Police: Force will be used

By DULCIE OREKE and JUNIOR UKAHA

 

POLICE will not hesitate to use whatever force is necessary to enforce law and order, National Capital District metropolitan commander Supt Joseph Tondop has said, The National reports.

In the wake of an incident last Friday, where police shot dead three armed men and wounded two others, Tondop said there was an increase in criminal activities in Port Moresby, making it unsafe for residents and visitors.

Tondop said it was time the police and law-abiding citizens said "enough is enough".

He urged criminals to lay down their arms and take stock of their lives, adding that there were many worthwhile activities they should engage themselves in.

Five men, armed with two semi-automatic pistols, fired at police when they were intercepted at the Courts roundabout in Gordon, NCD, by members of the Armed Robbery Unit.

Tondop said the chase began after an Asian businessman was held up and robbed at Hanuabada around 1pm.

He said the armed men were in a stolen car when they were spotted on Waigani Drive.

Tondop said the exchange of gunfire began when police officers signalled the driver of the stolen car to stop but he ignored the warning.

Police gave chase and, after about 30 minutes of exchanging fire, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed it into a flower bed in the middle of the road.

Police found weapons including homemade guns in the car. 

The three men were believed to be from Morobe, Eastern Highlands and Central.

Tondop said the criminals belonged to a group known to police as the "A Team" and had been wanted for a string of illegal activities.

He said two of the men had escaped while in custody at the Boroko police station in relation to robbery offences while one was believed to be the driver of the late Wong Tee Tee's killer. 

He said police were in the process of coming up with a response team targeting hotspots based on intelligence.

A doctor at the Port Moresby General Hospital accident and emergency ward, who did not want to be named, confirmed that the hospital had two injured men.

"Yes, they were hit by bullets," he said. "We will do what we can to help."

Police said the armed men had been travelling in a stolen vehicle, a grey Honda CRV, bearing the registration BDA 417, when a police team intercepted them and gave chase along Kennedy Road around 1pm.

The shootout ended at the busy Waigani Drive next to the Kone Tigers oval when police shot the driver.

Police said the driver, of highlands' origin, lost control of the vehicle and it veered off the road and hit a concrete flower bed in the middle of the freeway.

The driver tried to escape but was shot and died on the spot.

A second gang member, believed to be from Morobe, was hit and died in the vehicle.

The third man, believed to be from Central, died from bullet wounds to his chest.

Two others who tried to flee the scene were shot and arrested by police.

A senior police officer at the scene said the two guns and a large quantity of ammunition found in the car were evidence that the men had been planning a major robbery when they were intercepted. 

He told the crowd at the scene that criminals would face the same fate.

"This is to teach a lesson to you all," he said.

"If you want to steal, you will die like this."

A man, who was taking pictures of the scene using his mobile phone, was assaulted and his phone taken away by police.

He was ordered to "give the phone, shut up and drive on".

Provincial politicians call acting prime minister to fast track entitlements

By MALUM NALU

Former provincial politicians affected by provincial government reforms in 1995 have called on acting Prime Minister Sam Abal to fast track their payments.

The provincial politicians, who are fast losing their patience at constantly being given the cold shoulder by the Department of Provincial Affairs and Local Level Government, produced court and Cabinet documents approving K30 million to be paid to them

They said there was a court order in place from May, June and December 2010, however, a stay order instituted last January by the State through Peter Kuman Lawyers and Provincial Affairs and Local Level Government Secretary, Manasupe Zurenuoc, was proving to be a real stumbling block.

“This stay order by Provincial Affairs Secretary is an obstacle to the State,” they said in a letter to Abal dated July 11.

“As recipients of the said money, we feel that our basic rights are being denied by those in authority who are supposed to execute government directives.

“We are now wondering as to whose job it is to fast track this matter and settle this stay order before the court.

“We appeal to your good office to instruct the Office of Attorney General and the Secretary, Department of Provincial Affairs through Peter Kuman Lawyers, to immediately appear before the court and explain reasons of the stay order so that the high court can make decision as to how best this matter can be settled once and for all.”

Former Rabaul mayor Michael Konjib and former West Sepik assembly speaker John Wootong said their colleagues around the country were ageing and dying while waiting in vain for their entitlements.

“National Executive Council has made its decision,” Konjib said.

“However, despite the first decision being made by the NEC in 2007, we have received nothing yet.

“The secretary (Zurenuoc) says the K30m is still with him.”

Wootong said: “All we want is for our money to be paid immediately.

“Our colleagues out in the provinces are ageing and dying.

“We want the Prime Minister to intervene.”

Australia visit affirms a strong defence relationship

Caption: Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator the Hon David Feeney, inspects a ceremonial guard of honour as part of a visit to PNGDF's Goldie River Training Depot.

 

Australia’s Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator the Hon. David Feeney, travelled to Papua New Guinea (PNG) from July 21-24, on a visit reflecting PNG and Australia’s strong and enduring defence and security relationship.

Senator Feeney met with PNG Government and Defence leaders to discuss Australia’s defence cooperation with the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF).

The programme with PNG is Australia’s largest with any country and has a budget allocation of $10.5 million (around PNGK25 million) for the 2011 financial year.

“Australia and PNG have a longstanding close friendship which is reflected in the co-operation between our two countries on a range of defence matters, from strategic planning to joint exercises.

“We will continue to build on our defence activities together in the spirit of mateship which has been a hallmark of our relationship since the shared sacrifices during World War II,” Senator Feeney said.

Australia works with the PNGDF on a range of activities including infrastructure development, maritime and border security.

The PNGDF and the Australian Defence Force conduct training and exercises together, including Exercise WANTOK WARRIOR which includes infantry, engineering, rotary wing and logistic elements.

Senator Feeney discussed defence co-operation and PNG’s Medium Term Development Plan with the Minister for Defence, Bob Dadae and the Minister for National Planning and Rural Development, Paul Tiensten.  During discussions with Brigadier General Francis Agwi and Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Lucy Bogari, Senator Feeney expressed Australia’s continued commitment to support PNG’s efforts to commence international peacekeeping.

Senator Feeney also met with senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Department, Defence, Finance, Treasury and Police, including Treasury Secretary Tosali to discuss co-operation on potential innovative funding and development models. 

Senator Feeney laid a wreath during PNG’s Remembrance Day Memorial Service at Ela Beach on Saturday and presented commemorative medallions to 13 “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels” and their families during a ceremony at Bomana War Cemetery on Sunday.

“The strength and compassion of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels saved many Australian lives during World War II. The Angels represent the spirit of what we hold so dear in Australia – courage, tenacity and mateship,” he said.

Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels honored in Papua New Guinea

Caption: Medallion recipients (front row) with dignitaries (back row) including Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator the Hon David Feeney, who presented the medallions.

 

The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels contribution to supporting Australians in Papua New Guinea during the Second World War, has been honoured today at a ceremony in Port Moresby.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, was represented at the ceremony, held at the Bomana War Cemetery, byParliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator the Hon David Feeney, who presented commemorative medallions to 13 recipients.

Senator Feeney said these medallions are just one way to show our gratitude to the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.

“We are forever indebted to the kindness and the invaluable assistance they provided to Australians during the Second World War.

“Many Australians survived the Kokoda campaign due to the strength and compassion of these brave people. Greater casualties and loss of life among the troops would have occurred if not for the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels,” he said.

Senator Feeney paid tribute to all Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels saying they represent the spirit of what we hold so dear in Australia – courage, tenacity and mateship.

Affectionately known as Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, an estimated 50,000 Papuan and New Guinean civilians supported Australia in the Second World War by carrying supplies, building bases, airfields and other wartime infrastructure, and evacuating the sick and the wounded from fighting zones.

They also helped Australians soldiers trek through the jungles of the Owen Stanley Ranges, including the infamous Kokoda Track.

More than 600 Australians were killed and over 1, 000 wounded during the Kokoda campaign.

Mr Snowdon said the Australian Government is pleased that 34 Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels have been presented with the Commemorative Medallion since it was first announced in 2009.

“I would encourage other Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels and their widows to consider applying for a medallion to recognise the individual contribution they, or their loved one has made to our country’s servicemen.

“It is important to ensure all surviving Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, and the widows of Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels are honoured with a commemorative medallion,” Mr Snowdon said.

For more information on medallion nominations contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 02 6289 6136 or visit www.dva.gov.au

Resting in peace at Bomana War Cemetery

Captions: Pictures show the grave of Philip Gunns and me at the grave of Philip Gunns on ANZAC Day this year

 

By MALUM NALU

 

Yesterday being Remembrance Day reminded me of an emotional experience I had at the Bomana War Cemetery outside Port Moresby on ANZAC Day this year.

Last November, I received an email from Australian Philip Gunns, wondering if I could put him in contact with someone who could take a picture of his uncle Leslie Charlie Gunns’ grave site at Bomana.

“I found your email when I was looking up some information about Bomana War Cemetery, where my uncle is buried,” he told me.

“My uncle was killed there in 1942.

“He was only 19 years old.

“My dad (81) and his sister (90) have never seen his grave site (grave C7.E.16) Bomana War Cemetery.

“I was wondering if you could put me in contact with someone you may be able to take a photo of the grave site for me.”

I offered to take a picture next time I was at Bomana, however, didn’t have a chance to travel up there until the ANZAC Day Dawn Service on April 25.

After the service, I enlisted the help of my elder brother David and my nieces and nephews to look for Leslie Gunns’ grave, which wasn’t that difficult.

NX89514 Private LC Gunns, of the 2/33 Infantry Battalion, was killed on October 12, 1942, aged 19, according to his epitaph.

Phil Gunns was a much-relieved man after I saw his uncle’s grave.

“Regarding Les, he was only 19 when he was killed, believed to be one shot from a sniper in a tree and killed instantly,” he said.

“He was a bit of an action man and stood up for himself, played junior rugby union for local club Eastwood in Sydney,  also had a few amateur boxing fights and was looking to turn pro when he returned from the war.

“He was so keen to join the war that he ran away from home at 16 and went to Queensland and put his age up to 18 and joined the army.

“His mum and dad asked the Salvation Army to help find him, which they did, and when the army found out he was discharged.

“When he was able to join his elder brother returned from the Middle East and claimed him to join the same outfit.

“His elder brother was the man behind him when he was killed.

“He was killed on the Kokoda Track near a place called Myola, where he was first buried before he was repatriated to Bomana

“That’s all I really know as he was killed 14 years before I was born.

“Hope this helps you.

“Once again thank you for the photos.

“They will greatly appreciated.”

World-famous Goroka Show on again

Caption: A colourful singsing group during the 2010 Goroka Show at the National Sports Institute.-Picture courtesy of GOROKA SHOW COMMITTEE

By MALUM NALU

The 54th Goroka Show – with the theme ‘Unity’ - will be staged over independence weekend on September 16, 17 and 18.

This was confirmed at the launch of PNG’s longest-running cultural festival, which was first staged back in 1957, at a function attended by sponsors and potential sponsors in Goroka last Wednesday night,

Traditional major sponsors such as SP Brewery and Coca-Cola Amatil (PNG) were represented while National Gaming Control Board, while not present, indicated its continued support this year.

 Bank South Pacific came good with K20, 000, presentation of which was made by Goroka branch manager, Reuben Elijah.

Also joining the bandwagon was Lae Biscuit Company with K5, 000;  PNG Japan Ltd with K5,000; while Ramu Agri-Industries Ltd committed 25,000 sachets of sugar (equivalent to 50 cartons) for the singsing groups.

Organising committee chairman, Gideon Samuel, acknowledged the presence and support of sponsors, and appealed to Eastern Highlands provincial government to give more support to the event.

“Other shows in the country receive adequate financial backing from their host provincial governments to the tune of more than K100, 000 to host their shows,” he said.

“Having said that, it is not my intention to discredit the provincial government but to point out that it is really impossible to host a show of the calibre of Goroka Show with K20, 000 or K10, 000 at this point in time, taking into consideration the higher cost of goods and services.

“Goroka Show, as we all know, is a historic event,” he said.

“Goroka Show first started as the Highlands Show and was first staged in 1957 under the colonial administration to unite the various warring tribes of the region, take stock of the progress of development and to introduce the concept of economic development to a people suddenly in confrontation with civilisation and the material world.

“In fact,  to this very day,  I remain convinced that Goroka Show played its part in the dissemination of information on coffee cultivation to the indigenous people because the very people who were instrumental in promoting coffee were also involved in the planning and staging of the Goroka Show in the early years.

“Goroka Show was also responsible for the exposure of the famous Asaro Mudman, which has gone on to become the cultural icon of Eastern Highlands. “

Samuel commended Goroka Chamber of Commerce and Industry for raising the profile of the show since 2005, through the website www.gorokashow.com , at its own costs

“Today I receive queries from all over the globe on information regarding show dates, accommodation and many more,” he said.

“Just a while ago, I receive an email from a former resident who told me that she was on the inaugural organising committee, and that she is intending to come again for this year’s event.

“Last year, we had a record of 800-plus tourists and that is attributed to the ongoing internet marketing through our website, courtesy of Goroka Chamber of Commerce and Industry.”

First national mining safety week to be in 2012

The First National Mining Safety Week shall be celebrated in March-April 2012 all across the entire mining industry in Papua New Guinea.

As per decision taken by the National Apex Mining Safety Council last year, Barrick Porgera Joint Venture will be hosting this event which was announced at the second meeting of the National Mining Emergency Response Forum in Port Moresby on Wednesday July 20, 2011.

The mining industry in PNG,  under the auspices of the Office of the Chief Inspector of Mines,  organised the First National Mining Emergency Response Challenge at Lae in March 2011,  which received an excellent response and support from all stake holders and was hailed as a resounding success.  

Transforming the event into a bigger and wider game, next year would witness staging of the First National Mining Safety Week in which all mines would conduct various safety promotional activities at their respective sites during the Safety Week period,  which would lead up to staging of the Mining Emergency Response Challenge in Port Moresby as a concluding ceremony.    

The concept,  initiated to develop closer partnerships and interaction amongst the different industry players and to provide avenue for participants to learn and exchange skills and ideas,  is believed to generate more interest and bigger participation next year.

The main purpose of these celebrations is to educate and remind people of the importance of safety at their work places.

Speaking at the Forum meeting, PNG’s Chief Inspector of Mines, Mr Mohan Singh,  thanked Barrick PJV for taking up the challenge and said he had confidence in them to make the 2012 event a grand success.