'Reveal names'

Somare to refer The National to privileges committee

 

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

 

Public Enterprise Minister Arthur Somare wants the names of the politicians who are allegedly behind the escape of suspected bank robber William Nanua Kapris and 11 others to be revealed in Parliament, The National reports.

Mr Somare yesterday threatened to use Parliament to force The National to reveal the names of the three politicians allegedly involved with the top bank robbery suspect.

The Angoram MP gave notice that he would move a motion today in Parliament for the newspaper to be summoned before the Parliamentary Privileges Committee to reveal the name of one MP and two ministers alleged to have funded Kapris’ escape as well as benefited from the proceeds of his crime.

He said the reporter who wrote the story and the newspaper should be hauled before the committee to provide names.

Deputy Speaker Francis Marus, in response, said he would advise the minister after considering the matter.

Mr Somare’s move came after questions were raised during Question Time by Bulolo MP Sam Basil.

Mr Basil said newspaper reports on the front page of The National yesterday and in previous weeks have allegedly accused MPs of assisting criminals carry out their activities.

In his questions to Attorney-General and Justice Minister Dr Allan Marat, Mr Basil asked if the report was true and, if not true, could the minister asked the newspaper not to publish these reports.

He said if the report was true, could Dr Marat ask the newspaper to publicise the names of the MPs allegedly involved.

Mr Basil said the integrity of Parliament and MPs have been called into question by such reports, drawing a round of applause from the public gallery.

He had to repeat the question after Dr Marat sidetracked and started talking about Parliament security.

The minister, however, denied any knowledge of these rogue “politicians”.

The National reported yesterday that Kapris had told police after his capture that three politicians funded his escape from Bomana jail on Jan 12.

He also revealed to police how much he paid each of the “politicians” from the robberies he staged, and that he feared he was a “marked man.

 

 

Police pistol found on Kapris: Sources

THE .38 caliber pistol found on bank robber William Nanua Kapris at the time of his arrest was "a pistol belonging to the police department" according to police investigations, sources have revealed, The National reports.

Kapris told police interrogators that he had bought the weapon off the streets at Boroko where he was dropped off, and had spent some nights at a guest house there after his escape.

Kapris said he had trekked down from the Sogeri Plateau where he and his gang of 11 prisoners were driven to after they were sprung from jail by a female "lawyer" named "Helen".

Upon reaching Tubuserea, Kapris said he had hitched a ride into Port Moresby and was dropped off at Boroko.

While there he bought the firearm from a "strit mangi", he told police.

He later took a taxi to a lodge at Gordon where he stayed for three nights before he was arrested on Feb 6.

On Feb 9, Kapris appeared in court and pleaded guilty to being in possession of an unlicensed firearm, contravening section 27(1)(a) of the Firearms Act Chapter 310.

He told the Boroko District Court then that the weapon was for his own protection against rogue "politicians" who were involved in the case.

The matter involving the .38 caliber pistol was adjourned to March 16.

 

 

Sir George murder suspect arrested

ONE of the suspects involved in the murder of businessman Sir George Constantinou in December 2008 was caught by police yesterday, The National reports.

During a routine patrol in the Tete settlement on the outskirts of Gerehu in the NCD, police nabbed Kevei Paul, 16, of Tapini in Goilala, Central province, who was taken by surprise.

Paul dropped to the ground when police fired a warning shot.

Paul has been on the run for over a year after his name had was released to police by prime suspect Joe Auki, who reportedly released all other names in connection with the killing of Sir George.

Auki, also from Tapini in Goilala, was only recaptured by police last month after escaping from Bomana jail last year.

Gerehu police station commander Insp Steven Kapera said yesterday police were on their routine patrol and on the look-out for suspects in the area related to the murder when they spotted Paul.

Insp Kapera said as a first time offender, they did not have a picture of Paul but had his name.

Paul was also on the NCD police homicide unit’s “hit list”.

Insp Kapera said eight suspects were involved in the murder of Sir George.

 So far, Paul was the fourth suspect to be arrested.

 

Local bourse expands 70% in '09: Yates

 Growing confidence from business sector

 PAPUA New Guinea’s local investment market grew by more than 70% last year, indicating a growing confidence from  the business sector in the domestic marketplace.

Kina Securities Ltd (KSL) said yesterday in its March bulletin the Port Moresby Stock Exchange (POMSoX) achieved a market capitalisation of K50 billion last year.

This compared with its capitalisation of K29.4 billion in 2008, representing an increase of more than 70%.

KSL chief executive Syd Yates said this showed the PNG local investment market was continuing to expand strongly.

Mr Yates said the substantial growth of the investment figures in the 12 months when the world was recovering from the most severe financial crisis in 60 years, was indicative of the growing confidence from the business sector to look towards PNG for their long-term development and exploration initiatives.

“It clearly indicates that investors are keen to support their local major enterprises and have confidence in the domestic marketplace.

“Historically, PNG investors were forced by lack of a local alternative to invest through international channels,” he said in the bulletin.

Mr Yates said while there was record overall growth of the POMSoX, there were however, fewer transactions completed when compared to the previous year as the global economic crisis continued to impact on investor and consumer confidence worldwide.

Last year, there were a total of 6,182 equities transactions on the POMSoX, compared to 8,240 recorded in 2008.

Similarly, the average number of daily transactions also dropped from 33 in 2008 to 24 last year.

He said consistent growth of the POMSoX across a period of more than 10 years was a strong indication that locally-based operations remain high on the radar of investors within PNG and across the world.

“The POMSoX will continue to play a key role in the economic recovery process, providing local and international investors with an opportunity to become directly and financially involved with some of the leading development and exploration projects currently taking place throughout PNG.”

Since its inception more than 10 years ago, PNG’s domestic stock exchange has continued to move from strength to strength to the point where it now regularly provides investors with returns that are consistent with, if not better, than other major financial indices across the world, the KSL CEO said.

PNG, Taiwan ink LNG deal

THE PNG liquefied natural gas (LNG) project has signed off its last 1.2 million tonnes per annum (mta) of LNG to China Petroleum Co PNG-Taiwan LNG deal, The National reports.

Esso Highlands Ltd, operator of the US$15 billion (K40 billion) LNG project, signed the 20-year sales deal with the Asia-Pacific LNG customer, last of the four LNG customers for the total 6.6mta to be produced when the project exports its first cargo in late 2014 or early 2015. 

Esso Highlands Ltd is a subsidiary of ExxonMobil Corp.

“This important agreement with CPC will deliver a reliable supply of cleaner-burning natural gas to meet Taiwan’s growing energy demand and begin a new and lasting relationship between Taiwan’s largest energy importer and PNG’s first LNG project,” Ron Billings, vice president, LNG, ExxonMobil gas and power marketing, said.

Second major partner Oil Search Ltd’s managing director Peter Botten said: “The PNG LNG project is now fully contracted for the entire plant capacity, and the way is clear to move forward to financial close.”

Mr Billings said: “It also marks a significant step forward for the PNG LNG project. With this SPA, all of the project’s production capacity has been committed on a long-term basis.

“We are now looking forward to the finalisation of the financing arrangements with lenders which is expected in the first quarter of 2010.”

CPC Corp is the largest energy importer in Taiwan.

The previous three SPAs signed last year (2009) were with Japan’s Osaka Gas Co Ltd, for 1.5mta of LNG on Dec 22; with Tokyo Electric Power Co Inc (Tepco) for 1.8mta of LNG on Dec 7; and on Dec 3 with Unipec Asia Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Petroleum & Chemical Corp (Sinopec) for 2.0mta of LNG.

(CPC) Taiwan.

Esso Highlands Ltd, operator of the US$15 billion (K40 billion) LNG project, signed the 20-year sales deal with the Asia-Pacific LNG customer, last of the four LNG customers for the total 6.6mta to be produced when the project exports its first cargo in late 2014 or early 2015. 

Esso Highlands Ltd is a subsidiary of ExxonMobil Corp.

“This important agreement with CPC will deliver a reliable supply of cleaner-burning natural gas to meet Taiwan’s growing energy demand and begin a new and lasting relationship between Taiwan’s largest energy importer and PNG’s first LNG project,” Ron Billings, vice president, LNG, ExxonMobil gas and power marketing, said.

Second major partner Oil Search Ltd’s managing director Peter Botten said: “The PNG LNG project is now fully contracted for the entire plant capacity, and the way is clear to move forward to financial close.”

Mr Billings said: “It also marks a significant step forward for the PNG LNG project. With this SPA, all of the project’s production capacity has been committed on a long-term basis.

“We are now looking forward to the finalisation of the financing arrangements with lenders which is expected in the first quarter of 2010.”

CPC Corp is the largest energy importer in Taiwan.

The previous three SPAs signed last year (2009) were with Japan’s Osaka Gas Co Ltd, for 1.5mta of LNG on Dec 22; with Tokyo Electric Power Co Inc (Tepco) for 1.8mta of LNG on Dec 7; and on Dec 3 with Unipec Asia Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Petroleum & Chemical Corp (Sinopec) for 2.0mta of LNG

 

LNG plan offers farmers new deal

 Caption: Mr Parindali (left) looking through the documents while Mr Ingram signs the others.  – Nationalpic by SHEILA LASIBORI    

 By SHEILA LASIBORI    

THE new roads and airstrips being constructed for the PNG liquefied natural gas (LNG) project will give market access to primary agriculture produce.

But a lot of the hard work will be done by local Papua New Guineans, according to Mark Ingram, chief executive of Business for Millennium Development (B4MD).

Tonight in Port Moresby, B4MD signed a deal with Hides Gas Development Corp (HGDC), a landowner company.

“What the LNG project provides is a way to finally get market access … so with market accesses, you can now create an economy for the people.

“The benefit of profits will go directly to the farmers.”

HGDC chairman Libe Parindali and Mr Ingram signed the deal targeting women and children in resource-rich Southern Highlands.

It paves way for the creation of Southern Highlands Produce Ltd, a joint venture between B4MD and landowners.

Mr Ingram also said: “Southern Highlands Produce brings together a group of Australian international companies working in partnership with the communities of Southern Highlands to create a community based fresh produce company”.

Oil Search managing director Peter Botten acknowledged B4MD for its efforts and others who wanted to help and contribute to dealing with millennium development goals (MDGs).

Oil Search is a member of B4MD and it will help seek seed capital for SHP-based produces.

Under the arrangement B4MD would provide necessary expertise, tools and support for SHP from various members to assist with the running of the company.

 

 

Familiar situation

From PAUL OATES

This report sounds terribly familiar for some reason.

http://www.probeinternational.org/foreign-aid/chinese-investment-good-africans-depends-who-you-ask

Papua New Guinea does not need extra ministers: Morauta

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare’s proposed constitutional amendments to increase the number of ministers from current 28 to 33 is a naked and badly camouflaged strategy to capture numbers to protect his scandal-plagued government remain in power, the Opposition lashed out today.
And, Leader of Opposition Sir Mekere Morauta urged concerned citizens to challenge Sir Michael to explain how the nation will benefit from extra ministries, which will cost the nation’s taxpayers millions of kina.
Sir Mekere explained that five additional ministers will cost PNG taxpayers a minimum of 3 million kina more in salaries, allowances and staff costs. This excludes office rent and office support costs, and the support that departments and agencies inevitably end up providing to ministers.
“Somare is looking for numbers not Ministers. He knows that when the constitutional reference on the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates is handed down, his chance of survival will be reduced. This is a move by a desperate person to cling onto power through an ill-conceived constitutional change,” Sir Mekere said.
Sir Mekere said that the timing of this announcement was revealing, because it confirms the point that this is a move purely to anchor Sir Michael in power.
“The people of Papua New Guinea do not need more ministers. People need more and better quality schools, health centres, affordable and reliable transport, and improved telecommunication services. That is what Somare should be providing, not burdening the public with the cost of more ministers.
“Is the Prime Minister blind? Is he so insensitive and intoxicated with power that he cannot see what the nation and the people need,” the former prime minister asked.
“PNG does not more ministers. PNG does not need a K130 million executive Falcon jet for exclusive use by the Prime Minister. We need that K130 million to repair classrooms, teachers’ houses, health centres and staff housing, trains new teachers and health officers, repair and buy new life-saving medical equipment as well as repairing fast deteriorating inter and intra provincial roads.
“The Falcon jet is already being used as a mini bus. How many millions will the government spend to operate and maintain the mini bus. Can he tell the people of PNG? I am told that the figure is around K35 million a year, for maintenance and operational costs. Please tell us.”
Sir Mekere said: “Papua New Guinea needs a change. A change of Government to put in place a new, capable and disciplined Government to tackle head-on existing and growing problems and challenges faced today and in the future”.
“The objective of the move to increase ministries is simple – to get a number to support him to stay in power. That being so, why doesn’t he amend the constitution to increase the number of ministries to 55, so that he is quarantined for life in power?”
“That will stop him trying to poach members from other parties, including my party and others in the Opposition,’ Sir Mekere said.

Carbon trade is 'cargo cult' says Forest Minister

BY KEITH JACKSON

PERHAPS stung by allegations that it had gone soft on self-proclaimed ‘carbon traders’, the Post-Courier today publicised comments by Forest Minister Belden Namah that “carbon trade is a cargo cult”.

Mr Namah reiterated that at present there is no legal framework for carbon trading in PNG, and there is no guarantee that carbon trade could bring in the tangible development and services.

In a statement that will shock conservationists, however, he said logging will benefit the local people more than carbon trading.

The people of Pangia should be proud their timbers will be used throughout PNG, he said.

However, some landowners expressed disappointment that procedures had not been followed by the National Forest Service and urged their leaders not to sign away their timber rights.

Governor Anderson Agiru supported the project but urged the Forest Service to ensure that landowners to one day become developers in their own area.

 

MS Columbus arrives in Madang

MS Columbus docking in Madang on yesterday with 143 mainly German passengers

Of these, 41 took a flight to Madang on chartered Dash 8 aircraft, remainder undertook sightseeing tours around Madang.

 The expedition ship is owned and operated by Hapag Lloyd which operates to smaller ports than the larger ships in the Hapag Lloyd fleet and on this occassion it arrived in PNG from the Solomon Islands and has already visited Rabaul. Wesley

Hatan, a senior member of Melanesian Tourist Services staff travelled aboard the vessel to assist in the coordination of sightseeing at the various ports in PNG.

The Columbus visited Port Moresby in 2009 and is exprected to return in 2011.

According to Wesley Hatan, the excusions have operated well, passengers have been satisfied with their visit to PNG with minor delays in Rabaul due to road conditions and this morning, fod in Goroka which delayed the aircraft arrival.

The ship departs for Wewak on Monday then onto Manila to continue their world cruise.

Politicians funded escape

Kapris names 3 politicians in shocking tell-all

 IN a shocking tell-all, suspected bank robbery William Kapris has reportedly told police that three politicians funded his escape from the Bomana prison as well as his criminal activities.

Kapris, who described himself as a “marked man” during the questioning, is said to have named the three politicians along with some prominent leaders and businessmen.

Sources told The National that apart from financing his escape from Bomana prison on Jan 12 with “a few hundred thousand kina”, these people had also allegedly funded Kapris’ criminal activities, including three high-profile robberies involving millions of kina.

Kapris told police he knew he was a marked man because of the “damaging” information he held.

“He said the ‘leaders’ were deeply involved,” a source told The National.

Kapris also alleged that a “black bank” located in Port Moresby’s Gordon suburb was also involved.

He claimed the “black bank” was operated by a Chinese man who had links to Singapore.

During the interrogation, Kapris gave specific details on how he and his accomplices robbed the Metals Refining Operations (MRO) of 13 gold bullion bars (each worth about K2.5 million), the Kerema BSP of about K800,000 and the Madang BSP of about K2.4 million.

The three politicians were allegedly paid about K350, 000 each for the Madang BSP robbery and another K40, 000 for the Kerema job.

Kapris himself got about K60, 000 to organise and fund the Madang robbery.

He said all were “inside jobs” and that there were no hold-ups, no kidnaps, and no guns involved in any of the three cases.

He said the “insiders” opened the safes and handed the loot to his gang.

The gold bars were allegedly disposed of by the operator of the “black bank”.

Kapris said the loot was hidden away for safekeeping and later distributed among themselves and their “financiers”, including the politicians and insiders.

He claimed he was planning to travel with the man to Singapore on Dec 2, 2008, when he was arrested.

Kapris is expected to appear in court today for a second mention in relation to his prison escape on Jan 12 from Bomana maximum security jail.

The sources were not able to tell The National whether details of the interrogation had been submitted to Police Commissioner Gari Baki.

Tagis takes SRC to task

Caption: University of Goroka students filling out their withdrawal forms

HIGHER Education director-general Dr William Tagis says the dissenting Student Representative Council (SRC) of University of Goroka (UOG) is a blatant denial of individual students’ freedom to pursue higher education, The National reports.

“I believe issues have not been explored sufficiently and the UOG student-led class boycott is something far more disconcerting than what the students and academic staff are telling the public.

“The emerging concerns include, first year students living off campus in rented accommodation, demolition of four students dormitories to make way for a donor-funded extension of the six-storey dormitory complex, outdated library books, inadequate computer laboratories and computer terminals, inadequate internet facility and printing access, operation of the Interim University Council of 2006,  staff salary package not reviewed, a range of management issues, handling of the 2010 crisis, formation of the new 15-person university council, and side lining of the vice-chancellor and the two pro vice chancellors.

“The NASA lodged eight points in its petition to the vice-chancellor on the Feb 25 while the SRC has not given anything,” Dr Tagis said in a statement today.

Dr Tagis also highlighted the failure to get the vice-chancellor and the two pro-vice chancellors, the SRC and NASA to meet and resolve the crisis with the Goroka MP and local leaders.

Dr Tagis and a policy officer travelled to Goroka in the third week of the crisis and spent five days mediating with the university community.

The UOG management agreed for the vice-chancellor to remain to form the new university council by March 4 and he would step aside for the council to appoint a caretaker administration and institute a committee to investigate the current council.

The pro-vice chancellors also agreed to step aside on Feb 26.

The SRC, however, ignored the agreement and announced that it will organise mass withdrawal by March 1 because their demands were not met.

“It is assumed that they also wanted a new caretaker administration because they hate the three senior staff, an illegal action under the UOG Act.

“This notice therefore serves to inform the university community and the people of Papua New Guinea that the action of the three members of the SRC executive and the 21 provincial students to prolong the boycott and inciting students to withdraw from the 2010 academic year is a blatant denial of individual students’ freedom to pursue higher education,” he said.

 

Cabinet to be reshuffled, resized

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

PRIME Minister Sir Michael Somare intends to increase the size of his Cabinet, and has promised to reshuffle his Cabinet after the March sitting of Parliament which starts tomorrow, The National reports.

But Planning Minister Paul Tiensten, the man who sets the Government’s agenda on the floor of Parliament, brushed aside suggestions the increase in Cabinet’s size and the reshuffle has anything to do with the threat of a vote of no-confidence.

Mr Tiensten, who is Leader of Government Business, said the Government was intact and was not distracted by the Opposition’s mooted vote of no-confidence motion.

Parliament sits at 2 o’clock tomorrow and high on the agenda is the Bill to increase the number of ministries from 28 to 31, the motion to have nominated women in Parliament and amendments to the Organic Law Governments to retain the provincial seats after 2012.

“We have the executive arm and we will go into Parliament to run the business of the day of putting through legislative amendments and policy statements,” Mr Tiensten said after a special National Executive Council meeting tonight.

He said if the motion (of no-confidence) was introduced, the Private Members Committee would sit down and determine the merits and demerits of the motion.

He said the committee would determine whether it (motion) was of national importance or if it was parochial.

“There is a process before it can be entertained by Parliament but we are ready to defeat any motion as the Government’s strength is intact,” Mr Tiensten said.

Mr Tiensten himself has been the subject of a push by some governors from his New Guinea Islands region to have him removed as minister, but the Prime Minister has kept his faith in him.

In a statement released earlier today, the Prime Minister said he was holding back the announcement of a reshuffle until the re-introduction of the Bill to increase the number of ministries from 28 to 31.

This is not catered for in the 2010 Budget, and the Government will blow a hole in the budget to fund the expansion of Cabinet.

But the Prime Minister said the expansion had to happen after 35 years.

“We have had 28 ministers since 1975 when our population was less than half of what it is today. A total of 35 years have lapsed and responsibilities have greatly increased.

“Due to the political stability our growth since 2002 is almost five times more. We have to better manage governance with the level of growth taking place in the country today.

“Currently, many ministers are taking care of more than one portfolio and there is a need to share some of these responsibilities.

“In the proposed changes I will also be giving vice ministers more responsibilities and functions so that they can complement the work of the ministers.

“Experience has shown that ministers also have not been able to properly utilise vice-ministers.”

Warriors given a second chance

Kundiawa Warriors are back after 3 years in exile

 

By BURI GABI and ZACHARY PER

 

PNG rugby league’s prodigal son the Kundiawa Warriors are set to return to the country’s premier rugby league competition the bemobile Cup, The National reports.

After getting the green light by the Cup governing board over the weekend, the Simbu franchise will take part in the competition after three years in the sporting wilderness.

The Warriors paid K70, 000 to the PNGRFL offsetting a K60, 000 debt incurred by previous sponsor Pagini Transport.

The extra K10, 000 was an initial payment to get the Warriors on board with an additional K80, 000 yet to be paid for the Simbu provincial team complete its entry requirements for 2010.

According to Fox, all franchise teams are urged to pay their franchise fees of K90, 000 for this year before March 13.

The bemobile cup board under chairman Don Fox agreed unanimously to accept the Warriors bid after submissions and guarantees from the interim Warriors board headed by Jerry Kapka with the endorsement of Simbu MPs in Governor Fr John Garia and Kundiawa/Gembogl MP  Joe Mek Teine.

Fox, also the PNG National Rugby League board chairman, confirmed that the Warriors were definite starters for the 2010 season but under strict conditions in particular not bringing the game into disrepute through violence.

“We want to make rugby league a family sport were mums and dads can take their children to watch a game of footy but we need to put a stop to violence in rugby league first,” Fox said.

He said the board decided to re-instate a team from Simbu which he acknowledged had produced many great players over the years and would no doubt continue to do so.

With the inclusion of a team from Simbu, the bemobile Cup can now boast a full complement of teams from the Highlands region further strengthening the competition.

This will now see a total of nine teams in the semi-professional competition: Agmark Gurias, ACTL Bombers, Toyota Mioks, SBS Muruks, CIVPAC Vipers, Masta Mak City Rangers, Bintangor Eagles, Bintangor Lahanis and the Kundiawa Warriors.

The competition will kick off on the April 25 with four matches around the country while one team has the bye.

PNGNRL Chairman, Don Fox said that he was impressed with the Warriors’ commitment to re-entering the competition and commended Warriors board chairman Jerry Kapka and the rest of the interim board for their tireless work over the last seven months.

Fox also visited the playing facilities at the Warriors home ground, Dickson Oval, recently to see first hand the interim board’s plans for redeveloping the playing surface and the stands in time to host home games this season.

 

Lae, Cairns ink economic tie-up

Mr McLay (right) and Mr Blockey shaking hands after  signing the agreement at the Melanesian Hotel in Lae. –  Nationalpic by OSEAH PHILEMON

Business chambers of both cities to expand trade

 By OSEAH PHILEMON

THE Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce Inc (CCCI) in Australia have signed an agreement to improve economic and commercial ties between the two sister cities, The National reports.

The agreement was signed between LCCI president Alan McLay and his Cairns counterpart Jeremy Blockey after a tour of Lae city by a Cairns business delegation.

The agreement states that the two chambers, recognising the immense possibilities of improving economic and commercial ties between Papua New Guinea and Australia, have agreed to work together to establish and develop commercial links between the respective members of the two chambers within the scope of their terms of reference.

The agreement states that the two chambers undertake to co-operate with each other and do their best to strengthen and improve economic cooperation and trade between the two cities.

It also states that the two chambers shall mutually assist and contribute to the expanding commercial links between trade enterprises of the two cities.

They agreed to exchange information and views on widening commercial ties between the two cities and countries.

The agreement states that the two parties will participate in each others’ national exhibition, international trade, specialised exhibitions, economic and technical fairs, information bureaux, symposia, conferences or similar events taking place in their respective cities with the aim of expanding economic co-operation.

Steamships posts K96m profit for 2009

STEAMSHIPS Trading Co Ltd (STCL) posted a profit (after tax and minority interests) of K96.6 million for the period ending December 2009, The National reports.

The directors in their report to the stock exchange revealed the profit, up 7% from K90.2 million in 2008, on the back of healthy performance by businesses within the Steamships group especially the hotels and property division.

This figure includes Steamships’ equity-accounted share of associates’ results.

Revenues were K496.0 million, up 7.1% compared to 2008 result of K463.0 million.

Depreciation in 2009 was K47.9 million compared to K39.3 million in the previous year, and interest on borrowings was K12.2 million against K4.7 million in 2008.

Capital expenditure for the year was K195.4 million against K133.7 million in 2008.

“The result reflects the continuing improvement in trading performance from businesses within the Group.

"Notably, the hotels and property divisions recorded healthy results against budget expectations.

“This is largely driven by increased demand for short-term stays and conferencing.

“Room and facility expansion at the Gateway and Ela Beach Hotels together with the construction of the new 166-room Grand Papua Hotel, in Port Moresby, ensures the divisions’ position as a leading hospitality service provider.”

The board said demand for high quality commercial, industrial and residential accommodation drove favourable results for the property division and reinforced investment decisions to commence property development programmes.

 

Government backs Petromin on LNG plan

Caption: Petromin chairman Brown Bai (right) making a point to Sir Michael during the meeting last week. – Picture courtesy of Petromin Media

PRIME Minister Sir Michael Somare has said the Government and its agencies will work with Petromin PNG Holdings Ltd in the Elk/Antelope liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, The National reports.

This will be to help Petromin, the Government’s nominee, fund the State’s equity in the project being spearheaded by InterOil Corp.

Sir Michael disclosed these during the Petromin Board meeting in Wewak last where he addressed the meeting as trustee shareholder.

He said he was looking forward to receiving Petromin’s advice on how the State could best fund its equity in the project.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that Petromin had secured the financing of its equity, through its subsidiary Eda Oil Ltd in the Exxon Mobil-led PNG LNG project.

“This indeed gives me more confidence that I have in the board and management in taking on more challenges of similar nature in the future, on the company’s own strength.”

Sir Michael said Petromin has shown positive growth since its inception and he commended the board and management for putting in place an investment strategy which provided the pathway for a planned process of investment.

“It is my hope that one day, Petromin would live up to its expectations of becoming an exploration and development company in the whole value chain of the mineral and petroleum sector.

“It was this main vision that led us to create Petromin,” Sir Michael said.

Dame Carol Kidu launches Early Childhood Education at University of Goroka

Caption: Dame Carol Kidu, Vice Chancellor Dr Onagi, Professor Simms and Dr Forrest unveiling the signboard for the launching of the Early Childhood Education Centre at UOG

 

The University of Goroka’s new programme in Early Childhood Education was launched last Friday.

 Dame Kidu said she was “very passionate about early childhood”. 

She commended UOG on its breakthrough course that focuses on the most valuable resource of PNG (small children).

 Dame Kidu also advised the gathering that the curriculum for the course needed to be flexible with a holistic approach, as early childhood care and practices were a community concern.

 She was very excited about the program and thankful that it was giving another career pathway to students.  Dame Kidu closed her speech by giving the highest congratulations to UOG and encouraging all Ita Eboda (Motu for “all of us can do it together”).

Two special guests from the University of New England were also present for the occasion: Professor Margaret Simms and Dr Rhonda Forrest.

 Both visitors were very supportive of and excited by the new programme and also gave valuable advice and specialist knowledge to the gathering.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Goroka Dr Gairo Onagi remarked that “a child is the only known substance from which a responsible adult is made” (Thomas Lickona) and UOG had a responsibility to train young people to help shape children into better adults.  Dr Onagi announced that UOG was the first university in PNG offering training for teachers in early childhood education.

 He announced that funding had been granted for two lecturers to teach the Early Childhood programme at UOG. 

Dr Onagi also thanked Dame Kidu, Professor Simms and Dr Forrest for their continuing support and advice to UOG and the new programme.

Dean of the Faculty of Education Dr Kapa Kelep-Malpo said the most crucial time in a child’s life was from conception to eight years old. 

Dr Kelep-Malpo said she was happy for UOG to join others to promote and cater for this special age group through support from the government and UNE.

The launching, held at the Steak Haus, was witnessed by a number of special guests including representatives from NGOs, elementary school teachers and trainers, UOG staff and the first intake of students for the programme.

The one-year diploma programme is a positive step forward for the Education Faculty at UOG, and is testament to the recognition and importance of education at the elementary level. 

The programme commences this year, with hopes of expansion for the future.

The programme concluded with the unveiling of the Early Childhood Education Centre signboard for the Faculty by Dame Carol Kidu, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Simms and Dr Forrest.

The magic of Kokoda Track

By NEWMAN CUTHBERT

Communications & Marketing Officer

Kokoda Track Authority

The Kokoda Track (Trail) produces some amazing views and often times it unfolds before you and allows you to admire it than fades as you watch.

Whether it is rainbows that seems to cut through the forest canopy or the sound of the wind that  whispers your own name as you pass, the track has a way of wiping away the  aches and pains of  a tough trekking day.

But it is where you will sometimes feel closer to our maker and when the going gets tough at certain locations along the entire 96 km of the Kokoda Track, he has ways of making us pause, rest and admire his creation.

 

And in the stillness of the mountain track he makes it known that he is our God as he brilliantly choreographs his own creation that even the most renowned artist of any generation could not possibly capture in its finest details on canvas.

 

For it was on this track in our time that he took back many lives that he gave.

 

You all have a great day.

 

Pictures by Kokoda Track Authority Operations Manager VOLKER SCHOLZ

 

Tragic end for lady cop

Caption: End of the road ... Mt Hagen General Hospital officers carrying a body bag containing the remains of wanted robber Pawa Moni from a stretcher on Saturday morning. Monitoring the transfer is a policeman.

Wanted robber blows himself and policewoman up

A POLICEWOMAN was killed when a suspected bank robber and killer accidentally blew himself up with a hand grenade while being arrested in Mt Hagen last Friday night, The National reports.

Three other policemen were also critically injured in the explosion inside a police vehicle at the Wamp Nga fuel station in Western Highlands province.

The man, wanted by police for a string of criminal offences, including bank robbery and murder, was identified as Pawa Moni, 35, from Kelua 2 village, outside Mt Hagen city.

The policewoman was identified as Selly Mol, 25, from Waghi bridge in the North Waghi district.

She was married to Tony Taia, a teacher from Kerowagi district, Simbu province.

Ms Mol leaves two children, her first born son David, two, and four-month-old baby girl Kala.

Western Highlands police commander ACP Simon Kauba said on Saturday morning Moni was wanted for robbing Bank South Pacific’s automatic telling machine (ATM) in Lae in 2006 and the murder of a security guard last year.

The Guard Dog Security officer was killed during an armed robbery at the Mainland Holdings office in Dobel.

ACP Kauba said Moni was also wanted for breaking into the office of Niugini Oil in Mt Hagen a few years ago, fleeing with K41,000 in valuables and cash.

He said Moni had gone into hiding until Friday when he was spotted in a PMV bus at the petrol kiosk.

Following a tip-off between 6.30pm and 7pm, ACP Kauba said the nightshift policemen and Ms Mol rushed to the fuel station and ordered Moni out of the bus.

“They put Moni into the police vehicle but they failed to search him properly,” ACP Kauba said.

Ms Mol then got into the front seat with the driver, Const Donald Mata.

“Moni jumped from his back seat, took out a hand grenade and struggled to escape through the front side of the vehicle where Ms Mol was seated.

“In the struggle, the hand grenade’s pin came off.

“Const Mata then opened the door and jumped out.

“Unfortunately, he and the other two policemen at the back were all critically injured,” ACP Kauba said.

He said Ms Mol could not make it out on time and she was also killed in the explosion with Moni inside the police vehicle.

ACP Kauba described Ms Mol as a dedicated policewoman and “we are all very sad to lose such a dedicated member of the force”.

He said Chief Sgt Pius Nukundi, First Const Paul Pora and First Const Mata were admitted to Mt Hagen General Hospital’s surgical ward in critical conditions.

Moni’s remains were removed from the police vehicle on Saturday morning and sent to the hospital mortuary.

The Mt Hagen general duty counter was closed on Saturday morning for a few hours after explosion.

Curious Mt Hagen city residents and villagers, who heard about the incident, turn up at the scene in droves to get a closer look at the body in the police vehicle.

Police barricaded the main road between the Wamp Nga fuel station and International Education Academy (IEA).

The road was cleared to traffic after Moni’s remains were removed at about 10am