National Alliance Momase backs Pruaitch

THE National Alliance Momase branch MP’s have thrown their support behind suspended deputy leader Patrick Pruaitch to lead the group into the elections next year, The National reports.

The NA Momase branch held a meeting in Wewak yesterday where a lot of issues were raised including the current political issues and strategies for next year’s general elections.

The meeting, chaired by Pruaitch, was attended by nine NA members from the region. Bogia MP John Hickey, who was in his electorate, and Arthur Somare were unable to attend the meeting.

The meeting also coincided with the opening of the facilities in Wewak by the prime minister.

NA spokesperson Joyce Grant said it was the first meeting by the NA Momase group that discussed political and development issues in the districts, province and region.

She said although Pruaitch was under suspension by the courts, he remained an MP and the members have confidence in him leading the group.

This is the first meeting that the Momase branch held to get themselves organised and prepare strategies for the elections.

 

 

Unsolved issues forced people to act, say leaders

By PATRICK TALU

THE shutting down of the Hides 4 LNG plant site is the culmination of unattended and outstanding issues relating to the liquefied natural gas project between the landowners, project operator ExxonMobil, the state and contractors, landowner representatives said yesterday.

Andy Hamaga, Erick Hawai, Erick Haroli, John Galoma and Chris Payabe, representing various well heads and block companies from PDL1 and PDL7 said the shutdown, initiated by the relatives of a boy who had died, was not the only reason for landowner dissatisfaction.

The leaders said the death of the boy, and the hospitalisation of two others, occurred at a time when the situation on the ground was volatile due to a build-up of discontentment and anger over the government’s inability to honour its various commitments and other outstanding issues.

Hamaga outlined the issues as:

lOutstanding memorandum of agreement commitments;

lBusiness development grants as per the UBSA and LBSA set formula;

lState to tell the landowners on the progress on the substitute of MRDC and EIC;

lRelease of the infrastructural grants;

lAddressing the resettlement issue;

lILGs before UBSA and LBSA; and

lOn-site issues as per the LBBSA.

“The range of issues has accumulated over time and the sudden death of the child has added fuel to the fire and the consequence is the site closure,” Hamaga said.

“We want to clarify to the stakeholders of the PNG LNG project, and the people of PNG, that there are multiple reasons that need answers from both, the developer and the state, to ensure the smooth running of the project,” he added.

“When commitments are made, we do not do it for the sake of doing it or to serve the interest of one party,” Hawai said.

They called on state ministers, developer and the landowners to convene a high-level meeting comprising all parties to iron out all issues so that the project could go ahead without any more delays.

 

 

Drink driving lands senior cop in court

By ZACHERY PER

A senior policeman based in Kundiawa, Chimbu will appear before the Kundiawa District Court to answer charges of drink driving causing accidents at two separate locations in Kundiawa last weekend.

Chimbu provincial police commander Chief Insp John Kale said yesterday that the officer drove a private vehicle while under the influence of liquor on Saturday.

He said he allegedly bumped a Suzuki vehicle at Wara Market and as he was heading towards Gumine road he bumped into a PMV - a Dyna truck at Mirane village south of

Kundiwa town.

“The officer is suspended for 21 days, arrested and charged. He  will appear before the Kundiawa District Court to answer his charges this week,” Kale said.

In another incident, rider of a motor bike is recovering at the Kundiawa General Hospital after colliding with a Toyota LandCruiser last Saturday.

Kale said the vehicle was on its way to Southern Highlands when the motor bike rider, believed to be under the influence of alcohol, ran to the vehicle.

“The biker is in serious condition, recovering at the hospital,” he said.

Kale appealed to motorists to avoid

drink driving because most of the accidents were caused by drink driving.

He said law-abiding officers like the police involved either on-duty or off-duty would be dealt with accordingly.

Meanwhile, a new vehicle ran off the road at Prinorkwa

hill towards Wara

Simbu near Kundiawa town.

The new Toyota LandCruiser hire vehicle was from Goroka. It is not known whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol and no casualties were reported from the accident.

 

 

Gr 12s await certificates

By ZACHERY PER

GRADE 12 students from three secondary schools in Chimbu are racing against time to collect their certificates from the Education Department.

Parents of Grade 12 students from Kerowagi, Yaweh Moses and Kondiu secondary schools are raising concerns that the measurement services unit (MSU) of the Education Department has yet to print their children’s certificates.

They said that there was only two weeks left before students who were accepted at the universities and other tertiary institutions  leave for studies. They then would have to produce their certificates before they are enrolled.

The schools had submitted their internal assessments of the core-subjects in advance and the student certificates should have been issued already.

However, the education division in Kundiawa, when contacted, confirmed electricity supply to MSU office in Port Moresby, which is responsible for printing the certificates, were cut off.

Chimbu education adviser Essy Walkaima confirmed the graduating students from the three schools have yet to receive their certificates.

“It is a crucial period where MSU should have consistent power supply to ensure certificates were printed and issued on time,” Walkaima said.

Parish priest from Kondiu Catholic church Fr Peter Noglai also expressed concerns at the delay in the issuing of certificates for Grade 12s from Kondiu Secondary School.

Attempts to get comments from acting Education Secretary Dr Joseph Pagelio yesterday were unsuccessful.

According to sources  in the department, the problem would be attended to immediately.

 

 

BUSINESS

 

CIL: Big prospect for cashew sector

By BOSORINA ROBBY

THE cashew nut industry in Papua New Guinea has the potential to generate more than K7.5 million a year from a 1,000ha plantation at current world prices.

This was revealed yesterday by Cashew International Ltd yesterday when it made its first-ever purchase of cashew nuts from a local grower.

The Pawalagai Cashew Supplies, a family business headed by Gary Pepena of Aroma Coast, Central, sold 168kg of nuts to CIL at current world prices of US$0.80-US$0.85 (K2.23 to K2.37) per kilo.

Pepena’s sale netted them with at least K420 after CIL bought the nuts at a special price of K2.50.

It was their first commercial harvest from a 2ha plantation which was developed in 2006.

Pepena said the initial sale has encouraged them to grow 2,000 more cashew trees from the present crop of only 428.

He said they were pleased that there was a market for them.

CIL general manager Ron Bell stressed that the cost of cashew nuts depended on the world market prices which changed according to world demands.

He, however, said since this was their first ever sales, he was buying the nuts at K2.50/kg to make it a special occasion.

Bell said cashew was a commercial crop that was best suited to the coastal climates of PNG, which, when well kept, would bear fruits for at least 100 years, with an average of 15kg of nuts per tree.

He said the demand for cashew nuts was high and PNG had the potential to be a top supplier, which can only be achieved if there were enough fruit-bearing trees.

Bell said the nuts his company bought now would not be exported for processing, but instead propagated for seedlings and then sold back to the growers.

He said the aim was to plant more trees that can produce hundreds of containers of cashews a year to enable them to break into the Australian market, which spends over A$40 million a year on cashew nut imports.

 

Unsolved issues forced people to act, say leaders

By PATRICK TALU

 

THE shutting down of the Hides 4 LNG plant site is the culmination of unattended and outstanding issues relating to the liquefied natural gas project between the landowners, project operator ExxonMobil, the state and contractors, landowner representatives said yesterday, The National reports.

Andy Hamaga, Erick Hawai, Erick Haroli, John Galoma and Chris Payabe, representing various well heads and block companies from PDL1 and PDL7 said the shutdown, initiated by the relatives of a boy who had died, was not the only reason for landowner dissatisfaction.

The leaders said the death of the boy, and the hospitalisation of two others, occurred at a time when the situation on the ground was volatile due to a build-up of discontentment and anger over the government’s inability to honour its various commitments and other outstanding issues.

Hamaga outlined the issues as:

• Outstanding memorandum of agreement commitments;
• Business development grants as per the UBSA and LBSA set formula;
• State to tell the landowners on the progress on the substitute of MRDC and EIC;
• Release of the infrastructural grants;
• Addressing the resettlement issue;
• ILGs before UBSA and LBSA; and
• On-site issues as per the LBBSA.

“The range of issues has accumulated over time and the sudden death of the child has added fuel to the fire and the consequence is the site closure,” Hamaga said.

“We want to clarify to the stakeholders of the PNG LNG project, and the people of PNG, that there are multiple reasons that need answers from both, the developer and the state, to ensure the smooth running of the project,” he added.

“When commitments are made, we do not do it for the sake of doing it or to serve the interest of one party,” Hawai said.

They called on state ministers, developer and the landowners to convene a high-level meeting comprising all parties to iron out all issues so that the project could go ahead without any more delays.

 

 

Hides bid failed

Government delegation returns with LNG plant still shut

 

By PATRICK TALU

 

A GOVERNMENT delegation to the Hides 4 liquefied natural gas (LNG) conditioning plant site was told to return to Port Moresby because it comprised the wrong ministers, The National reports.

While PNG LNG project operator ExxonMobil confirmed yesterday that the site would remain shut, landowners told delegation leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Don Polye and Education Minister James Marabe that they wanted ministers who they had outstanding issues with to meet with the people.

Polye and Marape were told by landowners that they were the wrong persons to go and negotiate or find facts surrounding the cause of the LNG plant site shutdown and other related issues.

Erick Ayule, spokesperson and chairman of Girira Hides 4 Joint Venture, the umbrella company of Hides 4 PDL7, told The National that the landowners expected to see Southern Highlands Governor Anderson Agiru, State Enterprises Minister Arthur Somare, Komo-Margarima MP and Transport Minister Francis Potape, Petroleum and Energy Minister William Duma, National Planning Minister Paul Tiensten, Treasurer Peter O’Neill and Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.

He said the aggrieved landowners wanted to see these senior ministers who were at the forefront from day one in negotiating the multi-billion-kina LNG project.

He said although the landowners appreciated Polye and Marape for making their time available as per the prime minister’s directives, the two ministers would have no clue on the issues between the landowners, state and ExxonMobil.

“How much does Polye know about the landowners’ issue with the state and ExxonMobil?” Ayule said.

“What role did Polye and Marape play when the state team negotiated for the PNG LNG project with the resources owners?

“It is a mockery for Sir Michael to send two carpenters to an automobile workshop,” the chairman added.

Ayule said the landowners had petitioned the government through Polye to send Agiru, Potape, Somare, Tiensten, Duma and O’Neill along with:

• Their outstanding memorandum of agreement funds;
• Ministerial commitments funds;
• Infrastructure development grants;
• Their outstanding K6 million for PDL7 to be paid into their six block companies; and
• Their K1 million each commitment made by Agiru for landowner chiefs from PDL7 at the UBSA and LBBSA.

“We have given them 10 days to fulfil their promises.

“We have willingly agreed to give our gas to the state and ExxonMobil, thinking that they would honour their commitments.

“We have been told lies with undue promises just to lure us to sign off our resources.

“The LNG plant site will remain close until and unless these outstanding issues are addressed once and for all,” Ayue said.

ExxonMobil also confirmed yesterday that the plant site would remain shut while work at other project locations were progressing as they were not impacted.

 

 

An Australia Day message from the Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea

Australian High Commissioner to PNG Ian Kemish

The 26th of January is Australia’s national day and a day of celebration for all Australians, including those living, working and travelling overseas. Australia Day allows us to pause and celebrate the achievements, experiences and values that we share as Australians.
We are proud of Australia’s democracy, our diversity and generosity, our vibrant cultural life, our indigenous cultures and our open mindedness.
As Australia’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, I am also very proud of Australia’s relationship with this country.
The relationship with Papua New Guinea is, by any measure, one of our most important and one of our most valued.
It is a relationship between two proudly independent countries, who share the same values and many of the same traditions.
The relationship is enduring and broad.
It is also, in many cases, mine included, deeply personal.
It is also a dynamic relationship which is evolving and changing. Australia welcomes this wholeheartedly.
We are pleased at the promising economic future which beckons for this country and will, where it is sought, provide whatever assistance we can to ensure Papua New Guinea realises its ambitions.
I would like to wish all Australians a happy Australia Day for 2011.
In doing so, we should remember the dreadful hardships so many of our fellow Australians are bearing in Queensland.
The floods have been devastating. My thoughts and sympathies, and those of my colleagues here in the High Commission, are very much with them.
I would also like to acknowledge the extraordinary generosity of the Government of Papua New Guinea and of so many Papua New Guineans in making donations to the Queensland Premier’s Flood Appeal. ]
As it was with the Victorian bushfires, Papua New Guinea’s readiness to come to the assistance of Australians in their time of need is deeply appreciated.
It will not be forgotten.
Finally, I would also like to reaffirm to all Papua New Guineans my commitment and that of the Australia Government to working closely with you in 2011 towards an even deeper and more productive bilateral relationship.

Brisbane will raise the flag on Australia Day, vows Premier

Premier Anna Bligh has vowed that Brisbane will hold its traditional Australia Day flag raising ceremony this year in defiance of the devastation caused by the Brisbane floods. Ms Bligh made her pledge after changes were made to the annual Australia Day celebrations because of the damage caused to the South Bank Parklands.
"We not going to let these floods ruin our national day and I am determined to have our flag raised on our nation day as a symbol of the resilience of Queenslanders," said the Premier.
"The planned South Bank celebrations will not be able to go ahead but we will be holding the traditional Flag Raising Ceremony at an alternative venue and the details for that will be released in the coming days.
"The free AusSounds Australia Day Concert will also proceed and will be relocated to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
"The concert will provide an opportunity for the community to come together after the terrible test we have been through.
"Communities around Queensland are also planning to host more than 130 regional Australia Day events, many of them raising funds for flood affected families and businesses.
"It is important that we keep our spirits up in the aftermath of these floods and we will recognise Australia day with as much passion and pride as we always have."
The Premier added that she wanted to encourage Australians to hold backyard barbeques and collect money for the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal.
"What could be more Australian than having a barbeque and doing your bit to help less fortunate people in your State?" said Ms Bligh.
The AusSounds Australia Day Concert will feature local bands Charlie Mayfair and Ball Park Music and Australia's first Idol and multi-platinum artist Guy Sebastian.
Tickets are free but bookings are essential. Bookings can be made at http://www.ticketek.com.au/.
There will also be an opportunity to donate to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal at the event.
The annual Australia Day Lunch will proceed as planned at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Tuesday Jan 25 featuring Richie Benaud, David Fordham and Troy Cassar-Daley.
The Australia Day Ambassadors Program, proudly sponsored by Woolworths, will also proceed with ambassadors travelling to various locations across Queensland.
Communities around Queensland are also still planning to host more than 130 regional Australia Day events, many of them raising funds for flood affected families and businesses.
Visit australiaday.org.au/whatson/qld  or facebook.com/australiadayqueensland  for more information about changes to Australia Day events inQueensland.
Australia Day activities in Queensland are proudly supported by the Queensland Government and assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.

Fun in the rain

Children and young men at the Tokarara suburb in National Capital District took to the streets yesterday to enjoy the afternoon downpour as umbrellas went up in other parts all over the capital city, The National reports.
However, not all was fun as strong winds warning was issued for neighbouring Central and Milne Bay waters since last weekend due to tropical Cyclone Anthony, currently hitting west of New Caledonia.
The weather office said while the strong winds will subside, the wet conditions will continue for a few more days. – Nationalpic by AURI EVA

Papua New Guinea eyes full stake in sea floor mining

Solwara One site in the Bismarck Sea which Nautilus Mineral will mine

THE government will take its full 30% stake in the venture – worth more than US$100 million – that it hopes will be the first in the world to lead to mining of the sea floor, Mining Minister John Pundari said last Friday, The National reports.
Confirming the government’s recent granting of a mining licence to Canadian company, Nautilus Minerals, for a 59km2 section of the Bismarck Sea, at depths of about 1,600m, Pundari said the state had negotiated to purchase the full equity participation.
The Solwara1 site, as it is known, is off the coast of New Ireland and about 50km north of Rabaul.
He told Radio Australia the state’s 30% share would cost about US$103 million and would be bought over a three-four year period.
“We are looking at investing about US$27 million in the first year.
“We will also be acquiring an interest in the new technology.
“Our patent interest will be about 30% again and we are looking at purchasing 5% in the first year and the balance in the subsequent years.”
Nautilus also has sea floor exploration leases in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and New Zealand.
It hopes to begin its commercial gold and copper operation in PNG by 2014.
Pundari also told the radio network that PNG would take a stake in the patents for Nautilus’s new mining technology.
“We will also be acquiring an interest in the new technology.
“Our patent interest will be about 30% again and we are looking at purchasing 5% in the first year and the balance in the subsequent years.
Asked where the government would get the finance from for its stake in the Naulius project, Pundari said the government was looking at nominating Petromin to carry the states interests.
He added that Petromin had access to the necessary finance and would be able to sign an agreement with Nautilus within the next 30 days.
The mining planned at the Solwarra 1 site in the Bismark Sea will be no small operation.
The gold and copper is found in high concentrations in massive sulphide deposits on the sea floor in 1,600mof water.
Each year, 1.3 million tonnes of ore will be cut from the seafloor and pumped to the surface in seawater slurry.
There, it will be dewatered before being moved onshore for processing.
Nautilus says it is well-advanced with the technology needed to mine the seafloor.

Election office warns against early campaign

ASPIRING politicians campaigning early is illegal, the PNG Electoral Commission said yesterday, The National reports.

The commission said although a candidate could make public his intentions to contest next year, it was illegal for that person to pay, solicit, treat or procure (provide food, drinks or lodging) with the aim of influencing voters.

The general elections would be held in June next year with 18 months remaining. Writs would be issued a month earlier.

The commission advised in a media statement that any persons aggrieved by the conduct of MPs or intending candidates and their political parties could complain to the police regarding any allegations of bribery, treating and undue influence.

The commission said those aggrieved persons do not have to wait until after the elections to file a court petition.

It advised that in court, allegations of such illegal practices would not hold ground.

The commission would soon publish a full listing of all illegal practices in an election.

Meanwhile, there was still doubt on the use of the proposed electronic voting system next year because no funding was allocated for it in this year’s budget.

The commission needed K12 million to use electronic voting.

 

 

Mobile unit named in Hides death

By JACOB POK

 

POLICE mobile unit personnel deployed to provide security at the Hides 4 project may be partly responsible for the latest work stoppage at the LNG conditioning plant site, The National reports.

Reports from the site indicated that police mobile squad members might have been involved in the beating death of a person at the site on Saturday after he was discovered wearing police clothes taken in a raid on the Hides 4 camp by landowners.

Acting Police Commissioner Tony Wagambie released a statement last night announcing the deployment of more police into the area but did not raise any report on the beating.

Hides 4 Holdings chairman Tony Lambiawi told The National from the project site during there was a rampage last Friday night by angry relatives of a boy who died after he allegedly ingested some power.

During the raid villagers took properties properties belonging to employees of Clough Curtain Joint Venture (CCJV), an international engineering firm engaged in the early work of the multi-billion-kina PNG LNG projects in Southern Highlands, as well as those of the police mobile squad uniforms.

Lambiawi said the villages’ actions angered police who, on Saturday morning, bashed a man near a market place at Hides 4 after they caught him wearing a police uniform t-shirt and a pair of socks, which was believed to have been taken from a room of a policeman during the raid by the angry villagers last Friday. The man was believed to have died from his injuries.

Fearing further trouble and revenge from relatives of the man, employees fled the camp site.

He said about 16 vehicles under police escort transported most of the workers out of the camp site to Tari station while others were flown by helicopter to Mendi and other camp sites.  Some employees who had remained, left yesterday by helicopter.

He said the body of the person killed by police was later identified as a man from Koroba and not from Hides 4.

Lambiawe also said the villagers also made a compensation payment to police at the conditioning plant for their own unlawful raids.

He said villagers of Hides 4 gave K7, 500 and a pig to police to compensate for their unlawful actions, adding that the landowners’ grievances over the disbursement by the state of business development grants was yet to be addressed.

In meetings with the company, the landowners agreed to company request to extend the deadline by 11 days.

 

 

Former MP's wife charged with stealing

THE wife of a former member of parliament was arrested and charged yesterday with illegally receiving payments under the payroll of Southern Highlands government (SHPG) through fraud, The National reports.

Magareth Ovangi Kopaol from Wakwak village in Mendi, Southern Highlands, was charged with one count each for conspiracy to defraud, stealing by false pretence and misappropriation under the Criminal Code.

A statement from the police fraud squad said Kopaol, who is a teacher by profession, got herself onto payroll of provincial government on a position already occupied by another officer with the intention of defrauding the state.

“She was on SHPG payroll from July 2005 to June 2006, a total of 21 fortnights in which she received a total of K21, 627.79 from the SHPG, and during that period was also paid by her legitimate employer, the Education Department,” the investigating team said in a statement.

Kopaol committed the offence while her husband was a member and vice minister for the Department of Finance and Treasury.

She and 300 others were later identified to be illegally on the SHPG payroll and were sacked during the 2006 state of emergency in SHP.

National anti-corruption alliance (NACA) investigations commenced during the state of emergency and thereafter of which more than 60 arrests were made involving various other fraud and misappropriation cases.

This is the second arrest involving salary fraud and the investigating team was unable to say why the investigations took so long.

Kopaol was locked up at Boroko police cell and will appear tomorrow at the Waigani court for mention.

 

 

 

Locals cry foul over Kasieng's suspension

WEST Sepik provincial police commander Sakawar Kasieng has been suspended from duties, The National reports.

The notice of suspension, signed by acting Deputy Police Commissioner Fred Yakasa, was served on Kasieng by Northern divisional commander ACP Giossi Labi late yesterday morning.

However, local police sources in Vanimo last night described the suspension as “unfair and a slap in the face of hardworking personnel on the ground”.

According to the service notice, Kasieng was sidelined following alleged degrading statements he made in the media over operation Sunset Merona and the beating of a local traffic policeman at the hands of four task force members now in the border province.

Kasieng had demanded that the four culprits be handed over to local police to be charged with attacking the traffic policeman.

However, this did not take place and the PPC went to the media to express his frustration.

As of last night, the four task force members were still walking around freely.

Kasieng’s other charge was the alleged closure of the Vanimo police station last Tuesday, which only lasted for a few hours and was reopened after the joined task force commander had assured local police that the four men suspected of beating up the local policeman would be brought in for questioning and charged where appropriate.

However, that had not happened in the past seven days.

Yakasa, when confirming the suspension, said no station commander had the authority to threaten to close a local police station.

“This is a management matter and should be kept at that level and not brought out in the public,” he added.

He said serious security issues had stemmed from the lack of command in restoring law and order in the province.

A parade will be held today to introduce the acting PPC, Chief Insp Tobby Hamago, formerly of North Fly.

Local police sources said the suspension was not in order because Kasieng’s actions resulted from what was done to one of his men.

“As the head of the local police in West Sepik, he spoke out in defence of his men after his request for the four suspects to be brought in for questioning fell on deaf ears.

“Acting Police Commissioner Tony Wagambie should have sided with Kasieng, but he did not.

“Something is terribly wrong here,” a source, speaking by phone from Vanimo, said.

Meanwhile, Sunset Merona had entered phase two of its operations after the completion of all surveillance and intelligence collection.

“Executing identified targets and illegal activities within the province started last Sunday.”

Reports said a number of houses belonging to West Papuans residing at Yako village were torched as part of the operation.

Locals said these groups of people were long-term residents of the township.       

 

 

 

ExxonMobil: LNG plant will stay shut

Polye leads fact-finding mission to Hides PDL7

 

By PATRICK TALU

 

EXXONMOBIL Corp, operator of the multi-billion-kina PNG liquefied natural gas project, said the Hides 4 LNG conditioning plant site will remain shut, The National reports.

ExxonMobil’s subsidiary Esso Highlands Ltd public affairs manager Miles Shaw yesterday said “as a result of this illegal action, we are instituting a shutdown at the Hides gas conditioning plant site”.

Shaw said during the shutdown, the company would “discuss the necessity of a safe and secure operating environment with the government and local leaders and the requirement to use established processes in place to manage any dispute”.

“Any use of violence is unacceptable,” he added.

Miles also confirmed that a group of people illegally entered the project camp at Hides 4 petroleum development licence (PDL) 7 last Friday evening and allegedly attacked four workers who sustained minor injuries.

In related events, members of a mobile police unit stationed at Hides 4 last Saturday allegedly beat a man in relation to last Friday night’s event.

The man was said to have died from his injuries, causing more fear among workers that relatives would retaliate.

A government ministerial delegation was expected to fly into the area today.

 

 

Inadequate investment in agriculture

By JAMES LARAKI of NARI
Agriculture is a fundamental instrument for sustainable development and poverty reduction according to the World Development Report (WDR) 2008 and this is very much so in Papua New Guinea.
The WDR has placed PNG among agriculture-based countries.
PNG may well remain in this category for the next 50 years.
As such, agriculture should take a clear and central position in any development strategy and in necessary investment it deserves for the development of PNG.
Unfortunately, the national government and major donor agencies consider otherwise and have recognised other sectors as enablers of growth and development and have left agriculture out.
 If development is to take place and be self-sustaining, it has to start in rural areas in general and the agriculture sector in particular.
This is simply because 86% of its 6 million people are in rural areas and core problems of widespread poverty; growing inequality, rapid population growth and rising unemployment are direct effects of stagnant and declining economic activities.
Agriculture development is a key to rural development and improvement of livelihoods.
It not only delivers outcomes directly related to increased agricultural productivity but also contributes to necessary outcomes in other sectors such as health, education, infrastructure and law and order either directly or indirectly by empowering rural communities to look after their health and education through improved food security and increased incomes.
In fact agriculture needs to be viewed as a central sector in the country delivering long‐term outcomes and impacts to all other sectors while other sectors can contribute with short‐term outcomes to agricultural development.
Realistically, PNG should be investing around K400 million per year in agriculture if the nation is to avail the real potential of the agriculture sector for economic growth and development.
This is as per the international recommended rate, 10% of agricultural GDP, when agriculture in PNG contributes an estimated 37% (K4 billion) of total GDP.
According to the WDR, such rate of investment is essential if a nation is to move from the category of agricultural-based countries to transformed economies, a transition towards the developed world.
The current level of public investment in overall agricultural development is only about K190 million (including allocations of NADP funds to districts), which is less than 5% of the agricultural GDP.
Public investment in research and development is equally disappointing.
The current annual public investment in agricultural research is K30 million, which is only 0.75% of agricultural GDP while the ideal rate is 2.0% (K80 million).
Many developing countries have received very attractive rate of returns to agricultural research investment, figures being as high as 43%,
This explains the current gap and highlights the huge scope for increasing both public and private sector investments in agricultural research and innovations in PNG.
The European Union is focusing on education, health, and social sectors since last two years as per their strategic change.
The AusAID programme has also changed priorities, now focusing on health (HIV/AIDS), education, law and order and social sectors.
Whatever is left from AusAID funding through the Agriculture Research and Development Support Facility (K7 – 8 million per annum) will cease in 2012 onwards.
This indicates a declining investment in the agriculture sector.
The national government is also focusing on education, health, infrastructure/transport, and law and order as the enablers for development.
The recurrent budget increased by K851 million from K6.9 billion in 2010 to K7.8 billion in 2011 and all increases go to above sectors.
The development budget increased by K647 million to K4 billion (2011) from K3.4 billion (2010) and all increases go to the above sectors.
Again an indication of declining investment (both in absolute and relative terms) in the agriculture sector and this trend may continue.
The notion that transport and infrastructure will bring growth in agriculture sector is partly true; however, it will depend on how effective these are implemented.
The investment in transport/infrastructure should balance and complement direct investment in agriculture.
The assumption that the private sector (large holdings) will bring development to the masses is not true as their interest is creating wealth for themselves.
Obviously there will be spin-off benefits but these will not last long due to cost and inflation impacts.
It is, therefore, necessary for the national government and other donor agencies reconsider their priorities and include agriculture on equal footing with the other sectors currently given priorities.
Smallholders and subsistence sector, natural resource management and development/ environment, biodiversity, policy, technology, innovations and capacity development need public sector investment.
The 8% economic growth projected by the government is achievable with LNG and other resource projects
PNG has more favorable environment now than ever before for all stakeholders to make positive contribution to innovative agricultural development, in general, and to research, science and technology; in particular.
Therefore, this growth should be used for further wealth creation by masses through their participation.
This is important as economic growth not participated and shared by masses lead to double disasters, both in non-renewable and renewable resource sectors.
It would be just appropriate for the government not to turn its back on agriculture now. The consequences in the long run can be disastrous.

Sir Michael thanks Abal

PRIME Minister Sir Michael Somare has directed his deputy and Works Minister Sam Abal to move with all possible haste to implement the government programmes this year, The National reports.

In a letter dated Jan 18, 2011, Sir Michael thanked Abal for taking “affirmative action” in bringing together all agencies of government and provincial governors to focus on implementing the 2011 budget.

He also thanked Abal for holding the fort in his absence.

“I note that you have made a head start in directing serious and conscious undertaking to open important road links of the country and bringing 9,000km of unsealed road to sealing condition as well as your emphasis on quality and high standards of infrastructure that the nation and our people deserve,” Sir Michael said in his letter.

He assured Abal of maintaining his portfolio as deputy prime minister.

“To ensure we are seriously and genuinely focused on implementing the development agenda in the first decade, I would encourage you to continue as deputy prime minster and chair of the national planning committee to ensure the implementation agenda and development objectives from the different  agencies of government are harmonised and pooled together to deliver the development aims of government.”

The assurance from the prime minister came at a time when Abal’s two jobs as deputy prime minister and works minister had been under sustained attack from within the National Alliance.

It was rumoured that NA, and particularly its highlands faction, was keen on seeing deputy NA leader Don Polye assume the second top executive post again.

Lobby had also been intense in taking finance and treasury back to NA.

Sir Michael’s parting words in the letter were an appreciation of Abal’s initiative to get government back in office and working in the first week of this month.

 

 

Electora Commission needs K12m for new gear

By ALISON ANIS

 

ACTING chief electoral commissioner John Kalamoro said more than K12 million was needed for the electronic counting system in next year’s general elections, The National reports.

Kalamoro last Friday reported that Electoral Commission had submitted an estimated figure of K12.3 million as part of its budget submissions toward purchasing the equipment which is said to be transparent and an effective tool for counting election votes.

“As it appears, no funding was allocated for the electronic counting system so the commission has simply pushed that aside while focusing on other activities and preparations leading up to the elections.”

He explained that the electronic counting system captured and stored voting results electronically using cameras, scanners, projectors and a computer.

“The results on the ballot paper is captured on camera and projected to the screen so scrutineers of candidates are able to tell if a vote is invalid or not.”

Kalamoro said the K12 million submission was for the purchase of another 20 equipment for each province and also to cover additional costs for training people in each province on how to handle the equipment.

“We have only put aside the counting system due to no funds for but there is still ample time left now and before the elections to get the equipment ready and the manpower to drive that during elections.”

 

LNG dispute resolutions being finalised for court

By SAMUEL RAITANO and PATRICK TALU

 

THE terms of reference for an alternative dispute resolution process, on all court matters relating to the multi-billion kina liquefied natural gas project, are being finalised and will be presented to the National Court for its endorsement, The National reports.

These terms of references would enable mediation among LNG partners dealing with the Kokopo UBSA and LBBSA of May 22, 2008, and December 2009.

Last month, and again last week, Justice Ambeng Kandakasi ordered that terms of reference for a mediation process be drawn up for all parties involved in the LNG project to use during mediation.

According to a draft terms of reference, the mediation process would cover Hides PDL 1 and 7, Angore PDL 8, Juha PDL 9, the Hides gas conditioning plant site, Komo Airport, pipeline, Moran PDL 5 and PDL 6, Kutubu PDL 2, Gobe PDL 3 and PDL 4 and the processing facility areas.

It would also cover other LNG dispute areas.

Counsel representing all aggrieved LNG project landowners Justin Hayara of Steel Lawyers would present the terms of reference at the National Court this week.

Issues to be covered under the terms of reference included:

• Issues of eligibility or powers to receive business development grant and recognition as licensed-based umbrella company and umbrella associations;
• Proceedings challenging customary landownership based on block concept with PDL area;
• Proceeding seeking payment of outstanding MoA funds;
•  Proceedings challenging the validity or otherwise of ministerial determination and social mapping of landowner identification studies;
• Proceeding challenging the validity of the PNG gas agreement, Kokopo UBSA and LBBSA;
• Proceeding challenging the validity of legislative provision, SCR No.5 of 2010, SCR No.07 of 2010; and
• Proceedings as to the election of directors and appointment of bank signatures – WS No.05 of 2011 – Portion 152.

Under the terms of reference, documents required would include the cost and benefit analysis done by the National Fiscal and Economic Commission, co-coordinated development and operation agreement referred to in the PNG LNG agreement, the content of Abu Dhabi financial deal and records of Land Titles Commission and the local land court or provincial land court in respect of the land within each licensed areas.

All the relevant government departments who have been involved in the LNG project would be parties to the mediation along with the plaintiffs.

Other parties included:

• The developers led by Esso Highlands Ltd;
• The state comprising the solicitor-general, attorney-general and his secretary and all secretaries and their deputies from the departments of petroleum and energy, national planning and monitoring, finance, treasury, commerce and industry,  lands and physical planning, and works;
• Provincial administrators of Southern Highlands, Gulf, Western and Central;
• Hela Transitional Authority led by the chief executive officer; and
• National Gas Corporation led by its chairman Alfred Kaiabe.

 

New malaria drug in April

By ELIZABETH VUVU

 

A NEW drug to treat malaria called artemether-lumerfantrine, will be available in April in the country, The National reports.

The need for an upgraded treatment for the disease was due to the strong  resistance of malaria to the chloroquine drug which was widespread and becoming a concern in Papua New Guinea with the government declaring it as one of the top five priority illnesses.

The drug is a combination of two drugs into one tablet known as mala-1.

Artemeter derives from artemisinin, a plant native to China, and it was recommended that artemisinin was used in combination with another drug lumerfantribe to prevent malaria parasites not to learn the single drug alone.

According to Annette Coppola of the Department of Health, the drug would kill parasites quickly with the patient feeling well, it would work on malaria parasites and help to prevent transmission of malaria to other people and well-tolerated.

She said the single drug of Artemisinins in chloroquine was not recommended for the treatment of falciparum malaria in PNG.

She said Mala-1 was used worldwide in tropical countries.

Meanwhile, when asked why it had taken so long to phase out the use of Chloroquine in PNG and to use Mala-1, Dr Zaixing Zhang, a malariologist with World Health Organisation (WHO) said PNG had to have evidence why choloroquine was not effective and research to say which drug was appropriate for PNG and in this case it was Mala-1.

He said the PNG Institute of Medical Research had taken on this difficult task in the past years collecting data in different areas.

Zaixing said due to the fact that chloroquine was a cheap drug, many countries had been dragging their feet to get new malaria drugs.

Mala-1 was more expensive than other malaria drugs and packaging was made overseas and the department would know if it was illegally being sold on the streets.

 

 

 

 

APNG expands fleet with 10th Twin Otter

AIRLINES PNG (APNG) last Thursday announced an expansion of its fleet with the purchase of a De Havilland DHC-6-300 (Twin Otter) aircraft, The National reports.

The acquisition, which brings the total of Twin Otter fleet to 10, is aimed not only at providing APNG with enhanced capacity for new services but also at easing the burden on existing operations.

In a statement, APNG said the aircraft, with a capacity of 19 seats, was still in the United States, where it would remain for modifications before it is ferried to PNG by middle of next month.

These modifications would include installation of the state-of-the-art avionics equipment, which were announced last year as part of a fleet-wide initiative for the upgrade of all APNG Twin Otter aircraft.

“This year, APNG plans to increase its fleet size by up to 25%,” an unidentified APNG spokesperson was quoted in the statement.

“Delivery of this aircraft represents the first step in this expansion process which is necessary to position the company for anticipated growth opportunities,” the statement said.

The Twin Otter operates shorter regional flying missions for APNG and remains integral in future plans to service remote areas more efficiently for both corporate clients and the general public.

The Twin Otter would also be used to provide vital community services such as mail delivery and emergency medical evacuations, the spokesperson said.

“The Twin Otter is one of very few aircraft types suited to the difficult operating environment in PNG, particularly in the more remote areas of the country,” where it would provide vital community services such as mail delivery and emergency medical evacuations,” the spokesperson said.

The “Twin Otter” would be used to provide vital community services such as mail delivery and emergency medical evacuations,” the spokesperson said.

LNG plant shut down

Villagers go on rampage over boy's death

 

ANGRY landowners of Hides 4 PDL 7 have shut down the liquefied natural gas (LNG) conditioning plant following the death of a boy, The National reports.

The stop-work began on Saturday at 8am, a day after work resumed last Friday.

The first stop-work was over issues relating to their outstanding business development grants, memorandum of agreement funds and ministerial commitments.

Gigira Hides 4 Joint Venture chairman Erick Ayule, Hides Special Purpose Authority chairman Limson Mapiria, Hides 4 Landowners Umbrella Association chairman Chris Payabe and other Hides leaders confirmed the shut-down yesterday.

Mapiria said relatives of the deceased, whose age could not confirmed, said he was with two others who allegedly consumed a powder-like substance used for drill blast at a quarry site near Hides 4.

The boys were all taken to Mendi Hospital. One passed away and two are still at the hospital.

Hospital authorities could not determine the cause of death.

Mapiria said: "There was set procedures to follow in addressing such grievances but opportunists have taken advantage of the already volatile situation and stopped work on the project."

He said angry mobs, frustrated over various LNG-related matters, took advantage of the situation and looted the camp and chased CCJV and CPI-Clough workers.

Ayule said they did not physically harm the construction workers or destroy their equipment, but forced them to stop work and leave.

Relatives of the deceased had demanded compensation from CPI-Clough and CCJV for allegedly spilling the chemical which killed the boy.

Reports said the workers were airlifted to Mendi.

Meanwhile, Southern Highlands Governor Anderson Agiru said he would travel to Mendi this week to wait for the government to find money to meet all outstanding commitments.

He also challenged the departments of commerce and industry and petroleum and energy to fix the mess created at the LNG project sites.

"My landowners will not be suppressed."

Agiru, however, refused to comment on CCJV's withdrawal of its workers, claiming that it had to do with workplace safety and health issues.

"This is the tip of the iceberg of problems associated with a number of outstanding issues including seed capital, MoA and ministerial commitments."

Agiru said integrated landowner groups had not been formed and landowner identification was yet to take place.

"I sympathise with my landowners and developer ExxonMobil; and I want the Waigani public servants to go and solve the issue on the ground.

"I am not going to go and correct somebody's mistake. They have to leave their comfort zones in Waigani to fix their own problems."

LNG plant shut down

Villagers go on rampage over boy’s death

 

ANGRY landowners of Hides 4 PDL 7 have shut down the liquefied natural gas (LNG) conditioning plant following the death of a boy, The National reports.

The stop-work began on Saturday at 8am, a day after work resumed last Friday.

The first stop-work was over issues relating to their outstanding business development grants, memorandum of agreement funds and ministerial commitments.

Gigira Hides 4 Joint Venture chairman Erick Ayule, Hides Special Purpose Authority chairman Limson Mapiria, Hides 4 Landowners Umbrella Association chairman Chris Payabe and other Hides leaders confirmed the shut-down yesterday.

Mapiria said relatives of the deceased, whose age could not confirmed, said he was with two others who allegedly consumed a powder-like substance used for drill blast at a quarry site near Hides 4.

The boys were all taken to Mendi Hospital. One passed away and two are still at the hospital.

Hospital authorities could not determine the cause of death.

Mapiria said: “There was set procedures to follow in addressing such grievances but opportunists have taken advantage of the already volatile situation and stopped work on the project.”

He said angry mobs, frustrated over various LNG-related matters, took advantage of the situation and looted the camp and chased CCJV and CPI-Clough workers.

Ayule said they did not physically harm the construction workers or destroy their equipment, but forced them to stop work and leave.

Relatives of the deceased had demanded compensation from CPI-Clough and CCJV for allegedly spilling the chemical which killed the boy.

Reports said the workers were airlifted to Mendi.

Meanwhile, Southern Highlands Governor Anderson Agiru said he would travel to Mendi this week to wait for the government to find money to meet all outstanding commitments.

He also challenged the departments of commerce and industry and petroleum and energy to fix the mess created at the LNG project sites.

“My landowners will not be suppressed.”

Agiru, however, refused to comment on CCJV’s withdrawal of its workers, claiming that it had to do with workplace safety and health issues.

“This is the tip of the iceberg of problems associated with a number of outstanding issues including seed capital, MoA and ministerial commitments.”

Agiru said integrated landowner groups had not been formed and landowner identification was yet to take place.

“I sympathise with my landowners and developer ExxonMobil; and I want the Waigani public servants to go and solve the issue on the ground.

“I am not going to go and correct somebody’s mistake. They have to leave their comfort zones in Waigani to fix their own problems.”

 

 

Australian aid to corrupt countries

By JOHN PASQUARELLI

How many Australians have serious concerns about how their taxes are shovelled off to so many dubious recipients of foreign aid by our politicians?

'Charity begins at home' is being proclaimed by those who oppose the level of our foreign aid when it is viewed against the backdrop of disasters like floods and bushfires as well as the plight of those home-grown Australians who are disadvantaged for whatever reason. 

 This doesn't stop a lot of silly politicians feeling good about dishing out our money overseas and it certainly doesn't stop dills like Kevin Rudd making a big man of himself as he pursues his agenda to get on board the UN.

Massive corruption in the majority of recipient countries guarantees that it is impossible to ensure that Australian aid dollars gets to those who are supposed to need it. 

Why do we have to give millions to Indonesia and how can we justify sending our money to African countries where monsters like Mugabe have supporters in the UN and even here in Australia? 

 

A recent piece in the business section of  'The Australian' – Paul Cleary, Jan 20,  is beyond belief as it describes aid-recipient Papua New Guinea powerbrokers buying into Australia. 

 

When will our so-called leaders wake up? 

Sunset Merona operations disgraceful: Namah

Leader of PNG Party and Vanimo Green MP Belden Namah has described as disgraceful, certain actions of security force members currently engaged in the joint operations, Sunset Merona, in Vanimo and areas along the PNG-Indonesia common border initially to flush out OPM rebels.

Namah noted with grave concern that certain conducts of security forces were inconsistent and contrary to the mission of operation which was publicly announced, to destroy OPM camps on the PNG side of the border.

He cited instances of landowners told by the members of the security forces to ask for compensation and road levies from logging companies operating in the operation areas.

"This is very, very disgraceful," Namah said.

"It is a national disgrace for landowners to be told by security forces to set road blocks to collect road levies, when such infrastructures are national assets.

"If they are targeting foreign workers for work permits, passports and other related documents, that is fine, but why are they encouraging the landowners to engage in actions that causes disruption and destructive to the smooth operations of companies in the area.

"The security forces must concentrate on the core focus of the operation.

"They must not deviate from the original mission, creating problems and anxiety for investors, their employees and communities in the Vanimo/Green River district."

Namah said such actions were totally against the charter of the operation and could well result in the mission not accomplished.

He said instead of harassing innocent people in and around Vanimo and using landowners to disrupt the operations of logging and other companies, the operation must concentrate on its mission.

"The operation should go into Bewani, Imonda, Amanab, Wutung and Green River to achieve its mission," Namah, a former PNG Defence force soldier, said.

"It should not cause havoc and problems for the peace-loving majority citizens of Sandaun."

 

Aussies come good

Staff of the Australian High Commission and their families have given infants confined to the special care nursery at the Port Moresby General Hospital a new lease in life, The National reports.
Yesterday, Roxanne Martens, wife of Australian High Commissioner to PNG Ian Kemish, delivered 10 boxes (or 1,000 pieces) of naso-gastric tubes to nursery staff at the hospital.
Money to buy the tubes was raised by high commission staff and their families during their Christmas party last year.
The thin, flexible tubes are inserted through the nose of premature and sick infants, who cannot feed naturally, so that they could be fed their milk and medication.
Martens also took time out to visit some of the babies kept at the nursery under the guidance of sister-in-charge Maria Bernard. – Nationalpic by EKAR KEAPU

Lae confident for basketball tourney

By MALUM NALU


From left (back) are Russell Stafford, Joe Giali, Peter Buala, Lawrence Lahari (coach), Richard Soba, Jonathan Orme and Mika Laho while front are Wayne Aaron, Junior Oscar, Percy Aaron and Michael Kramer.-Picture by BOB AARON

 Lae is quietly confident of doing well in this weekend’s Port Moresby invitational tournament at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.
The tournament brings together the finest talent in the country at the moment from Port Moresby, Tubusereia, Exodus club and Lae.
Staunch supporter and former Papua New Guinea international Bob Aaron, who is also one of the sponsors of the team, said the Lae team would use the tournament as build-up to the Jan 28-31 Far North Queensland All Stars competition, as well as this years Pacific Games.
He also made an 11th-hour appeal to potential sponsors to chip and help the Lae team, following Wednesday’s K25, 000 sponsorship of the Port Moresby Papuan Blacks by Pacific MMI to the same tournament.
“Most of our players are young students and are part of the national development squad,” Aaron said from Lae.
“This will be a stepping stone for the Pacific Games this year.”
Aaron said the youngsters from Lae had been undergoing training since last November, and with players from Yanga and Butibam villages in top form following last month’s Ahi Festival, would be out to give the rest a run for their money.

Well known Catholic brother goes finish

Br Hugo Audrey SVD

By SIR PETER BARTER

Well-known and respected Br Hugo Audrey bid farewell to Madang and Papua New Guinea this week when he left for his home in Switzerland.
Br Hugo was well known the the students of Divine Word University where he was in charge of transport  logistics and almost personally welcomed every new student over the past decade who attended the university.
Several farewell dinners were organised to farewell him and when Sir Peter found out that he had never travelled in a helicopter, he was taken on a helicopter trip of Madang and the harbour which he later told those who farwelled him the memory would last in his memory forever.
Apart from Br Hugo's transport work, he was an accomplished musician and often gave rescitals with his 2m long Alpen Horn and blew the Last  Post and Reveille at all Anzac and Commemoration Day parades in Madang.
He also was an enthusiastic historian who wrote several books and diaries on the history of Madang and PNG including a diary of Nicholai Maclay, the first white settler in New Guinea.
Br Hugo was awarded a Logohu Medal for the contribution he made in PNG.