AN investigation is under way as police try to find those involved in the ethnic clash at the 9-Mile settlement on Sunday that left one dead and two injured, The National reports.
NCD metropolitan commander Supt Joseph Tondop said police had been deployed to the area to control and monitor the situation.
Tondop said they were investigating the clash and were collecting statements from eyewitnesses.
He said, hopefully, by the end of the week they would make some arrests.
Tondop said there were no major criminal incidences reported over the weekend other than the violent clash.
Assistant police deputy commissioner, Fred Yakasa, said incidences like the 9-Mile fight often tested our resolve to remain united and uphold the Christian values we cherish.
"Ours is a strong democratic nation with diverse cultures but yet so united," police said.
"Our Constitution and democracy are testimonies that God loves this country.
"From pre-colonial times to what we are today, we, through our Melanesian practices and customs, relate ourselves as one nation boasting a togetherness that never exists anywhere else in the world.
"PNG being a Christian country values love for one another as the fundamental tenet for all other forms of development.
"The greatest commandment the Lord Jesus Christ taught us: Love one another as you love yourself.
"So such ethnic clashes threaten our unity as one nation and adversely affect businesses."
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
LNG workers shut down operations at plant
By ISAAC NICHOLAS
HUNDREDS of workers protesting their working conditions and pay forcefully shut down operations at the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant site at portion 152 in Central yesterday, The National reports.
The disgruntled workers shut the main gates at 3am yesterday, blocking access by heavy and light vehicles into the construction site.
They had demanded for a review of the service outline agreement (SoA) which included K3.25 per hour, risk allowances, double time for public holiday work and yearly project bonuses.
Spokesman Mea Bromess Arua said construction had been going on for two years and the workers, mostly unskilled labourers, were being paid at an hourly rate of K3.25.
The SoA is an agreement between the landowner umbrella company, Laba Holdings Ltd, and ExxonMobil outlining the conditions and benefits for people recruited to work with sub-contractors during the construction phase.
"We want the management of Laba Holdings to address our grievances," Arua said
Another frustrated worker, Martin Ebogo, who claimed to be a former mine worker, said the LNG was a multi-billion-kina project but workers were under-paid.
"We will not stop the project but they must review the SoA," he said.
He said even site supervisors and leading hands were underpaid.
Speaking to the workers, CCJV country manager John Bramley said there was an incident last week involving a sub-contractor, Red Sea, with its workers not getting their fortnight pay but that had been resolved.
He appealed to workers who were not paid to "go through the proper process through the workers' representative committee which will meet next Thursday".
"There are elements around who are not workers and the media who do not work on the site.
"This is our site and we will talk to you alone and not address it through the media," Bramley said.
"We need to get this site open and we will do whatever it takes to have this site remain open."
Laba Holdings chairman Raho Kevau said the K3.25 hourly rate was being addressed and that the company would be making representations to the national government to review the rates.
Kevau said the SoA rate was set by the national government and the developer without consulting Laba Holdings Ltd.
He said a newly-formed portion 152 association did not represent the landowners.
Kevau said there were elements with vested interest who were not legitimate representatives of the four impact villages trying to create problems and disharmony among the people.
"They are a bunch of rejects from the four villages who are here to cause problems for the employees.
"Laba Holdings is the legitimate umbrella company representing the 25,000 people who are shareholders through their four landowner companies."
HUNDREDS of workers protesting their working conditions and pay forcefully shut down operations at the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant site at portion 152 in Central yesterday, The National reports.
The disgruntled workers shut the main gates at 3am yesterday, blocking access by heavy and light vehicles into the construction site.
They had demanded for a review of the service outline agreement (SoA) which included K3.25 per hour, risk allowances, double time for public holiday work and yearly project bonuses.
Spokesman Mea Bromess Arua said construction had been going on for two years and the workers, mostly unskilled labourers, were being paid at an hourly rate of K3.25.
The SoA is an agreement between the landowner umbrella company, Laba Holdings Ltd, and ExxonMobil outlining the conditions and benefits for people recruited to work with sub-contractors during the construction phase.
"We want the management of Laba Holdings to address our grievances," Arua said
Another frustrated worker, Martin Ebogo, who claimed to be a former mine worker, said the LNG was a multi-billion-kina project but workers were under-paid.
"We will not stop the project but they must review the SoA," he said.
He said even site supervisors and leading hands were underpaid.
Speaking to the workers, CCJV country manager John Bramley said there was an incident last week involving a sub-contractor, Red Sea, with its workers not getting their fortnight pay but that had been resolved.
He appealed to workers who were not paid to "go through the proper process through the workers' representative committee which will meet next Thursday".
"There are elements around who are not workers and the media who do not work on the site.
"This is our site and we will talk to you alone and not address it through the media," Bramley said.
"We need to get this site open and we will do whatever it takes to have this site remain open."
Laba Holdings chairman Raho Kevau said the K3.25 hourly rate was being addressed and that the company would be making representations to the national government to review the rates.
Kevau said the SoA rate was set by the national government and the developer without consulting Laba Holdings Ltd.
He said a newly-formed portion 152 association did not represent the landowners.
Kevau said there were elements with vested interest who were not legitimate representatives of the four impact villages trying to create problems and disharmony among the people.
"They are a bunch of rejects from the four villages who are here to cause problems for the employees.
"Laba Holdings is the legitimate umbrella company representing the 25,000 people who are shareholders through their four landowner companies."
UN takes stock of peace agreement
By STEPHANIE ELIZAH
A UNITED Nations delegation is in Bougainville to review the mission's role in the Bougainville peace agreement, which was signed 10 years ago, The National reports.
Resident coordinator of the UN mission in PNG David McLachlan-Karr is leading the week-long assessment team.
He said on arrival at Buka Airport yesterday that the UN and its development partners were proud of being part of the Bougainville peace process since 2001.
"After 10 years, it was a good time for the UN, the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the state to take stock of what had been achieved," McLachlan-Karr said.
"The mission is designed to be helpful, to position itself where it can provide substantial assistance and how we can support the aspect of the peace agreement."
After talks with stakeholders on the peace agreement tomorrow, the UN mission comprising New York-based UN officers from the Department of Political Affairs would lead a three-day peace-walk through the Numa Numa track from Wakunai, in East Coast Bougainville, to Torokina on the West Coast.
McLachlan-Karr said the walk would focus on youths.
"The 10 years of the peace process provides an opportunity for reflection with the youths to recognise not only their vulnerabilities but, especially, their strengths and the opportunities available," he said.
He said the peace-walk sought to draw attention to the resourcefulness of youths that should be maximised by the policy makers.
"It seeks to draw a special attention to the economic opportunities in Bougainville, especially tourism and employment potentials of the track."
Bougainville President John Momis will launch the peace walk with youths from South, Central and North Bougainville accompanying the UN delegation on the track.
A UNITED Nations delegation is in Bougainville to review the mission's role in the Bougainville peace agreement, which was signed 10 years ago, The National reports.
Resident coordinator of the UN mission in PNG David McLachlan-Karr is leading the week-long assessment team.
He said on arrival at Buka Airport yesterday that the UN and its development partners were proud of being part of the Bougainville peace process since 2001.
"After 10 years, it was a good time for the UN, the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the state to take stock of what had been achieved," McLachlan-Karr said.
"The mission is designed to be helpful, to position itself where it can provide substantial assistance and how we can support the aspect of the peace agreement."
After talks with stakeholders on the peace agreement tomorrow, the UN mission comprising New York-based UN officers from the Department of Political Affairs would lead a three-day peace-walk through the Numa Numa track from Wakunai, in East Coast Bougainville, to Torokina on the West Coast.
McLachlan-Karr said the walk would focus on youths.
"The 10 years of the peace process provides an opportunity for reflection with the youths to recognise not only their vulnerabilities but, especially, their strengths and the opportunities available," he said.
He said the peace-walk sought to draw attention to the resourcefulness of youths that should be maximised by the policy makers.
"It seeks to draw a special attention to the economic opportunities in Bougainville, especially tourism and employment potentials of the track."
Bougainville President John Momis will launch the peace walk with youths from South, Central and North Bougainville accompanying the UN delegation on the track.
Pagelio admits to OBE flaws
ACTING Education secretary Dr Joseph Pagelio has admitted to flaws in the reformed education system, saying the solutions are provided in the schools learning and improvement programme (SLIP), The National reports.
He told teachers in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands, that he had heard their grievances and was aware that the outcomes-based education (OBE) concept had brought about problems with infrastructure, logistics and overcrowding in classrooms.
Pagelio was speaking during the launching of vehicles for standards and guidance officers last Friday.
He said the Education Department had begun setting up school libraries, distributing students and teachers' books, implementing the technical and vocational education and training (TVet) programme with the allocation of K11 million and setting up community colleges.
Pagelio said the purchase of vehicles and the commitment to build houses for the standards and guidance officers were necessary.
He said five houses for the officers would be built at the Pagelio village in Kagamuga.
Another 200 houses would be built throughout the country over the next 10 years.
The department was allocated K30 million in this year's budget and had submitted a K40-million proposal for next year's budget.
Local councillor John Wats also suggested the setting up of a university in Western Highlands.
He said land would not be an issue because locals were willing to give away their land for education.
He told teachers in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands, that he had heard their grievances and was aware that the outcomes-based education (OBE) concept had brought about problems with infrastructure, logistics and overcrowding in classrooms.
Pagelio was speaking during the launching of vehicles for standards and guidance officers last Friday.
He said the Education Department had begun setting up school libraries, distributing students and teachers' books, implementing the technical and vocational education and training (TVet) programme with the allocation of K11 million and setting up community colleges.
Pagelio said the purchase of vehicles and the commitment to build houses for the standards and guidance officers were necessary.
He said five houses for the officers would be built at the Pagelio village in Kagamuga.
Another 200 houses would be built throughout the country over the next 10 years.
The department was allocated K30 million in this year's budget and had submitted a K40-million proposal for next year's budget.
Local councillor John Wats also suggested the setting up of a university in Western Highlands.
He said land would not be an issue because locals were willing to give away their land for education.
LLG chiefs slam suspension of Morobe powers
By ELLEN TIAMU and RIGGO NANGAN
SEVERAL Morobe local level government presidents claimed yesterday that the national government has also withdrawn their province's financial powers, The National reports.
Morobe will be the second provincial government to have its powers suspended after East Sepik, although, no formal announcement had been made of the action taken against Morobe.
Deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah alluded to Northern and Enga facing similar fates while visiting Popondetta last week.
Wampar LLG president Peter Namus said the province had not received any notice from the auditor-general citing abuse of funds.
"Therefore, any withdrawal of Morobe's financial powers is unwarranted," he said.
Namus said the LLG presidents hoped cabinet was not reacting to allegations at the whims of certain national politicians.
He warned that the people would be the biggest losers if Morobe's financial powers were withdrawn.
He claimed no audit had been done on the provincial accounts and was suspicious of cabinet's action.
The conditions for a suspension of a provincial government would be warranted if the auditor-general had established that there had been an abuse of funds or if the minister (or special investigating committee) finds an abuse of power by the provincial government as stipulated by section 51 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments.
Based on the AG's findings, the National Executive Council (cabinet) then directs the province to take corrective measures to fix the anomaly or anomalies.
If this is not done, then, cabinet can withdraw all or any of the powers and functions, a process which the presidents alleged had not been followed.
East Sepik and Morobe provincial governments had their financial powers stripped by cabinet on Aug 12.
Morobe had filed legal proceedings in the National Court challenging the decision.
SEVERAL Morobe local level government presidents claimed yesterday that the national government has also withdrawn their province's financial powers, The National reports.
Morobe will be the second provincial government to have its powers suspended after East Sepik, although, no formal announcement had been made of the action taken against Morobe.
Deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah alluded to Northern and Enga facing similar fates while visiting Popondetta last week.
Wampar LLG president Peter Namus said the province had not received any notice from the auditor-general citing abuse of funds.
"Therefore, any withdrawal of Morobe's financial powers is unwarranted," he said.
Namus said the LLG presidents hoped cabinet was not reacting to allegations at the whims of certain national politicians.
He warned that the people would be the biggest losers if Morobe's financial powers were withdrawn.
He claimed no audit had been done on the provincial accounts and was suspicious of cabinet's action.
The conditions for a suspension of a provincial government would be warranted if the auditor-general had established that there had been an abuse of funds or if the minister (or special investigating committee) finds an abuse of power by the provincial government as stipulated by section 51 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments.
Based on the AG's findings, the National Executive Council (cabinet) then directs the province to take corrective measures to fix the anomaly or anomalies.
If this is not done, then, cabinet can withdraw all or any of the powers and functions, a process which the presidents alleged had not been followed.
East Sepik and Morobe provincial governments had their financial powers stripped by cabinet on Aug 12.
Morobe had filed legal proceedings in the National Court challenging the decision.
Kulang wins Kundiawa-Gembogl by-election
By ZACHERY PER
PNG Constitutional Democratic party candidate Tobias Kulang is the new member for Kundiawa-Gembogl, The National reports.
He is the first member of the newly-formed party and the last to be declared a member of the seventh National Parliament before next year's general election.
Kulang polled 12,038 votes at the end of elimination 41 to muster 51.145% of the total 23,537 ballots remaining, to be declared winner ahead of People's National Congress (PNC) candidate Peter Waieng who managed 11,499 votes (48.85%).
Kulang was declared the winner at 5.30pm yesterday by returning officer James Piapia.
Kulang picked up 2,118 votes from the 40th elimination of former MP Wagi Merimba who was fourth with 6,596 votes and surged to the top with 11,517 votes.
At the 41st elimination of another former MP Mathew Siune, Kulang picked up 521 votes to win the by-election.
At his maiden speech at the declaration, Kulang emphasised that he was among a new generation of leaders to lead the people to prosperity and salvation.
He promised to lead Kundiawa-Gembogl under a clear vision to set a new destiny for the people and steer them towards positive progress and rural development.
"I will do my best to serve with a vision to bring changes within these few months remaining before the general election."
Kulang said one of his priorities would be to fix the Kundiawa-Gembogl road.
He comes from Kegesulo at the foot of Mt Wilhelm.
Witnessing the swearing-in were Deputy Governor of Chimbu Teine Sogan, Simbu administrator Joe Kunda, Assistant Commissioner of Police Simon Kauba, Chimbu elections manager Steven Gore Kaupa, police, counting officials and PNG Electoral Commission staff.
Speakers commended the peaceful conduct of the candidates, supporters and the people of Kundiawa-Gembogl.
Kauba said the people demonstrated that they had matured, understood and respected the process of electing leaders.
"I commend police and the people, especially candidates and their supporters, for their good behaviour during the by-election process," he said.
PNG Constitutional Democratic party candidate Tobias Kulang is the new member for Kundiawa-Gembogl, The National reports.
He is the first member of the newly-formed party and the last to be declared a member of the seventh National Parliament before next year's general election.
Kulang polled 12,038 votes at the end of elimination 41 to muster 51.145% of the total 23,537 ballots remaining, to be declared winner ahead of People's National Congress (PNC) candidate Peter Waieng who managed 11,499 votes (48.85%).
Kulang was declared the winner at 5.30pm yesterday by returning officer James Piapia.
Kulang picked up 2,118 votes from the 40th elimination of former MP Wagi Merimba who was fourth with 6,596 votes and surged to the top with 11,517 votes.
At the 41st elimination of another former MP Mathew Siune, Kulang picked up 521 votes to win the by-election.
At his maiden speech at the declaration, Kulang emphasised that he was among a new generation of leaders to lead the people to prosperity and salvation.
He promised to lead Kundiawa-Gembogl under a clear vision to set a new destiny for the people and steer them towards positive progress and rural development.
"I will do my best to serve with a vision to bring changes within these few months remaining before the general election."
Kulang said one of his priorities would be to fix the Kundiawa-Gembogl road.
He comes from Kegesulo at the foot of Mt Wilhelm.
Witnessing the swearing-in were Deputy Governor of Chimbu Teine Sogan, Simbu administrator Joe Kunda, Assistant Commissioner of Police Simon Kauba, Chimbu elections manager Steven Gore Kaupa, police, counting officials and PNG Electoral Commission staff.
Speakers commended the peaceful conduct of the candidates, supporters and the people of Kundiawa-Gembogl.
Kauba said the people demonstrated that they had matured, understood and respected the process of electing leaders.
"I commend police and the people, especially candidates and their supporters, for their good behaviour during the by-election process," he said.
Somare out of hospital
GRAND Chief Sir Michael Somare has checked out of Singapore's Raffles Hospital four months after he was admitted for open heart surgery, The National reports.
He was reported to have checked into an apartment in Singapore as his doctors had advised that he was not yet fit to travel back to PNG.
Sir Michael, who has been visited by a number of close friends, was served court documents in person last Friday at the Singapore Raffles Hospital in the presence of his son, Angoram MP Arthur Somare.
The service of the Supreme Court Reference, filed by the East Sepik provincial executive council, on Sir Michael was executed by Singapore-based lawyer Timothy Ng.
Sir Michael had been drawn in as a party to the court reference which sought to establish whether or not the election of Ialibu-Pangia MP Peter O'Neill as prime minister on Aug 2 was constitutional.
Sir Michael was admitted in April at Raffles where he underwent three heart surgeries.
He had been in intensive care for most of that time when his family announced to the nation that the Grand Chief would retire from active politics.
Christian congregations around the country have been praying for the devout Catholic and father-of-five ever since he was hospitalised.
During that time, he lost his position as leader of the National Alliance party and prime minister of PNG.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)