By JACOB POK
THE East Sepik provincial government's bid to obtain an interim injunction to restrain the government from withdrawing its financial powers will be heard in court today, The National reports.
The matter was heard yesterday at the Waigani National Court but adjourned because state lawyers were not present.
Despite the urgency of the matter, and the provincial government's move to have the matter heard ex-parte (only one party), presiding judge Justice Ambeng Kandakasi ruled that all parties should be present in court to properly deal with the matter.
He then adjourned the matter and told state lawyers present in court to advise their colleagues to appear today.
The Finance and Treasury had last week proposed to withdraw the financial powers of the Morobe and East Sepik provincial governments because of alleged abuse and mismanagement of funds by executives.
The Morobe provincial government successfully obtained interim restraining orders on Monday at the Lae National Court, temporarily stopping the government from signing instruments that would effect the decision to remove its financial powers.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
O’Neill puts stop to withdrawal of powers
By FRANK SENGE KOLMA
PRIME Minister Peter O'Neill has directed a halt on all moves to withdraw the financial powers of provincial governments, The National reports.
O'Neill said yesterday: "There is no NEC decision directing suspension or withdrawal of powers of any provincial government.
"If there is any allegation of financial mismanagement, there should be proper investigation conducted into the allegation first.
"We do not want to appear to be vindictive."
The prime minister's directive comes as the East Sepik and Morobe provincial governments go to court to challenge the withdrawal of their financial powers, apparently by a ministerial edict on Aug 12. The order is said to have been issued from the Finance and Treasury ministry.
The Morobe government, on Monday, sought and got an injunction preventing the national government from withdrawing its powers.
The East Sepik provincial government's bid to obtain a similar injunction was heard briefly yesterday and postponed to today.
The prime minister's stance is likely to affect these matters on foot and will prevent future moves against provincial governments without any good cause.
Meanwhile, Southern Highlands Governor Anderson Agiru said yesterday cabinet had no authority to withdraw financial powers of a provincial government except in a state of emergency or during a war.
He said this was established beyond any doubt by the Supreme Court when he challenged the suspension of his provincial government in October 2000 by the Mekere Morauta regime.
The court voided division 8 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments which purported to authorise the National Executive Council to withdraw powers or suspend provincial governments.
That provision, in its entirety, was found to be contrary to the dictates of the Constitution and was declared null and void.
Agiru said the purported withdrawal of financial powers of the East Sepik and Morobe provincial governments went against that Supreme Court decision.
He further said the purported action had sent fear and instability racing up and down provincial administrations nationwide.
"There has been no investigation into the financial affairs of provincial governments, no natural justice accorded .... just generalisations about misuse and abuse of powers and finances.
"As I have said before, the prime minister has all the credentials but his ministers are going astray and he needs to pull them into line."
PRIME Minister Peter O'Neill has directed a halt on all moves to withdraw the financial powers of provincial governments, The National reports.
O'Neill said yesterday: "There is no NEC decision directing suspension or withdrawal of powers of any provincial government.
"If there is any allegation of financial mismanagement, there should be proper investigation conducted into the allegation first.
"We do not want to appear to be vindictive."
The prime minister's directive comes as the East Sepik and Morobe provincial governments go to court to challenge the withdrawal of their financial powers, apparently by a ministerial edict on Aug 12. The order is said to have been issued from the Finance and Treasury ministry.
The Morobe government, on Monday, sought and got an injunction preventing the national government from withdrawing its powers.
The East Sepik provincial government's bid to obtain a similar injunction was heard briefly yesterday and postponed to today.
The prime minister's stance is likely to affect these matters on foot and will prevent future moves against provincial governments without any good cause.
Meanwhile, Southern Highlands Governor Anderson Agiru said yesterday cabinet had no authority to withdraw financial powers of a provincial government except in a state of emergency or during a war.
He said this was established beyond any doubt by the Supreme Court when he challenged the suspension of his provincial government in October 2000 by the Mekere Morauta regime.
The court voided division 8 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments which purported to authorise the National Executive Council to withdraw powers or suspend provincial governments.
That provision, in its entirety, was found to be contrary to the dictates of the Constitution and was declared null and void.
Agiru said the purported withdrawal of financial powers of the East Sepik and Morobe provincial governments went against that Supreme Court decision.
He further said the purported action had sent fear and instability racing up and down provincial administrations nationwide.
"There has been no investigation into the financial affairs of provincial governments, no natural justice accorded .... just generalisations about misuse and abuse of powers and finances.
"As I have said before, the prime minister has all the credentials but his ministers are going astray and he needs to pull them into line."
Natschol in, OBE out
By FRANK SENGE KOLMA
NATIONAL scholarship for tertiary students will be reintroduced by January next year, Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said yesterday, The National reports.
Among sweeping changes the government is introducing for the education sector under its free education policy:
He said he was confident that despite "early teething problems", the policy was on secure ground.
He said the OBE had failed and would be scrapped as well as the user-pay and the student loan policies for tertiary students.
"As a person who benefited from Natschol (national scholarship) with the K13 per fortnight allowance, I strongly believe that everybody has to get a chance," O'Neill said.
"The cost estimates that have been given to us for free education are well within our expectation.
"Education have estimated K610 million when we have planned for K700 million."
O'Neill said on Sept 20, the government would bring down a supplementary budget during which K350 million would be allocated and parked in a special trust account held by the Education Department for this purpose.
He said in order to avoid delays in payment, the government would start releasing payments by November and December so that, by Jan 1, all schools would have received their fees.
On school drop-outs, the education officials wanted to maintain a hybrid structure where some drop-outs are allowed at Grade 8 but the prime minister was dead against that.
"We are using the same infrastructure so I cannot see why we cannot accommodate more," he said.
"We have to utilise what we have smartly.
"We have a good environment. We can have classes under coconut trees.
"I do not see why we should not have night classes in places where there is electricity.
"Why should we deny our children the right to education just because we have capacity issues?"
O'Neill said for the first time, the 2011 development budget allocation for education would be fully utilised.
At present, about 20% of the entire recurrent and development budget goes to education.
By the time the free education policy was implemented, it would be closer to 30%, which puts education spending among the highest in the world, he said.
The prime minister assured that such heavy emphasis on education would not take money away from other priority government areas such as health, infrastructure and law and justice.
"We have the money. We just need to spend it right," he said.
NATIONAL scholarship for tertiary students will be reintroduced by January next year, Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said yesterday, The National reports.
Among sweeping changes the government is introducing for the education sector under its free education policy:
- The controversial outcomes-based education (OBE) would be scrapped by January;
- Government to pay all tuition fees for students from elementary to Grade 10;
- Government to subsidise 75% of fees for Grades 11-12;
- No drop-outs at Grade 8; and
- Payment of K350 million into a special trust held by the Education Department by November this year for distribution to all schools by January.
He said he was confident that despite "early teething problems", the policy was on secure ground.
He said the OBE had failed and would be scrapped as well as the user-pay and the student loan policies for tertiary students.
"As a person who benefited from Natschol (national scholarship) with the K13 per fortnight allowance, I strongly believe that everybody has to get a chance," O'Neill said.
"The cost estimates that have been given to us for free education are well within our expectation.
"Education have estimated K610 million when we have planned for K700 million."
O'Neill said on Sept 20, the government would bring down a supplementary budget during which K350 million would be allocated and parked in a special trust account held by the Education Department for this purpose.
He said in order to avoid delays in payment, the government would start releasing payments by November and December so that, by Jan 1, all schools would have received their fees.
On school drop-outs, the education officials wanted to maintain a hybrid structure where some drop-outs are allowed at Grade 8 but the prime minister was dead against that.
"We are using the same infrastructure so I cannot see why we cannot accommodate more," he said.
"We have to utilise what we have smartly.
"We have a good environment. We can have classes under coconut trees.
"I do not see why we should not have night classes in places where there is electricity.
"Why should we deny our children the right to education just because we have capacity issues?"
O'Neill said for the first time, the 2011 development budget allocation for education would be fully utilised.
At present, about 20% of the entire recurrent and development budget goes to education.
By the time the free education policy was implemented, it would be closer to 30%, which puts education spending among the highest in the world, he said.
The prime minister assured that such heavy emphasis on education would not take money away from other priority government areas such as health, infrastructure and law and justice.
"We have the money. We just need to spend it right," he said.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Goroka girl having time of her life in San Antonio, USA
Caption: A proud ambassador for PNG... Goroka girl Serah Gahuno meets Rotary International president Ray Klinginsmith at the New Orleans Rotary International convention in May.-Picture courtesy of SERAH GAHUNO
By MALUM NALU
Goroka girl Serah Gahuno is having the time of her life in San Antonio, Texas, United States of America, as an exchange student at Providence High School.
The 18-year-old former Goroka Secondary School student is the first-ever exchange student sponsored by the Rotary Club of Goroka, District 9600 (which covers parts of Queensland, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea), for this unique scholarship.
"The Rotary District 9600 Youth Exchange Programme is designed to give young people aged 14-17 years with the opportunity to study overseas," explains Port Moresby-based Rotarian Rio Fiocco.
"The programme allows young people to develop their leadership potential and gain experiences that will assist them in forming their own values and moral standards.
"The program builds confidence, self-esteem and broadens one's cultural, social and academic horizons.
"Serah is being home hosted by various Rotarians in San Antonio, Texas.
"During her 12 months study in the USA, Serah has been visiting various Rotary clubs in Texas where she has been telling people about her country and her people's culture."
Gahuno is part Nagamiza and Kerefa villages in Eastern Highlands province, was born on Feb 7, 1993, and is the oldest and only girl in a family of three younger brothers – Emmanuel, Wayne and Abraham – as well as stepbrother Osbourne.
Her father is Raymond Gahuno and mother is Stella Gahuno.
Gahuno did her elementary school at Goroka Christian Academy in 2002-2003, primary at East Goroka Primary School in 2004-2008, and secondary at Goroka Secondary School in 2009-2010 when she was selected to go to the USA.
She remembers that last year, she was awarded the scholarship after it was awarded to her school, requiring students aged 16-18 to fill out a paper and then write a short essay on how much they knew about Papua New Guinea.
"Several of my class mates, plus other students, filled out the application plus having our parents to sign the paper we handed in to the school's administration," Gahuno told me from San Antonio this week.
"Later that same day, my mum got a call from the Rotary Club of Goroka that I would attend an interview at the Bird of Paradise Hotel.
"It was not only me who went for the interview, but two boys from my school, so we were three altogether.
"In the interview, the Rotarians gave us few minutes to stand up and talk about what we know about Papua New Guinea and how we could tell other people about the country.
"They gave us few days to wait and then, again, my mum got a call that I finally won the scholarship.
"That's how I was told I would come to US.
"My exchange year is form 2011 to early 2012.
"It's a year's exchange."
San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the USA and the second-largest city within the state of Texas, with a population of 1.33 million.
It's a world away from home sweet home in 'kol peles' Goroka, however, Gahuno is enjoying every minute of it
"Well, San Antonio is one of the top cities in Texas with lots of beautiful attraction like Alamo Riverwalk," she says.
"It has the influence of mostly Mexican-American culture, which makes me love the TexMex food, especially tacos.
"I am attending a Providence Girls Catholic School, San Antonio, Texas.
"My thoughts of being an exchange student challenged me as to how well I can become a good ambassador of my country, and also helped me to improve my skills of communicating with people of different occupations, religion and people from different parts of the world.
"Being here in USA is very different to me and it makes me feel a lot different.
"When seeing things here, it makes realise how long I've been missing all these technologies, which I'm just now trying to explore.
"Almost everything seems to be my first time experience!
"All I can say about the difference is, here is a developed nation as the world knows, and Papua New Guinea we are developing but I still love my country.
Gahuno says being an exchange student gives her the greatest opportunity to explore the world and also enables her to broaden her knowledge.
"Everyday, there is more to learn, see and talk about," she tells me.
"Being here in San Antonio, Texas, United States, was a surprise for me.
"I have met other exchange students from almost all parts of the world and that helps me to understand the diversity of people we are.
"One of the interesting facts is that while being here for my exchange year, it has been a great opportunity for me to be an ambassador of my country and to share the diverse culture PNG has.
"Everywhere I went, people thought I was from Africa, which sounded strange to me.
"When they asked me where I'm from, I told them I'm from Papua New Guinea but they couldn't figure out where exactly it was located,
"I told them it was an island off Australia, and from there they started Googling and learned more about the country.
"This was the case not only with the Rotarians but also in the school that I attended, and families that I stayed with.
"Now I am glad at least people know where PNG is.
"One thing that I can never forget is carrying my country's flag at the Rotary International convention in May at New Orleans.
"That time was the first time in my life that tears fell from my eyes while walking with the flag in front of thousands of Rotarians from around the world.
"When I took my seat I said, 'Thank God here I am a Papua New Guinean carrying my own flag and not a representative'.
"Being here is a challenge for me as well as a stepping stone.
"Not because of what I've done but because of God's plan in my life.
"The things I see help me to think further beyond.
"Personally, I would like to thank my loving parents who are always there for me, my cheerful brothers, all my family, friends and most importantly to Goroka Rotary Club and its members, especially Lesley Ririka.
"Last but not the least, thanks to the 9600 Rotary District in Australia and my host club San Antonio Mission Trails in District 5840.
"My words to young people of Papua New Guinea is Phillipians 4:13: 'I can so all things through Christ who gives me strength'."
Gahuno says she would love to continue college studies in the USA if given the opportunity.
"I would love to do my college here if I get a chance to and go into medical school," she adds.
"In the future, I would like to work in the medical field and help my own people.
"I have been set up by the Rotarians at the hospital so I can do hospital tours and I really love it.
"Big thank you to Goroka Rotary Club and the Rotary International for their work of 'Service above Self'."
Wartoto: ‘I have nothing to hide’
By MALUM NALU
Kokopo businessman Eremas Wartoto (pictured above with his Fokker 50) today declared that he had nothing to hide about the K10 million he received from the government to help start his Travel Air company.
He said this after arriving in Port Moresby from Madang on a training flight on his Fokker 50 with his pilots, a day after its arrival from Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
The F50 is one of seven plans that Wartoto plans to bring in to Papua New Guinea.
However, shortly after talking with reporters on the tarmac at Jackson Airport, Wartoto was seen being questioned by police detectives before he flew back to Madang
The K10m has been the subject of much controversy lately, with accusations of foul playing involving Wartoto and former National Planning Minister Paul Tiensten.
"I won't waste time," Wartoto told reporters.
"I'm going straight into training and infrastructure.
"I have no shame in spending some of that money in training our pilots and our engineers.
"The (K10m) subsidy was given to me.
"I applied for it from the government through normal processes and I was given the money.
"I thank the government for that subsidy.
"Today, you can see how that subsidy is being spent.
"The money is auditable and traceable.
"The K10m is not about buying the plane – it's about the infrastructure."
Wartoto said his new airline would travel into remote areas of the country such as Maprik in East Sepik, Palmalmal in East New Britain and Kandrian in West New Britain.
He also has plans to spend K150m on a new hangar in Madang and on setting up an aviation college.
"This is not about Eremas Wartoto," he said.
"This is about PNG infrastructure.
"This is about 200 national employees."
Wartoto said of the six additional aircraft to come, three would be from Malaysia on lease purchase while three would be from the USA on operating lease.
Asked about his move into aviation, he replied: "It's painful and the publicity doesn't help.
"I'll be based in Madang because that's the centre of PNG.
"Such an infrastructure drives development to the rural areas."
Probe into 9-Mile clash under way
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."
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."
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."
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