Relaxed and intact

SOME members of the government coalition yesterday took the afternoon off to relax on a boat cruise to the Fisherman Island outside Port Moresby before a planned meeting of departmental heads and their ministers on Friday, The National reports.
Accompanying acting Prime Minister Sam Abal were Peter O’Neill (Treasury), Gabriel Kapris (Commerce and Industry), Michael Ogio (Higher Education), Sir Arnold Amet (Attorney-General), Ben Semri (Fisheries), Moses Maladina (Public Service), Timothy Bonga (Forests), Sani Rambi (Labour and Industrial Relations) and governors Anderson Agiru (Southern Highlands) and Peter Ipatas (Enga).
Their presence further reaffirmed that the government coalition is intact and will see its programmes implemented without delay this year.

Court interpreter guilty of contempt

By SAMUEL RAITANO

 

A COURT interpreter who failed to turn up for a hearing about two years ago was sentenced to six months jail with hard labour by the National Court yesterday for contempt, The National reports.

The decision by Justice Mark Sevua at Waigani followed Ronald Otios failure to attend court for his interpreting duties in Court on Nov 6, 2008.

The judgment was passed yesterday, two years after the accused had been found guilty on Nov 10, 2008, as being guilty of contempt of court for neglecting his duty.

Otio was absent as an interpreter on a murder trial, causing the court to adjourn, which was seen as interference with court processes.

According to the court decision, Otio had failed to inform his superior of his ‘absence’ in order to rearrange a replacement, causing inconveniences and unfairness to the trial of a murder suspect who needed translation of the proceedings in Motu.

Otio’s penalty of six months imprisonment with hard labour was, however, suspended by the court on the grounds that the contemnor expressed remorse, was a first time offender and had paid cash bail of K500 as ordered by the court in 2008.

Otio has been permanently suspended from his duties and placed under good behaviour bond for two years, commencing yesterday.

 

Court to decide today on soldier's bail

By ILA PAILAEA

 

THE ruling on a bail application for a PNGDF soldier charged with wilful murder and armed robbery will be handed down this morning by acting Chief Justice Judge Bernard Sakora, The National reports.

A PNGDF lawyer, acting for Lance Corporal Daniel Mona, had to disrobe his gown and appear not as the legal counsel but as a friend to assist Mona.

When the lawyer asked for leave to appear as lawyer advising the court he did not have a current practising certificate, Sakora, in reply, said, “This court does not grant practising certificates. You can sit there but if you choose to appear, you have to disrobe (remove the lawyers gown and bib) and appear as a friend. If leave is granted to appear as counsel, then this court would be in breach of the laws of this country.”

Sakora told the accused that all documents required for a bail application were in order, including copies served on the state and that he was happy to hear the application.

The judge noted that the contents of Mona’s affidavit stated the circumstances he faced, being a family man, while he was being detained.

When asked whether he had anything to add, Mona told the Court, “I am still a serving member of the PNGDF and I’m thinking of my job, if detained beyond 21 days, I’ll be put off the pay roll.” He further told the court he had paid a K1, 000 fine for a fire-arm charge.

He was, however, arrested on one count of wilful murder and two counts of armed robbery.

His friend told the court that according to the summary of facts, Mona was not implicated.

The State sought to show that Mona was connected to the crime after police recovered rifle magazines in his home at Taurama army barracks when co-accused, Elijah Manu led them there.

Manu allegedly gave the firearm used in the crime to a soldier for safe keeping.

Mona is alleged to have been involved in stealing more than K5, 5000 from NR Global Rubber Company near the Correctional Services headquarters at Islander last October, where a senior policeman was shot dead and several police firearms were reported to have been stolen.

 

 

 

Barrick Gold falls 2.9%

BARRICK Gold Corp, the world’s largest gold producer, dropped 2.9% in the Canadian stock exchange after US manufacturing and construction reports boosted confidence in the economy, The National reports.

Barrick Gold, which owns 95% of the Porgera gold mine in Papua New Guinea, lost 2.9% to C$51.59.

The S&P/TSX surged 14% last year as gold jumped 30% on concern central-bank stimulus programmes may spur future inflation.

Eight of the world’s 20 largest gold producers, including Barrick Gold, are Canadian.

Teck Resources Ltd., Canada’s biggest base-metals and coal producer, advanced 1.7% after the institute for supply management’s gauge of US manufacturing climbed to a seven-month high.

The Standard & Poor’s/TSX composite index slipped 40.91 points, or 0.3%, to 13,402.31 at 4 p.m. in Toronto.

Canadian markets were closed on Tuesday when the US commerce department said construction spending rose 0.4% last November, twice the median forecast of economists in a Bloomberg survey.

“Gold is a bit of a safe haven for people,” Doug Davis, vice chairman of Toronto money manager Davis-Rea Ltd., which manages C$400 million.

“If they think it’s time to get a little less safe, they may move some money out of gold.” – Bloomberg

 

 

 

 

 

Barter doesn't like 'chief' award

By MALUM NALU

 

Madang businessman and former politician Sir Peter Barter does not like the chief” title added to his knighthood in this year’s New Year’s honours list.

This is in contrast to many Papua New Guineans who are lining up to be bestowed awards, which has made the whole system a joke among many people.

Sir Peter, who has been busy attending to the Manam Island volcano eruptions since Christmas Day, made this clear  on Monday when asked to  to comment on his being awarded the chief title together with retired Catholic Archbishop Sir Brian Barnes and former house of assembly member Sir Akepa Miakwe.

“I do not want to be called anything else but ‘Peter’,” he told The National.

“The first I heard about this Logohu award was in The National this morning.

“I did not ask for it

“In fact, more than 12 months ago, it was mentioned and I made a specific comment that I did not want any more awards.

“There are other people who have done a lot more than myself.

“My reward is being accepted by the people of PNG as a Papua New Guinean.”

Sir Peter, one of PNG’s largest tourism operators who runs Madang-based Melanesian Tourist Services and Madang Resort Hotel, said his one regret was the lack of development in tourism.

“My regret is that we have not been able to really develop tourism in PNG, which would have created so many more jobs, business opportunities and an economic income for so many people in rural areas,” he said.

“It is about time we began to exploit a renewable resource.”

 

Minister's house razed in gunfight

Maladina and family not at Lae home during attack

 

By PISAI GUMAR

 

A STATE minister’s high covenant family home at 4-Mile in Lae, Morobe, was burnt to ashes during an ethnic clash on Monday afternoon, The National reports.

Public Service Minister and Esa’ala MP Moses Maladina, who was born and raised in Lae, was not at home.

Police said the incident happened at about 3.30pm after they had contained a nasty gun battle that morning.

Lae metropolitan commander Supt Nema Mondiai could not confirm the number of casualties, adding only that “the wounded were from both sides”.

He said an angry mob, alleged to be from one faction, went to Maladina’s home and set it alight.

According to police reports, the minister’s family was innocent and had no part in the conflict that morning.

Mondiai had instructed the police officer in-charge of criminal investigations to immediately conduct a thorough investigation.

According to police reports, the gunfight that morning had started over a bag of betelnut at the 4-Mile bus stop.

Western Highland’s community leaders said one of their men had been dropped off with three betelnut bags at the bus stop from Madang the previous evening.

A passerby, alleged to be a settler from Lufa, grabbed one of the bags and walked away.

The owner pursued the thief and demanded that it be returned but failed. A fight erupted and others joined in.

The Western Highlands leaders said the 4-Mile community was tired of being harassed and accosted by the Lufas, who they blame for all the troubles.

They added that the uprising was conducted by “a mixture of people from the Momase, Highlands, New Guinea Islands and Papua regions who stood up to defend themselves”.

Mondiai addressed the factions on Monday night and admitted that police was “going nowhere with issues arising from the area”.

Mondiai, who is deputy chairman of the provincial law and order committee, said measures were needed immediately to resolve these problems.

“The miles area, in general, should now be put under the spotlight because no one respects the authorities or the rule of law,” Mondiai said.

Police were monitoring the situation, which is quiet but tense.

 

 

Rabaul women hit back at Kalaut

By RIGGO NANGAN

 

CONCERNED mothers in Rabaul, East New Britain, have refuted claims by police that local women are boarding foreign vessels to socialise with the crews, The National reports.

They said that the allegations by police in the media on Monday were broad and had tainted the image of local women. 

Faith Kuri, a mother of five grown-up children and also a grandmother, spoke for the women from Rabaul yesterday.

She said if police knew of any immoral activities going on between the ships’ crew and local women, they should move in and make arrests.

Kuri was responding to a report in Monday’s The National where East New Britain provincial police commander Supt Sylvester Kalaut alleged that young local women would board these foreign vessels, have drinks with the men and engage in intimate activities.

Kuri, from Oro and a longtime resident at Newcamp in Rabaul, said the foreigners could be involved in other illegal activities but that was a matter for police to investigate.

She said many people like herself and her family were left homeless during the 1994 volcanic eruptions with little or no assistance from the concerned authorities and government.  

“Because of the situation we are in, we do exchange food and other items like Digicel flex cards with the ships’ crew for fresh fish,” Kuri said.

She said they then sell the fish at the markets to earn a living.

“If the wharf security or Customs complain, then it would be okay because they look after the wharf 24 hours and seven days a week,” she said, adding that police only moved in during the festive period.

She said the barter trade between the foreigners and the local community had been going on for some time and no one had complained.

Kuri said any illegal activities must be dealt with by the authorities.

Police also attributed rising sex crimes and diseases to this activity.

They said drug smuggling and trafficking was rife among locals and crews of foreign vessels, many of whom had also been caught possessing overseas pornographic materials.

 

Abal orders probe into business development grant payouts

ACTING Prime Minister Sam Abal has ordered an investigation into whether or not payments of business development grants (BDG) had allegedly landed in the wrong hands.

Abal has directed acting chief secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc to carry out an investigation into payment of K66.2 million by the Department of Commerce and Industry (DCI) during the festive season to more than 50 landowner companies.

The payment was part of K120 million parked in DCI for payment as seed capital to companies selected under the licence-based benefits sharing agreement (LBBSA).

Last September the first batch of the BDG totalling K27.2 million was paid to 13 landowner companies.

The latest payment excluded landowner companies yet to be nominated from Angore PDL 8 and Juha PDL 9 due to court orders taken out by landowner factions to stop BDG payments in both areas.

A couple of other payments had been withheld on request from concerned parties or for legal reasons.

Abal noted that commerce officers had heeded his direction and worked throughout the festive season to make all BDG payments before Christmas.

“I am satisfied that the payments have finally been made. I have directed an investigation only because there are allegations and innuendos in the media that payments have been made to a few groups who are well outside the LBBSA areas.

 “The government and concerned parties must be satisfied that officers have acted above reproach as their duty calls them to.

“If some are found to have not followed proper procedures or the law, they will be strictly dealt with under public service regulations and, if necessary, under the criminal code.”

Abal also cautioned the media and the public to desist from insinuating questionable or illegal deals by naming companies, individuals and public servants involved in the payouts.

 “Certain individuals and companies have been named but I am not at liberty to comment on this without a full report on the payments.

“I urge the media and the public not to castigate such individuals and companies who, at the end of the day following proper investigations, might be found to have legitimate reasons to have been included in this exercise.

“Naming civil servants involved in this very difficult process actually puts them in danger.

The acting prime minister has also directed DCI to conduct an internal investigation and report within this week how the payments were made.

Cabinet directed the DCI to take the lead role on the BDG in order to ensure a local business spin-off policy in the LNG project.

Abal said following the investigation he will release a full list of the companies that had been paid out and provide explanations for those which approved payments are being withheld.

He called on all aggrieved parties to make known their grievances through the right department so that their complaints could be dealt with.

He said public threats and media statements tended to aggravate issues rather than resolve them.

 

 

Magistrate cleared

By JACOB POK

 

A SENIOR district court magistrate, who was charged and convicted for judicial corruption seven years ago, had his conviction quashed by the Waigani Supreme Court recently, The National reports.

Rakatani Mataio, from Porebada village, Central, was sentenced to six years in jail on Aug 6, 2004, by the Waigani National Court after the court found him guilty of receiving bribes from a complainant while serving as a magistrate.

According to court documents, Mataio was alleged to have received monies from the complainant on numerous occasions when presiding over the complainant’s case.

Mataio, while serving his sentence, appealed to the Supreme Court to review the decision of the National Court.

The Supreme Court on Sept 3, 2010, ruled in favour of Mataio and quashed the National Court decision that had him convicted.

Mataio, who is married with six children, served as a magistrate for 26 years in the Magisterial Services before he was convicted in 2004.

During Mataio’s Supreme Court appeal, the Magisterial Services dismissed his employment.

Meanwhile, after his recent court victory, Mataio told The National that his dismissal from work by the Magisterial Services was not proper as because it was effected when the matter was still pending in court.

He said the Magisterial Services took the National Court decision as final and dismissed him from work, which he said was not proper according to the public service laws.

Mataio said he had enquired with the Magisterial Services for his reinstatement on numerous occasions but had received no response.

He raised concern that the highest court of the land had cleared his charges and found him not guilty and therefore, was seeking reinstatement.

“The truth has prevailed and the Magisterial Services must show justice to me as I have suffered enough,” Mataio said, adding that one of the pillars of law was that “Justice must not be done, but must be seen to be done.”

He said he had loyally served the Magisterial Services as a magistrate for more than 20 years.

“The Magisterial Services must at least consider the fact that the allegations against me was cleared by the highest court and must reinstatement me as I have suffered for too long with my family,” Mataio said. 

He said he was assisted financially by friends and Kariku Hiri MP Paru Aihi during his trial.

Attempts to get comments from the Magisterial Services yesterday were unsuccessful.

 

 

Biep: WP cholera funds not misused

By ELIZABETH MIAE

 

THE cholera outbreak in Western has been brought under control, coordinator of the provincial cholera response committee Dr Sibak Biep said yesterday, The National reports.

He said despite people presenting cholera like symptoms at the treatment centre and oral re-hydration points, no more deaths have been reported since last Nov 26.

He told The National that the committee had formed rapid response teams that have been going into areas affected every two weeks to carryout awareness and provide medical assistance to those infected.

Biep also said that the committee had not misused any funding that was given by the provincial government.

He was responding to media reports last week quoting Western Governor Dr Bob Danaya stating that K1 million was misused by the committee.

He said the committee was shocked to read about it in the two dailies and were confused as to where that information came from.

Biep added that K650, 000 was given by the provincial government last Dec 10 in response to the outbreak and K350, 000 was given by South Fly MP Sali Subam.

He said that the K650, 000 had been used to combat the outbreak of the disease in the province and the effect of what they were doing was already evident.

“We have a transparent and accountable committee in place and we will be providing a financial report (on the usage of the K650, 000) to the provincial executive council meeting on Jan 10.

“As the coordinator, I state that there is no misuse of funding,” he said.

 

 

Cut the hocus-pocus Abal: Namah

The Opposition has described as highly contradictory and confusing the announcement by acting Prime Minister Sam Abal on Monday that sidelined Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare was on holiday and would resume anytime.

Leader of PNG Party Belden Namah said Abal’s announcement directly contradicted Sir Michael’s statement last December that he was “stepping aside” after the Public Prosecutor had asked the Chief Justice to appoint a Leadership Tribunal to hear his alleged misconduct charges.

“The nation is fed up Mr Abal’s hocus-pocus,” he said.

“It is yet another deliberate and desperate attempt by the acting Prime Minister to defend the Sir Michael with meaningless words to deceive the public.

“No one, not even elementary school kids and the illiterate will be fooled.

“The nation is well and truly aware of the many stupid decisions of the sidelined PM and the controversies he is alleged to be involved in.

 “Everyone knows that Sir Michael will face a Leadership Tribunal on alleged misconduct charges.

“He told the nation he was stepping aside.

“The Opposition and many Government Ministers and backbencher know very well that when Sir Michael stood aside, he walked off his job and a vacuum was created in the office of the Prime Minister.

“The position of Prime Minister is currently vacant.

“It is incumbent on elected representatives of the people to elect a new PM during this month’s Parliament session, which begins next Tuesday.

 “Apart from electing a new Governor General, a new PM must be elected.” Namah stressed.

The former forest minister also called for a mass exodus of all concerned Ministers and Government backbenchers to join the Opposition to elect a new Prime Minister.

“The Opposition has solid 22 members and we invite the various conflicting factions and groups in the Government to combine with the Opposition to elect a new PM,” Namah said.

“It is in PNG’s national interest that a new PM is elected.

“The disgraced PM must not be allowed to continue in office, especially when he is heavily implicated in a number of high profile scandals.

“There are many well educated, intelligent and mature leaders who are capable of bringing PNG to greater heights.”

 

Lae caught in gunfight

By PISAI GUMAR

 

A TWO-hour gun battle, allegedly between settlers from Mt Hagen in Western Highlands and the Lufa people from Goroka residing at Four Mile in Lae yesterday morning, marred what has been a peaceful festive season in the Morobean capital, The National reports.

Lae metropolitan commander Supt Nema Mondiai could not confirm the seriousness and the cause of the battle, including deaths, as he was awaiting a situation report from the police task force sent to contain the situation.

Reports said the incident had stemmed from an ongoing ethnic clash, which led to some deaths on both sides and the burning down of houses, last year.

Mondiai said it had become obvious that in today’s city ethnic conflicts, rival parties had resorted to the use of unlicensed firearms.

“People in communities are not reporting the suspects to police,” he said.

“To ensure justice, peace and harmony prevail within our families, neighbours and the community, let us all be responsible and work with agents of law and report people who possess unlicensed firearms to police.”

Meanwhile, armed hold-ups and sexual offences against women were rated the highest among other crimes in Lae last year.

This was followed by breaking and entering commercial buildings and shops, including planned robberies.

Mondiai noted that most robberies were inside jobs involving staff. Based on crime scene investigations, most of the robberies happened outside banks.

He called on companies to use police for security purposes when delivering daily or weekend takings for banking.

Lae ended last year with one reported wilful murder, two suspicious deaths, two armed hold-ups and two rape cases at various city locations.

Mondiai said a 45-year-old man from Gumine in Chimbu was murdered and dumped at the Markham Bridge.

A man was also shot and another wounded after police intervened and saved a man who was held at gunpoint at Three Mile.

Police said two girls were also raped at Five Mile and one of thesecondary schools in the city.

 

 

Volcanologists issue warning to villagers

By ELIZABETH VUVU

 

THE Rabaul Volcano Observatory has confirmed the level three alert for the Manam Island volcano in Madang, The National reports.

Volcano experts yesterday said despite a decline in eruptive activity, people on the island had been advised to stay away from the four main radial valleys.

They said people should refrain from working on the upper slopes of the volcano because they might be affected by falling lava fragments and scoria from strong explosions.

“The depositions of new loose eruptive material on the upper slopes of the volcano, and the rainy season, have the potential to trigger mudflows,” the observatory said.

It said people must take precaution by staying away from places where mudflows occurred in the past, and other potential water flowing catchments areas where mudflows could easily form.

Officials said a stage three alert allowed for voluntarily evacuation from the island.

However, due to ongoing eruptive activity and the sporadic phases of strong activity and the possibility of more catastrophic events as observed in 2004-05, experts recommended that the national and provincial disaster committees consider evacuating people from critical locations on the island at an appropriate and convenient time.

Last Saturday, mild eruptive activity picked up again at the southern crater after a short lull following strong activity last Thursday. These included weak to moderate volumes of dark grey ash clouds rising about 200-300m above the summit crater.

RVO said no audible noises were heard and, at night, very bright continuous red was visible.

The main crater released weal to moderate volumes of grey ash clouds and low booming noises were heard for a brief period.

Power problems prevented data transmission to RVO since 6pm last Thursday due to a faulty fuse and battery.

 

 

 

Acting Prime Minister clears air on top job

By JEFFREY ELAPA

 

PRIME Minister Sir Michael Somare can resume work at any time, acting Prime Minister Sam Abal said yesterday, The National reports.

He said what mattered was that the programme of government must and would continue.

Abal said in order to realise Vision 2050, the government’s plans and strategies, like the medium-term development plan 2010-15, must be implemented in line with the government’s 2011 budget.

The acting prime minister said at his Morauta Haus office that the implementation process would start with the recalling of all departmental heads and government ministers for a briefing on Friday and Saturday.

A meeting with all governors was also scheduled for next Monday. Parliament will resume next Tuesday to vote in a new governor-general.

Abal said the prime minister was on leave after stepping aside when he was referred to a leadership tribunal.

“We must understand that stepping aside and resigning are two different things.

“We must understand that the prime minister is on leave and can come back and take up his substantive post when he feels like it.

“He can start at anytime,” Abal said.

He also brushed aside claims that the National Alliance highlands branch was shaky after his elevation to deputy prime minister and acting prime minister while demoting fellow Engan and Kandep MP Don Polye.

The deputy prime minister said all coalition partners were intact.

 

 

 

 

Four killed, two knifed in Western Highlands

By JAMES APA GUMUNO

 

FOUR people were killed and two men were stabbed between Christmas and New Year in the Western Highlands, The National reports.

Two women were killed after having domestic arguments with two other women over their husbands at Kindeng and Kaiwe in the South-Waghi and Hagen districts respectively.

One man was killed at Bunowau, North Waghi, after an argument with another group over a piece of land while a young man from Lenki village in the Wabag, Enga, who worked as a waiter at the Highlander Hotel in Mt Hagen city was killed by some drunken youths at Mt Hagen Tee School.

Provincial police commander Supt Kaiglo Ambane said yesterday that two women who killed the other women over their husbands surrendered to the police and were now in police custody.

Ambane said police are still investigating the two other murders that occurred at Tee School and at Bunowau.

He said that one man from Moge tribe living at the back of Holy Trinity Teachers college was stabbed with a knife in a drunken brawl while another drunken man was stabbed at Kaiwe market after he smashed a windscreen of a 15-seater bus owned by Togoba people living outside the city with a beer bottle.

He said the two stabbed men were now in stable condition and recovering at the Mt Hagen General Hospital.

Ambane said that two deaths were caused as a result of domestic argument, one through land dispute and another committed by youths under the influence of alcohol.

He said that so far the province was quiet during the New Year and Christmas periods.

He said that police carried out foot patrol in the city and the city was quiet.

Ambane said that police detained about 15 men for drinking in public and put them behind bars. They released the men later when they became sober.

He said that there was not much celebrations on the road and commended the people for their cooperation to make the New Year trouble-free.

He added that majority of the people celebrated the New Year peacefully in their homes or residential areas.

 

 

 

 

Drunks can contribute to disease spread

By ELIZABETH MIAE

 

DRUNKENESS during the festive and New Year period played a part in the spread of cholera, The National reports.

According to NCD cholera task force leader Dr Timothy Pyakalyia, when there were celebrations that involved the consumption of alcohol, people were bound to get drunk and pay no attention to good hygiene and proper waste disposal.

He said despite continuous awareness people in the city were playing up and continuously taking the risk that led to the contraction and spread of the disease.

However, he commended his staff at the Port Moresby General Hospital’s cholera treatment centre who had been working very hard since the outbreak in the city in April last year.

He said a total of 295 admissions had been recorded at the centre last month which was the highest since the outbreak.

Pyakalyia told The National Pari village in Moresby South was the only village that did not record any case.

He said this was something commendable for a village that had been facing problems with water supply for more than 20 years.

He added that when the outbreak first occurred, Pari recorded a few cases then afterwards, no more cases was reported from that area.

“We are dealing with a major cholera issue in the city and I don’t know how loud we can speak,” he said.

“We cannot blame those people selling cooked food on the road sides. You have to think before you put something into your mouth.”

He said Eda Ranu and city authorities are well aware that they have a major challenge in their hands to improve water and sanitation in the city to prevent cholera.

 

If the 20th Century was American, will the 21st Century be Chinese?

By BOB VINNICOMBE

 

At the beginning of the last century US Historian and Senator Albert J Beveridge said "The twentieth century will be American, American thought will dominate it.American progress will give it color and direction. American deeds will make it illustrious".

 If this was so will the 21st century be Chinese?

When nearly all Western economies went down in a screaming heap in the GFC, Communist China with its state-run regulated banking system, slave labour and pegged currency didn't bat an eyelid, in fact it has been calculated that now the US owes China is $2905 per head of population. 

While the West wastes billions on wind farms and other futile projects  to generate "alternative power"  due to  the global warming hoax China builds three  new nuclear power stations a year and still can't get enough of  our coal to fire its fossil fuel power stations.

China already has 97 per cent of the world's rare earth elements, vital for modern electronic components, and   buys the mining rights to them in other countries who have them. 

They buy the arable land in other countries so they can guarantee their own food supply, while the natives of those countries starve.

Millionaire Chinese buy whole streets of houses in Australia for investment, and mansions in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs to live in that most Australians could never afford. 

The CCP has set up so-called Confucius Institutes in overseas universities, to promote the aims of the CCP.

While America fritters away billions of dollars on the pointless wars that it sends its sons to die in, the two million strong Chinese army hasn't seen a shot fired in anger in 30 years (except in Tibet or in the Tiananmen Square massacre) and Beijing simply does deals with any corrupt dictator who can sell them the resources they want.

Every manufactured product you buy comes from the factories of China while we de-industrialise our own country and call China a developing nation.

The Chinese Communist jackboot came down on Tibet, thanks to the cave-in by the West with its gibberish about Tibet being part of China, so now as Tibet is the source all the major rivers of Asia, China controls all mainland Asia's water.

 Yet the Chinese Empire expands, not by military force, but because they have the money to buy anything and anybody,

However, it will only be a matter of time before Beijing with its two million strong standing army, weapons of mass destruction and a gargantuan navy, uses its military might to perform necessary “regime change" in countries where its interests are threatened just as the United States did in Panama, Granada, Iraq and Afghanistan, and no-one will stand in their way.

China has leapt to economic super-power status because the west is infected with the mass-hallucination that free trade and de-regulation are good, yet China doesn't practice either free trade or de-regulation.

Every commercial enterprise in China is an arm of the Chinese Communist Party, the currency is pegged to suit Beijing's interests and no overseas entity can run a business in China except as a joint venture.

What sort of a world will it be dominated by China?

While the Americans,  in some sort of a way, stood for democracy and  freedom of the individual,  the Chinese Communist Party stands  for the total subjection of the individual to the State and  the debasement of human beings to the status of  a commodity to such an  extent that political dissidents there  are killed and "recycled"  by cutting them up and selling their organs for transplant and women who violate the one child policy are dragged to clinics and forced to have late term abortions.

Australian politicians and the Australian media should therefore stop grovelling to the Beijing regime and live up to the liberal and humanitarian  ideals they give lip service to by blocking, instead of assisting, the path of the Chinese Communist Party to the position of Superpower of the 21st Century.

 

Statement released January 3rd, 2011 by Bob Vinnicombe, 16 Kara St Sefton NSW

More information Bob Vinnicombe 0407949963 / 02 96454910

www.chinainformation.com.au

 

Expose: Migrant Saffirs Living in Australia

By A SOUTH AFRICAN EXPATRIATE

I’m not quite sure who coined the novel yet politically incorrect term Saffir but it seems oddly appropriate and has a certain resonance about it. I suspect that bitter and twisted migrants, wholly disillusioned with what they have left and now come to, invented this colourful term. It’s definitely a non-racist, non-sexist and non-sense term applied to all South Africans who have migrated to Oz (not to be confused with the Oswald State Penitentiary or any other penal complex, but a ready reference to Australia) in recent times. 

What follows is a tongue-in-cheek expose of how ordinary Saffirs adjust and manage multi-faceted life in an extra-ordinary country. In many respects, it’s a piece on cultural appreciation, nostalgia and fondness of dinge or things, both lost and found. It’s a journey that should be shared and will, hopefully, infuse would-be travellers with humility and encouragement to undertake similar opportunities that may present themselves.   

Lingua franca

Conversational Aussie is best described as “minimalist.” Whereas South Africans would use any number of superlatives to describe something noteworthy or memorable (eeish, befok, pragtig, radical, kiff) Aussies tend to opt for a modest “very good.” If feeling generous and demonstrative, the very best you’ll get is AWESOME!

In keeping with the frenetic pace of Aussie life (I’m too busy mate, can’t talk now), general interactions are curt, often one-way and purely functional. One way to really confuse an Aussie is to actually respond to the perfunctory

“Good day mate, how are you doing?” by throwing in a pleasantry “Fine thank you, and by actual engaging through a “How are you doing?”

There are exceptions, of course, and I’ve had wonderful discussions with cabbies (taxi drivers), workmen and women, the odd professional and elderly people. The youth and young adults appear to be lost in their own world of electronic gadgetry and gizmos (ipods, mp3 players, gameboys, and hi-tech mobiles). A perpetual glazed stare seems to suggest that they do, indeed, derive some form of pleasure and nourishment from the surrogate umbilical cords – headphones that attach them to their “alternative” life force – electronic devices. When required, out of absolute necessity, to engage in verbal intercourse it’s a form of undecipherable code and gibberish that does little to promote healthy respect and understanding between successive generations.

Affluence

A liberal, affluent Aussie society has spawned, what seems to be, a generation of ill-mannered, over-zealous hedonists. Mind you, this could merely be the Green, bleeding-hearted, silly old-fart in me that is genuinely concerned with global warming, environmental degradation and carbon credits.   Aussies are generally well-heeled, financially, and have huge carbon footprints in this part of the world – not surprising because they do “own” the Australian land mass and surrounding waters. Multiple vehicles (4x4s, AWDs, SUVs, jet-skis, water craft, utes aka bakkies), multiple and a huge array of electrical appliances - televisions, fridges, air conditioners, water coolers, coffee making machines and the list goes on and on…. Pretty much a case of I’m all right mate…. no worries…. we’ll do something about our planet another day. Of course, in an election year everyone hops on the ossewa and suddenly everyone is crowing of the same “green sheet” from our revered leaders and pollies (politicians) to big business.

Another interesting observation is that Aussies are generally well and continuously shod – perhaps a product of being well heeled. Except when on the beaches, they always seem to wear shoes and this has, seemingly, little to do with the abundance of ugly biting or stinging creepy crawlies – especially ants! (quite unlike those found at the bottom of countless swimming pools in SA). One way to pick out a Saffir and his or her offspring, in a public place, is to spot the shoeless wonders or the kaalvoet klontjies – Shame!

Saffir-spotting and “perving” prove to be interesting pastimes being a John-come-lately, fresh meat, or straight of the boat ie new migrant. Talk about flaunting it or letting it all hang out – that’s were the ogling or “perving” comes in… Recollections of my first summer in Oz centre around tits, bums, and tats (tattoos) constantly in your face because, more often than not, the tats always seem to be “strategically” placed in or on the mammary or nether regions.   

Aussie Icons

Qantas Airlines is regarded as one of the “untouchable” Aussie icons. Troubled in recent years with declining maintenance and passenger service standards, Aussies appear to be fiercely loyal and protective towards their own national carrier. No different, perhaps, from SAA which has been propped up by the SA government in recent years. The Asian Tigers are beginning to” muscle in” on international routes in the region and I’ve become an ardent Singapore Airlines supporter, preferring customer service that is understated but highly rated, genuine in warmth and commitment.

Aussie barbecues – barbies and SA braais are up there as national icons and favourite pastimes. Barbies are a phenomenon on there own and I tend to think of them in sexual terms as “quickies.” Little or no lead up, but down to business immediately. Vivid recollections of braais, on the other hand, (Naasism intended) include a tantalising slow but steady build up. Wood fires fuelled by sweet-scented soetdoring blazing away whilst moderate amounts of alcohol, familiarity and conversation wash over everyone. It’s all about age-old rhythms and timing and just when the desire (for some inyama) reaches fever pitch – the coals are ready. On go the boerie, sosaties, steak, chicken and toebies – toasted cheese, onion and tomato sandwiches.

Most South African males are very good at it – (give credit where credit is due) - braais that is. Smoke hardened eyes and lungs, they stand, calmly, Castle in hand, tongs in the other expertly appraising the offering before them. It’s all in the wrist action, so they say, and within the blink of an eye, the entire contents of the rooster have been turned. The odd splash of beer and errant flames are tamed.

My Aussie mates – boys and their toys – struggle to domesticate their gas-fuelled cookers….. too many knobs and settings, hood up or down, wok on or off…. gas incinerating snags (sausages), kebabs (sosaties) …burnt offerings. What a let-down……one can’t help but salivate at the thought of a damn good braai!

They say that rugby is played by men with odd shaped and sized balls…. never a truer word was spoken and this is certainly the case in Oz. In the spirit of being BIGGER and BETTER, the Aussies have footy! Three distinct codes of rugby where the only similarity is the shape of the balls and experts will argue ……that size does count!

Of the three codes, Australian Football League (AFL) is played with the smallest of the three sized balls and has the greatest following in Oz. True “footy” is played on a huge park – field by high flying and prancing, testosterone-charged (hopefully of the natural form) men. Clad in “second skin” fitting sleeveless tops and “ball-busting” short shorts, it’s little wonder that players prance and float around the park like Duracell-powered bunnies. Not quite my cup of tea.

In my time in Oz, I’ve become a National Rugby League (NRL) convert and follow the opposing National Rugby Union (NRU) code with less fervour. It’s true to say, despite my personal bias, that all codes are played by exceptional athletes displaying true grit – yakka, high levels of fitness and uncanny ball control.

Besides the annual NRL premiership competition and an international Tri-Nations fixture featuring the Aussies, Kiwis and the Brits, the mother-of-all NRL events is the State of Origin. Contested between the states of New South Wales (blues) and Queensland (maroons), the best of three game fixture is the holy grail of NRL. Despite being a national fixture, it has huge international following in all NRL playing countries. Deserving players “originating” by birth, from the respective states qualify to play in the competition and the rivalry verges on all out war.

Conventional, 15-man rugby union completes the trio. This code struggles to compete with the others in terms of popularity, sponsorship and revenue generating capacity and is only played in a few Oz states. Seemingly, forever in the shadow of Kiwis and the Bokke, South Africans would be more familiar with both the on and off field antics of some of its better know personalities including David “Goose Stepping” Campese’s coaching involvement with the Sharks; Georgie “The Lip” Gregan’s refereeing skills; Wendell “White Powder” Sailor’s SA night club dust ups and Clyde “Born in the RSA” Rathebone’s love affair with the SA media.

Spare a thought for some of the former Wallaby “whinging wannabes” who have returned to the game “recycled” as visually and linguistically “challenged” rugby commentators. Their bias and parochial views are worn on their sleeves alongside the branding of the sport’s primary “high-low flying” sponsor.

Friday afternoon drinks and nibblies (snacks) are an institutionalised work place arrangement where drinks and eats are enjoyed within work time and are gratis – nogal! These civilised sessions are fairly sociable and it’s exceptionally rare for them to descend into protracted drunken orgies and or violent dispute resolution exercises – BORING!

What more can one say about Aussies and life in Oz – fok maar voort or carry on regardless….its a strange amalgam of contradictions…..   belonging and alienation; acceptance and intolerance; love and hate; humility and arrogance but that’s LIFE, I guess. What’s really important is to get on with it!!

Ex-pollie wants Somare back in chair

PRESSURE is mounting from groups within the National Alliance party circles for the return of Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare to lead government, The National reports.

Sir Michael, who voluntarily stepped aside as prime minister to challenge his referral by the Ombudsman Commission to the public prosecutor, may have been wrongly advised, legal sources said.

There had been pressure from within government also for Sir Michael to return as prime minister, and he has been in regular consultation with his government, which included a lunch-hour meeting with acting Prime Minister Sam Abal yesterday.

However, the prime minister’s office said yesterday that Sir Michael was still on holiday.

“He has been getting a lot of calls to resume as prime minister and we will release a statement if he decides to return,” an officer said.

Former Southern Highlands’ governor Hami Yawari had taken cue, saying Papua New Guinea was faced with a constitutional crisis and urged Sir Michael to immediately resume duties to steer the ship.

“The prime minister has not been suspended.

“The chief justice is yet to appoint a leadership tribunal. Once the CJ appoints the tribunal, then the prime minister is automatically suspended,” Yawari said yesterday.

“Today, I want to call on Sir Michael to resume duties. Our big LNG project is under serious threat by landowners.

“The LNG is your project and we want you to take charge and clear the path for the project to be realised.”

Yawari said the country would be thrown into crisis, citing the example of frustrated landowners who left Port Moresby last week to return home after failing to get their seed and MoA payments.

“These frustrated landowners may pose a problem for the government and we are demanding Sir Michael to resume duties to navigate these issues.”

Cholera in East Sepik spreads

By DUNCAN WILLIS

 

THE cholera outbreak in East Sepik has spread to Ambunti district’s Iniok village and neighbouring villages from the Tunap sub-district, The National reports.

At least 10 people have been confirmed dead since last Friday with unconfirmed reports of more casualties.

Ambunti-Dreikikir district administrator Solomon Hopkos confirmed this last Friday after being alerted by community affairs officers of Xstrata Copper Company which is developing the Frieda River copper-gold project in the district.

Its helicopter flew health officials and necessary medical drugs from the Burui health centre to the affected communities.

“I have mobilised health officials from Maprik and Burui health centres and a medical team has already been sent to the villages by the company’s helicopter,” Hopkos said.

He said he had tried to contact the provincial health office in Wewak but was unsuccessful since everyone was out for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

“I have sent them a fax and I am still awaiting their response.”

District health officer Dominica Wain, who is currently in the affected villagers to assess the situation, said: “As of last Wednesday and Thursday, more people are being affected and the death toll is increasing.”

Xstrata Copper Company has been assisting the district with logistics while waiting for the government to intervene and assist them to help fight the outbreak.

Since cholera is waterborne, contaminated waste in the river will prove fatal because there are many villages along the banks of the Sepik River and it could spread to villages downstream.

Hopkos and the district medical team are currently assessing the situation with very little funding and is appealing to the government and Health Department to take action and move in as soon as possible.

“I have a VHF radio operating 12 hours a day that we are monitoring constantly with Iniok, but we are requesting provincial and national health support,” he said.

“Health officials from Ambunti, Burui and Maprik are on the ground and are currently dealing with the situation.”