Paoua New Guinea invests K157 million in broadband network

THE government will launch a US$60 million (K157 million) national broadband network (NBN) next year by piggy backing on the PNG LNG fibre optic cable, The National reports.

The NBN initiative, announced by State Enterprises Minister Arthur Somare last Friday, represented probably the largest ever telecommunication project undertaken in PNG.

The technology involves the laying of fibre optic cable to enable Papua New Guinea homes, schools and businesses to access broadband speeds much faster than many people experience today with their high speed wireless and satellite technologies.

Somare said in a media statement that the National Executive Council had agreed to spend this money for 41.68% share in the PNG LNG fibre optic cable. Other partners in this proposal include PNG LNG project operator Esso Highlands (33.33%), Oil Search (16.67%) and the Southern Highlands provincial government (8.33%).

It also meant setting up a new company to design, build and operate the new NBN which, he said, could be ready for service by the end of 2012.

“The national broadband network will greatly improve our telecommunications capabilities and bring internet access to a much wider customer base throughout the country,” Somare said.

The NEC has given the Independent Public Business Corporation (IPBC) the nod to borrow US$35 million (K92 million) to fund the shareholding and a further US$25 million (K65 million) to integrate the PNG LNG fibre cable into current infrastructure and to build additional linkages to complete the NBN.

 “The ability to piggy back the PNG LNG project has provided this country with an ideal opportunity to implement a national broadband strategy at a substantially lower cost than would otherwise be possible.

“It will bring the nation’s telecommunications capabilities up to speed with networks that exist or are being planned in other developed and developing countries in the Asian region,” he said.

Somare said that IPBC would commission a detailed implementation study by July 1 that which would:

* Identify assets to be included in the integrated broadband backbone network, including assets presently owned by Telikom PNG and PNG Power;

* Formulate a plan for the rollout of the new backbone data communications infrastructure to enhance competition and accessibility;

* Consider the appropriate model for ownership and operation of the assets and the longer term roles of IPBC, Telikom PNG and/or a new data company that would focus on the broadband infrastructure;

* Formulate a plan to secure equity and operational participation in the data company through various public-private partnership and joint venture models; and

* Consider all related competition and regulatory issues and compliance with broad government policy objectives envisaged under the medium-term development plan, national ICT policy and broadband objectives.

 

 

Court throws out Forestry Act case

THE Supreme Court has thrown out a constitutional reference which sought to invalidate certain provisions of the Forestry Act and the Forestry (Timber Permits Validation) Act, The National reports.

A five-member bench ruled 3-2 last Friday that the interpretation and application of various provisions of the constitution should be the exclusive function of parliament and not any private citizen unless he has the necessary standing.

It said this was provided for under section 18(1) of the constitution.

In his written judgment, Chief Justice Salamo Injia said the wording and meaning of section 18(1) was quite simple and plain.

“The principles of fair and liberal interpretation of constitutional law should not be applied in a manner that produces a result that usurps the legislative function on a matter that is clearly within the exclusive function of the parliament,” he said.

“The vesting of jurisdiction in the court to deal with a particular matter and in a particular procedural matter is clearly a matter that is within the exclusive function of the legislature.”

Justice Nicholas Kirriwom, who read out the judgment to the court, and Justice Gibbs Salika concurred with the chief justice while Justice Catherine Davani ruled for the referrers.

Justice Mark Sevua did not make any interpretation.

The reference was filed by forest resource owners Ken Norae Mondiai, John Mavramantz, Frances Demo, Pastor Lala Amsing, Johannes Awep and Jimmy Sina.

They had claimed that the act was unconstitutional and invalid because it breached section 114(1), section 38, section 53(1), section 25(1) and section 3 of the constitution.

The reference was challenged by the National Forest Board and the PNG Forest Industries Association which, amongst other things, argued that the application was an abuse of the court process.

In their affidavit, they said the referrers were not a court or tribunal, and, therefore, had no power to refer a question to the Supreme Court under section 18.

The proceedings were misconceived and flawed and should be dismissed, they said.

Davani said the referrers had complained that their interests had been affected by the application of certain provisions of the Forestry Act (1991) and Forestry (Timber Permits Validation) Act 2007.

She said they, therefore, sought the court’s opinion on the interpretation and application of various provisions of the constitution to those acts of parliament.

“The court is invited to find that certain provisions of those acts are inconsistent or in conflict with certain provisions of the constitution and to declare them unconstitutional,” she said.

Kirriwom said while he understood the view expressed by Davani, he had to go along with the chief justice.

“(His) opinion is founded more on principle and with a view of developing a firm constitutional foundation on procedure to be applied and not focused on short-term and sporadic private interests that only arise from time to time,” he said.

“The Supreme Court must set the benchmark and direct traffic as it were on the processes and procedure in accordance with clear constitutional dictates and not bend backwards to find ways and reasons to accommodate private or public interests threatened by any executive acts or by legislations without usurping the function of the legislature.”

Butibam tops Ahi Festival

By MALUM NALU
Butibam has taken out the ultimate accolade in the Ahi Festival by winning most medals in the week-long event in Lae.

Butibam team leader Danny Maliaki (second from left) receives the champions trophy from Ahi Festival ambassador John Wilshere

Butibam and archrival Yanga were tied on four gold medals apiece after the grand finals last Thursday and Friday, but when it came to a count back, Butibam won the most medals overall.
Yanga, with a wealth of talent from champion Lae team NS Busu, beat a young Hengali side 40-35 in the men’s basketball grand final at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium last Friday.

Champion men's basketball team Yanga with festival ambassador John Wilshere (left) and Riback operations manager George Gware

In the play-off for broze, Butibam edged out Wagang 38-32.
In the volleyball grand finals, Butibam beat Hengali 3-1 sets in a thrilling encounter, while Yalu ended up third.

Men's volleyball champions Butibam

Butibam also took out the women’s volleyball gold medal with a 3-0 sets pounding of Hengali.

Women's volleyball champions Butibam

In touch football last Thursday evening, Butibam took out the men’s final with a 3-1 win over Kamkumung, while Hengali ousted Yanga for bronze 4-3.
In the women’s touch football grand final, Yanga beat Butibam 4-3 in extra time, while in the play-off for bronze, Wagang beat Yalu 4-3 in extra time.
The soccer finals were not played because of a dispute involving players and supporters from Yalu.
This marred what was otherwise a very enjoyable week of sports.
In netball, Butibam, with giant international Nettie Sao at the helm, rode roughshod over all and sundry.
The Ahi Festival involved teams from the six Ahi villages of Yalu, Kamkumung. Hengali, Butibam, Yanga and Wagang.

K100,000 pledged for Ahi Resource Centre

By MALUM NALU
The week-long Ahi Festival ended in style in Lae last Friday with more than K100, 00 pledged to build an Ahi resource centre, an education facility which will have a library, computer laboratory and conference and work shop facilities.

Riback Stevedores general manager Peter Boyd with Miss Ahi contestants during the crowning on Friday night

Other expected support is expected to see more than K200, 000 raised for the resource centre.
The pledges were made by Lae business houses, groups and individuals during a function at the Lae International Hotel last Friday night which coincided with the crowning of Miss Ahi.
General manager of Riback Stevedores and major sponsor of the festival, Peter Boyd, was overwhelmed at the support from sponsors
The pledges included K30,000 from Morobe provincial government, K25,000 from Lae Biscuit Company, K10,000 from lawyer Kelly Naru, K7,000 from Wanu family of Butibam village, K5,000 from In Touch Media, K2,000 from Bogan family of Butibam village, K10,000 from Nambawan Super, K5,000 from Aaron family of Yanga village, K10,000 from councilor Douglas Maliaki of Butibam village, K2,000 from PNG Steel and K10,000 from Deugro.
Lae Biscuit Company founder Sir Henry Chow said the company was indebted to the Ahi people as it had built its new factory on customary land at Kamkumung village.



Lae Biscit Company founder Sir Henry Chow makes the company's pledge for K25,000 to the Ahi resource centre

 Sir Henry announced that LBC would be rebuilding the sporting complex at Kamkumung into a homeground for the Lae inter-city rugby league team at a cost of K2 million.
He also revealed that LBG would be sponsoring the Lae inter-city rugby league team from next year onwards and would be looking at renaming the team to Snax Tigers.

Ahi Festival ambassador John Wilshere (left) receives a pledge for K30,000 from Morobe administrator Kemas Tomala

The festival itself ended on a high note with closing remarks by In Touch Media managing director Sir Nagora Bogan
With the theme Promoting Education Through Sports and Culture – the festival was aimed at raising funds for the establishment of the resource centre.
It brought together the six Ahi villages of Yalu, Kamkumung, Hengali, Butibam, Yanga and Wagang to showcase their talent in sports and culture.
Some of the main objectives of the Ahi Festival included:
• Promoting community unity;
• Promoting and preserving Ahi culture;
• Creating awareness on social Issues and assistance available; and
• Showcasing local talents in culture, sports, music and business.

Yanga girl is Miss Ahi 2010

By MALUM NALU

Yanga beauty Christine Amos has been crowned as Miss Ahi last last Friday night at the Lae International Hotel.

Miss Ahi Christine Amos flanked by proud parentsStephanie and Willie Amos at the Lae International Hotel last Friday

Amos, 20, who has just completed Grade 12 at Lae Secondary School, won the crown from 14 other beauties from the six Ahi villages of Yalu, Kamkumung, Hengali, Butibam, Yanga and Wagang in the climax of the week-long Ahi Festival.
She will have five years of university education, in either Papua New Guinea or overseas, paid for by festival sponsor Riback Stevedores.
Riback general manager, Peter Boyd, also announced that the company would be looking at sponsoring Amos to contest the 2011 Miss PNG quest.
Amos, who was lost for words after being crowned, said she would strive to promote the theme of the festival, which is “promoting education through sports and culture”.
“I thank my mum and dad and all the people of Yanga for their support, as well as Riback Stevedores for taking up this intiative to sponsor and organise this festival,” she said.
A good crowd of people attended the crowning, mainly from the six Ahi villages as well as members of the Lae business community.

Miss Ahi Christine Amos (centre) flanked by first runner-up Emily Namung (left) and second runner-up Alang Issac

Runner-up was Emily Namung, 21, from Wagang village, who has just completed Grade 12 at Coronation College, who pocketed K1, 000.
In third place was Alang Issac, 19, from Butibam village, who won K500.
The other 12 participants received K200 gift vouchers from Riback.
The crowning capped off a hectic week for the 15 young women, who were screened and interviewed by judges, and paraded in traditional and modern dress.

MMJV statement untrue

Bulolo MP Sam Basil says a statement issued by the Hidden Valley mine on December 16 claiming he has withdrawn legal proceedings over the pollution of the Watut River is untrue.

"I have not withdrawn the legal proceedings on behalf of 110 landowners who have been seriously impacted by the pollution of the Watut River by sediment and heavy metals from the Hidden Valley mine,” he said.

"For the Hidden Valley mine to claim that I had made an announcement to that effect is simply not true.”

Basil says he has been in dialogue with the mining company Morobe Mining Joint Venture (MMJV) and representatives of its owners, Harmony Gold and Newcrest Mining, in an attempt to find a satisfactory resolution of the issues without having to go through lengthy and expensive court proceedings.

"To that end I have agreed not to take any further steps with the litigation until my lawyers and scientists meet with the mine owners in January,” he said.

“But I have not, and I repeat have not, withdrawn the proceedings.

"I am also very disappointed that MMJV have not issued a further media release, as requested by my lawyers, correcting the public record.”

 

For more information contact:

Sam Basil - Mobile: 7215 4806

Tiffany Nongorr - Mobile: 7268 9295

 

Basil denies MMJV claims

Bulolo MPSam Basil, says a statement issued by the Hidden Valley mine on December 16 claiming he has withdrawn legal proceedings over the pollution of the Watut river is untrue.

 "I have not withdrawn the legal proceedings on behalf of 110 landowners who have been seriously impacted by the pollution of the Watut river by sediment and heavy metals from the Hidden Valley mine,” he said.

For more information contact:

Sam Basil, Bulolo MP             - Mobile: 7215 4806

Tiffany Nongorr                      - Mobile: 7268 9295