Governor General Sir Paulias Matane trying out his hand on the wheel of Melanesian Tourist Services vessel mv Kalibobo Spirit in Madang.
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Divine Word University open day
Pictures of today's Divine Word University open day in Madang, which was presided over by Governor General Sir Paulias Matane.
Divine Word University urged to take lead in Ramu Nico conflict resolution
Caption: Governor General Sir Paulias Matane visiting a stall at the
Former Madang Governor Sir Peter Barter has called on the
He made the today at the
“In Madang, the Government has an agreement signed with MCC to develop the Ramu Nickel Mine, the process of evaluation of the mine and environment was all approved,” Sir Peter said.
“Promises were made for roads, bridges and other infrastructure.
“Just weeks before the multi-billion kina project was to begin production, a court order has stopped the project from proceeding due to doubts as to safe dispersing of the tailings.
“We now have NGOs springing up from nowhere that have planted their ideas in the minds of the people, most of whom are foreign NGOs being funded by foreigners targeting their anger at the Chinese.
“They seem oblivious to the fact that the issues related to the environment were approved by scientists in or contracted by the Department of Environment and Conservation.
“On this issue, I am not taking sides, but I think in a place of higher education we should all act on the best advise available – if there is a risk to the environment then some other options should be considered, if in the calculated of independent experts it is safe, we must be very careful not to destroy the project.
“Perhaps, institutes like DWU can develop faculties to deal with conflict resolution, perhaps in the future DWU may have to look at introducing faculties to train environmentalists and mining engineers so PNG themselves can evaluate projects such as the Ramu Nico Mine?”
Sir Peter voiced his disappointment that Madang business houses, who derived so much benefit from DWU, were noticeably absent on the open day.
“DWU has become one become a large industry in Madang,” he said.
“ By sheer size of the university, which is now the second largest in PNG, providing 4,000 meals a day and accommodation for 1,00 students and lecturers in what was a virtual swamp just 14 years ago is no mean achievement.
“Madang has become the largest centre of learning outside the capital, Port Moresby – the combination of Lutheran School of Nursing, PNG Maritime College, Institute of Medical Research, Madang Teachers College, Madang Vocational Centre, College of Allied Health Science, St Fidelis all involved in providing tertiary education in what can only be described as an almost-perfect learning environment.”
Voco Point gets a new lease of life with hardware shop
Voco Point Hardware all dressed up for opening day on Saturday.-Pictures by GABRIEL LAHOC
First customers rushing into Voco Point Hardware
Customers checking out what is on offer at Voco Point Hardware
One of the first customers of Voco Point Hardware with a roll of wireBy GABRIEL LAHOC
The seafront of Voco Point in Lae is experiencing a renaissance of business activities, with Voco Point Hardware as the latest to set up shop at this once-bustling business hub of Morobe province.
Lae’s newest hardware shop was officially opened to the public yesterday at a ceremony witnessed by members of the public, clients and customers.
Operating as a subsidiary of Mukito Suppliers Ltd, Voco Point Hardware Ltd is a 100% nationally-owned hardware shop specialising in general, industrial, electrical and agricultural supplies.
From humble beginnings in Goroka, Voco Point Hardware brings competition to other hardware suppliers in Lae, with a strong faith to provide the best service and prices to customers.
The hardware shop may be small compared to other established hardware shops, however, the management is of the firm view that it is a very big achievement in terms of the ownership and investment by any Papua New Guinean.
“It’s a big achievement for all small nationally-owned businesses, as most times, these businesses have been overlooked by bigger foreign businesses,” said proprietor Allan Mandi, who started his path as a businessman in 2004 from his experience and a start-up capital of K900 finish pay from another hardware shop.
Voco Point Hardware is located at the junction of Frigate Street and Seagull Street, opposite Trends Beauty Saloon and The National Lae bureau office, and has current staff strength of 20 working under manager Charlie Lapila.
According to Mr Mandi, total staff strength including Mukito Supplies up in Goroka was 50.
Voco Point Hardware promises very-competitive prices and services, which includes special deliveries, with major clients from the rural districts services in Eastern Highlands province such as Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the University of Goroka.
“We can challenge the giants and create competition in this industry,” Mr Mandi said.
The official opening on Saturday, in line with the Christian background of the Mandi family, was led by Pastor Yakura Mandi, who emphasised that God had plans for everyone and everyone should have faith in God.
The seafront of Voco Point in Lae is experiencing a renaissance of business activities, with Voco Point Hardware as the latest to set up shop at this once-bustling business hub of Morobe province.
Lae’s newest hardware shop was officially opened to the public yesterday at a ceremony witnessed by members of the public, clients and customers.
Operating as a subsidiary of Mukito Suppliers Ltd, Voco Point Hardware Ltd is a 100% nationally-owned hardware shop specialising in general, industrial, electrical and agricultural supplies.
From humble beginnings in Goroka, Voco Point Hardware brings competition to other hardware suppliers in Lae, with a strong faith to provide the best service and prices to customers.
The hardware shop may be small compared to other established hardware shops, however, the management is of the firm view that it is a very big achievement in terms of the ownership and investment by any Papua New Guinean.
“It’s a big achievement for all small nationally-owned businesses, as most times, these businesses have been overlooked by bigger foreign businesses,” said proprietor Allan Mandi, who started his path as a businessman in 2004 from his experience and a start-up capital of K900 finish pay from another hardware shop.
Voco Point Hardware is located at the junction of Frigate Street and Seagull Street, opposite Trends Beauty Saloon and The National Lae bureau office, and has current staff strength of 20 working under manager Charlie Lapila.
According to Mr Mandi, total staff strength including Mukito Supplies up in Goroka was 50.
Voco Point Hardware promises very-competitive prices and services, which includes special deliveries, with major clients from the rural districts services in Eastern Highlands province such as Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the University of Goroka.
“We can challenge the giants and create competition in this industry,” Mr Mandi said.
The official opening on Saturday, in line with the Christian background of the Mandi family, was led by Pastor Yakura Mandi, who emphasised that God had plans for everyone and everyone should have faith in God.
Investigation concludes at University of Goroka
The independent investigation team at the University of Goroka (UOG) for the past month concluded its investigations into the recent student boycott last Friday (April 30, 2010).
As directed by the UOG council, the three-member investigation committee comprising of Michael Gene, Prof Allan Easton and George Kuno was established to investigate several concerns outlined in an agreed terms of reference (TOR) document previously submitted by the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the National Academic Staff Association (NASA) containing issues related to the boycott of classes.
Chancellor of UOG, Benais Sabumei, said today (Sunday, May 02, 2010) that a report of the investigation’s findings would be formally presented to the UOG council at its next meeting.
NARI to release kaukau ensiling technology for pig farmers
Caption: Michael Dom of NARI (left) explaining the kaukau ensiling technology to Agriculture Minister and guests at Bubia recently.
By SENIORL ANZU of NARI
Pig farmers in
The methodology, known as ‘sweet potato silage for pig feed’, will be officially released to the PNG farming community on Wednesday (May 5) during the 2010 Agricultural Innovations Show organised by National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) at its Sir Alkan Tololo Research Centre at Bubia outside Lae.
Other highlights of the occasion include a major stakeholder forum on preparing PNG for drought, launch of NARI’s national drought preparedness project and the display of a model resource centre which will be fully equipped with information and resources that will be made available to some 50 centres throughout drought-vulnerable regions of PNG.
The silage technology is a result of NARI’s research and development effort by its livestock programme to improve efficient use of feed by commercial pig growers.
Director for agriculture production systems improvement, Dr Sergie Bang, said kaukau silage developed though the technology could be stored for up to seven months with very simple equipment and relatively-low material costs.
Dr Bang said the technology also improved digestibility of feed, maintained good growth of pigs and potentially improved carcass quality and economic returns
He said the process of silage worked for kaukau in the trials conducted by NARI over the last few years, under both lowland and highland conditions.
“Fermentation acidity was measured at pH 4, which is an indication of high grade silage quality and when fed to pigs, kaukau silage has improved the digestibility of all feed nutrients,” he said.
“When silage was supplied as 50% of diet, digestibility was similar but the growth of pigs was expectedly lower than the sole grower ration.
“The kaukau mixed diet led to improved overall performance of pigs than those on traditional feeding options.”
Dr Bang said all materials needed for ensiling such as graters, bins and plastic sheets
could be easily obtained from agricultural stores in PNG.
The kaukau silage is made through ensiling techniques.
Ensiling is a method of processing green and raw feed materials that enable their preservation and storage over many months.
Material that undergoes ensiling, known as silage, can provide a very-nutritious and highly-palatable meal for animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.
The technology has been proven for pig feed in PNG using kaukau tubers and vines at NARI Labu and was then promoted to villagers and smallholder farmers from communities in which pigs are culturally and economically-prominent.
Feeding kaukau tubers and vine to pigs is a popular practice by pig farmers in PNG. Growing feed for pigs or providing for pigs from the family garden is a laborious daily chore.
Kaukau tubers are also cooked before being fed to pigs.
Preparing silage means that cooking pig feed will not be an added task, usually for women.
It is hoped that the ensiling techniques will help save time and labour by enabling pigs to be fed from the preserved and stored feed.
Silage contains feed nutrients, carbohydrates and proteins, from ingredient materials, which have been partially broken down by fermentation processes and are readily digested and absorbed by animals.
Proper ensiling and careful storage enables feed to be kept in good quality for feeding long after the growing season of the crop.
Other food crops such as cassava, cassava leaf, banana and legumes as well as agro-industrial by-products such as copra meal, corn and wheat mill run and rice bran can also be used for ensiling.
Two contact farmers in the highlands and their surrounding farmers have become keen users of this technology, since the silage process and feeding was demonstrated to them.
They are Albert Kirimpa of Kainantu and Akilo Purunu of Tambul.
Mr Purunu is a semi-commercial pig farmer on whose farm the on-farm feeding trial was concluded.
Members of the Highlands Pig Growers Association from other parts of the
Friday, April 30, 2010
Land of the free and home of the brave
Granger Michael with his mother Celine at the White House in Washington DC last Friday
Granger Michael and girlfriend Brigit Moore at the White House last Friday
Celine and Graham Michael with baby Kebai
It is Friday, April 23, 2010.
President Barack Obama, casually and in a carefree manner for a man of his status, steps forward for this naturalisation ceremony of active-duty service members.
Among the 24 young men and women from around the world assembled here today is a 25-year-old
The feats of young Granger are already the stuff of legend among family and close friends both in the
His father, Graham, part Manam Island in Madang and Pila Pila in East New Britain and mum, Celine, from Panguna on Bougainville, shed quite tears of joy as Granger – resplendent in US Marine Corps colours – prepares to receive his accolade from Obama.
“To
“To you and your families, welcome to the White House.
“Today is your day - a celebration of 24 inspiring men and women and the remarkable journeys that have brought you together on this beautiful spring morning to our nation’s capitol.
“The paths that led you here began in more than a dozen countries, from
“Some of you came to
“Some of you came as adults, leaving everything you knew behind in pursuit of a new life.
“And while your stories are your own, today we celebrate the common spirit that lives within each of you - a spirit that has renewed and strengthened
“We celebrate the love of family -- your moms and dads who were willing to say good-bye to their own families, their own countries, so they could have an opportunity to give you the opportunity you (sic) never had.
“Like generations of immigrants before them, they worked hard.
“They scrimped and they saved.
“They deferred their own dreams so that you could realise yours.
“So today is a tribute to their sacrifices as well.
“And I would ask that you join me in honoring your moms and dads and the families that helped bring you to this day.
“We celebrate the spirit of possibility - an ethic that says if you’re willing to put your shoulder to the wheel and apply your God-given talents, if you believe in yourself and you play by the rules, then there is a place for you in the United States of America - no matter where you come from and no matter what you look like.
“We celebrate the true meaning of patriotism - the love of a country that’s so strong that these men and women were willing to risk their lives to defend our country even before they could call it their own.
“It’s the patriotism of a young man from Papua New Guinea, who joined the United States Marine Corps and deployed to Iraq - not once, not twice, but three times. Asked why he would choose to become an American citizen, he said simply, ‘I might as well. I love this country already’. And so we congratulate Granger Michael.”
Granger Michael always displayed an interest in things military, according to father Graham Michael.
Mr Michael, a former Washington DC-based PNG diplomat whose father is from Dugulaba village on Manam Island in Madang province and mother from Pila Pila village in East New Britain province, is married to Celine from Guava-Dapera village at Panguna, Bougainville.
“We arrived in
“Throughout his upbringing, while on post, he was very interested in all things military and that includes guns, tanks, airplanes and all sorts of military equipment.
“By age 13, his interest peaked and he decided to join the US Air Force's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) at his school - Woodrow Wilson High.
“After his year 12 graduation, he joined the US Marine Corps as a fresh recruit at the Marine Corps training depot at
“The 13-weeklong training in combat warfare is the longest in any
“After graduation he was transferred to his first unit at
“
Mr Michael said from there, his son was sent to
“After six months deployment, he returned to
“He was deployed in
“His third battle deployment was from mid 2007 to early 2008.
“Throughout his three tours of duty, Corporal Granger was an infantry team leader with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines.
“He served in Fallujah, Ramadi and other theaters where his Company was attacked multiple times by improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
“Today, he remains in active duty and is assigned to Marine Barracks,
Granger’s 23-year-old brother Leon S Michael, second born after him, is also serving in the US Armed Services as an electrical engineering specialist with the US Air Force.
He is currently attached to the engineering division at Travis Air Force Base near
“Our daughter, Renee W Michael, 17, is graduating year 12 in June and is looking forward to studies in environmental science at one of the local universities here in West Virginia,” Mr Michael said.
“Apart from the two big boys, Renee and our two small boys - Graham J Nagora Michael II, seven, and Kebai S Michael, three - currently reside with us at home.
“Although the two boys were born in
“Celine currently works as despatch officer with a large freight company here in
“Although she earned her diploma in secondary education from
“She has been with this company for nearly five years now.
“As for me, I am currently lead software design and developer in my Microsoft gaming business.
“I started my software company - Pacific Islands Simulation - in mid 2008 and have so far published two Microsoft flight simulator software products.
“I design and develop three-dimensional (3D) objects and terrain sceneries from various sources including NASA satelite images under the Microsoft gaming label for pilots flying aircrafts in real life and use these product as training tools.
“The software genre is also meant for those who simply want to enjoy as desktop game to hone their skills in ‘computer flying’."
“My interest in flight simulation software is obviously related to my background as pilot and longtime aviation enthusiast.
“The two products are currently sold and received very well in Europe through shops in
“From the sales success thus far, I guess I may be the first Papua New Guinean to break into the highly-challenging software gaming business.
“I am currently working on a third product which should be completed before the end of this year.”
But for now, the Michael family is so proud of their son and brother, Granger.
“We are so proud of his accomplishments first as our son, second as a US Marine Corp serving and protecting US interests and aspirations abroad, and finally as family and friend to so many of you,” say Graham and Celine.
Both video and transcript of President Obama’s speech are available online, the video at http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/naturalization-ceremony-us-service-members and transcript at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-naturalization-ceremony-active-duty-service-members
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)