Kapris' jail term put off

Prison escapee and bank robber William Kapris, attributing his suspended sentencing yesterday to a “miracle from God”, before boarding a guarded Toyota Landcruiser for the trip back to the Bomana prison camp

PRISON escapee and robber William Kapris got off lightly yesterday for his part in the armed robbery of the Metals Refining Operations (MRO) in 2007.

National Court judge Justice Bernard Sakora sentenced him to five years in jail, then deducted two years for time already spent in jail, and suspended the remaining three years, The National reports.

The judge felt he deserved to be placed on good behaviour bond for this period.

The sentence was light because the robbery did not involve violence, Kapris admitting to the crime and cooperated and others, who were involved, were still out there.

Sakora described Kapris as “a sacrificial lamb” who should “not be held accountable for the sins of others”.

A smiling and elated Kapris told the media just before boarding the Bomana-bound 10-seater Toyota Landcruiser that the courts decision was “a miracle from God”.

When handing down the decision, the judge noted that there were many others involved in the MRO robbery of Feb 14, 2007, in which K78, 000 cash and four gold bars valued at K2, 066,115.56 were taken.

These have not been recovered.

The judge said the court took into account Kapris’ cooperation with the authorities.

“He over-cooperated with police and everybody and anyone who wanted to talk with him.”

The judge said the sentence he imposed could be seen as a deterrent.

The judge said based on the evidence before him, there were many unanswered questions as to the whereabouts of others who were involved in the “inside job” robbery.

He called on relevant government authorities to fully investigate and prosecute “the others” involved in the “highly sophisticated and properly planned” armed robbery.

“Where are the others who were involved in this highly-organised armed robbery with him?” the judge asked, saying that Kapris should “not be held accountable for the sins of others”.

“Others were involved; it was night, how could MRO employee Fiona Augerea answers readily to the tooting of the bus?

“You would not have got into MRO without insiders,” the judge said, pointing out that he had watched the MRO close circuit television (CCTV) replay of the robbery taking place on the night of Feb 14, 2007.

Sakora said the CCTV replay showed no indication that the MRO employees were being held under threat while the robbery took place.

“Even the man with the pistol was holding it with the muzzle pointing downwards.

“You don’t just walk into a tightly secured setup like MRO. Someone from inside knew the safety lock,” he said.

“What happened to Alfie (Alphonse Silas), the supposed mastermind of the MRO robbery?

“There was proper planning; vehicles were hired and the provision of the police uniforms. Who gave it to them; where did they get it from?”

Chief secretary: Process begins on power-sharing

THE national government has started a consultative process that will see more power-sharing with increased legislative and service delivery functions passed onto the provinces, The National reports.

Chief secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc told a news conference yesterday that the word autonomy, used by people, was a misrepresentation and that what provinces really want was power-sharing.

He said the consultative process would start today in East New Britain, and then New Ireland and the rest of the country.

He said any legislative amendments to effect changes would most likely be at the end of the year.

Zurenuoc said cabinet had approved a discussion paper on power-sharing between the national and provincial governments.

“This is not the final position of the government.

“The discussion paper outlined many important issues and is intended to stimulate discussion,” he said.

“There have been many calls from provincial governments, in particular New Ireland and East New Britain, for more power and responsibility and, in some cases, greater autonomy.”

He said last June, cabinet resolved that the Bougainville model of autonomy would not be applied to any other province, adding the arrangements for Bougainville was a special case.

“My department has had some discussions with the East New Britain and New Ireland autonomy committees and governments.”

Zurenuoc said the discussion paper raised issues in four broad areas:

*Increased legislative powers and service delivery functions;

*Reforming the public service;

*Greater financial control; and

*Stronger political representation.

He said for the increase legislative powers and service delivery functions, a single administrative process to transfer specific service delivery functions and responsibilities for the national to provincial governments was proposed.

As a counter measure, it was proposed that in some circumstances, powers and functions might be withdrawn from provincial and local level governments if they do not have the capability and capacity.

Zurenuoc said public service reforms must be undertaken to support increased legislative powers and service delivery functions.

He said many provincial governments were seeking greater financial powers and the paper outlined a mechanism that would allow provincial governments to gain more control over recurrent grants.

He said many provincial governments had also sought changes to their political system.

“However, any policy must apply to all provinces; individual governments cannot have their own unique political system.”

The discussion paper also briefly outlined:

*The current situation as well as considering the composition of provincial assembly;

*Direct election of members of the provincial assembly;

*Whether LLGs should be brought under the control of provincial governments;

*Whether the office of the speaker for the provincial assemblies should be created; and

*Should the number of LLGs, and the way they were created, be reviewed.

“It is expected that by next month, the proposal would be finalised for consideration by cabinet.

“Any legislative amendments would most likely be made towards the end of the year,” Zurenuoc said.

 

'Hear me out,' said Sir Michael

From PAUL OATES

'Hear me out,' said Sir Michael
Under a newspaper heading 'Sir Michael gives judiciary, NGOs and the media a tongue-lashing', Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Somare yesterday reportedly lashed out at his country's judiciary, NGO's and media over the delays in dealing with high profile legal cases and his government's amendments to the Environment Act.
Sir Michael is quoted as saying he is outraged at the constant delays in processing court cases involving himself, his son Arthur and former chief secretary Lupari.
Yet could it not be said that Somare himself is the author of his own discontent? If his lawyers had not constantly raised objections and delays, surely these cases could have been dealt with in a timely manner? If he had provided sufficient resources to his own Ombudsman Commissioners to allow them to perform their proper role, these apparently irritating delays may not have occurred.
On the issue of the Amendment to the Environment Act, Somare "accused the media of misinforming the public and described NGOs as an unelected group representing no one. He said the amendments were done after getting "the best advice from three best brains". (I wonder who they belonged to?)
Sir Michael reportedly went on to explain that he himself had gone to China four years ago and convinced the Chinese government that they should invest K800 in developing the Ramu nickel mine. "The government will lose a lot. No country can come to PNG and put US$800 million on the spot" he is quoted as saying.
Yet again, Somare has only himself to blame. Why wasn't there full and open debate on the Amendment prior to the vote being rushed through Parliament? Why hasn't there been effective legislation passed to ensure the PNG people are protected by effective and robust environment laws? If there was effective legislation in place already, there wouldn't be a need for the people to have to take their own legal action to stop the government and the developer from potentially destroying their environment? If Sir Michael did indeed convinced the Chinese to develop the mine, and not vice versa, why didn't he use those four years to pass proper environmental legislation to protect his people. Why leave it up to his own people to defend themselves and then criticize them for doing it? There has been plenty of previous indications that this and other developments require effective legislation to protect PNG's environment from being potentially destroyed.
Clearly the PNG PM has been caught out and is behaving like a cornered animal, enmeshed in its own web of dishonourable deceit.
So perhaps his country should either 'hear' or in fact see Sir Michael out?
Err.. which way did he come in?

More gobbledegook from the PNG government

From PAUL OATES

Reportedly the latest press release from the Somare government purporting to justify changes in Papua New Guinea's environment legislation preventing any legal challenges to resource development companies once the director has issued a permit of approval for the company's operations to commence.
What a classic example of bureaucratise and public service 'gobbledegook'.
It was probably written by some high-priced help and paid for by AusAID.
A complete 'snow job' if ever I saw one.
______________________________________-

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

Press Statement on Amendment to Environment Act 2000

Hon Benny Allen, Minister for Environment and Conservation clarified misunderstanding on amendments made to the Environment Act and subsequent Environment (Permit Transition) Regulation passed by Government last week in Parliament.
The Minister said the Amendment is intended to give more clarity to the current saving provisions in the Environment Act 2000. The public will recall that during passing by Parliament of the Environment Act 2000, all development projects approved under the repealed Environment Planning Act 1978, the repealed Water Resources Act 1982, the repealed Environment Contaminants Act, 1978 needed to be saved and continue to operate as though they had environment permits issued under the Environment Act 2000.
These development projects had followed due process under each of the repealed legislations and on satisfying the requirements of each of the legislation were approved. It will be irresponsible for the Government not to protect these investments and thousands of jobs created. To give more certainty to the investors of development projects and the various environmental approvals issued before coming into operation of the Environment Act 2000, the transitional and saving provisions became a critical section in the main legislation.
The Amendment passed by Government last week will give added clarity to as well as remove doubts on the application of the saving and transition provisions in the Environment Act 2000. The Amendment in effect gives added certainty and confidence to development projects, who following due process, obtained relevant environmental approvals before the Environment Act 2000 come into operation.
At the time of coming into force of the Environment Act, there were development projects in different stages of development. There were those in very advance stages of development where in the permit they are referred to be in the operation stage. There were projects in early years of commencement and are referred to in the permit as being in the construction phase. And there were project in proposal stage and have just been issued with approvals.
The Transition and Savings provision there provides a guide to how these projects will be saved and rolled-over into the new Environment Permit arrangement. Conditions set out in the permits cover the various stages of project development to give added clarity and guidance to permit holders and the Department as the regulator on key parameters to manage, monitor and report on. As the project progresses to advance stages, some of the permit conditions become redundant and are no longer applicable. Permit conditions are then reviewed accordingly by the Director who has powers to call up permits and review conditions. Once issued, the permit is a contractual obligation that is reviewed and updated from time to time.
The Minister added that all environmental approvals issued under the various repealed legislation are being rolled over into the new permitting arrangements in the Environment Act 2000. This exercise has been going on since the Act came into force. These development activities are allowed to continue to operate under a deemed environment permit saved by virtue of the transition and saving provisions. While the transitional and savings provision is adequate, many permit holders are seeking urgent and immediate roll-over into the new permitting arrangements under the Environment Act for fear of being non-compliant with PNG laws. The Department is managing the roll-over as provided for under the Environment Act and the Amendment is intended to give added clarity and comfort to those who have yet to be rolled-over into the new permitting system.
The Public and particularly Environment Permit holders wanting more clarification regarding the Amendment can call the Department for more information.

Approved for Release:

HON. BENNY ALLEN, MP
Minister for Environment and Conservation

Prime Minister lashes out

Hear me out ... Prime Minister Sir Michael expressing his anger and frustrations over delays in the courts and calls on the judiciary to speed up cases

Sir Michael gives judiciary, NGOs and the media a tongue-lashing

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare yesterday attacked the judiciary, the NGOs and the media over delays in dealing with certain high profile cases, and criticisms of the controversial amendments to the Environment Act, The National reports.
Walking into the conference room of his office at Morauta House, aided by a walking stick because of a sprained ankle, and flanked by senior ministers and advisers, he launched his tirade.
He expressed outrage at the constant delays by the courts in dispensing cases, like his own with the Ombudsman Commission, that of Public Enterprises Minister Arthur Somare, and the case involving his former chief secretary Isaac Lupari.
“This is the first time that I will address my concerns about the judiciary,” Sir Michael said.
He said just like Members of Parliament, the judiciary owed it to the people of this nation to speed up cases that had been pending for years.
He pointed out the Tewai-Siassi election case as an example, where former deputy prime minister Mao Zeming had to wait five years before learning a decision.
“Why? We cannot go and question the courts. When there is no decision taken, it makes you frustrated.
“With me running a country with six million people, you will be very, very frustrated. We want reasonableness,” Sir Michael said.
“We are seeing the same with other election petitions like the Madang provincial seat.
“Equally, cases before the courts delay the government’s ability to effect change quickly.”
Sir Michael said former chief secretary Lupari took the government to court over his removal and the matter was pending, three years later.
In the meantime, Manasupe Zurenuoc and Margaret Elias can only act in their positions.
“The Prime Minister’s Department has been held to ransom (by the judiciary). We want some decisions made,” Sir Michael said.
Defending the amendments to the Environment Act passed by Parliament last week, he accused the media of misinforming the public and described NGOs as an unelected group representing no one.
He said the amendments were done after getting “the best advice from three best brains” in the chief secretary to government, secretary to the prime ministers office and the attorney-general and also from a Scottish consultant.
He said the deep sea tailings disposal was the best option for Ramu.
He admitted the Ramu nickel project delay by the courts was the main reason for the change of laws.
“We have to make changes to (the law) have a speedy process to carry out that project,” Sir Michael said.
“We want the mine to continue that’s why we make the change.
“That project has a target and we have to achieve that target.”
He said any delay would cost the country.
He credited himself for going to China to convince the regime there four years ago to come and invest a massive US$800 million to start the mine.
“The government will lose a lot. No country can come to PNG and put US$800 million on the spot.”

Momis victory

By REUBEN KALAUNG in Buka

 

FORMER Catholic priest, national politician and ambassador John Momis has won the Bougainville presidential election by an overwhelming majority, The National reports.

Momis polled 43,047 votes, or 52.35% of the total votes cast in the second Autonomous Region of Bougainville general election.

Incumbent James Tanis could only muster 17,205 votes.

The declaration was made yesterday at the Hutjena counting centre in Buka by the regional returning officer George Tarala.

Mothers and children were seen celebrating openly when the declaration was heard on NBC Bougainville at 2.30pm yesterday.

Momis was escorted by police to the counting for the declaration and signing of the writs.

He was met and welcomed by Tanis at the counting centre.

Momis was accompanied by his wife, Elizabeth, to witness the signing of the writs which will be returned tomorrow.

He told a packed crowd that his win was for the people of Bougainville.

While expressing his gratitude to the outgoing president, Momis promised to continue the work done by the previous government.

He said the administration, under his presidency, would work towards completing the arms disposal programme in the autonomous region.

He added a lot more needed to be done in that area.

Momis said his government would also look at other ways of generating revenue to finance much-needed public service and public infrastructures.

He also plans to build up investors’ confidence within the region and offer opportunity to generate wealth for all Bougainvilleans.

“Bougainvilleans must be able to sustain their own living.

“They must be able to pay for their children’s school fees, food, vehicles and such,” Momis said during his speech at Hutjena.

He thanked all Bougainvilleans for respecting the democratic process of election in this second election.

Tanis thanked the voters for their support and pledged to work closely with the president-elect for a smooth transition of powers.

A total of 40 declarations were made over two weeks – the presidential seat, seats in 33 constituencies and seats for ex-combatants and women.

The elected leaders will be sworn in next Tuesday as members of the second Bougainville house of representatives.

 

 

PM: Why should I listen to Kapris?

PRISON escapee and robber William Kapris would be dead if not for the good laws of PNG, Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare said yesterday, The National reports.

He was angry the media was giving a lot of prominence to what Kapris was claiming.

He said the criminal had accused three of his MPs without providing proof.

“Kapris goes to jail and he says what he likes and accuses three of my members of receiving money; he has not proven that they were party to this.”

“He is a murderer, a looter, everything, very dangerous, in other countries he would have been shot long time ago, particularly in developing countries, brown skin countries, they would have shot him. You are lucky, we made good laws, that’s why he is protected by law to go and say what he wants to say,” he said.

He brushed aside calls for him to act on the allegations Kapris raised against suspended treasurer Patrick Pruaitch, Correctional Services Minister Tony Aimo, and Deputy Speaker Francis Marus.

“Without any evidence, commentaries are being made by the media (in print and on radio) for government to act on the words of a convicted criminal.

“You all know very well that it is not my job to conduct investigations. If the police have video taped this interview and made it public, it is for the police commissioner to explain whether his men were under instruction to do so and for what purpose.

“To go straight to head of government to demand answers shows the people’s ignorance in the processes of government.”

 

Chopper saved from arson

A US$20 MILLION (K56.4 million) twin-rotor Columbia helicopter was nearly razed by a frustrated Hides gas field landowner on Monday,The National reports.

The arsonist managed to cut the security wire fence to gain entry into Oil Search Ltd (OSL) Nogoli camp at about 7.30pm.

He then climbed into the helicopter through the rear opening and emptied a kerosene container, including in the cockpit.

He then lit a match stick to start a fire.

The light and smoke alerted security guards who rushed into the helicopter to put out the flames.

Tari liquefied natural gas project police security operations commander Jim Namora said Wabag-based police mobile squad (MS) 12 commander chief Sgt Joseph Ka’a responded swiftly when alerted by the camp’s security.

Namora said Ka’a, who was then leading a section of the MS12 on motor patrol near the camp, helped put out the fire.

They then launched a dawn raid on a house near the camp yesterday and picked up the suspected arsonist.

“He was arrested and charged with one count of being unlawfully in the camp premises and another for committing arson.”

Namora said more charges would be considered according to the Civil Aviation Act.

The suspect told police during interrogation that he was “unhappy” with OSL and how OSL conducted its operations in Hides, and, therefore, decided to burn the aircraft to show his frustration.

He was flown to Moro to be locked up in police custody pending a court appearance.

An expatriate manager at Hides commended police for their quick action in saving the twin-engine Chinook Colombia helicopter.

The source said OSL would have lost more than K100 million if the aircraft was razed.

The aircraft, owned by Pacific Helicopters Ltd, is contracted by OSL to fly in equipment and machinery for its operations at Hides, Lake Kutubu, Moran and the nearby oil and gas fields for the coming LNG.

The helicopter did not sustain any major damage.

The hard job of trying to be fair to AusAID

From PAUL OATES

WHEN SOMEONE known only as 'Peter' suggested on PNG Attitude that some people might be a trifle unfair when reflecting on AusAID's manifest flaws, I thought: "Fair enough, let's look at what is being offered to Papua New Guinea on Australia's behalf."
So, seeking evidence to contradict my opinions, I investigated a website 'Peter' identified as presenting more positive stories, http://www.educo.net/our_projects/law_and_justice/justice_advisory_group.htm
Now I know it's easy to cherrypick details that align with preconceived notions but, in this case, not only was it easy to select information to support my argument, there appeared to be little available to contradict it.
Quote: Educo has considerable experience in promoting and fostering political processes, in particular strengthening institutions of political accountability and improving government responsiveness. Our firm has successfully implemented large projects such as the five-year $5.7 million Ombudsman Commission Institutional Strengthening Project in PNG.
So if $5.7 million has been spent strengthening the PNG Ombudsman, exactly how has that helped the PNG Ombudsman Commission over the last five years? This is the same Ombudsman Commission that has reportedly been poorly resourced and cash strapped to the extent that is had difficulty in performing its role in PNG.
Then the following information is provided under 'Educo achievements' in the $11 million Justice Advisory Group Project to provide "independent advice on the law and justice sector" and "promote sector coordination":
Quote: Educo has produced a performance monitoring framework for the law and justice sector, as well as studies and reviews covering fraud and corruption, village courts, community-based corrections, restorative justice, police, sector planning and coordination, facilities and infrastructure management and a sustainability strategy for sector performance monitoring.
In May 2006, AusAID assessed Educo's management performance on the project at "an average of 100% against all indicators". That's pretty good - 100% - but exactly what were the indicators and which ones over achieved and which ones didn't work at all. In other words, what did $11m actually achieve for PNG in the long term. Alas, no details.
So 'Peter', unfortunately I am still none the wiser as to which of my criticisms were misconceived.
I am, however, more convinced than ever that my suggestions should be given practical consideration by those in AusAID who are organising this project.
I am also further disenchanted with the apparent ease with which highly paid AusAID consultants are able to justify their claims against Australian taxpayers with extensive 'goobledegook or, in layman's terms, sheer and simple 'bulldust'.
Here are a few more interesting facts and figures from the informative Bertelsmann website http://www.bertelsmann-transformation-index.de/118.0.html?&L=1:
PNG aid per person. $50.20 [I wonder what the average PNGian would say if they knew this?]
Basic Administration. The country suffers from an inefficient, corrupt bureaucracy, serious problems with maintaining law and order, weak discipline within the army and police forces, and poor governance. Most analysts consider PNG a weak state in which the state apparatus cannot implement even the most basic policies. The government's most basic operational machinery is either dilapidated or non-existent in many rural areas and the highlands, where tribal conflicts continue. [What is the use of trying to fix governance issues when the 'state apparatus cannot implement even the most basic policies'?]
Rule of Law. The ombudsman office suffers from a lack of capable staff and resources. [So what happened to the $5.7 million for strengthening the Ombudsman spent by Educo and paid for by AusAID?]
Management Performance. Under the Strongim Gavman Program 40 Australian officials will be placed in the PNG bureaucracy to assist with reforms in the areas of economic and public sector governance, border management, transport safety and security, and law and justice. The political leadership will respond with proposed changes to mistakes made and failed policies, but more often than not, policies remain stuck in the same routines. Senior politicians who interfere with the implementation of public policies often block new policies that threaten their personal interests. [So what objectives are to be achieved by the two lawyers recruited by AusAID? What has been achieved after $11 million spent on the Educo Justice Advisory Group?]
Anti-corruption policy. In theory, the government is committed to battling corruption and nurturing good governance. In reality, however, corruption is endemic. It is a problem at all - including the highest - levels of politics, bureaucracy and society. It is almost impossible to carry out an effective anti-corruption policy in practice. The Ombudsman Commission conducts investigations of political leaders suspected of corruption, but once a politician resigns, the Commission can no longer legally investigate the case. [Again, what happened to the $5.7 million?]

Papuan taipan anti-venom on trial

The deadly Papuan taipan, one of the most-venomous snakes in the world.-Picture courtesy of DAVID WILLIAMS

By MALUM NALU

The world’s leading clinical toxinologist has given the thumbs up to Port Moresby General Hospital and rural health centres for the care given to snake bite victims, particularly the deadly Papuan taipan, one of the most-venomous snakes in the world and the leading cause of death in Papua New Guinea.

Prof David A. Warrell, the world’s leading clinical toxinologist, principally famous for his work on prospective studies of snakebite in tropical developing countries, said this after a lecture at the University of PNG’s medical school in Port Moresby on Monday evening.

Prof Warrell, who is professor of tropical medicine at the University of Oxford in England, has been in the country planning a clinical trial of the new Papuan taipan anti-venom developed by Port Moresby-based clinical toxinologist and herpetologist Dr David ‘Snakeman’ Williams of the Australian Venom Research Unit.

However, there is no indication yet as to when the anti-venom would become available, as it would first have to be trialed and approved.

Prof Warrell is no stranger to PNG, having worked here between 1986 and 2001 on a collaborative project between the University of Oxford and UPNG’s department of health.

“I haven’t come back (to PNG) for 10 years so this is very exciting for me,” he told me after the lecture.

“I’m very impressed by the care given to snakebite victims here at the hospital and in the health centres.

“For example, I visited Kwikila on Sunday, which is a health centre run by health extension officers and nurses.

“The key to saving lives in snake bite is good, early treatment, and that starts at the rural health centres.

“I’m back here to see the progress with the snake bite programme because it’s reached an exciting stage with the development of a new anti-venom, an alternative to Australian anti-venom, manufactured in Costa Rica.

“This was developed over the last two years by David Williams and his team here at the (UPNG) department of health.

“First it’s got to be subjected to clinical trials to confirm the very-promising potency and safety.

“These trials will be carried out here at Port Moresby General Hospital.

“I hope to be involved in the new trials of anti-venom here and I wish them the best of fortune in carrying out the trials.

“I agree with the dean here, Prof Isi Kevau, that this research could be very stimulating to medical students and young doctors here to remind them of the importance of doing research.”

Dr Williams announced last September before leaving for Switzerland that the new anti-venom would cost one-eighth of the current very-expensive price.

The cost of a vial is currently K4, 500; however, the new anti-venom will cost K600-K650 per vial.

The Papuan taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) is responsible for more than 90% of all cases of envenoming in south-eastern PNG, and the cost of treatment with available anti-venoms manufactured in Australia currently exceeds K4, 500 per vial.

Analysis of the incidence of bites by taipans have resulted in needs estimate of at least 700-1, 000 vials of appropriate anti-venom each year, yet, much less than this is purchased by the National Department of Health because it cannot afford this many vials at the current prices.

Matching seeds to needs in times of climate change

Dr Ehsan Dulloo (left) of Bioversity International and NARI director general Dr Raghunath Ghodake at NARI Headquarters in Lae on Monday

By SENIORL ANZU of NARI

Local varieties of taro and sweet potato (kaukau) that are well-adapted to the predicted future climates will be matched to target areas in PNG, says a visiting specialist in agricultural biodiversity and conservation.
Dr Ehsan Dulloo, a senior scientist from Bioversity International in Italy, said climate change was imposing an unprecedented threat to livelihoods and food security with great impacts over time and across locations and PNG needed to match seeds to the needs of farmers for climate change adaptation.
He said this in Lae early on Monday during an inception workshop and launch of a new project on agricultural biodiversity in PNG.
The project, titled ‘Matching Seeds to Needs: using locally available varieties for adapting to climate change and improving the livelihoods of the poor farmers in PNG, ’will be undertaken in the country in partnership with NARI over the next three years.
It is funded by Bioversity International-UK to the value of US$300,000.
The other major partners are the Fresh Produce Development Agency, PNG Women in Agriculture Development Foundation (PNGWiADF), and the Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees.
NARI director general Dr Raghunath Ghodake thanked Bioversity International and welcomed the new development.
He said the impacts of climate change on agriculture were real and this was true with genetic resources for food and agriculture and the project was important for the country.
Under the project, the regions in PNG under greatest threat from climate change will be identified, and results from global climate models will be used to predict the future climates in these regions.
Based on these climate models, varieties of PNG’s two most important staple crops (kaukau and taro) that are well-adapted to the predicted future climates will be matched to these target areas. Seeds of these adapted varieties will be made available to farmers through community-based seed multiplication and delivery systems.
With seeds adapted to their needs, resource-poor communities will be able to sustain agricultural production despite changes in climate conditions and avoid falling deeper into poverty.
Kaukau and taro were chosen because they are among PNG’s most important staple crops: kaukau alone accounts for 66% of total staple crop production in the country.
NARI will provide planting materials, associated information and personnel in the field.
The institute will also be responsible for identifying the most-useful varieties which can ensure that farmers can sustain and even increase production in the future despite changing climatic conditions.
The Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees will maintain elite lines selected through this project from national collections and make available planting material and information to breeders, researchers and farmers in PNG and other countries.
Technical contributions, including training, will be provided through complementary funding from the Global Crop Diversity Trust, a multinational organisation.
The PNGWiADF will play a key role in ensuring the participation of women farmers in germplasm selection and dissemination, assisted by private industries in PNG such as FPDA and Allele Fresh Produce.
The overall impact of the project will be that local communities in PNG and their food production systems will successfully adapt to changes in climate, maintaining or even improving their food security and improving their livelihoods to reduce poverty.
The Lae workshop was held at NARI headquarters and was attended by representatives of project partners, University of Technology, Lae district and farmers from Morobe, Eastern Highlands and Central provinces.
Its goal was to launch the project, inform shareholders of its aim, develop and agree on the detailed work plan of the project, and assign roles and responsibilities of the participants.

Papua New Guinea defence force at the crossroads

By REGINALD RENAGI

As we progress further into this millennium, the role of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force in developing and maintaining PNG’s defence capability will no doubt go through a significant change. 

I begin with a simple thesis: unless our present defence force structure is altered in some fundamental way, PNG’s military will become increasingly inadequate for the burdens placed on it by our country’s foreign and defence policies. 

It is almost 35 years since PNG was given her own military, and during this time, the government saw no real need to review its capabilities. 

Although successive governments did recognise the need for maintaining an efficient military, much lip-service has been paid to the important issue of defence and national security over the years. 

As a result, the defence force has seen little change since Independence in 1975.

For more than three decades, changes in PNG’s strategic environment and the need for greater self-reliance in defence have been understood for many years. 

However, for a variety of reasons, the defence organisation has not yet translated these fundamental changes into a coherent national security strategy, and new defence force structures have not occurred.

In view of the difficulties involved in predicting either likely threats to the country, or a range of possible contingencies which PNG could face in the future; thus, most of our strategic assessments during the post independence period has so far been of a ‘no threat’ environment. 

For valid reasons it would be highly irresponsible to plan forward on this basis – as PNG can not always plan for a ‘no threat’ future.

This no-threat ‘syndrome’ has clouded successive government’s thinking and has made it complacent for well over three decades. 

This complacency has directly contributed to a great extent the present grave security situation PNG finds itself today. 

As an independent sovereign nation, we really have no credible excuse for not recognising the basic elements of PNG’s national security situation with which we have to deal with now.  

Prime Minister Somare has been in office for a long time. 

In that time, his two-term government has consistently failed even to this day to not critically reappraise what his predecessor, Sir Mekere did in 2001. 

Now is the time to put the Ministry of Defence on notice now before the 2012 elections by coming to the rescue of the PNGDF.

Today, Defence is at a ‘crossroads’ in PNG.

It is time for the government to fix the PNGDF and bring it back to its former glory. 

The country’s national security situation now demands for the Ministry and Defence department to face up to some real issues, make long-term decisions and get on with those decisions.

Defending PNG in future calls for a complete re-appraisal of our outlook on the capabilities of the PNGDF now; not in another three decades time.  

Deadly floods

Caption: That’s how high the water reached ... Villagers pointing to debris trapped by this tree to show the height of the flood waters at its peak.

 

2 killed, 6 missing as river burst its banks

 

TWO children drowned and six people are still missing as heavy rain wreaked havoc on coastal villages in Central province, west of Port Moresby, at the weekend, The National reports.

Six houses were swept away by the flooding Veimauri River, which also destroyed food gardens, provincial disaster officials reported yesterday.

The bodies of the two children, a seven-year-old girl and her two-year-old brother, were recovered among flood debris, along the Veimauri River early yesterday morning and taken to the Port Moresby General Hospital morgue for post-mortem results.

The mother had also been swept away by flood waters but was found alive by villagers.

Disaster officials said the Veimauri burst its banks on Saturday, washing away the homes and food gardens at Avara village, near the Galley Ridge rubber estate at Doa, not far from the Hiritano Highway.

They said the search was continuing for the missing six.

Yesterday afternoon, Central Governor Alphonse Moroi, accompanied by Central police commander Chief Supt John Maru, visited the area and assured the people that shelter, clothing and food would be dispatched from Port Moresby today.

Maru said that Central police would lead the search for the six still missing, further down the river.

The Galley Ridge rubber estate at Doa and Avara village border on the Veimauri River.

Avara village is made up of people originally from Woitape in Goilala and Koiari area who are landowners there.

It has a population of more than 200 people with homes scattered along the river, up to the Veimauri Bridge at the Hiritano Highway crossing.

Last night, Maru confirmed that there were other villages along the Doa area which were affected by flood waters, although not as seriously as Avara.

Police would check them out today to see whether they suffered casualties, he said.

 

 

Kroton Ltd in control

THE government has created a new company to take full control of the PNG LNG project, and any future petroleum projects in the country, The National reports.

The company is known as Kroton No. 2 Ltd, previously a subsidiary of the Independent Public Business Corporation, controlling the state’s interest in the project.

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare announced that Kroton No. 2 would now have its own management and board. It is understood Dairi Vele from the Gas Office would be chief executive officer of Kroton, but this could not be confirmed.

Kroton would manage the state’s 19.6% equity in the LNG project.

The prime minister said Kroton No.2 Ltd would be a fully-functional petroleum company with the appropriate resources to adequately represent the State’s interest in the LNG project.

Sir Michael said since Kroton No.2 Ltd was wholly-owned by the state through the General Business Trust, it is imperative that Kroton played a leadership role in the commercial development of the hydrocarbon industry in the country.

“To facilitate this, cabinet has endorsed the functional separation of Kroton No. 2 Ltd from IPBC to allow the former to develop into a national hydrocarbon development corporation while IPBC focuses on value-adding and management of the General Business Trust.

“IPBC will remain as a shareholder in Kroton No. 2 Ltd until the maturity of the existing funding arrangements with the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) of Abu Dhabi. Thereafter, the shareholding will be reviewed.”

The government borrowed money from IPIC to invest in the project, swapping with the Middle East company cash for the state’s equity in Oil Search Ltd.

Sir Michael said Kroton No.2 would represent the interest of the state in all future meetings relating to the LNG project.

The Department of Public Enterprises and its minister and IPBC have been directed to fast track the necessary logistical requirements to enable the office to be fully functional and report back to NEC.

“In addition, the Public Enterprises secretary has been directed to lead the formulation of a national hydrocarbon policy primarily aimed at maximising the state’s participation and optimising value to the state, in close consultation with key departments and agencies,” Sir Michael said.

“The government has acknowledged the achievements of the state in terms of the PNG LNG project reaching its final investment decision on Dec 8, 2009, and the financial close on March 12, 2010.”

PM failed to act on trio: Marat

RABAUL MP Dr Allan Marat has questioned Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare for failing to remove the three MPs implicated by suspected bank robber William Kapris, The National reports.

He said Kapris had revealed the names of two ministers and the deputy parliamentary speaker in the Supreme Court.

One of the two ministers named was suspended treasury and finance minister Patrick Pruaitch.

Marat said Correctional Services Minister Tony Aimo and Deputy Speaker Francis Marus were still holding on to their offices despite the revelations of their alleged involvement with criminals.

“Can’t the prime minister act swiftly to remove them to salvage whatever decency there is left of the government?” he told a large crowd in the Kokopo Secondary School hall for the 2010 Kokopo Walk against Corruption forum on Sunday.

“If the prime minister cannot, then he should come out in public and tell the nation why he is holding on to them.

“I stood up for what is right that went against the government’s interests and Sir Michael did not hesitate to sack me in the most humiliating manner in front of all the other ministers and backbenchers,” he said.

Marat said Sir Michael’s favourite expression was that “ministers alleged to have committed misconduct in office were presumed innocent until proven guilty”.

“That expression is not consistently applied.

“So what is the real reason for holding them back as there are many capable backbenchers who can do the job?

“Some of us are used by the National Alliance (NA) party merely as numbers to form the government. After that, some of us are nothing but figures to the party,” Marat said.

“We were deliberately avoided and the views, opinions and advice of other people were taken and acted upon, much to our surprise and disapproval.”

Marat said there were no real respect for certain ministers and what the ruling NA party wanted must be done at all costs.

“For lamenting the failures of the past and present governments in not preparing and building up our human capacity in readiness for the extractive industry and in particular the LNG project, I was removed,” he said.

Marat had expressed doubts about the reality of the foreign consultant’s reports on the safety impact of tailings to the environment and citizens on the proposed Nautilus Mining in the Bismarck Archipelago, proposed smelting facility and dumping of tailings at the old Rabaul airport area and Ramu Nico’s deep sea tailings in the Basamuk Bay in Madang.

“My stand against the proposed Maladina amendments to the leadership code was the last straw,” Marat said.

 

Brocade finally out of water

Roz Savage (centre) with Brocade in Madang as she is taken out of water. Picture courtesy of SIR PETER BARTER

By MALUM NALU

Brocade, the boat of British ocean rower and environmental campaigner Roz Savage, is now out of water after an epic 47-day rowing voyage from Tarawa in Kiribati.

Savage made landfall last at 8am Friday on Brocade, completing her three-stage trip and becoming the first woman to row solo across the Pacific Ocean.

She set off in her 23-foot boat from Tarawa in mid-April on the final leg of her Pacific voyage.

In total, she spent about 250 days alone at sea, rowing more than 8,000 miles and taking an estimated 2.5 million oar strokes along the way.

Savage traveled from San Francisco to Hawaii in 2008, then on to Tarawa last year, before finally arriving in Madang.

Savage said that after taking a well-deserved break in Madang, she and Brocade would be moving down to Perth, Western Australia, for the Indian Ocean stretch of her next epic voyage from Perth to Mauritius in Africa.

University of Goroka to proceed with graduation

By KATE GUNN of University of Goroka

 

Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Goroka, Dr Sam Najike, issued a statement today advising UOG staff, students and the public that the 13^th graduation ceremony planned to be held at the university on June 11, 2010, will still proceed.

 “The graduation will still go ahead as planned, as we (the university) are focused on addressing the graduands”, Dr Najike stated.

 The ceremony will take place this Friday at the University of Goroka, where approximately 280 people from all around the country are expected to graduate.

 

 

Court allows review bid by Somare to proceed

A JUDICIAL review mounted by Public Enterprises Minister Arthur Somare will proceed, The National reports.

The National Court last Friday dismissed an application by the Ombudsman Commission (OC) to dismiss it for want of prosecution.

However, the watchdog itself came under criticism for taking 14 months to file the motion.

Justice Nicholas Kirriwom, while dismissing the application, said: “I am not going to dismiss (Somare’s judicial review application).

“Based on evidence before the court, it is plain that the matter has reached the stage of trial and I shall direct this matter to go back to the appeals and judicial review track for directions in accordance with the rules,” Kirriwom said.

The OC application last March 2 argued that Somare’s review proceedings had taken too long to be heard. Therefore, it should be dismissed for want of prosecution.

However, Kirriwom ruled: “The power of the court to dismiss an action for want of prosecution should be exercised only when the plaintiff’s default had been intentional and contumelious or where there had been inordinate and inexcusable delay on his or his lawyer’s part, giving rise to a substantial risk that a fair trial would not be possible or to service prejudice to the defendant.”

But, in this case, he pointed out that Somare’s lawyer Kerenga Kua’s affidavit before the court showed that Somare had made a number of attempts to have the proceedings heard and competed.

In light of the referral being made by the OC followed by Somare’s judicial review proceedings on Nov 6, 2006, and the dismissal proceedings last March 2, “there is a period of 14 months unexplained since the motion was filed to the time the motion was moved”.

Kirriwom said: “The issue here is whether there has been an inordinate and inexcusable delay in the prosecution

of the plaintiff’s action.

“Kua (for Somare), contended that there has been no delay; everything necessary to bring the matter to trial was done in compliance with the rules of court which, in themselves, have the effect of prolonging speedy disposition of cases.

“Kua also argued that the OC agreed to most of the adjournments sought as being necessary and, through its counsel, gave the impression that it had no problem with the progress being made on the case.”

However, the OC maintained that “the slow progress of the case was a calculated and deliberate choice (by Somare) to frustrate the prosecution of the judicial review application”.