By FRANK SENGE KOLMA
THE Papua New Guinea embassy in Brussels is embroiled in a bitter feud involving a Belgian national working there and her employer, that threatens to spill into the courts of Belgium, The National reports.
Belgian national Martine-Ghislaine Victoria Chaplin van Camp has complained of sexual harassment, of being locked out of her office and of not being paid for four months, among other things.
Brussels head of mission Ambassador Peter Maginde, in turn, had accused van Camp of blackmail, of removing sensitive documents and the embassy cheque book to her home.
Maginde had engaged a Belgian law firm to assist in recovering embassy property.
Whatever the truth of the matter, letters have been sent to the king of Belgium, the Queen of England as the head of state of PNG, the governor-general and the two governments repeating her accusations and making damaging remarks against not just Maginde but the work habits and character of the people of PNG.
According to van Camp, the king of Belgium had directed two of its ministers to attend to the matter.
Yesterday, a senior PNG Foreign Affairs Department officer confirmed that "several correspondence" had been received relating to the matter, adding the department had urged Maginde to resolve it.
In e-mail correspondence with The National, van Camp gave graphic accounts of the sexual harassment which she claimed took place within the embassy precincts.
It got to a stage, she claimed, where she had to stop wearing skirts and had to go into the ambassador's office accompanied by minister Alois Tabereng or third secretary Aileen Boi.
Maginde described her allegations as "absolutely false, without basis of evidence and there is no truth in it".
He said he had engaged a law firm to sue her for defamation and character assassination and to recover PNG government property.
In a letter to secretary Michael Maue on April 4, van Camp said: "Since Ambassador Peter Maginde seems unwilling to understand his obligations in respect of the legislation of his hosting country – despite the several reminders from the protocol of the ministry of foreign affairs to backpay my salaries and social security payments, as much as to provide local staff with legal contracts and their due social benefit payments – his Majesty Albert II, king of Belgium, has requested two of his state ministers to take this matter into their hands."
Van Camp confirmed she had taken her administrative work home as her office door lock was changed and she could not access her office and she could not continue because of the harassment.
Maginde responded this week by accusing her of trying to blackmail the embassy.
He said between April and May last year, she was informed that her performance level was not to "our expectations and she was taking many days off so we warned her to improve and comply with all the required instructions".
In the end, he said the situation was untenable and her employment was terminated.
Maginde said: "She is almost 60 years of age and she claims that, due to her age, the embassy is responsible to employ her.
"We have said that is not possible and, thus, have terminated her (employment) officially as of January but legally-effected as of April 2011 due to the three months' notice under the Belgian laws.
"She has been paid all her entitlements and benefits due under law.
"She says that if we terminate her, she would destroy me so that is her intention for the emails to everywhere and everybody."
He said the Belgian foreign affairs had been briefed and had asked her to return all government documents and financial accounts including cheque books.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Obama hails PM O’Neill
UNITED States President Barack Obama has congratulated Peter O'Neill on his election as the prime minister of Papua New Guinea, The National reports.
This is the second congratulatory message sent to O'Neill and his two-week-old government by world leaders.
The first congratulatory message was sent two days after O'Neill was elected prime minister on Aug 2 by his Australian counterpart, Julia Gillard.
Gillard phoned O'Neill to say that Canberra was ready to work with him and his new government.
Gillard and O'Neill stressed the importance of continuing the strong bilateral relations that existed and other issues like the Manus asylum seekers processing centre and AusAID programmes in the country.
Obama congratulated O'Neill through the United States embassy in Port Moresby.
His congratulatory message read: "Dear Mr Prime Minister. Congratulations on your recent appointment as prime minister of Papua New Guinea.
"Our nations have a shared interest in the promotion of democracy and rule of law, the preservation of environmental and cultural diversity and stability and prosperity in the Pacific region.
"I look forward to working closely with you and your government to promote these common interests, expand our bilateral economic ties and deepen our co-operation in the region.
"I am confident that through our combined efforts, we will strengthen the ties that bind our countries together and improve the lives of our people.
"Sincerely Yours, Barack Obama.
This is the second congratulatory message sent to O'Neill and his two-week-old government by world leaders.
The first congratulatory message was sent two days after O'Neill was elected prime minister on Aug 2 by his Australian counterpart, Julia Gillard.
Gillard phoned O'Neill to say that Canberra was ready to work with him and his new government.
Gillard and O'Neill stressed the importance of continuing the strong bilateral relations that existed and other issues like the Manus asylum seekers processing centre and AusAID programmes in the country.
Obama congratulated O'Neill through the United States embassy in Port Moresby.
His congratulatory message read: "Dear Mr Prime Minister. Congratulations on your recent appointment as prime minister of Papua New Guinea.
"Our nations have a shared interest in the promotion of democracy and rule of law, the preservation of environmental and cultural diversity and stability and prosperity in the Pacific region.
"I look forward to working closely with you and your government to promote these common interests, expand our bilateral economic ties and deepen our co-operation in the region.
"I am confident that through our combined efforts, we will strengthen the ties that bind our countries together and improve the lives of our people.
"Sincerely Yours, Barack Obama.
Waieng leads in Chimbu
By ZACHERY PER
PEOPLE's National Congress party candidate and former Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Peter Waieng was still ahead midway through the by-election elimination process when counting was suspended last night after the 22nd elimination, The National reports.
Waieng maintained a comfortable lead with 7,328 votes, a difference of 1,988 votes over his nearest rival and former agriculture minister Mathew Siune (5,240).
The six candidates who were eliminated yesterday included Francis Iwainde, John Siune Kela, Francis Otto Gugl, Kiak Bagle, Siune Kua and John Sie Wigle.
After the distribution of their preference votes among the remaining 21 candidates, PNC's Peter Waieng led with 7,328 votes, Siune was second on 5,240, PNG Constitutional Democratic Party candidate Tobias Kulang was third with 4,917 votes, People's Party man Paul Gende fourth on 4,180 and former Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Wagi Merimba was running fifth on 4,047 votes.
A total of 381 ballots had been exhausted after last night's elimination leaving the 21 surviving candidates sharing a total of 51,643 votes.
Chimbu provincial election manager Steven Gore Kaupa said at the Kundiawa Lutheran Day High School the elimination would slow down when the elimination reached the 900 and more than 1,000-vote mark.
Kaupa said they were on track to complete the counting before Aug 26.
PEOPLE's National Congress party candidate and former Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Peter Waieng was still ahead midway through the by-election elimination process when counting was suspended last night after the 22nd elimination, The National reports.
Waieng maintained a comfortable lead with 7,328 votes, a difference of 1,988 votes over his nearest rival and former agriculture minister Mathew Siune (5,240).
The six candidates who were eliminated yesterday included Francis Iwainde, John Siune Kela, Francis Otto Gugl, Kiak Bagle, Siune Kua and John Sie Wigle.
After the distribution of their preference votes among the remaining 21 candidates, PNC's Peter Waieng led with 7,328 votes, Siune was second on 5,240, PNG Constitutional Democratic Party candidate Tobias Kulang was third with 4,917 votes, People's Party man Paul Gende fourth on 4,180 and former Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Wagi Merimba was running fifth on 4,047 votes.
A total of 381 ballots had been exhausted after last night's elimination leaving the 21 surviving candidates sharing a total of 51,643 votes.
Chimbu provincial election manager Steven Gore Kaupa said at the Kundiawa Lutheran Day High School the elimination would slow down when the elimination reached the 900 and more than 1,000-vote mark.
Kaupa said they were on track to complete the counting before Aug 26.
Writs date conflicts with day of prayer
THE date set for the return of writs for the Kundiawa-Gembogl by-election coincides with the National Executive Council (NEC) declared public holiday on Aug 26, The National reports.
When Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio issued the writs, he set Aug 26 as the date for the writs to be returned, which falls next Friday.
According to yesterday's newspaper reports, there were "three public holidays remaining this year and 12 public holidays for next year".
Attempts to get comments from PNG Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen were unsuccessful.
However, it was understood that a new date would be set for the return of writs.
When Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio issued the writs, he set Aug 26 as the date for the writs to be returned, which falls next Friday.
According to yesterday's newspaper reports, there were "three public holidays remaining this year and 12 public holidays for next year".
Attempts to get comments from PNG Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen were unsuccessful.
However, it was understood that a new date would be set for the return of writs.
PM urged to make wise decisions
By SAMUEL RAITANO and JEFFREY ELAPA
LEADERS in Mendi, Southern Highlands, want Prime Minister Peter O'Neill and Public Service Minister Bart Philemon to make some wise and sensible decisions on the administration of the province, The National reports.
It comes as the National Executive Council reinstated William Powi as acting administrator for Southern Highlands.
Lawrence Olkoben was acting in the position.
It led to a clash last Monday between their supporters in Mendi town.
Olkoben was appointed by the Somare government while Powi was appointed last week by the O'Neill government.
Powi's move to occupy office on Monday was resisted by Olkoben's supporters and
resulted in the clash which left some people injured and properties damaged.
Both men are understood to be from Nipa, a section of the highway that leads to the LNG project hub, Tari.
The leaders in Mendi said if politicians continued to promote their own cronies to be administrators in Southern Highlands, there was a potential for chaos, anarchy and bloodshed in Mendi and elsewhere in the province.
Community leaders from Hunjahumap, Wogia, Longo, Kiburu, Lai Valley, Upper Mendi, Lower Mendi and the surrounding communities and LLGs want the government to appoint someone neutral to administer the province.
They wanted the government to appoint someone from Mendi or Lai Valley.
Meanwhile, Governor Anderson Agiru claimed the earlier appointment of Olkoben was done through proper procedures.
Agiru said that Powi's appointment was a "rushed move" by the prime minister.
The court registry in Mendi has denied a report that a court case had been filed by Olkoben against Powi.
Powi had earlier this year challenged the Southern Highlands provincial executive council in its decision to have Olkoben appointed.
The matter is still pending in court.
Meanwhile, police in Mendi said the situation in town was still tense following Monday's fight.
Sources from Mendi said people were openly carrying bush knives around the town's streets.
LEADERS in Mendi, Southern Highlands, want Prime Minister Peter O'Neill and Public Service Minister Bart Philemon to make some wise and sensible decisions on the administration of the province, The National reports.
It comes as the National Executive Council reinstated William Powi as acting administrator for Southern Highlands.
Lawrence Olkoben was acting in the position.
It led to a clash last Monday between their supporters in Mendi town.
Olkoben was appointed by the Somare government while Powi was appointed last week by the O'Neill government.
Powi's move to occupy office on Monday was resisted by Olkoben's supporters and
resulted in the clash which left some people injured and properties damaged.
Both men are understood to be from Nipa, a section of the highway that leads to the LNG project hub, Tari.
The leaders in Mendi said if politicians continued to promote their own cronies to be administrators in Southern Highlands, there was a potential for chaos, anarchy and bloodshed in Mendi and elsewhere in the province.
Community leaders from Hunjahumap, Wogia, Longo, Kiburu, Lai Valley, Upper Mendi, Lower Mendi and the surrounding communities and LLGs want the government to appoint someone neutral to administer the province.
They wanted the government to appoint someone from Mendi or Lai Valley.
Meanwhile, Governor Anderson Agiru claimed the earlier appointment of Olkoben was done through proper procedures.
Agiru said that Powi's appointment was a "rushed move" by the prime minister.
The court registry in Mendi has denied a report that a court case had been filed by Olkoben against Powi.
Powi had earlier this year challenged the Southern Highlands provincial executive council in its decision to have Olkoben appointed.
The matter is still pending in court.
Meanwhile, police in Mendi said the situation in town was still tense following Monday's fight.
Sources from Mendi said people were openly carrying bush knives around the town's streets.
SHP locals want ‘powers’ stopped
THE people of Southern Highlands are calling on the national government to immediately withdraw the powers of the Southern Highlands provincial government, The National reports.
Many people rang from Mendi, Southern Highlands, while others from the province living and working in other provinces also rang to call on the government to withdraw the financial powers of the provincial government.
They have also condemned the current administrative struggle between reappointed provincial administrator William Powi and the former and sidelined administrator Lawrence Olkoben.
Senior lawyer Marley Nandi said the government should immediately withdraw the financial powers back to Waigani while an independent investigation team was established to look into the rot in the province.
He said the province had become a milking ground for people since the time of the late Dick Mune, the Hami Yawari regime and the Agiru government.
He said that provincial administrators also needed to be investigated as many unscrupulous activities have been going on in the manner in which the funds of the province have been used.
He said that the recent investigation and jailing of seven people involved in the fraud was just a tip of the iceberg as many such people were still on the run and an immediate investigation was required.
Former member for Kagua-Erave David Basua said so much money into the province's coffers from the resources but it lags in development as the huge sums of funds are squandered by people in authority.
Meanwhile Southern Highlands National Alliance secretary Terence Perene called for another declaration of state of emergency.
He said there were many thing wrong with the governance of the province and it was time the national government intervene to correct it.
He said the coming election was also a threat as more guns were brought in to the province while such weapons were brought into the town without anyone being arrested by police as in the recent clash between the two groups over the administration position.
Basua also condemned the action of the two groups and stated that the position was not a birthright for few people.
He said any credible Papua New Guinean can apply for the position and not just the cronies of politicians and people from one district.
Leaders from Lai valley and surrounding villages of Mendi town have also expressed similar sentiments.
Many people rang from Mendi, Southern Highlands, while others from the province living and working in other provinces also rang to call on the government to withdraw the financial powers of the provincial government.
They have also condemned the current administrative struggle between reappointed provincial administrator William Powi and the former and sidelined administrator Lawrence Olkoben.
Senior lawyer Marley Nandi said the government should immediately withdraw the financial powers back to Waigani while an independent investigation team was established to look into the rot in the province.
He said the province had become a milking ground for people since the time of the late Dick Mune, the Hami Yawari regime and the Agiru government.
He said that provincial administrators also needed to be investigated as many unscrupulous activities have been going on in the manner in which the funds of the province have been used.
He said that the recent investigation and jailing of seven people involved in the fraud was just a tip of the iceberg as many such people were still on the run and an immediate investigation was required.
Former member for Kagua-Erave David Basua said so much money into the province's coffers from the resources but it lags in development as the huge sums of funds are squandered by people in authority.
Meanwhile Southern Highlands National Alliance secretary Terence Perene called for another declaration of state of emergency.
He said there were many thing wrong with the governance of the province and it was time the national government intervene to correct it.
He said the coming election was also a threat as more guns were brought in to the province while such weapons were brought into the town without anyone being arrested by police as in the recent clash between the two groups over the administration position.
Basua also condemned the action of the two groups and stated that the position was not a birthright for few people.
He said any credible Papua New Guinean can apply for the position and not just the cronies of politicians and people from one district.
Leaders from Lai valley and surrounding villages of Mendi town have also expressed similar sentiments.
Group cuts off Telikom services
By GABRIEL FITO
ALL telecommunication services in parts of East and West Sepik have been disrupted after people purporting to be landowners unplugged solar panels and heaped rubbish onto the helipad preventing the helicopter from off-loading fuel at the Mt Albawagi repeater station at Dagua in East Sepik, The National reports.
Telikom workmen have made unsuccessful attempts this week to fly in fuel as the helipads were still covered with debris.
Mt Albawagi landowners' chairman Paul Amit said the problem was not caused by the landowners of Woginara but opportunists from Magopin village.
He lodged another complaint at the Wewak police station yesterday
Anit apologised to those who were affected by the actions of the perpetrators, saying the problem had been caused by an outside group.
He called on Telikom management to meet with the landowners immediately to resolve the issue of landowners' chairmanship so opportunist did not take advantage of such situations by disrupting vital services.
The Telikom customer service manager in Wewak could not be reached for comment as she was out of the office yesterday, but an employee confirmed the disruption of services.
ALL telecommunication services in parts of East and West Sepik have been disrupted after people purporting to be landowners unplugged solar panels and heaped rubbish onto the helipad preventing the helicopter from off-loading fuel at the Mt Albawagi repeater station at Dagua in East Sepik, The National reports.
Telikom workmen have made unsuccessful attempts this week to fly in fuel as the helipads were still covered with debris.
Mt Albawagi landowners' chairman Paul Amit said the problem was not caused by the landowners of Woginara but opportunists from Magopin village.
He lodged another complaint at the Wewak police station yesterday
Anit apologised to those who were affected by the actions of the perpetrators, saying the problem had been caused by an outside group.
He called on Telikom management to meet with the landowners immediately to resolve the issue of landowners' chairmanship so opportunist did not take advantage of such situations by disrupting vital services.
The Telikom customer service manager in Wewak could not be reached for comment as she was out of the office yesterday, but an employee confirmed the disruption of services.
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