Strong winds cause freak accident in Madang

Captions: 1. Injured local headmaster Simon Douglas being put on a stretcher at Modilon Hospital in Madang.-Pictures by SIR PETER BARTER 2: Local headmaster Simon Douglas, who suffered serious injuries in a boating accident, being wheeled into Modilon Hospital in Madang

 

A banana boat travelling back from Madang last Friday evening capsized at Dungalow village beside the giant Ramu Nico treatment plant at Basamuk, throwing passengers into the sea.

Local headmaster Simon Douglas was pinned between the capsized boat and the shore, resulting in serious head injuries and a collapsed lung along with other possible injuries to the spine. 

Mr Douglas was taken to the small aid post and treated by nursing officer Paul Konare, who managed to contact Kevin Murray who in turn contacted Sir Peter Barter, who went immediately to bring Mr Douglas, Mr Konare and Mrs Douglas back to Modilon Hospital

in his helicopter.  

Director of health Markus Kachau arranged for Mr Douglas’ immediate admittance to the emergency ward.

Sir Peter said despite strong wind warnings which were current, travel by banana boat was extremely dangerous.

“Last week, I visited Karkar and witnessed numerous overloaded banana boats laden with cargo battling against two and three-metre chops, taking in water whilst the passengers continued to bail,” he said.

“Most of these boats do not have floatation, radios of locator beacons, no records are kept of the voyages, the number of passengers or other details pertaining to the type and colour of the boat and remain unlicensed.”

Sir Peter said at the weekend, , another boat  with a full family aboard was reported missing two days after it left Raikos for Madang, and relatives were concerned about the well being of the vessel and the occupants .

“Every year, we lose passengers and in most cases little can be done unless they are reported missing immediately,” he said.

“Their only hope is that they may drift to an island, providing the boat does not sink.

“It is really tragic and could be avoided if only legislation was in place and could be enforced.

“In the case of the accident near the Ramu Nico project, one can only be amazed that such a large project has been constructed without road access, denying the people road access to Madang and forcing them to travel by sea.”

 Sir Peter said he would again bring this to the attention of the company, Government and Department of Transport.

ANZ top brass cruise on Kalibobo Spirit

Senior international executives of ANZ bank spent some time aboard luxury Melanesian Tourist Services vessel mv Kalibobo Spirit in Madang last Friday.

They included Alex Thursby, who is ANZ’s chief executive officer - Asia Pacific, Europe and America.

He is also responsible for leading the group strategy and marketing agenda

Mr Thursby along with Mishael Rowland, CEO Pacific, accompanied by ANZ Asia Pacific executive delegation, flew into Madang in their private jet for a stopover during which time they met a number of Madang people including Governor, Sir Arnold Amet aboard the Kalibobo Spirit and at a dinner that followed at the Madang Resort.

Picture shows Mr Thursby talking to Sir Arnold aboard the Kalibobo Spirit.-Picture courtesy of SIR PETER BARTER

Selling fish for school fees

With the 2010 school year just about to begin, parents and students alike are scrambling to organise school fees.

Young Kapari/Viriolo, Central province villager, Ilamilo Velekiri, is no exception as he took to the sea to catch fish which he smoked to take to market to raise money for his 2010 school fees.-Picture courtesy of DAVID NALU

British High Commission continues fight against domestic violence

The British High Commission has for the third year running extended its partnership with the Port Moresby-based women and children crisis centre Haus Ruth.

“The British High Commission is pleased to continue its strategic partnership with Haus Ruth for the third consecutive year. Our financial assistance enables battered women and children to seek refuge in a safe and secure environment where they are housed, fed and provided with legal assistance. It is a fundamental human right for all women and children to be able to live in an abuse free and peaceful environment and seek legal redress,” said David Dunn, British High Commissioner to PNG.

The UK/Haus Ruth partnership complements the decision in August last year by the British High Commission in Port Moresby to join the successful Meri Seif Ples initiative, an anti-violence programme run jointly by various stakeholders for victims of domestic violence.

The High Commissioner said: “Last August we joined many other partners in Port Moresby and opened our doors to women who are victims of domestic violence by making the British High Commission a Meri Seif Ples.  Domestic violence cannot be fixed overnight but we – hand in hand with partners like Haus Ruth and Meri Seif Ples – have taken a stand against it and so must all Papua New Guineans. Domestic violence is completely unacceptable, there are no excuses, it must stop now."

Haus Ruth manageress Monica Richards thanked the British High Commission for extending its assistance.

“Without such sponsorship by the British High Commission, Haus Ruth would not be able to see the year through. Last year a total of 128 women, teenage girls and children were accommodated at the crisis wing. It is good and very satisfying to see that women and children have a safe haven free from violent and abusive homes in which they can share their experiences with others, seek counselling and hopefully begin to rebuild their lives,” she said.

Haus Ruth is an initiative of the interfaith organisation City Mission (PNG). It was established in 2003 and has since its inception assisted hundreds of PNG women and children escape violent environments.

 

Lae - a story of gross neglect

Potholes along Eighth Street, Lae

A satirical look at Port Moresby and Lae.-From Nasfund Newsletter

Rundown Angau Memorial Hospital, Lae

From Nasfund Newsletter

Living in Port Moresby often means that many of us become too Moresby-focused and we view things through a far rosier prism than we rightly should.

Our media both print and television also suffers from the same Moresby bias.

Even this newsletter can be rightly criticised for being too focused on Port Moresby.

The editorial this month is both sobering and alarming.

It talks about a city in crisis.

Lae is Papua New Guinea’s second largest city and the industrial and manufacturing hub of the country.

It has the largest port facilities and is the gateway to the Highlands.

The Lae gateway and the Highlands Highway is the life line for over 50% of the population of Papua New Guinea who rely on the Port of Lae and Lae town for supplies. Something however is seriously wrong.

The Lae of today suffers from neglect and lack of decisive political leadership due to the inability to work together.

Never have we witnessed such a steady decline of a city than that of Lae.

The heart beat of industry still hums, private sector endures but the decline of infrastructure like roads, water, power and the vital support facilities like the Angau hospital underlie a very serious tale of woe.

The management of Lae city is in a sorry state with a failure to allocate scarce resources in priority areas of road and utility infrastructure.

Political leaders in power prefer the relatively more-lucrative and workable capital of Waigani and when in Lae take refuge in Lae’s “green zone” – two or three comfortable establishments where in air-conditioned comfort; their minders can praise them for their initiatives and tell them what they want to hear over glasses of red wine and cold beer. Outside the green zone a totally different world emerges that should shake the conscience of any one who cares for the city.

Sex workers desperate to etch out a living, bob up and down between the containers that have overflowed on to the old landing strip near town.

If not there, then they can be found under the verandah of Nasfund Haus directly across from the green zone, where lucrative pickings can be! had, from well-heeled hotel guests.

HIV is rife, as it is along the highway right through to the Western Highlands and beyond.

A recent HIV test of workers at one facility found three out of 15 infected.

Young schoolies, whose parents have little, skip classes to join the sex worker throng to buy basics like clothes, food and soap.

Many do it just to ensure they can pay their school fees.

A sophisticated network through mobile phones co ordinate the sex workers with their clients along the Highlands highway including truck drivers and maritime workers from the port.

Through mobile communication, tastes of the clients can be ascertained - whether they use condoms or not, their likes and dislikes, violent, kind or generous – all can be exchanged as part of the workings of this highly visible trade.

Exacerbated by the huge urban drift from the Highlands region, the town cannot absorb the inflow and settlements abound with all the associated ills that such a diaspora brings. Crime from muggings to murder abound and fueled by home brew, grass and alcohol, the hospitals overflow from the rampage of weekend desperation, of disaffected, disengaged youths and communities that have been wearing the brunt of neglect for too long.

Crime is made easy by the collapse in the road system. Not a stretch of road in Lae can be found without potholes, some so deep as to make sections of road impassable.

The two entrances to Lae look more like rural tracks than proud entry points to our second biggest and in some ways our most important city.

The dreadful state of the roads is compounded by the recent “gone missing” of millions allocated to repair a portion of the road system.

The poor state of the roads means that drivers are easy pickings for roadside criminals and ensures that security companies will continue to maintain dominance of the major roads even if it is just to ensure that access to the airport remains unimpeded

Over the last few months security of supply of water and power have both become serious issues.

Water was recently out for three weeks and power remains intermittent.

Once again it begs the question how this has been allowed to develop in what is our manufacturing hub and gateway.

But what is both depressing and beggar’s belief is the cholera camp on the front lawns of Angau Hospital.

Forget the appalling condition of Angau Hospital for a minute; the lack of facilities to treat what in the West would be basic matters; forget the run down wards; or the desperation on the face of women trying to get treatment for breast and cervical cancer. Forget the collapsing hospital infrastructure or the piles of surgical rubbish dumped on a makeshift bonfire to the left of the building.

Let’s just focus on the front lawns - a collection of make shift latrines and tents, a few iron beds in the middle of the lawns and untied black plastic which has failed to hide the camp from road side visibility now flapping in the breeze.

Adults and children lying in tents getting treated for a disease that should not be in Papua New Guinea and certainly not in our second largest city.

Visibility from a major road of those suffering shows how little we respect their privacy and their dignity.

A government cheque for K3 million that was release bounced and so very little has occurred except through assistance from AusAID and other donors.

A government that has pledged K13 million to assist in the cholera outbreak, and still to this day not released anything is a national shame beyond comprehension.

In November, the National government announced its 2050 vision of a people happy and prosperous.

One could possibly not but support such an initiative.

However for the long-suffering people of Lae, they desperately cannot wait 40 years to secure and share that vision.

They need a plan for 2010 - one that delivers better roads, safer and secure water supplies, consistent electricity and major upgrades in the area of health and education.

To continue to ignore Lae, as has been done, is a blight on the nation and corrosive to the collective soul.

Will someone please come forward?

I will be back

Robert with Bubu Tobias on the road into Kaubasis (photo courtesy Chau)

The engagement ceremony taking place at our "Hut" (photo courtesy Chau)

I have a special connection with the old folks (photo courtesy Chau)

Robert during the engagement ceremony (photo courtesy Sebastian)

We finally get to embrace in front of family and clan (photo courtesy Sebastian)

Our hands are joined as symbol of commitment to each other (photo courtesy Sebastian

With a few of the men having a chew and a "stori" (photo courtesy Anthony)

The formalities out of the way and its time to eat! (photo courtesy Anthony)

Goroka-based Australian volunteer ROBERT SCHILT reflects on five years in PNG and why he will be back…for good

After five years of living and working in Papua New Guinea as a volunteer I have decided to call it quits.
As a young man a dream was born within, that one day I would have the opportunity to live and work amongst tribal people.
The last five years have been a dream come true.
Papua New Guinea as a country and especially its urban centres are going through rapid change.
The short time I have lived in the Land of the Unexpected I have clearly witnessed a gradual breakdown of law and order and the inevitable collapse of a social fabric.
City or town living in PNG is hard and for me the village will always hold that special something that makes this country unique.
The walk to the “Hut” from the Highway at Mangiro Junction can take anywhere between one and six hours.
The time it takes depends on who and how many locals we bump into on the way in.
To meet, chat and hug clan members as we etch our way towards our home in the heart of Kaubasis, helps me to get into the village mood and start to unwind from the hussle and bustle of town living.
I have been accepted into the village like a son and the bond that has formed over the past four years is beyond the realm of words.
On Oct 23, 2008 a formal ceremony took place during which I was anointed “Chief” of eight clans.
I was presented with a spear that had not been held in public for three generations.
The old men gave me the name of “papa” in Tok Ples and I now participate in tribal and clan gatherings as a leader.
In addition to the sense of privilege and honour I feel at being adopted by the clan, I am reminded of that dream I had as young man.
The opportunity to come to PNG as a volunteer has allowed me to fulfill the vision that was born within all those years ago at Hyde Park in Sydney.
After going "steady" for over four years with Eli, on Jan 10 this year we became formally engaged in the eye of the Bolku Clan.
The weekend unfolded in true Simbu village style and culminated in a tribal ceremony during which Eli and myself openly committed to each other in front of her family, clan and other members of the Keto-Tapasi community.
Magnificence, belonging, privilege, love, family, bridge, home, exchange, surrender and joy are some of the words I would use to describe the experience of last weekend.
Although I do intend to return to the Highlands after a short break and some job searching Downunder – I hope you are able to appreciate the delicate nature of the situation in relation to the village folks.
Some of the old folks have even told me that they will cut off a finger after I depart (a traditional Highlands ritual when grieving a loved one).
So during a recent visit I called a formal gathering of the Bolku clan and shared my situation and intentions with them openly.
Many of us cried and words of love, nurturing and re-assurance were exchanged.
As hard and frustrating as I have found life to be in the Land of the Unexpected there is enough pull and attraction for me to want to come back for a round “2”?
I will never forget that moment at around the six month mark, waiting for a return PMV to Lae after my first weekend in Goroka, when it hit me that I was beginning to fall in love with a land and a people.
So what is it exactly about this place, a land that many deem to be the epitome of violence and chaos that would motivate me enough to even think about returning?
Perhaps if I share with you 10 reasons that come to mind:
1. The number one reason without a doubt is to be reunited with the love of my life: Eli. According to tribal custom we are now formally engaged with a full Simbu traditional ceremony scheduled for around Christmas 2010. This is the first time I have felt strongly enough about one person to want to “commit” at this level.
2. The “Hut”. Many couples spend their entire working lives slaving away and paying of a home somewhere in the suburbs, driven by and chasing a dream, only to find that the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is a myth and a false prophet. And as the West continues to career towards slow extinction we will take haven in our clean and fresh water supply, fresh garden crops and almost unlimited supply of firewood.
3. The potential to market, sell and establish a services industry around Open Source solutions remains untapped. Considering the green field nature of IT in this country, I firmly believe in the opportunity for Open Solutions to deliver solid, reliable and cost effective solutions to a wide range of sectors in Papua New Guinea.
4. Belonging. If there is one thing and one thing only that I have found in PNG – it would have to be a sense of “belonging”. The loneliness and isolation that I had grown so accustomed to in my home town of Sydney is now all but broken. Having said that and as connected as I feel with people here – I have also developed a deep appreciation and love towards my own blood (family) back “home”.
5. Markets. There is something about PNG markets that hits the spot. To take an afternoon or weekend stroll down to the local market for some good old fashioned human interaction is one aspect of Melanesian culture guranteed to knock the wind out of the most powerful of “blues”.
6. Speaking of markets – the local fresh vegetables and fruits is something that I have grown to really appreciate and enjoy. Back in so called modern civilisation, supermarkets sell fresh produce that looks exceptional but once you cut it open and taste it – you just know that there’s something missing. Here, the fruit and veggies don’t necessarily look the best but once you give them the taste test you just know that you are eating something full of life. In the Highlands – organics are the norm by the way.
7. Buai (betenut) chewing. Although a filthy and unhygienic habit – there is a social aspect to standing around a little buai market that can only be understood if you have ever stood around a little buai market and had a chew. Besides, the little green acacia palm nut has been my most effective security and protection over the past five years. If there is one thing and one thing only that will ensure your personal safety in this place, in my books it would definitely have to be buai (more effective than a weapon!). In a strange sort of a way – buai has given me the privilege of “free passage” – to come and go in the most dangerous and violent of town settlements.
8. On the subject of buai… how can I forget the street boys, sellers, pick-pockets and half sense population of Lae and Goroka? On my return and if my “plan” (yes, I have a plan) is realised – I will fund a BBQ just for the street people of Goroka town. I empathise, interact, occasionally give away a few coins, share a story and a laugh. The street lads will always hold a special place in my heart.
9.The humanity. There is more humanity in PNG than what you will ever find in the collective of the developed world. I remember on one of my return trips to Sydney, my second day back in town at a local shopping center – a man had fallen over and hurt himself badly – I stood back as I watched people just walking past and avoiding eye contact at all cost. The westerner within also wanted to just wander off and pretend that nothing had happened. But the newly found Papua New Guinean within walked over and reached out to another human in need. Later that day as I shared the story with Mum – I shed a tear for my people and felt a deep shame that this is what my culture has become.
10. The list could go on and on… village life, the clan, highlands public speaking and oratory, Eli’s cooking, strawberry thick shake down at the Bird of Paradise, the local coffee , meeting the rare expat that shares a similar connection with PNG, our dog “Gelo”, daily crosswords and comics in the two local newspapers, flour balls and “karuka” nuts, etc…
With less than three weeks to go before I hop on that plane to return to Sydney I am inspired and encouraged by the catch phrase made famous by Arnie: “I’ll be back”.

Robert Schilt
Australian Volunteer
Trupela Tok (http://www.trupela.com/)

Turtle hunting in Papua New Guinea

Turtle hunting is prevalent in Papua New Guinea, whatever marine conservationists may say.

People need turtle meat for food, and at this time of the year, school fees for their children, so they take to the seas to hunt for this marine delicacy.

Port Moresby resident, David Nalu, took this picture of turtle hunting at Abau, Central province, by Mailu fishermen.

"So much for marine conservationist - these guys need to put food on the table," he said.

"I took this shot at Kapari/Viriolo Market at Cape Rodney on Tuesday this week.

"One of the turtles was tagged by a Hawaian marine biologis.

"Turtle hunting took place to cover school fees."

Hunt hots up for prison escapees

By DULCIE OREKE in The National

 

THE hunt for William Kapris and 11 other dangerous prison escapes was stepped up yesterday with the deployment of about 500 police and Correctional Services personnel.

Police Commissioner Gari Baki is also back in command as top cop and has set up a National Crime Coordination Centre (NCCC) at the police headquarters in Konedobu to coordinate the hunt for the escapee.

The stepped up manhunt is initially for the National Capital District, but would be extended to other provinces if required and when funding is made available.

The massive operation was launched with the promised K1.5 million from the National Government now in the police accounts for use.

Roadblocks into and out of the city will be stepped up, and all vehicles searched, regardless of who is in the vehicle.

The operation will run for a month.

During a parade at Reke Street in Boroko yesterday, National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent, Chief Supt Fred Yakasa, called for a united effort to retake the escapees.

“We have to be united in this course.

“The Government, the community and everybody is looking at us”.

He told them no one could be trusted in this day and age, and nothing must be left to chance.

He gave directives for all vehicles to be thoroughly checked at roadblocks regardless of its occupants, even if they were from a disciplinary force such as the police.

There are many “Judases” around and those caught would be isolated, dealt with and exposed publicly.

 He was referring to law enforcement officers who assist criminals and lawbreakers.

Mr Yakasa warned the public to refrain from habouring the escapees and turn them in to police.

The K1.5million allocation will go towards facilitating the operation including the hiring of cars and boats, overtime allowances, roadblocks, torches, patrol and other basic materials needed for the operation. 

Mr Yakasa said the three warders and one civilian who were arrested for their alleged involvement in the breakout at Bomana were tight-lipped during questioning.

He said the men had compromised their positions when all protocol was breached on the day of the escape on Jan 12.

Mr Yakasa said police had been checking various locations in Port Moresby and Central province as far as the coastlines and highways.

So far this week, police have managed to capture one escapee from last October’s breakout.

Mr Yakasa said Peter Kuman Kaupa from Gumine in the Simbu province escaped while serving his term for the murder of a pilot in Lae.

 

Datec's magnificent new Megastore in Port Moresby

These are pictures of Datec's magnificent Megastore in Port Moresby, situated at Gordon along the Popeporena Freeway, which opened its doors to the public this week and promises to change the whole ICT landscape of Port Moresby.

Jails minister, commissioner suspended for jailbreak

Caption: Jails Minister Tony Aimo (right) and Commissioner Richard Sikani...suspended over jailbreak

From The National

PRIME Minister Sir Michael Somare has taken over the Correctional Services ministry with immediate effect.
Sir Michael got tough yesterday, eight days after the Bomana prison breakout, as three warders and a person who was allegedly the driver of the getaway vehicle appeared before a magistrate yesterday for allegedly aiding the escape of the 12 dangerous prisoners.
Tony Aimo, who had held the position, is now Minister without Portfolio pending investigations into the Bomana prison breakout on Jan 12 by the Correctional Services and the National Security Advisory Council.
CS Commissioner Richard Sikani has also been suspended.
The decisions were taken by the National Executive Council in a special meeting yesterday afternoon.
The Prime Minister’s Office issued a short statement: “This is to advise that the Prime Minister had met with Minister Tony Aimo on 19 January and informed him that he will remain minister but without portfolio.
“The Correctional Service portfolio will be vested with the Prime Minister until further notice and after an investigation is carried out.”
During the meeting with Mr Aimo, Sir Michael also instructed the minister to meet with senior Correctional Service officials immediately and to make the necessary reshuffle in light of the prison escape. It is understood that Mr Sikani’s responsibilities are being taken over by deputy commissioner (operations) Henry Wavik, while deputy commissioner (human resources) Steven Pokanis has been moved up as acting deputy commissioner.
The acting appointments are expected to be announced by Public Service Minister Peter O’Neill. When contacted, Mr Aimo said it was the Prime Minister’s prerogative to sideline him.
“I as the minister accept the decision. The Prime Minister must be in charge of this pressing issue.
“I will work closely with the Prime Minister to ensure the smooth functioning of this very important State entity.”

Jailbreak accused appear in court

John Weka...warder

Kimoi Kingsley...civilian

Allan Maru...warder

Ambiang Kera...warder

By GEEJAY MILLI in The National

THREE Correctional Services (CS) warders and a civilian, all of whom were allegedly involved in the escape of 12 hardcore criminals from Bomana prison’s maximum security unit last Tuesday, appeared before the Waigani Committal Court yesterday.

The warders are Ambiang Kera, 47, of Morobe province; John Weka, 35, of Malalaua in Gulf province; and Allan Maru, 31, of Rigo, Central province. The civilian is Kimoi Kingsley, 40, of Unggai-Bena in Eastern Highlands province.

Kingsley is said to be one of the drivers of the getaway vehicles used to spring the 12 prisoners, including alleged bank robbery mastermind William Kapris, from the maximum security unit cells at Bomana prison on Jan 12. The four appeared before magistrate Fred Tomo.

All four were charged with aiding and abetting the escape of the 12 dangerous prisoners from lawful custody, thereby contravening section 138(a) of the Criminal Code Act.

While the four were entitled to apply for bail, magistrate Tomo said that because of the serious nature of the case, the defendants would have to arrange for a lawyer to lodge a formal bail application at the National Court.

They were therefore denied bail, and ordered to be held in custody at the Bomana prison until their next appearance.

The matter was adjourned until Feb 24.

IinterOil confirms indication of oil at Antelope 2

Cairns, Australia and Houston, TX -- January 20, 2010 -- InterOil Corporation (NYSE: IOC) (POMSoX: IOC) today announced confirmation of indications of oil in the Antelope-2 well in Papua New Guinea.

The Company is continuing to test whether the zone contains commercial quantities of oil and will announce the results of these tests when the evaluation has been completed.

 

About InterOil

InterOil Corporation is developing a vertically integrated energy business whose primary focus is Papua New Guinea and the surrounding region. InterOil’s assets consist of petroleum licenses covering about 3.9 million acres, an oil refinery, and retail and commercial distribution facilities, all located in Papua New Guinea. In addition, InterOil is a shareholder in a joint venture established to construct an LNG plant on a site adjacent to InterOil’s refinery in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. InterOil’s common shares trade on the NYSE in US dollars.

 

What about a Papua New Guinea Neighbouhood Watch Program?

From PAUL OATES in Queensland, Australia

In the Post Courier today was a good example of public spirited self help. Local police were complimented on the effect their public patrolling of Lae City was having on reducing urban crime. The writer however still had to band together with others and defend a young person against thugs who were trying to rob her. So by putting your own life on the line is still the only way to stop urban crime ? At the moment, the answer might appear to be 'Yes!'. Is there is a better way however?

Creating a Neighbourhood Watch program or an organised arrangement between the public and police needs to be investigated. Those members of the public that are cleared by police can then go about helping their community reduce personal assaults and petty crime. By standing up for public decency and reporting criminals to police without necessarily having to physically defend yourself and others is an effective way of assisting police. Effectively organised, 'People Power' can work wonders.

As an example, might each busy PMV had at least two police appointed Neighbourhood Watch members with mobile phones ready to report any lawbreakers? If each suburb and settlement had a Neighbourhood Watch program that were the eyes and ears of the police, this 'intelligence' could well turn the corner on urban crime. Identification of personal items and making law abiding citizens aware of how they can assist with their own security are very important. Reports of 'modus opperandi' or details of recent crime and local criminal behaviour also helps people become more aware of how they can help themselves. Reducing opportunities for crimes to be committed has a very positive overall effect in reducing crime.

Is there an effective police 'dob in' facility for anonymous reporting? This would help those who don't want to reveal to their wantoks who reported a crime or criminal behaviour. While the mischievous will always try to use the system to their own advantage, the overall benefits of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in PNG cities might well be worthwhile.

The RPNGC could help themselves as well as the public by becoming more proactive rather than just reactive.

viewpoints
Thursday 21st January, 2010

Let's work with police to fight crime

I would like to comment on the police officers patrolling the main streets in Lae City.
It's almost a month and we have witnessed a drop in bag snatching, public harassment and pocket-picking by street thugs. Police presence in the city has made a lot of difference.
However, in the early hours between 6 and 8am street thugs are preying on young girls and the elderly, harassing and robbing people going to work as if they own the streets. Yesterday my friends and I were able to rescue a young lady who was being harassed and robbed around 7am on her way to work. My friends and I put our lives on the line and put up a fight with these thugs, more than 10 of them. One of my friends lost his shopping bag in the confrontation.
We were attacked with iron rods and outnumbered, fortunately no one was hurt. Police, consider street patrolling between 6am and 7am and clean out these opportunists. As a law abiding Papua New Guinean, I will speak against immorality, public harassment and robbing of our women folk by street thugs. It's risky to physically confront street thugs. If we the innocent public and the law enforcing body do not step up, someone we know will become a victim to street thugs.
If good, law-abiding citizens are not saying or doing anything to attack immorality around us, evil and lawlessness will increase.
Let's work together with community policing to make our city and country safe for everyone.

W Hera

Buck Roo

From PAUL OATES in Queensland, Australia

Going out the back door this morning I surprised a family of Eastern Greys.

The Buck sat about fivet high until he stood up.

I'm glad there was a fence between us.

Koiari farmers receive rice mills

Farmers representative Alex Wageri (centre) extends his appreciation to DAL and Central provincial administration officials for the donation of rice mills

DAL food security officer Steven Hoko (right) explains rice farming techniques to keen farmers during a recent World Food Day program held in Manus province.-Pictures courtesy of DAL

Story and picture by BUSISI SIWAKA of DAL

Rice farmers in the Mount Koiari area of Central Province are looking forward to improved rice production this year.

The farmers were given rice seeds in 2003 by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock to plant but their main problem has been the lack of milling equipment apart from high transport costs.

Getting their act together, the farmers formed the Manari Rice Farmers Association, and have sought further assistance from the Central provincial administration and DAL.

President Alex Wageri said about 28 farmers established the association and their main objective was to acquire a rice mill from the appropriate authorities.

He said Manari villagers had the potential to grow more rice but they needed milling machines and other technical support.

“We have been trying hard to get the rice milling machines since 2004,” Mr Wageri said.

Their dreams came true late last year when DAL handed over two rice milling machines to the farmers.

DAL, Central provincial administration and the farmers association also signed an agreement for the use, management and maintenance of the mills.

Mr Wageri said: “We are very privileged to have the mills and today marks one of the successes for our people.”

He said the mills would boost rice production amongst six villages and lead to food self-sufficiency.

He said farmers were eagerly looking forward to growing rice in bigger plots in 2010.

Officials from the provincial administration and DAL urged the farmers to take good care of the milling machines.

They said rice cultivation would also boost food self-sufficiency within their households and community.

High yielding peanuts for Papua New Guinea

Caption:  Potential peanut farmers from the Highlands checking seeds of some of the high-yielding peanut varieties suitable for cultivation in the Highlands.- Picture courtesy of NARI

 

By SENIORL ANZU of NARI

 

Research has identified high yielding peanut varieties for Papua New Guinea farmers.

These include nine short-duration and six medium-duration varieties for the lowlands and five short-duration and four medium-duration varieties for the Highlands.

The short-duration varieties require about 90-120 days to fully mature whilst medium-duration varieties need 130-160 days under the Markham valley conditions.

 These improved peanut varieties have been recommended and released to the PNG farming community.

The recommendation was based on field research by the PNG National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), Trukai Agri-Business, Ramu Agri-Industries (PNG) and Queensland Department of Primary Industries (Australia) with Support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

Peanuts are a most-nutritious and easily-grown food crop.

 They can complement the cereal and tuber food staples as root and tuber crops lack the essential proteins necessary for balanced diet.

Peanuts also improve soil fertility for other crops and can be a major source of cash income, particularly for women.

However, current peanut production levels in PNG are generally low with pod yields of 0.5-1 tonnes per ha when the crop’s potential stands at 3.4 tonne per ha with appropriate improved production technologies.

With a domestic market valued at K29 million and serious engagement of farmers in peanut production, it is imperative that PNG farmers should have access to appropriate improved production technology for enhanced yields and economic gains.

 Peanuts are one of the most-profitable crops in PNG, producing around 30, 000 tones each year and providing a major portion of family income in the PNG Highlands.

 Interested farmers can enquire with the local partners.

Meanwhile, a new peanut production manual is also available for peanut producers, processors and educators to further enhance the crop as a leading industry in PNG.

The new booklet, titled ‘Growing Peanuts in Papua New Guinea – A Best Management Practice Manual’, was launched in Lae by Queensland’s Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin in October 2008.

  The 77-page document provides scientific information about crop agronomy, as well as being a practical, field reference tool for smallholders, peri-urban gardeners, researchers, students and remote villagers who grow peanuts. 

 

Air crash in Papua New Guinea

A TWIN Otter plane, on a commercial flight, crashed into a garden when taking off on Monday afternoon at Kikori in the Gulf province of Papua New Guinea.

On board the plane were two pilots and three passengers, who were heading for Kerema when the plane skidded off the airstrip at about 3pm.

Senior Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CAA) officials said the plane was a commercial flight for Airlines PNG.

A full investigation into the crash has begun and will be conducted by both the CAA and Airlines PNG.

No one was hurt in the crash.

 

Blaming the symptoms and ignoring the disease

From PAUL OATES

In a recent Editorial in Papua New Guinea’s The National, it discussed how guns are changing the way PNG people live. 'Power now revolves around who owns the most powerful gun around', it is contended. But are guns the disease or only the symptom?
On David Ulg Ketepa's website 'Kange Nga Kona' recently, there is an excellent article titled 'Ways you and I can combat crime in our societies'. Six very constructive ways are listed to combat crime. It has been suggested that crime is 95% opportunity and 5% intent. When communities reduce the opportunities, crime rates plummet. Many parts of the world now organise a Neighbourhood Watch scheme where citizens and police combine to prevent crime before it happens.
Yet the question still remains as to why PNG appears to be lapsing into an ever decreasing spiral of gun culture. A clue to the reason is in the article: 'Power now revolves around who owns the most powerful gun around.' Could it be that the government PNG no longer has any 'power' and therefore unable to govern?
In an ongoing campaign to reduce the 'road toll' or traffic accidents involving injuries and fatalities, Australian State governments have continually chanted the jingo 'Speed kills'. Yet is it the speed (a non
personal but measurable fact), that a vehicle is travelling at that actually causes the accident or the inability of the person behind the wheel to control the vehicle? Conveniently, governments trumpet how they are working to reduce the road toll by penalising drivers who speed. There are now unmarked speed traps and automatic cameras installed in many States that photograph anyone travelling over the speed limit. The outcomes of this very prescriptive action have produced vast amounts of revenue for the State governments. It seems to have had little impact on the overall accident statistics however. Vehicles are still being sold that can easily exceed the speed limit. Also, there seems to be no real attempt to address why some drivers are apparently unable to effectively control their cars. These so called 'freedoms' are clearly ‘off limits’.
So is gun control likewise 'off limits' to the PNG government and if so, why? There can only be two reasons. The government is either:
· Unable to control of the problem and, as highlighted in The National, 'dragging their feet on tabling the Gun Committee Report and in implementing its 244 recommendations; or
· It finds the 'status quo' very convenient and the real issue of national law and order doesn't have to be addressed.
So it seems that when it comes to government solutions are concerned, it’s far too easy to blame the symptoms and conveniently ignore the disease.
________________________________________________________________________
Editorial in the PNG newspaper The National

Guns changing the way we live

THERE are communities scattered throughout the towns of PNG who are landless.
When you take a closer look at these landless people, they have varying backgrounds. One group comprises the people who have grown up in towns and cities.
This is the class of people whose parents might have had land holdings on their traditional land but through a lifetime of employment in towns, they have left behind children who have not gone home to claim what is rightfully theirs by inheritance.
And since land holding is a communal thing at rural settings, where physical presence and land use speaks louder than anything else, these town grown children are essentially outcasts in their own land.
They join the increasing numbers that cluster around squatter settlements and make grabs at State or traditional land on the fringes of towns. These children are there to stay.
They do not have any place to go to in any case.
This group is mostly youths and the oldest of the group would now themselves be rearing a second generation of landless children.
There is yet another group of landless who are placing pressure upon limited resources and service lines on the fringes of towns and cities.
These are the people who have been displaced in tribal conflicts and hail mostly from the five Highlands provinces.
These people had homes, gardens and land but they have been physically and brutally forced from their homes.
Studies will show these people fled for their lives and although they yearn to go back, it is not there for them.
And the reason why they cannot return is the gun culture that has sprung up.
The gun rules society today.
Once upon a time, tribal conflicts were a conflict resolution method.
When mediation and all other forms of peaceful settlement failed, a conflict was taken to the battlefield.
The victor took the spoils. People fled the land but eventually came back and surrounding tribes always ensured that land belonging to a tribe remained intact for that tribe.
Not any more. With guns, tribes face wholesale massacre and are fleeing never to return.
The gun is changing the way we live. Guns are used to maul, to maim, to rape, to rob and to scare away entire communities.
Yet no government, including this one, has come up with a firm policy on what to do with the proliferation of guns in PNG.
The Somare administration established the Guns Committee in 2005 under the chairmanship of retired General Jerry Singirok.
Immediately it undertook a nationwide assessment of the guns proliferation issue and related issues. The team undertook a nationwide road show and spoke to a huge cross-section of the population.
Not surprisingly, locals and expatriates spoke passionately about guns and the cost to the nation of their illegal use.
Although concerns were voiced everywhere, it was in the Highlands that it became abundantly clear how guns were completely ruling and in most instances ruining the lives of communities there.
Entire villages have been wiped out as a result and whole communities have been displaced permanently, most of whom are to be found in urban settings such as Lae and Port Moresby.
Often the animosities follow these migrants into the cities so that the nation has witnessed gruesome payback killings right in the centre of towns in broad daylight.
Guns have also tilted the balance of power at the community level.
Power now revolves around who owns the most powerful gun around.
In the competition, therefore, to gain power tens of thousands of kina, young brides and scores of domestic livestock, particularly pigs, have been given in exchange for guns.
So why are the Government and Parliament dragging their feet on tabling the Gun Committee Report and in implementing its 244 recommendations?
It makes you wonder whether our leadership is in touch with what is happening.

Three warders held over jailbreak

By JACOB POK in The National

 

POLICE arrested three Correctional Services officers yesterday in connection with the escape of alleged bank robbery mastermind William Kapris and 11 other dangerous prisoners.

The three warders were taken to the Boroko Police Station and locked up yesterday.

They were questioned by police investigating the Jan 12 escape by the 12 from the maximum security unit at Bomana jail outside Port Moresby.

The three warders have been charged under Sections 138 and 140 of the PNG Criminal Code with aiding and abetting the escape of the prisoners.

National Capital District metropolitan commander, Supt Fred Yakasa, confirmed yesterday afternoon that the three men had been arrested and locked up at the Boroko police cells for questioning while more investigations were still being carried out.

He said two of the officers were the ones manning the maximum security unit gates at the time of the escape, while the third was the one who had called the two officers to tell them that a lady, a human rights “lawyer”, was on her way to visit a prisoner client.

Supt Yakasa said police believe the three officers had breached all security procedures of the CS.

“The permission to allow visitors into the maximum security unit only comes from three people: the deputy Correctional Services Commissioner (Operations), the Correctional Services Commissioner, or a National Court judge who heads criminal matters. None of these people gave that permission,” Supt Yakasa said.

He said the officers manning the maximum security unit at the time were senior officers who had been in the job for a long time and should have had vast knowledge of the security and visitation

procedures.

“We believe it is a planned thing, as there was a clear breach of security. The officers know very well that they cannot act upon orders from elsewhere unless it’s from the three authorities,” Supt Yakasa said.

He said the three officers would be thoroughly questioned about their alleged involvement and that of others.

He said the names of the three warders could not be disclosed at this stage as investigations were still in progress. They will appear in committal court today.

Kapris and 11 others were sprung from the jail on Jan 12, allegedly by a female who posed as a lawyer for one of the prisoners. She allegedly slipped through a gun, which the prisoners used to detain the warders before they escaped. None of the prisoners or the female “lawyer” has been captured.

Police are offering a reward of K10, 000 for the capture, or information that could lead to the capture of the 12.

Alternatives for Papua New Guinea's housing crisis

Caption: Clay bricks, which can be easily made in PNG, could help ease our housing crisis

 

A senior Papua New Guinea public servant studying in the United Kingdom has supported calls by Nasfund joint chief excutive officer Rod Mitchell for the housing crisis in the country to be addressed.

Reichert Thanda, an assistant secretary with the Department of National Planning and Monitoring who is currently studying for his masters at the University of Bradford, said the crisis needed to be addressed with a sense of urgency.

“I fear for the worse because, if the relevant stakeholders including the government are not taking appropriate steps to address the housing issue, then this really is a crisis situation given huge projects like the LNG which is expected to employ close to 5-7000 people,” he said.

Mr Thanda proposed steps that relevant stakeholders could apply in addressing this “potentially dangerous” situation:

·        Form a national multi-stakeholder committee comprising key central agencies like Treasury, Finance, Planning and the PM’s Department to as part of the urbanisation policy to free up customary land within the periphery of the Port Moresby City (through registration and leasing of customary land to private investors and individuals to build their houses);

·        Two options: engage youths in manufacture of bricks through supervision by perhaps Habitat for Humanity (e.g. case of Ghana, Philippines, etc). The aim is to build more houses for less (e.g. with K1 million we should aim to build between 20-30 houses as opposed to 5-10 houses through some private sector construction companies). Habitat for Humanity can even partner with our local steel manufacturing companies to get subsidised steel for construction of cost-effective but quality steel houses;

·        Open up and expand the financial and banking sector so that credit facilities are made available including through Nambawan Super and Nasfund. Why not members obtain housing loans directly from Nambawan Super or Nasfund including the saving societies instead of the banks? The market for credit facilities in PNG is completely underdeveloped for average income earners to invest in such properties in order to improve their living standards.

·        Government through a Cabinet decision must allocate K1 million each for staff housing from next year’s Development Budget (starting with central agencies and line ministries and eventually to the provinces) which can be used as either collateral or applied in a scheme describe in point;

·         In light of the LNG project, Government must quickly formulate a single structure salary system instead of the current discriminatory dual system; and

·        The same committee with National Capital District Commission should plan for the city’s expansion immediately.

“While the above proposals are not limited in scope, I am sure it will generate a lot of bright ideas from the people of PNG,” Mr Thanda said.

“Let’s not look to the foreigners to provide us with solutions but look around to see how we can utilise existing skills and resources to improve the lives of our fellow citizens.

“Let me therefore conclude with this quote from Marcel Proust: ‘The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands but seeing with new eyes’.”