FW: Tempers flare at Madang forum

By JAYNE SAFIHAO     

 

SENIOR government ministers were branded "conmen and thieves" at a public rally organised by Justice Minister and former Madang governor Sir Arnold Amet last Friday, The National reports.

The rally, at Alexishafen, saw angry landowners and villagers expressing their frustration over outstanding land issues and refusing to let the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone project go ahead until all issues were resolved.

Ministers of two of the three leading departments, Trade and Industry and Commerce and Environment, Gabriel Kapris and Benny Allan arrived two hours late for the gathering, scheduled for 11am.

A notable absentee was Fisheries Minister Ben Semri, who was said to be overseas.

People from the impact areas in the crowd commented that they had received little support from the concerned departments.

Outstanding issues highlighted included organising of incorporated land groups and infighting among executives and clan members of the two umbrella companies, Kananam Investment Ltd and Rehammb Holdings, over positions of power; the absence of a working memorandum of understanding and agreement yet to be formulated; the exclusion of any legislation protecting the people's interest regarding long-term effects to their environment, health or land; the government's failure to conduct thorough awareness exercises in discussing boundary issues concerning underwater leases already marked and taken over by the project; and the question of equity for the people and provincial government.

Thirteen speakers grilled the ministers repeatedly on the outstanding issues.

Provincial government officers said since the inception of the project, the Madang provincial government, its project representative Francis Irara and impacted locals had been "in the dark" on how the project was progressing.

Francis Gem, a NGO representative and landowner, incited a scuffle on stage and started the name-calling.

He pointed at the ministers' faces, and said: "Konman ya. Yupela olgeta konman (you are all conmen)".

This was after Gem asked the crowd if they wanted the PMIZ pro-ject to continue and the crowd shouted "nogat (no)".

His outburst, which did not settle down well with Allan, who stood up to confront Gem and was shoved aside, brought provincial police commander Anthony Wagambie Jr and his men promptly on stage to calm things down.

Gem insisted on finishing his speech despite attempts by police to get him off-stage.

He was allowed to do so as villagers crowded the small stage, shouting menacingly.

Cops outnumbered in Hagen riot

By JAMES APA GUMUNO

 

THOUSANDS of people in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands, were all in a state of panic on Saturday afternoon after a huge fight broke out in the city's main shopping centre, The National reports.

The city came to a stand still for three hours and although police did their best to control the situation, many people suffered injuries from the stone missiles exchanged between two groups in the street fight.

The two landmark properties in the city, the AGC Haus and six-storey Komkui building, owned by Komkui Development Corporation, were badly damaged.

Some opportunist broke into the Central Business System, located on the ground floor of AGC, and reportedly removed some computers.

According to an eyewitness Tom Puk, a security guard at the Renbo Supermarket, the fight started at the Southern Highlands bus stop around 1.30pm.

Puk said a young man, believed to be from Western Highlands, pick-pocketed a man from Southern Highlands waiting to board a PMV bus home.

Bystanders at the bus stop, after seeing the man stealing, bashed him up and soon, friends of the thief joined in and fought  the bystanders.

The fight then spread.

Puk said the thief and his friends were chased into the main shopping centre, and soon after, people waiting for buses mobilised and fought against other people roaming around in the shopping centre.

Many people suffered deep cuts  from stones thrown.

By this time, policemen on duty were outnumbered by those in the clash.

Komkui Development Corporation chairman and paramount chief of Moge tribe, Andrew Dokta, blamed the police for the damage done to the buildings, vehicles and injuries sustained.

Dokta said if the police had intervened quickly when the fight started at the bus stop, none of the damage or injuries would have occurred.

He said the fact the fight lasted three hours clearly indicated that police were not prepared to deal with riots in the city.

He said a police mobile squad unit should be available at short notice to contain such trouble, adding that although business houses paid a lot of tax to the government, police were not doing enough to protect their property.

He said it was very hard to claim compensation for the damage because it was a street fight and no one particular person or tribe could be held responsible.

The cost of the damage to his two buildings will be assessed today.

Meanwhile, Paul Pawa,  owner of Mox 1 Security Service engaged at the AGC Haus, said his security guards could not do much to protect the building.

Pawa said his men were over-powered by the crowd and the police task force arrived later and brought the situation under control and dispersed the crowd.

A staff of the Mt Hagen Provincial Hospital confirmed many people suffered injuries were treated at the hospital and discharged.

NARI celebrates 14 years pf dedicated contribution

By JAMES LARAKI of NARI

 

On Thursday, the PNG National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) will be commemorating 14 years of dedicated contribution to innovative agricultural development in the country through scientific research, knowledge creation and information exchange.

NARI has been in the forefront; promoting and undertaking agricultural research for sustainable development.

In a short span of 14 years, the institute has been recognised nationally and internationally as the lead research organisation of high development relevance to Papua New Guinea.

To commemorate its 14th anniversary, the institute is hosting an 'Agricultural Innovations Show' at the Sir Alkan Tololo Research Centre, 10 Mile – Bubia, outside Lae.

The event is organised around the theme "Investing in Innovative Agriculture for Prosperity".

The theme reaffirms NARI's view that progress through innovative agricultural development is essential if PNG is to realise Vision 2050 and become a wealthy and prosperous nation. 

The nation has the need, great potential and vast opportunity to prosper through innovative agriculture, and hence the focus on investing in innovative agriculture.

The theme is in line with NARI's efforts to encouraging consistent investment in agriculture, particularly in research to develop technologies and innovations which are crucial agents in innovative agriculture and rural development.

With the economy projected to grow at 8.5 % and the LNG and other related projects coming on stream, PNG has a more-favourable environment and opportunities  now than ever before for all stakeholders to make positive contribution to innovative agricultural development in general, and to research, science and technology, in particular.

Since its inception in 2007, the show has become a popular annual event to recognise and value the importance of innovations in agricultural development, and create and promote awareness on the significant role of research, science and technology in innovative agricultural and rural development.

The chief guest of the event will be Paru Aihi, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and guest-of-honour will be Luther Wenge, Governor of Morobe province.

This year's show will involve demonstrations and displays of materials and technologies. NARI will also be officially releasing three improved technologies to the farming community. 

This show is expected to attract over 40 research and development organisations, extension service providers, the private sector, NGOs, women's groups, businesses, innovative farmers and community groups who will have the opportunity to display their inventions or innovations.

In its vision for PNG, NARI sees "Prosperous PNG Agricultural Communities".

To realise this vision, NARI stands by its mission "to promote innovative agricultural development through scientific research, knowledge creation and information exchange".

NARI research and development programmes fall within the framework and priorities set by the government's Medium Term Development Plan, Development Strategic Plan 2010 – 2030, Vision 2050 and the National Agricultural Development Plan.

They are designed to contribute to food security, improved incomes, growth and sustainable agricultural development in PNG, with major targets being the smallholder farmers and rural communities.

In a bid to remain focused and efficient, NARI has adopted a four-tier system of planning comprised of a Corporate Plan, Strategic Plan 2006-2015 and Strategy and Results Framework 2011 - 2020.

These plans, which chart the way forward for the immediate and medium terms, are translated into actions through Annual Implementation Plans and Reviews.

An annual implementation plan for 2011 has been prepared and is currently being implemented. 

In this year's innovations show, NARI will demonstrate how it is addressing various needs and aspirations of the nation and its people.

NARI programmes throughout the country will participate with exhibitions and demonstrations on a wide range of activities.

They cover innovative farming practices and improved food crop varieties, emerging food and cash crops, livestock production and management practices, and resource management issues based on NARI's applied and adaptive research.

Farmers and the public will also get to know the technical, analytical and diagnostic services and up-to-date information that the institute provides to the agriculture sector.

So far the institute has released 37 sets of improved technologies to the PNG farming community and is currently implementing 40 research and development projects.

On the occasion of the 14th anniversary, NARI acknowledges the invaluable support from the Government of PNG, AusAID, European Union, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and key collaborators and partners both locally and abroad.

With continued research, NARI continues to work towards knowledge creation and technology generation and transfer as its core functions so as to improve agricultural productivity and production, reduce poverty, create broad-based economic growth and generate improved welfare for all in PNG. 

NARI strongly believes agricultural research and innovations should be the heart of agricultural development in PNG.

And the NARI Annual Agricultural Innovations Show is one such effort that could lead towards agricultural innovations in the country.

The event, which formally started 2007 on the occasion of NARI's 10th anniversary, is unique for the country because it is the first of its kind to recognise and value the importance of innovations in agricultural development.

The show will provide opportunities for stakeholders in the agriculture sector and participants to see these innovations, which have the potential to promote and improve agriculture in PNG.

 It will allow stakeholders to come together to share information, exchange views and showcase their activities.

While the importance of science, research and technology is appreciated for any development, these alone are not sufficient to bring real development and prosperity to the people.

What is needed is to link research outputs to development impacts.

We have to create an effective bridge between the scientific world and development.

And that is what NARI will be trying to do this come Thursday.

Crowning achievement for NASFUND managers

By CHARLIE GILICHIBI



Charlie Gilichibi (left) and Ian Tarutia

 With change being a constant and globalisation a constant reminder Ian Tarutia MBE, Joint CEO of NASFUND and Charlie Gilichibi head of IT and Special Projects Coordinator took the plunge to further their post-graduate studies to ensure the rate of learning for NASFUND as an organisation has to be greater than the rate of change around NASFUND’s superannuation ecosystem both domestically and globally.
Professor Subba Rao, convener of the MBA programme, on congratulating the graduands said the MBA “promotes out-of-the-box thinking and cross-fertilization as a means toward development of innovative ideas, products and creative endeavors”.
He said if one thinks hiring professionals is expensive, try hiring amateurs – seeing the professional skills and knowledge from the human resource capital as a cost center is a common mistake that employers make and encourages all potential employers to consider hiring from the stock of UPNG’s MBA graduands.
Adding to Prof Rao’s comments, Tarutia said the programme allows executives in senior management capacities to connect practice with theory as a refresher to further enhance the growth of industry in PNG contributing to national plans such as the Vision 2050 as well as corporate plans.
The graduands concurred the newly-acquired knowledge will enable them to squeeze value from every drop of their endeavors always striving to deliver more value for NASFUND members.
For a progressive and dynamic organisation that is as successful as NASFUND for a little over 10 years, sustained success fatigue can lead to comfort that may sub-consciously become a formidable enemy.
As a commitment to NASFUND members, both in principle and practice Messrs Tarutia and Gilichibi sacrificed their own time after hours and on the weekends in their pursuit for knowledge so that they can succinctly and clinically improve internal business processes, enhance customer services, pay close attention to creating cost efficiencies and enhance sustainable advantage for the organisation through its learning and growth objective.
A cardinal rule of sustained success is a learning organisation.
The MBAs for the NASFUND graduands infact puts more wind into the sails of the NASFUND boat.
It takes a committed group of people to change an organisation and that enough changed organisations can change the world.
UPNG and other tertiary institutions in PNG are commended for providing post-graduate knowledge and skills that are and will continue to meet the increasing challenges of globalisation and domestic pressures in business and addressing other societal issues.

CPL and partners to open first multiplex cinema at Vision City

From left are  Maggie Raiwong, project manager of Paradise Cinemas with Adrian Au, general manager of PNG FM and Mahesh Patel, chairman of CPL Group during the press launch of the Paradise Cinemas at CPL boardroom.

The press people who attended the City Pharmacy Group's media launch two months ago were treated to a movie screening of the latest Hollywood movie The Green Hornet plus popcorn, sodas and cocktails
to go with it to somehow experience a glimpse of the future cinematic experience in Papua New Guinea.
There was an air of excitement during the media launch as the highly-awaited multiplex cinema will be opened at the third floor of Vision City in Port Moresby with an 8.5m widescreen in three theatres, two standard ones and one Gold Class.
It is timidly planned to open by middle of this year and is billed as "Paradise Cinema".
The said cinema project is a joint collaboration of three major companies namely CPL Group, PNG FM Ltd and Damodar Group from Fiji.
There will be two standard theatres with seating capacity of 210 for Theatre 1 while it's 180 seats for Theatre 2.
To be built exclusively for Gold Class members, this third theatre will have a seating capacity of 100 people.
Speaking at the media launch held recently, CPL group chairman Mahesh Patel (pictured above, right)said: "We will install the most-advanced digital equipment at the Paradise Cinema.
"We have started testing the equipment and are busy training the staff.
"With its digital aspect from Dolby Digital Sound, one can view a film in crystal-clear, near- to- perfect quality and with the best sound system."
One of the partners, Adrian Au, the general manager of PNG FM Ltd., added that "the said project would also mean additional employment opportunities for Papua New Guineans aside from providing a surefire entertainment avenue for them".
Once the cinema opens, it promises to show the latest Hollywood releases as well as other international and regional flicks.
Located on the third floor of Vision City, it will be the first multiplex cinema in Papua New Guinea, consequently creating another avenue of entertainment, where you and your family can have a good time.

Nambawan Super and Joint Venture Partner to build replica of former House of Assembly

Project signboard

Works begins on the old House of Assembly

By SIR NAGORA BOGAN
Chairman
Nambawan Super

Nambawan Super limited is the major shareholder (65%) in a join venture with the Lamana Group that will construct a replica of the Old House of Assembly building which, when completed, will be transferred
to the National Museum and Art Gallery as was approved and directed by the National Executive Council in January 2007.
We have had a number of successful joint ventures with the Lamana Group, which has delivered positive returns and value to the Fund. Nambawan Super, as a responsible corporate citizen, is pleased to be
part of a final win-win solution to rebuild a significant piece of our nation's democratic history.
There have been many attempts in the past that have not materialised for various reasons.
Attempts to achieve that objective failed even though considerable funds were raised and assigned to the project.
The neglect continued and the building became more derelict to the extent that a demolition order was issued in June 2005.
Just over a year later, in July 2006, a notice for eviction and demolition was published
A press statement back in April of 2006 created the seeds of an idea which would see the old House of Assembly reborn as a memorial and a museum dedicated to the birth of democracy in PNG.
That statement related to the disappearance of K300, 000 raised for the renovation of the old house.
Not a toea was spent, the report said.
That article highlighted the sad state for the old House of Assembly.
Since it was ravaged by fire, many former staff or their relatives along with new squatters converged on the property and demolition were notices issued by National Capital District Commission.
It didn't take long to find a win-win solution but it did take quite a while to get the necessary agreements to the idea and for it to then pass the various stages to obtain full approval and go ahead by the
National Executive Council in 2007.
The extensive internal due diligence process that followed also took time to ensure probity by Nambawan Super.
In fact, it has taken five years, but at last there is now action happening with clearance of the site with builders now mobilising on site to start work.
We have spent close to Kl million in land rent payments to the state and in getting the site ready for improvement.
We are pleased to be able to play a significant role in restoring a place of our modern history where the birth of our democracy took place.
This will be a historic place where many of our citizens, our children and visitors can visit, reflect and hopefully be inspired.
As a significant national project, the process will be inclusive and will involve consultations with all key stakeholders including the trustees and management of the National Museum for technical details in the internal reconstruction of the House of Assembly.
We will be developing the rest of the land for commercial development.
Nambawan Super has taken the opportunity to be leading the project and acknowledge that it will be in PNG hands with our members benefiting both in the commercial terms and for restoring back a major part of
our nation's history.

This blog wins UNESCO/Divine Word University Award for Communication and Development

Speech by Brother Michael McManus at World Media Freedom Day at Divine Word University

I am pleased to announce the winner of this year's UNESCO/DWU award for communication and development.
The winner is Malum Nalu from The National newspaper.
Since the emphasis at today's celebration today is on digital media, we would like to especially acknowledge Malum Nalu's contribution to digital media through his blog site: Malum Nalu blogspot.
His site is updated daily with news of interest to his local and international audience.
It certainly lives up to its aim of promoting PNG and what it has to offer.
He incorporates news written by journalists and comments by visitors from around the world.
The information on his site has been through the professional and ethical filters that apply in his workplace.
One of the problems with blogs is that there are no generally accepted standards of ethical practice, so in many blogs gossip and rumours are portrayed as facts.
We certainly encourage everyone to express their opinions as citizen journalists, but the lack of journalism skills by many writers does not improve the overall quality of the online news content.
We believe that in response to the wonderful opportunities created by the digital media, there is a greater need than ever for competent professional journalists to provide context and analysis of news for
consumers.
Opinion does have its place, but we would like to think that a new professionalism is possible amongst the digital revolution.
Since Malum Nalu is not with us here today, we are happy to present this award digitally, and we now invite him to respond digitally.
Congratulations Malum Nalu.