Papua New Guinea in the news, for all the wrong reasons

By SINCLAIRE SOLOMON in The National, Papua New Guinea’s No. 1 daily newspaper

 

PAPUA New Guinea made headline news this week in neighbouring South Pacific local media – but for all the wrong reasons.

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare started the media controversy after returning from Vanuatu to announce PNG’s support for the military dictatorship in Fiji.

The Opposition reacted immediately, saying Sir Michael had sent the wrong message to people in the region in supporting an illegal regime which was destroying parliamentary democracy in Fiji.

Then the Government used its superior numbers in Parliament to gag debate and questions being raised by the Opposition over an Australian property purchase by Public Enterprises Minister Arthur Somare.

The house is located at Trinity Beach, Cairns. Mr Somare explained he had to sell a property in Boroko to buy the house, and was servicing both mortgages.

PNG’s relations with its neighbours took another nosedive when The Solomon Star newspaper in Honiara reported that outgoing high commissioner Parai Tamei had women problems – one died in a vehicle he was in and another had smashed a back glass window of the high commission vehicle.

The newspaper reported that although police investigated, no one was arrested or charged.

Yesterday, Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Sam Abal said “appropriation action” would be taken against Mr Tamei if he was found to have breached public service laws.

If that was not enough, Indonesian patience was tested with continued claims by Sandaun officials that a PNG youth who was shot dead by Indonesian soldiers near the northern border in June was a Papua New Guinea citizen.

Jakarta maintained, for the second time yesterday, that the youth, Isac Psakor, was a native of Bewan in Keerom district and was recovering from gunshot wounds in a Jakarta hospital.

And the latest adverse publicity on high-profile PNG figures came out of Apia, Samoa, with the Samoa Observer newspaper claiming that Forest Minister Belden Namah had gone on a property buying spree.

Mr Namah’s lawyers have denied that the properties are his.

 

Man killed after Origin 3 game

By PATRICK TALU in The National, Papua New Guinea’s No. 1 daily newspaper

 

A YOUNG man was killed on Wednesday night at Hohola Two in Port Moresby, right after the third State of Origin game.

The deceased, identified as Adrian Joe, 23, from Rarai village, Bereina in Central province, was allegedly killed by a group of Highlanders after a fight erupted between two ethnic groups.

Witnesses yesterday told The National that a commotion started near a tucker shop operated by a Highlander (named), where people had watched the State of Origin game.

On hearing the commotion, a reserve police officer, who lives there, tried to enquire what was going on.

However, he was allegedly assaulted by two drunk relatives of the shop owner.

The witnesses said some youths from the other ethnic group (named) tried to defend the police officer against the shop owner and his wantoks, who subsequently left.

However, it was alleged that a few minutes later, the shop owner retuned with his mob and retaliated, ransacking homes, chopping down trees and chasing people.

The 23-year-old man, who was among the onlookers, tried to run away to his house just 100m from the scene but was chased and slashed.

The severely wounded man was taken to the accident and emergency ward at Port Moresby General Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The National saw that the body had sustained multiple knife wounds.

Neighbours who viewed the body yesterday described the killing as “barbaric”.

The reasons for the fight were not clear.

Witnesses said the commotion began right after the game.

It was believed that drunken supporters of the losing Queensland team were involved.

Three weeks ago, four people died after watching the second State of Origin game.

They included Dei MP Puri Ruing’s son and a relative, with both university students aged 21.

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare condemned a similar State of Origin-related killing.

Sir Michael said he was ashamed of the behaviour of the people when it came to State of Origin games.

Police yesterday apprehended a man and locked him up at the Boroko cell block.

The police forensic team is continuing with gathering evidence at the crime scene.

Attempts to get comments from NCD metropolitan commander Supt (Operations) Andy Bawa were unsuccessful.

Metropolitan commander Supt Fred Yakasa is believed to be out of town.

Japanese contribute USD 1.3 million to APEC climate change initiatives

Singapore, 17 July 2009 – With energy security and climate change emerging as two very real challenges to economic growth, Japan has contributed JPY 120,000,000 (approximately USD 1.3 million) to promote energy efficiency activities throughout the APEC region.

According to the Japanese Senior APEC Official, Makoto Shiotoa, “This sum is specifically directed toward the development and implementation of energy efficiency policies, goals and action plans in APEC economies.”

Such activities could include but would not be limited to: research of policies, practices and potential for energy efficiency improvement in APEC; vehicles for disseminating project outcomes; and the APEC Peer Review on Energy Efficiency, whereby efficiency policies are reviewed and compiled as a means of information-sharing.

“This fund is a very practical way to assist members to meet their commitments and maximise efficiency,” explains APEC Executive Director, Michael Tay. 

“The implementation of energy efficiency measures effectively pays for itself, through long-term reductions in energy costs.  Many APEC economies would therefore benefit by developing clear goals and action plans toward optimum energy efficiency.”

While the existing global crisis underlines the urgency of addressing climate change, initiatives are the result of commitments made by APEC Leaders in 2007.  The Sydney APEC Leaders’ Declaration on Climate Change, Energy Security and Clean Development states that “economic growth, energy security and climate change are fundamental and interlinked challenges” to the APEC region and emphasizes “the importance of improving energy efficiency by working towards achieving an APEC-wide regional aspirational goal of a reduction in energy intensity of at least 25 per cent by 2030 (with 2005 as the base year).”

To view the Sydney APEC Leaders’ Declaration on Climate Change, Energy Security and Clean Development in full, go to: 

http://203.127.220.67/etc/medialib/apec_media_library/downloads/news_uploads/2007aelm.Par.0001.File.tmp/07_aelm_ClimateChangeEnergySec.pdf

Japan’s contribution will be distributed through the APEC Support Fund, designated to enhance capacity-building activities.

For more information, contact:

Carolyn Williams at cdw@apec.org or at (65) 9617 7316

Anita Douglas at ad@apec.org or at (65) 9172 6427

 

 

Statement by the NASFUND Board on the burning down of the Burns Philp site

Date: 15 July 2009

 

As you are aware the historic downtown precinct known as the Burns Philp site was guttered by fire last Sunday night. Firstly let me say how fortunate we were, that there was no loss of life. The fire that ripped through the 5,000 square metre site covering nearly a city block is perhaps the worst fire ever in Port Moresby’s history. Sadly we have lost an icon that was the country’s most historic colonial building. The Board has resolved to do what ever it can to ensure that we preserve the Bell Tower and advice to date suggests that it remains possible. The adjoining walls however cannot be saved and now present a hazard to safety. They must be pulled down and application will be made after review by a structural engineer to pull the tops of the walls inwards.

NASFUND as you are aware purchased the precinct two years ago with the express purpose of long term redevelopment that would encompass preservation of the Burns Philp Building. We have over the last two years worked to lift fire and safety measures within the buildings and preserve the original Burns Philp buildings - of which we were two weeks off final restoration.

 

Some pertinent observations.

 

During that two year period, the Board has faced difficulties from a number of quarters in renovating the building. We were aware of regulatory authorities seeking kick backs before approving renovations. NASFUND and its contractor, Hornibrooks NGI refuse to entertain bribery as a means to “getting things done” and this was partly the reason we were faced with an unnecessarily long process in getting full approvals.

Secondly we have had a long drawn out process in trying to break the inherited contract signed between the previous owners and Tribal Den. They have used the district courts to frustrate the process unnecessarily and bolster a case which is in our view untenable. The Tribal Den proprietors have continually frustrated the renovation works and through “carelessness” on a number of times damaged the renovations that were carried out.

Thirdly, Tribal Den operated in a manner foreign to proper business practice. It was well known that girls known as “hostesses” (some allegedly under legal age) were operating in the night club; drugs and breach of trading rules were also common knowledge. Tribal Den refused to live up to its obligations under the Superannuation Act. The manner in which they operated appeared to be one of always “testing the system” – typical of an approach that was at the core of issues relating to the riots of a few months back. Of interest was that two of the people with involvement in Tribal Den have at some stage been deported. Essentially, their mode of operation is not what we believe the community expects nor should it tolerate.

Fourthly, NCDC officials on a number of occasions have warned that the building was a health hazard. We urged relevant authorities to issue notices and for them to seek court orders removing the tenants. Always, they backed off legal action and the issue would disappear. NASFUND could not take legal action as we were prevented by a court order vis-à-vis the lease dispute.

Finally, as only far back as ten days ago, NASFUND worked with NCDC officials to close the Tribal Den Hotel on the basis of;

 

1. Illegal internal constructions – Rooms and Ablutions (sanitary) areas not conforming to building standards
2. 24hr water leaks from the ablutions area damaging walls and adjoining space
3. Rotten timber
4. Inadequate lighting
5. Infestation of rats and vermin
6. Non provision of appropriate fire exits
7. Public nuisance including waste disposal and noise
8. Poor ventilation
9. Previous Hotel management obstruction of officials from entering the building – similar to that experienced by Hornibrooks and others in their dealings with Tribal Den.

 

NCD issued a notice of “Unfit for Human Habitation” on 7 July. Finally we had the tools to evict tribal Den without breaching the court order.

NASFUND and NCDC agreed to close the Hotel on Monday 13^th July at 7.00 am. To this end we sought co operation from the police and a security guard firm was employed to assist. NASFUND had engaged Hornibrooks NGI to brick up the site and Port Moresby Locksmith to change all locks.

This would then allow NASFUND to clear the building of illegal constructions, bring the adjoining building up to building board standards and stop illicit activities occurring in the precinct.

NASFUND having made arrangements for the building to be closed on Monday now finds that 12 hours before, the buildings including the hotel is guttered by fire. The precinct has been cordoned off and is now under the authority of the Fire Department who has commenced forensic investigations. Insurance assessors are also sending an investigatory team from Australia.

 

Questions by Members Answered

 

Question:          Was the Buildings insured

Answer:            Yes

 

Question:          Will NASFUND take a loss irrespective of insurance?

Answer:            Yes, estimated up to K4 million against NASFUND’s half yearly profit is K78 million

 

Moving Forward

 

As we come to terms with this new reality, the Board casts its eyes on the future of the site. We now have to turn loss and destruction into an opportunity. The Board is mindful of its obligations not only to its members but also to the community as a stakeholder. It is also mindful that as the leading PNG owned property developer at present, there are limits to further development by NASFUND as a single entity because of asset allocation restraints.

The following broad understanding has been resolved by the Board.

 

1. The destruction by fire of the sites now presents us with an opportunity to work in partnership in the renewal of Port Moresby Township in a way not seen before. It gives us both enormous scope and flexibility including open spaces and an arts application.
2. NCDC will be invited to be part of this city renewal.
3. If at all possible, the link to the past be preserved, meaning that the Bell Tower should be incorporated in any new developments.
4. The scope of the redevelopment will not include high rise type constructions, but medium density buildings with potential for restaurants and walkways.
5. The redevelopment will require joint venture partners suitable to NASFUND’s vision of a greater downtown Port Moresby.

Finally, NASFUND unreservedly apologizes for the inconvenience that has been caused by the byproduct of the fire including road closure and congestion. We will attempt to resolve these issues as quickly as possible. We also thank the Fire Brigade for their actions in ensuring protection of life and adjoining buildings and doing the best job possible under the circumstances.

 

For and on behalf of the NASFUND Board

 

John Jeffery

Chairman

 

 

Statement by Opposition Leader 15th July 2009 Carbon Trading and Office of Climate Change and Environment Sustainability

Mr Speaker

 

Our country has the world’s third largest rain forest.  We note and applaud the part Papua New Guinea is playing as a member of the Coalition for Rainforest Nations (CRN), a body set up to encourage the reduction of emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) and to convert forest assets into revenue without timber or other commercial exploitation.

At the same time, however, we note the paradox between these efforts and the very close connections between the Somare Government and timber companies, as well as the paradox between these efforts and our fiscal regime for forestry, and with logging practices throughout the country.  Paradox might, Mr Speaker, be seen to be a polite word for hypocrisy.

While the Opposition applauds the CRN initiative, we would like the PNG Government to give us more information about the CRN Secretariat – whether for example the PNG Government is contributing funds to the Secretariat, or whether any Secretariat staff are in any way connected to commercial transactions that the Government is entering for the sale of carbon credits from tracts of land in Papua New Guinea.

Of course climate change conferences are popular in 2009, but it would be hard for anyone (apart from perhaps our own Prime Minister) to match the globe-trotting of Kevin Conrad and Co – or indeed the theatrics they are performing.  Last week at Chatham House in London Mr Conrad attempted to defend what he called “irregularities” in PNG Government actions over REDD.

Mr Speaker, we note the alarming developments that have recently come to light in relation to premature carbon trading, and the most unusual agreements that the Government appears to be entering with a large number of individuals and companies to represent and trade carbon on our behalf, without proper scrutiny and without regulatory policy or legislation in place.

On behalf of the Opposition I wish to caution the Prime Minister and his Government and say that we trust that they will ensure that carbon revenue derived in respect of our country will be for the people, not for a few individuals or companies here or abroad.

I deliberately say “trust”, Mr Speaker, because if we are not careful, cowboys operating behind the scenes, using our name and wearing our cloak, will reap the lion’s share of carbon revenue.  Even Mr Conrad has admitted that, quote, “we had every carbon cowboy in the world descend upon Papua New Guinea and try to get a deal with landowners”.

Mr Speaker it appears that the Prime Minister and his henchmen, including the Minister for Planning and more recently the Director of the Office of Climate Change, have been hawking these potential assets around the world to all and sundry, including some of Mr Conrad’s “carbon cowboys”.

As far back as 2005, long before we had an Office of Climate Change, the PM and one of his kitchen circle were dabbling in carbon trading.   On 24^th October 2005, Hon Paul Tiensten, then Minister for Trade and Industry wrote to a company called Climate Assist (PNG) Ltd.

Mr Speaker it absolutely amazes me that a minister of state could sign such a letter as this to anyone.  The lack of policy or process reflected in and by the letter is astounding. 

I quote: 

“The Prime Minister has accepted that PNG has carbon credits and they are trad[e]able commodity.  The Prime Minister and I have accepted that Climate Assist (PNG) Ltd acts as brokers on behalf of the Independent State of PNG to buy and sell carbon credits.

 

The carbon credits have been assigned to Climate Assist (PNG) Ltd through our certificate and monetization that will finance designated projects within PNG.

 

Therefore, this letter sets to acknowledge the role of Climate Assist (PNG) Ltd and advise that the Government of the Independent State of PNG unconditionally guarantee[s] all actions undertaken for the monetization of these credits.”

 

In the years since 2005 Climate Assist (PNG) has been actively pursuing the deal it struck with Mr Tiensten.  It seems that last year, 2008, the PNG Office of Climate Change signed memos with Climate Assist and another company called Earth Sky, whereby these companies would advance $10 million to the Office of Climate Change in return for the rights to sell $500 million carbon offsets, retaining 20% for themselves.  Mr Speaker, that 20% is worth $100 million.

A search of Climate Assist (PNG) Ltd with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) reveals it to be a one dollar company based in Rockhampton with its sole director, Mr Gregory Corby, providing an address in Toowoomba.   We wonder what credentials this company has, Mr Speaker, to be appointed as broker for the state by the Prime Minister and Minister Tiensten.  We also wonder what connections it might have to associates of the Mirigini kitchen cabinet.

Recent media reports have revealed that another Australian company, Carbon Planet, last year advanced the Office of Climate Change $1.2 million.  This payment was reported by Carbon Planet in its 2008 financial statement to ASIC as quote “advance funding on [PNG] origination projects in the 2009 financial year”, that is, money which will be recouped from profits from PNG carbon trading.   

It is interesting to note that Carbon Planet says that it expects the voluntary carbon market to exceed $20 billion by 2012, just three years away.

As with Climate Assist, Mr Speaker, the Opposition wonders what connections Carbon Planet and its Chairman, Mr Jim Johnson have with the Prime Minister or the Prime Minister’s associates.

We also wonder why, when questioned about this payment by an AAP reporter, Mr Johnson would say so defensively (quote): “I am not explaining at all.  I am not having this conversation”.

We wonder what this payment was for, who this payment was made to, and what commitments either the Prime Minister or the Office of Climate Change has given to Carbon Planet in return for this money.

The three cases I have already cited Mr Speaker are not the only examples of premature carbon trading conducted by the Government.  Apparently last year, the Office of Climate Change authorized a Swiss based broker, South Pole Carbon Asset Management, to market 1 million tonnes of avoided carbon dioxide emission per annum from a PNG logging project based in the Sepik, April Salome.

A close relative of the Prime Minister is involved with yet another company, Pacific Carbon.  The media alleges the PM’s relative has been urging people in East Sepik to sign away rights to land for trading carbon to this company.

The Governor for Eastern Highlands brought more anomalies to light at the Regional Conference on Climate Change held in Goroka in May.  Hon Mal Kela Smith asked the Director of Climate Change why foreigners were controlling the millions of kina being poured into the Office.  He asked why the Office’s Advisory Board was demanding a percentage of income raised, rather than having a fixed budget like any other government agency.  He asked why a company based in the British Virgin Islands, Earth Sky, was being used as an agent, and who the real owners of the secretive Virgin Islands company were. 

Governor Smith drew attention to the checkered track record of Kevin Conrad in Papua New Guinea, and his close association with both the failed multi million kina POSF housing scheme (where K17 million disappeared, unaccounted for) and the demise of ANGCO, which resulted in PNGBC having to write off 35 million kina.  Understandably the Governor for Eastern Highlands was concerned about the financial probity of the Office of Climate Change.  Taking his lead, the Conference resolved to request the Public Accounts Committee to examine the Climate Change Office and the Auditor General to audit the books of the Office immediately.

To my knowledge neither action has yet taken place.

Not to be outdone by lesser known companies, Macquarie Bank seems to have also entered the arena.  Macquarie Bank has been in discussions with the Office of Climate Change, offering to broker carbon trade deals and retain 15% of profits.  If the voluntary carbon market turns out to be worth billions of dollars in the next couple of years, as predicted by a number of players, the Bank’s 15% would be very handsome income indeed.

And then we have the controversial Kumula Doso concession in Western Province.  Despite the ongoing court case over this concession between the Eco Forestry Forum on behalf of landowners and Rimbinan Hijau, it seems that Carbon Planet has hooked up with a company called Nupan PNG Ltd, to trade carbon credits in respect of this land - all sanctioned by the Office of Climate Change.  When asked why the Office had issued certificates authorizing such trade, the Director’s lame excuse was that the certificates – all 39 of them – were not real certificates, they were “samples”.

Mr Speaker, it is obvious that the whole situation in relation to carbon trading in our country is a complete and utter mess.  Instead of developing an appropriate policy and legal framework that ensures protection of the interests of landowners and the state, the Prime Minister, Ministers and the staff of the Office of Climate Change have been criss-crossing the globe, appointing “brokers” on who knows what terms, and basically selling people’s and national assets at whim.

Mr Speaker the Opposition wants to know whether Cabinet has approved all of these schemes.  We want to know what the purpose of these so-called advance payments is.  We want to know whether these monies were paid to Consolidated Revenue or directly to the Office of Climate Change or its agents.

If the funds have not been paid to Consolidated Revenue, we want to know how are they being accounted, and what authority the Office of Climate Change has to raise or to spend these funds.

Above all, we want to know why the Government is promoting all these deals, when there is no regulatory policy or legislation for carbon trading in Papua New Guinea.

Thank you Mr Speaker.

 

Rt Hon Mekere Morauta KCMG MP

 

Evidence of substantial efficiency gains seen in Papua New Guinea, according to analysts

Evidence of substantial efficiency gains seen in Papua New Guinea, according to analysts

 

 

Singapore, 15 July 2009 – “Papua New Guinea has made important progress in implementing the Bogor Goals,” says a team of independent analysts.

This statement was made in an external review of the economy’s ability to reach APEC’s Bogor Goals, presented to officials today.  Having reduced tariffs, says the team, will contribute substantively to Papua New Guinea’s ability to reach its commitments by 2020.

According to the same report, Papua New Guinea has made notable efforts in promoting liberalisation and facilitation in the services sector – most notably in telecommunication, legal, tourism and energy services. Progress has also been made in standards and conformance and customs procedures.  The team also applauds efforts to improve regulatory transparency and to combat corruption.

The Bogor Goals are that free trade and investment in the APEC region should be established by 2010 in developed economies and by 2020 in developing economies.

Peer Reviews are conducted by independent, external review teams on a rotating basis and draw from the information found in economies’ most recent Individual Action Plans, reports issued by the World Trade Organisation and academic studies pertaining to the economy under review. 

A synopsis of the Peer Review may be found at:

http://www.apec.org/media/2009_iapbrief_pnewguinea.html

The complete report will be made available at the close of the APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting on 19 July at: http://www.apec.org/media/2009_iap_pnewguinea.html

Photographs may be found at:

http://www.apec.org/apec/news___media/news_photos.html

 

For more information, contact:

 

 

Carolyn Williams at cdw@apec.org or at (65) 9617 7316

Anita Douglas at ad@apec.org or at (65) 9172 6427

 

 

How far have APEC economies come in achieving free trade?

Experts ask: How far have APEC economies come in achieving free trade?

 

Singapore, 15 July 2009 – APEC officials are currently considering progress of members in trade liberalization and facilitation.  Specifically, Russia, Papua New Guinea, Viet Nam and the Philippines will be subject to rigorous assessment of seventeen key policy areas affecting trade environments.

Similar exercises are conducted on a rotating basis as economies review and scrutinize the Individual Action Plans (IAPs) of their counterparts.  IAPs outline progress made toward achieving the goals set out in the Bogor Declaration of 1994.  This declaration established a target of free trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region by 2010 for developed economies and 2020 for developing economies; and these goals were adopted by all APEC economies.

To ensure consistent progress, the studies are conducted by independent review teams who also consider reports issued by the World Trade Organisation and studies published by experts who have also assessed the economies in question.  During the Peer Review session, findings and analysis are discussed openly among members and subsequently made available to the public.

Summaries of the four most recent IAP Peer Reviews conducted and cited here will be made available at the close of each peer review, respectively:

Papua New Guinea: http://www.apec.org/media/2009_iapbrief_pnewguinea.html (available today)

Philippines: http://www.apec.org/media/2009_iapbrief_philippines.html (available today)

Russia: http://www.apec.org/media/2009_iapbrief_russia.html (available today)

Viet Nam: http://www.apec.org/media/2009_iapbrief_viet_nam.html (available 16 July)

Complete reports will be made available on 19 July 2009 at:

Papua New Guinea: http://www.apec.org/media/2009_iap_pnewguinea.html

Philippines: http://www.apec.org/media/2009_iap_philippines.html

Russia: http://www.apec.org/media/2009_iap_russia.html

Viet Nam: http://www.apec.org/media/2009_iap_viet_nam.html

News photos will be available on the APEC website on the conclusion of respective peer reviews:

http://www.apec.org/apec/news___media/news_photos.html

 

For more information, contact:

Carolyn Williams at cdw@apec.org or at (65) 9617 7316

Anita Douglas at ad@apec.org or at (65) 9172 6427

 

 

Dream comes true

By ISAAC NICHOLAS in The National, Papua New Guinea’s No. 1 daily newspaper

 

THE Hela and Jiwaka people’s dream for their own separate provinces became a reality yesterday when Parliament voted 83-1 for the two new provinces to be carved out from Southern Highlands and Western Highlands by 2012.

The Southern Highlands will lose the gas-rich Hela region, while the fertile agriculture area that is Jiwaka will no longer be part of Western Highlands.

Provincial Affairs Minister Job Pomat said an interim administration would be in place for the two new provinces until the 2012 elections, after which they would have their own full administrations.

When the euphoria of welcoming the two new provinces dies down, the tough task of drawing their boundaries will begin.

In the oil and gas-rich Southern Highlands, it will be tricky which side of the boundary Kutubu, Moran, Gobe and even Juha gas field will be placed. Some of these people and their leaders may want to remain a part of Southern Highlands.

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, who pushed for the creation of the two provinces, drew praise from Highlands leaders from Enga, Western and Southern Highlands who turned out in force late yesterday for a joint media conference to welcome the birth of the two provinces.

Southern Highlands Governor Anderson Agiru said it was the greatest gift the Grand Chief could have given them in the twilight of his illustrious political career.

“Today is the date with destiny for Hela and Jiwaka,” Mr Agiru said. “I am very happy to be part of the National Alliance Government that has honoured its commitment.”

He said the Hela people had repeatedly said “no Hela province, no gas”, but the Prime Minister had delivered both the Benefits Sharing Agreement (BSA) and now the Hela province.

Mr Agiru stressed that Hela and Southern Highlands would grow up as two sisters and equally share the benefits of the PNG LNG project.

He said there would be no competition between them and praised all his nine Members of Parliament for supporting the move because the province was so huge, with a population of 600,000.

Mr Agiru thanked the National Alliance party, its coalition partners, Mendi MP Pastor Isaac Joseph and Opposition leader Sir Mekere Morauta.

He specifically mentioned Pr Joseph because even though his party leader did not vote for the Bill, he stood up to be counted.

National Alliance deputy leader for the Highlands, Don Polye, said it was an achievement for the Government that had worked for seven years to realise the creation of the new provinces.

He said a technical working team was put together during the last government, which visited and gauged the views of the people who strongly called for their own province.

He said with the “new provinces comes the challenge to have the administration on the ground, for good leadership and to bring socio-economic development to the people”.

Member for North Waghi and Western Highlands deputy governor, Benjamin Mul, although in Opposition, supported the Bill for a separate Jiwaka province.

Mr Mul said he flew in a delegation from his province to Port Moresby and they were in Parliament to watch “live” Parliament’s approval for the new Jiwaka province.

 

Rural Australian computer terminology

From PAUL OATES in Queensland, Australia

Rural Australian computer terminology

 LOG ON:                          Adding wood to make the barbie hotter.
 LOG OFF:                         Not adding any more wood to the barbie.
 MONITOR:                      Keeping an eye on the barbie.
 DOWNLOAD:                 Getting the firewood off the Ute.
 HARD DRIVE:                 Making the trip back home without any cold tinnies.
 KEYBOARD:                    Where you hang the Ute keys.
 WINDOW:                          What you shut when the weather's cold.
 SCREEN:                           What you shut in the mozzie season.
 BYTE:                                   What mozzies do.
 MEGABYTE:                      What Townsville mozzies do.
 CHIP:                                    A bar snack.
 MICROCHIP:                    What's left in the bag after you've eaten the chips.
 MODEM:                            What you did to the lawns.
 LAPTOP:                            Where the cat sleeps.
 SOFTWARE:                      Plastic knives & forks you get at Red Rooster.
 HARDWARE:                    Stainless steel knives & forks - from K-Mart.
 MOUSE:                              The small rodent that eats the grain in the shed.
 MAINFRAME:                  What holds the shed up.
 WEB:                                   What spiders make.
 WEBSITE:                          Usually in the shed or under the verandah.
 SEARCH ENGINE:         What you do when the Ute won't go.
 CURSOR:                          What you say when the Ute won't go.
 YAHOO:                            What you say when the Ute does go.
 UPGRADE:                       A steep hill.
 SERVER:                          The person at the pub who brings out the counter lunch.
 MAIL SERVER:             The bloke at the pub who brings out the counterlunch.
 USER:                               The neighbour who keeps borrowing things.
 NETWORK:                    What you do when you need to repair the fishing net.
 INTERNET:                    Where you want the fish to go.
 NETSCAPE:                    What the fish do when they discover the hole in the net.
 ONLINE:                          Where you hang the washing.
OFFLINE:                         Where the washing ends up when the pegs aren't strong enough.

 

Today's farm report

From PAUL OATES in Queenslands, Australia

The winter sun slowly burns the morning mist away and melts the frost on the grass as I deliver the cattle's molasses based lick. All through the paddocks there were thousands of dew drop covered spider webs  . Brrr.. it is definitely Polar bear weather, so we visited 'Seaworld' yesterday to watch the bears there.

Smouldering remains of the colonial Burns Philp building

 

 

End of an era in Papua New Guinea history

Original photo of the Burns Philp building from the period 1910-1920

Papua Hotel 1955

Moresby Hotel 1955

The burning down of the former Burns Philp building, a colonial icon in downtown Port Moresby on Sunday night, was indeed the end of an era.
It was quite tragic too as Nasfund, which owned the property, was planning to maintain this heritage building which played an important role in the development of Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea.
The building housed the Tribal Den nightclub, several shops including kai bars, an internet café and the National Narcotics Bureau office.
Joint Nasfund CEOs Rod Mitchell and Ian Tarutia said a statement would be forthcoming tomorrow after a board meeting.
“The Nasfund board will be meeting on Wednesday specifically to discuss the issue,” Mr Mitchell said.
“The chairman of Nasfund will make a statement after that meeting.
“Until then, we are unable to make comment although we express a deep sense of disappointment at the loss of this historical icon.”
Burns Philp was once the most-famous company in PNG and the Pacific, with stores in Port Moresby, Samarai, Lae and Goroka, among others.
As well as running all the major shipping routes between Australia and its neighbours, it also ran a huge network of integrated industries, shops and hardware for example.
Those who grew up in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s would remember the chain of ‘BP’ stores all over the country.
Last December, the former Burns Philp store in Lae was burned down, marking the end of an era in PNG’s second city.
The history of the Burn Philp building in Port Moresby goes back to 1891 when a store was first established in this colonial outpost, according to company history sourced from the internet.
James Burns had been running his shops in Queensland since 1867 but it was not until 1883 that Burns went into partnership with his former employee Robert Philp to form Burns Philp & Co.
In 1880, they had acquired the mail contract to run to Thursday Island and this was the beginning of an active interest in Melanesia and Polynesia which lasted until the late 20th century.
Over the course of these years Burns Philp and other companies which they held controlling interests in were intimately linked to the development of industry in the area.
In the 1880s, Burns Philp was involved in the labour trade which was known as "blackbirding" mainly at the behest of Robert Philp, who was also an aspiring politician but two official enquiries into conditions on board their ships the Heath and the Hopeful, coupled with a downturn in the sugar industry in 1886 led them to look for other ways of making money in Melanesia where most of the labour was recruited.
In 1891 they opened their first stores in New Guinea at Port Moresby and Samarai, setting in motion a brilliant Australian company.
They were the first company to offer tourism to New Guinea, in 1884, advertising the 'New Guinea Excursion Trip'.
This consisted of a five-week trip from Thursday Island and has been described as the "official beginning of tourist cruises in the South Pacific".
Acquisition of the Port Moresby Hotel occurred in 1914, with the Papua Hotel purchased some years later.
Burns Philp went out of existence on December 20, 2006, when all its shares were purchased by Rank Group Australia Pty Ltd
In 2007, Nasfund purchased 51% of the Burns Philp site in downtown Port Moresby.

In 2008, it purchased the remaining 49% comprising 5,191 square metres over six titles. “Maintenance of heritage buildings is important to the city of Port Moresby,” Nasfund said in its June 2009 newsletter.

“It was deemed important that the most-important redevelopment site in Port Moresby be owned by Papua New Guinean workers through their fund.

“Any long-term redevelopment will ensure that the historic Bell Tower section will remain preserved as the Tower is perhaps the most historical building in the country, dating back to the early 1900’s.

“As part of the restoration, a further 950 square metres of disused space will be upgraded for lease to the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Daltron.”

All these plans, infortunately, went up in flames on Sunday night.

Icon destroyed

Caption: A firefighter trying to put out the fire on the roof of Tribal Den nightclub. On the right is the tower undergoing renovations by Hornibook PNG – Nationalpic by Henry MorabangA

 

Burns Philp building razed within two hours

 

By PATRICK TALU in The National, Papua New Guinea’s No. 1 daily newspaper

 

The former Burns Philp Building, a colonial icon in downtown Port Moresby, was gutted by fire last night.

The building housed the Tribal Den nightclub, several shops, including kai bars, an internet café and the National Narcotic Bureau office.

The building was recently purchased by Nasfund.

Eyewitnesses told The National the fire started around 7pm, and by 9pm, the building was burnt to the ground.

The fire service arrived at the scene but could do little. But they managed to prevent the fire from spreading to the Westpac Bank.

The cause of the fire is not known.

An employee of a firm that operated the internet café said he believed the fire started in one of the offices at the top floor.

The firemen responded quickly but could not contain the fire as the building was too wide and the fire had spread from the middle of the building.

The winds, blowing briskly towards Fairfax Harbour, ensured the fire spread quickly.

The firemen tried their best to put out the fire but tackling the inferno from only one side was a lost cause as the fire had already spread all over the building, making it impossible for the fireman to contain it.

As the flames spread towards the Westpac Bank building, which was adjacent, firemen fought hard to prevent the flames from engulfing the bank.

Chief of PNG Fire Service Isaac Silas, who was at the scene, said he could not make any comments yet as it was too early to determine the cause of the fire.

Some opportunists tried to take advantage of the situation to loot shops but police were on guard.

Residents from downtown, who were there to witness the scene, described the building as one of the iconic and oldest buildings from the colonial period.

They said it was built almost the same time as the Papuan Club, which was burnt down in the late 1960s.

In 2007, Nasfund purchased 51% of Burns Philp and purchased the remaining 49% last year. The site comprised 5,191 square metres over six titles.

The fund wanted to redevelop the site for historical reasons. It wanted to ensure that the Bell Tower section would remain preserved because the tower was perhaps the most historical building in the country, dating to the early 1900s.

 

New Lae property sets benchmark for the future

The new K50 million development on Second Street in Lae (pictured)  is destined to set a new standard for quality and excellence in the Lae property market once it is completed by mid 2011.
The building, 100% owned by the largest superannuation fund, Nambawan Super Ltd will comprise of basement car parking, five levels of high quality office/commercial space and two penthouse levels of premium residential space.
Contractor is Lae Builders and Contractors, architect is Pacific Architect Consortium (PNG) Ltd Project managers  is Point Project Management, Civil and structural engineers is Kramer Group, and services engineers is M&E Partnership Ltd.
“Nambawan Super Limited has realised that the continued growth and prosperity of Papua New Guinea relies on the creation of suitable buildings and facilities,” said managing director Leon Buskens.
“Both Port Moresby and Lae are currently lacking office and residential accommodation as evidenced by the high rental rates being paid. 
“As part of a wider investment strategy, Nambawan Super Limited is in the process of constructing a number of ‘landmark’ buildings including the new Lae ‘Top Town’ Building; an affordable housing development at Eight-Mile in Port Moresby and a multi-storey mixed commercial / residential building in Port Moresby CBD.
“All these projects provide a balance between responsible investment in PNG’s future and solid returns for members of the fund.”
Lae Builders and Contractors Limited (LBC) has been awarded the construction contract for the ‘Top Town’ building and will employ 220 people from around Lae and PNG for approximately 2.5 years while the job is progressing.
Skilled employees will range from programmers and health and safety officers to electricians and bricklayers.
“Mike Gibson is the commercial and contracts manager for LBC and it is his responsibility to coordinate all the various work packages,” Mr Buskens said.
“Most material for the building is being manufactured locally by Lae Builders, which adds a second tier of investment into the local economy.
“For instance, LBC has commissioned its own concrete batching plant and concrete beam manufacturing facility.”
Only recently, LBC chairman, Sir Bob Sinclair, presented an overview of the construction techniques involved with this complicated structure to building students at the University of Technology in Lae. 
“The project will provide a valuable ‘real world’ learning tool to the construction professionals of the future,” Mr Buskens said.
“The total cost of the project is approximately PGK 50,000,000 and completion is expected in mid 2011.
“As part of the project, Nambawan Super will be investing in local infrastructure such as electricity sub-stations.
“The building will also be a step into the future for PNG.
“The design team has worked hard to ‘future proof’ the building by incorporating features such as energy-efficient chillers, energy-efficient lighting, high quality glazing that limits energy loss, low water bathroom appliances and sun hoods to limit temperature rise caused by solar heating.
“In addition, the building has the latest fire safety systems including an independent tank for fire water supply.
“Ease of maintenance has also been a major consideration to ensure that the building maintains its status as the prime address in Lae for many years.
“The stunning design by Pacific Architect Consortium of Port Moresby offers a choice of    one or three-bedroom apartments or commercial space with a floor plate of up to 900 square metres.
“The positioning of the building on ‘Top Town’ hill guarantees spectacular views of both the Finisterre Ranges and the Huon Gulf.
“It is expected that the new ‘Top Town’ building will be the first in a long line of developments that will reinforce Lae’s position as a major city within the region.                                               “Nambawan Super Ltd has engaged the services of Point Project Management who are based in the offices of Rumbam Engineers in Port Moresby.
“Point will be working with prospective tenants to ensure the facilities are fit for purpose and can drive business success right through the next decade.”
•       For further information about the building or for prospective tenancy information please contact Justin Parker on justin.parker@pointpm.com.au  

Record prize money offered by University of Goroka for art awards

Ms Sally Watson of New Guinea Fruit Company and UOG chancellor Peter Baki (CBE) Chancellor standing under the banner to officially launch the Live Lave Art Awards competition last Wednesday night.Picture by KATE GUNN of UOG

Art in Papua New Guinea has entered a new dimension with the launching of the Live Lave Art Awards.
The competition was formally launched on campus at the University of Goroka (UOG) last Wednesday.
In a first for UOG, a total prize pool of over K20, 000 will be offered for winning entries in the Live Lave Art Awards competition for 2009.
The competition will be the highest-ever paying of prizes for art awards in Papua New Guinea.
The Live Lave Art Awards is jointly sponsored by the New Guinea Fruit Company and UOG, and is a competition for artworks in three different media: painting, printmaking and innovative craft sculptural form.
First prize for the painting category is a record K10, 000, while second prize is K5, 000.
New Guinea Fruit Company, a Goroka-based business specialising in locally-made fruit drinks and other fruit products, moved to support the arts at UOG through donating K36, 500 to support the Live Lave Art Awards competition.
Acting vice chancellor of the UOG, Associate Prof Michael Mel described the evening as “a special occasion for many of us…as many things make UOG unique from its other sister universities and the development of culture is one of these factors”.
Prof Mel said the art awards had become an annual event at UOG after its initial conception during the Goroka Coffee Festival in 2008.
He said that this year’s art awards were a “private and public collaboration between New Guinea Fruit Company and UOG to support and collect culture in its various artistic forms”.
New Guinea Fruit Company representative Ms Sally Watson, who attended the evening, said sponsoring art had been an idea of the company’s for the last few years and of great interest to them.
She said it was a pleasure to be involved as it “is important to preserve art for the future” especially for our children’s sake.
The programme for the evening included guests touring an exhibition of entries from last year’s competition acquired by the UOG; witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between UOG and New Guinea Fruit Company and the official launching of the Live Lave Art Awards by UOG chancellor Peter Baki and Ms Watson representative of New Guinea Fruit Company.
Mr Baki said the loss of culture equaled the loss of a nation.
“The future is redesigned and rewritten, with UOG’s support for culture, starting tonight,” he said.
The launching saw a good turnout from corporate friends and staff of UOG, including council members, who were happy to support UOG and sample products from New Guinea Fruit Company.

EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE OVER 50

From PAUL OATES in Queensland, Australia

 

This seems a little daunting to start with but if you apply yourself you may find that it's not as difficult as you think.
Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side.
With a 5-kg potato sack in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full
minute, and then relax.
Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer.
After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-kg potato sacks.
Then try 25-kg potato sacks and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 50-kg potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. (I'm at this level.)
After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each sack.
 

Wattle bark

From PAUL OATES in Queensland, Australia

Australia's National floral emblem is the Golden Wattle (top picture) ,  however,  I think the Cootamundra Wattle (second picture)  is spectacular. Wattle trees flower in winter and it's heavy 'nutty' perfume fills the air.

BTW - Does anyone know how you spell Wattle bark in three letters?