Bad roads delay work on LNG

EARLY works on the multi-billion-kina PNG liquefied natural gas (LNG) project are running behind schedule, the delay caused in part by the deteriorating state of the Highlands Highway, The National reports.

An official with Esso Highlands (PNG) Ltd, the subsidiary of ExxonMobil, said equipment and machines for early works for Australian company Glough Curtain Joint Venture (CCJV) were still sitting idle at the wharf in Lae waiting for affected sections of the highway to be repaired and freed up before the equipment and machines could be transported to the project site.

One of the worst affected parts is at Kalguwi village, near Kagul River, on the border of Western Highlands and Southern Highlands provinces.

Yesterday, a policeman attached with the Kaupena-based police highway patrol unit 17 reported that more than 100 trucks and cars were stranded at either side of the highway at Kalguwi.

He said that section of the highway had fallen into a state of complete disrepair and while light four-wheel-drive vehicles were being pushed and pulled to negotiate the landslip and the huge crater-like potholes up the slopes, heavy vehicles were unable to cross.

Police highway patrol units have been working around the clock to control traffic and ensure locals do not take advantage of the situation to harass commuters.

Imbonggu community leader Pius Alopea said The National.

Government should immediately look into repairing this section of the highway as it was becoming a national disgrace.

Mr Alopea said many vehicles had developed mechanical problems on this section of the road while the flow of goods and services into Southern Highlands had been greatly affected.

Mr Alopea said with the current wet season in the region, the road condition would only worsen unless the authorities do something.

 

College suspects typhoid outbreak

CLASSES at the Mt Hagen Technical College in Western Highlands province were suspended on Monday due to a suspected outbreak of typhoid, The National reports.

According to unconfirmed reports from student sources, about 60 students contracted what they believe to be typhoid.

The figure is likely to increase after all 400 students, lectures, support staff and their family members went for a voluntarily blood test yesterday.

Principal John Kiele said the results of the test would be made available today.

He said many students were complaining of typhoid symptoms when classes were suspended.

Mr Kiele said a team from the provincial health disease control visited the college and checked the dormitories, water tanks, supplies and collected blood samples from the students, staff and their family members.

He said that typhoid was caused by water, but was too early to point fingers at who is to blame.

Mr Kiele said that the cause of the problem would be revealed after investigations were complete.

He said the water problem was an on-going issue and this was not the first time the college had been affected by typhoid.

He said many of the students suspected to be infected with typhoid, were given medical treatment, however, no students were admitted at the Mt Hagen Hospital.

Mr Kiele said the suspension of classes would be indefinite.

The staff of Mt Hagen General Hospital, who tested blood samples, did not release any information when approached by The National.

They said the test conducted was confidential and they were not allowed to release the results to the media.

 

Gregan hails Genia

Caption: Queensland Reds captain Will Genia getting ready to pass the ball against the western Force in round five of the Super 14 earlier in the month. Genia was praised by former Wallabies scrumhalf George Gregan as being better than him and on his way to greatness.

Papua New Guinea could be looking at its first international sporting great, The National reports in its March 31 edition.
PNG has had several of its sports men make a name for themselves overseas and be considered among their code’s best competitors.
Marcus Bai in rugby league, Stanley Nandex in kickboxing and Mal Michael in Australian Rules spring to mind but 22-year-old rugby union scrumhalf and current Queensland Reds captain Will Genia could set a new benchmark for Papua New Guineans making it big on the international sporting scene.
One of Australia’s greatest halfbacks, George Gregan, has hailed incumbent Wallabies No.9 Genia as a superstar with more skills than him.
Such has been the meteoric rise of the young man who comes from Abau in the Central province who did not start playing rugby until senior high school.
Genia at a nuggety 82kg burst onto the international scene last year and after just 11 Tests, Gregan is touting him as a future Wallaby leader.
Pound for pound Genia is the strongest Australian rugby player, benching 172kg.
“He’s got a lot more skills than me,” Gregan said of Genia.
“He’s bigger, stronger and he can kick a lot further. I’m a dinosaur compared to him. He’s got a good head on his shoulders.
“I like the way he plays. He has time and space to do things, which is a sign of a real quality player.”
“He’s only 22 and has heaps of improvement in him. That’s what’s exciting.”
They are big wraps from the Zambian-born Bledisloe Cup-winning captain who also won a World Cup in 1999, played 139 Tests for the green and gold, and 136 games for the Brumbies, which included two Super 12 titles in 2001 and 2004.
You would trust his judgement as far as halfbacks go.
Gregan will long be remembered for his gritty determination which was highlighted by his infamous Bledisloe Cup-saving tackle on Jeff Wilson in 1994.
He turns 37 in April and will continue to play professional rugby for Suntory in Japan, under Eddie Jones, until mid-February next year.
Gregan was full of praise of Genia, whose potential was also noted by Reds coach Ewen McKenzie who made him captain this year.
“I think that leadership has really helped him go from strength to strength,” Gregan said.
“He is a very good player who understands the game. He’s very skilful and makes good decisions under pressure. He takes care of his forwards, has a very good pass and knows how to change his game when the opportunity presents itself.”
Some have gone as far to say Genia is the next Gregan.
“He’s is his own man, and he’s doing a great job. He also picked up the game late which shows how much talent he has,” he said.
PNG Pukpuks coach Billy Rapilla added further accolades on Genia saying he was effectively the world’s best scrumhalf on current form.
“He’s the best halfback right now and you can’t argue with Gregan’s opinion.
“Will is playing some very special rugby and his profile is rocketing off because rugby union is a truly global sport played in over a 100 countries,” Rapilla said.
On whether Genia’s accomplishments merit being rated above Bai’s and Michael’s Rapilla was circumspect.
“You really can’t compare Genia’s achievements to Marcus or Mal. You’re not comparing apples to apples, these are different sports,” he said.
“Leading sports icons in PNG have excelled in sports that have had good to great following like rugby league but there’s no denying that Genia could be headed for greatness in rugby union.”

Queensland Festival of Photography / BullsEye April 9 - May 29

 

Solomon Island appreciates NARI-EU-ACP programme

Caption: Solomon Islands parliamentary secretary with Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Edward Kingmele, exchanging notes with CEOs of Vanuatu Agriculture Research and Technical Centre and PNG’s NARI after signing an MOU for the NARI-EU-ACP S&T Programme

 

Story and picture by JOSEPHINE YAGA of NARI

 

Agriculture staff in Solomon Islands are in dire need of capacity building in various areas in agricultural research and development to carry out their mandates effectively and efficiently, according to Edward Kingmele, parliamentary secretary with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) there.

He, however, said the new sub-regional programme on capacity building for the three Western Pacific countries - Solomon Islands, PNG and Vanuatu - would now address that capacity.

 “Thus, it is a superb achievement by PNG National Agriculture Research Institute, MAL of Solomon Islands and the Vanuatu Agriculture Research and Technical Centre (VARTC) to win funding for three-capacity development projects in this highly-competitive call from European Union (EU) to the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of states which will benefit researchers in our countries,” Mr Kingmele said.

He said this during the launch of an ACP science and technology programme on capacity building at the Sir Alkan Tololo Research Centre in Lae recently.

 He was among stakeholders from key government and non-government agencies from Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and PNG who witnessed this milestone development.

The major local stakeholders included the management and staff of NARI, Fresh Produce Development Agency, Coffee Industry Corporation, Cocoa Coconut Institute and PNG Women in Agriculture Development Foundation.

Mr Kingmele added that agriculture was the backbone of Solomon Islands as it was the major productive sector, but following the crises in 2000, agricultural research and development in Solomon Islands was crippled in terms of both research and human capacities.

During the launch, programme partners NARI, MAL and VARTC signed a memorandum of understanding to work together in the programme over the next three years.

“The signing ceremony of the MOU between the three countries signifies a milestone in the move that Solomon Island and Vanuatu government are embarking on - having serious partnership arrangements with the regional organisations such as NARI and other lead agriculture bodies in PNG,” Mr Kingmele said.

“This partnership connects us to various international institutions and organisations elsewhere towards further development of the agriculture sectors in the two countries.”

The ACP S&T programme, totaling K11.5 million, is an ACP EU co-operation programme aimed at supporting ACP countries in formulating and implementing science and technology policies that can lead to sustainable development and poverty reduction through economic growth and progressive integration in the world economy.

The specific purpose of the programme is to strengthen the internal science and technology capacity of ACP countries to support research development and innovations in the ACP region at institutional (administrative and policy making), academic (research and technology) and civil society (business) level.

 The programme will be implemented in the three Western Pacific countries involving nine different organisations.

Coffee nurseries for East Sepik schools

Caption:  Navi Anis, CEOof CIC and Dr Mark Kenny, acting general manager of CIC’s research and grower services division, at a procession for the launch of school nursery programme in Maprik, East Sepik province

 

By REUBEN SENGERE of CIC

 

“You can never fail to be a farmer,”’ stresses Navi Anis, chief executive officer of the Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC).

 He quoted from remarks made by James Korarome, a CIC board director at the launch of the nursery programme last month at Aiyura in Eastern Highlands.

Mr Anis was the guest-of-honor at the recent launch of the coffee nursery programme for pilot coffee curriculum schools in East Sepik province. 

He observed in his first official visit as CEO that many farmers along the Yangoru and Maprik sections of the Sepik Highway had abandoned their coffee trees.

Mr Anis expressed sadness at the sight and asked farmers to rehabilitate the coffee trees when officiating at Maprik High School.

Maprik district is the top producer of Robusta coffee in the country so it was fitting that the event took place in the district.

Mr Anis said grower groups were the way to move forward in the coffee industry.

 Service delivery in groups is cost-effective and it provides opportunities for controlling quality of coffee as well as marketing the product.

The occasion was witnessed by stakeholders including students and teachers of participating schools, coffee farmers, provincial agriculture and education officials, and invited guests.

Coffee curriculum advisor Dr Arnold Parapi, who is in charge of implementing this CIC innovation, explained that the nursery package for participating schools would allow students to carry out practicals in the field rather than in the classroom.

 “It is a field laboratory,” he said.

Brian Waranduo and Samuel Pongiwa, principals of Burgam High School and Yangoru Secondary School respectively, said they saw a bright future for the coffee industry in the province.

Schools that are participating in the coffee curriculum pilot programme in the province are Burgam, Kubalia and Maprik high schools; Yangoru Secondary; and Negri and Banik primary schools.

Simon Peter, chairman of Maprik High School Board and a former CIC employee, countered that ‘”CIC officers are no longer sleeping with farmers” as was the case in the past.

East Sepik was the leading Robusta coffee producer until the intrusion of vanilla when farmers started abandoning their coffee gardens.

 However, according to East Sepik Coffee Cooperative chairman Jerry Anisi, production in the province was bouncing back.

“We may see East Sepik coffee regaining its status as the No. 1 producer of Robusta coffee in the near future,” he said.

“The coffee curriculum with its nursery package in pilot schools will skill the students – the future coffee farmers - to increase production in the province.”

United States-Japan Cooperation on APEC

Press Statement

March 29, 2010

Ottawa

Japan and the United States, as the hosts of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in 2010 and 2011, are cooperating closely to achieve substantive outcomes that will contribute to the growth and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.

Together with the other APEC economies, our two governments are working closely to push forward on regional economic integration, taking a practical and concrete approach.

We are also cooperating in the design of a new growth paradigm for the region, to promote growth which is more balanced, inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and knowledge-based.

We are determined to take the lead in ensuring that APEC continues to serve as a driving force for economic prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world.

Japan and the United States look forward to working together with the other APEC economies to inspire new ideas for cooperation and to generate concrete outcomes.

Today, Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Okada agreed to work together bilaterally on several signature initiatives that will support broader APEC outcomes, with a particular emphasis on human security:

· We will work together to ensure that APEC plans and implements specific and significant actions aimed at sustainably increasing agricultural productivity and food availability, and facilitating agriculture-related trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region.

· We will organize a Women's Entrepreneurship Summit to address policy, human resources and financing issues, thereby galvanizing the Asia-Pacific region to unleash the potential of women as entrepreneurs and business leaders.

· We will cooperate in addressing climate change by exploring opportunities to help economies in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly small island economies, to be better prepared to adapt to the likely impact of climate change.

· We will cooperate to enhance emergency preparedness in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on public-private partnerships and networking among experts, building on the outcomes of the Fourth APEC Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum in Kobe in January 2010, and deepening discussions at the Fifth Forum in the United States in 2011.

Beyond these measures, as APEC hosts in 2010 and 2011, Japan and the United States are working closely together to enhance the operations of the APEC organization, with an eye toward improving accountability and efficiency, and ensuring that projects and activities are closely linked to core APEC priorities.

For more information, contact:

Mr. Takuya Sasayama, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan

Telephone: 81 (3) 5501 8342

Revival of Ossima beef cattle will boost development

Captions:  1.Women and children gather to support their menfolk in reviving the cattle project at Ossima. 2. Long-serving livestock officer Paul Waiya checking on a cow at the mission station paddock.3.  Happy resource owners and villagers express their support for the cattle project.

 

 By SOLDIER BURUKA of DAL

 

A proposal to revive the once-active Ossima beef cattle project in the Sandaun province is in the best interest of the resource owners, local communities and the country as a whole.

An initiator and former councilor David Osi said the project would create income-earning opportunities and improve the people’s livelihood and restore the once highly regarded Ossima beef products.

MrOsi said the area in the Vanimo-Green River district had been neglected through lack of agricultural and basic services since the cattle industry declined several years ago.

The Catholic Church previously played a key role in operating the Ossima cattle and slaughterhouse as well as piggery and other livestock and food crops activities.

Mr Osi told a public hearing on the proposed Ossima forest and cattle project last week that many landowners were keen to revive the cattle project because of its enormous potential to provide beef products to consumers in Sandaun and the neighboring Indonesian province of Irian Jaya.

The increased population in Vanimo town and other communities through introduction of impact projects will mean more demand for supply of protein.

He said most people still had the knowledge and skills in managing cattle and did not require much training.

However, the key objective is to get the government to provide funding and technical assistance to revive the project.

“We really need government assistance to get the cattle project up and running again,” Mr Osi said.

“Ossima beef used to be highly regarded in the past and can be restored to its former glory.

“There is a lot of potential for beef and other livestock.

“You can grow oil palm but you will need protein to survive and the Ossima project provides that opportunity for the people to raise cattle and utilise the slaughterhouse, and venture into other agricultural activities.

“Nobody is going to come and feed you- you have to work hard on your land.

“Many of you already have the skills.”

Mr Osi said he had received assurances from the provincial government and the local MP that they supported the project and urged other relevant government agencies to work with the landowners in getting the project moving.

“Forget about your differences – we want to see development. The cattle project once up and running will create opportunities and bring increased benefits.”

Vice-chairman of the landowner company Ossima Resources Ltd, Kalistus Kelau and directors Paul Buep and Peter Bopi, said majority of the resource owners fully supported the initiative.

They said cattle beef farming was once a thriving livestock industry under the management of the church and they believed that it could once again become an impact project for the area.

Government officials who attended the hearing said they took note of the comments and would strive to provide technical assistance to intending farmers.

A livestock officer with permits in slaughterhouse and meat inspection, Paul Waiya, said he was now reaching retirement age and urged the project proponents and resource owners to move quickly and utilise his specialist skills.

With over 30 years experience, Mr Waiya worked in Ossima beef most of that time and agreed that it still has vast potential.

Ossima Resources Ltd in partnership with investors is seeking the extraction of timber trees whereby selective sites will be allocated for cattle breeding.

Slaughterhouse facilities at the Ossima station will be upgraded to cater for the redevelopment.

 It is expected to benefit more than 10,000 people in the district.

Department of Agriculture and Livestock’s deputy secretary for provincial and agriculture technical services, Francis Daink, said agriculture development was the backbone of the country’s economic development and those new or existing projects would support and improve the people’s livelihood.

He said there was suitable land in the Vanimo-Green River district for cattle grazing which made the proposal look more promising.

Over 200 resource owners including clan leaders, women’s representatives, community leaders and individuals unanimously agreed for the project to commence.

Rural women attend AusAID-PNG women talk in Lae

Anna Kapus from Wewak showing Dr John Kolia, chairman of the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) Council various oils she produced out of coconut oil at the Women in Agriculture round table conference. Mrs Kapus is showing the next stage of agriculture production which is downstream processing - taking the primary produce to the next level.-Pictures by OSEAH PHILEMON

Samantha Gangai (seated) who is a research assistant with the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) promoting healthy eating by showing women in agriculture how to prepare a delicious meal out of mung bean sprouts, vegetables and rice. She had samples out and everyone who tasted it commented favourably about it.

This is Waghi Rice- rice grown and packed in Wahgi in Jiwaka province.From left- Yara Kagl, Monica Ape and Anna Ane display the rice they
Just harvested from their rice fields in the Wahgi area of the Jiwaka area.

The women of Southern Highlands travelled a long distance to get to Lae for the Women in Agriculture roundtable talks. This is Martha Yawij, president of the Tari LNG women who are involved in vegetable and livestock production in the Tari-Hides LNG area.These women have a huge potential for their produce with the LNG project just starting.

WOMEN from Gabsongkeg village near Nadzab entertaining visiting delegates to the women in agriculture roundtable conference at NARI near Lae.

Susie Silas from Busanim Yalu outside Lae displaying her flowers at the Women in Agriculture roundtable conference. Horticulture is one of the agriculture businesses being talked about at the conference.

Who would beat giant guavas?These are the fruits from the Nglonzua Farm at Munum Village near Lae being displayed by young grower Leilah Gugua at the Women in Agriculture show.These guavas are selling for K4 a fruit.

By SENIORL ANZU of NARI

Rural women farmers throughout Papua New Guinea gathered in Lae this week for a roundtable talk with key stakeholders in the agriculture sector.

The PNG Women in Agriculture Development Foundation (PNGWiADF), with support from AusAID, hosted the meeting on possible organisational support towards PNG women in the agriculture sector.

PNGWiADF president Maria Linibi said the immediate outcome expected from this forum was to establish collaboration and partnership with various stakeholders, government agencies and donor partners to fund and/or implement components of the PNGWIADF Strategic Plan.

While the high-level talk was scheduled for yesterday, the rural women farmers attended a capacity-building workshop on Monday, followed by a knowledge-sharing field day the next day to showcase their agricultural innovations and potentials.

Chief Secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc gave the keynote address while Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Anton Benjamin chaired the roundtable talk.

Among the dignitaries was Minister for Agriculture John Hickey and representatives from various government agencies, international donors such as AusAID and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Australian Women in Agriculture, Rural Industries Council, National Agriculture Research Institute and women leaders and farmers.

Ms Linibi said the three-day event was also to gain recognition of the role of PNGWiADF as the voice of women in agriculture who contribute to food security through the implementation of the PNGWiADF strategic plan.

“In staging the round-table forum, PNGWiADF is bringing women’s voices to the attention of donor partners, line government agencies and other stakeholders to recognise its strategic plan as a plan for all rural women who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods,” she said.

“The plan was developed by the women and it echoes and complements other macro plans such as the Millennium Development Goals, PNG Vision 2050, Medium Term Development Strategy (2005-2010), National Agriculture Development Plan (2006-2016), and NARI Strategic Plan (2006-2015).

Among those who traveled to Lae this week were individuals and groups from Kikori (Gulf), Kutubu and Moran (Southern Highlands), Western Highlands, Eastern Highlands, Sandaun, East Sepik, Hiritano, Oro, East New Britain, Maprik, Aitape Laumi, Abau, Madang, Bougainville, Sogeri, Ramu, Mutzing, Mumeng and Markham.

The forum’s minor sponsors included Trukai Industries, PNG Democratic Governance, NARI, Rural Industries Council, Momahi Guest House, Tropical Niugini Woods and Australian Women in Agriculture.

Women in agriculture

Women from the Mumeng area of the Bulolo District in Morobe province display their garden produce at the Mumeng in Agriculture meet at the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) station at Bubia outside Lae.-Picture by OSEAH PHILEMON

 

InterOil responds to allegations

Port Moresby PNG; Cairns, Australia and Houston, TX --March 29, 2010 --INTEROIL Corporation believes that allegations made in an article concerning certain litigation which has been ongoing in Texas since 2005, have been raised now in an attempt to divert attention from the successful operations of the company.

Operations conducted by the company which were evaluated by independent engineering evaluations consultants, GLJ Petroleum Consultants Ltd., resulted in an increase in our gross best case contingent resources estimate by 889 million barrels of oil equivalent resources, to a revised total of 8.2 tcf of natural gas and 156 million barrels of condensate, in the past fiscal year.

The article was timed to benefit recent short selling activities.

The “short” interest in InterOil increased to 3,548,056 shares in mid-March.

InterOil's policy is to not provide commentary on ongoing litigation beyond the description of it appropriately and consistently set forth in our Annual Information Statement and Form 40-F available on our website or from the SEC.

In our Annual Information Form (AIF), filed on March 1, 2010 the Company continued to disclose that Company's Chief Executive Officer, Phil Mulacek, and his controlled entities Petroleum Independent & Exploration Corporation and P.I.E. Group, LLC, together with the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, are defendants in Todd Peters, et. al. v. Phil Mulacek et. al.; Case No. 05-040-03592-CV; pending in the 284th District Court of Montgomery County, Texas.

Appropriate details concerning this long running action are provided. InterOil and its subsidiaries were not party to, nor otherwise involved in, the Nikiski Partners filing referenced in the article.

 

For Further Information

Contact:

Susuve Laumaea

Senior Manager – Media Relations/Public Affairs

 (PNG Operations)

Tel: 675 - 3099 363

Mobile: 675 – 721 3870

Email:susuve.laumaea@interoil.com or slaumaea@digicelpacific.blackberry.com

Wall is coming down Gooding

By JAMES WANJIK

 

THE STORY, “Ramu mine work halted”, (Post-Courier, Wednesday, March 24, 2010 p.31) is wall now exposed. Time was when miners hid behind the wall from reach of landowners. The game is shifting. Landowners will bring down the wall. That wall and its Waigani legal eagles will soon be laid bare.

Plot World Bank and European Union had leaders did not know. Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) is very dangerous for PNG. No lawyer of Government had wanted truth known.

When I raised serious constitutional legal issues in September and October 2006 with the Government’s Law Office it was enough to get their arrogance ignited. Little did they know about MRA. Mole MRA planted in Justice Department was a politically devious lawyer from Wakunai. Rest Wakunai leader wanted hidden. No more and MRA is wandering leaderless already.

Many truths about MRA are out. National Alliance (NA) Party leadership struggles is a result of MRA withdrawing mining powers on Bougainville from the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG). Hopeless and powerless on Bougainville MRA plotted removal of Paul Tiensten. MRA played off NA leaders to hide its sin.

At Kainantu Barrick Gold acquired Highlands Pacific’s interest to shut the mine. MRA has not raised an eye.

At no time and place has MRA acted for PNG people. Ramu mine is worse. It wanted Somare and his leadership to be openly challenged. Looking at lot of abusive and derogatory articles on the internet blogs for Ramu mine and crime and corruption in PNG tells a lot about MRA. It has not answered any of these articles for the leadership of Somare.

Gooding is last person to know about MRA it seems. No miner including Highlands Pacific has challenged my view that MRA is a counterfeit regulator of mines. MRA is unconstitutional and was operating illegally. It has no legal standing and competence to do anything lawful. For Ramu mine this means MRA had no lawful authority and worse no legal competency to approve mine construction in about June/ July 2007. Highlands Pacific, like the Ramu mine manager and operator, has no code of ethics to have let the Government know about this basic and fundamental legal flaw.

Law on MRA is unconstitutional. MRA is now exposed. Miners will regret working with MRA. And ignorance of law is no excuse. Knowingly supporting breach of law and worse constitutional law is reckless.

Gooding, how do you fare?

 

Japan-PNG relations take a turn for the better

B y MALUM NALU

 

Japan-Papua New Guinea relations take a turn for the better tomorrow (Wednesday March 31) with the opening of the new PNG Embassy building in Tokyo and the commencement of twice-weekly Air Niugini flights from Port Moresby to Narita.

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare will open the new PNG chancery today, the same day that Air Niugini launches its second weekly Port Moresby-Narita flight.

Charge d' Affaires Dennis Bebego said from Tokyo that the PNG Embassy in Toky was currently in the process of finalising arrangements for the formal opening and naming of the newly-constructed building by Sir Michael.

"This is a significant national event and is a realisation of the national government's commitment to the tune of K20 million towards this chancery project," he said.

"It is historic in that this would be the second building to have been constructed and owned by the government to house its overseas diplomatic mission; the first being the PNG High Commission building in Canberra.

"The construction of this chancery, which began in May 2009 with a groundbreaking ceremony performed also by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, was completed in December last year and the building formally handed over on Jan 19, 2010.

"It is now scheduled for formal opening on Mar 31, 2010, when Prime Minister makes an official visit to Japan.

"A large entourage of guests and VIPs from PNG as well as Japan will attend the event."

Mr Bebego said the commitment by the government to this project was recognition of the important and maturing relations between Japan and PNG – "a relationship that in recent times has gone to a higher level, with the recent involvement of some high profile Japanese companies in the PNG LNG project".

 

University of Goroka into distance learning

 

Caption: Workshop participants in Goroka

 

The University of Goroka last week hosted a workshop with Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) to discuss a partnership with UOG's School of Distance and Flexible Learning (DFL). 

FODE will form the basis of support for new programme -  Bachelor of Education in School Management at UOG -  starting in semester two of this year.

The roles, responsibilities and functions of the entities involved were part of the workshop along with critical components for the delivery and support of learning materials to distance learners. 

Topics such as learner support functions, tasks and the perceptions of distance learning were also covered. 

A mission statement was also developed at the workshop based on in-service teacher education through the partnership with FODE.

Ouka Lavaki (ML), assistant secretary National Capital District for general education services,  was present at the workshop and fully supported UOG’s move to offer in-service teacher education via DFL. 

Mr Lavaki said the programme at UOG was “a way forward for many teachers out there who wish to upgrade by bringing services to their doorstep”.

The workshop was also attended by Eileen Lala, academic registrar from FODE and provincial co-ordinators from Eastern Highlands Joe Sogone, Western Highlands Robert Alua and Oro Cecilia Gangai. 

FODE distance learning centres will be utilised as support centres for the DFL program. 

Demas Tongogo, principal of FODE, said he was happy to be “party to the work UOG is doing to upgrade teachers and to directly contribute”.

Visiting specialist in distance learning ProfTony Wrightson commented “it was not an easy task to begin nurturing this ‘baby’ at a single mode institution like UOG… but this kind of innovation is about access and giving opportunities to those who could never have tertiary education before”. 

Prof Wrightson said that UOG staff and their goodwill towards DFL had been of a high standard, and that it made sense for UOG and FODE to march together to achieve their goal.

A memorandum of agreeement (MOA) document is planned to be signed between UOG and FODE later this year.

UOG is fully committed to DFL and has provided funding and new staff positions to assist with the running of the new course.

Momis signs up to vie for presidency

By ALOYSIUS LAUKAI

 

FORMER Bougainville Regional Member and Ambassador John Momis (pictured) became the fourth candidate to nominate to contest the presidential seat in the Autonomous Bougainville Government second general elections yesterday, The National reports.

He was accompanied by a huge crowd of supporters which included the sacred UPE group from Wakunai.

Mr Momis will lead the New Bougainville Party in this coming election.

The other three presidential candidates who have nominated are current President James Tanis, Ruben Siara and a woman candidate, Magdalen Toroansi.

Mr Tanis was the first to nominate following the issuing of writs last Friday. He started his campaigning at Gogohe at the weekend and is now in Arawa.

 

 

Sir J: Govt filthy rich, people poor

 ‘Speaker totally biased, courts are tired, law enforcement agencies cannot cope with computerised white collar crimes while jails have become transit picnic grounds for criminals’

 

NEW Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan says the Government is filthy rich but its people continue to live in saksak houses, no medicine, dilapidated schools and totally forlorn.

“The Parliament is no longer the People’s House, but a rubber stamp for the multi-billionaires who can influence our leaders to introduce laws and agreements we know very little about, yet the long term impact is unpredictable.

“The Speaker is totally biased, the courts are tired, law enforcement agencies can no longer cope with computerised white collar crimes, whilst our jails have become transit picnic grounds for criminals.

“The people of this country are tired of sitting on the outside and begging for what is properly theirs,” he said.

“For too long, Papua New Guineans have been spectators of resource developments on their traditional lands which do not equate with the wealth and benefits derived from their rich resources.

“It is time for the Government to transfer wealth from the State to the people,” Sir Julius said.

“The people are tired of others telling them what they can and cannot do with papagraun.

“The people are tired of seeing pay raises and allowance raises in Waigani, when the State does not even consider it necessary to provide them with the pittance the State has promised to provide.

 “Under the current and previous governments, New Ireland has not improved after 15 years of Lihir gold and three years of Simberi mining, and this would be the same scenario in all mining provinces across the country,” he said.

Sir Julius said mothers in Bougainville, after the 16 years of the crises, had shown determination and resilience to sustain a society built out of nothing, making the best use of them to rehabilitate and rebuild families and communities.

“This is the reason we need strong representation of the women in all spheres of endeavour, a step that we, in New Ireland, have accepted and submitted to the autonomy committee to have nine seats of deputy presidents of LLG to be contested only by women and give them free choice to contest all other seats in the provincial elections.

“We need to re-look and reassess our policies and strategies and exercise fairness and justice that will position our people to access more benefits from what they already inherit and own as citizens of our country,” he added.

Sir Julius said women must start exerting their influence as equal stakeholders of the wealth of the land to attain balanced social-economic development for the country.

“In the wake of the mineral, oil and gas boom, they must seize the opportunities to benefit as equal stakeholders of the land,” he said at a gathering of women in Faniufa village outside Goroka yesterday.

He said the role of women needed to be redefined and strengthened to uphold their status.

“They have been taken for granted as participants in the various levels of landowner agreements and investment undertakings with developers and the State irrespective of their special status and role in the communities.

“You have to move on from housemaids to housekeeping and stop the men from squandering and signing agreements that cannot be fulfilled,” he added

Soldiers hear about K13mil, no pay date

PROTESTING soldiers at the Taurama Barracks in Port Moresby were told yesterday K13 million has been awarded for their pay rise, but no date has been given for its implementation, The National reports.

They were told that K13 million was approved by the Government for the PNG Defence Force to implement its new salary structure for this year and also to pay outstanding payments only for January to December last year.

But it is still uncertain which payday this would actually come into effect.

PNGDF director for personnel Navy Cmdr Michael David was at the Taurama barracks yesterday to calm down the soldiers and explain the break-up of the funds.

He said the salary and conditions monitoring committee, (SCMC) led by Department of Personnel Management (DPM) had decided to award an 8% pay rise despite their earlier demands last month for a 100% increment.

The disgruntled soldiers had claimed then that the increment had been outstanding since 2007.

The implementation phase of the funds for officers from the rank of private to colonel, and of how the increments would be paid according to the new PNGDF salary structure, was discussed with soldiers at Taurama yesterday.

However, no schedule as to the actual date of commencement was given.

Cmdr David assured them that although some agreement had been reached, DPM has not given a clear confirmation as to what payday this would be effected.

Of the K13 million, K4 million would take care of outstanding salaries from last January to December while K8 million would be used to implement the new salary structure beginning in January this year. 

As Cmdr David was leaving the Taurama barracks in his car, he was shouted at by the soldiers who were still not convinced by what he had informed them.

After Cmdr David left, Taurama barracks Cmdr Lt Col Emmanuel Todick reassured the officers that he would be pursuing the matter but called for understanding and patience from the soldiers while DPM and other agencies put an implementation schedule in place.

Frabelle workers walk off job

MORE than 500 workers of fish cannery Frabelle (PNG) Limited walked off their jobs yesterday morning, The National reports.

They left the SpeyBank Street, Milfordhaven, factory in Lae in one large group, over complaints of transport, lunch, uniforms and safety wear fees.

The workers said both skilled and unskilled workers were paid K2.29 across the board.

Despite the national minimum wages board (NMWB) rate, there is no margin rate between the unskilled and the skilled workers, spokesman of their interim union

Gabriel Garame said.

The workers who come from Munum and Yalu villages, along the Highlands Highway, are charged K4.10  as transport fees daily, while those commuting from Miles, Bumayong, are charged K1.60.

“The management imposes an identification card system to verify commuters before and after hoping on to the vehicle. A fee of K5 is charged, or three days without pay, if one has no ID,” employees said.

For meals at the work-place, “dry scones were provided for lunch costing K1”.

“Within the company a man, without a certification from Investment Promotion Authority, sells half scallop and sausages for K1, broccoli at K1 and bananas for K0.50,” Mr Garame said.

He said two pairs of uniforms cost K6 while a pair of safety gum boots costs K30.

He said there were no face masks and safety clothes for workers in the boiler section.

At Christmas, each worker receives two packets of rice, three packets of noodles and three tins of Isabella fish.

Frabelle (PNG) Ltd operates fish canning for the local and export markets.

Workers said it also manufactured frozen loins, fish meal and deals in scrap metals.

“The deductions on various things exceed what they pay us fortnightly,” workers said.

 “It has been an on going issue,” Mr Garame said.

The workers vented their frustration to the provincial labour and industrial relations division, Morobe Provincial Fisheries Management Authority and health and safety authorities of the Lae City Council. They said the government agencies were negligent.

“They are depriving and denying us of proper welfare at the work place. They benefit from our commitment, effort and marine resources using us as cheap labour,” he said.

Unionist Tom Vevo said the issue was the same in other fish canning companies.

He said that at RD Tuna, employees received a K0.15 increase, despite the K2.29 approved rate.

He said the K2.29 rate was for the unskilled workers.

“The company has to set its margin and add its portion on top the pay for those skilled nationals.

“Failure by the provincial labour division to implement its roles and responsibilities effectively, leads to unnecessary protests without employees following proper procedures.

“Workers were the foundation of industry which generates income for the Government. Therefore responsible authorities have to intervene and solve such issues.

“They are human beings and have to afford to eat and sleep, and be protected with medical and insurance cover for their safety,” he said.

Frabelle management refused to comment.