APEC Ministers commit to strengthening tourism

Nara, Japan, 23 September, 2010 – At the conclusion of their meeting on Thursday, APEC Tourism Ministers adopted the “Nara Declaration” to support sustainable, inclusive and balanced economic growth of the industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

After two days of talks in Nara, Japan, Ministers recognised the “economic importance of tourism, including the creation of jobs, reduction of poverty and conservation of the environment” and stressed their determination to continue to strengthen the industry to help develop the region.

 

“During this period of significant change in the global political and economic order, tourism will continue to play an important and relevant role in the Asia-Pacific region,” the declaration said.

 

Ministers agreed on the importance of protecting the cultural, natural and heritage assets of member economies by encouraging visitor flows more evenly, and to provide more stable employment in the industry.

 

“This approach could enable tourism to grow in a sustainable, balanced and inclusive manner,” the declaration said.

 

The declaration will contribute to APEC’s new growth strategy. The strategy is a commitment to produce “high-quality” growth in the region in the wake of the global financial crisis, and will be submitted to APEC Leaders for consideration when they meet in November in Yokohama.

 

Ministers agreed in Nara to exchange information and best practice on efforts to expand newer and emerging types of tourism such as medical and wellness, religious events tourism, sports tourism, cruise tourism, ecotourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentive travel, Conventions and Exhibitions/Events).

 

“These avenues could stimulate new demand and tourism-related investment across the Asia-Pacific region,” the declaration said.

 

The Nara Declaration also covers the following areas:

 

•             Promoting collaboration between tourism offices and organizations, both public and private, in member economies

•             Greater collaboration between APEC groups, the private sector and international bodies

•             The need to implement strategies to promote the sustainable management of tourism businesses and destinations

 

APEC’s share of world tourism has been growing over the past 15 years, according to StatsAPEC, an extensive database showing economic performance in the Asia-Pacific region. APEC’s share of world tourism has increased from 28 percent in 1995 to currently 51 percent. International tourism arrivals in the APEC region have grown approximately 122 million over this period.

 

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For more information, contact:  Trudy Harris + 65 98983710 or th@apec.org

 

Today's protest march banned

By THOMAS HUKAHU

 

NO protest march will be allowed in Port Moresby today, that’s the stern warning from police yesterday, The National reports.

NCD metropolitan commander Chief Supt Fred Yakasa told a media conference that the decision was in the best interest of city residents and the business community.

The decision stemmed from a nationwide planned protest march, scheduled for today, by non-governmental organisation and civil society activist Noel Anjo and his group.

The group had planned to march to parliament and demand Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and cabinet to effect its immediate recall to deal with alleged controversial issues like the reappointment of Sir Paulias Matane as governor-general and the passage of the Environment Amendment Act and other bills.

While Anjo had promised city authorities that the march would be peaceful, police felt it would only endanger lives and properties.

Yakasa said the decision taken by the authorities was to prevent opportunists from taking advantage of the situation to loot and destroy properties.

Anjo and his group had also visited Lae and the highlands creating awareness on tomorrow’s planned protest.

However, opportunists in Eastern Highland’s Kainantu and Goroka took advantage of the situation and looted shops early this month.

Yakasa said this would not happen in Port Moresby.

He said police would be out very early in the morning today to make sure that no protest march was staged.

 “I am discouraging any individual or group from participating in any protest marches.

“Any protest march staged will be deemed illegal, and people will be arrested,” Yakasa stressed. 

Yesterday afternoon, police commanders from different sections and stations were told by Yakasa to be on alert and disallow any groups from gathering.

“Police are not trying to stop or suppress the rights of the public to voice their concerns on genuine issues, however, there are other safer and orderly avenues available that could be used,” he added.

“Those attempting to stage a march must understand and respect our position regarding the situation.

“In the best interest of city residents’ safety, peace and good order, no march must take place,” Yakasa said.

Late yesterday afternoon, a group of men were moving around the city in a vehicle calling on workers not to go to work and to join the protest march.

 

 

Cholera strikes again

By ELIZABETH MIAE

 

A GOOD number of Lealea villagers in Central’s West Hiri district spend their independence weekend receiving treatment at the cholera centres at the Papa clinic and Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH), The National reports.

Reports said more than 60 people were admitted at these centres and treated for cholera during the long weekend.

NCD cholera task force leader Dr Timothy Pyakalyia blamed the revival of the disease on the unhygienic preparation and handling of the food and drinks during the celebrations.

Reports said one was admitted last Thursday, two last Friday, 18 last Saturday and 22 the following day, 10 on Monday and another 10 on Tuesday.

Pyakalyia said the treatment centres had also reported new cases from villagers at the Brown River and Goldie River areas along the Hiritano Highway.

He said plans were underway to carry out massive awareness campaigns against mass preparation and cooking of food and homemade drinks during major gatherings like funeral feasts, bride price payments and others.

He said the option was to bring along and distribute raw food and practise basic hygiene.

“We need to discourage the mass preparation of food during celebrations. We fear that the same thing is going to happen,” Pyakalyia said.

He also warned the public to be cautious of where they get their water from and how they use it during the dry spell.

Hiri district health coordinator Michael Masket said the outbreak was not as serious as when it first struck in early May.

Operations at the Papa clinic had been scaled down with only two people working at the cholera centre.

He said after the long weekend, people with mild symptoms of cholera turned up for treatment.

However, those needing further checks and treatment were referred to the general hospital.

“We are supplying oral rehydration salts and other medical supplies to Papa clinic as well as carrying out awareness,” Masket said.

 

 

Kundiawa water crisis 'unsolved'

By JAMES APA GUMUNO

 

BUSINESS, government and others in Kundiawa, Chimbu, have gone without water for six days, The National reports.

Their taps ran dry last Friday after vandals tampered with water pipes at three different locations between the water supply source at Hur and Yuwai market near Kundiawa town.

Provincial police commander Supt Joseph Tondop and Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Joe Mek Teine, in separate interviews, expressed grave concern yesterday.

Teine said if the problem continued, many operations in town were likely to be shut down.

More than 10,000 town residents walked almost a kilometre to Wara Simbu to fetch water for their use.

Teine said the town was expanding towards Murane and Wara Simbu and, as a result, more people came into town and settle.

He said that the town residents, business houses, government agencies and many other organistions in the town needed good constant water supply every day.

He said that the current water supply installed by PNG Waterboard from Hur to town was not enough to cater for the growing population.

Teine said that there was a need to provide alternative water supply for the town.

He said that he had already submitted a proposal with the support from the PNG Waterboard to the office of the National Planning early this year to seek funds to construct another water supply from Moguma water source into town.

He said that as soon as the funds were made available, the project would start immediately.

Tondop said that his policemen fetched water from Wara Simbu to cook food for the detainees in the cell and also to use it in their toilets.

He said that police personnel and their families depended on the water supply fetch water elsewhere for drinking, cooking and for other use as well.

Tondop said police provided security for the PNG Water board employees to fix the damaged pipes but did not know how soon they would complete the job and restore normal water supply.

He said that it posed a big health problem for the people using Wara Simbu because it was not known whether it was safe for drinking or not.

A public servant working in the office of the provincial administration said the officers working in the governor’s  and provincial administrator’s office use their office vehicle to fetch water from Wara Simbu but did not know about other public servants working in other divisions.

She said this did not affect public servants turning up for work.

 

 

Highlands students want end to year

By ELLEN TIAMU

 

STUDENTS from the six highlands provinces, excluding Chimbu, at the University of Technology in Lae, yesterday presented a petition to the university administration saying the resumption of classes cannot happen this year following another flare-up on campus on Tuesday morning between Sepik and Highlands students, The National reports.

There have been on-going fights at the Taraka campus between the Sepik and Chimbu students which resulted in the hospitalisation of two and the death of one, all from Sepik, nearly four weeks ago.

The death resulted in the exodus of Chimbu students as well as those from other provinces three weeks ago out of the campus.

The university’s standing committee and executive management two weeks ago called for classes to resume.

Most of the students who left campus returned last weekend but at a meeting on Monday with vice-chancellor Misty Baloiloi, registrar Allan Sako and Lae police commander Chief Supt Nema Mondiai made it clear that they would not return to class unless the Chimbu and Sepik students made peace.

Despite assurances from the administration and police that it was safe to return to classes, a fight broke out the next day, Tuesday purportedly between Sepik and highlands students leaving several students injured.

Student leaders from Western, Eastern and Southern Highlands and Enga  as well as SRC president, Justin Herepe, yesterday morning petitioned the executive management saying although it was the wish of the other students to complete studies this year, they would only do so after the Sepiks and Chimbu students reconciled.

“The environment here is not conducive for learning. We feel that it is only right that we return early next year to complete the remaining academic year,” their petition read.

The highlands students were aggrieved that the Sepik students were allowed to congregate in one area although a memo was sent out forbidding gatherings.

They said the administration should not misinform students and the public that all was well on campus when it was not as demonstrated on Tuesday in front of police and security guards.

They also recommended that an external mode of learning such as distance learning be used to complete studies, a complete overhaul of the campus security system and the perpetrators of the killing and fights be arrested and charged.

Meanwhile, Mondiai said restraining orders had been served on both Chimbu and Sepik student groups, stopping them from harassing and intimidating other student groups.

He said police investigations into the initial fight and murder had progressed but students involved were not cooperating with police.

“Police cannot just go out and round up anyone without first receiving a complaint and evidence to support the complaint. We need names and statement of facts,” he said.

Taiwan and Papua New Guinea recommit efforts to promote agriculture

Ministers Hickey (right) and Chen shake hands after the signing

By SOLDIER BURUKA of DAL

Taiwan and Papua New Guinea have reaffirmed their commitment towards improving the agriculture sector.

This follows the signing of the revalidation of the technical cooperation agreement on agriculture for a further three-year period.

The PNG government has committed itself to ensure that the agreement with Taiwan is revalidated and remains active for the medium and long-term to ensure that PNG farmers continue to benefit and improve their livelihood.

Over the years since the agreement was first signed, PNG has benefitted through the provision of quality rice and vegetable seeds, machinery, technical expertise, irrigation technology and support to agricultural extension including human resource development both in country and in Taiwan through the international cooperation and development centre.

The technical mission has established its office and facilities in Bubia outside of Lae and has worked closely with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and other agricultural agencies to promote agriculture.

Many of the technologies promoted by the Taiwanese experts are being popularised in many parts of the country.

On Aug 30 this year, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock John Hickey and his counterpart minister and chairman of the council of agriculture, Wu-hsiung Chen, signed the agreement in Taipei, Taiwan.

Hickey expressed his appreciation and thanked the government of Taiwan for inviting him to visit Taiwan and for the second time revalidate the agreement.

APEC ministers urge sustainable growth of tourism

Issued by the 6^th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting

Nara, Japan, 22 September, 2010 – Tourism Ministers from the Asia-Pacific region stressed the importance of achieving sustainable and inclusive growth in this key industry, on the opening day of the 6^th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting on Wednesday.

 Opening the meeting, Japan’s Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Sumio Mabuchi, said tourism, like the rest of the economy, had suffered from the global financial crisis, natural disasters and the H1N1 virus in recent years.

 However Minister Mabuchi, who is chairing the meeting, said tourism has potential to play a key role in the region’s economic recovery. Steps, therefore, need to be taken by APEC to help nurture the industry so that it grows sustainably for future generations. 

 “Although we see some signs of upturn in the economy starting from this year, we are still far away from a full-fledged recovery. So there are efforts being taken around the world to bring about growth,” Minister Mabuchi told the meeting in his home town of Nara, Japan.

 “The tourism industry is an industry which can actually enable growth without resorting to fiscal stimulus. It is an industry that has the potential to impact on the revitalisation of the regional economy as well as on employment and therefore the sustainable growth of this industry is of paramount importance.”

 “Over the next two days in this ministerial meeting, I do hope that we can have very robust and active discussion and exchange of views and express and translate our strong resolve into the Nara Declaration, so that we can jointly take one step forward.”

 APEC’s share of world tourism has been growing over the past 15 years, according to StatsAPEC, an extensive database showing economic performance in the Asia-Pacific region. APEC’s share of world tourism has increased from 28 percent in 1995 to currently 51 percent. International tourism arrivals in the APEC region have grown approximately 122 million over this period.

 During the plenary session, Ministers discussed the important role that the sector can play in contributing to APEC’s new growth strategy, which will be submitted to APEC Leaders for consideration when they meet in November in Yokohama.

 In particular, Ministers discussed the need for protection of the region’s natural and cultural assets to create a more environmentally sustainable sector. Creating more stable workforces in the sector and enabling tourism to generate business opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises would also lead to more inclusive growth of the sector that benefits more sections of society.

 Among other topics discussed was the importance of sharing information and ideas between member economies to strengthen the industry, and closer cooperation between APEC fora, the private sector and other international organisations to help achieve APEC’s goals.

 Ministers provided an assessment of the tourism industry in their economies, and also received a report on the results of the APEC Tourism Working Group. The meeting will continue on Thursday before Ministers are expected to release the “Nara Declaration” on Tourism and hold a press conference.

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For more information, contact:  Trudy Harris + 65 98983710 or th@apec.org

For StatsAPEC, visit: http://statistics.apec.org/

Fighting resumes at Unitech

By PETER PIA and PISAI GUMAR

 

CLASSES at the University of Technology (Unitech) in Lae were disrupted again yesterday after Sepik students, claiming that nobody had attended to their petition, attacked students from Chimbu as early as 11am, The National reports.

The Sepik students had petitioned the Unitech administration and council after the death of a first-year applied physics student and the injury of two others in a fight with students from Chimbu three weeks ago.

Their petition called for:

* Kuima Security Services Ltd to withdraw its services from the university;

* Current university administration to be sidelined and a caretaker administration appointed to investigate the fight and death;

* Perpetrators to face the full force of law; and

* Effective security measures to be put in place to complete the academic year.

On Monday, the university administration and police had assured students from other provinces and abroad that there would not be any disruption to classes and that their safety was guaranteed.

However, this changed yesterday morning when students attending classes fled in fear for their lives when a group students, who refused to go for classes, mobilised and attacked those from Chimbu.

A final-year civil engineering student, who requested anonymity, told The National from Lae that they had fled their classrooms at about 11am when a group of students, who were armed, threatened his course mates from the highlands region.

“It all happened during our lectures.

“A group of Sepik students arrived and threatened an Eastern Highlander and two others.

“Police arrived and restored order,” he said.

“All Chimbu students packed their belongings and left early yesterday morning,” he added.

The source said the university administration and council must be blamed for not solving the problem fully and effectively.

The university suspended classes for the rest of yesterday and today “with the hope to recommence thereafter”.

“In the meantime, police have reassured that security on campus is intact and the incident had been attended to,” Vice-Chancellor Dr Misty Baloiloi said.

He said the administration of law and order on campus had been given to the metropolitan commander and “police were handling the issues of security on campus in the best way they know”.

He told the students that the provincial administrators of East Sepik and Chimbu had agreed to travel to Lae and onto the campus to assist the students involved in the conflict reconcile.

Baloiloi appealed to the students to cooperate with police and the administration to ensure the operations of the university was not affected, “especially to conclude the academic year properly”.

The fighting was said to have started at the administration block at about 10.30am and started a melee.

Several students were reportedly injured and taken to Angau while several were arrested by police.

Neither the hospital nor police could say anything about the injured nor those arrested.

During the rush, criminals capitalised and attacked an expatriate academic from Japan.

He was held up with a pocket knife in broad daylight as people ran about.

The academic was traumatised and left the campus.

Meanwhile, students from Enga, Southern Highlands, Eastern Highlands, Western Highlands, Central and NCD and others have announced their intention to petition the national government for negligence and non-intervention in solving the problem.

They had called on the students representative council (SRC) to take the lead to ensure they complete this academic year.

Their petition called for the government to:

* Close this academic year and allow students to return and complete the remaining five weeks in early January;

* Tighten security with the police mobile squad setting up camp inside the campus; and

* An independent inquiry to be established to fully investigate the matter.

The students planned to send their representatives to Port Moresby either tomorrow or Friday to hand over their petition to the government.

 

Transparency International hits out at K9 million guns purchase

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

 

THE PNG chapter of the civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption, Transparency International, yesterday said the acquisition of non-lethal weapons and munitions by the Correctional Services will not solve the various problems faced by jails throughout the country, The National reports.

TIPNG said the K9 million would be better spent on upgrading and securing all prison facilities, including living quarters, to boost the low morale among staff and instill discipline among service members.

CS Minister Tony Aimo had earlier explained that the purchase would, presumably, deter mass breakouts.

However, yesterday, he said the organisation would not use its development budget to make the buy.

“It is just an order, with money not coming out of the CS development budget.

“This arrangement is on a protocol level (government to government),” Aimo explained.

He said the demolition and reconstruction of its staff living quarters and other entitlements were not compromised in the arms deal.

Aimo said the statement by TIPNG was “a slap in the face of hardworking prison officers working and living in trying conditions over many years”.

During a visit to the Beon jail in Madang last month, court judge Justice David Cannings also highlighted the problems faced by warders and their families. 

 

 

Customs impound tanker off Manus

AN oil tanker that ran aground on reef off the north of Manus, could have caused severe damages to the marine life if the oil and fuel it was carrying had spilled out, the PNG Customs Service said, The National reports.

The tanker, carrying 1,600 metric tonnes of oil and fuel with a crew of 21, including the captain, was detained by officials from PNG Customs, police

and National Fisheries Authority to establish grounds and impose possible fines under their respective laws as per breach of each of their regulations.

The PNG Customs Service will lay appropriate charges on the owner of the oil tanker for non-compliance in the provincial capital Lorengau.

The tanker is owned and operated by Singapore-based company Hai Soon International Trading Pte Ltd.

During the record of interview, Customs found that Hai Soon 5 was on a voyage through the high seas north off Manus Island to refuel fishing vessels operating in the international waters.

As it tried to pass through the PNG waters, the ship accidentally hit a coral reef and ran aground, but failed to inform PNG Customs and other relevant authorities of the incident.

The tanker is registered in Kiribati and its last port of call was Peyongtaek, South Korea bound for Hawaii.

Customs also found 10 pornographic DVDs during routine ship search and two crew members will also be charged for being in possession of prohibited items under PNG laws.

Customs commissioner Gary Juffa said all sea and aircraft entering and operating within the country’s boundary were covered by PNG laws.

“As Customs duty is to safeguard the country’s borders, its environment and the people, anyone found to break the Customs regulations would be severely penalised under the existing laws,” Juffa said.

ICT vital for agricultural development in Papua New Guinea

PNGARNet opens up greater learning and information sharing opportunities through broadband technology

By SENIORL ANZU of NARI

Information has become an important input in ever-increasing knowledge-intensive agriculture

. The information needs in Agricultural Research for Development (AR4D) is increasingly become complex and changing due to climate change and its impact on agricultural practices; need for rural non-farm employment and income generation; integrated farming; agri-entrepreneurial opportunities; access to modern markets, food safety for consumers and depleting natural resources.

New knowledge based on innovative ideas and systematic research is a crucial catalytic agent for agricultural and rural development.

However, the extent of positive impact of new knowledge depends on how effectively this knowledge is transferred to and adopted by the farming communities and the end- users.

At the heart of the transfer process is the information and communication system and its effectiveness in a given environment.

The use of new tools and systems of information and communication technology (ICT) thus is of paramount importance in the development process. 

In today’s information age, new developments in ICT are offering many exciting opportunities and new challenges in rapid and effective dissemination of agricultural technologies and knowledge to stakeholders.

 The ICT advances are complemented by new techniques for efficient information and communication management (ICM).

The importance of ICT and ICM has been duly signified through global platforms in the realisation of the effective application of e-agriculture in recent years.

In recognition of these potentials, many national agricultural research systems (NARS) and agricultural research and development (R&D) organisations in the Asia-Pacific region have emphasised the use of ICT in agricultural research and rural development.

The extension mechanism, which is conventional, mandated to provide necessary information support to farming community often fail due to a variety of inherent problems.

Adding to this is the ever-increasing learning needs of stakeholders that are continuously changing due to globalisation.

This is where the applications of ICT in AR4D are offering immense opportunities to strengthen agricultural extension system all over the world.

The potential of ICTs is significant in making AR4D more inclusive through highly targeted and location specific information services; delivery of ICT-enabled services such as market access, access to export markets, traceability systems, mobile extension services etc.

To add to this, the advances like cloud computing, availability of new generation mobile technology in many developing countries and global information systems (GIS), ease of web 2.0 technologies and social networking at all levels have increased opportunities for new ways to share and exchange information and knowledge with wide range of stakeholders.

It also led to improve agricultural advisory services and encourage innovative partnerships in ICM for AR4D for greater impact.

There are notable ICT attempts in agriculture and rural development which not only provide lessons on connectivity and device development but also offer more insights into ICM issues related to digital content development, end-user needs, policy support, digital intellectual property rights, open access issues, standards for greater coherence, information and knowledge management, security of information systems, research in ICT/ICM, socio-economic impact, and institutional and process interventions to manage all these continuous changes.

 This specialised body of knowledge, cutting across disciplines, opens up great learning opportunities for all stakeholders in AR4D and it forms a key component to improve their capacities for leveraging ICT/ICM for AR4D.

There are many success stories on how ICT has been effectively utilised in rural development.

Experiences have also shown that ICT initiatives, including on-line agricultural databases, electronic forums and CD-ROMs, have changed the way the information and knowledge are managed and communicated.

New public domain software and applications allow for research information to be digitised. 

Audio-visual materials make transfer and access of information much faster.

In Papua New Guinea, the government has created the enabling environment with the introduction of the national ICT policy 2009.

This timely policy sets out a strategic framework for meeting the government’s objective for the ICT sector.

Key amongst this will be the integrated government information system – the platform for e-government and governance.

This sets the basis and opens up opportunity for greater use of ICT/ICM in agricultural and national development.

The recent introduction of competition in mobile telephony and establishment of PNG academic and research network (PNGARNet) company have enhanced increased communication, research, teaching and learning.

The PNG NARS, in a new shift, have reorientated their focus to enhance development impact in their research and development efforts with prominence given to information and communication as an equally-important function at programme level.

Some educational and R&D organisations in PNG have on-line access to knowledge and information exchange using broadband technology and other ICT tools and techniques.

Many more have established electronic communication links with like-minders both in country and abroad, taking advantage of internet and email systems.

With the rapid growth of cellular telephony and wireless internet technologies, the use of ICT can be extended to household and individual levels, making it possible for real time communication.

Innovative actions such as the SMS market information project of the Fresh Produce Development Agency and the mega EU-funded regional agricultural information system (RAIS) for the Western Pacific Countries (PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu) demonstrate the potential application of ICT/ICM in AR4D.

And traditional medium through radio, television and newspapers are continuing to be channels of information and education, with most moving into digitalisation.

The participation by PNG NARS at inter-regional events has opened up new initiatives and changes in the emerging global alliance in RAIS and collaborations. Through such collaborative and capacity building activities, a number of initiatives and resources have been locally developed, such as the PNG NAIS, an online database information system for the country. 

However, how to make ICT/ICM work in rural areas of PNG is a real challenge.

This is because of typical constraints such as limited access to remote areas, unreliable infrastructure, high illiteracy rate, inadequate funding support and high telecommunication costs.

 Farmers and key stakeholders need timely information and decision-making ability.

 It will also require capacity building support to enable them adopt the new ICTs in a user-friendly manner.

While rural telecommunications can play a vital role in supporting and providing farm and non-farm livelihoods, access to markets, education, health services, governance, etc, the cost of connectivity and its sustainability will continue to be an issue.

 At the same time, farming is the major economic activity in the rural areas and therefore, agricultural development should be a major consideration in defining telecommunications strategies.

For ICT to really impact on agriculture and rural development in PNG, a number of issues require consideration:

·        Policies relating to telecommunication and information management for agricultural and rural development should reflect local realities and needs;

·        Need for rural-based information communication policy framework to give access to the rural poor (and the illiterate) on a sustainable basis;

·        Resource allocation to support information services should be appropriate and effective to meet rapid technological development and demand;

·        Greater partnerships and collaborations be enhanced with RAIS and NARS based on institutional arrangements;

·        Relevant strategies for human resource development in ICT/ICM be developed and implemented.  Need is also to consider and incorporate gender equity and sensitivity in ICT/ICM;

·        There is a need to create public-private-community partnerships in agricultural information delivery and exchange; and

·        Agricultural policies need to focus on ICT/ICM use, considering initiatives by various stakeholders, including the private sector and NGOs.

Artists meet for exhibition

One of the 20 artists who turned up yesterday showing off his paintings. – Nationalpic by AURI EVA

By JUNIOR UKAHA

ARTISTS from all parts of the country gathered in Port Moresby yesterday to witness the launching of the garden art exhibition, The National reports.

The event is part of preliminary celebrations and awareness towards the staging of the 7th international orchid spectacular at the National Parliament grounds on Oct 2-3.

Works of PNG artists will also be displayed there.

Yesterday’s gathering was also an opportunity to unite, commemorate and recognise the work of artists throughout the country.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop launched the exhibition.

He urged the artists to use their talents and help the city commission beautify the city.

“We must use art to capture the dream of transforming this city into a beautiful place to live,” Parkop said.

Tree crop exports net K2 billion in 2008

By JASON GIMA WURI

 

FOR the first time, export earnings from the country’s main tree crops – oil palm, coffee, cocoa, coconut, tea and rubber – reached the K2 billion mark in 2008.

From oil palm alone, earnings had surpassed the K1 billion mark in 2008.

This was disclosed by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare while giving a brief run down of the economic performance of the country in a speech during the 35th independence flag raising ceremony in Port Moresby last week.

“The tree crop subsector accounted for over 92% of the total agriculture export values and engaged the bulk of population in rural districts,” Sir Michael said.

“It also reduces poverty among rural people and lessens migration to towns.

“This leads me to mention briefly our economic performance.

“The economy has been able to navigate the negative impact of the global financial crisis and grew by 5.5% last year.”

He said business activities, especially in the construction and communication sectors, had been strong despite the weaker external environment.

Sir Michael said due to the country’s strong economic performance, employment levels had also risen in 2008 to 8.5%, but eased last year to 4.7%,

“Agriculture has always been our livelihood and will continue to be an important economic sector for us.

“We have this safety net that is our traditional way of life based on subsistence agriculture,” Sir Michael added.

He also acknowledged that other activities had picked up as a result of the early works by ExxonMobil.

He added the growth the growth this year was expected to be 7.5%, in which the non-mining sector  was expected to be at 7.6%.

“Despite the issues facing the government, we have not stopped looking at ways to bring about increased employment and development to our people,” Sir Michael said.

 

 

Wife chopped to death

Senior servant flees following son’s death

 

By JAMES APA GUMUNO

 

A MAN hacked his wife to death in Chimbu at the weekend as details surfaced yesterday that the 35th Independence Day anniversary celebrations in the Highlands pro-vinces were not as peaceful as what police made them out to be.

In Enga, a senior public servant is still on the run last night after his son was found dead at the back of their house.

Police, in the meantime, claimed that the consumption of homebrew and marijuana contributed to the increase in law and order problems along the Western Highlands Chimbu provincial boundary troubled spots.

In Kompiam, Enga, three people have been arrested for the killing of senior teacher James Mond and police are hunting for another seven suspects.

Detailing the Chimbu killing yesterday, police said the man, a known marijuana user, would be rounded up and questioned about his wife’s body which was chopped up.

The killing happened last Saturday at the husband’s Wenaga village at Kerowagi.

Chimbu police commander Supt Joseph Tondop described it as a “cold-blooded murder”.

He named the dead woman as Ulana Garai, 48, of Narku tribe in Kundiawa district.

Tondop said the husband and wife had separated for a while because of the husband’s drug problems but reunited with her and their eight children recently.

Last Saturday, Garai decided to visit her Kugame village but was attacked and chopped to death.

The husband, Garai Pius, was arrested the next day and charged with wilful murder.

Meanwhile, Enga police chief Supt Martin Lakari said a father was the prime suspect in eldest son’s death at Teremanda village in Wabag district.

Lakari said that four other family members were also wanted in relation to the death which followed the cutting down of some banana trees.

He said that the suspected killers had used axes, sticks and metal objects in the attack.

Lakari said that the body was released to the relatives on Saturday for burial after doctors conducted the postmortem.

Youth leader John Kawage, who lives close to where the killing happened, said that the consumption of marijuana and homebrew in his Kunabau area was going from bad to worse.

He said these contrabands were now sold openly at the local markets, like any other garden produce.

Kawage said this illegal business was booming and contributing to the escalating law and order problems in the area.

In Chimbu, provincial police commander Supt Joseph Tondop said that marijuana-induced activities were getting out of hand on the Chimbu-Western Highlands boundary.

He said that the Mindima section of the highway between Kundiawa and Kuglbal were problem areas.

Tondop said despite many attempts by police to reduce the problem, leaders were not cooperating with the police.

He said that he was planning another major awareness on drugs which would be carried out soon.

 

Hela boss wants gas revenue locked in

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

 

HELA Transitional Authority chairman James Marape has recommended the HTA embrace the Hela long-term development plan to lock in gas revenue to realise the proposed Hela province’s development aspirations, The National reports.

Marape said the LNG revenue must be locked in for development in line with the long-term plans and not controlled by politicians.

He said the next six months would be critical as HTA’s task was to have nationwide consultations with its people and stakeholders including the elite Hela working class, students, youths, churches, women and leaders on the long-term plan for Hela province.

The chairman of HTA and member for Tari-Pori said this when announcing that the HTA had passed a K23 million budget to ensure infrastructures were in place for a full provincial status for Hela province by 2012.

The K23 million was allocated by the national government in this year’s budget for physical infrastructure and public service structure in preparation for the provincial status.

Marape said the appropriation was to put in place structures for a new province by 2012 and to ensure that the province gets maximum benefit from the LNG project and not squandering the wealth created from their gas.

The break-up included K1 million to each for office rehabilitation in each of the three district offices, K200, 000 each to the 16 local level governments (LLGs) for the setting up of LLG assemblies, K250, 000 for a youth centre in Tari, K250, 000 to the Hela council of churches, K250, 000 to the council of women and K3 million for the construction of the HTA office complex in Tari.

 

 

Bombom confirms attack

By PEARSON KOLO

 

KEREMA Open MP Pitom Titus Bombom confirmed yesterday that some frustrated members of his electorate had attacked him at Kaintiba last Thursday where he had gone to celebrate the 35th Independence Day anniversary celebrations, The National reports.

Bombom said this in a statement after yesterday’s front page story in the two daily newspapers which said he was assaulted at the station.

“I was not seriously assaulted or ran away as claimed by the two daily newspapers,” he said.

“In fact, the incident actually happened and I only sustained a scratch on the right cheek caused by a bamboo which was thrown at me by a member of the public.”

Bombom said even after the attack, he stood and faced his people and addressed them.

He claimed that a small group of people who were supporters of the Kaintiba local level government, Jerry Yeninga, had tried to attack him.

Bombom said he had travelled to Kaintiba with one policeman and a Kerema district officer.

“My people want to see me more often then as been the case and I understand that but certain circumstances and situations have not allowed that,” he said.

The MP said he had been going in and out of his electorate, including Kaintiba, regularly, providing basic services since he was elected three years ago.

Bombom blamed Gulf Governor Havila Kavo for being assaulted.

He urged the Gulf government to assist the open electorates and district with service delivery.

Coffee pulpers and sewing machines donation

By SAM BASIL
Bulolo MP

Testing coffee pulpers with some coffee beans while Yapleh Gilimbing looks on

Well, the coffee beans look OK!

See for yourself!

Handing out the sewing machines to the Bundun women's group

Bundun is a small village alongside the Bulolo National Highway, Ward 2,  of the Mumeng local level government headed by LLG president Mathias Phillip.
Yapleh Gilimbing,  a local leader from Bundun village, took ownership of a rundown coffee plantation with his clansmen some 15 years ago and needed coffee pulpers to process wet beans.
Through the district's district support improvement programme (DSIP) funds,  I have made available coffee pulpers for men and sewing machines for women.
The sewing machines can be used by the women’s group to raise their own funds  by sewing  uniforms or mending villagers' clothes while coffee pulpers will process the coffee much quickly to generate more income by a man as head of the family.
The Bundun ceremony was brief but I really admired the job done by the building team of erecting the pulpers.
The ceremony ended and we had to proceed down the hill to open the Omalai footbridge project.