emergencies because of his previous life as Morobe provincial administrator, launched a major drought preparedness plan.

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 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 Mr Wenge on the same day, 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.”

Mr Wenge launched NARI’s model resource centre as PNG 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 Government has provided 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 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.

All we, the people of PNG can ask for, is that the Government prepares early for the next drought and not be caught completely off guard as it was in 1997.

Good governance is vital to Papua New Guinea

By REG RENAGI

Political stability and good governance is vital for Papua New Guinea’s future growth and prosperity. The government must at all times promote good governance to ensure transparency and accountability in everything it does for its citizens.

Parliament must strive towards 'good government and 'clean politics'. It is time we got rid of the special interests that is now corrupting our political system. The evidence is so widespread today but still political leaders pretend ignorance when challenged by media and the public.

If we do not stop corruption, it will soon completely destroy our government and society.

The government can now start combating corruption using some of these strategies:

• Promote open discussion of the most significant problems facing parliament and develop priorities for reforms needed to make government's operations transparent and accountable.
• Ensure proper oversight of government functions by strengthening internal mechanisms, including investigative and enforcement capacity with respect to acts of corruption and facilitating public access to information necessary for meaningful outside review.
• Establish conflict of interest standards for public employees and effective measures against illicit enrichment, including stiff penalties for those who utilise their public positions to benefit private interests.
• Legislate for governments at all levels to adopt and enforce measures against bribery in all financial or commercial transactions both with the state, and with external actors.

What will the Papua New Guinea people do?

From PAUL OATES

The organisers of the Maladina protest march are indeed to be congratulated. But has the Papua New Guinea government and its leader been prepared to listen and accept the message being sent?

Statements by the PNG PM, who denounced those protesting, have so far indicated an obstinate intransigence by himself and his government. Those Parliamentarians who stood at the door of the Haus Tambaran and accepted the people's petition have now been lambasted and ridiculed. This does not auger well for PNG's future. The fact that the PM was forced to make an off hand statement that was supposed to be an apology for his calling his people insane only shows that he intends to completely turn his back on the issue. He intends to ignore the will of the people and continue to pursue his own selfish ends.

Now is the time when the resolve of the protest organisers and those who are fed up with the way government ministers and leaders are treating their country and its people, will be severely tested. Will they let the issue die, like PM clearly believes it will, or will they continue to stand up for what they believe in?

The seed has been planted of that great forest tree that represents the future of Papua New Guinea. Will that tree grow strong or will it be allowed to die? Will the PNG public continue to support those who stood up for them or will they allow the heart felt sentiments expressed in protest march to die, as their PM intends.

People of PNG, your resolve has been displayed and is now being tested by those you demonstrated against. Your country's future is in your hands. What direction do you want it to take? Backwards or forwards?

______________________________________

Bai olgeta pipol imas tok hamamas long ol lain itokaut long stapim dispela Maladina senis long PNG Constitusion. Tasol bai gavaman bilong ol inap long harim dispela singaut a?

PM Somare itok nogut long yupela pipol na emi no harim gut dispela laik bilong yu. PM itok nogut tru long dispela lain ibin kisim dispela pepa bilong ol lain ilaik daunim dispela senis long lo. Emi no gutpela samting long PNG. Bihain bai Somare ibin toksave olsem emi sori long liklik aswa ibin mekim tasol emi no sori tru. Emi laik tanim baksait long ol pipol na tingting long liklik lain femili bilongen tasol.

Nau bai ol lain pipol bilong PNG imas sanap na tokaut long olgeta ino laikim dispela rot gavaman isave wokabaut longen. Sapos oli no hariap long mekim dispela signaut, bai PM inap tokbaitsait long ol, "Ah mi save long ol. Oli no inap tru long mekim mipela save long dispela samting."

Tasol ol pipol yet ibin plantim pikinini bilong dispela bikpela diwai emi olsem kantri bilong PNG. Sapos ol inap lukautim gut dispela pikinin tingting bai kru bilongen ikamap na bai gutpela diwai tru isanap bihain. Tasol sapos oli lusim tingting na larim dispela pikinini diwai idai em bai kantri bilong ol ibagarap bihain.

Pipol bilong PNG. Taim bilong yu istap. Bihain bai yu wokabaut long wanem rot a? Rot igo long gutpela ples oa ples nogut?

Bulolo burns

FIGHTING in Bulolo township has escalated with more than 5,000 villagers taking part in the raid on Sepik settlers, The National reports.

The local villagers are walking the length and breadth of Bulolo, armed with guns, knives and bows and arrows in open defiance of the 30-odd policemen.

The town has virtually stopped operating with all banks, schools, shops and markets closed except for the Bulolo Hospital, which is operating with staff saying they were “scared stiff”.

Locals from Patep village and Mumeng local level government have been backed by their fellow Bulolo district locals from Buang, Watut, Waria and other parts of Morobe.

They razed five settlements yesterday to take to eight the number of settlements destroyed since Monday morning.

A policeman said there was not a house left standing after the group went on a rampage at the Karanas compound around noon yesterday.

The policeman alleged that the group comprised the Mumeng and Watut people.

“The Sepiks have fled for safety into the bushes and are afraid to emerge from their hiding places for fear of their lives,” he said. 

He said police were outnumbered and could not stop the locals in their attack.

“The situation is extremely volatile,” employees of PNG Forest Products said last night.

They and other workers had not gone to work since Monday.

On Monday, Cement Bridge, Maramba, and White House settlements were burnt down.

Yesterday, the Biwat, Tambunum, Kapriman, Aitape and Sangriwa settlements were also razed.

The situation had affected the operations of PNG Forest Products, Bank South Pacific, the post office, schools, health centre, the University of Technology Bulolo campus and retail outlets – forcing all to close.

All elementary, secondary and technical vocational centre classes had been suspended for an indefinite period, district education coordinator John Tjipert said.

Students at Baiune High School were dispatched home on Monday night. Some staff members, who were threatened, fled, the policeman said.

Grace Memorial Secondary School principal Ipisah Wanega assured parents that all the students and staff were kept safe in school with Wau police monitoring the gates.

Residents, not only in Bulolo but Wau as well, are now in short supply of food.

Traffic flow from Lae to Bulolo, Wau, the Hidden Valley mine site, Watut and Menyamya has been halted.

Fourteen Australian tourists on their way to Bulolo, to walk the Black Cat Track, had to cancel their trip due to the ethnic violence.

This had caused PNG Tourism Promotion Authority chief Peter Vincent to call on the national government and cabinet to quickly address the worsening law and order situation, not only in Bulolo but throughout the country.

Morobe provincial government stepped in and allocated K52, 000 to deploy police reinforcement from Mt Hagen to join mobile squad 13 from Lae.

Speaking on Radio Morobe yesterday, Governor Luther Wenge urged all parties involved in the clashes to stop and seek a peaceful means to the conflict.

Wenge said the government had foreseen the need for additional police in the area and the police mobile squad 15 set up base there in 2001, but complacency on the part of police had set in.

The more than 2,000 settlers, who are now using PNG Forest Products camp site as a care centre, are in need of food supplies.

The settlers have lost everything except the clothes on their backs. They have sought police protection and are being kept at the PNG Forest Product compound as locals try to penetrate the area.

A police mobile squad member said there had been a lot of casualties; however, he could not confirm the number or say if there had been any further deaths.

By last night, two casualties were flown by helicopter to the Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae.

 

A six-point plan for better government in Papua New Guinea

By REGINALD RENAGI

 

IT’S UNFORTUNATE that, since independence, Papua New Guinea has lacked a progressive and transformational government.

We desperately need to restore parliament to its rightful place as the people's house.

Papua New Guineans have unfortunately lost respect for a parliament that is supposed to make good laws for people and country.

This is because parliament and government have compromised PNG's national interest.

PNG needs a fresh new and uncompromising leadership to make things right by and for the people.

The future leadership must aim to create an improved system of government in which power is properly shared with the legislature, and the people instead of being concentrated in the office of prime minister and cabinet.

The PNG government must restore a significant, independent role to our parliament through this six-point plan:

 

1.    Elect an independent speaker, who will not sit in a party caucus during the term of the legislature over which he presides.

 

2.    Establish legislative committees in key policy areas with the power to initiate legislation, propose amendments to government legislation, and investigate and report on the progress of government programs in their policy areas.

 

3.    Appoint a special legislative committee to ensure proper scrutiny and public discussion of government proposals in areas of national and provincial concern.

 

4.    Mandate government to make comprehensive responses to parliamentary committee reports within a fixed time, indicating acceptance or rejection of the committee findings and giving reasons for acceptance or rejection.

 

5.    Amend the Elections Act to require a by-election to be called within 60 days of a vacancy and held within 90 days of a vacancy.

 

6.    Enable real public dialogue that can have a genuine influence on government policies and priorities.

 

It is time for the government to adopt an open legislative process to allow maximum consultation and improve the quality of PNG’s democracy.

Communication and development in nation-building

Maria Linibi at the FAO regional office in Bangkok
Seniorl Anzu...combining farming and journalism

By MALUM NALU

Two people who reflect the very essence of communication and development in Papua New Guinea have been rewarded for their tireless efforts.

National Agriculture Research Institute’s senior communications officer Seniorl Anzu and PNG Women in Agriculture Development Foundation president Maria Linibi are joint winners of this year’s UNESCO/Divine Word University communication and development award.

Anzu is one of the most-prolific contributors of farming articles to The National and other media.

Linibi and Anzu received their awards at Media Freedom Day celebrations at DWU on April 30.

“At first glance it may seem that Seniorl has won the communication part of this award and Maria the development part,” DWU communication arts head of department Br Michael McManus said.

“But in fact both people have helped each other to win this award.

“We have recognised Seniorl and Maria because together they have been a great example of how communication and development go together hand-in-hand for real and on-going development in PNG.

“Seniorl has written many articles about Maria's organisation.

“These articles have promoted the organisation's great work among the agricultural community in PNG and overseas.

“Maria herself has become more involved in communication too with literacy programmes and agricultural education for other women farmers.

“Maria's work has also contributed greatly to NARI's mission as a research organisation that develops practical connections with PNG's farming communities.”

Br McManus thanked UNESCO for its continuing support of this award.

“UNESCO has a mandate from the UN to promote freedom of expression and freedom of information,” he said,

“The agricultural community in PNG is the beneficiary of both these freedoms as demonstrated by our two winners.”

Linibi and Anzu received their awards from DWU vice-president academic Br Andrew Simpson.

Bee farmers set up national body

By SOLDIER BURUKA of DAL

 

A national apiculture industry association has been established to promote and develop the honey bee industry throughout the country.

The association has been formed by bee farmers, queen bee breeders, producers, breeders, suppliers, and other stakeholders involved in the development of the industry. The move is the result of recommendations made at the first-ever national apiculture industry workshop held in Goroka in March this year.

 A meeting of stakeholders in Goroka organised by Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association after the workshop resolved to establish the national body as the first step towards moving the industry forward.

 An interim executive has also been elected with longtime bee promoter and chairman of Isten Hailans Beekeepers Association Jonah Buka as interim chairman, Hardy Ketauwo as treasurer and Jonah Negiha as secretary.

The association includes representation from farmers in all highlands provinces, including Jiwaka as well as Madang, Morobe, Oro and Central.

Potential bee farmers in other provinces are also urged to join the national body.

 One of the key outcomes of the national apiculture industry workshop was the need to establish a body that would represent the apiculture industry at the national level and not be restricted to only one or fewer provinces as is the present situation.

As the way forward, the workshop determined that the new body would play a lead role in driving the honey bee industry and ensure that there was sustainability as well as improvements in the livelihood of the bee farmers throughout the country.

 It has been resolved that the Isten Hailans Beekeepers Association will utilise its expertise in collaboration with the Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association and the Department of Agriculture and Livestock to take ownership in establishing the new body. Bee keepers, producers, suppliers, queen breeders, trainers and others in the provinces will be required to affiliate to district and provincial branches that will form part of the national association.

DAL and Livestock Development Corporation have been urged to play a key role in the formation and provision of technical and secretarial assistance to set up the body.

This was confirmed at another stakeholders meeting held early this month in Goroka.

 Meanwhile, a field day and seminar on honey bee is being planned for either May or June to showcase the success of the industry in some areas and its vast potential.

University of Goroka hosts seminar on language translation

Dr Ellis Deibler addressing participants on translation work at the translation seminar held at the University of Goroka

By KATE GUNN of UOG

On Thursday May 13, 2010, the University of Goroka (UOG) Language and Literature Department hosted a seminar on language translation work.

The seminar was conducted as part of the department’s celebration of and participation in the United Nation’s proclamation on the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures.

Guest presenter of the seminar was Dr Ellis Deibler, international professional translator with 20 years experience in Papua New Guinea and the Alekano and Yaweyuha languages.

The seminar was officially opened by the Acting Dean of the Humanities Faculty Dr Lynus Yamuna, who commented that the United Nation’s proclamation was timely for the Language and Literature Department of UOG as it focused on indigenous languages and cultures.

The seminar, aimed at staff, students and members of the community with interests in documenting their own languages, was well received by a large number of participants who enjoyed an animated presentation from Dr Deibler.

Dr Deibler highlighted to participants of the seminar: “Language is the shrine of a person’s soul, and to lose language is to lose your culture.”

Dr Deibler also commented on the problem in PNG today of children not learning indigenous languages from their parents.

Other topics covered in the seminar included: the meaning of translation; types of translations; reasons to translate; translation versus interpretation; and career opportunities available through the work of translation.

The gathering concluded on a high note with participants looking forward to Dr Deibler’s next seminar to be held at the University of Goroka on Thursday, May 27, 2010.

Address issues for sustainable livelihood

The Integrated Agriculture Training Programme (IATP) of the University of Natural Resources and Environment cannot sustain livelihood of the people of Maprik in East Sepik province unless certain issues are addressed.

This was stated in a report to the university’s administration by IATP head trainer Owen Ngala.

Ngala said almost 60% of farmers who sat through the training last year were practicing some of the techniques and technologies they learnt, but training alone would not sustain their livelihoods unless some of the issues affecting them were addressed by the Government and stakeholders.

He said as observed by the IATP team in numerous cocoa blocks the team visited, there was a great need to replace old or outdated cocoa varieties that were still being planted and still existing in cocoa blocks.

“Currently, access to the latest-recommended high-yielding  pest and disease resistant clones are very difficult as supply of seeds and bud wood comes through PNG Cocoa Coconut Institute regional office in Madang,” Ngala said.

Secondly, the team identified that there was a need for central cocoa nurseries in the four local level governments to supply seedling to the farmers with the latest recommended varieties that would be accessed from Madang or East New Britain.

Thirdly, there was a need for IATP to work in collaboration with other stakeholder in educating cocoa farmers of the latest best management practices of cocoa.

“The implementation of skills gained would be better utilised if farmers are fully equipped with appropriate cocoa management tools required to manage their cocoa blocks properly,” Ngala said.

The other difficulty faced by farmers is the bad road condition.

It is assumed that this situation could also be contributing to the non participation of farmers in economic activities in less-accessible areas.

Ngala said for the next training IATP would wait upon the advice from division of primary industry on which modules were to be delivered.

“The IATP approach would be for the farmer to sit through the three base modules, then project-based training then into business or entrepreneurship training,” Ngala said

He said this was because when farmers sat through three modules they were in a better position to make decisions for themselves on how to use their resources wisely to benefit their individual families in the present situation and in later years.

He said once the farmer developed the right mindset, the project based training would be more meaningful or purposeful because he or she would realise the importance of gaining such skills.

“Once he mastered the skills for his project, certainly the production will increase thus income to the family,” Ngala said.

Meanwhile, the IATP team travelled to West New Britain province last Thursday to conduct monitoring and evaluation for the first time since IATP reached WNB in 2008.

 

Students conduct poultry survey, construct fish pond

Students of University of Natural Resources and Environment have gone out to conduct a survey to assist in improving village poultry production in East New Britain.

The students began their survey last week at Vudal Block interviewing villagers on the production of village poultry.

According to Animal Science lecturer Saun Ignatius, the survey would determine number of village chickens kept by household, where they kept chickens (chicken house) and their production performance from clustered sample of villages in Papua New Guinea.

He said the survey was done in two parts, commercial and village.

In commercial, students went in Kokopo and Rabaul town to find out how much business houses spend to import chicken meat, stock feed and chicklets.

In the second part of the survey, the students interviewed villagers at Vudal Block which is sample size of ENB to find out how many chickens they looked after, what was the purpose for keeping village chickens, how they looked after chickens and the difficulties they faced.

He said once the survey was completed the students would use the findings to conduct a one- day training to farmers at Vudal Block.

A student, John Gimmy, said according to the interview the students conducted last Friday, about 90% of those that kept chicken did so without thinking of expanding.

He said most looked after chicken for family consumption.

He said the chickens lacked proper housing as they lived on cocoa trees or slept in kitchens.

Due to lack of proper housing some are stolen, killed and eaten by dogs and birds.

He said villager had shown great interest in expanding the chicken poultry.

The survey was conducted by final year degree (BTA 4) students with the help of Year three students. 

Apart from that, Year 3 students are also doing their practical by assisting a farmer at Vudal Block to construct a fishpond.

Student Fransisco Lauten said the practical was a good learning opportunity for students.

 

 

About the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

The purpose of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide.

 May 17 marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union.

World Telecommunication Day

World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually on May 17 since 1969, marking the founding of ITU and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865.

It was instituted by the Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos in 1973.
 

World Information Society Day

In November 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society called upon the UN General Assembly to declare May 17 as World Information Society Day to focus on the importance of ICT and the wide range of issues related to the Information Society raised by WSIS.

The General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/60/252) in March 2006 stipulating that World Information Society Day shall be celebrated every year on May 17.
 

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

In November 2006, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey, decided to celebrate both events on May 17 as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

The updated Resolution 68 invites Member States and Sector Members to celebrate the day annually by organising appropriate national programmes with a view to:

• Stimulating reflection and exchanges of ideas on the theme adopted by the Council;
• Debating the various aspects of the theme with all partners in society; and
• Formulating a report reflecting national discussions on the issues underlying the theme, to be fed back to ITU and the rest of its membership.

The heat is on for Governor General

By NEWMAN CUTHBERT

The race for Government House is made easy because you only need to take a piece of paper around the corridors of the House and collect just a bit more than 20 signatures from your MPs for you to be considered.

And if you get past that and before you know it, your name paraded on the floor of parliament and mixed with the rest of the would-be Governor Generals and in the end, one winner emerges who will represent the British crown at Konedobu.

I would not mind being that person but than at a time when I and my kind are rated below par by those who have the power to vote in parliament, I do not think my name would get past the gardens.

There used to be a time when election of the GG was a regional issue that threatened political stability and parties entered into MOUs to make this five-year appointment.

Sir John Guise came from Papua so as Sir Tore Lokoloko, Sir Kingsford Dibela and Sir Serei Eri.

Sir Ignatius Kilage, Sir Sailas Atopare and Sir Wiwa Korowi were from the Highlands and today Sir Paulias Matane from the Islands is ending his term.

None have come from Madang, Morobe or the Sepik.

Last time the vote was taken Sir Paulias Matane got in from a three-horse race.

There was Pato Kakarya, Albert Kipalan.

One of them became GG-elect for a record short while and the other marched him to Waigani court and while they were fighting it out, Enga versus Enga, Matane sailed in from East New Britain and without an effort snatched the crown from them.

Hope we do not go through that embarrassing situation again.

I was wondering why Somare went to reconcile with Chan some time back.

Chan should be reconciling with Somare because it was Chan himself who moved the chair from beneath Somare after disagreement on the leadership code and causing Somare to loose office.

But didn’t Somare pay that back when Chan was out to buy a government jet to replace the aging Kumul?

Somare made an issue out of it and Chan lost government.

Today Somare has a jet which is double the price Chan was prepared to pay and for which he was removed from office.

But the reconciliation has taken place and GG’s crown is up for grabs and no new leader has lived in that white house on Goldie Lawes.

But alas who am I to start suggesting Chan is “Right Man” because there are other distinguished “right man” who more than qualify for that role.

I can see a Governor General material in Sir Arnold Amet, or what is wrong with Dame Carol Kudu, or if it would be a political taming of Morobe for National Alliance, Bart Philemon could be that bridge of political convenience.

There is also Sir Rabbie Namaliu, former Prime Minister and elder statesman.

And than there is the man himself ….Sir Michael Somare, last term in parliament, need to take it easy and would complete his distinguished political carrier and ending it all on a high note.

Grass Roots will no doubt be going for it again as he has always done.

He may have written to the Queen and copied the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader.

It gets lonely up there at Government House.

Governor Generals suddenly find themselves a remote figure surrounded by aids and minders conducting state ceremonies at the very building that US Supreme commander during World War 11, General Macarthur, used as a transit point as he passed through these parts on his way back to the Philippines...

It not only isolates the man but the constitution restricts him and tells him to “act only in accordance with advice from the Prime Minister and National Executive Council”.

The Prime Minister is his boss and holds the power to hire and fire.

Sir Serei did not want to sign the instruments to remove Forests Minister Ted Diro and Prime Minister Paias Wingti got rid of them both.

At a time when government’s popularity rating hovers below the 50% mark, Papua New Guinea needs that reassurance that  all is well under the democracy within the Westminster parliamentary system  which  we choose and in doing so accepted to make  a foreign  Queen our Queen as well.

We need to recognise the Queen’s passion about democracy through our choice of a Governor General.

We need through the Governor General complement everything she represents within the Commonwealth and to uphold the values of the Westminster system of our democracy.

We need a gentleman knight and his lady, who will give us hope when families are being threatened by social conflicts.

We need a Governor General to whom we can express our hopes and know that the government will get to hear it.

We need one who has distinguished himself in life and who will truly be the people’s Governor General.

There are only a few of those kinds of people left to choose from.

 

 

Basil's speech to Parliament opens up a fetid corpse

From PAUL OATES

In a stirring speech to the Papua New Guinea Parliament last Friday, Opposition MP, Mr Sam Basil effectively threw down the gauntlet to the Somare government and the PNG law enforcement authorities.
"Continuous inaction and silence (by the police) and allowing high profile crimes to fade with time without justice being done is nothing but a recipe for disaster. Such is an element that is directly corroding the foundations of democracy which is the rule of law. A number of cases are still pending for investigations and prosecutions involving very senior members of parliament, departmental heads and various business people including the organised Mafia Activities that are operated by Asians, very well known to Police yet nothing is done about it." Mr Basil said.
"The Prime Minister has taken charge of some questions raised regarding the house matters but hasn't come back to this floor to tell us his remedies and as we all know money alone cannot fix this house but the rats must be fumigated too unfortunately the fumigation company ran out of active pesticides as the pests have developed resistance. It is a common knowledge in within parliament that a K2m of parliament funds has been spent annually for two external law firms while we do not have access to in house lawyers."
"If the Ombudsman Commission, the Police Force, the Public Prosecutor and other law enforcing agencies cannot do their respective role, this nation will decay into corruption and eventually a failed state."
"If nobody can apply justice then I commit this debate of mine to God to intervene so God please help Papua New Guinea."
A visibly angry Prime Minister Somare was stung into responding: "Instead of opening our big mouths and accuse each other, we must all read and understand procedures and processes of government. The so-called university graduates should read the law instead of leading demonstrations."
Somare said some of the leaders leading the protests were like parrots. He said it was the work of Parliament, which sees if there is anything wrong with the system, could change laws.
But hang on there PM, if the laws already exist but are not being followed, what use is it to change or amend them further? Isn't that just another case of diversion and denial?
The newly appointed Attorney-General and Justice Minister Ano Pala then cautioned MPs who questioned the integrity of the Parliament speaker. "Basil has questioned the integrity of the chair; if you want to question the authority and dignity of the chair, you are attacking all of us," Pala said during the grievance debate.
Yet Mr Basil didn't accuse all MP's of being corrupt, so why is Mr Pala trying to share out the blame? Could he now feel responsible for actually having to do SOMETHING about the problems Mr Basil has effectively highlighted with factual information? Is it that he feels personally implicated by agreeing to join the Somare government? Why try to defend everyone when only some are questioned?
Finally, during the whole grievance debate, one wonders why the reported exchanges only detail Mr. Basil's speech and the indignant rebukes by the PM and his minister for Justice. Where oh where were the Opposition Leader and his Deputy? Why weren't they reported as defending Mr Basil's integrity?
Mr Basil has been brave enough to open up a fetid bag of decay that is today's PNG government. Why isn't he being defended by his Opposition team leaders?
In the words of the Education Minister and Tari-Pori MP James Marape, "If you are not happy or satisfied with government, dispose of the government in a properly conducted election."
Ah yes, Mr. Marape, but will a properly conducted election be allowed to happen in 2012? In the 2007 general election, the improper use of a government plane and the promise of public monies by Somare ensured his cartel held onto power. No one seemed to be able to ensure the law wasn't broken then. So why won't this reported, corrupt election activity happen yet again in 2012?
Mr Basil should be hailed as a champion of PNG democracy and actively supported by all those who want a better future for their country.
_________________________________________________-

The National

Monday 17 May 10

Pala warns MPs not to degrade speaker

In Parliament with ISAAC NICHOLAS and ALMA MARIMYAS

NEWLY appointed Attorney-General and Justice Minister Ano Pala has cautioned MPs who questioned the integrity of the Parliament speaker.
He issued the warning after Bulolo MP Sam Basil questioned the speaker, alleging misuse of funds resulting in the deteriorating state of Parliament House.
"Basil has questioned the integrity of the chair; if you want to question the authority and dignity of the chair, you are attacking all of us," Pala said during grievance debate in Parliament last Friday.
He appealed to MPs to maintain the decorum of the house as the people were watching.
"The public is watching us. Every time when corruption is mentioned, they look at members as corrupt. None of us are corrupt because we are on the floor representing our people with dignity.
"You might not like the speaker and what he does, but we must all respect the chair," Pala said.
He said corruption was like a garden where you have to build a fence to prevent attacks by pigs and other animals.
"The fence is the system of government and the system of government must be strong to prevent attacks on the garden by pigs," he said.
Pala said systems and laws were like the fence and it had to be strengthened with laws to prevent attacks on the food garden by animals.
He said while MPs were attacking each other in Parliament, pigs were tearing down systems of government to lay hands on the people's money.
Education Minister and Tari-Pori MP James Marape said those who had been dishing out huge funds during elections to win votes were the very same people coming out in the form of non-governmental organisations and civil society organisations to lead public demonstrations.
"If you are not happy or satisfied with government, dispose the government in a properly conducted election.
"There is a big hypocrisy in this country. I campaigned against candidates dishing out big money but I won," he said.

Sir Michael apologises for 'longlong, sadang', comments

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

PRIME Minister Sir Michael Somare has apologised unreservedly for branding people sadang (evil/satan) and longlong (insane) at the height of the public demonstration outside Parliament against the Maladina amendments two weeks ago.
"Mi tok sori sapos mi kolim sampela pipel sadang o longlong (I am sorry if I call some people evil/satan or mentally retarded)," Sir Michael said in Tok Pisin during grievance debate in Parliament last Friday.
Organisers of the demonstration as well as the media, including The National, had called for a public apology, saying the prime minister had used parliamentary privilege to make comments unbecoming of a leader.
Sir Michael said he was sorry if people had been offended by his comments.
He said a lot of people who took to the streets to protest were educated people who had been calling leaders corrupt without even reading the amendments to the Ombudsman Commission.
Sir Michael said it was the job of MPs as legislators to make, or amend, laws which the government thinks were outdated or to make them stronger.
He said the Maladina amendments were not aimed at removing powers of the Ombudsman, but to make them stronger.
Sir Michael was referring to Bulolo MP Sam Basil's earlier statement in which he claimed that leaders, or MPs, were corrupt.
The Prime Minister said the leaders were pointing fingers at each other while public servants were getting away with white-collar crime, one of the reasons for amending the Ombudsman Commission legislation to include senior public servants and their officers.
He said MPs, as legislators, were supposed to make laws and the court system was there to interpret laws. "Instead of opening our big mouths and accuse each other, we must all read and understand procedures and processes of government.
"The so-called university graduates should read the law instead of leading demonstrations."
A visibly angry Prime Minister said some of the leaders leading the protests were like parrots.
He said it was the work of Parliament, which sees if there is anything wrong with the system, could change laws.

Stop whingeing and start organising

From PAUL OATES

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.' English philosopher Edmund Burke.
At each signpost along the road, the PNG people have had an opportunity to divert the wagon of state away from eventual destruction. The current political situation, where a cartel of self seeking and corrupt leaders have usurped the power of government for their own purposes, has not happened overnight. It has been a gradual 'white anting' process that has taken over
three decades. The food resources in the national garden has been 'mumuted' away in front of the people's eyes. But because this has been a gradual, 'underground' process, no one has clearly understood what has been happening.
Many of those younger PNG people in positions of responsibility today never experienced what pre Independent Papua New Guinea was like. While no human society is free from corruption and criminal activity, the contrast between PNG in the early 1970's and today is poles apart in many ways. Perhaps this could be why many now appear to have become blasé and complacent about the gradual implosion of their society and nation.
So is the impending implosion inevitable? What could be done to reverse the current downhill slide? History is full of examples when people have determined enough is enough and decide to mobilise. PNG's infrastructure is unfortunately in a very poor state when compared to many other countries. However, while communications and transport systems are limited, if enough people decided to become motivated and organised, almost nothing is impossible.
Maybe one of the biggest stumbling blocks appears to be a 'what about me ?' sentiment rather than thinking about others? Is this due to traditional culture or is it just a self preservation instinct?
One thing is for sure. Until enough people start thinking about their nation and their children's future, nothing is going to change. Just 'whinging'about what everyone knows is the problem ain't gonna change it.

Maxtone-Graham hits back at his Anglimp-South Wahgi critics

Anglimp – South Wahgi MP Jamie Maxtone-Graham has broken his silence over allegations of non-performance leveled at him in Papua New Guinea media recently
He also said he was being made a scapegoat for lack of development in Anglimp-South Wahgi merely because he was often critical of the Government.
He said projects he was working on included Minj-Andakap Road, Minj-Gamar Road, Minj High School upgrading, community health posts, community haus man, emergency road maintenance, funding for Kudjip Hospital, Jiwaka women’s microfinance, small hydro-electricity schemes, community schools and Minj rugby league ground.
He said he was also involved in setting up Internet access, EMTV access, 93FM radio access as well as several agricultural projects such as draught animals and hybrid oranges in the fertile Wahgi Valley.
“Firstly, we must remember that there are many candidates already campaigning in the electorate (for the 2012 elections),” Maxtone-Graham said.
“It’s quite obvious that a lot of criticisms are coming from these candidates, who intend to discredit me.
“They use whatever reasons they have to gain some mileage and to create support for themselves, for whatever reason.”
Maxtone-Graham said he had put together a 10-year plan for his electorate but implementing it was difficult because of lack of Government support.
“We have already highlighted all these priorities for the district,” he said.
“It’s very-comprehensive, one of the best plans that was ever put together, on the understanding that this was what was required by the National Government.”
Maxtone-Graham said funding for police barracks in Minj, hospital, upgrading of the high school to secondary school and other infrastructure projects were put on the backburner simply because of political reasons.
“Unfortunately, funding was never released and these projects never kicked off,” he said.
“I’m a victim of politicisation.
“Getting things delivered makes it all so frustrating.”
Maxtone-Graham said such attitudes made it very difficult for the Government to achieve the United Nations’ Millenium Development Goals (MDG).
“I believe it all boils down to politics,” he said.
“Under the Millenium Development Goals, which we are party to, we are failing to meet our targets that we ourselves put together.
“We are unlikely to meet the targets.
“That is the sad thing.
“We play too much politics in PNG.
“There should be less politics in this country.”
Maxtone-Graham said there were some leading figures in Government who were from Minj; however, this was no help.
“They know the situation we are in,” he said.
“That’s why I’m not getting any funding for roads, schools, police barracks, law and order, and health.
“I’m not National Alliance, I’m not inner circle, I’m a very critical Member of Parliament and I keep getting shot.
“Unfortunately, I’ve become a victim of my own good intentions.”

Papua New Guinea faces increasing threats to biodiversity

Papua New Guinea faces increasing threats to its bio-diversity through expansion of mining, logging, industrial and agro-forestry activities and an expanding population, and needs to take appropriate action, according to Secretary for Environment and Conservation Dr Wari Iamo.

He issued the call at a workshop on convention of biological diversity (CBD) held at Loloata Island Resort recently, which was held primarily for DEC and its stakeholders to prepare the 4^th national report on CBD.

Dr Iamo said PNG was now faced more challenges and the onus was on DEC and relevant Government agencies and stakeholders to the necessary steps.

“The looming and threat of environment change is another serious challenge to face,” he said.

“PNG is a signatory to the CBD, which is an international convention that promotes ‘to conserve biological diversity, promote the sustainable use of its components, and encourage equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources’.

“Such equitable sharing includes appropriate access to genetic resources, as well as appropriate transfer of technology, taking into account existing rights over such resources and such technology.”

Dr Iamo said PNG had already developed a national biodiversity strategy and action plan, and the national capacity self-assessment report.

It is working on the implementation of the programme of work of protected areas (PoWPA).

The workshop was attended by senior staff of DEC and representatives from Department of National Planning, Forest Research Institute, National Agriculture Research Institute, Papa Mama Graun Conservation Trust and University of PNG.

Dr Iamo said stakeholders must be mindful that the 4^th national report had to be developed in the context of government policies and strategies including Vision 2050.

He said natural resources such as agricultural products, marine products and timber were the main provider in the PNG economy.

“The country’s 85% of the population is dependent on the forest resources, sea and freshwater for their subsistence needs and the ecosystems they provide,” Dr Iamo said.

“It is, however, important that there is consultation at all levels when attempting to establish and gazette protected areas.”

He added 2010 was the ‘international year of biodiversity’ and the two key objectives were raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity; and the role of the convention in ensuring its conservation and sustainable use, and the equitable sharing of benefits.

Dr Iam said DECO planned to launch this event later this month.

Giregire puts his hand up to be Governor General

Pioneer Eastern Highlands planter, businessman, politician and former candidate for Governor General, Sinake Giregire, has announced his intention to contest for the vice regal job.
Due to past anomalies, he has personally collected the nomination form from the office of clerk, National Parliament, and has written to concerned Members of Parliament to nominate and vote for him.
He said despite being a founder of two political parties (United and Country) and also being president of Country, he wanted to be bipartisan.
Giregire said he stood for a united, peaceful and prosperous Papua New Guinea.
“My work and experience in the formative years of PNG puts me in good stead for this position,” he said.
Giregire said he had served as councilor and president on the area authority (now provincial governments) and also in pre and post-independence Parliament and had the experience.
“Further, I want to protect the constitution,” he said.
“I believe that I am the only-elected Papua New Guinean who had served on all three constitutional development and planning committees from 1964-1975 and would do my best to maintain and respect that role as being one of its architects.
“Further, this is not my first time to raise my hand for this vice regal position.
“In 1975, I was nominated with along with John Guise (later Sir) for the position of first Governor General on Independence Day.
“However, I lost with a margin of three votes.
“Nonetheless, when Sir John Guise resigned to contests the 1977 elections, Country Party and I nominated Sir Tore Lokoloko who succeeded in that post.”
Giregire, from 1955 till today, is a gold miner, coffee planter, coffee factory owner and entrepreneur
In 1957 he became a pioneer member of Highlands Farmers & Settlers Association and has been president since 1984.
Also in 1957, he was councilor and first president of Asaro Watabung local government council.
From 1964-1968 he was Member of House of Assembly for Goroka Open, and from 1968-1977 was Member of Parliament for Daulo Open.
Giregire was Minister (or Undersecretary to Administrator) for Services from 1964-1968, Minister (Ministerial Member) for Agriculture Stock & Fisheries from 1968-1969 and Minister for Posts & Telegraphs from 1970-1972.
He founded Highlands Commodity Exchange in 1961, Compass (United) Party in 1967, Farmset in 1969 and Country Party in 1974.
“Currently, I am involved in coffee plantations and am president of the PNG Country Party and Highlands Farmers & Settlers Association,” Giregire said