Cholera alert!

By Rosheila Tess E Dagina

Surveillance and Emergency Outbreaks Officer

National Department of Health

 

Dear Friends,

 

Good afternoon to you all I would like to take this time to make aware to you all that cholera is now in Port Moresby.

We have confirmed the diagnosis by laboratory support from Central Public Health Laboratory at Port Moresby General Hospital for a couple of cases

Just to remind you all, that this disease has the potential to cause a major epidemic in the city and its peripheries if appropriate control and preventive measures are not seriously taken in to consideration.

This diarrhoeal disease can be fatal in at least 6 hrs from the onset of symptoms if immediate medical advice is ignored.

Symptoms include:

·        Sudden onset of profuse watery diarrhea;

·        No fever associated; and

·        There may be vomiting or abdominal cramps.

All these lead to very severe dehydration and death.

The first thing to do at home is to drink plenty of water (coconut juice is very helpful) and seek immediate medical Attention at your nearest health facility.

Preventive measures I can reemphasise as a reminder:

1.      Always wash hands  after using the toilet or before preparing and handling food

2.      Wash all fruits before eating( especially skin)

3.      Boil water before storing as drinking water (70 degrees Celsius at least will do)

4.      Cook all food thoroughly before eating

5.      Avoid Flies.

The good news here is that this disease can be contained and eradicated from an epidemic to an endemic state if simples measures as above a followed.

If you do see or hear of an unusual increase in the above symptoms in association to diarrhoea in your areas, Speak to your Health Workers to immediately report to the National Department of Health Surveillance Unit for further investigation and verification.

 

Outgoing New Zealand diplomat pays tribute to Paoua New Guinea people

Caption: Outgoing New Zealand High Commissioner Niels Holm with wife Suzette.-Picture courtesy of NEW ZEALAND HIGH COMMISSION

 

Outgoing New Zealand High Commissioner Niels Holm says the real wealth and strength of Papua New Guinea is in its people.

Mr Holm, who leaves officially on May 27 after three years in PNG to take up a new post as Official Secretary to Government House, said this at a farewell function at his residence last night.

His successor, Marion Crawshaw, arrives on May 28.

“PNG has been a fascinating and rewarding posting,” he said.

“It is a young country still working on shaping its institutions.

“It is a land of great contrasts - with poverty and wealth obvious to the most-casual visitor. 

“But real secret is its people – a rich HR resource that constitutes its real long-term wealth when the copper and gold, the oil and gas are all gone.

“Most impressive of all is that small elite group of Papua New Guineans who are determined to do all in their power to make their country function as it should and stand tall.

“They seem immune to disappointments and just get up again after every knock back. 

“I take off hat to them.

“They are the boast of PNG, and I firmly believe that the future of PNG lies with them, not with visions of LNG riches.” 

Mr Holms said he and wife Suzette would take home many memories to New Zealand, some of the fondest being election day in Kundiawa 2007, glorious scenery of the Highlands Highway from Mendi down to Hagen, desolation of Arawa, volcanoes in Rabaul, snorkelling in Alotau and letters of hope and appreciation from some of those in remote areas whom the New Zealand High Commission had been able to assist.

“But the most-abiding memory is the toughness, resilience and determination of ordinary Papua New Guineans to cope with the demands of daily life, with that famous PNG smile,” he said.

Mr Holm said bilateral political and military relationships were strong with New Zealand hosting many PNG students, some of whom returned to join the now 230-strong Kiwi Alumni Association. 

“Our bilateral relationship, I am happy to say, is going strong,” he said. 

“While we may not have the intimacy or scale of engagement with PNG of our big neighbour (Australia), we have always had an excellent understanding with PNG’s leaders and in particular a shared perception of how the Pacific might address its problems.

“Trade is less strong, but we are hoping to change that , our first trade commissioner in a decade is here this week talking to officials and traders on how New Zealand can return to a market we have neglected.

“Last week we had an outstanding official visit to New Zealand by Prime Sir Michael Somare, which reconfirmed the bilateral relationship at the most fundamental level. 

“The Prime Minister met New Zealand leaders, members of the PNG community, and had various contacts with Maori and discussions of their problems.

“I believe that he left New Zealand reminded of the fundamental strength of the bilateral relationship, and of the factors that have always made it possible for us to have a close if not a common understanding of bilateral regional and global issues.”

A change of tact

From PAUL OATES

I refer to an article in today's Post Courier titled 'Bill delay...'. Yes, there's been a change of 'tact' on the part of some leaders, but it seems it is still business as usual? If the amendment to Section 27(4) has already been passed and is now up the Speaker, what chance is there of rescinding it? If Mr Malandina now wants more work done on his Amendment, why didn't he first check it out with ALL the stakeholders and circulate it publically and widely prior to introducing it into the House? Surely this is an attempt at 'smoke and mirrors' and further obfuscation of Mr Malandina's true intent? What is the government's view on this? Clearly it supports the entire Amendment and is only waiting for the current furore to die down. I hope those who are trying to have the Amendment withdrawn are not to be fooled. _____________________ Article in today's PC: News Friday 30th April, 2010 Bill delay . . . By JONATHAN TANNOS NON-government organisations yesterday made a breakthrough in getting the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on the Ombudsman, Moses Maladina, to agree to delay final debate on the controversial Constitutional amendments. But Mr Maladina now faces the daunting task of convincing the Government caucus lead by the Leader of Government Business, Paul Tiensten, to allow for it. This is in order for them to make supporting changes to the amendments or review the proposed changes to the Organic Law on Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership and the other Constitutional alterations. The breakthrough came through an open meeting with leaders of the NGOs led by Transparency International PNG, Community Coalition Against Corruption, the Churches and Women's Councils plus others led by National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop. In a change of tact Mr Maladina has invited most protesting groups including lawyers, senior citizens and students to sit down with him and go through the changes. But he has also made it clear that he would not be withdrawing the bill, as it was already the property of Parliament and any changes would have to be integrated with current amendments on final approval by the government caucus. "The last thing I want to do is withdraw it," he said. "It's in Parliament and I want to make the changes there." Yesterday's open meeting was the first opportunity for the NGOs to hear from Mr Maladina first hand clarifications over the many misunderstandings and misinformation relating to the amendments. For many there it was a relief when Mr Maladina explained each specific amendment when they were given the opportunity to voice their objections on each one. On the most controversial one - Section 27(4) of the Constitution - rescinding the directive powers of the Ombudsman Commission, Mr Maladina told them it had already been passed and was only awaiting certification by the Speaker. And instead of the expected confrontational approaches to the meeting all parties found themselves being tasked by Mr Maladina to carefully scrutinize their own proposed changes and improvisations to be presented to his committee for consideration. "I myself want some more work to be done on the changes," he said. "There's a lot more work to be done." Mr Maladina said it was the responsibility of the Ombudsman Commission to protect the integrity of leaders "not having a prosecutorial attitude." Mr Maladina gave the working committee representing the NGOs to come up with their changes by Monday next week. He gave assurance that there would be debate on the floor after the additional consultations have been held.

Where is Governor Parkop coming from?

From PAUL OATES

Central Provence Governor Parkop has offered to be a 'peace broker' between those opposing the Malandina Amendment changes and Malandina. In this he has exhibited an example in the finest traditional manner of a PNG leader offering to sit down and talk a problem through. In this, he is to be commended.

What this offer unfortunately does however, is to cloud the 'central' issue to the extent it may be overlooked in an apparent public attempt to create harmony and prevent discord.

Also, can one assume that Governor Parkop, as a member of Parliament, originally voted for the amendment in the first place, since there were no dissenting votes? So could this be a veiled attempt to divert a show of solidarity against this legislation? If the planned protests do not go ahead, who will know what level of resistance there is against this Bill? Who can say there was any real attempt to stop this initiative from going forward? What is Governor Parkop's stated view on what he supports and what he doesn't? If there are to be no public demonstrations because it might disturb the flower beds, is this the new basis for preventing any future public gatherings?

There definitely needs to be a halt to the proposed Bill. But the Bill first needs to be withdrawn and then everyone take a step backwards. Proper, orderly and public debate can then take place by both the PNG government, the Opposition and all interested bodies before any changes are made to the PNG people's last line of defence against corruption and malfeance, there own Constitution.

___________________

from today's The National
Parkop volunteers to broker NGO meeting with Maladina

NCD Governor Powes Parkop has volunteered to organise a meeting between NGOs and Esa'ala MP Moses Maladina to discuss the proposed changes to "weaken" Ombudsman Commission powers.
Mr Parkop said yesterday he was playing the middleman because did not want to see the planned protest march led by NGO group, Community Coalition Against Corruption, go ahead.
He quashed suggestions that he was on a panel that was going to defend the proposed amendments suggested by Mr Maladina, who is the chairman of the select committee on the Ombudsman Commission.
"I have arranged for civil societies and non-governmental organisations to meet with Mr Maladina come to a solution.
"If they do not settle their differences here, then there is always room to continue their dialogue for the best way forward," Mr Parkop said.
He said that he did not want Port Moresby residents to march or protest on the streets because a lot of money had been spent on Port Moresby's beautification "and we all know that people have the tendency to destroy things," he said.
Mr Parkop said the meeting would also allow for rational debates to be carried out without emotions and yelling and shouting.
"The proposed amendments all have merits and must be scrutinised properly. Some of them, I agree, should be changed and some I don't.
"The public need to know that, basically, more power will be given to the Ombudsman Commission than it had before".
"One such proposed amendment is for heads of departments to be closely scrutinised like Members of Parliament under the Leadership Code.
"This was opposed by the OC because they felt that they would now be doing the job of the Department of Personnel Management.
"This and the others all needed to be debated properly so that everyone understands what will happen next."
In the first voting of the proposed amendments, a majority of the MPs had voted for it only to see the public respond negatively.
It has been given a three-month period in which all public opinion be gathered for consideration and presentation for voting again in the next Parliament sitting after the three months.
"I appeal to the public not to stage protest marches. If nothing is resolved after today, and if their will be a petition for a next meeting, then I am willing to facilitate this again," Mr Parkop said.

Greenwashing the palm oil industry

 Hi all,

Follow the link below and read about an article on Rountable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) published in Reportage Enviro.

It features what’s happening in the Northern Province of Papua New Guinea: http://www.reportage-enviro.com/2010/02/wwf-accused-of-greenwashing-palm-oil-production/

 

 

Relationship between the University of Goroka and Japan

By RUSSELL DEKA HARADA

ICT Manager

University of Goroka

 

 

 Since the University of Goroka (UOG) was established in 1997, it has had 17 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteers, which included eight juniors and nine senior volunteers.

They have especially been involved in the ICT department, several technical fields of the Science Faculty and teaching Japanese language.

 I was the first person to attach to UOG to set up the Library Automation System at the old library and this was the first point to set up the campus-wide computer networks (UOGNET) at UOG.

During my volunteer period from 1997 to 1999, the people of Goroka including UOG staff and students looked after me very well and I didn’t feel I had left my home country Japan.

 My mother in Japan passed away in May 1999 and the Iufi-iufa village people asked me to make her tomb at the village in her memory because she wanted to travel to Goroka before she died.

 My father and I travelled to Goroka with her ashes to make her tomb and this was first time my father visited Goroka.

 Japanese Government assisted with a lot of technical/ non-technical assistance through JICA to UOG after my volunteer period expired.

For example, they donated over K10 million worth of education improvement equipment including computers, science lab equipment, library bookshelves, etc, in 2005.

 Since JICA started sending Japanese language teacher to UOG, there have been so many students and staff who  could get into basic Japanese conversations like Kon-nichiwa (hello),  Arigato (thank you) and  Sayonara (see you).

 In October 2000, one of my best rugby friends in Goroka passed away in the bush on the border of Eastern Highlands and Gulf provinces.

 Iufi-iufa village people and I hired a light aircraft and speed boat at Purari River, dug up his body from the ground and brought it back to Goroka.

His family was very pleased and named me Russell after him.

After my volunteer period expired, I thought of ways to repay the village people and the people of Goroka for their kindness.

 Since 2001, my family in Japan has invited some young village people to study life in Japan.

We have already invited three boys, including Paul David Barora, a younger brother of the late Russell to study Japanese culture from 2002-2005.

After he completed his studies in Japan, he joined a tourist company (PNG-Japan) in Port Moresby and became a tour guide.

He can speak Japanese very fluently.

 In May 2006, I married a Papua New Guinea woman of Gulf and Morobe parentage and we now have two boys, including an adopted 18-year-old boy.

 Last year, we lost our three-month-old son to and unknown illness and we buried him next to my mother and late Russell’s tomb.

 Since December 2007, I have been working at UOG as an ICT manager to develop the ICT facilities at UOG.

 I have many connections with the people of Japan and last year we received 53 sets of used computers from Kyoto Computer Gakuin (KCG) School in Japan and set them up for student uses.

One of our new computer laboratories for post-graduate students is called KCG Lab.

The UOG is the only government institution for tertiary education in PNG, so I believe from the starting point here, we can provide a better education for future generations.

I am deeply concerned about education in PNG, which is why I became a board member of North Goroka Primary School and Iufi-iufa Primary School.

 Many Japanese friends have donated learning material include school textbooks, dictionaries, sports equipment and computers.

 During World War II, many Japanese troops died in this beautiful country, PNG.

We cannot forget this sad contact between PNG and Japan, but we are looking forward to see a bright future for both countries.

 I have already applied to become a citizen of PNG and I am awaiting response from the government.

 My future dream is to set up a technical high school in Goroka and to invite Japanese technical people to come and teach Papua New Guineans.

 I really want to become a bridge person between two countries at grassroots level.

Arigato (thank you).

Stopping the rot

From Tony Flynn

 

You may wish to look back through at viable nation states of the various sizes throughout history.

They all had some form of farm tenure that allowed the farmers to support the entire society, and the leaders recognised this in the way they ran the state.

The farmers may have been treated badly but they were the underpinning of the state.

 Papua New Guinea is built from the top as an artificial democracy; the farm system is still the result of thousands of years of isolation.

 Sustainable farming is built on a permanent and stable farming system.

From this base we may develop a stable government.

 In PNG most of our politicians are joined at the hip in their greed for aid money and the money from external exploiters of PNG resources.

 My point is that, until there is a big change in the farming system away from shifting agriculture, the whole country is based upon exploitation.

Developers exploit the minerals, fisheries and forests.

The PNG farmers exploit the soil; they exhaust the soil and move on to a fresh area.

This is the situation that has to change before our society changes.