Prime Minister cracks the whip

By FRANK SENGE KOLMA   

THE managing director of the Independence Public Business Corporation (IPBC) Glen Blake has been sacked and a new board appointed, The National reports.
Blake was on Wednesday replaced by Thomas Abe and the new IPBC board is headed by Dr Thomas Webster.
These were the decisions of cabinet announced by Prime Minister Peter O'Neill on Wednesday.
The move on the IPBC is so severe that it promises a complete shake-up of the present state of affairs including the welfare and operations of the multi-billion-kina state-owned enterprises starting with PNG Power and Telikom, the possible dismantling of the Department of Public Enterprises, and the reversal of the corporation's focus and role of the past 10 years.
Flanked by Public Enterprises Minister Sir Mekere Morauta, Fisheries Minister Job Pomat and Air Niugini chief executive officer Wasantha Kumarasiri, the prime minister said the decisions had been made to correct past abuses and inconsistencies.
Sir Mekere said cabinet had terminated Blake for misconduct in office.
He accused Blake of paying himself millions of kina a year illegally on an unapproved contract and without the approval of the Salaries and Conditions Mo­nitoring Committee (SCMC).
Blake was also cited for inves­ting K31 million illegally in failed American investment house, Lehman Brothers.
Blake was said to be on sick leave in Australia but spoke through a friend to answer the charges yesterday, saying that his contract had the approval of the IPBC board, SCMC and the state solicitor before it was signed by the governor-general.
He said the K31 million investment had been done on the advice of BSP Capital in an investment house which, before it collapsed in 2008, was rated double "A", the best rating offered corporations.
Sir Mekere said Lehman Bro­thers had become insolvent and all the money was lost.
He said legal advice had been sought to recover money paid from Blake and also the money invested by him.
"All the investment was made without prior approval of the IPBC board.
"I find it difficult to believe that former minister Arthur Somare was not aware of this illegal investment," Sir Mekere said.
The auditor-general had ob­served that the investment was made without assessment of risk last year but the report was not tabled by Somare, he said.
Sir Mekere said: "The IPBC under Somare and Blake ope­rated under a thick veil of secrecy. The amendments to the IPBC Act that Somare cham­pioned stripped IPBC of transparency and accountability.
"It is my job to restore open honest governance to the operations of IPBC.
"Somare keeps telling the nation that all state-owned enterprises are performing fabulously as a result of his policies and actions. Nothing could be further from the truth.
"All are grossly under-capitalised. Some are bumbling along. Others are dead, but refusing to fall down.
"Somare mutated IPBC into an octopus with tentacles everywhere. This has weakened the central role of IPBC from being a house of rehabilitation to a warehouse storing junk.
"He has turned IPBC into a petroleum house in competition with ExxonMobil, Oil Search and Petromin."
Correcting the alleged mis­takes and putting the house in order would be the first big task of the new board, Sir Mekere said.
The new board headed by Webster included Felecia Dobunaba, Peter Aitsi, Aho Baliki and two members to represent the Insti­tute of Directors and the PNG Chamber of Commerce and ex-officio members in the managing director, the secretary for trea­sury and the secretary for justice.

Massive search for missing researchers in West New Britain

Caption: PNGIMR director Prof Peter Siba… 'massive search going on'

 

By MALUM NALU

 

Management of the PNG Institute of Medical Research has refuted "malicious allegations" on EMTV that it was not doing enough with the search and research and rescue efforts for its missing researchers.

 The five missing staff from the PNGIMR - Tanya Oakiva, Gibson Gideon, Leonard Vavana, George Dogoya, and Lydia Petrus - departed Milimala on mainland West New Britain destined for Bali Island on Aug 1 and have never been seen since then.

 "There seems to be lack of communication between relatives here in Goroka and other centres, and this has led to relatives getting emotional and over-sensitising the issues in the media," PNGIMR director Prof Peter Siba said today.

 "Since receiving news of the missing team, IMR has provided huge financial support towards the search operations.

 "This is of the biggest search operations in the history of PNG with the assistance of West New Britain provincial disaster office and the administration, National Disaster Office, National Maritime Safety Authority, Digicel, New Tribe Mission, Islands Airways, North Coast Aviation, Niugini Helicopters, Police and NBC West New Britain being engaged in search and rescue efforts.

 "The efforts include aerial searches along the New Britain island and the smaller islands within the West New Britain waters, Islands as far west as Long Island, Siassi islands, Bagbag, Karkar Island and along river tributaries on the main West New Britain mainland.

 "Provincial disaster offices in other provinces including East New Britain, New Ireland, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Manus, Madang and Morobe have been informed and are doing what they can to assist."

 Prof Siba said as the area where the boat went missing was known for piracy-related activities, police had now been engaged.

 "Due to the sensitivity of the situation, much of the information on police activity is not available," he said.

 "Boat sightings have been reported, but, many of these stories are second, third or fourth-hand news and difficult to pinpoint the person who saw the boated and reported it initially.

 "The IMR management appeals to the locals to assist us in providing factual information about any sightings of the boat or missing people.

 "Search and rescue efforts are now concentrating on land as piracy becomes the main focus of investigations by police.

 "PNGIMR, in dialogue with the West New Britain provincial disaster office have since put a reward for information leading to recovery of its staff.

"The search is still continuing and we ask the relatives to understand the magnitude of this search operation and provide positive contributions and not malicious and negative attacks against the IMR.

 "The missing staff are employees and 'family' members of the PNGIMR, which is a State entity of the Government of PNG.

 "The IMR management and staff sympathise with the families of the missing staff, and are regularly updating the relatives."

 Prof Siba said the 2011 PNG Medical Symposium in Kimbe was still on, and could not be dictated by anybody other than the PNG Medical Society.

 "As usual, the IMR, as the premium research institution in the country, is sending a large group of participants to attend the symposium," he said.

PNG gets low literacy rating

By DULCIE OREKE

PAPUA New Guinea is placed at 148 out of 182 countries in a United Nations listing on national literacy rates, National Literacy Awareness Secretariat Willie Jonduo says, The National reports.
He said according to census 2000, of the six million people, "43.8% are illiterate".
"These statistics are alarming because when PNG is compared with the rest of the
countries in the world, using the United Nations human development index, its placing is 148th out of 182 listed countries," he said.
Jonduo said the Education Department, national library and the national literacy awareness secretariat had joined forces to improve the national literacy rate every year.
He said while the rest of the world would be celebrating International Literacy Day on Sept 8, PNG had extended that to a week given the language complexity and cultural diversity.
"The world is keeping an eye on PNG's education to ease and eventually eradicate illiteracy," he said.
Jonduo said PNG was a signatory to United Nations' declaration on education for all (EFA), and the country had to report on the achievements of EFA goals in 2015.
He asked if the country had evidence to show that it had done anything to achieve the EFA goals.
He said these goals included:

•   Expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children;
• Ensuring the learning needs of young people and adults were met through equitable access to appropriate learning and life skills programmes;
• Ensuring that by 2015 all children had access to free and compulsory primary education of good quality;
• Achieving a 50% improvement in levels of adult literacy by 2015; and
• Improving all aspects of the quality and excellent of education with measurable learning outcomes.

PNG gets low literacy rating

By DULCIE OREKE

PAPUA New Guinea is placed at 148 out of 182 countries in a United Nations listing on national literacy rates, National Literacy Awareness Secretariat Willie Jonduo says, The National reports.
He said according to census 2000, of the six million people, "43.8% are illiterate".
"These statistics are alarming because when PNG is compared with the rest of the
countries in the world, using the United Nations human development index, its placing is 148th out of 182 listed countries," he said.
Jonduo said the Education Department, national library and the national literacy awareness secretariat had joined forces to improve the national literacy rate every year.
He said while the rest of the world would be celebrating International Literacy Day on Sept 8, PNG had extended that to a week given the language complexity and cultural diversity.
"The world is keeping an eye on PNG's education to ease and eventually eradicate illiteracy," he said.
Jonduo said PNG was a signatory to United Nations' declaration on education for all (EFA), and the country had to report on the achievements of EFA goals in 2015.
He asked if the country had evidence to show that it had done anything to achieve the EFA goals.
He said these goals included:

•   Expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children;
• Ensuring the learning needs of young people and adults were met through equitable access to appropriate learning and life skills programmes;
• Ensuring that by 2015 all children had access to free and compulsory primary education of good quality;
• Achieving a 50% improvement in levels of adult literacy by 2015; and
• Improving all aspects of the quality and excellent of education with measurable learning outcomes.

9-Mile alcohol ban on

By JUNIOR UKAHA

NCD metropolitan commander Supt  Joseph Tondop has placed a total ban on alcohol sale and consumption at the 9-Mile settlement outside Port Moresby, The National reports.
This follows the killing of John Sine Kaupa, the operations manager of Kuima Security Services, during an alcohol-related violence on Sunday.
Tondop warned the 2,000-plus settlers of portion 2219 Moitaka Ridge and the Tari community yesterday that anyone selling or consuming alcohol would be dealt with by his officers.
A drunken brawl between a Tari man and a Kuima Security guard ended in Kaupa's death, and later triggered off a fight between the Chimbu and Tari groups.
He said the ban would be in place as long as he was the city's police chief.
Community leader James Mogia promised Tondop and NCD operations chief executive Andy Bawa that anyone selling alcohol in the area would be reported to the police.
Kaupa, who was allegedly killed by the Taris, was believed to have been drunk when he took his shotgun and left to retrieve a company bus that was damaged by a group of men that morning.
His younger brother Anthon Kaupa, who flew in from Lae, Morobe, on Monday, said there was no need for further violence as the matter was in the hands of the police and those responsible for the killing of his brother would be brought to justice.
Tondop said the police had set up camp in the area and would try their best to get the two groups together to live peacefully in the area.
Meanwhile, it is believed that at least four high-powered guns were among weapons used in the ethnic clash, including two M16 assault rifles and pump-action shotguns.
Tondop admitted that guns were used in the fighting but he could not verify the type of weapons used.
"Reports we received is that guns were fired in the night but that could not be verified," he said.
All stores in the area including 9-Mile's Sigirap market had remained closed and no buses were operating in the area due to the tension.

Sir Salamo asked to disqualify himself

By JULIA DAIA BORE

CHIEF Justice Sir Salamo Injia has been asked to disqualify himself from hearing the East Sepik provincial executive council's special reference case because of an "apprehension of bias", The National reports.
Lawyer Manuel Varitimos, of Young and Williams, representing Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, made the submission to the Supreme Court presided by Sir Salamo yesterday. But no detail of the "apprehension of bias" was presented to the court.
The East Sepik council is questioning the legality of the process used by the national parliament on Aug 2 to vote into office the Peter O'Neill-Belden Namah government.
Varitimos' application was submitted to the court during the second directional hearing to confirm the interveners in the proceedings who were named in this order from first to seventh: Attorney-General Dr Allan Marat, Jeffery Nape as speaker of parliament, the Ombudsman Commission, Sam Abal, Peter O'Neill, Belden Namah and National Alliance Party.
The counsel will argue Varitimos' application today.
Sir Salamo said "time was of essence" and ordered that the parties be served the necessary documents by 6pm last night and their response should be filed with the court registry by 9am today.
Sir Salamo will decide after hearing the submissions from both sides whether he should disqualify himself from the case.
It is understood that O'Neill is taking the issue with the fact that lawyer Terry Injia, the son of Sir Salamo, is employed by Steel Lawyers, the law firm of Rimbink Pato who is assisting lawyer Ian Molloy, representing the East Sepik council.
O'Neill's lawyers are expected to raise the issue of "apprehension of bias" on this basis.
They are raising issues because Injia had stated in an affidavit submitted to the court that he would be assisting Pato.

Somare case deferred

ANGORAM MP Arthur Somare's judicial review challenging his referral to the leadership tribunal has been adjourned yesterday to Monday, The National reports.
Presiding judge Justice Panuel Mogish said he did not have the files for the case.
The review was to have been listed yesterday.
Somare's lawyer Ian Molloy disrupted Mogish's hearing of criminal matters to have the matter heard.
But Mogish said he had other matters to deal with and that the file was not before him.
The matter is in relation to Somare being referred to the leadership tribunal.
The argument in the review was to question the legal powers that acting public prosecutor Camillus Sambua exercised in appointing state prosecutor Katwa Umpake to sign the referral.

Govt clarifies appointment policy

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

THE national government will not make wholesale changes to the heads of departments and statutory bodies.
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill yesterday said there would not be any political appointments, The National reports.
"We are making two changes in the public service because they did not follow proper procedures."
Department of Personnel Management secretary John Kali said on Monday that more heads of government departments and statutory bodies would be removed.
Senior government officers who had been removed since the O'Neill-Namah regime took office were Margaret Elias as chief secretary and Gabriel Yer of finance.
Manasupe Zurenuoc took over from Elias while Stephen Gibson was appointed acting finance secretary.
When asked about the confusion the changes would create if a Supreme Court reference challenging his election as prime minister, and the validity of his government, was upheld, O'Neill said parliament had spoken.
He said democracy was demonstrated by the parliamentary process which was determined by more than 50 votes to put a new government in office.
State Enterprises Minister Sir Mekere Morauta said parliament and the courts were independent institutions.
"The government must move on. It cannot wait for the courts to make a decision," he said.
But Sir Mekere said a decision on the matter by the courts would be respected.

Court to hear bid to restrain govt today

By JACOB POK

THE East Sepik provincial government's bid to obtain an interim injunction to restrain the government from withdrawing its financial powers will be heard in court today, The National reports.
The matter was heard yesterday at the Waigani National Court but adjourned because state lawyers were not present.
Despite the urgency of the matter, and the provincial government's move to have the matter heard ex-parte (only one party), presiding judge Justice Ambeng Kandakasi ruled that all parties should be present in court to properly deal with the matter.
He then adjourned the matter and told state lawyers present in court to advise their colleagues to appear today.
The Finance and Treasury had last week proposed to withdraw the financial powers of the Morobe and East Sepik provincial governments because of alleged abuse and mismanagement of funds by executives.
The Morobe provincial government successfully obtained interim restraining orders on Monday at the Lae National Court, temporarily stopping the government from signing instruments that would effect the decision to remove its financial powers.

O’Neill puts stop to withdrawal of powers

By FRANK SENGE KOLMA

PRIME Minister Peter O'Neill has directed a halt on all moves to withdraw the financial powers of provincial governments, The National reports.
O'Neill said yesterday:  "There is no NEC decision directing suspension or withdrawal of powers of any provincial government.
"If there is any allegation of financial mismanagement, there should be proper investigation conducted into the allegation first.
 "We do not want to appear to be vindictive."
The prime minister's directive comes as the East Sepik and Morobe provincial governments go to court to challenge the withdrawal of their financial powers, apparently by a ministerial edict on Aug 12. The order is said to have been issued from the Finance and Treasury ministry.
The Morobe government, on Monday, sought and got an injunction preventing the national government from withdrawing its powers.
The East Sepik provincial government's bid to obtain a similar injunction was heard briefly yesterday and postponed to today.
The prime minister's stance is likely to affect these matters on foot and will prevent future moves against provincial governments without any good cause.
Meanwhile, Southern Highlands Governor Anderson Agiru said yesterday cabinet had no authority to withdraw financial powers of a provincial government except in a state of emergency or during a war.
He said this was established beyond any doubt by the Supreme Court when he challenged the suspension of his provincial government in October 2000 by the Mekere Morauta regime.
The court voided division 8 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments which purported to authorise the National Executive Council to withdraw powers or suspend provincial governments.
That provision, in its entirety, was found to be contrary to the dictates of the Constitution and was declared null and void.
Agiru said the purported withdrawal of financial powers of the East Sepik and Morobe provincial governments went against that Supreme Court decision.
He further said the purported action had sent fear and instability racing up and down provincial administrations nationwide.
"There has been no investigation into the financial affairs of provincial governments, no natural justice accorded .... just generalisations about misuse and abuse of powers and finances.
"As I have said before, the prime minister has all the credentials but his ministers are going astray and he needs to pull them into line."

Natschol in, OBE out

By FRANK SENGE KOLMA

NATIONAL scholarship for tertiary students will be reintroduced by January next year, Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said yesterday, The National reports.
Among sweeping changes the government is introducing for the education sector under its free education policy:

• The controversial outcomes-based education (OBE) would be scrapped by January;
• Government to pay all tuition fees for students from elementary to Grade 10;
• Government to subsidise 75% of fees for Grades 11-12;
• No drop-outs at Grade 8; and
• Payment of K350 million into a special trust held by the Education Department by November this year for distribution to all schools by January.
  

O'Neill met with education, finance and treasury executives on Monday to thrash out the finer details of the policy.
He said he was confident that despite "early teething problems", the policy was on secure ground.
He said the OBE had failed and would be scrapped as well as the user-pay and the student loan policies for tertiary students.
"As a person who benefited from Natschol (national scholarship) with the K13 per fortnight allowance, I strongly believe that everybody has to get a chance," O'Neill said.
"The cost estimates that have been given to us for free education are well within our expectation.
"Education have estimated K610 million when we have planned for K700 million."
O'Neill said on Sept 20, the government would bring down a supplementary budget during which K350 million would be allocated and parked in a special trust account held by the Education Department for this purpose.
He said in order to avoid delays in payment, the government would start releasing payments by November and December so that, by Jan 1, all schools would have received their fees.
On school drop-outs, the education officials wanted to maintain a hybrid structure where some drop-outs are allowed at Grade 8 but the prime minister was dead against that.
"We are using the same infrastructure so I cannot see why we cannot accommodate more," he said.
"We have to utilise what we have smartly.
"We have a good environment. We can have classes under coconut trees.
"I do not see why we should not have night classes in places where there is electricity.
"Why should we deny our children the right to education just because we have capacity issues?"
O'Neill said for the first time, the 2011 development budget allocation for education would be fully utilised.
At present, about 20% of the entire recurrent and development budget goes to education.
By the time the free education policy was implemented, it would be closer to 30%, which puts education spending among the highest in the world, he said.
The prime minister assured that such heavy emphasis on education would not take money away from other priority government areas such as health, infrastructure and law and justice.
"We have the money. We just need to spend it right," he said.

Goroka girl having time of her life in San Antonio, USA

Caption: A proud ambassador for PNG... Goroka girl Serah Gahuno meets Rotary International president Ray Klinginsmith at the New Orleans Rotary International convention in May.-Picture courtesy of SERAH GAHUNO

By MALUM NALU

Goroka girl Serah Gahuno is having the time of her life in San Antonio, Texas, United States of America, as an exchange student at Providence High School.

The 18-year-old former Goroka Secondary School student is the first-ever exchange student sponsored by the Rotary Club of Goroka, District 9600 (which covers parts of Queensland, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea), for this unique scholarship.

"The Rotary District 9600 Youth Exchange Programme is designed to give young people aged 14-17 years with the opportunity to study overseas," explains Port Moresby-based Rotarian Rio Fiocco.

"The programme allows young people to develop their leadership potential and gain experiences that will assist them in forming their own values and moral standards.

"The program builds confidence, self-esteem and broadens one's cultural, social and academic horizons.

"Serah is being home hosted by various Rotarians in San Antonio, Texas.

"During her 12 months study in the USA, Serah has been visiting various Rotary clubs in Texas where she has been telling people about her country and her people's culture."

Gahuno is part Nagamiza and Kerefa villages in Eastern Highlands province, was born on Feb 7, 1993, and is the oldest and only girl in a family of three younger brothers – Emmanuel, Wayne and Abraham – as well as stepbrother Osbourne.

Her father is Raymond Gahuno and mother is Stella Gahuno.

Gahuno did her elementary school at Goroka Christian Academy in 2002-2003, primary at East Goroka Primary School in 2004-2008, and secondary at Goroka Secondary School in 2009-2010 when she was selected to go to the USA.

She remembers that last year, she was awarded the scholarship after it was awarded to her school, requiring students aged 16-18 to fill out a paper and then write a short essay on how much they knew about Papua New Guinea.

"Several of my class mates, plus other students,   filled out the application plus having our parents to sign the paper we handed in to the school's administration," Gahuno told me from San Antonio this week.

"Later that same day, my mum got a call from the Rotary Club of Goroka that I would attend an interview at the Bird of Paradise Hotel.

"It was not only me who went for the interview, but two boys from my school, so we were three altogether.

"In the interview, the Rotarians gave us few minutes to stand up and talk about what we know about Papua New Guinea and how we could tell other people about the country.

"They gave us few days to wait and then, again, my mum got a call that I finally won the scholarship.

"That's how I was told I would come to US.

"My exchange year is form 2011 to early 2012.

"It's a year's exchange."

San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the USA and the second-largest city within the state of Texas, with a population of 1.33 million.

It's a world away from home sweet home in 'kol peles' Goroka, however, Gahuno is enjoying every minute of it

"Well, San Antonio is one of the top cities in Texas with lots of beautiful attraction like Alamo Riverwalk," she says.

"It has the influence of mostly Mexican-American culture, which makes me love the TexMex food, especially tacos.

"I am attending a Providence Girls Catholic School, San Antonio, Texas.

"My thoughts of being an exchange student challenged me as to how well I can become a good ambassador of my country, and also helped me to improve my skills of communicating with people of different occupations, religion and people from different parts of the world.

"Being here in USA is very different to me and it makes me feel a lot different.

"When seeing things here, it makes realise how long I've been missing all these technologies, which I'm just now trying to explore.

 "Almost everything seems to be my first time experience!

"All I can say about the difference is, here is a developed nation as the world knows, and Papua New Guinea we are developing but I still love my country.

Gahuno says being an exchange student gives her the greatest opportunity to explore the world and also enables her to broaden her knowledge.

"Everyday, there is more to learn, see and talk about," she tells me.

"Being here in San Antonio, Texas, United States, was a surprise for me.

"I have met other exchange students from almost all parts of the world and that helps me to understand the diversity of people we are.

"One of the interesting facts is that while being here for my exchange year, it has been a great opportunity for me to be an ambassador of my country and to share the diverse culture PNG has.

"Everywhere I went, people thought I was from Africa, which sounded strange to me.

"When they asked me where I'm from, I told them I'm from Papua New Guinea but they couldn't figure out where exactly it was located,

 "I told them it was an island off Australia, and from there they started Googling and learned more about the country.

"This was the case not only with the Rotarians but also in the school that I attended, and families that I stayed with.

"Now I am glad at least people know where PNG is.
 
"One thing that I can never forget is carrying my country's flag at the Rotary International convention in May at New Orleans.

"That time was the first time in my life that tears fell from my eyes while walking with the flag in front of thousands of Rotarians from around the world.

"When I took my seat I said, 'Thank God here I am a Papua New Guinean carrying my own flag and not a representative'.
 
"Being here is a challenge for me as well as a stepping stone.

"Not because of what I've done but because of God's plan in my life.

"The things I see help me to think further beyond.

"Personally, I would like to thank my loving parents who are always there for me, my cheerful brothers, all my family, friends and most importantly to Goroka Rotary Club and its members, especially Lesley Ririka.

"Last but not the least, thanks to the 9600 Rotary District in Australia and my host club San Antonio Mission Trails in District 5840.  

"My words to young people of Papua New Guinea is Phillipians 4:13: 'I can so all things through Christ who gives me strength'."

Gahuno says she would love to continue college studies in the USA if given the opportunity.

"I would love to do my college here if I get a chance to and go into medical school," she adds.

"In the future, I would like to work in the medical field and help my own people.

"I have been set up by the Rotarians at the hospital so I can do hospital tours and I really love it.

 "Big thank you to Goroka Rotary Club and the Rotary International for their work of 'Service above Self'."

Wartoto: ‘I have nothing to hide’

By MALUM NALU

Kokopo businessman Eremas Wartoto (pictured above with his Fokker 50) today declared that he had nothing to hide about the K10 million he received from the government to help start his Travel Air company.

He said this after arriving in Port Moresby from Madang on a training flight on his Fokker 50 with his pilots, a day after its arrival from Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

The F50 is one of seven plans that Wartoto plans to bring in to Papua New Guinea.

However, shortly after talking with reporters on the tarmac at Jackson Airport, Wartoto was seen being questioned by police detectives before he flew back to Madang

The K10m has been the subject of much controversy lately, with accusations of foul playing involving Wartoto and former National Planning Minister Paul Tiensten.

"I won't waste time," Wartoto told reporters.

"I'm going straight into training and infrastructure.

"I have no shame in spending some of that money in training our pilots and our engineers.

"The (K10m) subsidy was given to me.

"I applied for it from the government through normal processes and I was given the money.

"I thank the government for that subsidy.

"Today, you can see how that subsidy is being spent.

"The money is auditable and traceable.

"The K10m is not about buying the plane – it's about the infrastructure."

Wartoto said his new airline would travel into remote areas of the country such as Maprik in East Sepik, Palmalmal in East New Britain and Kandrian in West New Britain. 

He also has plans to spend K150m on a new hangar in Madang and on setting up an aviation college.

"This is not about Eremas Wartoto," he said.

"This is about PNG infrastructure.

"This is about 200 national employees."

Wartoto said of the six additional aircraft to come, three would be from Malaysia on lease purchase while three would be from the USA on operating lease.

Asked about his move into aviation, he replied: "It's painful and the publicity doesn't help.

"I'll be based in Madang because that's the centre of PNG.

"Such an infrastructure drives development to the rural areas."   

Probe into 9-Mile clash under way

AN investigation is under way as police try to find those involved in the ethnic clash at the 9-Mile settlement on Sunday that left one dead and two injured, The National reports.
NCD metropolitan commander Supt Joseph Tondop said police had been deployed to the area to control and monitor the situation.
Tondop said they were investigating the clash and were collecting statements from eyewitnesses.
He said, hopefully, by the end of the week they would make some arrests.
Tondop said there were no major criminal incidences reported over the weekend other than the violent clash.
Assistant police deputy commissioner, Fred Yakasa, said incidences like the 9-Mile fight often tested our resolve to remain united and uphold the Christian values we cherish.
"Ours is a strong democratic nation with diverse cultures but yet so united," police said.
"Our Constitution and democracy are testimonies that God loves this country.
"From pre-colonial times to what we are today, we, through our Melanesian practices and customs, relate ourselves as one nation boasting a togetherness that never exists anywhere else in the world.
"PNG being a Christian country values love for one another as the fundamental tenet for all other forms of development.
"The greatest commandment the Lord Jesus Christ taught us: Love one another as you love yourself.
"So such ethnic clashes threaten our unity as one nation and adversely affect businesses."

LNG workers shut down operations at plant

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

HUNDREDS of workers protesting their working conditions and pay forcefully shut down operations at the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant site at portion 152 in Central yesterday, The National reports.
The disgruntled workers shut the main gates at 3am yesterday, blocking access by heavy and light vehicles into the construction site.
They had demanded for a review of the service outline agreement (SoA) which included K3.25 per hour, risk allowances, double time for public holiday work and yearly project bonuses.
Spokesman Mea Bromess Arua said construction had been going on for two years and the workers, mostly unskilled labourers, were being paid at an hourly rate of K3.25.
The SoA is an agreement between the landowner umbrella company, Laba Holdings Ltd, and ExxonMobil outlining the conditions and benefits for people recruited to work with sub-contractors during the construction phase.
"We want the management of Laba Holdings to address our grievances," Arua said
Another frustrated worker, Martin Ebogo, who claimed to be a former mine worker, said the LNG was a multi-billion-kina project but workers were under-paid.
 "We will not stop the project but they must review the SoA," he said.
He said even site supervisors and leading hands were underpaid.
Speaking to the workers, CCJV country manager John Bramley said there was an incident last week involving a sub-contractor, Red Sea, with its workers not getting their fortnight pay but that had been resolved.
He appealed to workers who were not paid to "go through the proper process through the workers' representative committee which will meet next Thursday".
"There are elements around who are not workers and the media who do not work on the site.
"This is our site and we will talk to you alone and not address it through the media," Bramley said.
"We need to get this site open and we will do whatever it takes to have this site remain open."
Laba Holdings chairman Raho Kevau said the K3.25 hourly rate was being addressed and that the company would be making representations to the national government to review the rates.
Kevau said the SoA rate was set by the national government and the developer without consulting Laba Holdings Ltd.
He said a newly-formed portion 152 association did not represent the landowners.
Kevau said there were elements with vested interest who were not legitimate representatives of the four impact villages trying to create problems and disharmony among the people.
"They are a bunch of rejects from the four villages who are here to cause problems for the employees.
"Laba Holdings is the legitimate umbrella company representing the 25,000 people who are shareholders through their four landowner companies."

UN takes stock of peace agreement

By STEPHANIE ELIZAH

A UNITED Nations delegation is in Bougainville to review the mission's role in the Bougainville peace agreement, which was signed 10 years ago, The National reports.
Resident coordinator of the UN mission in PNG David McLachlan-Karr is leading the week-long assessment team.
He said on arrival at Buka Airport yesterday that the UN and its development partners were proud of being part of the Bougainville peace process since 2001.
"After 10 years, it was a good time for the UN, the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the state to take stock of what had been achieved," McLachlan-Karr said.
"The mission is designed to be helpful, to position itself where it can provide substantial assistance and how we can support the aspect of the peace agreement."
After talks with stakeholders on the peace agreement tomorrow, the UN mission comprising New York-based UN officers from the Department of Political Affairs would lead a three-day peace-walk through the Numa Numa track from Wakunai, in East Coast Bougainville, to Torokina on the West Coast.
McLachlan-Karr said the walk would focus on youths.
"The 10 years of the peace process provides an opportunity for reflection with the youths to recognise not only their vulnerabilities but, especially, their strengths and the opportunities available," he said.
He said the peace-walk sought to draw attention to the resourcefulness of youths that should be maximised by the policy makers.
"It seeks to draw a special attention to the economic opportunities in Bougainville, especially tourism and employment potentials of the track."
Bougainville President John Momis will launch the peace walk with youths from South, Central and North Bougainville accompanying the UN delegation on the track.

Pagelio admits to OBE flaws

ACTING Education secretary Dr Joseph Pagelio has admitted to flaws in the reformed education system, saying the solutions are provided in the schools learning and improvement programme (SLIP), The National reports.
He told teachers in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands, that he had heard their grievances and was aware that the outcomes-based education (OBE) concept had brought about problems with infrastructure, logistics and overcrowding in classrooms.
Pagelio was speaking during the launching of vehicles for standards and guidance officers last Friday.
He said the Education Department had begun setting up school libraries, distributing students and teachers' books, implementing the technical and vocational education and training  (TVet) programme with the allocation of K11 million and setting up community colleges.
Pagelio said the purchase of vehicles and the commitment to build houses for the standards and guidance officers were necessary.
He said five houses for the officers would be built at the Pagelio village in Kagamuga.
Another 200 houses would be built throughout the country over the next 10 years.
The department was allocated K30 million in this year's budget and had submitted a K40-million proposal for next year's budget.
Local councillor John Wats also suggested the setting up of a university in Western Highlands.
He said land would not be an issue because locals were willing to give away their land for education.

LLG chiefs slam suspension of Morobe powers

By ELLEN TIAMU and RIGGO NANGAN

SEVERAL Morobe local level government presidents claimed yesterday that the national government has also withdrawn their province's financial powers, The National reports.
Morobe will be the second provincial government to have its powers suspended after East Sepik, although, no formal announcement had been made of the action taken against Morobe.
Deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah alluded to Northern and Enga facing similar fates while visiting Popondetta last week.
Wampar LLG president Peter Namus said the province had not received any notice from the auditor-general citing abuse of funds.
"Therefore, any withdrawal of Morobe's financial powers is unwarranted," he said.
Namus said the LLG presidents hoped cabinet was not reacting to allegations at the whims of certain national politicians.
He warned that the people would be the biggest losers if Morobe's financial powers were withdrawn.
He claimed no audit had been done on the provincial accounts and was suspicious of cabinet's action.
The conditions for a suspension of a provincial government would be warranted if the auditor-general had established that there had been an abuse of funds or if the minister (or special investigating committee) finds an abuse of power by the provincial government as stipulated by section 51 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments.
Based on the AG's findings, the National Executive Council (cabinet) then directs the province to take corrective measures to fix the anomaly or anomalies.
If this is not done, then, cabinet can withdraw all or any of the powers and functions, a process which the presidents alleged had not been followed.
East Sepik and Morobe provincial governments had their financial powers stripped by cabinet on Aug 12.
Morobe had filed legal proceedings in the National Court challenging the decision.

Kulang wins Kundiawa-Gembogl by-election

By ZACHERY PER

PNG Constitutional Democratic party candidate Tobias Kulang is the new member for Kundiawa-Gembogl, The National reports.
He is the first member of the newly-formed party and the last to be declared a member of the seventh National Parliament before next year's general election.
Kulang polled 12,038 votes at the end of elimination 41 to muster 51.145% of the total 23,537 ballots remaining, to be declared winner ahead of People's National Congress (PNC) candidate Peter Waieng who managed 11,499 votes (48.85%).
Kulang was declared the winner at 5.30pm yesterday by returning officer James Piapia.
Kulang picked up 2,118 votes from the 40th elimination of former MP Wagi Merimba who was fourth with 6,596 votes and surged to the top with 11,517 votes.
At the 41st elimination of another former MP Mathew Siune, Kulang picked up 521 votes to win the by-election.
At his maiden speech at the declaration, Kulang emphasised that he was among a new generation of leaders to lead the people to prosperity and salvation.
He promised to lead Kundiawa-Gembogl under a clear vision to set a new destiny for the people and steer them towards positive progress and rural development.
"I will do my best to serve with a vision to bring changes within these few months remaining before the general election."
Kulang said one of his priorities would be to fix the Kundiawa-Gembogl road.
He comes from Kegesulo at the foot of Mt Wilhelm.
Witnessing the swearing-in were Deputy Governor of Chimbu Teine Sogan, Simbu administrator Joe Kunda, Assistant Commissioner of Police Simon Kauba, Chimbu elections manager Steven Gore Kaupa, police, counting officials and PNG Electoral Commission staff.
Speakers commended the peaceful conduct of the candidates, supporters and the people of Kundiawa-Gembogl.
Kauba said the people demonstrated that they had matured, understood and respected the process of electing leaders.
"I commend police and the people, especially candidates and their supporters, for their good behaviour during the by-election process," he said.

Somare out of hospital

Caption: Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare with his son and Angoram MP Arthur Somare at the Raffles Hospital.-Picture courtesy of BETHA SOMARE

GRAND Chief Sir Michael Somare has checked out of Singapore's Raffles Hospital four months after he was admitted for open heart surgery, The National reports.
He was reported to have checked into an apartment in Singapore as his doctors had advised that he was not yet fit to travel back to PNG.
Sir Michael, who has been visited by a number of close friends, was served court documents in person last Friday at the Singapore Raffles Hospital in the presence of his son, Angoram MP Arthur Somare.
The service of the Supreme Court Reference, filed by the East Sepik provincial executive council, on Sir Michael was executed by Singapore-based lawyer Timothy Ng.
Sir Michael had been drawn in as a party to the court reference which sought to establish whether or not the election of Ialibu-Pangia MP Peter O'Neill as prime minister on Aug 2 was constitutional.
Sir Michael was admitted in April at Raffles where he underwent three heart surgeries.
He had been in intensive care for most of that time when his family announced to the nation that the Grand Chief would retire from active politics.
Christian congregations around the country have been praying for the devout Catholic and father-of-five ever since he was hospitalised.
During that time, he lost his position as leader of the National Alliance party and prime minister of PNG.

Residents urged to keep city clean

Caption: NCD Governor Powes Parkop (second right) demonstrating the proper way of using the bins. With him are Hardware Haus staff.

NATIONAL Capital District Governor Powes Parkop is urging everyone to look after the city by disposing of rubbish in public places.

Speaking at the opening of the Bank South Pacific Go Green campaign at Ela Beach yesterday, Parkop said keeping the city clean was a continuous challenge that everybody had to take up.

"It is up to the public to take good care of recreation facilities if they want to live a safe and enjoyable life in the city," he said.

The BSP 'Clean up Ela Beach' exercise was a success yesterday as staff of corporate organisations in Port Moresby turned out at the popular beachfront to promote safe and healthy living.   

Parkop launched rubbish bins on wheels donated by Hardware Haus.

The bins will be placed along the beachfront.

About 1, 000 people, including business executives, staff members and relatives, picked up rubbish along the beach.

They were given plastic bags and hand gloves to use.

The rubbish collected was later disposed of at the city dumps by NCD Commission contractors.

The initiative was to demonstrate to people that business leaders were committed to keeping the environment clean, green and healthy for all.

The exercise was a joint initiative by Hardware Haus and BSP's Go-Green campaign, and supported by other corporate houses.

The plan is to make the event an annual exercise on Sept 23 and 24.

Parkop condemns killing

NATIONAL Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has condemned yesterday's killing of a man at Sikirap Market in 9-Mile, Port Moresby, The National reports.

The man was John Sine Kaupa from Chimbu, who was the operations manager of Kuima Security Service.

He died from multiple bush knife wounds.

The fight left some critically-injured and properties burnt and was between two highlands ethnic groups.

Parkop said the main concern was the killing of a fellow human being in an alcohol-related violence.

 "I condemn the killing and appeal to the community to assist the police in bringing the perpetrators to justice," Parkop said.

He said the parties involved should respect each other and not let the violence escalate.

Parkop said the capital city was made up of different ethnic groups in the country and they should by now learn to live peacefully with each other.

"There are better ways to solve grievances. Resorting to fighting is not the solution. We have to learn to respect lives and properties," Parkop said.

He requested the relatives of the deceased to refrain from "pay-back killings".

Properties worth thousands of kina have been destroyed while opportunists and angry mobs looted trade stores at the scene.

The incident which happened yesterday morning has been what the NCD government strongly campaigned against in its bid to make the capital city safe and crime-free.

Police have already started investigations into the incident.

9-Mile violence leaves one dead

Caption: Two of the injured receiving treatment at the Port Moresby General Hospital.

Story and picture by JUNIOR UKAHA

A senior figure in the security business is dead and two other persons critically injured after they were ambushed and attacked by Tari settlers at Nine Mile yesterday, The National reports.  

John Sine Kaupa, the operations manager of Kuima Security Services (KSS), was hacked to death by bush knife wielding men from at around 6am after he went to inspect a company bus that was allegedly damaged by the settlers earlier that morning.

The deceased, who is the elder brother of Anthon Kaupa and Jacob Kaupa, who own Kuima Security Services and Pacific Corporate Security Services respectively, was killed at the Sigirap Market.

The killing turned into an all-out ethnic clash with close to 10 homes razed when relatives of Kaupa from Chimbu,  who live at the 9-Mile Ridge,  mobilised with Eastern Highlanders and attacked the Taris, who they said, were responsible for the death of Kaupa.

Eyewitnesses said the mob from Chimbu razed the buildings, including trade stores, and looted a number of Tari-owned trade stores.

Eyewitness James Apa said a group of men from Tari armed with bush knives, axes and metal rods,  chased Kaupa from the vicinity of the market to a residential area belonging to a Margaret Yakari and killed him.

Apa said the men then left his decapitated body in a nearby drain and fled.

Kaupa was chopped on the forehead, right knee, hand, foot and face.

Eyewitnesses from the 9-Mile Ridge area said trouble started when a Kuima Security guard,  identified only as Francis,  had a confrontation with a Tari man early that morning.

Eyewitnesses said Francis jumped on a 25-seater bus belonging to KSS and was heading for work when the bus was ambushed by a mob from Tari who were drinking beer at a trade store near Sigirap Market.

Community leader James Mogia said the bus, including the guards, were attacked by the men who smashed all windscreens.

Mogia said the guards then radioed Kaupa, who went with reinforcements to verify the matter but was attacked, resulting in his death.

Eyewitnesses said a pump action shot gun that was in the deceased's possession,  and which he used to fire warning shots to disperse the mob,  was taken when he was killed.     

Johnna Kaupa, another elderly man from Chimbu, who works a security guard with KSS, was chopped on the head when the Taris turned on the reinforcements that went to investigate and retrieve the damaged bus.

An elderly Tari man, Pori Walepa, was slashed on his back and left shoulder during the ensuing clash.

Lest we forget: Today is World Humanitarian Day

The General Assembly of the United Nations has designated August 19 as World Humanitarian Day, The National reports.

The day acknowledges and pays tribute to the 22 humanitarian staff that tragically lost their lives in Iraq in the massive bomb attack on the Baghdad Headquarters of the United Nations in 2003.

 It also honors all other humanitarian aid workers throughout the world who have lost their lives and safety in the aid of others, and those who continue to carry on this noble task and save the lives of others who suffer from natural catastrophes, wars and pestilence.

The word humanitarian is all about 'people helping people' without prejudice, but rather with willing hearts, care and compassion, and without expecting reward in return.

All around the world humanitarian workers help survivors of wars and natural catastrophes regardless of their race, nationality, religious or political beliefs.

Every year natural disasters and armed conflict affect millions of lives around the world, and often cause massive death and destruction.

We constantly see and hear in the news of world disasters, such as the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand and the current drought in the Horn of Africa. In 2011 in Papua New Guinea the Gulf, Madang, East and West New Britain and Central provinces suffered from severe flooding that affected many people and caused human suffering.

The cholera outbreak has also claimed hundreds of lives in Morobe, Madang, East Sepik, National Capital District, Central, Milne Bay, Gulf, Western provinces and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

People affected by natural disasters and conflicts are always in great need of immediate and long-term assistance to get on with the process of recovering their livelihoods.

They need more than comforting words - they need food, access to clean water, basic health services, a place for their kids to be educated, and the tools to help them quickly restore normalcy.

It is disheartening that, in some situations, humanitarian workers are victimised for the work they do helping people who need basic aid.

Sometimes, they are killed accidentally together with the people they were helping, but other times they are directly targeted, and this trend is on the rise around the world.

Whatever the reasons, the level of threats and number of deliberate attacks on aid organisations - our people, equipments and facilities - have risen dramatically.

In 2010 alone, 242 aid workers were killed, injured or kidnapped and the loss of assets through violence and rose.

 Conflict dynamics are changing.

While more and more people count on aid workers for their survival, getting that aid to people is, in some situations, becoming much more complicated.

Humanitarian assistance is manipulated by groups involved in conflict, or aid workers are prevented from delivering aid because one group or another wants to exert control.

Despite these dangers, humanitarian workers remain committed to meeting the needs of people and to saving lives.

We remember those who have served in emergencies in PNG in the past and appreciate their tireless efforts.

Many of them have sacrificed being with their families and loved ones to serve in humanitarian duties during the twin volcano eruptions in Rabaul in 1994, the drought in 1997, the Aitape tsunami in 1998, and the civil conflict in Bougainville and many other incidences over the past 10 years, which have had immensurable effects on homes, properties and the lives of Papua New Guineans throughout the country.

Today, we recognise the achievement of humanitarian workers and the diversity of where they work and what they do.

Making sure those humanitarian workers can access the people they are trying to help, while ensuring that those workers are protected and respected for what they do, must remain a priority. Helping those in positions of power to understand the basic principles which underline humanitarian work, and that these principles are founded in international humanitarian law, must continue and intensify.

Let us all acknowledge, respect and support our humanitarian aid workers, as they play a very important role in our society and world.

They save lives and help give others hope in times of adversity and the chance to live and enjoy life thereafter.