From PAUL OATES
(A very illuminating report on this person was recently aired on Aljazeera TV)
The Post Courier reports that the well known 'Carbon Cowboy', Kirk Roberts of Nupan (PNG) Trading Corporation has galloped into the Papuan Gulf, fresh from his 'roundup' in the PNG Highlands. Previously, Mr Robert's reported 'modus operandi' involved obtaining the local people's Power of Attorney on the understanding that Mr Robert's Corporation will then sell the local people's forest as carbon credits or carbon sinks on the open market.
Apparently these 'credits' can be traded on the open market to electricity producers elsewhere in the world who use this credit to justify their
continued business as usual and yet claim they are reducing their emissions due to 'emissions trade offs'. A worrying factor to some is the lack of any
details being provided by Nupan as to how any income generated from selling these credits will be distributed or what Mr Roberts and his backers will
get for their efforts.
PNG has yet to legislate any regulations to govern carbon trading and the Office tasked with this activity has since been disbanded due to printing
millions of Kina worth of now claimed, false Carbon Credits with the PM Somare's signature on them. The PM claimed these 'credits' were forgeries
and after copies were leaked to the press, the issuer then said they were only drafts. Somare has now moved to reorganise government control over this activity by creating a new office within a government department yet nothing appears to be happening.
On another blog site operated by Emmanuel Narakobi, some young, educated PNGians are asking Mr Robert's supporters some important questions like 'who are all these scientists' and 'where is the money coming from'?
All those who have seen how easy it can be to initially hoodwink the local village people with claims of wealth for very little effort will form their
own views about this new activity. No one would suggest PNG people are unable to sort out the sheep from the goats however this may be initially
difficult in the villages, where there may not be a lot of opportunity to gain a full picture of what the true situation about world Carbon Trading
may be.
Previous reports in the local news appeared to suggest that a prominent NA politician had been given K200,000 to 'assist' with this activity. The PNG
government is now for some reason, apparently either unable or unwilling to help their people with this determination. Now why would this be one is
tempted to ask?
So presumably, the Carbon Cowboy will ride off into the sunset with a thick wad of 'Power of Attorney's in his hip pocket and very little security for
those who signed them left behind. What is worrying is that the Post Courier reports that 'Australians' are organising this activity.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Japan-PNG relations take a turn for the better
Japan-Papua New Guinea relations take a turn for the better next month with the opening of the new PNG Embassy building in Tokyo and the commencement of twice-weekly Air Niugini flights from Port Moresby to Narita.
Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare will open the new PNG chancery on Wednesday, Mar 31, the same day that Air Niugini launches its second weekly Port Moresby-Narita flight.
Charge d' Affaires Dennis Bebego said from Tokyo today that the PNG Embassy in Toky was currently in the process of finalising arrangements for the formal opening and naming of the newly-constructed building by Sir Michael.
"This is a significant national event and is a realisation of the national government's commitment to the tune of K20 million towards this chancery project," he said.
"It is historic in that this would be the second building to have been constructed and owned by the government to house its overseas diplomatic mission; the first being the PNG High Commission building in Canberra.
"The construction of this chancery, which began in May 2009 with a groundbreaking ceremony performed also by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, was completed in December last year and the building formally handed over on Jan 19, 2010.
"It is now scheduled for formal opening on Mar 31, 2010, when Prime Minister makes an official visit to Japan.
"A large entourage of guests and VIPs from PNG as well as Japan will attend the event."
Mr Bebego said the commitment by the government to this project was recognition of the important and maturing relations between Japan and PNG – "a relationship that in recent times has gone to a higher level, with the recent involvement of some high profile Japanese companies in the PNG LNG project".
Sweet and proudly made in Bulolo
By PISAI GUMAR
Bulolo MP Sam Basil proudly posing with jars of honey harvested in his electorate in Morobe province.
This is Bulolo’s second harvest in two years after the visionary politician brought down established honey trainers from Goroka,
The first harvest after four months last year was less than 200kg while this second harvest is more than 300kg.
The 20-litre containers in the picture are packed with sweet Bulolo honey and the cardboard boxes as well.
Mr Basil also designed a logo for the jars.
On top, it states: “Bulolo Golden Honey”.
In the middle is a picture of a honey bee, the PNG Made logo and Bulolo district logo.
At the bottom, it reads: “Pure honey from natural flowers on the gold land.No additional additives.”
Last Thursday, The National reported that
Bee farming is a project that falls under Mr Basil’s district support improvement programme (DSIP).
The hives matured for harvest in just four months from being established which has excited Mr Loie and his
“The results were very exciting, unexpected and greatly impressive,” he said.
Mr Basil is preparing to present each jar of 250g, 500g and a 2kg in the coming March session of Parliament.
He will be presenting the jars of honey to the Prime Minister, Agriculture Minister, other MPs and the Department of Agriculture respectively.
Mr Basil has urged his colleague MPs to invest into honey production because the country had wasted its flora and fauna which could be useful for the honey industry.
Apart from that, it could also have some indirect benefits such as employment opportunities, food security, education and income generation.
It has been estimated that PNG produces 40 tonnes of honey valued at K400, 000 that is consumed annually.
PNG consumption, however, is estimated at 200 tonnes and valued at K2 million annually, which is heavily subsidised by imports mainly from
Mr Basil said if only the agriculture department were in union with the political will of MPs, the bee market would be captured by promoting locally-produced honey in the rural areas or districts in the country.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Attempted assassination of Ombudsman not as grim as the national silence
From Nasfund Newsletter
On December 11, 2009, something fundamentally changed in
That message was delivered by an attempted assassination on the Chief Ombudsman himself, Chronex Manek.
Having attended a round of functions, he was followed only to be met by three gunmen as he attempted to enter the gates of his house.
A bullet meant for his heart missed him by a few millimeters.
Let us be under no illusion about this attempted assassination. Chronex Manek was attacked for what he represents and for attempting to fulfill his role under the mandate of the Commission.
This brazen attack should concern everyone who believes in accountability, the rule of law and independence of institutions.
There can be no room for vigilantes who feel that intimidation and avoidance of potential scrutiny can be dealt with by violence.
The attempted assassination is a direct attack on this country's future, its attractiveness for investment and its reputation.
It is an attack on the people of
Surprisingly and worryingly there has been little to no reaction from members of Parliament or civil society to this matter.
Have we become so fatigued by corruption, maladministration and abuse of the system that this episode is just but another to skim through briefly on our read of the daily newspapers?
Is this what we have now come too?
This episode must not be forgotten.
The Government and the police must ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Failure to do so, turns this country backwards, tears at the constitution and makes a mockery of our democracy.
This is not a direction any of us wish to see.
Happy 8th Birthday Gedi 'Boy' Nalu
Happy eighth Birthday to my second son, Gedi 'Boy' Nalu Jr, who turned eight years old on Saturday, February 13, 2010.
I love you son, and God Bless You as Your prepare to take your place in this wide, wide world.
Love from Dad, as well as big brother Malum Nalu Jr, sister Moasing, and baby Keith, plus family and friends in Daru, Lae, Goroka , Papua New Guinea , Australia
A thought for Valentine's Day
Hula, my Darling,
Today, I will see all the lovers having a good time, but you are not here to share with me.
Why, why, why?
The times we spent together, in Lae, Goroka,
You left me all alone on March 23, 2008, with our four lovely young children.
This picture is one of the happy times we had in Goroka in 1999.
Hula, I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Chinese investor looks at oil palm for biofuel
By BUSISI SIWAKA of DAL
A Chinese investor is looking at opportunities in oil palm development and management of oil palm plantations for biofuel (diesel).
The company, ZTE Agribusiness Company Ltd, believes PNG can become the next location for its quest for expansion of oil palm plantation development and management.
Two senior executives of the Chinese company recently held discussions with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Investment Promotion Authority and relevant government agencies.
ZTE Agribusiness Company Ltd is a subsidiary of ZTE, one of the biggest telecommunication companies in the People’s Republic of
It has recently diversified into agri-business activities and currently has developed thousands of hectares of oil palm plantation in
The company is interested in PNG because of the vast potential of its agriculture sector.
Company executives Chen Long and Ran Ran met DAL’s acting director for policy and planning, Ian Mesibere, to discuss their proposal as well as seek more information on government policies, procedures and issues relating to agro-forestry investment and agribusiness.
Mr Mesibere, on behalf of the DAL Secretary, welcomed the officials and outlined the role and responsibilities of DAL as well as the Oil Palm Industry Corporation.
He spoke on a number of issues including land tenure system, state and customary land, joint venture arrangements, environment and delivery of agricultural services.
He also highlighted the existing and proposed oil palm development in various parts of the country.
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