Brand scheme key to rich New Zealand market

By BOSORINA ROBBY

 

PAPUA New Guinea is among six Pacific Island nations to join in an economic venture targeting the New Zealand  market through a branding concept called “true Pacific” (TP), The National reports.

The brand was a development project of the Pacific Co-operation Foundation (PCF) and the NZ government to help Pacific economies grow by helping them export their products under this concept.

The “TP” brand would focus on fresh produce, shelf-stable foods and spa and natural beauty products that countries like PNG, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu and Cook Islands could export to NZ under the TP brand.

This was revealed at a TP stakeholder feedback meeting on Monday in Port Moresby hosted by PFC and Investment promotion Authority. 

The meeting aimed to gather feedback from stakeholders regarding TP quality assurance programme and to provide updates.

The Pacific quality mark has been established to help raise consumer awareness of quality products of Pacific origin.

PCF auditor Kevin Budd said the concept of supplying the NZ market began in 2008 and that the foundation was now finalising the policy before launching in June this year.

He said so far, more than 40 enterprises had indicated interest in participating in this programme and that he was optimistic that more would join before the launching.

International standards form the basis of the guidelines and specifications that had been developed within the code of practice which the enterprises would need to meet in order to be registered and use the TP quality mark.

PCF is working closely with the IPA to target PNG’s export sector.

Budd, who visited three of the participating countries, was meeting with the IPA and stakeholders to discuss how PNG could be part of this and what   needed to be done to be registered.

 

 

Revenue boost for OTML

MINING giant Ok Tedi Mining Ltd has posted its financial statements ending the fourth quarter of last year with K5.1 billion in full year sales revenue – an increase of 27% from 2009 – reflecting higher copper and gold prices, The National reports.

The financial report stated that the full year copper concentrate shipments were 9% higher than 2009 with no river constraints.

The export shipments of copper-gold concentrates were 24% higher in the fourth quarter (168,731 tonnes) than in the third quarter with 136,228 tonnes.

This result was mainly impacted by lower head grades of copper (2%) and gold (6%), and also by the 16-day industrial action taken by union workers in April that resulted in a 9% lower mill throughput.

Total gold production of 15.6 tonnes was 6% below the 2009 production rate; however, OTML remained within the top three of PNG’s gold producers.

OTML also realised for this period that the average copper price was US$3.68 (K9.65) per pound, compared to US$2.44 (K6.40) in 2009.

The report said net cash generated before dividends was up by 96% compared to the previous year, mainly due to higher metal prices and volumes shipped.

Dividends paid were K1.687 million which included K1.387 million for the benefit of PNG interests.

OTML payment of mining royalties were 40% higher than 2009, with the Fly River government and the mine area landowners each receiving K46.8 million.

The mining company had also paid out a total of K920 million in taxes last year.

The report stated that the state was finalising feedback on the detailed mine closure plan submitted in December 2009 and advised OTML that a response would be given this month.

The Inmet share buy-back is expected to be completed by the end of last month with OTML buying back Inmet’s 18% shareholding for a lump sum payment of US$335 million and cancel the shares.

Serpent ‘guards’ naked constable

Policeman Kami lost in Tari jungles for 52 hours

A policeman and a health worker watching over First Const Mathew Kami at his hospital bed in Tari, Southern Highlands, after he was found huddled up under a tree naked with a large snake at his side in thick jungles between Tari and Benaria. – Picture courtesy of police media unit

A POLICEMAN, who disappeared for 52 hours, was found naked but alive with a coiled serpent as his guardian deep in the jungles of Upele between Tari Gap and Benaria in Southern Highlands, The National reports.
The police media unit reported last night that First Const Mathew Kami was among a police contingent sent to the area in pursuit of criminals operating in the Ambua Ranges who, allegedly, raped five women and robbed travellers last Sunday.
Kami got separated in the jungle and did not rejoin his group.
He was found at around 3pm yesterday by four villagers, who carried the policeman for more than five hours in a stretcher made from tree branches and vines.
Kami was carried through thick jungle and across rapid river torrents before reaching Ambua where police were camping.
The 32-year-old policeman from Tambunum village, East Sepik, was last night reportedly exhausted and recovering at the Tari Hospital.
The bizarre twist in this tale, police pointed out, was that locals, who rescued the policeman, said they found Kami lying next to a large snake completely naked and incoherent.
They also found his weapon, a high-powered police-issued A2 rifle, by his side and had returned it to police in Tari.
When interviewd by police, the four villagers said the snake coiled itself close to where Kami was lying but slithered away when the rescuers recited a prayer.
Policemen engaged in the search and rescue operation were mystified because Upele was too far and separated by at least four fast-flowing rivers. It would take about five hours to walk between Upele and Ambua.
Police said their colleague appeared weak and delirious when he was taken to the Tari Hospital at 10 o’clock last night and was placed in intensive care.
Kami’s wife and three children were informed on Monday night and arrangements had been made for them to travel to Tari to be with him.
Medical superintendent of Tari Hospital Dr Hamiye Hewali said Kami would continue to receive fluids in drips until he regained his strength.
The doctor said blood tests would also be taken to examine the presence of any foreign substance and, depending on the outcome of the tests, appropriate medication would be prescribed for the patient.
Policemen who took Kami to the hospital said he lived on wild taro and fern leaves during his 52-hour ordeal.
Commander of Operation Paijele Haminye acting Chief Supt David Manning thanked the villagers for saving Kami’s life and said investigations would be conducted into the matter.
Locals said according to traditional beliefs, spirits guarding the forests did not accept foreigners.

Yasause denied bail, transferred to Bomana

By JACOB POK

Dr Theo Yasause...now remanded in custody at Bomana jail

FORMER executive director of the office of climate change, Dr Theo Yasause, appeared briefly before the Waigani Committal Court yesterday charged with the wilful murder of former PNG rugby league star and junior rugby league development officer, Aquila Emil, The National reports.
Yasause appeared exhausted and was taken to the court house from police custody where he had been detained the previous night after he was charged and denied bail.
Yasause, 43, from Bukinera village in East Sepik’s West Yangoru, was charged with wilful murder under section 299(1) of the Criminal Code Act.
He appeared without a lawyer before magistrate Rosi Johnson, who, after reading the charges, adjourned the matter to March 8 for further hearing, allowing Yasause to make bail applications at the National Court pending the next appearance.
Yasause had denied shooting Emil at close range outside a nightclub in NCD last Friday.
NCD-Central Assistant Commissioner of Police Fred Sheekiot said during interview, Yasause denied shooting Emil and further denied being in possession of a firearm on the morning of Friday, Feb 4.
Despite his denial, police detectives arrested and charged Yasause based on their own investigations and evidence, Sheekiot said.
“The suspect is formally arrested and charged with the wilful murder of Emil and will appear for mention in court today (yesterday),” Sheekiot said.
According to Sheekiot, police were also considering another charge against Yasause for “being in possession of an illegal firearm” once all investigations were completed.
While exiting the courtroom yesterday, the doctorate holder was caught by surprise by waiting media personnel who flashed their cameras while he tried to cover his face using his hat to avoid the cameras.
He was escorted by a police prosecutor to a waiting police vehicle and was taken away.
A police report tendered in court by prosecutor Judith Tom reconstructed the scene of the killing last Friday morning.
Emil was shot with a handgun as he got out of his car near the National AIDS Council office in front of one other person. A taxi driver transported Emil’s body to the hospital.
Emil was pronounced death on arrival at the Port Moresby General Hospital.
The murder weapon was not produced.

Dr Theo Yasause charged with murder of Aquila Emil

Sydney Morning Herald

A former chief of staff to the Papua New Guinea prime minister has been charged with murdering a PNG rugby league legend.
Dr Theo Yasause, part of the highly connected East Sepik political elite, has been charged with the wilful murder of Aquila Emil, Port Moresby Metropolitan Police Commander Joseph Tondop told AAP on Tuesday.
Emil, 44, who played for PNG's national rugby league side the Kumuls, was shot dead in his car near the Lamana night club in Port Moresby early on Friday.
Mr Tondop said Yasause was arrested after he went to the police on Monday afternoon.
"Dr Theo was arrested then charged with one count of wilful murder.
"He is expected to be in court today (Tuesday) to apply for bail and make a plea," he said.
Mr Tondop said Yasause spent the night in custody in a Port Moresby police cell.
Emil was shot with a pistol at close range about 3am local time on Friday following an argument outside the club where both Emil and Yasause had spent the evening.
PNG's Post Courier reports an argument started when their cars collided outside the club.
A woman who was with Emil witnessed the incident.
On Monday, former Newcastle Knights rugby league player, now PNG national selector, Arnold Krewanty said Emil's death was a massive loss for PNG.
"We played footy together and he was a mate and comrade and we both were working on getting a PNG side into the NRL," Mr Krewanty said.
"Aquila had a lot to offer PNG, especially helping the schoolboy rugby league in the capital.
"Rugby league won't get another like this, he gave so much back to the game," he said.
Yasause was chief of staff to Prime Minister Michael Somare in 2007 and 2008 before becoming head of PNG's office of climate change.
He was suspended from this position in 2009 after numerous scandals and allegations of corruption.

Treasurer hits back at K112million claim

FINANCE and Treasury Minister Peter O’Neill has brushed aside claims by National Planning secretary Joseph Lelang that a total of K112 million was paid out to shore up government support in the face of a vote of no-confidence against the Somare government, The National reports.

He described the comments as “misleading and irresponsible”.

Lelang, in an alleged letter to Minister Paul Tiensten last Dec 6, stated that political directives were issued to the department to honour certain government commitments in 2010.

He claimed the department was advised to find money and make necessary payments irrespective of its source.

Lelang stated that on Aug 12 last year, the department was directed by O’Neill, who was Public Service Minister and acting Treasurer, at Havana Club in the presence of Tiensten and Patrick Pruaitch, to release K51 million from the development budget to shore up coalition numbers in view of an impending vote of no-confidence expected last November.

He claimed another K33 million was raised, upon direction by Tiensten and Public Enterprises Minister Arthur Somare, for presentation at the inauguration of the proposed Hela province in Southern Highlands.

Lelang said in the letter that from political direction, a total of K28 million was paid to 14 provincial governors when, in fact, the governors were entitled to only K1 million under the provincial service improvement programme; which meant each governor was paid an extra K1 million or an extra K14 million collectively.

He also claimed that a total of K98 million was dished out on unbudgeted projects following directions from the minister for finance and treasury and the prime minister’s office.

Funds were allegedly drawn from the district service improvement programme (DSIP), business development grants (BDG) and infrastructure development grants (IDG).

O’Neill, however, said he was disappointed that a person holding a senior position in the public service would make media statements that were not based on facts, were outrageous and damaging to the government.

He said the government had done its best to fund all projects submitted by MPs, depending on the availability of funds and irrespective of which side on the floor of parliament they sit.

“The projects listed in the news story are some of the projects identified under Resi (rehabilitation of education sector infrastructure), district and provincial roads, health programmes and growth centre projects which are appropriated in the 2010 budget.

“The government did not push these projects to MPs to buy their support. That is not true.

“Many of these projects came direct from the districts and were submitted to Lelang and the Department of National Planning. But, they were sitting there because of Lelang’s long absence from office, and his inability to deal with them in a timely manner.

“It became very frustrating, and that is why he was given directions to deal with the projects.

“At no time was he told or directed to breach the Public Finance Management Act. If he did, he chose to do so on his own accord and he should be dealt with.”

O’Neill said for the projects identified, cheques were written to the appropriate district treasury accounts with instructions that normal procurement processes and public accounting requirements be followed.

He said no cheques were written to any member of parliament.

“As secretary of national planning, it is Lelang’s responsibility to identify and fund projects, monitor and ensure they are implemented.

“He has failed in his duty and is attempting to pass the buck.”

O’Neill said Lelang was stepping away from his responsibilities and making political statements, breaching his employment conditions, and using false and misleading information to attack the government.

He said an independent audit would be done on the implementation of the 2010 development budget.

Main shooting suspect meets police

Warring Tari and Enga people settle for peace

 

By JEFFREY ELAPA

 

A MAN, wanted by police for questioning in relation to the killing of former PNG rugby league player and junior rugby league development officer Aquila Emil, turned up at the Boroko police station yesterday and was questioned but no formal charges have been laid, The National reports.

NCD metropolitan superintendent Joseph Tondop said the man could be charged after all investigations and interviews were completed.

The man complied with a request by police for him to voluntarily turn up at the Boroko police station at 1.30pm yesterday with his lawyers.

The suspect had earlier called The National to suggest that he was attending to a traditional obligation in his village but that he would cooperate with police when he returned.

He denied any involvement in the shooting of Emil and told The National five or six other people were involved.

Police are continuing their investigations.

Emil died from a bullet wound to his upper body, discharged at a close range, in the early hours of last Friday morning near the new Lands building after he came out of the Lamana Hotel.

Meanwhile, superintendent of police operation Jim Namora said the people of Tari and Enga residing in Port Moresby had decided to make peace.

He said leaders from the Hela region invited him to a meeting and told him that they were prepared to make peace and would meet at the Boroko police station this morning.

Namora said police knew the identity of those involved in the five killings reported during the ethnic clash and would make arrests soon, however, he called on leaders from the two groups to bring the suspects forward today and surrender them to police.

The ethnic clash occurred two weeks ago.