UK Government to support the preservation of Carteret Islands' Culture

Captions: 1. A Carteret Island family - what does the future hold for them? 2. Carteret Island children playing on fallen coconut trees

 

The British High Commission in Port Moresby is funding the documentation of the Carteret Islands' unique culture to prevent and minimise loss, as well as to assist the islanders maintain their cultural continuity across all relocated groups.

The project which will cost more then K129, 000 when complete will document distinctive aspects of the islanders' culture including songs and dances, ceremonies and traditions, myths and legends.

 This information will then be made available to future generations of Carteret Islanders and others.

The culture of the islands will also be documented in a film, which will be made in close co-operation with local NGO, Tulele Peisa Inc, and in consultation with the Carteret Council of Elders.

David Dunn, the British High Commissioner said, "As is everywhere in the world, people identify themselves with their culture, the Carteret Islanders been no exception, and with their island sinking and the relocation exercise in place, it is important that their culture is captured for the identity of the next generation and beyond." 

The Carteret Islands are sinking due to geological reasons associated with their volcanic origins. Overlaid on top of this are the effects of sea level rising and storm surges, which are accepted as deleterious consequences of Global Climate Change.

Dangerous criminals on the loose in Port Moresby

William Kapris

Peter Plesman

Oliver Ben Gabi

Kito Aso

John Siko Wel

James Pari

Greg Wawa

All of Papua New Guinea’s most-dangerous criminals have escaped from the country’s highest maximum security unit at Bomana jail, outside Port Moresby, yesterday morning and were still on the run last night, The National reports.
The 12 prisoners included three who are on death row, a serial rapist and William Kapris, the mastermind in a series of armed bank robberies.
The National Security Advisory Committee summoned Correctional Services Commissioner Richard Sikani for a briefing yesterday afternoon, saying it was a national security issue.
According to Mr Sikani, the National Security Advisory Committee will be meeting today to institute an independent investigation while the CS will carry out its own.
The escape appeared to be well planned and involved a woman “lawyer” who managed to breach all security procedures to smuggle in a gun and empty the maximum security unit of its occupants at about 10am.
Acting Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga said police had a mammoth task on hand to recapture more than 150 prisoners who escaped from PNG jails in the past 12 months, including 40 from Bomana last October.
Police warned of increased criminal activities in Port Moresby and warned that anyone found aiding, abetting or harbouring the escapees would face the full force of the law.
As news of the daring escape spread, the Business Council of PNG said in a widely-circulated email to its members to take extra precautions when moving in and around Port Moresby because some of the escapees were dangerous.
The maximum security unit at Bomana was undermanned at the time of the escape, Correction Service Commissioner Richard Sikani said.

New Australian high commissioner to Papua New Guinea

From AAP

 

AN Australian who went to primary school in Papua New Guinea is to return - as high commissioner.

Ian Kemish will take up the top job next month.

Mr Kemish, who speaks the PNG language Tok Pisin, is a career public servant who was recently ambassador to Germany.

He was decorated for his work with the Australian Government dealing with the aftermath of the 2002 Bali bombings.

Meanwhile, Australia's consul-general to the Pacific nation of Nauru, George Fraser, has been upgraded to a high commissioner.

The move recognises that Australia's mission to Nauru has been upgraded from a consulate-general to a high commission.
 

Polar bear attacks man in Canada

Man survives bear Attack in Churchill , Manitoba , Canada .

These are pictures of an actual polar bear attack.
The pictures were taken while people watched and could do nothing to stop the attack!
Reports from the local newspaper say that the victim will make a full recovery.

Note to Hillary: Papua New Guinea's government has failed its people

By REG RENAGI

With Hillary Clinton about to visit my country, does she know that the cries of Papua New Guineans go unheard?

Past trends show that PNG’s current political regime will not drastically change its poor governance.

It is now up to the next new leadership and government.

PNG desperately needs a new progressive government after the 2012 elections, one that will totally transform the country.

Since independence, government policies have not regularly being reviewed, updated and broadened.

The next PNG government must have a sound development strategy with two overriding goals: greater participation by the people, and sustainable development.

PNG needs a revolution in political affairs. It must change its political landscape. Every citizen and government must work together for a better country.

A fresh leader with a new political message to inspire PNG is also required.

Today PNG faces very serious national challenges; its performance in the past 20 years has been dismal.

The country is disunited.

There is high unemployment, serious crime, social and political instability, serious health and environmental challenges, a decrepit health care system and rapid urbanisation.

Papua New Guineans are simply fed up with their government’s performance.

Its central agencies are inefficient.

Their output has failed to meet people’s expectations.

The people want to see a progressive and transformational government.

A government with a sound plan and clear strategies targeting critical areas, to totally transform PNG into a prosperous, progressive and united country.

PNG needs a responsive and responsible government with the right plan and a new leadership approach to bring about major change.

The people of PNG desperately wants a caring government with sound policy strategies to target key areas that will grow the economy, create jobs and give full government support to small businesses.

Do we have political parties out there listening to the cries of Papua New Guineans?

Do we have any MP and other aspiring politician prepared to take up this future challenge and field a good prime minister for PNG?

Port Moresby's building boom in pictures

Steamships commercial development in Gordon, along the Poreporena Feeway.-Pictures by MALUM NALU

Nasfund's IPA Haus along Lawes Road

Nasfund's 'The Edge' with Ravalien Haus in the background

The recently-opened ANZ Bank at Harbour City

Nasfund signboard at Harbour City

Nambawan Super commercial development in down town Port Moresby

Crowne Plaza in down town Port Moresby, one of the icons of the city

Steamships commercial development in down town Port Moresby

Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea's current tallest building, the 14-storey Deloitte Tower, owned by Nasfund

Steamships commercial development in Boroko

Datec's new Megastore in Gordon, along the Poreporena Freeway, which will open next week

Latest pictures of Port Moresby's building boom which I took on Sunday.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea Synod starts in Lae

Five hundred tambourine girls added colour to the grand opening of the week-long synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG in Lae, Morobe province, yesterday. Among the VIPs who witnessed the spectacular extravaganza at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium was Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, who praised churches for providing health, education and other community development programmes for the people.-Pictures by OSEAH PHILEMON of The National

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare being greeted by dignitaries after slighting from the Government's executive Falcon jet from Wewak yesterday morning. Officially, Sir Michael is still on Christmas vacation but took time off to deliver the keynote address at the official opening of the 27th Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea. The jet flew from Port Moresby to Wewak, where it picked up Sir Michael and his entourage for the flight to Lae. The plane was hosed down by airport fire trucks upon arrival. Later, at the opening ceremony, Morobe Governor Luther Wenge, who was the first to meet Sir Michael at the airport, defended the Government's purchase of the jet. He called on the people of Morobe to support the Government for buying the aircraft.