Omolai footbridge opening

By SAM BASIL
Bulolo MP

Bulolo MP Sam Basil opening the Omolai footbridge

Being a businessman from Bulolo district I have been engaged with the people from my district since 1996 in terms of providing essential community projects such as water supply, footbridge and other donations such as sewing machines to women’s groups, coffee pulpers to community groups and sporting gear to local sporting organisations at local level government level.

Singsing towards the footbridge project site

The Omalai footbridge was originally built by Armsec’s maintenance team in 2001 just before the 2002 national elections, which I contested, and lost.
I can remember back in 2001 we opened the old Omalai footbridge with the same bamboo band style and the great local people we met.

Receiving bilums from Omalai mothers, their apreciation for the project second time around

Many little children back then in 2001 are all over eight years old or older this very day.
The original Omalai footbridge got washed out four months ago and it was very timely for me now as their local MP to take charge to get the bridge back in order.

Villagers trying out the new Omolai footbridge

The new footbridge is two metres taller than the old washed-out footbridge to avoid another wash-out.
We were welcomed by the locals and accompanied by the Mumeng LLG president Mathias Phillip and Watut LLG president Waka Daman.

Kek Riggers & Footbridges contractors packing and ready to move to the next project site.

This included the press group.
The singsing group led us to the project site followed by their one and only bamboo band.

Couldn't sit down have to eat my kaukau while watching the Omalai Bamboo Band hammering out its tunes

Band members have to hammer chords out of the soft ground to produce each chord required by the band master, armed with his flutes.
Each chord consists of five or less bamboos tuned and stringed together to produce specific chords.
I believe this style is unique to PNG among many other undiscovered musical cultures of the country.
The local pastor conducted the dedication service with prayers followed by speeches by Mumeng and Watut LLG presidents,  who supported the programme and urged the people to take care of this important investment.
The footbridge will serve over 300 people who will use it for transporting their alluvial gold, vegetables for Lae and roadside markets and also to access schools, aid posts and other essential services.
During my speech,  I  urged villagers to take care of the bridge for another eight years or so.

A sewing machine and a coffee pulper were handed out to the women's and men's group during the bridge ceremony

I reminded them that this was my second footbridge project as a person and first as an MP and would be committed to continue to come back and fix the footbridge whenever required.
A sewing machine for the Omalai women’s group and a coffee pulpers for Omalai community were presented after the footbridge ceremony.
The event finished off with some local dishes to the tune of the local bamboo band which I later joined, playing the bass chord.

Finally joined the band with the bass bamboo tubes

Mona from Morobe National Broadcasting Commission did some recordings and re-played it over Radio Morobe during the independence weekend.

MMV donates to Mumeng police barracks

Members of the police force and the new houses against a panoramic Mumeng background

By SAM BASIL
Bulolo MP

Bulolo MP Sam Basil talks about the need to make his electorate a better and safer place to live and work in

The new Mumeng station will be one of the fastest-developing stations in Bulolo district after its re-location from its old location which was devastated by the Kumalu River some six years ago.
The station will in the future serve the population of Mumeng, Buang and parts of Wampar local level government in terms of court circuits, lock-ups, shops, post office, service stations and other essential services that a small township can offer.
Landowners of Wafi have shown interest in having some spin-offs from the Wafi mine development to be directed towards the station and is supported by my office.
In late 2007, Morobe Tutumang,  of which I am a member,  approved K500, 000 from the Morobe provincial government 2010 for the construction of those five houses for police in Mumeng station.

Guests taking a tour of the new houses

Construction started in late 2008 and finished early 2010.
The houses were vacant for at least a year until my joint district planning and budget prioritees committee (JDP&BPC) approved the K2m law and order programme.

Guests led by Bulolo MP Sam Basil finish in specting one of the new houses

Part of the funding covered the new police station of Mumeng including furniture , computers and networking software.
JDP&BPC also funded fencing and white goods.
There is a pavement from the driveway into the house and EMTV broadcasting systems for the station.
Law and order is of a concern to all stake holders in the district and the district must be seen to work hand-in-hand with all stake holders.
Morobe Mining Joint Ventures (MMJV) stepped in with the purchase of six new Tuffa tanks, six electric water pumps and plumbing to help fasttrack the development.

Representatives from MMJV

MMJV community affairs manager Stanley Komunt spoke on behalf of the company and stressed that MMJV was keen on being a partner in such projects.
He said the company's donation showed its commitment to the district and the government of Papua New Guinea.

Morobe PPC Peter Guiness makes a point at the gathering

He officially handed over MMJV’s donations.
Morobe provincial police commander Supt Peter Guiness praised MMJV for its timely donation and assured the district and MMJV that he would source policemen for the rural police programmes to come to Mumeng and reside there to conduct their duties.
It is planned that under the K2m budget, a police vehicle including annual running costs, driver's allowances, 10 community police uniforms and monthly allowances, three firearms (a bolt action high powered rifle, pump action shot gun and a gas gun) and ammunition.
The police station will be under the command of a regular senior constable who will be based in Mumeng.
A total of seven areas have been targeted:

• Wau Rural LLG (Biaru-based);
• Wau Town (markets and shop-based);
• Bulolo Town (market and shopping area-based);
• Upper Watut LLG (Manianda-based);
• Buang LLG;
• Mumeng LLG (Mumeng-based); and
• Mumeng Station command (Mumeng-based).

From a call out there will be more than 70 men armed with 21 firearms ready to take on any problems before reinforcements arrive,  all for K2m with annual funding to sustain operational costs.

2010 Hiri Hanenamo queen

And, the winner is ... Kaia Morea Hila, 22, from Hanuabada representing Poreporena Lahara, is the 2010 Hiri Hanenamo queen.
She was announced winner by Justice Minister Ano Pala at the Sir Hubert Murray stadium during the final day of the Hiri Moale festival yesterday. 
Hila is a final-year diploma in business accounting student at the Port Moresby Business College. 
With tears of joy, she said: “I owe it to my parents, my family and loved ones. I can’t believe it, it is a dream come true.”-Nationalpic by EKAR KEAPU

Kerema MP bashed in rural Kaintiba

By PEARSON KOLO

 

KEREMA MP Pitom Titus Bombom is nursing a bruised body after his constituents in the Kainteba district attacked him when he flew there last Thursday to celebrate the 35th Independence Day anniversary, The National reports.

More than 300 men, women and children were at the airstrip to welcome him but a group set upon him with sticks and stones as he stepped off the plane.

Last night, Bombom, a first-term MP, was nursing a cut to the right upper chin and a bamboo spear wound on his back.

According to eyewitnesses, police security and others who had escorted the MP on the chartered flight fled as soon as the attack started.

Bombom ran into a makeshift shelter but a group from the crowd followed him there and continued attacking him with sticks and stones, they said, adding that he could have been beaten unconscious.

Someone from the crowd threw a bamboo spear at the member, hitting him on the back

Luckily for Bombom, police officers, who had travelled separately to Kaintiba with Gulf Governor Havila Kavo earlier, intervened and chased away the violent mob, saving him from further attacks.

The Kaintiba, or Kanabea people, who live in the mountains bordering Gulf, Eastern Highlands and Morobe, are part of the Kerema Open electorate and they are culturally different from the coastal constituents.

They said Bombom had not visited them since winning the Kerema seat in the 2007 general elections.

Kaintiba local level government president Jerry Yeninga was evidently angry with the MP who, he claimed, had continuously lied to his people about providing them basic services.

“No one has organised the people to bash up the member, it was unplanned,” Yeninga said at the weekend.

“They have shown their frustration on the member for continuously lying to them and not even visiting them or providing a single project or development in Kaintiba.”

Yeninga said the people were equally frustrated with Bombom’s recent involvement in the Gulf provincial politics where a vote of no-confidence was taken to depose Kavo and name him as alternate governor until the courts intervened to restore Kavo as head of the province.

He said the Kaintiba leaders had urged their MP to make peace with Kavo in Kaintiba and demanded that he delivered on his failed promises.

“It is almost four years and Bombom has not provided a single service to Kaintiba,” Yeninga said.

The attack disrupted the Independence Day programme in Kaintiba but Kavo, who went to the area separately, restored order and addressed the people.

Bombom, still shocked but recovered from the attack, was given time to address the crowd but did not say much and left soon after with his delegation.

 

Kapris applauds Chinese investments

By BOSORINA ROBBY in Shanghai

 

EXCELLENT trade and foreign relationships between PNG and China over the years have culminated in many good investments and business initiatives, a government minister visiting China has said, The National reports.

Commerce and Industry Minister Gabriel Kapris said last Friday that this was evident in the grants that the Chinese government had set aside for PNG and other Pacific Island countries to build the Pacific joint pavilion to showcase their country and products in their respective booths.

Kapris told reporters at a gathering to mark PNG’s 35th independence anniversary that assistance like this had strengthened the relationship between PNG, the Pacific and the Chinese people.

Papua New Guineans working and studying Shanghai turned up to celebrate the day with a flag-raising ceremony, witnessed by visitors to the Shanghai 2010 exposition at the Expo Cultural Centre.

Kapris said in the 35 years of independence, the country had continued to grow, standing the test of time and challenges with significant achievements.

He said Vision 2050 was the guideline for PNG to be a smart, wise, happy and wealthy country.

He said China had assisted PNG in developing so many projects, the largest being the Ramu nickel mine in Madang.

 

 

Armed PNGDF troops harass Lae security

ARMED Papua New Guinea Defence Force soldiers last Friday drove around Lae and intimidated all Guard Dog security personnel in Top Town forcing shops and offices within the vicinity and elsewhere around the city to close for the morning, The National reports.

The convoy of six vehicles did not attack any member of the public other than those trying to take photographs.

More than 30 soldiers, dressed in combat fatigues and camouflaged for jungle warfare, arrived in Top Town at about 9am with their commanding officer, Lt-Col Mark Keru, face swollen and bruised, and wearing a red floral calypso shirt and accompanied by his wife, and went straight for the Guard Dogs sentinels.

The soldiers’ convoy was not arranged in an offensive formation as the point guard, a white Toyota Landcruiser pick-up utility was placed in the rear – a defensive tactic.

It had an M60 machine gun mounted on the top of the driver’s cabin and another in the trailer with only the nozzle visible.

In the lead was the juniper green-coloured escort sports utility vehicle (SUV) with the commandant of the Defence Academy, Lt-Col John Bagme and guards followed by the Engineer Battalion commanding officer Keru in his white SUV.

Other juniper green vehicles, an SUV and a troop carrier, followed. Behind them a bus loaded with soldiers was tailed by the white utility.

They went to all commercial banks, Bank South Pacific, Westpac and ANZ, around Top Town and ordered all guards off their posts.

At BSP, a guard refused to leave his posting and was lashed with a rubber hose at the branch at the corner of 6th Street and Central Avenue branch.

Guards at the neighbouring ANZ on Central Avenue and Westpac, on the other side of 6th Street, were chased into the banks while others removed their brown overalls and melted into the crowd.

The soldiers then turned to Food Mart on 7th Street as they were cheered by the public. Opportunists tried to hurl stones into shops but were discouraged at gun-point by the soldiers.

They told the crowd that they “were upholding law and order against thugs like security guards”.

By 11am, they were stationed near the Lae Central police station at the foot of the driveway up to the governor’s official residence.

They were approached by police task force officers and then taken to the station where they laid a complaint of assault against Guard Dog security guards.

No details were available but it is understood the Guard Dog security men at the Lae International Hotel had attacked Keru after the 35th Independence Day anniversary dinner hosted by the Lae city council last Thursday.

Other soldiers who did not take part in the incident said that this was the second incident involving attack by Guard Dog security.

Last year, a commissioned officer was entering the Foodmart Supermarket with a sports back pack.

He refused to remove it at the entrance and was consequently attacked.

The soldiers demanded and were compensated with a pig and K7, 000.

Well done, Papua New Guinea!

Eye-catching stuff ... Boys in Shanghai, China, with their mouths wide open, creeping up for a closer look at the Tari wig won by Southern Highlander Cedric Karai at yesterday’s Independence Day celebration at the Pacific Joint Pavilion where PNG has a booth. Karai was the star attraction with his Tari wig, tangets and all. Shanghai TV station CCTV also had an interview with him. – Nationalpic by BOSORINA ROBBY in Shanghai.

PAPUA New Guineans turned up in their thousands at various venues around the country to celebrate the 35th Independence Day anniversary.

Students from Chimbu at the University of Papua New Guinea performing during celebrations to mark the country’s 35th independence anniversary at the Waigani

campus yesterday. – Nationalpic by EKA KEAPU

All urban centres drew bumper crowds at the celebration venues, led by Port Moresby where Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare officiated at the flag-raising ceremony on Independence Hill – an occasion witnessed by MPs, members of the diplomatic corps, departmental heads, school children and city residents.

Sir Michael’s main message was for Papua New Guineans to reflect on past achievements and work for a better tomorrow.

“The task that we all face in continuing to build this vibrant nation is to accept that we are all different, get over it and unite to work together because our vision and aspirations, at the end of the day, are essentially the same.”

Sir Michael flew to Wewak later in the morning to celebrate with his East Sepik constituents.

The day’s events were trouble-free in all urban centres, police reported no serious accidents.

Port Moresby residents, buoyed by a clear sky, were orderly as they attended various traditional and cultural shows, sports and marches throughout the city.

In the afternoon, there was the lowering of the flag and then fireworks continued into the night from the Sir John Guise Stadium and the Jack Pidik Park.

Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane used the occasion to urge leaders “to forget their little politics of turf, power and political mileage” and support the implementation of Vision 2050.

The other highlight in Port Moresby was the announcement of the Logohu awards, the highest to be awarded that of “chief” going to Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

The eye-catching Hiri Moale festival for Motu-Koitabu villages officially kicks off today at Ela Beach following Wednesday’s fashion parade at the Botanical Gardens in Waigani. The festival will end with the crowning of Miss Hiri Hanenamo on Sunday.

Sir Michael: Still a lot to discover after 35 years

By JASON GIMA WURI

 

THIRTY-five years on and we are still finding out about ourselves, which is truly the richness of this country that we must not take lightly, Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare said in his address to the nation at yesterday morning’s flag raising ceremony on Independence Hill in Port Moresby, The National reports.

“While moving PNG towards independence, I can say there were many parts of the country that are still not mapped and visited by outsiders.”

The 35th commemorative flag raising ceremony was attended by members of parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps, departmental heads and the disciplined forces, school children and

public who braved the early morning cold to kick-start independence celebrations in Port Moresby.

“Even today, there are people in Margarima in Southern Highlands who do not know the people of Kaibola in the Trobriand Islands.

“Similarly, the people of Rambucho Island in Manus may not know that there is a group of Papua New Guineans in the highlands of Madang known as the Hagahai,” Sir Michael said.

“If we are to take these factors for granted, we will lose our way, be disillusioned and feel a sense of hopelessness.

“If we are to achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves, then, we cannot simplify our makeup and be in denial about our complexities.

“The task that we all face in continuing to build this vibrant nation is to accept that we are all different, get over it and unite to work together.

“Our vision and aspirations, at the end of the day, are essentially the same,” the prime minister said.

“From complete isolation, we are now thrust into the age of technology and globalisation.”

He also acknowledged Sir Pita Lus, Sir Cecil Abel and Sir Maori Kiki (deceased) and others he worked alongside to force the early attainment of independence and nationhood.

“I also pay tribute to the policemen, colonial servicemen, carriers, aid post orderlies, the early catechists, teachers, plantation workers and labourers who had a hand in raising the early leaders of PNG.”

 

 

Indon president honoured as chief

INDONESIAN president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has been conferred the title of “chief” in Papua New Guinea’s 35th independence anniversary honours’ awards, The National reports.

Yudhoyono was honoured for services in promoting the Indonesia-PNG relations, his leadership in strengthening democracy in Indonesia and fighting the evils of terrorism in the region and beyond, his leadership on climate change and international trade and development.

Catholic reverend Paul Marx was also conferred “chief” for services to the church and the people of PNG, especially the Gulf province where he had served as priest over the last 45 years and, more recently, as bishop of the diocese of Kerema.

South Pacific Brewery chief executive officer Stanley Joyce was among three recipients of the Star of Melanesia (CSM) for his services to commerce and the manufacturing industry, and to the community through contributions the brewer had made to numerous charities, humanitarian and sporting organisations.

The other two CSM awardees were Auwo Ketauwo for services to the community in Eastern Highlands and former MP, John Nilkare, for service to pre-independence public administration, commerce and the people of Chimbu.

Seven people awarded the Officer of the Order of Logohu included Sod Baim, Ian Glanville, Maclaren Hiari, Simongi Kangiong, Rev Dick Noma, Don Pandan and John Peka.

Members of the Order of Logohu (ML) included Soni Boku, Dr Ellis Diebler, Sam Imine, Steven Ipiung, Daisy Kennedy, Clark Kuliniasi, Taumaku Momoru, Toea Naime, Tau Nauna, Helen Afora, Wilson Thompson, Annemarie Rhodes, Steven Tabolahafo and Mary Anne Walker.

The national Logohu Medal (LM) went to Roy Aihi, Silvanus Aisi, Albert Aliabe, Philip Anian, Yawa Ape, Dumbiari Arigo, Lucy Kiki Buck, Rev Michael Kendi, Kilipo Hetape, Rev Benny Lali, Anthon Mala, John Morrison, Henry Onai, Tui Ori, Simon Paraun, Like Sataro, Joshua Sipo, Rev Michael Sowaka, Epogo Tayu, Peter ToRot and Pulupe Wauwe.

APEC Tourism Ministers' Meeting

Issued by the APEC Secretariat

APEC Tourism Ministers to meet Sept 22-23

 Singapore, September 16, 2010 - APEC Tourism Ministers meet in Nara, Japan, next week to address issues such as the importance of achieving sustained and balanced growth in the tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific region following the global financial crisis.

The 6^th APEC Tourism Ministers’ Meeting to be held September 22-23 will discuss collaboration between APEC, the private sector and multilateral organizations to strengthen the industry, which is a major engine for growth in the region.

The industry was hit by the global financial crisis with households cutting back on travel plans and businesses reducing travel budgets. But long-term prospects for the industry remain strong.

Tourism and travel are expected to contribute 9.1 percent of total Gross Domestic Product in the APEC region in 2010, increasing to 9.7 percent in 2020, according to research by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

Tourism and travel are also expected to directly and indirectly employ 117 million people in the APEC region in 2010 and increase to 159 million by 2020 - or contribute 8.2 percent of total employment in 2010, increasing to 10.2 percent in 2020, according to the WTTC.

Ministers at the meeting are expected to address expansion of newer forms of tourism in the region, such as medical, sports and ecotourism, and the importance of preparations in the industry for a response to future emergencies, both man-made and natural.  Other issues include meeting growing demand in the industry for a range of skilled workers.

Under the theme, “Tourism for Strategic Growth in the Asia-Pacific Region,” the meeting will be chaired by Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Mr Seiji Maehara.

Ministers will provide an assessment of the tourism industry in their economy at the meeting, and will hear from international tourism organizations such as the APEC International Centre for Sustainable Tourism (AICST), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the WTTC.

Ministers will hold a press conference at the end of the meeting and release the “Nara Declaration on Tourism.” The ministerial-level meeting will follow up on recommendations made by the APEC Tourism Working Group which meets in Nara on September 19-20.

A meeting of APEC Senior Officials will also take place in Sendai, Japan, from September 15-26. All meetings will provide valuable input to the work of developing APEC’s Growth Strategy, which will be presented to APEC Leaders meeting in Yokohama, Japan in November this year.

 

For further information, contact Trudy Harris on +65 98983710 or E-mail: th@apec.org

Falling rocks kill 'miners'

Disaster strikes as Porgera locals dig for gold

 

By JEFFREY ELAPA

 

TWO illegal gold miners were killed and four others were injured by falling rocks at the Porgera gold mine’s open-cut pit in Enga last Friday, The National reports.

According to reports from Porgera yesterday, the injured are recovering at the Porgera hospital.

“They risked their lives going to steal gold at the restricted mine,” an official said from Porgera.

The two dead men were identified as Pair Daniel, 22, from Ubis Karkar area in the Kandep district, and Tarai Iapara, in his 30s, from Tukusanda in the Laiagam district, both in Enga.

Larop Kepen, an illegal miner who was among the group, told authorities that the two were killed at the bottom of the bench while others were hit by the falling rocks and received serious injuries to their legs, arms and head.

Kopen said that many rocks were falling and they had to run for their lives but the two were late to escape and died after they were hit by the rocks.

Porgera police were contacted but said that they had not received any report or complaint about the fatalities and, therefore, could not comment.

The mining township’s Paiam Hospital chief Dr Granda Granada confirmed receiving the bodies of two men and placing them at the morgue last Saturday morning.

He also confirmed receiving and attending to four others who had sustained injuries.

Granada said one of four had his limbs amputated because it could not be fixed; the other three were assisted by doctors at the hospital and were recovering.

Mark Fisher, the executive general manager of owner Barrick PNG Ltd told The National yesterday that trespassing was a problem which the company had taken all available approaches to discourage by educating the local people not to venture into the restricted mine area.

He said many different approaches had been taken by the company to educate the people but nothing had changed.

“It is an unfortunate situation and also a difficult situation.

“We have used numerous attempts to educate the communities through the local radio station and the company’s communication unit to disseminate messages to educate them of the dangers of going to the mine site but that was still lacking,” Fisher said.

He said that the company even fenced the entire special mine lease area but people continued to take the risk and trespass.

Regular incursions by illegal miners into the open pit, the ore stockpiles and the waste areas at Porgera are common even though people are warned of the dangers of illegal mining and the risks of accessing the pit with no appropriate safety measures in place.

In recent years, criminal behaviour in and around the mine had become much more aggressive and had often involved armed individuals. 

Frequently they enter the mine site in large groups prepared to confront security personnel, who are responsible for the safety of the mine and its employees.

Vision City RH Hypermart opens for business

This group of women from the highlands residing in Port Moresby were among the first to walk in, see what the new Vision City RH Hypermart has to offer, do their shopping and leave when Papua New Guinea’s biggest supermarket opened its doors yesterday along Waigani Drive in Port Moresby.

THE country’s newest and biggest supermarket opened its doors for business yesterday.

A big crowd started converging on the Vision City RH Hypermart at Waigani in Port Moresby from early morning.

Scores of armed policemen, including mobile squad members, and private security personnel were stationed around the perimeter to prevent any untoward incident.

In view of the large crowd, the shoppers were only allowed into the hypermarket in batches.

Occupying a whopping floor space of more than 10,000sqm, the RH Hypermart offers a huge range of goods that include clothings, sporting goods, tools, furniture, personal care products, health products, gifts and of course, food and wine.

The meat section is supervised by an Australian butcher while the bread section will be operated by popular franchise Brumby’s from Australia.

Apart from fresh breads, Brumby’s is also known for its pies, cup cakes, sausage rolls and many other favourites.

It will commence business next month.

The seafood section offers a wide selection and for a small fee, customers can have their purchases cut, clean and ready to cook.

The service is also available from the meat section.

CC Ang, the general manager of RH Trading which runs the hypermarket, said the new outlet offered Port Moresby residents a new shopping experience.

“The hypermarket is the largest in PNG and possibly the South Pacific. It offers a one-stop shop for everything and anything,” he told The National.

“We have about 45,000 items for sale.”

He said that apart from competitive pricing, they also offered quality, freshness and convenience.

“There will be no shortage of parking space as we have up to 1,000 lots in a safe and secure environment.

“In the near future, we will introduce a loyalty programme to our frequent shoppers.”

On the other two outlets in Port Moresby, Ang said both would be renamed RH Hypermarket Express and would offer goods at lower prices.

“While the Vision City RH Hypermarket is aimed at the middle and upper end, it does not mean that the prices will be higher,” he said.

Ang is confident customers will appreciate the convenience of shopping under one roof.

Many shoppers are surprised by the range of goods available.

“Now I know where I want to shop. It’s so convenient,” a shopper, who lives at Touaguba Hill, said.

Another shopper from Boroko said: “Most of the items are cheaper than at the usual supermarket where I shop.”

The business hours of the new hypermart have been tentatively fixed at 8am-9pm daily.

The hypermart is located in Vision City’s shopping mall which is close to completion.

The mall will house more than 50 retail outlets, restaurants and a foodcourt.

They are expected to start moving in next month.

Vision City is a billion-kina project undertaken by the RH Group (PNG) which includes an office tower block, service apartments, a hotel and convention centre.

The entire project is scheduled to be completed in 2013.

Abal orders illegals to leave immediately

By JEFFREY ELAPA

 

FOREIGNERS working or living illegally in Papua New Guinea must leave immediately, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration minister Sam Abal said yesterday, The National reports.

These people are illegal immigrants who are not wanted here, he told journalists when announcing the department’s new model for processing visa applications at the Moale Haus in Port Moresby.

Abal said that the past weaknesses and other illegal means of obtaining and issuing visas would now be over with the installation and implementation of the new border management system.

He said the new PNG Immigration and Citizenship Services (PNGICS) would increase its staff strength and officers would be travelling to the provinces to hunt “foreign aliens”.

Therefore, he is warning those living in the country without proper visas to pack up and leave.

“My warning is that you start packing up and start leaving because we will not be lenient.”

Abal also warned foreign companies to abide by PNG laws and not to bring in people through illegal means.

He said those who had been engaged in human trafficking should also leave because they would face a bigger problem when the law caught up with them.

“Big companies and investors are warned to follow laws and respect the people of this country like what we do when we visit their countries.

“We know what is happening but because of lack of capacity and logistics, we were not able to monitor and investigate. However, with the new approach, it will be different because all visas will be approved at Waigani and issued at the diplomatic missions overseas,” he said.

 

Ready to sail

By DANIEL M DAVID

 

A BOGE Bada or female lakatoi built by Manumanu villagers for the Hiri Moale festival this weekend was launched at the Sea Park, Ela Beach, by Motu Koita assembly chairman Miria Ikupu yesterday, The National reports.

Manumanu, one of the Motuan villages whose ancestors participated in the famous Hiri trade, built a lakatoi for display during the festival.

It took two weeks for the villagers to build with materials brought from the village to build the

four-hull boge bada at Ela Beach.

Ikupu said: “Without lakatois and Hanenamos there is no festival.

“I thank the United church and the people of Manumanu village for their commitment and effort to build this lakatoi.

“The Motu-Koitabuans  will always celebrate the Hiri Moale because it is through the Hiri trade that our ancestors survived and as a result, we are here.

“Hiri Moale is our lifestyle, it is our pride, our

tradition and our cultural heritage.”

Manumanu village chairman Dadi Kwaragu commended his people for their loyalty and exertion in building of the lakatois and their preparation. 

“We will come in true Motuan style with a sense of belonging to show Papua New Guineans in Moresby that we are not spectators in our own land,” he said.

Meanwhile, the second lakatoi built by Gaire villagers will be launched tomorrow at Gaire and the second judging for the Hiri queen will be held tomorrow at the Botanical Gardens.

Leaders of the future

They could have fooled any visitor into thinking that they were from another place and time. But, a closer look will reveal that they are only children dressed up and made to look like grown-up dwarves out to celebrate with their Narku tribe people at Mindima village during the launch of development projects valued at more than K1 million. Among them was the switching on of the EMTV signal and funding commitments and initiatives rolled out to the Kondom Augando High School, Mindima Village Court house, Nend-Keramugl water supply, Mindima market, Bamugl-Mengagl and Damar road and elementary schools at Nend Border, Gaglkugla, Guiye, Wandi, Mengagle, Damar and Pinga. Damar aid post, Nend Yomba-Suara care centre and Mingende Rural Hospital also received assistance. – Nationalpic by ZACHERY PER

Citizens taking back control of their country

By REG RENAGI

 

Since Independence, Papuans New Guineans have taken their own country for granted. 

As citizens, the people are somewhat tolerant about the way PNG is presently being cleverly manipulated, if not controlled for many years. 

But I hope this will soon change for the better.

 It is very important that citizens have every right to be concerned at the overall direction PNG has been heading for over three decades. 

As a sovereign country, we are fast losing the ability to control our own destiny, freedoms and national interests guaranteed by our national constitution. 

Since independence we have blindly trusted politicians, bureaucrats and those in positions of authority to apply fairness in our system of politics, and government.  The system has for far too long being manipulated, so unfortunately it really does not guarantee the people’s rights, and freedom. 

This must now be seriously addressed by all citizens. 

Failure to do this may soon see the total demise of PNG.

When we elect local, national and provincial government officials, we give them the job of providing a political, social, economic and judicial framework that allows our society to function in a way we believe is in our best interest.

The fact is that our politicians and bureaucrats have miserably failed us. 

As each month goes by, we are fast losing control of our country. 

It is only a matter of time before we lose total control in the way PNG should be governed, and its rich resources prudently managed today, and for our next generation.

Fortunately, there is a way forward. 

It is time for change with Papua New Guineans taking back full control of their country. 

It is high time the people take full responsibility by telling the politicians and bureaucrats exactly how things are going to be in future. 

As citizens, we will remind them that they are just mere public servants. 

We must keep reminding those in authority from the Prime Minister down that it is time to start serving the public in the national interest.

Papua New Guineans as the citizens of our country should now set out the national agenda, not public servants, politicians and big global business interests. 

These people have for a very long time now has all along proven themselves to be greedy, and self-serving. 

Nowadays, few can fail to be aware that the government wastes their tax money. 

But the true extent of this waste is astonishing, and even worse; is how waste is actually built into the system!

It has clearly been proven over time that it doesn’t matter which political party is in power.

Put very simply, the candidates on both sides tell the same tired lies year after year, and many voters still believe them.

Unfortunately, the same thing happens each time but voters repeatedly elect the same sorts of people come election time.

The real problem is deeper than the mediocre quality of our elected officials. 

Despite strident accusations by the people, I believe these are for the most part not evil men, intent of worsening the lot of citizens who put them into office.

Instead, they are marginally-competent men, unable to understand the larger issues, lost in the mass of immediate details and trying to find a compromise between conflicting needs.

We have all heard the rhetoric of politicians, but they are not answers. 

We also read, listen and watch the media reaction, but they still do not provide answers, just more questions.

What of the future? 

Where are we heading? 

What are we leaving our children?

Our politicians do not show us any vision and backbone required to lead us into the future. 

They are being led ‘willy-nilly’ by international influence and interests.

Are our laws just and fair?

 Does the judicial system provide justice or a job just for the law industry?

The average citizen today must start asking themselves these questions, and more. 

When I think about the manner our people have been constantly lied to since Independence, I become worried, angry and depressed, but motivated all at the same time.

This issue by now should have cause a deep debate on some serious issues that Papua New Guineans should be concerned about. 

We as a nation of people should not just easily accept what we are given or allowed at face value, because we need to enlighten ourselves to what is happening out there.

If we do not set things right by the people now, I say there will be a mass hysteria before the next political regime takes up office. 

I hope what I am saying here causes some serious debate on certain key issues of national importance, and hopefully some readers enter the debate, and possibly come up with some solutions.

In the final analysis, it is all about educating our whole country, adopting a certain point of view that is commonly shared by the majority of Papua New Guineans.  From this, a constructive discussion should follow that hopefully will subsequently result in a better future outcome for PNG.

Hiritano claims one, 13 injured

By STEPHANIE ELIZAH

 

A MAN is dead with 13 others nursing severe injuries at the Port Moresby General Hospital after a vehicle with 18 passengers on board ran off the road and crashed into nearby trees along the Hiritano Highway, Central, last Friday morning, The National reports.

A pregnant woman sustained spinal injuries while a six-year-old girl was badly hurt when she fell off the vehicle. They were among the 13 recovering at the hospital.

Agevairua health extension officer Don Oa said Bereina and Agevairua health centres staff were first on the scene to rescue the injured.

Ambulances from both centres immediately repatriated the severely injured to Port Moresby General Hospital.

“It was a nasty accident with people suffering from broken bones and lacerated skin, but we were prepared.

“This is nothing new to us, our medical staff are used to receiving victims in very bad conditions as a result of vehicle accidents along the highway,” Oa said.

Reports claimed that the vehicle, owned by a villager from Hisiu, was driven by the owner’s 20-year-old son who was transporting relatives to a bride price ceremony in Port Moresby.

“The police will give a clear account but, from what we heard, the cause of the accident may have been a failure on the vehicle gathering speed when climbing up a steep hill between Kaiau and Agevairua village,” Oa said.

“The accident occurred at around 9am and, thanks to the immediate action of the police highway patrol team, we were able to save many lives that morning.”

The driver is in police custody while the body of the dead person is at the hospital morgue.

 

10,000 in Bougainville starving

MORE than 10,000 people in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville are in need of food and medical assistance after continuous rainfall destroyed food gardens and devastated roads, The National reports.

Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President John Momis highlighted the problem last Friday when accepting 4,000 cartons of biscuits worth K180, 000 from the Lae Biscuit Co Ltd.

The company will ship the biscuits in two containers to the ABG office this week.

Weather experts had linked the continuous rainfall to the change in climate as a result of global warming.

According to the 3news.co.nz website, the months prior to July were hot and dry in Bougainville.

“Rainwater storage tanks were running low and any rainfall was occasional and light.

“However, in the last couple of weeks, there has been a major change – rain is now heavy and frequent,” the website said.

Many Bougainvilleans lead a mostly subsistence lifestyle, growing most of their own food in gardens. Others rely on generating income through growing cash crops like cocoa and coconuts.

According to locals, people grow crops fit for the climate, and the crops are grown according to the seasons.

“If weather patterns start to change and crops do not grow, many people have little safety net and will struggle for income and food,” the 3news.co.nz website added.

Typically, July is part of the dry season but, this year, the wet season came early and the heavy monsoon rains were having a massive impact.

“Only small sections of the roads in Bougainville are sealed and the remainder has quickly turned to a series of deep water-filled potholes.

“The rain also caused slips and landslides, creating road blocks that the government in Bougainville does not yet have the capacity to clear quickly,” the website added.

This had impacted greatly on the local communities, as the poor roads meant they could not take their cocoa and copra to the buyers.

Many government and non-governmental projects and programmes had also been affected, officials said.

The rains had not stopped since last month.

“We express our sympathy for the hardships and the life-threatening situations in the affected areas.

“We assure the president and other leaders of the ABG that we are happy to provide whatever we can for the health and safety of the victims of the natural disaster,” Lae Biscuit southern region manager Fabian Chow said.

He also called on the good people of Bougainville around the country to assist their families as much as possible.

“The leaders of Bougainville and other stakeholders can only do so much but it is the families that must now stand together to assist in any way possible your relatives back home,” Chow added.          

Also present to receive the donation with Momis were the Minister for Higher Education and North Bougainville MP Michael Ogio and director of the national coordination office of Bougainville affairs Ellison Towollom.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Lae  Biscuit. Thank you for the tremendous help you have given us in our time of need,” Momis said.

Ogio echoed similar sentiments and emphasised on the importance of strengthening partnership in all sectors of development.

“I call on the people of Bougainville to encourage partnership in your business so that, in times of need, this partnership exists,” he said.

 

Misima people regret life after mine closure

By STEPHANIE ELIZAH

 

LANDOWNERS of the Misima mine in Milne Bay have called on the government to review their mine closure plan and the memorandum of understanding affecting the closure, The National reports.

The Eguma special mining lease (SML) landowners also requested that the state honour its mine closure commitment to conduct a socio-economic feasibility study before the end of this year.

Managing director Taulea Mosebi claimed that after Misima Mines Ltd ceased operations, no socio-economic impact study had been conducted.

He said the people’s standard of living had not improved despite the good things that Misima mines brought when it was in operation like well-maintained and supported health, education, transport, electricity and banking services.

Mosebi said apart from the current monitoring of the environment’s rehabilitation, there had been no major economic development on Misima to boost the livelihood of the islanders.

“Our people are struggling.

“No one has made any attempt to find solutions to the problems.

“Since 1989, Misima mine had earned more than K9.9 billion for the state. Yet, after the mine ceased operations, we have rundown buildings, inconsistent power supply and landowner projects initiated during the mine life have not continued,” he said.

Mosebi said Eguma landowners had taken the initiative to spearhead a Misima island project, which is aimed at assessing the island’s social, economical, environmental, cultural and political status.

“We seek to revive the island’s economy and, as such, we have obtained the support of the Milne Bay provincial administration, Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the provincial industry and support services as part of the steering committee,” Mosebi said.

 

Outsiders warned to stay away from LNG wastes

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

 

A LANDOWNER company from the LNG project area in Southern Highlands is up in arms over the recent announcement of a new joint venture to manage wastes in the project area, The National reports.

Chairman of Hides Waste Management Company (HWMC) Thomas Potape had written to Esso Highlands Ltd warning of possible disturbances if project landowners were bypassed in spin-off businesses.

He said the HWMC is a legitimate landowner company, sanctioned by the Hides Gas Development Company (HGDC), to participate in spin-offs from the LNG project.

Potape said HWMC is registered with IPA and is in advanced stage of permit application with the Department of Environment and Conservation to be involved in waste treatment and disposal activities in Hides PDL 1, Hides PDL 7, Angore and Juha.

Potape said the four major LNG gasfields are located within the geographical boundaries of Komo with a population of 27,000 people.

He said the early works, including the Komo International Airport, major roads from Tari to Komo and from gasfields to Komo station and construction phase of LNG facilities, had started and there was evidence of huge volumes of wastes being generated.

“The local people, who have lived generations in these beautifully pristine environments, are not used to large volumes of wastes in all forms which will be created by a project of this scale, which will seriously affect their lifestyles.

“As a local landowner company, HWMC must be recognised by Esso Highlands to be involved in project spin-off activities as outlined in the national content plan.

“We have reputable overseas joint venture partners who are well placed to enable HWMC vision of waste management in the project areas.

“We have the capacity, the partners and technological know-how to realise our vision, and we believe Esso Highlands and its partners will have to take note of our intentions,” Potape added.

“We will be spending more than K7.5 million for the purpose of contending the environmental effects that may occur as a result of the developments at the LNG project fields and the surrounding communities.”

He said this would include the costs of construction of landfills and other waste treatment plants, storage facilities and other equipment and materials required to effectively manage all waste streams that would be created.

“It is important to note that early works have started with huge volumes of wastes to be produced daily.”

Potape said environmental approvals, which had been granted for early works activities, were conditional to the project developer following approved waste management practices.

“To date, there is no proper permitted company associated with the project to effectively deal with waste management and, as such, our proposed set-up will have to be recognised and considered by the proponent of the LNG project.”

He said recent media reports of Eco Care Engineering and Transpacific, a waste management joint venture, was an attempt by outsiders using their contacts in Oil Search to sideline legitimate landowner companies.

“As there is already an existing HWMC, under no uncertain terms an outside company will be allowed into the project areas of Hides PDL 1, Hides PDL 7, Angore, Juha airport facility and Hides conditioning plant area.” Potape warned.