Southern Highlands Governor Agiru in position to call the shots

By JEFFREY ELAPA

THE United Resources Party yesterday swelled its numbers to 16, making it the second largest party in the coalition government of Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, The National reports.

Five members from opposition leader Sir Mekere Morauta’s PNG Party and New Generation yesterday announced their defection, which effectively meant that URP leader Anderson Agiru can stake a claim for the deputy prime minister’s job in what could be a Somare-Agiru government.

It is common practice in a coalition government for the second largest party to be given the second highest post in cabinet.

Agiru’s newfound political strength was the result of the five MPs – Francis Awesa (Imbonggu), Isaac Joseph (Mendi), John Garia (Chimbu), Ferau Orimyo (Henganofi) and Steven Kama (South Bougainville) – deserting the opposition to be part of the government so

that their people would benefit from services currently on offer.

Neither the prime minister’s office nor the opposition had commented, but Agiru announced his new-look URP to the media at parliament house yesterday.

It was not without incident as URP deputy leader William Duma, the petroleum minister, barged into the meeting claiming he was not consulted.

Duma entered the B2 conference room alone, stood at the doorway, and announced that he did not authorise the conference.

Duma also said the five did not follow the proper process to join the party.

He then retreated and left. Duma’s action stunned his party members, journalists and members of the public who were present.

Agiru, who had earlier delayed the conference by 45 minutes, trying to contact Duma to attend, said there seemed to have been a misunderstanding between party officials and the leader about the timing of the press conference.

To date, other MPs who had also joined the URP from the opposition ranks were James Lagea (Kagua-Erave), Puri Ruing (Dei) and Patrick Kondo (Daulo) while James Lagea (Kagua-Erave) dismantled his one-man party in government to join force with Agiru.

Defections had been more common in recent months after the Organic Law on Political Parties and Candidates was declared null and void by the Supreme Court last July.

Komo-Margarima MP and Climate Change Minister Francis Potape, who is also assisting the prime minister on LNG matters, said the mass exodus was a sign of confidence in the URP and thanked and welcomed the defecting MPs to the government.

The five MPs said in a joint statement their decision was, importantly, to be in government to fast-track and give top priority to the Highlands Highway reconstruction and rehabilitation to serve three quarters of the population in PNG.

They said the highlands region deserved the best road network as it was home to most of the major national resource projects and agricultural commodities such as coffee and tea, while noting that the region contributed three-quarters of the nation’s coffers but no due recognition had been given to its leaders.

They said that after several months of hard decision-making, they saw the enormous potential the URP had in the running of the nation in the near future.

URP was a party which had members drawn from all the regions of PNG, making it an institution that would unite everyone.

Agiru welcomed the addition, saying that it was a good sign of stability and hope in the Somare-led coalition government.

“The United Resource Party is an institution that belongs to the people of PNG, based on the value of resources, including the natural resources, and, most importantly, the human resource which is the greatest of all resources.”

He stressed that the MPs had joined the URP at their own free will.

“There was no indulgence or promises for the credible leaders to join the party.

“They are credible leaders who have decided to join the party and we respect their decision,” he said.

“I must make it clear that URP and NA will still be partners in government until the next election,” Agiru said.

But observers said the URP move, and the imminent arrival of others in government in support of the prime minister, meant “sacrifices” would have to be made to accommodate them.

“All the prime minister has to do is pass the 2011 budget in November, and he gets into the safe period. Then, he can sacrifice men, likely from within NA, to accommodate those coming in.

“This will be done with the future in mind,” an observer said.

 

Police explain stop order

By THOMAS HUKAHU

POLICE directives on Wednesday to stop civil society and non-governmental organisations from staging a protest march was for peace and safety of the city residents and business houses, The National reports.

NCD-Central police commander ACP Awan Sete said peace, law and order was of paramount importance and would not be compromised at any cost.

Sete told reporters yesterday afternoon that the decision by police to stop the planned march from going ahead

was made after carefully assessing the situation.

“The incidents in Goroka and Kainantu, as well as from intelligence reports of other interest groups and criminal elements joining in, warranted the decision we took to prevent the protest march from taking place,” he said.

Sete said the move to stop the march was not intended to curtail anyone’s constitutional rights to freedom of expression but to promote the rights of every man, woman and child to live in a safe and secure society.

He said it was rather unfortunate that the planned march affected some schools, government services and businesses in NCD.

Reports said some school children and workers had stayed home out of fear and anxiety regarding the march.

Sete and NCD metropolitan commander Chief Supt Fred Yakasa also thanked civil society groups, NGOs and the public for responding well to the announcement made by police to stop the march.

“We also thank the groups planning for the march for respecting our position at this time,” Yakasa said.

However, NGO activist and protest march leader Noel Anjo said NCD police had contradicted themselves when they stopped yesterday’s planned protest march.

He said planning for the march had taken months, only to be stopped at the 11th hour.

“I am terribly upset.

“The police failed to inform me,” Anjo told The National yesterday.

In Goroka and Kundiawa, separate peaceful marches were held where petitions were handed over the people’s elected representatives to present to the prime minister and government.

In Goroka, Eastern Highlands Governor Malcolm Kela-Smith received the petition while Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Joe Mek Teine did the same for protesters in the Chimbu capital.

In one of the petitions, the protesters gave the government 24 hours to recall parliament and revisit the Environment Amendment Act among other issues.

Shops in Goroka and Kainantu reportedly closed yesterday while life in Kundiawa continued as usual.

 

 

PNG, China bilateral ties still going strong

CHINA and Papua New Guinea still maintain strong bilateral tie since establishing diplomatic relations 34 years ago, The National reports.

Chinese ambassador Qiu Bohua said this on Wednesday during a function to celebrate the 61st anniversary of the founding of China.

The Chinese community in the nation’s capital, business heads and members of the diplomatic corps were present for the occasion.

Qiu said that PNG had become the largest trade partner and investment destination country of China among the South Pacific island countries.

He said another important event was the historical visit by the Chinese navy training formation to PNG.

“China’s naval voyage of friendship, peace and harmony injected new vigour into the long-lasting friendship between the two countries.”

Qiu said that over the years, the Chinese government had done its best to support and assist PNG in achieving its social developments with the implementation of a dozen of aid projects, including the Sir John Guise Sports Centre, Kandep Agricultural Technical Cooperation project, upgrade of Papa-Lealea Road, Usino Junction-Yamagi Road, the Hagen comprehensive agricultural technical cooperation project, the expansion of students’ dormitory and teachers’ houses at Vudal University, reconstruction of mathematics and computer building of Unitech in Lae, the renovation and expansion of Government House, the Lae fishery processing plant and cold storage project, the Wewak Sports Stadium and the expansion of students’ dormitory of Goroka University.

He said that currently, Pacific Marine Industrial Zone project in Madang and the international conference centre near parliament house in Port Moresby were both underway.

Qiu also pointed out that Ramu NiCo’s US$1.4 billion nickel-cobalt project was a win-win cooperation project between PNG and China.

He also said that this year alone, 26 students were granted Chinese government scholarships to undertake degree studies in China, eight PNG Defence Force senior officers were enrolled for training and more than 60 government officials and technical personnel of different sectors were trained for various programmes.

“The Chinese government always attaches great importance to strengthen friendship and cooperation with PNG.

“With a lot of common views in political field and a lot of complementary advantages to the economy, it is a collective responsibility for us to tap the great potentials in bilateral relations.”

APEC Ministers commit to strengthening tourism

Nara, Japan, 23 September, 2010 – At the conclusion of their meeting on Thursday, APEC Tourism Ministers adopted the “Nara Declaration” to support sustainable, inclusive and balanced economic growth of the industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

After two days of talks in Nara, Japan, Ministers recognised the “economic importance of tourism, including the creation of jobs, reduction of poverty and conservation of the environment” and stressed their determination to continue to strengthen the industry to help develop the region.

 

“During this period of significant change in the global political and economic order, tourism will continue to play an important and relevant role in the Asia-Pacific region,” the declaration said.

 

Ministers agreed on the importance of protecting the cultural, natural and heritage assets of member economies by encouraging visitor flows more evenly, and to provide more stable employment in the industry.

 

“This approach could enable tourism to grow in a sustainable, balanced and inclusive manner,” the declaration said.

 

The declaration will contribute to APEC’s new growth strategy. The strategy is a commitment to produce “high-quality” growth in the region in the wake of the global financial crisis, and will be submitted to APEC Leaders for consideration when they meet in November in Yokohama.

 

Ministers agreed in Nara to exchange information and best practice on efforts to expand newer and emerging types of tourism such as medical and wellness, religious events tourism, sports tourism, cruise tourism, ecotourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentive travel, Conventions and Exhibitions/Events).

 

“These avenues could stimulate new demand and tourism-related investment across the Asia-Pacific region,” the declaration said.

 

The Nara Declaration also covers the following areas:

 

•             Promoting collaboration between tourism offices and organizations, both public and private, in member economies

•             Greater collaboration between APEC groups, the private sector and international bodies

•             The need to implement strategies to promote the sustainable management of tourism businesses and destinations

 

APEC’s share of world tourism has been growing over the past 15 years, according to StatsAPEC, an extensive database showing economic performance in the Asia-Pacific region. APEC’s share of world tourism has increased from 28 percent in 1995 to currently 51 percent. International tourism arrivals in the APEC region have grown approximately 122 million over this period.

 

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For more information, contact:  Trudy Harris + 65 98983710 or th@apec.org

 

Today's protest march banned

By THOMAS HUKAHU

 

NO protest march will be allowed in Port Moresby today, that’s the stern warning from police yesterday, The National reports.

NCD metropolitan commander Chief Supt Fred Yakasa told a media conference that the decision was in the best interest of city residents and the business community.

The decision stemmed from a nationwide planned protest march, scheduled for today, by non-governmental organisation and civil society activist Noel Anjo and his group.

The group had planned to march to parliament and demand Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and cabinet to effect its immediate recall to deal with alleged controversial issues like the reappointment of Sir Paulias Matane as governor-general and the passage of the Environment Amendment Act and other bills.

While Anjo had promised city authorities that the march would be peaceful, police felt it would only endanger lives and properties.

Yakasa said the decision taken by the authorities was to prevent opportunists from taking advantage of the situation to loot and destroy properties.

Anjo and his group had also visited Lae and the highlands creating awareness on tomorrow’s planned protest.

However, opportunists in Eastern Highland’s Kainantu and Goroka took advantage of the situation and looted shops early this month.

Yakasa said this would not happen in Port Moresby.

He said police would be out very early in the morning today to make sure that no protest march was staged.

 “I am discouraging any individual or group from participating in any protest marches.

“Any protest march staged will be deemed illegal, and people will be arrested,” Yakasa stressed. 

Yesterday afternoon, police commanders from different sections and stations were told by Yakasa to be on alert and disallow any groups from gathering.

“Police are not trying to stop or suppress the rights of the public to voice their concerns on genuine issues, however, there are other safer and orderly avenues available that could be used,” he added.

“Those attempting to stage a march must understand and respect our position regarding the situation.

“In the best interest of city residents’ safety, peace and good order, no march must take place,” Yakasa said.

Late yesterday afternoon, a group of men were moving around the city in a vehicle calling on workers not to go to work and to join the protest march.

 

 

Cholera strikes again

By ELIZABETH MIAE

 

A GOOD number of Lealea villagers in Central’s West Hiri district spend their independence weekend receiving treatment at the cholera centres at the Papa clinic and Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH), The National reports.

Reports said more than 60 people were admitted at these centres and treated for cholera during the long weekend.

NCD cholera task force leader Dr Timothy Pyakalyia blamed the revival of the disease on the unhygienic preparation and handling of the food and drinks during the celebrations.

Reports said one was admitted last Thursday, two last Friday, 18 last Saturday and 22 the following day, 10 on Monday and another 10 on Tuesday.

Pyakalyia said the treatment centres had also reported new cases from villagers at the Brown River and Goldie River areas along the Hiritano Highway.

He said plans were underway to carry out massive awareness campaigns against mass preparation and cooking of food and homemade drinks during major gatherings like funeral feasts, bride price payments and others.

He said the option was to bring along and distribute raw food and practise basic hygiene.

“We need to discourage the mass preparation of food during celebrations. We fear that the same thing is going to happen,” Pyakalyia said.

He also warned the public to be cautious of where they get their water from and how they use it during the dry spell.

Hiri district health coordinator Michael Masket said the outbreak was not as serious as when it first struck in early May.

Operations at the Papa clinic had been scaled down with only two people working at the cholera centre.

He said after the long weekend, people with mild symptoms of cholera turned up for treatment.

However, those needing further checks and treatment were referred to the general hospital.

“We are supplying oral rehydration salts and other medical supplies to Papa clinic as well as carrying out awareness,” Masket said.

 

 

Kundiawa water crisis 'unsolved'

By JAMES APA GUMUNO

 

BUSINESS, government and others in Kundiawa, Chimbu, have gone without water for six days, The National reports.

Their taps ran dry last Friday after vandals tampered with water pipes at three different locations between the water supply source at Hur and Yuwai market near Kundiawa town.

Provincial police commander Supt Joseph Tondop and Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Joe Mek Teine, in separate interviews, expressed grave concern yesterday.

Teine said if the problem continued, many operations in town were likely to be shut down.

More than 10,000 town residents walked almost a kilometre to Wara Simbu to fetch water for their use.

Teine said the town was expanding towards Murane and Wara Simbu and, as a result, more people came into town and settle.

He said that the town residents, business houses, government agencies and many other organistions in the town needed good constant water supply every day.

He said that the current water supply installed by PNG Waterboard from Hur to town was not enough to cater for the growing population.

Teine said that there was a need to provide alternative water supply for the town.

He said that he had already submitted a proposal with the support from the PNG Waterboard to the office of the National Planning early this year to seek funds to construct another water supply from Moguma water source into town.

He said that as soon as the funds were made available, the project would start immediately.

Tondop said that his policemen fetched water from Wara Simbu to cook food for the detainees in the cell and also to use it in their toilets.

He said that police personnel and their families depended on the water supply fetch water elsewhere for drinking, cooking and for other use as well.

Tondop said police provided security for the PNG Water board employees to fix the damaged pipes but did not know how soon they would complete the job and restore normal water supply.

He said that it posed a big health problem for the people using Wara Simbu because it was not known whether it was safe for drinking or not.

A public servant working in the office of the provincial administration said the officers working in the governor’s  and provincial administrator’s office use their office vehicle to fetch water from Wara Simbu but did not know about other public servants working in other divisions.

She said this did not affect public servants turning up for work.