Crystal Rapids is the perfect escape from Port Moresby

Crystal Rapids is indeed the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Port Moresby.
All former and current students of Sogeri National High School know about that, however, my elder brother David and I are both ex Aiyura National High School.

The magic of Crystal Rapids

Today, Sunday, Dec 11, my niece Zarin, eldest daughter of David, had her 14th birthday, and invited my kids and I to a day out at this beautiful part of Papua New Guinea.

David pointing out Crystal Rapids to me

David and family picked my tribe at our 8-Mile home, in two Toyota Landcruisers to our rendezvous, along the Sogeri Road past the rolling Laloki River and magnificent mountain grandeur.

Magnificent scenery At Crystal Rapids

The Sogeri Road is a busy stretch with new developments and houses all along what was once a quiet country track.
We drove past the breathtaking Rouna Falls and up to Sogeri, past the road leading to the iconic WWII icon of Owers' Corner, the start of the famous Kokoda Trail.

Peace and tranquility at Crystal Rapids

Rain started falling lightly as we made our way to Crystal Rapids, stopping at a roadside market along the way, for some fresh bananas and water cress.

The market at Crystal Rapids

Wows all around as we drove into our destination, took out the steaks and chicken for a barbecue, as the kids and some of us took a plunge or just sat along the riverside enjoying the views.

I wish you were here with me

The park-like settings of Crystal Rapids are kept in tip-top condition by rangers from the local Koiari villages, who also maintain  good security.

It only costs K20 per vehicle entry fee.

The park-like settings of Crystal Rapids.

Oure Keigen, from the local Auberi clan of Koiari, was keeping a vigil over children in the rapids when I had a chat with him.

Crystal Rapids' ranger Oure Keigen.

"Every weekend, we have so many visitors from all over the worlds, from Europeans to Indians to Filipinos to Papua New Guineans," he tells me.

"We look after our visitors and advise them where and where not to swim (because of the fast-flowing rapids).

In the rapids

" We look after the place very well and clean it up on Fridays before the weekend.

"We have haus wins (rest houses) with barbecues and firewood.

One of the haus win at Crystal Rapids.

" You just come and chosen whichever haus win you prefer.

"We also have tourists who come to walk the Kokoda Trail or who are staying at the Kokoda Lodge, visit here to relax and have a swim."

See you at Crystal Rapids

PNG among world's best travel destinations in 2017

Papua New Guinea has been given a huge vote-of-confidence by being selected as one of National Geographic Traveler’s 21 “Best of the World” destinations for 2017.

Tourism Promotion Authority chief executive officer Jerry Agus shows the National Geographic Traveler’s Best of the World 2017 destinations, of which Papua New Guinea is included.

The highly-anticipated annual list will be unveiled in the December 2016/January 2017 issue of the magazine, which became available on newsstands nationwide in the USA starting November 29, and online November 17 at NatGeoTravel.com/BestTrips2017.
The 2017 Best of the World destinations are (in alphabetical order):
• Anchorage, Alaska, USA
• Baja California National Marine Parks, Mexico
• Banff, Alberta, Canada
• Canton Uri, Switzerland
• Cartagena, Colombia
• Central India’s National Parks
• Chengdu, China
• Cradle of Humankind, South Africa
• Ecuador’s Cloud Forests
• Finland
• Georgia, USA
• Guadeloupe Islands
• Hamburg, Germany
• Kauai, Hawaii, USA
• Madrid, Spain
• Malta
• Marrakech, Morocco
• Moscow, Russia
• Papua New Guinea
• Seoul, Korea
• Via Dinarica, Western Balkans

“The selection process was competitive and involved nominations from National Geographic Traveler’s worldwide network of editors, writers and explorers,” the magazine said in a letter to the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority.
“National Geographic Traveler has the largest audience of any travel magazine, with more than 8.5 million readers.
“Our readers love to travel, with the highest passport ownership, most international and domestic trips, and most outdoor recreation spending of any travel title.”
A jubilant TPA chief executive officer said that the vote-of-confidence by the widely-circulated magazine was just what the doctor ordered for PNG.
“Most of the tourist agents, wholesalers, everybody within the tourism and travel industry regard this as one of their very-important magazines,” he said.
“People read National Geographic to find out which destination is the best destination they can go to.
“For the first time, Papua New Guinea has been identified as one of top 21 destinations that tourists want to visit in 2017.”
Agus said one of the major attractions was PNG’s cultural diversity.
“There are a lot of places in the world that also have cultures and traditions, but Papua New Guinea is rated as one of the cultural meccas of the world,” he said.
“There’s no other place in the world where you get the cultural diversity and uniqueness.
“You travel every kilometre, the language changes, the culture changes, the way of doing things completely changes.
“We always say that in terms of cultural diversity, nobody beats us, and National Geographic reaffirms what we’ve been saying all along.
“Our cultures and our traditions, together with our natural attractions, is one biggest strength.
“Papua New Guinea is not a destination where you go to five-star resorts, it is not a destination where you go for shopping, our attractions are our cultures and our natural beauty.
“National Geographic has truly picked that out through their own independent assessment.
“It truly reaffirms that Papua New Guinea is truly one of the must-see destinations.
“It is not easy to get into the exclusive club of these 21 destinations, and for Papua New Guinea to get into that is a big story for us.
“We are happy, excited, and we want to take advantage of that.
“On the back of that, next year we’ll be doing more marketing and promotion throughout the world, especially in our major source market.
“On the domestic front, we want to do more product development, more awareness, so that people know the importance of tourism.
“Once people embrace tourism, everybody will play their part, so tourism can really flourish.”

KSL - Kina group completes Maybank acquisiton

Recently listed PNG financial institution, Kina Securities Ltd (ASX:KSL, POMSox: KSL) has successfully completed the acquisition of PNG's fourth largest bank, Maybank PNG, creating a new, dynamic and diversified financial services provider for the nation.
Kina has acquired the business from Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank Group), in accordance with the timetable outlined in the prospectus for Kina's A$97 million initial public offering, completed in July 2015.
The acquisition will enhance Kina's established position as a leading funds management and financial services institution in PNG, providing Kina with a banking licence, a substantial lending and deposit business, access to new markets and significant operating synergies and cross-sell opportunities.
Having completed the acquisition, Kina operates:
• the fourth largest bank in PNG, with more than 11,000 clients, seven branches and
an expanding electronic network;
• the largest wealth management business in PNG, with K5.3 billion in funds under
management;
• one of the largest fund administrators in PNG, with more than 159,000 clients; and
• the leading stockbroking company in PNG.
The acquisition was completed for a purchase price of K353 million (A$173 million).
As part of the completion process, the original purchase price was adjusted by an additional K12 million (A$5.9 million), with the variation due to changes in settlement arrangements, whereby Kina paid the purchase price to Maybank Group denominated partly in PNG kina
and partly in US dollars.
The vendor therefore will assume currency risk, and Kina has agreed to progressively exchange the PGK for USD at market rates over the next 12 months.
The adjustment to the terms of the acquisition will result in a slight increase in goodwill on the balance sheet of the merged entity, but will have no impact on earnings. Kina remains confident of achieving the forecasts set out in the prospectus, including the 2015 pro forma profit after tax of K45.3 million, and the anticipated dividend of K0.066 per share for the
year ended 31 December 2015.

Meeting Between PNG and Australia prime ministers

Prime Ministers of Papua New Guinea and Australia discussed a range of issues of mutual interest including climate change, development support and APEC preparations, during their meeting in Sydney on the eve of the NRL grand final.
This was the first meeting since Malcolm Turnbull was elected as the Australian leader, and Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, said he was confident the relationship between the two countries would continue to go from strength-to-strength.
"I congratulated Malcolm Turnbull on his election as the Prime Minister of Australia and look forward to working closely with him and his Government in furthering our relations,"  O'Neill said.
"I have every confidence that our countries will manage the range of issues that confront our region in a progressive manner.
"We discussed issues relating to climate change, particularly the recent Declaration by the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders.
"Mr Turnbull expressed his support and agreed that Australia should provide leadership and support on climate change issues.
"This is particularly important considering the gravity of the climate change in the way it affects to many of the smaller island countries.
"The upcoming COP-21 meeting in Paris is an important forum and Australia will actively participate in this discussion."
The two prime ministers also discussed the review of advisory and technical assistance provided by Australia.
"Our intention remains to change foreign advisory roles to become contract positions.
"This will achieve greater accountability and value for both countries.
"We anticipate that by December this year that these advisory roles will be converted to line positions, including the Policing Program with the Australian Federal Police."
O'Neill said his Australian counterpart was very well briefed on economics and politics in Papua New Guinea and acknowledged the National Government's work to deliver progress and development around the country.
Turnbull also offered his ongoing support to PM O'Neill's Chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum over the following year, and for Australia's support to Papua New Guinea in hosting APEC the Leaders' Summit in 2018.
"We are advancing our preparations to host APEC in 2018 and Australia will be an essential security partner as we welcome the Asia-Pacific leaders to Papua New Guinea."
O'Neill invited Prime Minister Turnbull to visit Papua New Guinea at a time of his convenience and he agreed to do so.

PM welcomes European Union decision to lift fishers' yellow card

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has welcomed the European Union's lifting the 'yellow card' warning on Papua New Guinea's tuna exports.
Speaking after the EU announced the change, O'Neill said the Government would continue to work with the fisheries sector to improve monitoring and enforcement.
"Illegal fishing and not reporting full catch amounts costs the people of Pacific island nations an enormous amount of money and undermines the sustainability of fish stocks," he said.
"Papua New Guinea is committed to ensuring we have full control of our fisheries and fighting those who would seek to illegally exploit our resources.
"Our fisheries sector has to last generations into the future and through coordinated monitoring and planning this will be the case."
O'Neill said coordination between Papua New Guinea's security agencies and industry stakeholders would continue to improve monitoring and enforcement.
"The European Union recognises the effort that is being made in Papua New Guinea to prevent the illegal removal of fish stocks and we will continue to strengthen these measures.
"We appreciate the concern that the European Union has for ensuring the sustainability of fish stocks, not only in Papua New Guinea but around the world.
"Global demand for fisheries products will only continue to rise in the coming years, so now is the time to be proactive and ensure monitoring and enforcement."
O'Neill said Pacific Islands Forum Leaders had continued to place a priority on ensuring proper management of marine resources, and this was reaffirmed at the recent Forum meeting in Port Moresby that he chaired.
"Forum Leaders have tasked fisheries, economic and foreign Ministers to undertake a joint comprehensive evaluation of systems currently in place.  This includes regional monitoring, control and surveillance, and compliance regimes, and to report back on their findings in 2016." 
O'Neill said the report would pay special attention to the use of modern information and communications technologies that can be deployed for fisheries surveillance.

PM’s Chief of Staff clears air on Opposition claims

Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Isaac Lupari has highlighted the inconsistencies and "cheap shots" in recent statements by the Leader of the Opposition in relation to the Prime Minister's travel, and economic developments.
"Don Polye is misleading the people and country with his recent statements," Lupari said.
"This is wild goose chase rhetoric from a man who has not offered any real policy debate since he toppled Namah to become the Opposition Leader.
"His continuous negative attitude is an indicative of someone with a vendetta and a bitter mindset.
"This is dangerous for the country, and he should seriously consider whether he is worthy of being the alternative Prime Minister of the country."
Following Polye's questioning of the Prime Minister traveling overseas for State business, Lupari said the Opposition Leaders' comments were inappropriate.
"Don Polye should know better, as former senior minister and chairman of the World Bank and IMF, that the Prime Minister, by virtue of his position, is mandated to conduct state businesses in the country and outside of the country.
"We live in a global community and Papua New Guinea has to engage with the international community both at government and business levels.
"What Don Polye is saying is that Papua New Guinea should not engage with the rest of the world.
"His isolationist policy would spell disaster for the country and our people.
"It is rather sad for people like Don Polye to live outside of the real world."
Lupari further questioned the Opposition Leader's ongoing negative commentary about the State loan to purchase Oil Search shares.
"The UBS loan was undertaken for the State of Papua New Guinea to acquire 10.2 % shares in Oil Search Limited.
"This matter is still before the Court and with the Ombudsman Commission, so it is improper for the Prime Minister to comment on it.
"The Opposition Leader and those who continue to dwell breathlessly on this issue, must respect our legal system and Judiciary processes.
"Polye and his cohorts should simply wait for the outcome of these proceedings.
"Don Polye should get his facts right when he wants to make statement regarding the economy and Government's Finance.
"He keeps misfiring on all fronts, which can only affect the image of the country.
"This Government is trying its best to attract foreign investments into the country and it does not help, when people like Don Polye make misleading comments about the state of the economy.
"This only goes to show that either he lacks real understanding of the dynamics of the economy and finance or he is simply playing politics."
Lupari said the Prime Minister had already issued a statement on the royalty and development levy due to the landowners and provincial governments.
"These funds were kept in the trust accounts with the Bank of Papua New Guinea and will be released to the landowners and provincial governments after landowner identification process was completed.
"None of these funds are used by Government for budgetary purposes.
"If Don Polye is concerned, all he has to do is ask the Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea.
"It appears his statement is another reflection on misunderstanding and inability to debate policy issues.
"What the Prime Minister has said on the issue of LNG revenue was very clear.
"First, that PNG LNG project revenues are being affected by the decline in the Oil price.
"Therefore revenue inflow to the State will be less than what was expected in the Budget.
"That is a fact, and it is truth. PNG has no influence over the oil price on the world stage, and therefore we have to adjust to reflect this.
"That is why Treasurer will tabled a supplementary budget in the October-November Parliament Sitting.
"Secondly, the Prime Minister issued an statement on the issue of royalties for landowner and provincial governments, and a development levy for LNG provinces from the LNG Project.
"This was following questions about the whereabouts of these funds which were raised by landowners and others.
"The Prime Minister has confirmed that all royalty and development payments are keep in the Trust Account with the Bank of Papua New Guinea for safe keeping until the landowner identification process was completed.
"Also, none of the above funds have been or are going to be used for budget purposes.
"If Don Polye wants to know the truth, he should simply ask the Governor of Bank of Papua New Guinea, instead of lying to the people of Papua New Guinea.
"This Government is all about growing the economy, creating employment for our people, and stimulating the growth of the private sector development and delivery basis services to our people.
"The Government is not interested in playing nonsense politics with people like who are bereft of ideas and just want to talk the country down for their own gain.
"If Don Polye is so concern about the welfare of the people, he should start attending to his people of Kandep, whom he has neglected for so long."

What Don Polye said

Opposition Leader Don Polye has questioned Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s "secret trip" to Singapore.

 Polye queried why O’Neill quietly slipped out of the country without even officially appointing an acting Prime Minister.

“Why has O’Neill accompanied by selected cabinet ministers left quietly for Singapore?” asked Polye.

The Opposition Leader believes O’Neill is in a hurry to secure an additional loan to burden the country.

"The departure of O’Neill comes at a time when Bank of PNG has come out clear telling the country that proceeds of LNG is not kept in a trust account.

"Prime Minister Peter O’Neill previously said the proceeds were kept safe in a trust account within the bank.

"BPNG Governor Loi Bakani announced that LNG revenue is not kept by the Bank."

Following Bakani’s explanation, the Opposition Leader commended Bakani for coming out with the truth.

“Mr Bakani’s explanation directly tells us that O’Neill has been telling lies to the landowners that their money is being kept at the trust account at BPNG,” said Polye.

“I call on leaders from the resource provinces to take O’Neill to task as he has been lying.” 

He said over 120 LNG shipments had been made and this should bring in over K4.8 billon in revenue.

 Polye reiterated his earlier comments that he had classified information that proceeds from LNG were kept in a ESCRO account operated by the UBS to pay off the K3 billion loan O’Neill has obtained from them.

 Polye said proceeds of LNG were mortgaged to pay off the K3 billion UBS loan obtained by the O’Neill government.

He said nationally owned company NPCP acted for the government in ensuring that proceeds from the LNG go straight to an account in Singapore.

"NPCP on behalf of the state signed a payment direction deed in 2014.

"The deed signed allowed the establishment of Escrow account in its own name with UBS in Singapore.

"As per the payment direction deed, all proceeds will go to a withholding company, GloCO which then services the UBS loan. GloCO is then paid for its services all from the proceeds of PNG LNG."

Minister Pato seeks US support on significant Pacific Islands issues

Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion and Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Rimbink Pato at the United Nations

 Pacific Island Forum Leaders with the Secretary-General of the United Nations,  Ban ki-moon. 

Papua New Guinea's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Rimbink Pato, has conveyed Pacific Island State concerns and sought support from the United States on issues such as climate change.
Representing Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, Pato raised the issues at a meeting of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders with the United States Assistant Secretary of State,  Danny Russell in New York last Friday.
Pato further expressed his desire for United States' backing at the COP21 Conference in Paris this year on climate issues that were of vital significance to lives and communities in the Pacific.
"The United States is aware of the threat brought about by climate change and extreme weather in the Pacific.
"Assistant Secretary Russell expressed his concern at the devastation caused by tropical storms in Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu and the need for concerted efforts at all levels to assist small island countries in mitigation and resilience efforts.
"He further informed the meeting that whilst the US Administration wished to do more, the political dynamics in Washington does not always help the Administration's desire in this regard.
"We appreciated Assistant Secretary Russell's concern for the issues affecting our region and the broader global community, as well as the difficulty faced in gaining bipartisan support in the United States Capital."
Pato said Russell and his team received a briefing on the Pacific Regionalism framework endorsed by the recent PIF Leaders' meeting.
"Areas such as fisheries, climate change, cervical cancer and West Papua, that are covered in the Pacific Regionalism Framework, truly capture the concerns and aspirations of the people of the Pacific.
"Assistant Secretary Russell made the point that the United States is a Pacific State and hence appreciates the need for solidarity with the PIF countries in advancing issues of common concern.
"On the nuclear weapons issue, Pacific Leaders have urged the United States to ratify the Treaty of Raratonga as well as find just solutions for the people of Marshall Islands as a consequence of nuclear tests in the region.
Russell congratulated Papua New Guinea for successfully hosting the 45th PIF Forum, and a copy of the PIF Leaders Joint-Communique was given to the United States contingent.
Pato thanked the United States contingent, that also included the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Ms Samantha Power, and other high ranking officials for hosting the meeting with the PIF Leaders.
While in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly Meeting, Pato also chaired a meeting between the Pacific Island Forum Leaders with the Secretary-General of the United Nations,  Ban ki-moon.