Pink Ribbons

Hi all
October is recognized as the month to promote breast cancer awareness
worldwide
I still have some Pink Ribbons which I am selling on behalf of the cancer
society
The ribbons are selling at K2 for the big ones & K1 for the small ones
'Remember breast cancer has the potential to affect someone you know'
Christine Pakakota
Assistant News Editor
The National

Pacific Star Limited
Phones: (675) 324 6731
Facsimile: (675) 324 6868
Post: PO Box 6817 Boroko, NCD
Papua New Guinea
Email: cbpakakota@thenational.com.pg

APEC NEWS ALERT: Leaders prepare for their annual meeting

Leaders Coordinate Responses to Financial Crisis, Human Security and Social Equity

Issued by the APEC Secretariat

Singapore, 31 October, 2008 – Leaders and representatives of APEC’s 21 Member Economies are preparing for their annual meeting in Lima, Peru in the latter half of next month. 

The 16^th annual APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (22 – 23 November) is the culmination of the actions, discussions and endorsements that have taken place throughout 2008, hosted by Peru and under the theme, “A New Commitment to Asia-Pacific Development.” 

Heads of member governments will receive recommendations from Ministers, including those responsible for Finance, Trade and Structural Reform.  These recommendations are likely to address:

 

• Coordinated long- and short-term responses to the current financial crisis;

 

• Collaborative efforts to progress a regional-wide free trade agreement;

 

• Human security initiatives, including emergency preparedness and response;

 

• Structural reform;

 

• Stimulation of growth among small to medium and micro-enterprises; and

 

• Improving food security in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

These are intended to inform collective policy initiatives among leaders and, ultimately, to strengthen economic resilience and expand trade opportunities throughout the region. 

Prior to the Leaders’ Meeting, related events to be held in Lima will include:

 

• APEC Concluding Senior Officials’ Meeting, 16 – 17 November
• APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), 18 – 20 November
• APEC Ministers’ Meeting, 19 – 20 November
• APEC CEO Summit, 20 – 22 November

The CEO Summit will feature presentations by the world’s most renowned leaders.

 

For more information, or to schedule an interview with APEC Secretariat Executive Director, Ambassador Juan C. Capuñay, following the APEC Leaders’ Meeting, contact:

Carolyn Williams at cdw@apec.org or at (51) 8927 4393 in Peru

Anita Douglas at ad@apec.org or at (65) 9172 6427 in Singapore

 

 

 

 

Lutheran university set to start classes in 2010

The much talked about Lutheran university in Lae is set to start classes in 2010, according to Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG Acting Head Bishop Reverend Zau Rapa.

"The first classes will start in 2010 at the Lutheran university in Lae," he said in Lae.

"The campus will cover the Balob Teachers College and Martin Luther Seminary.

"Initially, Balob will become the faculty for education, while Martin Luther Seminary will be the faculty for theology.

"That, however, is all dependent on the final approval of the university establishment committee.

"We want to start classes in 2010 because that's when all church followers expect us to start.'

It is understood that funding and manpower support has already been assured from the national government, Morobe provincial government, ELCPNG and its sister churches in Germany, the USA, Canada, Australia and others.

Lutherans urged to think of a new leader

Lutherans around the country have been urged to start thinking of a suitable replacement for former Head Bishop Reverend Doctor Wesley Kigasung, who passed away on May 14 this year.

Acting Head Bishop Rev Zau Rapa (pictured) made the call as the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG (ELCPNG) celebrates Reformation Day today (Friday May 31).

He has been acting in the position, as spiritual leader of one of the largest mainstream churches in Papua New Guinea with more than 1.2 million followers, since the death of Rev Dr Kigasung

Reformation Day is an important liturgical festival that is celebrated by Lutherans and Christians of many Protestant denominations.

It commemorates Dr. Martin Luther's posting of his 'Ninety-five Theses' on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517.

This act triggered the movement in world history known as the Reformation.

While the historical date for the observance of Reformation is October 31st, most churches celebrate it on the last Sunday in October.

While it had profound and lasting impacts on the political, economic, social, literary, and artistic aspects of modern society, the Reformation was at its heart a religious movement.

"We must pray for a good Head Bishop to take over from where the late Dr Kigasung left us," Rev Rapa said in Lae.

"The next Synod will be held in January 2010 in Lae, Morobe province.

"I ask all followers of the Church not to make a political issue out of this.

"We need a good spiritual leader to guide the Church and we must pray to God for one.

"We must stop beating our chests and start humbling ourselves.

"Nominations will open at the Church Council in November this year and the nomination committee can start doing its job."

Rev Rapa urged Lutherans to think about the implications of the Reformation on their lives now and into the future.

"ELCPNG has a lot of work to do to strengthen the faith of its members," he said.

"The Lutheran Church is a reformed church and one of the major churches in the world.

"Lutherans all over the world are spreading the Word of God like Martin Luther.

"ELCPNG is one of the major churches in this country with more than 1.2 million followers, including active pastors and evangelists.

"The Lutheran Church does not stand on history alone as there are many changes taking place.

"We have the job of spreading the good news to all our followers as well as be careful of pitfalls along the way.

"The Lutheran Church not only strengthens the faith but is also a partner in development in areas such as education, health, Yangpela Didiman, development services, youth, women, Sunday School and others.

"The first classes will start in 2010 at the Lutheran University in Lae.

"We have our own beliefs; however, we must work together with other mainstream churches in the country under the PNG Council of Churches.

"I appeal to all followers to look at the presence and blessings of God in their lives."

Invitation to participate at the 2008 Media Conference

Dear Members,

 

The Media Council of PNG (MCPNG) wishes to invite ALL MEMBERS to participate in the 2008 Media Conference from10th -15th November 2008 by sending a delegation from your organisation. A formal letter from MCPNG President will be delivered to you soon.

Due to growing concern about the state of media including inadequate development content and poor media standards, MCPNG is hosting this conference to facilitate the engagement of media observers and practitioners to contribute towards strengthen the media system in PNG. Present challenges in the media have caused grave concern that the Prime Minister has called on the media to report responsibly. Therefore, the purpose of the conference is to create an opportunity for critical reflection and rational deliberation on the theme: media, good governance and the future. There are four plenary topics with discussion sessions.  You are kindly invited to send a delegation of at least 6 members to the conference.

Please note that major events that will include the following

1. Media Breakfast: each member is given a quota of 10 people to attend the media breakfast to be held on the first day of the Conference. It will be attended by Governor General and other dignitaries. It will be free for members.
2. Media Bonding: your organization is given an opportunity to do a company presentation at the media bonding event on the 10^th November 2008. Each MCPNG member is also expected to plan and execute a media bonding event on the designated evenings of the conference. The rational is that you would promote your organization including its goods and services to the conference participants and guests.
3. Media Awards Banquet: each member organization is requested to make submissions for the relevant media awards categories to be sent out by the awards committee shortly. Entry to the Banquet is by tickets selling at K60 per person.
4. Post Conference Study Tour: please indicate if you would like to the post conference study tour to visit your establishment. It will be very useful to facilitate that for the conference participants.

In order to progress the planning process, we will appreciate your response by the 30 October 2008.  Find attached the provisional program for the 2008 Media Conference. For more information, please call Nimo Kama on 3233974 or email: nkama@mdi.org.pg.

 

Thank you and we look forward to your response.

 

Yours truly,

 

NWKama

Nimo Walter Kama

Activities Coordinator, Media for Development Initiatives

 

_________________________________________________________________

Media Council of Papua New Guinea

Suite 2, Monian Haus, Nita Street. Tabari Place, PO Box 135, Port Moresby, NCD

Phone: (675) 3233974 Fax: (675) 3233349

 

Major banks back InterOil

PORTMORESBY: Two of Papua New Guinea’s leading financial institutions will provide InterOil with a K150 million revolving working capital loan facility.

The financiers are the Bank of South Pacific Limited and Westpac Bank PNG Limited.

The facility will be used for InterOil’s wholesale and retail petroleum distribution business in Papua New Guinea.

The Company’s Chief Financial Officer Collin Visaggio says the transaction shows Papua New Guinea’s banking industry remains strong despite the current international credit meltdown.

“The arrangement is evidence of the solid relationships and strong presence InterOil has in the PNG marketplace.

“The loan facility will help ensure the continued, smooth day to day running of our distribution business”.

“It will do this by providing increased security for our working capital requirements.”

InterOil owns and operates Papua New Guinea’s only oil refinery. The plant is capable of processing up to 32,500 barrels of crude oil a day, about double the national requirement.

It produces a wide range of fuels including petrol, diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel.

The refinery also distributes a new product called InterOil Power Fuel which has been developed especially for industry.

InterOil also has more than 60 branded service stations throughout Papua New Guinea.

It also has a number of important supply contracts with commercial aviation, mining transport and other companies.

InterOil supplies about two thirds of the PNG fuel market.

 For further in formation please contact

Susuve Laumaea

Senior Manager -- Media Relations

InterOil Corporation

Ph: 321 7040

Mobile: 684 5168

Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com

 

Importance of the cultural sector in Papua New Guinea

By WILSON THOMPSON

In recent months, there were newspaper reports of the National Museum and Art Gallery of PNG having problems with its electricity, water and telephone services and its imminent closure to the public.

Then, there was public disapproval about the decision of the National Government to export the “Swamp Ghost” to USA.

Minister Charles Abel issued a statement that it was one of the hardest decisions.

True to his words, he has recently visited three reconstructed aircraftsawaiting their return to PNG and a new home.

They are based at RAAF base in Queensland and also in NSW.

Unlike the Swamp Ghost, they are safely located in Australia.

Should they be returned to sit idle at the Jacksons Tarmac, as one of the DC3 donated fore display lays in shame near the ATS Base at Jacksons?

 In one of the Public Accounts Committee Hearing in 2003, the then Director, Soroi Marepo Eo’o, with his executives, including the current Director, Simon Poraituk, said that the NMAG was a periphery organisation.

The committee members were taken back and requested explanation in no uncertain terms.

Mr Eo’e said that the NMAG was one of the oldest and the surviving instruction in PNG commencing in 1915, yet, its existence had not been recognised by successive governments after Independence.

When pressed further,  Mr Eo’e and his  management said that even before the National Parliament and other administrative headquarters moved to Waigani, the National Museum was the landmark and icon established in 1977.

Despite being very close to Parliament and the National Government, its plight has been denied and despite that, it has continued to survive.

He argued that despite budgetary Requests and submissions and PIP submissions for renovation of Old House of Assembly, Independence Park and Heritage and Convention Centre and revamp of the Museum, funding was not available.

It is a worldwide phenomenon where the cultural sector is given prominence early in the Independence struggle and new museum and historical Centers are built but cannot be maintained over the years, as other social and economic realities do not allow.

The National Museum, National Library and National Archives are no exception.

At or after Independence, these were given prominence.

Even the Independence activists were identified with the cultural icons and sector.

For example, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare was the first President of the Trustees of NMAG at the declaration of the Independent Sate of PNG.

He was followed by person in Sir Moi Avei, John Kasaiplowa, Arthur Jawomdimbari, Bernard Narakobi, Stalin Yawa and the list continues.

Our current Governor General was the immediate President of the Trustees of the NMAG when he was elected to the post in 2003.

Despite the prominence and the wealth of experience, the Government has often turned a blind eye.

Unfortunately, it is due to circumstances and the need to improve the social and economic wellbeing and development of the country through communication, transport and other social service infrastructure.

Nevertheless, in recent years, the government has now given some attention to the sector.

With donor assistance, the National Library has now been renovated.

The NMAG was allocated funds to replace its ailing air conditioning system at cost ofK2 million.

However, this has also resulted in usage of more electricity and water to work the cooling system and thus the ripple effect on the recurrent funds of the NMAG.

Minister Abel, a young and energetic Minister, has now come onto the scene and is quietly working out strategies as to change the scenario.

 He has emphasised on tourism development and the development of the cultural sector as the attraction.

Last month, Minister Abel travelled to Goroka and Kainantu and without fanfare, whether by design or fate, gave K160, 000 as grant assistance to the Eastern Highlands Cultural Centre in Kainantu.

 It was the first in 25 years and they could not believe but openly shed tears of joy.

 The centre is one of the icons of Kainantu, despite being called a ‘cowboy country’.

The staff of 15 has survived not from government payroll and funding but sheer hard work by operating their kiln and weaving sections. They produce one of the finest cups, plates, and the likes from clay as well as weave rugs.

The EHCC pays for the clay at K100 per load and also asks sheep farmers to provide wools.

The products are sold mostly to expatriates attached into Kainantu by SIL Ukarumpa and the NARI, coffee and inland fisheries research centres in Aiyura Valley.

Also, they sell at various Shows and also most are sold to Brian Bell Group of Companies.

At the same juncture, the Minister also signed a Memorandum of Agreement between the JK McCarthy Museum, branch of NMAG with the University of Goroka to expand its inaugural Cultural and Heritage Management Studies.

It has progressed over the last five years and now has its own diploma programmes.

This was further extended with another signing committing the National Cultural Commission and UOG in area of theatre, performing arts and dances and music.

Culture and environment are fundamental to our very existence as Papua New Guineas, something which sets us aside from other nations of the world. 

PNG is blessed with abundant natural resources and so as rich and varied cultural heritage expressed through different art forms, dance traditions, ritual practices and over 800 different languages, each maintaining its uniqueness and vitality. 

We must be mindful that the engine room of our development i.e., mineral, petroleum and forest industries are winding down operations and the Government need to look at alternatives.

 There are certain resources which are already inherent in the country such as culture and tradition, flora and fauna and the geography that can be utilised to provide employment, income earning opportunities, assist in poverty alleviation as well as in promoting the conservation of cultures, environment and the society norms and values.

It is evident that the Minister is trying to find synergy to harness PNG’s great potential in its cultural heritage to combine with  culture, environment and tourism.  

 Hence, Papua New Guineans can develop within their societal setting in utilising culture, environment and other diversity to conserve, protect as well as promote its use to alleviate poverty, create employment and income earning opportunities and to pass these down to future generations.

The author served as Trustee of the NMAG from 1999-2000 and also from 2003 to 2005 and as First Secretary for Culture and Tourism from 2003 to2005. Telephone (675) 323 5644 or mobile 696 74 9796