Ex-serviceman dies waiting for entitlements

AN EX-PNG Defence Force paratrooper passed away yesterday morning, allegedly succumbing to a stroke, The National reports.

Late Chris Maraga, from Rigo, Central province, passed away while waiting to be paid his entitlements for services to the State.

He was reportedly one of the four remaining survivors of a PNGDF Caribou crash in Wau, Morobe province, in 1972.

The aircraft was on its way back to Port Moresby after troop training at Igam.

Since then, his health had deteriorated due to a leg injury sustained in the crash.

Mr Maraga was a PNGDF major when he was retrenched in 2002 and had been waiting for his hardship and accommodation allowance to be paid ever since.

A family friend said he was rushed to the Port Moresby General Hospital (POMGH) at around 5am yesterday.

However, he could not be attended to at POMGH, so the St John Ambulance vehicle, that transported him from his Hohola 5 home to the hospital, took him to a private clinic.

He was pronounced dead on arrival.

Around 7,000 ex-servicemen throughout the country have been waiting for the State to settle their outstanding retrenchment and retirement benefits dating back to 1982.

Just a few weeks ago, Justice Minister Dr Allan Marat announced that the Justice Department had finalised these outstanding entitlements.

After this announcement, there has been no further word from the State as to when payments would be made.

Attempts to get comments from the Justice and Attorney-General’s Department were unsuccessful.

 

 

 

Former defence chief exonerated of claims of 'stealing'

Papua New Guinea Defence Force chief-of-staff Captain Tom Ur says former PNGDF commander Peter Ilau has been hard done by both the administration of the PNGDF as well as malicious comments made against him in the media.

Capt Ur said this when commenting on today’s articles in The National about Comdr Ilau and his family being dumped by the government and organisation which he had served loyally for 34 years.

He agreed that the PNGDF, particularly secretary Fred Punangi, had failed in its obligation to pay for Cmdr Ilau’s three-month transition as normal for outgoing PNGDF commanders, which allowed them to prepare for a life after the military.

Capt Ur was also disappointed that another former PNGDF commander, Maj Gen Jerry Singirok, had accused Cmdr Ilau of removing household items from Flagstaff House as well as illegally holding on to an expensive Hummer vehicle.

“I don’t want to comment on the contracts of former commanders, however, it’s a normal process that we look after our commanders for three months,” he said.

“The secretary (Mr Punangi), in his wisdom, cancelled the cheque that was supposed to have been paid to Cmdr Ilau.”

Commenting on allegations that Cmdr Ilau had removed household items from Flagstaff House, Capt Ur said these were not true, as Cmdr Ilau had cleared out in a rightful manner and most of the said items were being stored in a shed.

Moreover, he added, most of the household items were very old – having been passed from one commander to another – and were “not worth stealing”.

“I believe that he (Cmdr Ilau) went through the normal process (of clearing out),” he said.

“I talked to the Cmdr and he’s very upset about the allegations.

“I feel sorry for the (Ilau) family.

“The media painted the picture that they ransacked the whole place.”

Cmdr Ilau said today that he was told over the weekend that Flagstaff House had been broken into since he left and that certain people had regular access to the building.

He said PNGDF staff had also advised new commander Brig-Gen Francis Agwi not to move in to Flagstaff House until it had been renovated, and not because household items had been “stolen”.

“I think they were not advised of the break and enter,” Cmdr Ilau said.

“They should have checked the house after we left and left some soldiers to guard the place.”

Ilau denies claims he 'stole' State assets

Captions: 1. Where are the ‘stolen’ goods?...Commodore Peter Ilau points out some of his family baggage. 2. Commodore Peter Ilau with the controversial Hummer vehicle.

 

Former PNG Defence Force commander Commodore Peter Ilau has broken his silence over “highly-defamatory” allegations in The National that he was responsible for emptying Flagstaff House – official residence of the PNGDF Commander – of all its contents.

He also explained why he is holding on his contract vehicle, a Hummer bought from Boroko Motors, following scathing accusations leveled at him by another former PNGDF commander Major-General (rtd) Jerry Singirok and unnamed sources.

New PNGDF commander Brig-Gen Francis Agwi is reportedly unable to move in to Flagstaff House because it is empty and the PNGDF has no funds to replenish.

A visibly-distraught Commodore Ilau said at the weekend to the three-bedroom unit at Gordons which he is renting to check out if he had indeed “stolen” the contents of Flagstaff House including furniture, white goods, curtains, cooking utensils, cutlery, chinaware, lounge chairs and other goods.

He was flanked by his daughters, who said their and their mother’s safety was now jeopardised, because of accusations about something they had never done.

He said he and his family vacated Flagstaff House – which they had occupied since Nov 2001 - on Jan 29 this year straight after the formal handover and takeover parade for the PNGDF commander.

“Keys were handed back to staff the same day,” Commodore Ilau said.

“The exit from the house followed normal procedures.

“A final inspection and checks were carried out by appropriate staff including the military assistant to the commander PNGDF, who was also present at the time prior to actual departure.

“Five PNGDF personnel were present to witness me and my family’s departure.

“The house was intact with its normal inventory items upon departure, witnessed by appropriate staff.”

Commodore Ilau and family resided in Flagstaff House for eight years.

“Upon moving in in October 2001, all items in Flagstaff House were completely rundown,” he recalled.

“The house itself was also rundown and medically unfit.

“Flagstaff House is on the same national status of national heritage importance as Government House (Governor General’s residence) and Mirigini House (Prime Minister’s residence).

“Whilst those residences were accorded some form of renovation or upgrade. Flagstaff House did not enjoy any of that.

“It was only attended to on essential need basis by its tenants.

“This was basically to avoid the misperception of denying troop’s conditions of improvement.”

As far as Commodore Ilau’s contract vehicle, he says: “Firstly, it is not a support vehicle.

“It is a vehicle entitlement as per my category B State contract.

“This also includes my housing allowance.

“As is the past and current practice, it is normal for a commander, commissioner or departmental head, particularly Contitutional office holders, to have the choice of retaining their contract vehicle.

“In this case, my staff wrote to Transport and Works departments in Dec 2009 to commence the process of transfer of ownership.

“The Transport Department has advised on the depreciation rate of the vehicle on a monthly basis.

“I, being still a serving officer, continue to use the vehicle while awaiting proper invoice, and also my own retirement entitlements to sort out the appropriate payments to complete the transfer process.

“The vehicle selling price from Boroko Motors was K230, 000 and not K350, 000 as reported and claimed by Gen Singirok.

“The actual price was K170, 000.

“Hence, the depreciated value will be calculated from the purchase price plus the number of months of previous usage.”

Commodore Ilau and his family are currently residing in a three-bedroom flat at Gordons, paid for out of his own pocket, at a cost of K2, 500 per week.

He said the PNGDF had failed in its obligation to pay for his three-month transition as normal for outgoing PNGDF commanders, which allowed them to prepare for their final settlement of choice.

He has so far paid three months of accommodation which will expire at the end of April 2010 while PNGDF has yet to respond as obligated, and continues to wait patiently despite Defence Council assurance through the Minister for Defence

In the first five days of departing Flagstaff House, Commodore Ilau and his family were on the streets; however, with the intervention of “some good Papua New Guineans”, he managed to move into a flat on the sixth day.

“All real estate agents approached refused to accept government cheques,” he said.

“More dramatic was the fact that the original cheque issued for my transition rentals was cancelled and put to a stop by Defence Secretary Fred Punangi immediately the next day.

“To this day no reason has been given for the continuing delay.

“My packing container box remains at Murray Barracks due to unpaid repatriation cost entitlements.

“The National Government has yet to decide on my future deployment.

“Appropriate letters to the Secretary for Personnel Management, Chief Secretary and Treasurer have not been answered.”

Ok Tedi mining workers on strike

Workers at the giant Ok Tedi mine in the Western province of Papua New Guinea have been on strike since last Friday for better working conditions.

The management, however, is refusing to negotiate with workers through their union representatives until all workers return to work, according to a reliable source at the mine.

This has aggravated the situation with workers warning that they would not return to work until they got a positive response or course of action from management regarding various issues, the Shares in Success Scheme (SISS) payment amongst them.

The workforce instigated this strike  ahead of the Allied Workers Union, whose representatives were in Port Moresby to register the strike action.

OTML management says: "Clause 4 (c) of the Industrial Agreement states:4 (c) The union commits to utilize the legislated and agreed procedures in place for the resolution of all concerns and disputes and commits to no illegal industrial action or disruption for the duration of the agreement.

 "As no grievance disputes procedures have been initiated, clearly these employees are in breach of the Industrial Agreement and therefore their industrial action is therefore illegal.

"This has been confirmed to OTML by the Industrial Registrar."

Prime Minister witnesses signing of preliminary commitment to for condensate stripping plant joint venture between InterOil and Mitsui

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has congratulated InterOil and Mitsui Corporation for entering into a Preliminary Commitment Agreement to develop phase one of the Elk/Antelope LNG project.

Sir Michael said: “With these partnerships that we as a country are establishing with Japan, I will be happy to eventually leave politics with the knowledge that this government has enabled PNG to take positive steps towards a secure and prosperous future.”

Sir Michael made these remarks after a fruitful working visit to Tokyo, Japan, where he also held bilateral talks with his counterpart Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, further aligning the economic interests of both countries.

Their discussions included details of international co-operation specifically relating to investment in PNG, the key 50%+ LNG off take from the first PNG LNG project, trading partners, environment and climate change, as well as the benefits of a secure environmentally-friendly LNG supply from the second InterOil LNG project.

Sir Michael witnessed the signing ceremony in Tokyo of the Commitment Agreements between InterOil and Mitsui on Tuesday, March 30, 2010.

InterOil is the upstream operator for the Elk/Antelope LNG project and Mitsui Corporation is one of the leading Japanese investment and trading companies.

This follows the HOA (Heads of Agreement) that was signed in Papua New Guinea, on December 23, 2009, between InterOil and Mitsui, where the PNG Government ensured support to Mitsui.

The Preliminary Commitment Agreements allow Mitsui to fund 100% cost of the Condensate Stripping Facilities (CSF) which includes a liquid separation plant and pipeline in the project area, and as a Joint Venture Partner earn tolling fees and various other benefits, with a target completion date of first condensate production in 2012.

Sir Michael said: “Under the arrangements, project financing to be provided by Mitsui will also fund the State’s share of the condensate extraction costs.”

This means that Petromin and the State will not have to seek separate financing arrangements to fund their share of the equity.

Under the arrangements Mitsui will co-build the extraction facilities and will receive toll fee as a Joint Venture partner as well as financing cost from condensate revenue at first production of condensate.

The condensate will be sold on a net back basis to the InterOil refinery in Port Moresby at international market and local PNG market prices.

“The condensate stripping project agreement is the first step in bringing additional revenue and benefits to the people of Papua New Guinea from the InterOil-led Liquid Niugini Gas LNG project.

“We look forward to extending our relationship with the Japanese people and Mitsui Corporation,” Sir Michael said.

Media urged to get both sides of story

Former Papua New Guinea Defence Force commander Commodore Peter Ilau has appealed to the media to get both sides of the story.

He was referring to allegations in The National that he emptied Flagstaff House – official residence of the PNGDF Commander –  of all its contents as well as was holding on to the official commander’s vehicle.

Commodore Ilau said he was bewildered that a former PNGDF commander, Maj Gen Jerry Singirok (ret), was leading the attack against him and feeding “rubbish” to the media when he was no longer a soldier.

He said any more unsubstantiated allegations against him would end up in court.

“I wish to appeal to the media, but more so to the press in particular, to please respect my 34 years of service and eight long years as commander PNGDF through an extremely difficult time,” Commodore Ilau said.

“My family and I persevered a long period of change in a complex organisation.

“It is not fair to my family to continue to suffer on my behalf.

“We have suffered enough of that rubbish during my term as commander PNGDF.

“I thought that reputable service organisations like the press would double check information, seek opinions from both sides of the story before printing.

“I am extremely disappointed.

“My reputation and credibility has been tarnished because of rubbish.”

Commodore Ilau said during his handover takeover speech in January this year, he promised officers that he would remain loyal to the PNGDF and would never comment against it; however, he now had to turn back on this.

“For this report (in The National), I have no choice but to ensure I clear my good name, because others in the appropriate position failed to correct the reporting as expected,” he said.

“I just want my privacy respected, and my family left alone.

“Even if I get paid by PNGDF, at least please leave us alone.

“This is the last time I will comment on this matter.

“Any future commentaries on me and my family, they will explain in court.”

Commodore Ilau said of Gen Singirok: “All I can say is that everything he’s saying is totally misleading.

“I don’t know where he got his information from.

“He’s claiming that he has inside sources within the PNGDF.

“Even then, this is a matter for the commander and his staff.

“He (Gen Singirok) wants to take military matters into his own hands when he’s no longer a soldier.

“He should hesitate is making statements like this which can be taken to court.”

Papua New Guinea beauty takes Japan by storm

Captions: 1.  Emi Maria (right), the Papua New Guinea-Japan beauty who is now a sensation in Japan, and who gave a rendition of the PNG national anthem at the opening, at the PNG Embassy opening in Tokyo last Wednesday. – Picture by YAWI NALU KWAMSE 2. Emi Maria performing at the Hibiki Music Festival 2009 3. Emi Maria as she appears on the home page of her website http://www.emimaria.com/

 

 

She is arguably Papua New Guinea’s biggest export to Japan and one of the biggest R & B recording artists there right now.

Twenty-two year-old Emi Maria, a PNG-born beauty who is a superstar in Japan right now, gave a soulful rendition of the PNG national anthem at the opening of the new PNG Embassy building in Tokyo last Wednesday.

She touched the hearts of members of the large PNG entourage that was in Tokyo last week, especially when they found that she is Papua New Guinean.

“She sang the national anthem so beautifully and made us so emotional, especially when we found out that she is part Papua New Guinean,” said Timon Tomala, leader of a Morobe dance troupe that performed in Tokyo last week.

Emi Maria was born in 1987 in PNG.

Her father is Papua New Guinean, from Simbu province, while her mother is Japanese.

She spent the first five years of her life in Papua New Guinea, before moving to Kobe in Japan.

She first started listening to R&B at six due to her sister, listening to such artists as Janet and Michael Jackson, and K-Ci & JoJo, according to a brief biography published online.

 She began writing lyrics in junior high school.

 By high school, she had started writing music and producing her own tracks.

 She participated in the MTV Star Tour, and started performing lives in the Kansai area from 2006 onwards.

 In 2007, she started appearing on many different Japanese urban artists' albums as a guest artist, such as Seeda and MC Moggy.

In 2007, Emi Maria released her first EP, "Between the Music," under Freest Inc., a label Emi Maria had created for herself.

 Her debut single "I Gotta (Summer Kiss)" was picked as the iTunes Japan single of the week in August 2008.

She debuted as a major label artist in 2009, with the release of a digital dingle "One Way Love" under Victor Entertainment.

 During this time, she had some of her highest profile collaborations.

 "Luv Is..." was a song Emi Maria performed with R&B singer Jay'ed, which features on his top 10 album Musication.

 Last December, she had her first top 10 hit, as a featured artist on Seeda's single "Wisdom," which reached #8 on the Oricon singles charts.

 After the release of her first physical single in 2010, "Show Me Your Love," Emi Maria released her first major label album, Contrast.

More information can be sourced from her website http://www.emimaria.com/.

Community response to the Maladina attack on the Papua New Guinea Ombudsman's powers

From PAUL OATES

A petition has been raised by Transparency Papua New Guinea in response to the recent proposal in PNG Parliament to weaken the PNG Ombudsman's powers. A Community Coalition Against Corruption is now asking people to sign this petition to help prevent this proposal from going ahead. This is a very important step in PNG's history.

The study of history is essential if one is to understand human nature. Afterall, we as a species haven't changed since we evolved. Nothing changes except the circumstances we live in. As an example, reflect on the circumstances 2,000 years ago in ancient Rome.

Quis custodiet ipsos! Custodes? Juvenal 60 -130 AD

'Who is to guard the guards themselves?'

When the separation of government powers becomes a murky, grey area, society starts falling apart. If PNG government ministers have now started to see themselves as rulers and above the law then they have lost sight of their role as the people's representatives.

Why would this be so? Juvenal comes up with another apposite quote:

'Nemo repente fuit turpissimus!'

"No one ever reached the depths of wickedness all at once."

Hitherto, traditional PNG culture helped repress any dissention and promoted the 'big man' concept. Little by little over the last 30 odd years, the public's individual rights have been continually 'white anted' away.

But when people start climbing the mountain of awareness, they see things from a whole new perspective. Younger PNG people are now prepared to draw a metaphoric line in the sand.

We are witnessing PNG's coming of age.

Yet another problem caused by deforestation

Morobe group impressed by Japanese culture

Culture shock…Lasi Tewai Siac Group leader Timon Tomala being shown how to use a chopstick by his hosts at an elementary school

The Lasi Tewai Siac Group in one of its performances in and around Tokyo

A bare-chested Yawi Nalu Kwamse with a Japanese admirer after a performance on the streets of Tokyo

From Morobe to Japan…from left (back row) are Andrew Baim Jr, John Sandy and Timon Tomala while front are Yawi Nalu Kwamse, Rose Masio Tomala, Taegiyamo Andrew, Mathew Imata Tomala and Andrew Ananias Baim

A traditional dance group from Morobe province has returned from Japan proud to have been part of the opening of the brand-new Papua New Guinea Embassy building in Tokyo last Wednesday and convinced that our people can learn so much from the Japanese.

The eight-strong Lasi Tewai Siac Group was one of two groups brought over by the PNG Embassy in Tokyo, the other being the Kurti Andra Traditional Dance Group of Manus.

They travelled to Tokyo on March 27 and performed at a number of venues in and around Tokyo in the days leading up to the opening of the new PNG chancery and the launching of the second weekly Port Moresby-Narita flight last Wednesday.

It was the first overseas trip for most members of the group and was a real eye-opener for them.

Group leader Timon Tomala said one of the highlights of the trip was when they were hosted by students at an elementary school at Tsurugashima and later partook in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

"Japan is in a class of its own," he said.

"Generally, life is Japan is very fast-paced, however, the people respect each other.

'They are very hard-working.

"Time to them is of paramount importance.

"I've been to other places around the world, however, they don't compare to Japan.

"There are a lot of things Japan can offer PNG.

"There are many things that PNG can learn from Japan.

"They are very traditional-minded, despite being one of the economic superpowers of the world, and they ensure that their children grow up with that.

"It was a very good learning experience for us members of the Lasi Tewai Siac Group."

Mr Tomala was very impressed to see that PNG students studying in Tokyo were much disciplined like their hosts.

"We could see that our students who are studying in Japan have really taken on board the Japanese culture," he said.

"I would like to see more of our young people from PNG take up studies in Japan, as it will impact on their lives and be good for PNG in the long run."

Something that Papua New Guinea can be proud of: Abal

The new Papua New Guinea Embassy building in Tokyo is something the whole country can be proud of, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Abal.

He said during the opening of the new building on Wednesday that the plan for PNG to acquire a prime piece of real estate in Tokyo, known to be a very-expensive place, was hatched in 2007.

"After the return of the National Alliance Government in July 2007, it decided to continue its existing policies and at the same time pursue new areas and in particular the Export-Driven Policy to drive growth through the creation of industries for export," Mr Abal said.

"The Prime Minister had firm plans to fund the construction of a Chancery Building in Tokyo during the second term of his Government.

"This project is significant in many ways.

"First, this investment would only be the second, in terms of constructing a new building, after the construction of the Haus Tambaran or the Spirit Haus in Canberra, Australia, which was completed some 30 years ago.

"It is significant also because the investment in a PNG Haus symbolises the close, maturing and evolving relations which PNG enjoys with Japan.

"This building is a statement of our appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support for PNG development efforts and at the same time our firm desire to engage constructively with Japan for the mutual benefit of our two countries and our peoples."

Mr Abal said the Government appropriated K15 million in the 2008 National Budget and further provided an additional amount of K2.97m in the same year.

" The effect of the rising oil prices had directly impacted on the price of steel and building materials, therefore, the Embassy was forced to seek additional funding in October 2008, which I am happy to say Cabinet approved K5 million which was released early this year," he said.

Mr Abal said he was personally satisfied that the project had been executed professionally and the building turned out to fully to his expectations.

"Indeed, the quality of work is outstanding and I commend all parties concerned for their part in making this great project a success," he said.

"Congratulations to Mr Yokoyama for a modern yet PNG flavor design depicting PNG as it strives for its own identity and place in the community of nations.

"The project manager, Sao Facilities,  for representing PNG Government and the people's interests and the contractor, Fujita Corporation, particularly Mr Ta Kayanagi for making our dream a reality and completing the work within budget and on schedule.

" Of course a special acknowledgement to the Embassy staff led by our former Ambassador to Japan and secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr Michael Maue, for successfully delivering the project on time.

"Congratulations to all for an excellent job.

"PNG is both grateful and proud of your achievement.

"I take this opportunity to thank our former Ambassadors, their families and our officers who are serving now and those who served in the past to promote Japan-PNG relations.

"I know they all have worked hard.

 "Some of the former Heads of Mission and spouses of two who have passed away are among us today to witness this occasion.

"Over the years they too have tried hard to secure funds to construct our own building, particularly in a place like Tokyo.

"I am glad that Amb Anthony Farapo, Mr Vincent Maragu, Lady Nicky Nombri and Mrs Elisabeth Lalatute are able to join us today.

"Only Amb Aiwa Olmi is unable to join us on this occasion."

Mr Abal told Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare that his officers had carried out the tasks diligently and with purpose.

"I am satisfied with the work which has been accomplished and I commend the building to you, the Government and people of PNG," he said.

Embassy heralds a new dawn in Japan-Papua New Guinea relations

Japan – Papua New New Guinea relations can only get better with the opening of the magnificent new PNG Embassy in Tokyo, according to Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.

He was speaking in Tokyo on Wednesday when officially opening the new chancery building in front of a large entourage from both Japan and PNG.

The opening of the new chancery at Meguro Ward coincided with the launching of the second weekly Port Moresby-Narita later that same day by Culture and Tourism Minister Charles Abel at Narita Airport.

The K20 million building is named after former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sir Albert Maori Kiki, who was instrumental in developing PNG foreign policy.

Whether deliberately planned or not, a point Sir Michael alluded to, the timing of the opening of the new chancery building on the eve of the cherry blossom season in Tokyo was auspicious.

"As the cherry blossom season heralds new beginnings in Japan, the advent of a new season for business and school, the opening of the Papua New Guinea chancery trumpets a new era of deepened friendship and more stronger economic and trade ties between our two countries," he said.

"I am confident that the relationship between our two countries can only get better from here onwards.

"The signs are promising.

"Papua New Guinea already enjoys a fast-growing investment, trade and economic relationship with Japan.

"Japan is Papua New Guinea's second-largest trading partner.

"Japanese business entities have substantial investment interests in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries and oil and gas sectors.

"JBIC, Nippon Oil Exploration and Tokyo Electric's participation in the first PNG LNG project confirms the trend towards a more enhanced relationship between Papua New Guinea and Japan.

"This is further exemplified by the interest shown by JAPEX in the second LNG project being developed in Papua New Guinea."

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

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.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Michael Maue, former PNG ambassador, said it all began on Sept 20, 2007, when Sir Michael called him to say that he was passing through Narita on his way to New York and directed that he prepare a Cabinet submission for him to consider.

Mr Maue finalised a submission for the new embassy which was signed by Sir Michael and which he directed be faxed to the Cabinet secretary for NEC consideration.

"Cabinet finally approved to fund the project and appropriation was made in the 2008 national budget," he recalled.

"After receipt of the first batch of funds on April 14, 2008, the embassy searched for suitable land for building.

'Over 80 sites were considered with information provided by real estate agents, the Internet, site visits and also land made available by the Ministry of Finance of Japan.

"Let me assure you, the people of PNG, that your investment is sound considering it is in Tokyo.

"May I add, the Government and people of PNG own this block of land because we have the legal title to it duly registered in the name of the Government of the Independent State of PNG.

"The total land area is 324 square metres; however, the total office space of 660sqm almost doubles the size of the land compared to the 240 sqm the embassy rented all these years on the third floor of the Mita Kosukai Building.

"Funds could not permit the purchase of bigger land space or the construction of a residence next to the chancery for the head of mission.

"I will leave that to the imagination of future PNG ambassadors to Japan.

"Having said that, I am fully satisfied and convinced that what we have delivered is the best money can buy."

Other speakers included Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Abal and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms Chinami Nishimura, who spoke on behalf of the Japanese Government.

Traditional singsing performances were done by Lasi Tewai Siac Group of Morobe province, Kurti Andra Traditional Dance Group of Manus, and Engan artists living in Japan.

New Papua New Guinea Embassy in Japan opened

Japan – Papua New New Guinea relations can only get better with the opening of the magnificent new PNG Embassy in Tokyo, according to Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.

He was speaking in Tokyo yesterday when officially opening the new embassy building (pictured) in front of a large entourage from both Japan and PNG.

The K20 million building is named after former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sir Albert Maori Kiki, who was instrumental in developing PNG foreign policy.

"Papua New Guinea already enjoys a fast-growing investment, trade and economic relationship with Japan," Sir Michael said.

"Japan is Papua New Guinea's second-largest trading partner.

"Japanese business entities have substantial investment interests in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries and oil and gas sectors.

"JBIC, Nippon Oil Exploration and Tokyo Electric's participation in the first PNG LNG project confirms the trend towards a more enhanced relationship between Papua New Guinea and Japan.

"This is further exemplified by the interest shown by JAPEX in the second LNG project being developed in Papua New Guinea."

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

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.

Nambawan Super Declares a solid profit for 2009

10% interest crediting rate for members and increases its reserves.

By any measure, 2009 was a difficult year for business and investment.  The global financial crisis (GFC) battered a wide range of industry sectors around the world, tightening the global flow of money and putting intense pressure on investment markets.

To some extent, the Papua New Guinea economy was sheltered from the worst of the GFC’s impact.  A number of the Fund’s investments thrived during the year, against the worldwide downward trend that saw billions wiped from share market capitalisations.

Against these very challenging conditions, the Board is very pleased to report that the Fund has delivered yet another solid result for our members. The Board’s prudent approach to managing members’ money has stood the Fund in very good stead.  This places the Fund in a strong position to take advantage of improvements in the various markets for the benefit of our members.

After tax profit for 2009 was a very respectable K191 million.  Interest of 10% (which equates to K236.5 million) has been approved for crediting to member accounts, including the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) of retired members.  Offset against a headline inflation rate of 5.7%, the declared interest rate represents a positive real return of 4.3%, the seventh year in a row, since the reforms, in which the Fund has delivered double digit interest and, most importantly, real returns to members.

The Board also approved an interim interest rate of 3% for members leaving the Fund in 2010.

Determining the annual interest rate is a very serious decision for the Board of Directors. Account is taken of the audited financial statements of the Fund for the year, and consider all aspects that have bearing on the financial outcome, not just the after tax profit figure. The Board makes sure proper accounting standards are met.  It also factors in economic forecasts for the next few years, to make sure it sets aside sufficient reserves to meet the prudential requirements set by the Bank of Papua New Guinea.

Simply put, the Board does not drain your asset bucket to boast an artificially high interest rate. As you would appreciate, superannuation is a long term commitment. The Board’s job is to make sure that the Fund is sustainable over the long term so it will be there when the member comes to retire, however many years away that may be.

While double digit interest crediting has been approved for the year, Reserves have increased to K74.7 million from the 2008 levels of K66.6 million. Maintaining reserves at such prudent levels can help          reduce the impact on members of future market ups and downs.

In spite of the difficult investment conditions, the Fund’s total assets increased to K2.83 billion, an increase of K210 million over the 2008 total of K2.62 billion.  Income of K249 million was derived from the Fund’s investments, largely attributed to good performance in interest earnings, property revaluations, international shares and exchange rate benefits arising from the drop in value of the Kina.   The Fund has been prudent, responsible and conservative in the valuation of our investments.  This is reflected in only 33% of our total income being unrealised “paper profits”.

Membership of both the Fund and the RSA continued to grow during 2009.  By the end of the year 113,564 Papua New Guineans had entrusted Nambawan Super with the care of their superannuation money, with membership growth double that of the previous year.  Following this positive trend, the RSA also attracted a significant number of new members, people who recognise the value of leaving money in their account to help fund their later retirement years. The growth of the RSA is welcome on another level, as it represents a strengthening of the culture and habit of saving among our members.

All in all, the Fund’s performance and achievements in 2009’s challenging environment were very pleasing.

In the context of the regulatory environment in which the Fund operates, implementing good corporate governance practice and taking a careful and prudent approach to managing members’ money have long been priorities and they will continue to be priorities of the Board.

On behalf of all Fund members I would like to take the opportunity to thank my fellow Board members for their wise counsel and support throughout the year. I also extend a personal thank you to Nambawan Super’s dedicated management and staff and all service suppliers for their hard work and their energetic commitment to the Fund and its members during 2009.

Sir Nagora Bogan, KBE

CHAIRMAN

 

Growing a solid career in agriculture

Coaching in Australia, 2007

Rice breeding in Philippines, 2009

Institute of National Affairs SPSS Survey training Port Moresby 2010

Abner Yalu

Abner Yalu from Bukawa, Morobe province, is one of Papua New Guinea’s most highly-skilled up-coming agriculture experts with a Bachelor of Science degree from University of PNG, post-graduate certificate from University of Technology and Masters from University of Queensland.
The 30-year-old is departing for his MPhil/PhD with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia, in July 2010.
Mr Yalu is a biometrician (applied statistician) and plant breeder (quantitative genetics).
He is currently the leading biometrics consultant for all National Agriculture Research Systems (NARS) such as National Agriculture Research Institute, Fresh Produce Development Agency, Coffee Industry Corporation, Cocoa Coconut Institute, Oil Palm Research Association, etc) in Papua New Guinea.
Mr Yalu has resigned from NARI with the aim of starting his own consultancy firm.
He has run over 20 statistics and biometrics training workshops and has trained over 100 professional PNG researchers in government and non-governmental organisations.
His understanding and expertise in adult learning, learning styles, skills and action learning has made all his training workshops very enjoyable and intellectually-rewarding for all who’ve attended.
Mr Yalu has produced a number of statistics training materials including the ‘Mind Map’ of statistical tests that is used in deciding which statistical tests to apply in different research contexts.
His present biometrics/statistics trainings target surveys and experimental designs, data analysis and interpretations using statistical techniques such as linear models, mixed models, multivariate statistics, non-parametric, and results reporting and also use of statistical packages such as Genstat, R and SPSS.
Some of his consultancies in the past include Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR)-funded biometrics trainings for NARS and World Vision in 2005-2006.
Mr Yalu also has international biometrics consultancy experience with Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI&F) and tutoring biometrics at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
He has plant breeding experience in both self and open-pollinated crops such as taro (Colocasia esculenta) and sweet potato (Ipomea batatas).
His professional experience in the release of four new PNG-bred hybrid taros by NARI are detailed in his book ‘Taro Improvement and Development in Papua New Guinea’ which can be found on the website:
http://www.apaari.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/taro-papua-guinea-final.pdf
He is well-versed with quantitative research analytical techniques from mixed models to multivariate statistics including MET and pattern analysis and biplots and calculating breeding values, combining abilities, heritability and etc.
Mr Yalu’s quantitative genetics knowledge also includes overseas research experience working on bi-informatics projects using online genetics databases to identify genetic sequences, breeding wheat for rust resistance and analysing genotype by environment data of pine tree evaluated across Australia.
He was also trained in rice (Oryza sativa) research to production in the Philippines in 2009.
His experiences have exposed him to extreme physical environments and conditions doing field work in remote places over long periods.
He is well-experienced in carrying out rural surveys, appraisals and impact assessments. He has taken part in surveys such as technology dissemination of rice in East Sepik province and taro in Morobe province.
Mr Yalu is a self-taught expert in adult learning and learning skills such as memorisation, study, thinking, learning, reading, writing and public speaking skills and setting and achieving goals.
He coaches high school and university students and any interest persons on his free time on voluntary basis as community service.
He was a mentor and coach at the Polyvision 2007-Pacific Youths of Tomorrow at the Ipswich Campus, Ipswich, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
His greatest passion is to help young people achieve their dreams in life the way he is living his at the moment.
Mr Yalu was born on Sept 14, 1979, to a Lutheran pastor father from Gobadik and a primary school mother from Lae.
He did his Grades One to Six from 1987-1992 at Ogelbeing Primary School in Western Highlands province, Grades Seven to 10 from 1993-1996 at Hagen Park High School, Grade 11 at Fatima Secondary in Western Highlands in 1997 and Grade 12 at Malala Secondary in Madang in 1998.
From 1999-2002, Mr Yalu was at UPNG studying for his Bachelor of Science Degree.
He joined NARI as a cadet scientist from 2003-2005, during which time he completed his post-graduate certificate in scientific communication/adult learning from Unitech, and from 2006-2008 did his Masters in Agriculture Studies, specialising in biometrics and quantitative genetics.

Meeting a stepping stone for women in agriculture

By DAISY TANIOVA PAWA

 

THE PNG Women in Agriculture Development Foundation’s (PNG WiADF) two-day discussion in Lae on Tuesday and Wednesday should be a stepping stone for women in Agriculture, for the development of this nation.

The importance was stressed with the participation of farmers in forming their strategic plan.

The plan would provide an opening for the foundation to seek assistance from government organisations and donor agencies.

Initiator of the foundation, Maria Linibi, said she recognised that the majority of PNG's population, of over 85%, lived in the rural areas and their livelihood was dependent on agriculture and related food activities for food production and income.

Mrs Linibi said that studies had shown that women in PNG did the majority of work in agriculture.

“That was why it was important that the capabilities of women in agriculture be enhanced so that there can be improvement and development in the standard of living in PNG,” she said.

The talks attracted organisations and dignitaries from around the country and abroad to speak about the challenges women faced in agriculture development and how they could be assisted in overcoming these obstacles.

The PNG WiADF was formed in 2007 and today has 24 affiliated groups from 13 different provinces.

Mrs Linibi said the foundation committed itself with passion to pursue and implement policies that were conducive to investments in human resource development, research and infrastructure to achieve food security.

She said the foundation would encourage generation of employment and income among women and promote equitable access to productive and financial resources.

Mrs Linibi said the foundation recognised the importance of food security for sustainable agriculture, floriculture, fisheries, forestry, other natural resources and rural development.

She said the sustainable development policies of the foundation would go into promoting full participation and empowerment of women, and equitable distribution of income and access to necessary social services such as education and health.

The foundation recognises that improving the quality of life for women can have an enormous effect on society because of the multiple roles women have in raising children, in education and as stewards of natural resources, to provide for their families.

Yesterday’s discussion was the highlight of the event where the women participants were able to air their grievances and establish networks with other stakeholders and partners who provided support and alternatives to the foundation’s effectiveness.

It was also an opportunity for the women in agriculture to showcase their produce by setting up stalls outside the Allan Quatermain Hall of the National Research Institute in Bubia.

Do Australian politicians care about what's happening in Papua New Guinea?

From John Pasquarelli

Since PNG gained its independence in 1975, all sides of politics have barely been interested in what is happening to one of our closest neighbours. Now that the huge Exxon-Mobil LNG development has been signed off, PNG is entering a dramatic phase in its modern history as it becomes a big player in the international energy market. A Communist Chinese 747 recently landed in Port Moresby, discharging passengers in military uniforms and suits – to sign up lucrative contracts for the supply of LNG to China. PNG politicians and their acolytes will rush to gorge at the money trough whilst many PNG villagers will make do with their A$250 annual income.

Southern Highlanders whose lands carry the oil and gas, are flooding into Moresby as a cargo cult hysteria builds and PNG faces more pressure on its demoralised Police and Military forces. Twelve violent criminals recently walked out of Moresby's Bomana prison accompanied by a PNG woman posing as a human right lawyer! - the possible involvement of senior police and politicians is doing the rounds in local markets and the media – not the best PR for a country where there will be a huge influx of foreigners to work on the project. Do Australian politicians care?

Work starts on Wabag police cells

Renovation work on the condemned Wabag police cells in Enga province started on Monday, and would take about four weeks to complete, The National reports.Porgera gold mine developer, Barrick (PNG) Ltd, is renovating the seven cells, doing extensions, replacing the sewage system, connecting water and electricity supplies and adding two more security razor wire fencing to the existing one due to numerous breakouts by detainees, usually by digging through the cell floor shown here by acting provincial police commander Chief Insp Martin Lakari and his policemen. The police cells were condemned by the health authorities in 2006. It all started with Wabag resident judge Justice Graham Ellis and his court staff scrubbing the cells on alternate Sundays.-Nationalpic by JAMES APA GUMUNO.

Calls blocked

Mobile networks fight over rates and payments

 

THE public could be hit with communication and power blackout heading into the long Easter holiday because of disputes between the phone companies and upgrade work at a power facility, The National reports.

Residents in Port Moresby are expected to suffer the most, with the Rouna 2 power station expected to shut down over much of the holiday period for work to be carried out.

The dispute over interconnection rates between the mobile phone companies surfaced again this week, with Digicel blocking off traffic, making calls from bemobile to Digicel impossible.

Industry sources monitoring the mobile activities yesterday said bemobile customers were hard hit, with Digicel blocking 95% of traffic.

Some callers had to try a number of times to get through, causing a lot of frustration.

Digicel said yesterday it was having issues with bemobile and Telikom with regard to who was going to pay for outstanding mobile invoices.

Digicel said both had denied liability and, therefore, Digicel had not received payments for service (interconnection) provided since June 12 last year.

It said the outstanding payments amounted to “several millions of kina”.

“Digicel cannot be expected to keep providing services indefinitely when bemobile is unwilling to even engage in discussions around mobile interconnect, outstanding mobile payments and, indeed, have expressly denied liability,” Digicel said in response to questions about why interconnect calls were blocked.

But bemobile sources said the current contractual relationship was with Telikom, meaning Telikom pays the interconnect fees owed for mobile to mobile calls and sms.

They said Digicel served Telikom with a demand for payment for K2.5 million at the old interconnect rates, and later withdrew this demand.

The sources said Digicel withdrew the demand because it could not invoice on the old rates, and did not want to state the new rates as doing so would be seen as acceptance of the new interconnection rate.

Digicel has recently gone to court to challenge the new rates introduced by the regulator ICCC, but lost the challenge.

Digicel claims it operates a bigger network, and is losing money on the new interconnection rates being applied.

Telikom and bemobile disagree, and argue that termination rates should be further reduced, as is the trend around the world.

Interconnection rates have dropped about 50%, down to 26 toea (peak) and 22 toea (off peak) per minute, from 46 toea to 42 toea per minute.

The rates were set by ICCC last December.

Industry sources say a drop in interconnection rate will mean cheaper calls for all mobile users.

At present, Digicel has the larger share of the mobile market. It controls about 80%.

When contacted about the dispute and the blocking of calls, Communications and Information Department secretary Henao Iduhu said he would meet all three parties to try to resolve the dispute.

Officials at ICCC could not be reached for comments.