Mass looting of Chinese shops in Lae

* Thousands storm Eriku, Top Town and main market areas

* Lae top cop unsure of cause of riots

* General blame on ‘peaceful’ protest march in National Capital District

 

Asian shops hit in Lae

 

By PISAI GUMAR in The National

 

THOUSANDS of men and boys stormed Chinese shops at Eriku, Top Town and the main market to bring Lae to a standstill yesterday morning, catching the public, businesses and the police off guard.

Lae metropolitan commander Supt Nema Mondiai said he did not know the cause of the melee but ordered police onto the scene following the first riot at the Lae market.

Just after 9am, a Chinese shop near the Bank South Pacific branch was attacked by youths claiming that the shop owner should not be operating in the country and the business was restricted to Papua New Guineans.

The shop closed before any damage could be done and its hired security guards alerted police and newspapers.

One youth was reportedly chopped to death and another hospitalised in an attempted break-in of a Chinese shop at the main market area.

Before 10am, all shops, Chinese and local, all over the city were forced to close in fear of being looted.

There were no PMVs, no motor vehicles, but thousands of human traffic.

As the riots gained momentum, members of the mob were seen and heard calling their friends and relatives on cell phones to come into the city from Kamkumung, West Taraka, Buimo and Bundi Camp, Papuan Compound, Tais, Bumbu and the Miles areas.

The Momase police Mobile Unit responded and set up surveillance with the help of several major security firms to control the situation.

That did not prevent two shops at the just-opened Chayter House at Eriku, one in Top Town and Golden Apple at the corner of Kisere and Malaita St from being looted of undisclosed cash and items.

Old timers Papindo, Seeto Kui, Wan Jih Wah, PC & JY Woo and Stevens Trading were unaffected but closed their doors.

Super Value Store and Raumai 18’s wholesale and department shops were also forced to close.

Using cell phones, the youths, who were also engaged by small Chinese shops to sell cheap items at bargain-basement prices on the streets, gathered, mobilised and attacked.

They rushed into the shops and grabbed tills and items of their choice.

The guards were left helpless.

Police arrived immediately and fired tear gas and warning shots to disperse the rioters.

Stubborn rioters were thrashed with vehicle fan belts and batons.

Supt Mondiai noted: “It was the first of its kind that the city experienced mob looting that struck three major shopping areas at once.” He said he was baffled about the motive. He did not know who the organisers were.

Word on the streets yesterday was that the incident was sparked by a protest march in the National Capital District on Tuesday in which youths had wanted to petition NCD Governor Powes Parkop over restrictions on foreigners operating small businesses.

Supt Mondiai warned other provincial centres to take precautionary measures and monitor their areas.

Some youths, who requested anonymity, said: “We are frustrated with small Asian shops sprouting unnecessarily, selling cheap items around the city.

“Who is allowing these Asians to come into our country and own small businesses which should be owned by Papua New Guineans?

“Even they do businesses here (in Lae) using cheap items, ripping us off and invest our money back in their countries.”

“Mip’la tait na les pinis long ol Kongkong nabaut ya. Mip’la ino wari lo polis tu. Tokim Gavana Wenge redi lo sanap lo kot na rausim ol Asians. Inap em inap.”

They said they were tired of the Chinese and did not care about the police. They wanted Morobe Governor Luther Wenge to go to court and remove all Asians.

 

Grand old man of Dei Council

Wunmba Wengdui Manga proudly wearing his Logohu medal surrounded by proud relatives. This and all pictures by WILLIAM WILLIANDO

Wunmba Wengdui Manga proudly wearing his Logohu medal with nephew David Karl

Wunmba Wengdui Manga surrounded by relatives at a feast at Erima last Saturday

Wunmba Wengdui Mangi is congratulated by Lady Kaludia Matane at Government House

Wunmba Wengui Mangi (second from right) at Government House at April 23

Among the many people gathered at Government House in Port Moresby on Thursday April 23, 2009, for the New Year’s honours list for investiture was one sprightly old man from Dei Council in the Western Highland province.
As his name was called, Wunmba Wengdui Manga gingerly trod his way through the long line of people to be invested with the Insignia of an Officer of the Order of Logohu (OL), by Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane.
Mr Manga, though wizened by age, was bestowed the Logohu “for services to the community through contributions as a well-respected traditional leader and councilor among his Dei Council community and the Western Highlands province”.
The National featured him in the Weekender last year, in which the story was told of how the Minimbis and Kombigas of the Dei Council area have become a more-disciplined group of people, largely because of his stewardship.
The Minimbe Mimke Napakes, Papekes, Nambka Uimbosong and Kombiga Mandong people have benefited greatly from his guidance.
Mr Manga is said to have been born in the early 1920s, hence, would have been around at the time of first contact by the Leahy brothers and Jim Taylor in the 1930s.
He was baptised into the Lutheran Church, together with his wife, on June 6, 1949, given a new name, “Wengdui”, and was appointed a church leader.
In 1963, with the establishment of local government councils, Mr Manga was elected as a councilor and remained so until his retirement in 1987.
Because of his Christian upbringing, Mr Managa discouraged retaliation and revenge during his time in office, but at the same time was a feared man whom nobody dared to disobey.
In recognition of his effort and contributions to the development of Western Highlands and Papua New Guinea, in 1997, then Governor, late Robert Lak, presented him a Silver Jubilee medal.
Dei MP Puri Ruing also presented Mr Manga other medals.
Although in his twilight years, he remains a source of wisdom and inspiration, after many years of being such a powerful and authoritative leader in the Dei Council area.
Mr Manga’s nephew, David Karl, said there were many other outstanding leaders like him throughout the country who had died with being given any form of recognition.
Mr Karl said he and other members of Mr Manga’s family had nominated him for a Logohu award towards the end of last year.
“Otherwise, the old man would have died without any recognition,” he said.
“There are many people like him all over the country who are not recognised.
“We nominated him for a Logohu wards towards the end of last year, and surprisingly fast, his nomination was accepted.
“He had tears of joy when he was awarded the medal by Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane.
“He said he would die a very happy man.”
Another family member, Clara Kopil, said it was very emotional for them to see Mr Manga receive him medal at Government House.
“We dressed him and took him to Government House,” she recalled.
“It was the first time for him to be all dressed up like that.
“He insisted that he wear shorts, just like he did in the colonial days.
“It was so emotional for us to see him in shorts and he really stood out among the crowd.
“After he received the medal, he received a glass of champagne, and like everyone else, raised a toast and drank.”
Last Saturday the Western Highlands community at Erima in Port Moresby, in a feast befitting royalty, gathered en masse to celebrate Mr Manga’s medal.
Bigger things are planned for when he returns home, as the Dei Council community will celebrate Mr Manga’s contribution towards building of a new Lutheran church building, as well as his medal.
How many more Mr Manga’s are there out in the country?

APEC Essay Writing Contest

Essay Writing Contest   http://www.apec.org/apec/opportunities/essay.html ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION 20th Anniversary Essay Writing Contest    This year APEC celebrates its 20th Anniversary - twenty years of promoting open dialogue, advancing free trade, and improving the business environment in the Asia-Pacific region. To mark this anniversary, we invite business students - the business leaders of tomorrow - from our 21 member economies to write an original essay on: "What can APEC do for Business?"   Prizes First Prize   An all-expenses paid trip for the winner to be part of the 2009 APEC CEO Summit and APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Singapore in November. The winner will be given the opportunity to present his/her essay during the 2009 APEC CEO Summit, and the chance to also meet with his/her economy's Leader. The prize includes the cost of flights to Singapore, hotel accommodation in Singapore and a per diem allowance. A US$500 cash prize will also be awarded. In the event that a Singapore-based student wins the competition, a cash equivalent to the value of the flights and hotel accommodation will be provided. Second Prize   A US$1000 cash prize will be awarded to the first runner-up. If the winner cannot attend the 2009 APEC CEO Summit in Singapore, the first runner-up will take his or her position. Third Prize   A US$500 cash prize will be awarded to the second runner-up.   Eligibility Entrants must be citizens or permanent residents of APEC member economies (Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; People's Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; Philippines; Russia; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; United States; Viet Nam) Entrants must be a currently registered graduate or upper-level (third/fourth year) undergraduate student. Entrants must be enrolled in a Business faculty/department/school at a tertiary education institution, and be advancing towards a business-related degree.   Judging Criteria Propose new and feasible directions, interpretations and recommendations to enhance the role of APEC in facilitating business.  Demonstrate originality in analytical approach and treatment of topic. The essay should display a high level of critical and independent thinking.  Display clarity and effectiveness of style and organization.  Show evidence of external research and use of bibliography and references. The essay should adhere to format and length rules.   Essay Guidelines Must be written in English Must be between 3,500 and 4,000 words (excluding abstract, footnotes and bibliography) Must include an abstract summarizing the paper in no more than 300 words Must be typed, double-spaced and conform to the standardized style guide of the Chicago Manual of Style <http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html> with all pages clearly numbered Must be in Microsoft Word format Submission only via email to essay@apec.org (No hard copies) Subject header for the submission email must be: Submission for APEC 20th Anniversary Essay Writing Contest Only one submission entry will be accepted from each entrant The essay must be accompanied by a copy of the entrant's current student identification card Entry period: 2 March 2009 - 31 July 2009 Contest deadline: 31 July 2009, 11:59PM (GMT +08:00) Singapore Time Must include a cover sheet indicating: Full Name (as in passport) Gender Citizenship / Permanent Residency Current Mailing Address Current Email address Telephone Number(s) Name of University Name of Faculty/Department/School Level of Study (Bachelor's/Master's/PhD) Year of Study Title of Essay Word count (excluding abstract, footnotes and bibliography) The decisions of the APEC Secretariat's judging panel are final. The Secretariat reserves the right to disqualify any essay submission that does not conform to the above stipulated guidelines. The Secretariat upholds academic integrity and takes a strong position against plagiarism (i.e. submitting essays that are not the result of entrants' own thought, research, or self-expression and/or using ideas from other sources without appropriate acknowledgement). Any essays found plagiarized will be immediately disqualified. Entrants are reminded not to call the Secretariat for information about the status of their essays. Other Information The winners will be notified by 30 September 2009 COPYRIGHT: The APEC Secretariat shall own the entire copyright interest in all essays submitted in the competition until the results are publicly announced. Subsequently, the APEC Secretariat shall relinquish such copyright interest to the authors of non-prize-winning entries. The APEC Secretariat shall own the entire copyright interest in the top three winning entries. The APEC Secretariat will normally, at its discretion, grant permission to those requesting republication of all or part of the prize-winning essays upon submission of a written request. The APEC Secretariat will require parties republishing these essays to: (1) acquire the prior written consent of the APEC Secretariat; (2) acknowledge the APEC essay competition; and (3) note that the views expressed in the essay may not represent APEC's views on any matter. The authors of the essays agree to execute such documents as the APEC Secretariat may request to vest in the APEC Secretariat the entire copyright interest in the essays as provided above. LOST ENTRIES: The Secretariat will not be held responsible for any essays lost or not received. DISCLAIMER: The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in any and all essays are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect the views of APEC. The APEC Secretariat does not make or give any representation, warranty or undertaking, express or implied, as to, or assume any responsibility for: (i) the completeness or accuracy of the information contained in this document; (ii) the reasonableness of the assumptions or the information on which it was based; or (iii) the suitability of this information for its intended purpose. PRIVACY: By submitting an essay, entrants agree that if they should win, the APEC Secretariat may use the personal information on their entry forms for publicity purposes, with the exception of street address, email address and telephone number. The winning authors consent to the use of their personal information by the APEC Secretariat in publicity in all media, such as online, print, television, and radio, and agree to cooperate with the APEC Secretariat in developing the appropriate publicity and promotional materials, in any medium, for such publicity. Data gathered from non-winning authors will only be used in aggregate (i.e., not personally identifiable) form.

UK military course enriching, says PNG Defence Force officer

Captions: 1. Picture caption: (L-R) Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Commodore Nike Randle receives a gift of a miniature Trobriand Islands yam house from Commander Tau Ila of the PNG Defence Force. Randle is the director of the Cranfield University's Defence Leadership & Management Centre 2. (L-R) Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Commodore Nike Randle presents Commander Tau Ila of the PNG Defence Force with his certificate. Randle is the director of the Cranfield University's Defence Leadership & Management Centre.

 

A senior PNG Defence Force officer has described a seven-week defence management course in the United Kingdom as enriching and one that more army personnel should participate in.

Commander Tau Ila recently returned to PNG after completing the “Managing Defence in a Wider Security Context” course at the Cranfield University in the UK. The university is part of the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom.

The course was funded by the British Government and included participants from military forces from the Commonwealth and around the world.

The PNGDF officer, who will take up a senior posting within the defence force’s human resource department, said the course included a section on managing the welfare and career of officers within the army.

At a debrief with the British High Commission, Commander Ila said: “Any organisation is only as good as the people in it. The seven week course looked at a range of subjects designed to ensure that a modern Defence Force not only values and invests in its people but also gets the most out of them. In addition to specific management training the course also looked in detail at the military and civilian government relationship and governance. In particular, the peacetime role of a modern defence force in fulfilling its security obligations and supporting broader national development goals." 

British High Commissioner to PNG, David Dunn, welcomed the participation of the PNGDF in the course and said it was imperative that all military forces constantly updated themselves with the latest thinking in military doctrine and strategic personnel management.

“I am sure that Commander Ila also took the opportunity to brief the UK and other international course participants from around the world, including Africa, Central Europe and Asia, on the experiences of the PNGDF," he added.

InterOil announces March quarter profit

PORT MORESBY: InterOil is optimistic of a “strong and vibrant future” following the release of its latest financial figures.

The company reported a net profit of US$2.6-million for the three months ended 31^st March 2009.

It represents a $US5.0-million improvement over the equivalent period for 2008, when a loss was recorded.

The strongest part of its operation was the midstream refinery segment which posted a net profit of $US10.3-million.

Chief financial officer Collin Visaggio says this is up from a $US0.2-million profit in the equivalent period of 2008.

“It represents a dramatic improvement in our refinery’s results and one that gives us greater confidence in its future viability,” he said.

He cited an improved naphtha premium and gains on hedge account transactions as among the main reasons for the improvement.

The average refinery run rate of almost 19,000 barrels per day during the period of which more than 11,000 barrels were for domestic sales.

The company’s midstream liquefaction segment recorded a net loss of $US2.6-million reflecting expenses incurred in the PNG LNG joint venture project.

“These expenses are a necessary investment in the future of not only our company but also of the entire nation”, Mr Visaggio said.

“In many ways it is the most exciting part of our business and one which, in time to come, may yield outstanding results.”

InterOil’s downstream segment posted a net profit of $US1.0-million while its upstream segment had a net loss of $US2.1-million.

The company’s debt-to-capital ratio also underwent a dramatic improvement during the past 12 months.

“It now stands at a very healthy 34%, compared to 68% in the same quarter of 2008”, Mr Visaggio said.

“This gives us a great base to work from and will help ensure our strength, particularly in these difficult economic times.”

 

For further in formation please contact

Susuve Laumaea

Senior Manager Media Relations InterOil Corporation

Ph: (675) 321 7040

Mobile: (675) 684 5168

Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com  

 

Bishop Rev Dr Wesley Kigasung is laid to rest

PNG Defence Force soldiers lower Dr Kigasung's casket into the tomb. This and all pictures by DAVID HARRO

Some of the thousands of people who attended Dr Kigasung's burial at Aluki village, Bukawa

Tears for Dr Kigasung at Aluki

Bishop Kigasung's body being taken for burial

PNG Defence Force soldiers lower Dr Kigasung's casket into the tomb

Dr Kigasung's tomb

PNG Defence Force Band leads the funeral procession at Aluki

Flashback...we look back to the burial of Rev Dr Wesley Kigasung on Sunday, May 25, 2008 at his Aluki village, Morobe province...

Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG leader, the late Bishop Doctor Wesley Kigasung, was laid to rest at his Aluki village in Bukawa, Morobe province, after 3pm last Sunday, May 25, 2008.

Thousands of people from the Bukawa villages, Lae, Morobe province, Papua New Guinea and overseas flocked to Aluki to see Bishop Kigasung buried in a concrete tomb.

Heavy overnight rain last Saturday night and Sunday gave way to bright sunshine in time for the burial.

It ended a week of mourning in which Dr Kigasung’s body traveled to Port Moresby, Mount Hagen, Madang and Lae before the final journey home to Aluki by road from Lae last Saturday afternoon.

Thousands of people lined the road from Lae to Aluki to bid farewell to Dr Kigasung as his motorcade drove past.

In emotional scenes, men, women and children wept, sang, waved banners, flags and threw flowers at the motorcade.

In one of the most-moving scenes, at Situm primary school, children sang a touching tribute to Dr Kigasung which brought tears to the eyes of those in the motorcade.

Many commented that the respect accorded to Dr Kigasung between Lae and Aluki yesterday, as well as that shown between Nadzab and Lae last Friday, and at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium last Saturday, had never been seen before in this country.

At Aluki, tears again flowed freely for its favorite son as local villagers, those from Lae, and others from Siassi Island – the place where Dr Kigasung was born and the last place he visited – sang traditional songs of mourning for the charismatic and much-loved leader of 1.2 million Lutherans in PNG.

Last Sunday's funeral service was delayed because of the non-arrival of Morobe Governor Luther Wenge as expected.

The burial was later delayed again because of the slow drying of cement in the concrete tomb because of the wet conditions.

VIPs present included Lae MP Bart Philemon, Tewai/Siassi MP Vincent Michaels, Bulolo MP Sam Basil, former judge Don Sawong and Kambang Holdings chairman Namon Mawason as well as a representative of the American Lutheran Church.

ELCPNG Jabem District president Reverend Gedisa Okamaisa said Dr Kigasung was a “humble” servant of God and the people.

“He left us at a time when we least expected,” Rev. Okamaisa said.

“His death is a call for us to take ownership of the church.”

Special tribute to Reverend Doctor Wesley Kigasung (please click individual images to enlarge)