Cholera spreads

30 deaths confirmed, 800 villagers affected

 

THE cholera outbreak on Daru Island has been contained but health officials fear the deadly bacteria is spreading inland, along Western’s Fly River villages, The National reports.

Health Department officials said 30 villagers had died from cholera on Daru while more than 800 Daru people had been diagnosed with the disease.

They said three medical teams were patrolling south bank villages to identify the sick and treat them as well as conducting awareness.

The disease spread to Daru from an outbreak that was first reported in September last year in Morobe.

The World Health Organisation and Australian aid agency, AusAID, have been flying in medical supplies and emergency experts from Port Moresby since cholera was first reported on Nov 11.

Last Friday and Saturday, AusAID airlifted more than 3,000kg of medical supplies with pledges of more from Australian foreign affairs minister Kevin Rudd.

WHO representative in Daru Geoffrey Clark said the cholera outbreak on the island was under control with efforts now focused on reducing its spread on the mainland because of the movement of people from the affected areas along the Fly River.

Australia has restricted all cross-border travel under the free movement provisions of the Torres Strait Treaty, in consultation with PNG authorities.

 

Taylor: Women up to the challenge

TOMORROW is D-Day, when women throughout the country will be waiting for the deliberations and debate on a bill to be tabled in parliament on the reserved seats for women, The National reports.

Prominent women leader Dame Meg Taylor said the current situation was such that women representation in parliament was meagre and unacceptable.

“The future of our nation was, and is, based on our hopes and aspirations as a people.

“At self-government, our leaders enshrined our aspirations in the eight-point plan.

“We clearly articulated the equal participation of women in political, economic and social life and institutions.

“The purpose of this is to ensure the sound and strong development of PNG with women as equal partners in development and nation building,” Taylor said in a statement yesterday.

“At independence, the National Goals and Directive Principles of our Constitution enshrined the desire for a nation recognising tradition but aspiring for a common future based on equality of men and women that will be a shared responsibility.

“We stood as a young nation on a journey of great expectation towards nationhood.

“We knew that there will be challenges and we believed that we will all share those challenges,” she said.

“Women in Papua New Guinea have worked hard and contributed to the development of our young nation, however, women’s participation at senior levels in government has seriously declined.

“Women’s participation in small-to-medium business enterprises is nominal while women have continued to be among the work force in towns and villages.”

Dame Meg said in parliament where laws were made where politicians defined the future of the country, there was an obvious absence of women.

“In the 35 years of our young nation, there have been four women in parliament. Two have held a ministry.

“This statistic is shocking and shameful.

“We will not build a nation when the opportunity for women candidates to be elected into parliament is undermined by reason of culture and prejudice, however, that has been the case and that must be changed.

“As a country in transition, we must note the past and reassess the current situation and redefine our hopes and aspirations for our future generations.

“The participation of women in national parliament, through reserved seats, will ensure a phase in our political history that will prepare the ground for more robust democratic institutions for the future.

“By reserving seats for women in the national parliament, the opportunity will be created to enable women to be elected through a democratic process.

“This will be the beginning for a more equal representation through the electoral process.”

 

Cholera spreads along Fly

By SINCLAIRE SOLOMON

 

THE biggest shipment to date of Australian medical supplies for cholera-hit Daru and villages of the Fly River was delivered at the weekend where health officials said the disease has been contained on the island but is spreading to the mainland, The National reports.

A total 2,845kg of emergency supplies was airlifted from Port Moresby on an Australian aid agency, AusAID, charter on Saturday, taking total aid since Nov 11, when the outbreak was reported, to about A$1 million.

The Australian government had also provided emergency experts in Daru to complement personnel from the Health Department and the World Health Organisation.

Health Department officials on the island said 30 people had died from cholera, a bacterial infection typically spread through contaminated water. But they feared the death toll could be as high as 100, confirming the figure suggested by Daru Catholic mission priest Fr Vinod D’Mello last week,

They said up to 70 patients per day were presenting themselves at Daru General Hospital, which serves a large and difficult-to-access region near the mouth of the Fly River. As of last Friday, some 800 villagers had been diagnosed with the disease.

As of Saturday, three medical teams, which included two doctors provided by the church of the Latter-Day Saints, visited the Fly River villages to treat suspected cases, checked water supplies and carried out awareness.

Communication with Daru, where a control centre had been set up at the police station opposite the hospital, had been made more difficult since last Thursday when landline communication with the rest of the country was cut, Daru police said.

Western communications officer Dr Naomi Pomat told AAP in Daru response to the disease had been slow because of an early misdiagnosis.

“The first test presented for typhoid. Then, the clinical staff realised the presentation was wrong and more likely cholera,” she said.

Villagers travelling by sea to Daru, and other islands in the mouth of the Fly River, have aided the rapid spread of the deadly bacteria that caused diarrhoea-like symptoms.

“Settlements on the island are very crowded. The influx of people, especially from the surrounding villages, has increased the incidence.

“Because of the high water table on Daru, you cannot build good toilets, and poor sanitation and access to water has also fuelled the spread.

“There is a big problem here, but it is not just from now – it goes back to the colonial days.”

WHO representative in Daru Geoffrey Clark said cholera on the island was under control and the islanders were responding well to the awareness campaigns that had been carried out.

He said efforts were now focused on reducing its spread along the north and south banks of the Fly River.

“There has been an excellent coordinated response since cholera was first reported.”

Cholera would usually make people only mildly sick, but up to 10% of patients had developed severe illness.

It is transmitted by water contaminated by bacteria from an infected person or food contaminated by dirty water, soiled hands or flies.

Somare plots to silence critics: Namah

Leader of PNG Party Belden Namah has expressed grave concern over a directive from Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare for his arrest for being critical of the government’s handling of high-profile scandals and controversies involving some very senior parliamentarians.

Namah, who was informed at the weekend of the highly-confidential directive for his arrest, said Sir Michael should not use State institutions, including the police force to silence leaders and citizens who openly criticised him and his government over important national issues and events affecting Papua New Guinea and its citizens.

“It is becoming evidently clear why the Prime Minister has decided to tribalise the three disciplined forces by appointing three men from his own East Sepik province to head the PNG Corrective Institution, PNG Defence Force and the Royal PNG Constabulary,” Namah said.

 “The Somare plot is now being executed to silence leaders and citizens who are critical of Sir Michael and his cohorts using state law enforcing agencies.

“It is a very dangerous and frightening new strategy devised by the Prime Minister, never done by any Prime Minister since independence, to silence people thereby denying the democratic and constitutional rights of PNG leaders and citizens who speak out against the Government on issues affecting the nation.

“Leader of the Opposition Sir Mekere Morauta was not wrong when he described the tribalising of the three disciplined forces, a clearly dictatorial and desperate act heading towards ‘Mugabe land’.

“I’m aware of the Prime Minister’s plot to have me arrested.

It is not because I have broken any laws or the Constitution of PNG.

And also, it is not because I am indifferent with the law. It is merely because I have been most vocal and critical on corruption and some very controversial decisions that are rampant in the current Government.

“It is common knowledge that corruption in PNG has reached an unprecedented level, but this Prime Minister has failed to address it head on, starting from his own backyard.

“I’ve never tried to seek relief from the courts to prevent the Ombudsman Commission and the Public Prosecutor from performing their constitutional mandated duties like Sir Michael over his referral for allegedly not declaring his annual returns.

“There is also a very serious allegation before police of from NGO activist Noel Anjo of his alleged kidnapping ordered by Sir Michael.

“Anjo also alleged that Sir Michael punched him three times and even wringed him neck.

“Mr Anjo was lucky to have been rescued by two named duty policemen.

“Mr Anjo also alleged that he was subject to both verbal and physical harassment from Lady Veronica Somare and other relatives at Mirigini State House.

 “Why have the police not acted on this very serious allegation of kinapping of Mr Anjo and taken Sir Michael and Lady Veronica for questioning?”

Namah called for an independent commission of inquiry into this allegation.

Namah was also critical of Sir Michael’s perceived personal interest to have him arrested.

“What offence have I committed that warrants a directive from the Prime Minister or the National Executive Council for my arrest?” he said.

Namah said he was reliably informed by highly placed sources within the cabinet and police force of such a directive.

As well, the former PNG Defence Force officer said he would not be silenced by the executive directive for his arrest and would continue to criticise the government and its leadership for its actions and suggest alternative policies in addressing national issues and problems affecting the country.

James all geared up for Miss South Pacific title quest

By JASON GIMA WURI

MISS Papua New Guinea’s bid to win the Miss South Pacific title will begin this weekend in Port Moresby, The National reports.

Miss PNG Rachel Sapery James sweating it out at the gymnasium in preparation for the week-long Miss South

Pacific title quest that begins in Port Moresby at 4pm tomorrow

Rachel Sapery James will be joined in the South Pacific title contest by 10 other participants from around the Pacific who are arriving today and tomorrow for the week-long event.

The winner will be crowned Miss South Pacific 2010.

James told The National yesterday that she would use the Miss South Pacific quest to spread three key messages.

“First is unity as a country to move forward.”

Quoting from a phrase used by Community Development Minister Dame Carol Kidu, James said: “The Bird of Paradise needs both its wings to fly, or the familiar saying: United we stand, divided we fall.”

She said her second message would be on education, “which is crucial in building our human resource capacity develop our country”.

James added: “And, finally, sustainable development, environmental awareness and conservation to live in a healthy and safe environment and have healthy and strong communities for the future.”

She said the pageant was also an opportunity to showcase and promote the country and its people.

“As a region, we need to stand strong and united.

“We need to give more opportunities for cultural exchanges, sharing success stories of achieving our goals for development and give ideas to each other to grow as a region.

“As a young aspiring PNG woman, I believe I have a lot to offer the South Pacific community if I were to be crowned Miss South Pacific.

“I see myself as a bridge between two worlds, bringing advanced modern innovative technology and knowledge of science and tools available to improve the lives of the vast majority and enhance our region.

“I see this also as an avenue to put PNG on the map.

“Even though we are the biggest nation in the South Pacific, there is very little spotlight and attention in comparison with other countries like Fiji and Tahiti.

“Thus, I will endeavour to promote our great country and its uniqueness for sustainable tourism,” she said.

“It will also be a great honour to be crowned Miss South Pacific on home soil.

“I am calling on all Papua New Guineans to support me, even if it means to vote for me via the internet, as we will be doing it all for PNG,” James added.

James is 26 years old and comes from New Ireland.

Besides the Miss PNG title, she also bagged the Miss Humanitarian and Miss Patron’s Choice during the Miss PNG quest.

The Miss South Pacific contest will be staged at the Lamana Hotel and Sir John Guise Indoor Complex starting tomorrow at 4pm.

Gas project eyes more fuel output

ExxonMobil, partners: Initial production could be larger

 

EXXONMOBIL Corp and its partners in the PNG LNG project are likely to produce more fuel than they initially expected during the first phase of the project, online publication Bloomberg Businessweek has quoted analysts as saying, The National reports.

The venture initially may produce 6.9 million metric tonnes of LNG from two units, up from the 6.6 million tonnes previously projected, according to Credit Suisse and Citigroup Inc analysts who cover Exxon’s partner, Oil Search Ltd.

The Hides field drilling campaign next year is likely to underpin an expansion of the project to a third processing unit, Sydney-based Credit Suisse analyst Sandra McCullagh said after a visit to the project site.

A final investment decision on the next stage may occur in 2012, she said.

ExxonMobil and partners approved the development of the project almost a year ago.

The venture may double the size of Papua New Guinea’s economy, Port Moresby-based Oil Search has said.

Government projections released during the handing down of the 2011 budget this week say that the economic growth will be over 20% from 2015, the first full year of export.

First exports are due in 2014, barring any disruptions. A third plant may begin in 2016, McCullagh said.

“We are increasingly confident Oil Search has additional growth opportunities that may boost earnings,” she said.

Oil Search rose 2.3% to A$6.67 at the 4.10p.m. close in Sydney yesterday, compared with a 0.3% increase for the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index.

An additional unit, or train, producing 3.5 million tonnes of LNG annually, may cost about US$5 billion, Citigroup’s Mark Greenwood in Sydney wrote in his report.

 

 

Nape: I will fight charge

NATIONAL parliament Speaker Jeffrey Nape has vowed to take on the opposition in court, saying he will vigorously defend the case brought against him, The National reports.

After trying for weeks to woo Nape’s support to push through a notice for a vote of no-confidence in Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare in parliament, the opposition attacked Nape after realising they would not succeed.

The opposition leaders filed a criminal complaint in court, summoning Nape to answer for alleged breach of the constitution on July 20.

The claim was in relation to Nape presiding over the proceedings of parliament on July 20 and certifying four legislations when he was the acting governor-general.

Nape issued a statement yesterday, saying: “I have been advised by my lawyers that the court action instituted against me by Sir Mekere Morauta is fundamentally flawed in a number of aspects which I will challenge in court.

“Firstly, as a veteran politician and lawmaker, Sir Mekere should know that, as a member of parliament and a party and witness to the case, I cannot be served with court papers within three days to or after the date appointed for parliament to sit. That is prohibited under the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act,” Nape said.

“Parliament was set to reconvene on Tuesday, Nov 16. I was served with court documents on Wednesday (Nov 17), one day after the time appointed for parliament to sit. That is clearly illegal.”

He said he would vigorously deny that section 95(4) of the constitution was breached.

Nape said Sir Mekere was abusing the court process by seeking criminal penalties and sanctions against him in aid of a civil claim for civil remedies against him in court.

“That is unlawful and highly improper.

“Sir Mekere is, in fact, usurping the powers of the police and public prosecutor by seeking criminal sanctions against me. There is no basis for this.

“That is a politically motivated action and Sir Mekere should be experienced enough to leave political issues outside of the judicial process to stop wasting the time of the people’s court.”

Nape was supported by Esa’ala MP Moses Maladina, who said the criminal proceeding was defective.

Maladina said any criminal proceeding should be brought by the state and its instrumentalities, and not individuals.

He said under section 6 of the Parliamentary Privilege Act, any member of parliament cannot be called in as witness three days before and after the parliament sitting.

Sources in Waigani said the move against the speaker showed the frustration felt by the opposition in its bid to remove Sir Michael in a vote of no-confidence before the “window of opportunity” closed.

“The opposition has been courting Deputy Prime Minister Don Polye, United Resources Party leaders William Duma and Anderson Agiru and Nape.

“And, the answer they got is ‘no’ from these leaders,” a source said.