Increasing business and creating jobs through engagement with Europe

Creating more jobs for Papua New Guineans will be a positive outcome of advancing the nation's engagement with Europe during the Prime Minister's visit to Brussels and Paris over the past week.
In the course of the visit,  Prime Minister,  Peter O'Neill, met with a range of business representatives and the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk.  
These meetings also included a business breakfast, hosted by the French Business Confederation, with 30 representatives from companies interested in initiating or expanding their operations in PNG.
"There is significant interest in Papua New Guinea from the business community in the cities our delegation visited, and we must convert that interest into tangible business engagement," O'Neill said.
"We cannot think of Europe as being too far away to matter.
"Europe offers a important market particularly for our agricultural products.
"There is also tremendous potential for strategic partnerships in areas that include banking, energy and resources.
"In my meeting with senior executives at Total S.A., they reaffirmed their commitment to developing the third train of LNG in Papua New Guinea.
"Total is a great example of a European company that recognises the potential for investment in Papua New Guinea.
"Total is already employing Papua New Guineans and foreign workers and this number is expected to reach 10,000 at the peak of the construction project.
"With one of the fastest growing economies in the world and being a country with ongoing political stability, businesses are interested in investing at Papua New Guinea."
The Prime Minister said his meeting with European Council President, H Donald Tusk, also provided an opportunity to deepen and widen interaction on important issues.  This includes European concerns in relation to fisheries.
"We discussed action being taken in Papua New Guinea to combat illegal fishing," O'Neill said.
"Papua New Guinea takes these concerns seriously and we are making improvements in our internal systems.
"Both the European Union and Papua New Guinea want to deal with illegal fishing and we are cooperating to achieve a positive outcome.
"President Tusk and I further had the opportunity to further discuss visa issues.  We are working towards having improved visa arrangements for Papua New Guineans travelling to EU countries."
The Prime Minister said following the success of the UK-PNG Trade and Investment Forum last week, and the positive reception in Paris, future forums are likely to include France.
"Next year we are looking at the trade and investment forum being held in Paris and alternate this with London each year."
The Prime Minister thanked the Governments of Belgium and France for their support in facilitating the visit that took place on 17-19 June 2015.

Improved skills to assist survivors of violence

Professionals are now better equipped to deliver essential services to survivors of violence, following a two-week workshop held in Port Moresby.
Spearheaded by the Office of the Public Prosecutor and funded by the Australian Government, the workshop involved OPP victim liaison officers, police officers, members of the national government and non-government organisations working together to strengthen skills, knowledge and collaboration in delivery of services for survivors of family and sexual violence crimes.
"We must all work together to ensure that perpetrators of this crime are brought to justice, and survivors can access not only justice but protection and recuperation," said Deputy Public Prosecutor, Timothy Ai.
Counsellor Michael Sloane of the Australian High Commission, said violence is one of the largest barriers to gender equality. 
"PNG and Australia recognise that one of the best ways to promote economic growth and stronger, more prosperous communities is to empower women and girls," said Sloane.
"Women who are economically secure can better access education and health services, and have expanded opportunities to take on leadership or decision-making roles in their communities and workplaces, boosting economic and political participation."
The workshop was attended by 25 participants and facilitated by the Fiji and Vanuatu Women's Crisis Centres in partnership with the PNG-Australia Law and Justice Partnership – Transition Program.  

O'Neill Invites greater UK Investment in Papua New Guinea

More than 300 business leaders, from the United Kingdom, as well as Europe and the United States, have been given new insight to the economic growth of Papua New Guinea and potential returns on investment.
In his keynote address at the inaugural United Kingdom - Papua New guinea Trade and Investment Forum in London on Tuesday (pictured), Prime Minister Peter O'Neill  provided perspective to ongoing economic development.
"Stability, responsible management and growth is what we offer to you," O'Neill told the opening session of the forum.
"Underpinning our economic growth are our core policies that are building a solid foundation for our country into the future
"These policies relate to free education, universal healthcare, improved law and order, and infrastructure development.
"The opportunities in Papua New Guinea are better than they have ever been.
"Papua New Guinea is open for business and I invite you and your colleagues to join with us is maximising these opportunities."
O'Neill highlighted the relevance of political stability and the independence of national institutions in Papua New. 
"Our democracy remains a beacon of stability that is lacking in many developing countries. 
"Stability is what that the country requires so that economic growth will continue as we give confidence to the business community.
"Alongside a stable political environment in Papua New Guinea, we also have an absolutely independent judiciary.
"The Central Bank is fiercely independent – as the Governor's statements on the economy continue to demonstrate. 
"The Central Bank has made tough decisions but this ensures inflation is manageable, exchange rates are not subject to large fluctuations and interest rates continue to remain stable.
"Our leading national institutions are strong, independent and are shining examples of stability."
The Prime Minister provided perspective on the challenges that nation has faced over the past four decades particularly when it comes to service delivery in remote and regional areas.
"An important change we have made is to genuinely devolve decision-making away from the capital – to empower the levels of government closest to the people. 
"This is principally district level administrations and local and village councils.
"That is bringing our democracy and the delivery of government services even closer to the people - especially our rural majority."
The forum was attended by senior managers from the financial and business sectors who were given the opportunity to engage directly with ministers and senior departmental officials to gain a stronger understanding of the potential offered by investing in Papua New Guinea.

Prime Minister O’Neill Has Audience with Queen Elizabeth

Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill , had a private audience with Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, (pictured)at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom on June 16.
The audience took place in what is known as the "White Room" in the castle and afforded the Queen and the Prime Minister an opportunity to share perspectives of significance for Papua New Guinea and the Commonwealth.
The Prime Minister said it is not protocol to discuss the specific details of the audience with Her Majesty, but he said he was again impressed the Queen's depth of knowledge and fondness for Papua New Guinea.
"Her Majesty is very familiar with the history as well as current developments in Papua New Guinea,"  O'Neill said.
"The Queen has visited Papua New Guinea in the past, many years ago she sailed to the country on the Royal Yacht Britannia.
"I hope that Her Majesty does have the opportunity to travel to Papua New Guinea again before long.
"Though we recognise that there are a number of countries that would also appreciate visits and she is not as able to travel as often as she did in the past."
The Prime Minister said the people of Papua New Guinea have a special place in their hearts for the Queen and the Royal Family.
"Most people have spent their whole lives only knowing one Monarch and they have great respect.
"I appreciated Her Majesty affording me time to meet with her on this visit to the United Kingdom."
The Prime Minister also met with His Royal Highness, the Duke of York, Prince Andrew while at Windsor Castle.
He said they discussed regional issues of interest, and Papua New Guinea's hosting of major events including the Pacific Games as well as the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' meeting immediately before Independence celebrations.
"Price Andrew has visited Papua New Guinea several times in the past and was with us for the opening the then South Pacific Games in 1991.
"He has fond memories of his visits to Papua New Guinea and he has travelled around our country.
"The Duke of York also was also well aware of a number of regional issues that are of importance to Papua New Guinea and the Commonwealth.
"I look forward to furthering this discussion in the future."

Port Moresby chamber commends Police Commissioner

Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry  has commended incoming Commissioner of Police Baki for his comprehensive and detailed  statement  on how he wishes to bring over-arching  change , discipline and accountability  to the force .
"He will clearly need the full support of rank and file , government and the business community – and he will certainly get the latter ," said POMCCI chief executive officer David Conn.
"We  have to say that we felt a door had opened for radical change of the hierarchy of our police force , but the government in its wisdom has decided not to take this course , and we naturally respect this .
"Any Commissioner needs a reasonable term of office to implement the modernisation programme  that the RPNGC clearly needs and the government should consider giving him a team of , experienced , professional police officers to implement such reform .
"The Commissioner's comments on uniforms are welcome and long overdue , but we still strongly believe  all officers should carry name badges  on uniforms and be clearly identifiable . If this had been done , we might not have the situation at Hanuabada where it has been apparently impossible to identify officers concerned,  in broad daylight .
"While we understand  the added security around the 2015 Games , it is apparent that road blocks  have gotten out of control and are too often an opportunity for malfeisance and standover tactics by rogue officers  seeking illegal and outrageous  on-the -spot fines , which have no basis in law.
"Properly established  and clearly identifiable roadblocks should only be allowed with specific  approval , and under the supervision , of a senior officer .
"It is a sad reality  that many of our city residents are more intimidated by  the very police officers who have sworn an oath to protect them ,  than  the criminals.
"Women , especially at night , are facing regular intimidation , and threat of arbitrary fines or imprisonment  by  police officers .
"The Chamber has issued an invitation to Commissioner Baki to address the business community in the city  at one of its regular breakfasts and sincerely hopes he will take us up on this and consider a proposal we have put to him  to form a consultative committee , along the lines of the Law and Order Committees all major centres in PNG used to have ."

Wise decisions today, vital for tomorrow

Hello, Mr Nalu

 My name is Vinzealhar Nen, I am Jacqueline Tanda's daughter. I am a first year pre med student in the States and one of the requirements to secure scholarship is to publish an article in a newspaper or a widely read blog.

I have written on climate change due to my role as YACA President and an active member of 350 Pacific., I am an active eco warrior and hope that through my work I can inspire my people of PNG to also be aware and active.

Is it possible if you can publish my article on your blog before the 1st of June?
Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon.

 By Vinzealhar Nen

Papua New Guinea is a country blessed with natural scenery and land fertility in relation to our natural non-renewable resources. For decades PNG soil has been mined for these natural resources, which include; gold, copper, oil and others.

In regard to mining activity there are policies written and implemented by the government of Papua New Guinea as well as international mining companies who operate within PNG. Of all policies put in place to ensure safe and reliable mining there is none put in place in terms of a tailings dam being made a requirement.

A tailings dam is used to dispose mining waste responsibly especially since mining waste consists of a high level of cyanite. Cyanide is a substance found in mining waste in large quantities, this material is highly toxic, poisonous and is well known for effectively wiping out eco systems. Currently in PNG there is no policy protecting our seas from mining waste products. Due to a policy of such nature being absent, what happens is that mining companies pump all their wastes into the ocean as a way of discarding their rubbish. Thus destroying marine life and also polluting our waters causing the effects of climate change to accelerate in our country.

Papua New Guinea as an island nation we are at great risks of being victims to climate change. As a result of careless waste disposal our marine biodiversity is threatened. By mining and burning of machinery the burning in the ozone layer increases. Causing ice bergs to melt therefore sea levels rise as a result of such activities.

The current government in power need to make choices. These decisions have to be beneficial and wise. People who have lived around the mining areas are the ones likely to suffer from the effects of climate change as well as settlers living along low lying islands. Leaders need to take on board the views of the landowners as they have that right to be heard. We do not want our nation to undergo another bouganville crisis, due to the government ignoring the opinions of the Panguna mines landowners. Nor do we want our country to be like Ok Tedi, Western Province where because the people are submissive their land is deteriorating around them.

Upcoming mining areas such as Watut in Morobe need to talk with the government to ensure that a tailings dam policy be made a compulsory requirement. At the end of the day Papua New Guinea is our home and we need to keep it safe. Miners want to operate on our land we make the rules and they abide, despite practises being expensive we need to realise that its worth it.

By taking such steps we are preserving our country another day from being submerged. Most importantly sensible decisions as such save Planet Earth.

Kumul Flyover opens

Papua New Guinea has opened the latest part of significant national infrastructure with the formal opening of the "Kumul Flyover" in Port Moresby on Sunday, May 31.
In opening the flyover, the Prime Minister,  Peter O'Neill, congratulated all who had contributed to the project, and sent a message to those who are stuck in the past to embrace modern Papua New Guinea.
"This significant infrastructure project that has been delivered on budget and on time," O'Neill said.
"As the government opens this flyover, we are delivering infrastructure in many other parts of the country.  We are spending record amounts of money to build infrastructure right across that country.
"This includes Lae – that was once the pothole capital of the world.  We have built concrete roads and Lae is becoming the concrete capital with strong roads that will last for decades."
The Prime Minister said investments in infrastructure, education and Health are changing the lives of communities and people throughout the country.
"Today we are here to say we on a new path for Papua New Guinea that will see Papua New Guinea taking its place not only in the region and in the Pacific but within the global community.
"This flyover infrastructure is part of ongoing progress.
"We are very proud to be here today, joining our Governor, our Ministers, our Hawkins Group partners and all the sub-contractors and the workers who built this.
"There were many critics, who continue to refused to believe that Papua New Guinea is changing.  Even when they see infrastructure all around the country, more employment and large project, these people choose to criticise.
"But we are a patient people.  We will keep building infrastructure and advancing the nation."
The Prime Minister said in a few weeks Papua New Guinea will be hosting the Pacific Games and that is the time to showcase the best of the country.
"I thank the Governor and his team for geting this city ready for the games.
"When people travel over this flyover for the Games and the Pacific Islands Forum they will see how this country is changing."
Finally the Prime Minister announced the name of the flyover was being changed from the working name that has been used.
O'Neill also renamed the Kookaburra Flyover as the Kumul Flyover to reflect the country as truly Papua New Guinean.
"I think that it is important that we name this flyover with a name that is reflective our country.  Today we will name this the Kumul Flyover.
"As part of this, all the way from Port Moresby City to Nine Mile will be named the Kumul Highway."
There to witness the occasion were thousands of members of the public, as well as National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop, Member for Moresby North-East Labi Amaiu, Minister for Sports and Pacific Games Justine Tkatchenko, Minister for Public Service Sir Puka Temu and  Minister for Communications Hon Jimmy Miringtoro.