Duma clears InterOil status on LNG project

By MALUM NALU


PETROLEUM and Energy Minister William Duma says the government did not direct Chevron to work with InterOil on developing the Gulf LNG project.
He said this yesterday (Wednesday) when asked to comment on a report in The National that Chevron was returning to PNG to partner with InterOil in developing the Gulf LNG project.
Chevron representatives were reported to have met with Treasurer Don Polye on Tuesday.
Duma said he neither met Chevron officials nor had a seen a project proposal from the company.
Chevron Niugini was the company that developed the Kutubu oil fields before selling to Oil Search in 1992.
Polye said Chevron’s comeback to partner to develop the second-largest LNG project in PNG was a positive assurance of investor confidence.
He said it was the government’s decision as per the Gulf LNG Agreement of 2009 that renowned or credible investors partner InterOil.
“I know (Don) Polye only encouraged Cheron to invest here,” Duma said.
“He did not direct or agree to Chevron working with InterOil.
“That is a commercial decision for InterOil.
“Also, in my case as Petroleum Minister, I can only invite and encourage any major oil company, whether it is Chevron, Shell or BP, to invest here and have a partnership with InterOil.”
Duma also said that Chevron could meet with any senior minister.
“I don’t think you should read much into what he (Polye) may or may not have said,” Duma said.

Today's buai pekpek (betelnut shit) in Port Moresby

I'm not stepping down from this fight until Port Moresby and PNG starts getting cleaner.

Buai sellers outside Mobil Service Station, Waigani

Area outside BSP Waigani

Drain outside BSP Waigani

Walkway outside BSP Waigani

bemobile bus stop, Waigani

Yuck! The perennial buai pekpek heap along bemobile bus stop, Waigani

Polye: Chevron is returning to PNG

By JEFFREY ELAPA
CHEVRON Niugini, one of the United States’ petroleum and gas giants, is returning to PNG to partner with InterOil to develop the second Gulf LNG project, Treasury minister Don Pomb Polye has revealed, The National reports.
He said he met with the representatives of Chevron Niugini yesterday who were here to look at the InterOil Gulf LNG project.
Chevron Niugini was the company that developed Kutubu Oil before selling the project to Oil Search in the 1990s.
Polye said Chevron’s comeback to partner to develop the second largest LNG project in the country was a positive assurance of investor confidence.
He said it was the government’s decision as per the agreement signed between the state and InterOil that renowned or creditable investors would have to be a partner to develop the Gulf LNG project because Interoil was a small company with no experience in the industry.
Therefore, he said the government was not behind any company but wanted a reputable and experienced industry player in the world to develop such a big project and to finish it without delay.
He said there were exciting times ahead for PNG because the currency was appreciating well against the US dollar and the Australian dollar.
He said his prediction of 8.7% GDP has gone up to 9.2%, a strong growth that was healthy for the country.
Polye said as the treasurer, he wanted to see the government manage the economy of the country well and spend funds according to the budget

O'Neill sworn in as PNG prime minister

By  Eoin Blackwell
AAP Papua New Guinea Correspondent
Peter O'Neill has been sworn in as Papua New Guinea's prime minister, ending a three-hour standoff with the acting governor-general, who had refused to conduct the ceremony.

Peter O'Neill

It was the third time Mr O'Neill, 46, has been sworn in as prime minister since he controversially took office from Sir Michael Somare on August 2 last year.
Earlier on Wednesday, acting governor-general Jeffery Nape refused to swear in Mr O'Neill, telling him he needed to study documentation from parliament.
An ally of Mr Nape, deputy speaker Francis Marus, earlier tried to stop Mr O'Neill from nominating for the post.
Mr O'Neill's deputy, Belden Namah, threatened to move a motion of dissent and Mr Marus relented.
Mr O'Neill was elected unopposed on a vote of 56-0.

From the 'shame of PNG' to the 'pride of PNG'

Three days ago, I made a whinge on my blog about the two broken and tattered PNG flags flying in the Boroko Motors Yard, Waigani, under the heading The shame of PNG, which caused an avalanche of angry reaction on Face Book.


The broken and tattered flags three days ago

The matter, I'm pleased to report, was brought to the attention of Boroko Motors management, thanks to Facebook friend Solo Wesley Sua, and two brand-new flags went up a short while ago.



The new flags fly high today

 Solo informed me and I took a walk down and took this picture.

Peter O'Neill voted in as Prime Minister

Parliament just voted 56-0 for Peter O'Neill as Prime Minister.
O'Neill is now being sworn in at Government House by Acting Governor General Jeffrey Nape.

Miracles still happen in Port Moresby

Miracles still happen in Port Moresby?
Well, I've become a believer.
This lady cleaning up the buai pekpek (betelnut shit) and other pipia (litter) this morning outside Mobil Service Station, Waigani, takes my 'Good Citizen of the Day Award' and her picture has been placed here for the world to see.

She puts to shame all you buai shitters, including so called 'educated elite', who continue to paint the town red, at all hours of the day.