Marus speaks out on claims

DEPUTY speaker of Parliament Francis Marus has, for the first time, come out publicly to rubbish allegations by suspected bank robber William Nanua Kapris, The National reports.

He described Kapris as someone trying to blackmail him.

“The reason for being silent at that time, of the court hearing, was because I respect the rule of law, and that I trust that truth will prevail in the end,” Marus said.

He said Kapris had the right to defend himself for the MRO robbery in 2007.

“After all was said and done, it seemed that someone was trying to blackmail me and the two other ministers named by Kapris.

“During the time the robbery took place in 2007, I was not a Member of Parliament, and I am innocent of all the allegations by Kapris,’’ Marus said.

He made the statement to the media in the presence of Pangu Pati leader and Nuku MP Andrew Kumbakor at Parliament yesterday.

Marus said there had been a lot of criticism by the public and also by his fellow Members of Parliament.

“But, I am a leader mandated by my people and, like all other MPs, we should respect the rule of law and let police investigations find the truth,’’ he said.

“I have no reason to hide anything and, if the public chose to believe the allegations made, let it be. But I can only, honestly say I played no part, and only God is my witness.

“I believe a National Court judge had called on police to investigate the three leaders named.

“As a national leader, I am open to investigations by police to establish if these allegations had substance and I will co-operate as much as possible to prove my innocence.”

Marus said like any other human being, such serious allegations had hurt him, his family and friends and had tarnished the name of his Talasea electorate in West New Britain.

“I call on the police commissioner to make the findings of the investigations public, so the matter is put to rest,” Marus said.

Roz Savage to be guest speaker at British graduates meet

The British Graduates Society of Papua New Guinea (BGSPNG) will host a presentation in Port Moresby by world record setting British rower Roz Savage.

Ms Savage, who rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 2005 and last month added the Pacific Ocean to her bag of record setting feats, will make a brief stopover this week in the PNG capital on her way to Malaysia.

She spent four weeks in Madang to recuperate and encourage awareness on environmental issues following her arrival from Tarawa, Kiribati early last month.

BGSPNG president Vergil Narokobi thanked the British rower, author and conservationist for accepting the invitation from the alumni to do the presentation.

 

“The British Graduates Society of Papua New Guinea is privileged to have a speaker of her stature. I am sure Papua New Guineans and members of the British Graduates Society will be eager to hear of the challenges she faced in her incredible journey across the Pacific and be motivated to face life with similar vigour and passion. I also thank the British High Commissioner David Dunn for offering the venue for her presentation and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to the BGSPNG,” he added.

 

Ms Savage was given a rousing welcome upon her arrival in Madang with 100 traditional canoes escorting and guiding her into the harbour. The Madang Resort Hotel became ‘home’ for a month.

 

A latecomer to the life of adventure, Ms Savage was previously a management consultant and project manager at an investment bank before realising in her mid-30s that there might be more to life than a steady income and a house in the suburbs.

 

The presentation will be held at Moresby House on Wednesday 14 July from 6.30 pm and is open to members of the BGSPNG and scholars who studied in the UK and intend to be members of the alumni.

 

For further information call telephone (675) 3251677 and ask for Kila Kome or email ukgraduates.png@gmail.com .

 

A 'university for the community'

The University of Natural Resources & Environment (UNRE) is known to the people of Maprik in East Sepik province as the ‘university for the community’.

Speaking highly of the integrated agricultural training programme (IATP) of the university that is being conducted in their area, many locals expressed their appreciation for the university which they said had contributed immensely to sustaining and improving their livelihood.

Maprik/Wora LLG ward member, Danny Lingin Raminibi, who was one of 25 participants at the program’s recent interview techniques and extension skills workshop in Maprik, said the training had greatly assisted him and his two colleagues (ward members).

He said the workshop had changed their mindsets, and enabled them to effectively plan and strategise programmes and projects to sustain and improve their people’s livelihood.

Mr Raminibi said the training was timely.

With the technique and skills he gained, he said he was now able to follow up on other trainings his people have received.

“Mi hamamas olsem Sepik go kirapim ples blong yupla na yupla kam bek na helpim mipla,” Mr Raminibi said.

A division of primary industry officer Betty Ninawale said the training she has received had boosted her morale to continue her extension work.

Ms Ninawale said many times she felt like giving up, particularly because of the lack of resources, but the university through IATP had given her courage and the confidence to work with relevant stakeholders including UNRE to continue delivering farmer training as well as other basic training to women.

Monica Otto of Foundation of Women in Agriculture Development appealed to all stakeholders to work in partnership with the university to sustainably improve the lives of the people of Maprik as well as East Sepik. 

“Yumi kolim UNRE olsem em university blong komuniti na yumi olgeta mas wok bung wantaim,” said Ms Otto. (We call UNRE as the University for the community so we must work in partnership with it).

 

New strategies for farmer training

The farmer training arm of the University of Natural Resources & Environment, Kairak Vudal Resource Training Centre (KVRTC), has developed new strategies to effectively deliver its integrated agriculture training programme (IATP) to farmers.

The centre through its monitoring & evaluation (M&E) section developed three new strategies: livelihoods analysis, interview techniques and extension Skills; and stakeholder’s analysis which they recently implemented in Maprik in East Sepik Province.

Officer in charge of the M& E section, Linda Ningo, said these new approaches were introduced to ensure that IATP trainings brought maximum positive benefits to people’s livelihoods.

Miss Ningo explained that livelihood analysis assisted  the university know exactly which IATP training module would be most relevant to the needs of a target group of people in a certain area.

The stakeholders’ analysis finds out how effectively the university can work closely with stakeholders in delivering IATP trainings; while the interview techniques and extension skills assists field data collectors establish whether or not IATP trainings achieved their desired outcomes with farmers.

The three strategies were trialled in Maprik last month by university lecturer Mathias Liu and three KVRTC officers Leo Darius, Janna Candy and Ms Ningo.

Livelihood analysis was conducted in two areas: Kuminibis village 1&2 in Maprik/Wora LLG and Ulupu ward in Yamil/Tamaui LLG; and focused on five target groups: women, men, young women, young men and community leaders.

Based on the analysis, the team came up with recommendations for the areas.

Modules recommended for the two wards were: sustainable livelihoods, basic book keeping, land use and soil fertility, vegetable farming, cocoa, livestock and market and supply chain management.

The stakeholders’ analysis conducted involved four stakeholders, Foundation of Women in Agriculture Development (FOWIAD), division of primary industry, commerce and Coffee Industry Corporation.

The team discovered that in order to effectively deliver training to people, the university should continue to remain neutral and work closely in partnership with all stakeholders in Maprik and East Sepik province as a whole in delivering IATP trainings.

In the interview techniques and extension skills workshop that was conducted for two days, 25 participants from various organisations such as FOWIAD, Division of Primary Industry and some women’s groups were assisted to develop questionnaires to ascertain suitable interview methods to find out whether IATP trainings had benefited the population. The interview techniques and extension skills can also be used for M&E purposes.

Ms Ningo said the outcomes of the two analyses carried out and the workshop were successful and would recommend that the same approach be taken in all new areas IATP trainings were taken into.

 

UNRE vice chancellor awarded

“The QUEEN has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of the Celebration of Her Majesty’s Birthday, to give orders for the following promotions in, and appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.”

This was the official announcement from Papua New Guinea’s Head of State Queen Elizabeth II last weekend that saw more than 50 Papua New Guineans either join or advance within the ranks of the Order of the British Empire.

Among them was University of Natural Resources & Environment (UNRE) vice chancellor Prof Philip Siaguru (pictured).

From an ordinary member of the Civil Division of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), which he was awarded in 2002, Prof Siaguru was promoted to the rank of ordinary commander of the Order (CBE) for service to forestry and education, particularly his commitment and dedication to the University he has been at the helm of since 2005.

Those who know Prof Siaguru have seen firsthand the vice chancellor’s passion for the institution.

“I have never met a man who is so passionate about a state institution,” Commission of Higher Education chairman and UNRE council member Simon Kenehe once said.

“You can see the map of Vudal on his face.”

Prof Siaguru, who learnt about the award from his older sister Dr Angelica Braun of the Office of the Prime Minister, said it was an achievement for UNRE, because the recognition was given for his efforts for the university.

Many university staff that joined Prof Siaguru’s family and friends in congratulating him on this achievement, described him as an example for others to follow.

Meanwhile, many other Papua New Guineans were awarded titles under other British Orders such as the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George.

For Prof Siaguru however, who lives for his country and his institution, being awarded a title under the Order of the British Empire is befitting because his loyalty to Papua New Guinea and dedication to the University of Natural Resources and Environment ably reflects the commitment required in the Order’s motto “For God and the Empire.”

Prof Siaguru also received the Silver Jubilee Medal in 2000 for contributions to forestry science and forestry education in PNG.

He also had the honour of having the department of forestry building at the University of Technology named after him in recognition for his contributions to the development of the revised forestry curriculum which shifted the training focus from the traditional log harvest to sustainable forest management.

This particular honour also recognised that he was the first national to localise the position of head of the department of forestry. In fact, he was the first Papua New Guinean to become a substantive head of any department at the University of Technology (Unitech).

Indeed, this down-to-earth vice chancellor from Boikin in East Sepik is a man of many firsts. These include among others: first Papua New Guinean to receive a doctorate (PhD) in forestry, founding president of Unitech’s National Academic Staff Association and first national vice chancellor of the university.

Prof Siaguru’s achievements can be attributed to his late father Petrus Siaguru, who himself displayed exceptional wisdom and leadership qualities.

These virtues were echoed by UNRE chancellor Sir Rabbie Namaliu who knew him.

“The late Mr Petrus Siaguru was not only a highly-respected leader in his own right but he had an incredible reservoir of wisdom. He was a wise man in the true sense of the word and was a man ahead of his time,” Sir Rabbie said.

The chancellor said Prof Siaguru’s father had a vision and great goals not only for his family and children but through them for his church, his province and for his country.

“Not only did he succeed in translating his vision but also in achieving his goals. He was an admirable and great role model that we should all aspire to be,” Sir Rabbie said.

For his outstanding service to the Catholic Church and the community in East Sepik Province, late Petrus Siaguru received an MBE from the Queen; and an Order of Logohu (OL) and Silver Jubilee Medal from the Government of Papua New Guinea.

This pillar of strength for the Siaguru family passed away peacefully in his sleep in May this year at the ripe old age of 97.

He had lived only to serve God and his country, a fact he made sure all his children knew and respected.

His legacy, values and principles, however, live on in his son, Philip Yembi Siaguru. Like father, like son - For God and the Empire.

Vice chancellor challenges students

KIS visit: UNRE Vice Chancellor Prof Philip Siaguru with students of Kimbe International School

Students graduating with an undergraduate diploma or bachelor degree from a university must not think that it is the end of the road.

This was a challenge issued by University of Natural Resources & Environment (UNRE) vice chancellor Prof Philip Siaguru to Grade 12 students of Kimbe International School (KIS) last Monday.

Prof Siaguru said most students thought that getting an undergraduate diploma and degree was the pinnacle of university studies.

“That is not true. At a university there are six more steps to go to reach the highest level of educational qualification,” said Prof Siaguru.

He said after receiving an undergraduate diploma or a bachelor degree which takes about 2-3years and 4-5years respectively, the other types of qualifications include:

·        Honours degree (1-2years);

·        Post-graduate diploma (1-2years);

·        Masters degree (1-2years);

·        Doctorate of Philosophy by research (4-5years);

·        Doctorate of Science by publication (depends on individual commitment); and

·        Professorship by research and publication (depends on individual commitment).

He added that those goals depended on their full commitment and focus on their studies and challenged them to achieve post-graduate qualifications.

Prof Siaguru, who is an avid campaigner of the sustainable use and management of Papua New Guinea’s natural resources, encouraged the students to seriously think of choosing careers in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, forestry and tourism.

Speaking bluntly, he said, “Some of you are probably thinking of becoming accountants and lawyers but I can tell you quite honestly that there is a limited market for those skills. You will be making more of a difference for your country, yourselves and your children if you choose a career in agriculture, fisheries and marine resources, forestry or even tourism.

“We are now enjoying the benefits of our non-renewable resources but these will run out one day and if we don’t sustainably manage our natural resources now, we will be in serious trouble in the future.”

Stressing his point, the vice chancellor said: “When the economies of almost every country in the world were falling the PNG Kina remained stable. Why? Was this because of the revenue generated from our mines and oil fields? Was this because we had enough saved in foreign reserves?

“No. We survived because of our coffee, our cocoa, our oil palm, our tea, our balsa, our barramundi, our tuna, our beche-de-mer and our other renewable natural resources.”

Prof Siaguru warned that while the country would make millions of kna from the liquefied natural gas project, if the money was not put into sustainably managing the country’s natural renewable resources, PNG could end up as destitute as Nauru, a country which once boasted the second-highest per capita GDP in the world because of its phosphate mines.

“If we do not manage our natural renewable resources sustainably, 30 or even 20 years from now, we will be classified as an economically failed state. Look at what happened to Nauru. Its people became rich almost overnight from their phosphate mines but they did not plan for their future. Their economy is now in deep crisis,” he said.

Prof Siaguru said this was also why the students had to understand and embrace the Government’s Vision 2050 and its seven pillars now.

“Ten to 20 years from now, you will be in the driving seat of this Government initiative, that is why you must make it your business to understand it now,” he said.

Prof Siaguru left the students with a Red Indian philosophy that he learnt while in Seattle in the United States.

“In PNG we are very proud of the fact that we own about 97%of the land. The Red Indian philosophy is different. They believe the land owns them, they are only custodians. So while they have the use of the land, they use it wisely so that the next generation also benefits from it,” he said.

Prof Siaguru’s presentation was welcomed by KIS teacher Genevieve Lavei, who said it was good for the students to hear facts about their country and make decisions that would benefit not only themselves but PNG as a whole.

“The presentation really opened the students’ minds. They came here to learn about courses offered by the university that will benefit themselves as individuals but are leaving with a sense of duty for their country because they now know that its future depends on them and the choices they make today,” she said.

Mrs Lavai said she wished all students in the country had the opportunity to listen to Prof Siaguru’s “straight talking” presentation.

“Many young people do not think much about the effects of mining or the importance of managing natural resources and even Vision 2050 because they think these are issues for older citizens to worry about, but this presentation has shown us that young people have a very important role to play in achieving a healthy, wealthy, smart and happy society,” she said.

Mrs Lavei also thanked Prof Siaguru for donating two copies of Vision 2050 to the school’s library.

Former UNRE lecturer visits

From left are Graeme and Philippa Hockey, and Dale and Belinda Rogers

Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources & Environment’s Vudal Campus recently welcomed a former lecturer who once taught at the institution 40 years ago. 

Graeme Hockey from Darwin, Australia, who lectured in cattle farming in 1970 when the institution was known as Vudal Agricultural College, visited the campus with wife Philippa.

Welcoming them, University registrar Henry Gioven said it was good to have former staff of the institution return to see the progress it had made since then.

University vice chancellor Prof Philip Siaguru gave the visitors a presentation of the progress of the institution and its future development plans.

Mr Hockey said he was impressed with the inspiring presentation and the fact that the state asset had been developed and is being looked after.

He said he had not known what to expect because he had left when many parts of the campus grounds were still covered with thick bushes and kunai grass.

Mrs Hockey, who used to work at the institution as personal assistant to the then principal Syd Saville, said she was particularly impressed about the developments that had taken place at Vudal over the last 40 years because the infrastructure at many of the other places they had visited had been neglected.

“Some of the places we went back to didn’t have anything anymore and it was sad to see that,” she said.

The Hockeys said they were proud to be part of the history of the university that was still expanding.

Mr Hockey arrived in PNG in 1967. In 1968 and 1979 he worked as a Department of Primary and Industry officer at Warangoi.

In 1970, he joined the institution as a lecturer specialising in cattle farming, where he met and married wife Philippa. In 1971, they moved to Kagua in Southern Highlands and from 1972 to 1973 they were based in Popondetta.

Mr Hockey returned to Darwin in 1973 to help his father to take care of the family’s cattle farm. In 1977, he joined Northern Territory government and worked for 25 years before he retired.

Currently he works with a tour company and also does volunteer work in East Timor.

The Hockeys were accompanied by Philippa’s sister Belinda and her husband Dale Rogers.