Post Courier, Monday February 2, 2015

BY MAUREEN GERAWA

TODAY is the first day of the school year but not every school-age child will be in the classroom despite the Government’s free education policy.

Among those who cannot make it to school are Port Moresby’s orphans and street children.

There are at least two non-governmental organisations which go out of their way to send some of these

children to school by paying for the children’s project fees, buying them school uniforms, giving them money for lunch and bus fares to and from school.

But today they are in financial strife.

Life PNG Care, privately run by Collin Pake and his wife Freda, took 17 of these children under its care and had sent them to school last year.

CONTINUED PAGE 2

Giving our street kids a second chance

TODAY thousands of young Papua New Guineans walk into their classrooms in church and governmentrun primary and secondary schools to kick off the 2015 academic year. It is the start to what should be an exciting year for the country with the Pacific Games scheduled for July this year and celebrations to mark the 40th independence anniversary two months later. Last night parents from the coast to the Highlands and the Islands would have been preparing their loved ones for today, putting the final touches to a coconut leaf basket to put their smoked kaukau into or a bilum for their books, pencil and ruler. Those living in an urban settlement within the vicinity of a major town or city would not be blessed with the richness of life in a rural community, the shirt and shorts on their skin the only possession they would take to school. But there is another group of young Papua New Guineans who continue to grow in numbers in our major towns and cities – poverty-stricken street kids who are abandoned by their parents or driven out of their homes by various factors. They do not have the luxury of worrying about their coconut baskets, a bilum or the shirts and shorts they wear. In fact they have not been to school in recent years, they grew up and lived off the streets of Port Moresby, Lae or Mount Hagen and time spent outside the classroom collecting aluminium cans for recycling, directing a city motorist or begging for food and money ensures their daily survival in what is a tough world.

A 2011 International Labour Organisation Report on Child Labour in Papua New Guinea identified 229 children who worked on the streets of Port Moresby. The children participated in the ILO survey with the report concluding that 68 per cent of them were involved in what it described as “hazardous work”, comprising chopping firewood for sale, moving furniture, loading and unloading boxes from containers, controlling traffic, collecting scrap metal and being subject to physical and verbal abuse. It was the first comprehensive PNG government-sanctioned research on street children.

Sadly, the challenges that PNG’s street children continue to face today in towns and cities continues to increase, raising questions about the Government’s own ability to address increasing child poverty and whether it is serious about upholding the various treaties it has signed, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child. But there are few individuals and organisations that have risen up to the challenge to give our street children a glimmer of hope. Port Moresby-based Life PNG Care, run by Collin Pake and his wife Fred, is one of them. And so is the awarding-winning Friends Foundation Inc., an NGO that has an orphan buddy program that has helped vulnerable children affected by HIV and AIDS for many years. Life PNG Care has enrolled 40 vulnerable children in school this year, giving them a second chance in life which hopefully would make a positive impact on their lives. But the centre has come up short in terms of funding and is in desperate need of partners to help the children realise their dreams. Remember nation building is about partnership, if you know someone who can help then let us know.

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Business ..........................19-22

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Scribes get their pens blessed

“TO God and country”. These were the words which Fr John Dubabagi asked more than 100 children as well as a handful of journalists, media workers and members of his congregation to repeat after him before he gave his “blessing of the pen” to all who had congregated there.

After the children held up their pens and pencils and received their “blessing of the pen”, the journalists and all others were invited up to the altar. As they held up their biros they also receive their “blessing of the pen.”

This was followed by the whole congregation saying the National Pledge and singing the National Anthem.

About 200 people, mostly Anglicans, attended the service at the Holy Family Anglican Church at Hohola. With the theme of the week faith, hope and love, Fr John challenged the churchgoers to believe in God and have faith.

“You must have faith and believe in God so that you will do your job well. You must also love your job.”

He also told the children to have hope to look into the future and aim for something which was to make them strive to do better in

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No hope for street kids

FROM PAGE 1

THIS year, the number has increased to 40 children and they have found they could not afford their education, relying instead on kind-hearted business houses and individuals to come to the rescue, like they had in the past.

But as of the weekend, the Pakes had reported that they were not getting positive responses they had expected from business houses.

As a result, Life PNG Care had not been able to buy all uniforms, stationeries and project fees for the 40 children, some of them are enrolled at high schools.

their school work to achieve their goal. One young man, who goes by the name of Jimmy, heard about the Blessing of the Pen service after reading the article “Bless the Pen” in the PostCourier Weekend. Jimmy, is training to become an aircraft maintenance engineer and he came to have his pencil blessed.

A long time journalist, Sape Metta, brother of late Jack Metta, also turned up for the service.

“I feel very happy to come here and to be part of this service. I feel so blessed,” Mr

Metta said. Another young man came with his brother and their mother said he felt blessed. The “Bless the Pen” service is an initiative of Post-Courier journalist Alfred Kaniniba with the aim of bringing journalists and media workers to bond and aim for the higher calling. He said it was not only about journalists, but it was about every person who knows how to write who must now have their pen blessed and be empowered by God’s Holy Spirit to help them in their journey through life.

“We are still expecting to raise K66,000 for all 40 children to go to school. If we raise K30,000 this will get them to the classroom but will not buy them lunch and bus fares.

“It will be difficult also because we don’t have a motor vehicle to drop off and pick up children after school,’’ Mr Pake said.

Friends Foundation Inc is another NGO which had helped vulnerable children affected by HIV and AIDS for many years.

FFI founder Tessie Soi has called it a day after struggling for years without government support. Son Rory Sitapai however, has indicated that he would continue the program for the orphans.

Natural gas doesn’t have an odor, strong smells are added to it by humans so it can be detected when there are leaks.

The bottom line

LONG time journalist Sape Metta, brother of late sports journalist and former Kumul Jack Metta, addresses the congregation at the Holy Family Anglican Church after the Blessing of the Pen service. Church chairperson Cathy Guise looks on. Picture: TARAMI LEGEI

Church joins call for renewed discipline

THE United Church has called for an immediate improvement of chaplaincy services in the disciplinary forces.

The head of church and Moderator, Reverend Bernard Siai, said the recent incident at Hanuabada shows there is no appreciation for human life and dignity in a fast-changing society.

“As a church, we must stepup our resolve to work closely with all the disciplinary forces in providing effective chaplaincy services to our service men and women.

“This is currently lacking, we must take responsibility to address the many evils in our society that continue to bring suffering, sadness, pain and hatred.

“The Government and

The bottom line

churches must work together to address avoidable community issues that have brought fear and anger upon our people,” Rev Siai said.

He said at the end of last year, the church leaders council wrote to the Chief Secretary to Government Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc for support to Christian churches so they could promote the work of chaplaincy services to the Royal PNG Constabulary, the Correctional Services, and the PNG Defence Force.

Rev Siai said the United Church is providing chaplaincy services for the disciplinary forces. However, they needed support to increase chaplaincy personnel and for a more effective service.

“We want to give support to

the disciplinary forces to do their work professionally, so that as a nation we can have pride in our men and women in uniforms.

“We desire a peaceful and just society based on community respect and the highest regard for human life and dignity,” Rev Siai added.

He said the United Church was saddened by the tragic and senseless killing of the two men at Hanuabada villag in Port Moresby, adding that the church had a big membership in Hanuabada and the surrounding areas.

“Life is precious and sacred, no-one has the right to take it away from another human being in a happytrigger manner.”

Rev Siai said the alleged unruly and irresponsible

conduct of certain members of the police force is unacceptable.

The Church regards the alleged actions of the policemen involved in the raids as totally unacceptable. They took the law into their own hands and thus breaching their professional code of ethics. This act of violence orchestrated by those policemen was not a first in the country.

Ordinary citizens are now losing their trust and confidence in the police force of their country, questioning their integrity and professionalism. Let us as a country address this negative trend and work towards supporting our men and women become the Force they ought to be.

TENDER

THE Asian in the centre of a recent picture at the new betelnut market at City Hall caught attention. If he is from a certain builder who seems to have risen from the ashes, would it be fair to assume they are getting the job? Wonder if that and other jobs are open to tender?

COWBOY

WHO is that expatriate boss of a new night club in the city who became a cowboy beating up a security guard from a rival night club? We hear he had a truck load of his own guards to muscle his way around.

ARRESTED

THE security guard’s face was mauled and his bosses couldn’t recognize him. The beating didn’t stop until he was unconscious. A police complaint against the boss of the rival club has been filed. Last we hear the club boss was arrested and locked up at the police cells.

QLD WOES

AN INDIFFERENCE to government accountability, a trampling of civil liberties, questionable campaign fund-raising methods, the weakening of the Crime and

UPDATE

Corruption Commission and a blurring of the distinction between the executive and parliament.

CAMPBELL

THE above are features of the reign of Queensland politician Joh BjelkePetersen. No it’s not PNG! They are factors that led to Campbell Newman tumbling spectacularly at the state elections last weekend. But there is one lesson for us –pride usually comes before a fall?

TOURISM

PNG has done it again! The country has been in the spotlight over the last three months for its natural beauty and tribal cultures. The UK’s Daily Mail recently joined Lonely Planet and The New York Times in publishing a feature on the country as a tourism destination.

NEW KOKI

TOP marks to Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko on the opening of a new Koki market yesterday. Vendors formed a queue to enter the facility and when it opened, the good MP came close to getting crushed by a body of people rushing to get the best spots.

SOMEONE in the New Ireland Provincial Government might want to throw some light on this yet-to-be-completed project. The construction on Governor’s Hill hasn’t progressed since 2013.

PENGEE: thedrum@spp.com.pg

Natural gas doesn’t have an odour, strong smells are added to it by humans so it can be detected when there are leaks

CITY hall contractors giving the two big turtle sculptors at the Koki roundabout in Port Moresby a fresh paint job over the weekend. The city’s general outlook has picked up quite well in anticipation of major international events starting with this year’s July Pacific Games.

TURTLE MAKEOVER

OHE to now operate as dept

BY NELLIE SETEPANO

THIS year marks the beginning of the historical milestone for the Office of Higher Education to operate as the Department for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology.

This transition is among others that the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Malakai Tabar, announced in a press conference last Friday.

The Office of Higher Education was initially created as a scholarship clearing house in the late 1970s and later evolved into a policy secretariat under the Commission of Higher Education in the 1990s.

It is now being transformed into a government department responsible for all activities under the higher technical education sector.

The management structure of this new department has been approved by the Department of Personal Management.

The creation of the department came into being after the passing and adoption of the Higher Education (general provision) act 2014.

This act was passed and certified on October 30, effectively establishing the department and streamlines all activities classified under the higher education sector ensuring greater accountability of all higher education institutions and their functions.

The other changes Minister Tabar announced include; the establishment of Papua New Guinea Science and Technology Council

Ganim: No need for another investigation

THERE is no need for another public hearing on teacher leave fares debacle, says the chairman of parliamentary referral committee on education, Robert Ganim.

Mr Ganim, who is also the Wabag MP, led a nationwide enquiry into teachers’ issues last March and April. The committee’s findings were presented to Parliament on August 26, 2014.

He was commenting on a full-page newspaper advertisements on Friday by Goroka MP, Bire Kimisopa,

At a glance

TRANSITION: The Office of Higher Education will now operate as the Department for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology.

EVOLVE: The OHE was initially created as a scholarship clearing house in the late 1970s and later evolved into a policy secretariat under the Commission of Higher Education in the 1990s.

PURPOSE: Effectively establishing the department and streamlines all activities classified under the higher education sector ensuring greater accountability of all higher education institutions and their functions.

Secretariat, university external quality assessment, national higher and technical plan, accreditation of new higher education institutions, ending of UNITECH crisis, 2014-2015 selections, year 12 graduates, national scholarship (NATSHOL), National Executive Council submissions and the department funding.

Higher education, postsecondary education, tertiary education or third level education is an optional final stage of formal learning that occurs after secondary education.

Often delivered at universities, academies, colleges, seminaries, and institutes of technology, higher education is also available through certain college-level institutions, including vocational schools, trade schools, and other career colleges that award academic degrees or professional certifications.

urging Mr Ganim’s committee to investigate the teachers leave fare problems.

“This issue has been attended to in detail and is awaiting Parliament’s approval for implementation of changes in the system for long term solutions to the issue,” Mr Ganim said yesterday. These woes were no overnight problems which all 48,000 teachers must first understand and bear with before help and long term solutions can be sought.

He urged teachers to refrain from any sort of

industrial action that could jeopardise the start of 2015 school year where thousands of students could be affected unfairly.

Mr Ganim said a combined approach was taken by the Teaching Service Commission and the Education Department through the establishment of a working committee comprising TSC chairman Baran Sori as chairman, Uke Kombra, Titus Romano Hatagen, PNG Teachers’ Association general secretary Ugwalabu Mowana, and Fr Paul Jennings.

“The working committee report provides specific policy directions, identifies strategic outcomes, provides general guidelines in implementing these policy directions, set out the monitoring and evaluation framework, and provides costing – about K26 million – for its implementation over five years (2015-19).

“The committee has done a good job and a detailed final report is ready which I will present to Parliament again when the House resumes on February 10,” he said.

Increased funding for higher education

BY NELLIE SETEPANO

THE Government has allocated nearly K200 million to the Department of Higher Education, Research Science and Technology, says the Minister responsible, Malakai Tabar.

Mr Tabar said for 2015, the Government has allocated 51 per cent (K197.5 million of the total PIP social sector financing to the department.

He said funding to improve access and quality in the higher education sector

would continue.

Separately, Minister Tabar also announced the department’s major projects for the year.

These are infrastructure rehabilitation and re-capitalisation programs.

Since 2012, the Government has invested in rehabilitation and re-capitalisation of six universities in order to improve access and quality of teaching and learning.

To date, the total expenditure is K102 million and a further K62.5 million is allo-

cated for this year.

An additional K120 million was also allocated for infrastructure rehabilitation for technical and business colleges, teachers and nursing colleges.

To date, 700 students have passed through TVET skills scholarship program with a total funding K83 million allocated by the Government for this project.

Furthermore, Mr Tabar said an initial funding of K3 million has been allocated for Papua New Guinea Open

University for feasibility studies and project preparations for establishment of universities in 89 districts.

Also, K12 million has been allocated for Western Pacific University to be built in Central Highlands, with infrastructure funding to be negotiated with donor partners.

This university will be applied technology based university with enrolment of up to 6000 students and the academic year to begin in 2017.

‘Asasumba walk’ to open Unitech academic year

BY FRANKIY KAPIN

PAPUA New Guinea’s premier technical tertiary institution in Lae, Morobe Province has opened the 2015 academic year with the “asasumba walk” on Saturday.

The office of public relations at the University of Technology (Unitech) says the walk is a health fitness initiative of the Vice Chancellor Ora Renagi that

will be staged every last Saturday of the month.

Unitech Vice Chancellor Albert Schram, in welcoming the 3000 student population and 1000 staff, said the last year was memorable with the students being magnificent, very eager to learn and it was a privilege and joy to serve with them.

“The new generations of PNG students, called ‘millenials’ or ‘generation Z’, have more in common with

their peers elsewhere in the world than with their parents.

“They grew up with mobile phones and internet. They don’t choose to study at Unitech for a political career; they want to have a professional career. It is not the 70s and 80s any longer, where students become professional protesters,” Mr Schram said. He added that with lawful governance structure restored

through the installation of a new council, the effective and legitimate management restored and end to his exile.

He said just a few individuals managed to spread malicious and baseless lies to keep him out of the country for no reason.

Mr Schram said the road ahead in 2015 for Unitech is to establish satellite campuses with provincial governments and private organ-

isations that can assist with infrastructure.

He said the future is also tailored to a hybrid delivery of courses, partly theory and partly online access at the West Taraka campus as well as the satellite campuses.

“We are currently in conversations with Digicel and provincial governments in order to achieve this,” Mr Schram said.

He acknowledge the introduction of the two years

Executive MBA program allowing experienced professionals to upgrade their skills for managerial positions.

He said they will have 15 graduates for this year, a significant increase from only two last year.

“We also have the program for radiotherapy technicians, which this year will produce the first batch of three graduates, but next year there will be more.”

MP Robert Ganim, chairman of Parliamentary Referral Committee on Education (PRCE) with MP Daniel Mona (left), PRCE Deputy chairman, during public hearing on teachers’ problem at Parliament House B2-Conference room on April 10, 2014. Education Department, Teaching Service Commission, and PNG Teachers Association gave evidence that day. Picture: CYRIL GARE.

Koki market land sold illegally: MP

THE alleged purchase of land at Koki market has not gone down well with the local MP who is prepared to fight and ensure the land is given back to his people.

Moresby South MP and Minister for Sports and National Events Justin Tkatchenko addressed the sellers at Koki market last Friday after they were evicted allegedly by owners of a foreign company.

“This land where we are standing (Koki market) was sea; there never was land here until Curtain Brothers did a ring-road around Ela Beach.

“This land was reclaimed purposely for sports facilities for the people of Koki, Wanigela and the surrounding areas, it was never private land,” Mr Tkatchenko said.

“I have already spoken to the Secretary for Lands and I’ve already instructed some lawyers to ensure that this land and the title is forfeited and comes back to the people of Moresby South

Schools contractors told to remove camp

BY NELLIE SETEPANO

EDUCATION Minister Nick

Kuman has requested for contractors to remove themselves from camping outside the Education headquarters at Fincorp House as the department does not write cheques out for those who request it.

“Please, there is no need to camp there,” he said.

The Minister told PostCourier that the government will not be drawn into discussions with the contractors unless the department is in receipt of the final audit on contracts for education

Senior officers sign contracts

AS the New Year rolls into the second month the government remains keen to see more officers aligned for their duties.

Friday saw the commissioning of senior officers for three different offices at the Government House in Port Moresby.

They include permanent members of the Constitutional Law Reform Commission, the Department of Justice and Attorney General and the head of citizenship advisory committee.

Former secretary for Finance Joseph Lelang was sworn in as the chairman of the Constitutional Law Reform Commission together with members Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat and prominent lawyer Mange Matui.

Others were Nawaeb MP Bob Dadae sworn in as the head of the citizenship advisory committee and Lawrence Kalinoe to remain as the Secretary for Department of Justice and Attorney General.

Dr Kalinoe will resume a four year contract with the department.

His appointment was made by the National Executive Council and gazetted in November 2013.

Government House official secretary Tipo Vuatha said the ceremony was the third to take place this year.

At a glance

REQUEST: Education Minister Nick Kuman has requested for contractors to remove themselves from camping outside the Education headquarters at Fincorp House as the department does not write cheques out for those who request it.

NICK KUMAN:The government will not be drawn into discussions with the contractors unless the department is in receipt of the final audit on contracts for education related work in the nation’s capital.

related work in the nation’s capital.

Mr Kuman was responding to contractors camping outside the education headquarters and demanding they will not move until they

are paid for their services.

On Friday, camping contractors demanded education secretary and minister come out of their office and address them. They asked police to mediate with the

minister and secretary to come out and assure them of their payments.

Towards the afternoon contractors were told both the minister and his secretary were busy and could not address them. Contractors have been camping for weeks outside Fincorp house, demanding they be paid for years of work.

Last year, Parliament was told that the report on the contract ran into more than K300 million and uncovered claims that more than 50 per cent of the contractors’ claims were bogus and that the report failed to conclude

the high level of corruption that took place in the procurement and accounting process.

The report was sent back to Finance department for investigation and has been at that department since.

Mr Kuman explained that when he receives the report, it will go before the national executive council for deliberations. “As minister I will be guided by the NEC’s decision. I cannot say anything as yet until the report is made public.”

Minister said he has given his word to get to the bottom of it and he will do so.

The ceremony was witnessed by DPM’s acting deputy secretary for policy George Taunakekei and Parliament leaders plus senior government officers and staff.

MINISTER Tkatchenko at the old Koki market.

LAWRENCE KALINOE

Agriculture our backbone

AGRICULTURE will still remain the backbone for Papua New Guinea after the oil and gas dries up, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has reiterated.

Mr O’Neill said this when launching a PNG cocoa program last Friday at Mutzing station in the Markham District of Morobe Province.

The project is the first of its kind launched by any successive government and would benefit thousands of people throughout the country as the program advances.

“The oil and gas will run dry one day but agriculture is our backbone and is an important industry in our country that will sustain our livelihood for many years to come,” the Prime Minister said.

He made this statement in the presence of thousands of farmers and villagers and urged them to work their land and start growing cocoa because the Government has invested millions of kina in the agriculture sector to help rural farmers.

PM O’Neill told the people the Government is achieving its goals in the areas of education,

At a glance

USE: The PM has urged all people to use their land for agriculture.

DRY OUT: He said the oil and gas will run dry but agriculture will remain PNG’s backbone.

LAUNCH: He launched the PNG cocoa program last Friday.

health, infrastructure and law and order as it needed support from them to reach its capacity and agriculture is one sector in which the Government has been investing heavily since taking office.

He made it clear that changes cannot take place overnight or in a year but over a period of time and people must understand that and the present Government is doing its best to bring services to the people.

PM O’Neill urged the citizens of the country to partner with the Government and develop their land through agriculture, which will contribute to the economic development of PNG.

“The people and the government must build a strong partnership because they have con-

trol over their land and labour. The Government will provide the capital and it is upon each and every individual to seed from it,” PM O’Neill said.

He said the Government has a clear policy where the money is going and the benefits are evident in many districts around the country. The launch of the cocoa program is an example of this.

The Government has invested millions of Kina in all the districts throughout the country but there have not been any tangible developments because of leadership issues, thus, the Prime Minister has urged all leaders to spend wisely to develop their areas.

PM O’Neill said the launching of the cocoa project is a key important initiative created by government agencies; therefore, it will give its full support to ensure the project reaches many people.

He reminded the people that every successful person in this world went through some struggle in life, as such he urged everyone to work the land that is available.

MOTOR VEHICLE TENDER SALE TENDER NO. FAD 0-1/2015

The National Development Bank Limited invite tenders for the purchase of the below motor vehicles on an "AS IS WHERE IS BASIS".

To inspect the vehicles and collect tender forms please contact the following:

NHC keen to develop Durand project

THE National Housing Corporation (NHC) has agreed to work in partnership with stakeholders in the National Capital District to make the Durand Farm housing estate project a reality this year.

10 Seater

10 Seater

10

10

A non - refundable fee of K150.00 per tender will apply and this must be paid when collecting the tender form. Proof of finance to complete the purchase is required and all bids must be sealed. Faxed bids will be disqualified.

The tender will close on 4:00pm Friday 06, February 2015. Bids must be clearly marked Tender NO. FAD 01/2015 and addressed to:

The Chairman TENDER COMMITTEE

National Developmenet Bank PO Box 686, WAIGANI National Capital District

Bids may either be lodged with the respective branch or in the tender box located at the Property & Safety Department NDB Head Office building Level 1, Waigani.

THE BANK IS NOT OBLIGED TO ACCEPT THE HIGHEST OR ANY OTHER OFFER.

NHC managing director John Dege said it has been their intention to partner stakeholders like NCD, Lands Department, Eda Ranu and PNG Power in the Durand Farm project.

Mr Dege said by partnering with these key stakeholders, the NHC can reduce the unit price of a house at making it affordable to ordinary public servants. He was giving an overview of the Durand Farm housing project at an informal stakeholder meeting organised by NCD Governor Powes Parkop and Housing and Urban Development Minister Paul Isikiel on Thursday.

Some of the key stakeholders

who attended the meeting included National Planning Minister Charles Abel, City manager Leslie Alu, Eda Ranu CEO Henry Mokono, Office of Urbanisation executive director Max Kep, PNG Power lands manageress Cathy Sigiamo, Department of Lands acting surveyor general Chris Manda, Nambawan Super chief operation officer Charlie Gilichibi, Nasfund chief investment officer Charles Lee and PNG Ports business development manager David Soh. The Durand Farm Housing Estate Project is aimed at addressing the chronic housing shortage for public servants and residents in the city. It will hold 2500 accommodation blocks, one high school, three primary schools, five preschools, four police stations, one fire station, one hotel, 58 shops, two mega malls the size of Vision City, six churches, three sporting grounds, three health clinics and four apartments.

Authority vehicle for service delivery

THE District Development Authority is the vehicle for the delivery of services throughout the country.

Chief Secretary to Government, Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc said with the establishment of the District Development Authority (DDA), he can see a “light at the end of the tunnel”, in terms of service delivery throughout Papua New Guinea.

He was featured on the FM100 talk-back show last week where he explained the purpose of the DDA.

Despite limited time, he pointed out the importance of the authority after receiving public queries on its role and responsibilities. He said the DDA is the result of many years of trial and error and with its creation it will further sup-

port the O’Neill Government’s motto of service delivery to all.

“I can assure the people of PNG that this is an entirely homegrown entity created by brilliant Papua New Guineans with vast experience in the public service, particularly at the provincial and district level,” Sir Manasupe said.

He said under the current arrangement, by virtue of law, the district administrators will automatically become the chief executive officers of their DDAs.

Sir Manasupe said the Open MP will become the Chairman of the DDA and its members will comprise local level government presidents and appointed members, including a mandatory women representative.

MR Abel leaving the meeting as the executive officer to NCD Governor Terence Moka (back) and the city manager watch on.

Opportunities in India open to PNG

BY LEONNIE WAYANG

PAPUA New Guinea can benefit a lot in science and education from India’s economic growth and technology advances, says West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel.

He said this when urging the Government to facilitate general cooperation agreements with India while attending a function to celebrate India’s 66th Republic Day in Port Moresby last Wednesday.

“I call for the Government to facilitate a bilateral agreement with India especially in technical cooperation and double-tax treaty,” Mr Muthuvel said, adding that Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Foreign Minister and Immigration Minister Rimbink Pato had said PNG would. “We cannot now ignore India because of its economic potential and because of its technology, especially in science and technology, space technology.”

“India may not be able to assist in terms of real funding, real cash but they are willing to assist in terms of giving some technologies and technical cooperation,” he said.

One example of technical assistance that India has helped

Visa on arrival in New Delhi

PAPUA New Guinea citizens will be among citizens from 14 Pacific Island nations who will be granted visa on arrival in New Delhi, India.

This was announced by the Indian High Commissioner Madhava Chandra during a function that was held at the Indian High Commission in Port Moresby last Wednesday to celebrate India’s 66th Republic Day.

“All the 14 Pacific Island countries’ citizens will be granted visa on arrival in New Delhi,” Mr Chandra said.

Adding support to Mr Chandra’s statement was West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel who said it would be beneficial if PNG reciprocated the arrangement.

“I’m happy to hear from the Indian High Commissioner Madhava Chandra that the Indian Government has granted on arrival visa for all the 14 Island nations in Pacific Islands.

“We do not have to go through a cumbersome visa process now since they have approved visas on arrival.

“I believe we should also reciprocate, not for all Indians but at least those Indian passport holders who have ECNR (Emigration Clearance Not Required).

“The government identifies and gives ECNR only to those who have a degree, skills or have some qualifications whereby they can travel overseas and survive on,” Mr Muthuvel said.

“I’m happy that Papua New Guinean

At a glance

NO APPLICATION: The India’s position to grant visa on arrival to citizens of all 14 Pacific Island states simply dinpenses the requirement for the application for visas.

BENEFIT: Thos wishing to travel to India will not have to go through the cumbersome visa process.

UPBEAT: West New Britain Governor Mr Sasindran Muthuvel propses if Papua New Guinea Government could consider reciprocating the travel arrangement betwen India and PNG.

CONDITION: The propsal for travel reciprocation between India and PNG was only for those Indian passport holders with ECNR (Emigration Clearance Not Required).

citizens can receive visa on arrival, especially those who seek education and training.”

“However, many people are not aware of the education programs, particularly in high technology, that the Indian government was offering to public servants.”

People should get information about scholarships that were available from the Indian embassy in Port Moresby and apply because Indian education is reasonably affordable, Mr Muthuvel said.

India can give technical support in technologies ...

SASINDRAN MUTHUVEL Port Moresby

PNG with was the sponsoring of 12 women under the Indian technical and economic cooperation programme which was designed to share India’s developmental experience with other countries.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Indian Government for giving that scholarship to 12 Papua New Guineans - all women - to undergo six months training at the Barefoot College in India to become solar engineers,” Mr Muthuvel said.

“To continue that, we’ve also started setting up the Barfod college model in West New Britain, the building of which is about to complete and we will also be seeking help from the Indian Government to get some additional equipment and tools that will assist us to train those wishing to enrol in the college.”

WEST New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel, who is of Indian origin but a naturalised PNG citizen is seen here accompanied by his beautiful wife Subha Abarna to celebrate India’s 66th Indian Republic Day at the Indian High Commission.

Pisimi shooting suspect in court

BY JACOB POK

THE case of a policeman charged with the killing of Lae mother Moanna Pisimi on January 1 came before a judge at the Waigani National Court in Port Moresby for mention on Friday.

However, presiding judge Justice Panuel Mogish had to refer the matter back to Lae because the killing occurred in Lae and the National Court in Lae should deal with the matter.

The judge found that there were no proper orders warranting the transfer of the matter to Port Moresby and ordered that a proper hearing be conducted in Lae on why the matter should be transferred to Waigani.

Ms Pisimi was alleged to have been shot by police at the back of the head after a highspeed car chase through the streets of Lae on January 1.

The late Ms Pisimi was in the vehicle that was chased by police at the time.

According to earlier reports, the fatal chase started from the Dragon Entertainment Centre on Markham Road and ended at the back road, where Ms Pisimi was found dead with a gunshot wound at the back of her head.

Police Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki ordered a team of Port Moresby-based detectives to conduct immediate investigation into the shooting amid mounting pressures from relatives and the Lae public.

During the investigation, a policeman indentified as First Constable Jack Baria was named as the main suspect in the shooting.

Investigators found that the

Potape seeks release

BY JACOB POK

JAILED Komo-Margarima

MP Francis Potape has filed a bail application at the National Court to seek orders for the court to release him on bail.

The matter was listed before Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia last Friday but was further adjourned to an unspecified date.

At a glance

INNOCENT: The accused in a crimiminal proceeding is presumed innocent, no matter how serious the charge is and how strong the prosecution case appears to be, until proven guilty by the proesecution in a competent court.

PLEADINGS: The accused has the option to admit or deny the charge after the charge is read out to him/her.

ONUS: If the accused denies the charge, (s)he is presumed innocent and it is up to the prosecution to prove the guilt of the accused.

STANDARD: The prosecution has to prove beyond reasonble doubt that it is the accused who actually committed the crime.

NON-ISSUE: In many criminal cases, whether a criminal offence has been committed is not an issue, because wrong to the state is committed as a matter of fact.

ISSUE: In virtually all criminal cases where the accused denied the charge, the prosecution tries to link the accused to the crime and show to the court that the accused predetermined the crime.

PRIZE: In pleading “not guilty”, the accused risks heavy penalty if proven guilty eventually.

gun shots fired during the murder incident matched the firearm that was in Mr Baria’s possession at the time. He was charged with wilful murder and was suspended from duty pending the outcome of the case.

Call for alcohol test at police stations

BY JEFFREY ELAPA

THE senceless killing and misconduct of rogue police personnel throughout the country can be addressed through the introduction of drug and alcohol testing equipment at police stations throughout the country, a parliamentarian said.

The shadow minister for Petroleum, Energy and Environment Nixon Mangape said this in light of the recent police killing and other police related incidences around the country.

He said Police Minister Robert Atiyafa and Police Commissioner Jeffery Vaki should now consider introducing the testing kits in the country as a to deter drunken police officers to

be on duty. He said the conduct of rogue police officers had portrayed a negative impression of the police force in the country as most of their conduct are related to the abuse of alcohol and drugs while on duty.

Mr Mangape who is the member for Laigamp Porgera said certain police personnel were addicted to drugs and alcohol and per-

formed their duties which often resulted in excessive use of force and even discharging of firearms in public places like the recent killing in Hanuabada.

Mr Mangape has also sent his condolences to the relatives of the deceased and of those who have fallen victims to police misconduct throughout the country.

He said with the introduction of technology, the police hierarchy should consider establishing the equipment in the country to make sure that police men and women are free and in good health to perform their duties so they make informed decision and not discharging firearms out of their senses.

Potape was brought from the Bomana prison for the hearing but was escorted back to the prison by Correctional Servicer officers when the matter was adjourned.

Potape’s relatives and supporters also packed the court room to witness the hearing but left when the matter was adjourned.

Potape was sentence to two years and six months in prison last month by the National court over misappropriation charges.

The court found that Mr Potape and other Joint District Planning and Budget Priorities Committee members in the Komo-Margarima district passed a resolution on November 20, 2010, and paid themselves K330,000 of public funds as outstanding allowances.

Of the K330,000, Potape received K60,000 while the other members received K30,000 each. Potape repaid the amount in full prior to his sentencing.

He was initially given a five year sentence but the court deducted half of the sentence and ordered him to serve two years and six months in prison.

His bail application is expected to be heard in court this week.

Villagers catch police impersonaters

THE recent Hanuabada killing involving police have prompted at least one Motu-Koitabu village to do away with smuggling of betelnut into the city.

Pari villagers for the first time are doing what no other community has done since the inception of the buai ban in 2014.

The village is now working in cooperation with NCDC urban safety reserve police unit in reporting buai smugglers.

Two 10-seater vehicles that were used in an attempt to smuggle betelnut into the city from Pari village were caught by surprise when the villagers set up a roadblock after the smugglers had loaded betelnut onto their vehicles from a dinghy that had just come in to the village.

One man wearing a police field gear jacket and posing as

a policeman was driving one of the vehicles.

The smugglers were confronted by the youths at the Pari roablock when they were leaving the the village with their cargo of betelnut.

Two councillors acted quickly and called the NCDC police to alert them of the situation, resulting in the men being apprehended, charged and locked up at the Boroko police station cells in Port Moresby.

NCDC urban safety unit director Paul Komboi said these types of impersonators were misleading the public and painting a bad picture of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).

“These kinds of con policemen go around the city and do all sorts of illegal activities,” Mr Komboi said.

“They raid markets, black market liquor shops and harass innocent men, women and children and most recently many of them are heavily involved in smuggling betelnuts into the city.”

He added that many of these impersonators also carried firearms and were capable of doing anything to tarnish the reputation of real police men and women who were simply trying to carry out their jobs.

NIXON Mangape.

NCDC reserve policemen with the police impersonator and driver of one of the Land Cruisers in the centre.

The test will deter drunken polic officer to be on duty ...

NISXON MANGAPE

Port Moresby

FRANCIS Potape

PNG will continue to support Fiji

BY GORETHY KENNETH

PAPUA New Guinea will pay the remaining K25 million to the Fiji government soon to complete its pledge to help the 2014 Fiji elections.

The PNG Government pledged K50 million for the elections and has paid the first K25 million before elections, saying it would pay the second installment after elections.

Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Rimbink Pato said the remaining funds were ready to be disbursed and reaffirmed that PNG would continue to support Fiji in implementing its parliamentary reforms.

Mr Pato said this during the recent official opening of the new Fiji high commission office in Hohola, Port Moresby. He also expressed his appreciation of PNG and Fiji entering into a new level of diplomatic relations through Fiji’s concrete, visible and bold presence.

RIMBINK

Port Moresby

The chancery was officially opened by the Fiji minister for foreign affairs Ratu Inoke Kabuabola, himself a former envoy in PNG.

“I congratulate the government and the people of Fiji on the successful outcomes of the national elections and I reaffirm that Papua New Guinea will continue to support Fiji in implementing its parliamentary reforms and we will disburse the remaining K25 million under the 2014 MOU on Fiji elections,” he said.

HEART FOR SERVICE

SUBSISTENCE farmer and self-taught water artisan Godfrid Sineyauma (SY) ensures that Koge Catholic station and Koge St Michael’s Primary School in Chimbu’s Sinesine area receive fresh water from the nearby Arounile creek every day. He collected pipes from friends and from abandoned water projects and joined them from the creek (2km apart) to the school and the mission station. Mr Sineyauma said he did not request any form of payment from the two institutions over the past five years for his time and efforts. Reporter Michael Koma caught up with him as he was in the process of replacing broken PVC pipes.

Churches to get instruments

TEN churches in the Moresby South electorate will receive a brand new set of musical instruments each after their local MP approved their requests for assistance.

The first band set was given to the Four Square Living Light Church at Kaugere whilst the other nine churches will receive vouchers through the electoral office to get theirs from Keynote house where they are purchased.

Moresby South MP and Minister for Sports Justin Tkatchenko said the sets of musical instruments were purchased on request from the churches.

“We’ve nominated these 10 churches that have come through our office through their request and they are all from different denominations,” Mr Tkatchenko said.

“The musical set was purchased for the church especially for their youth and the church to put the sound of God out there in the community.”

He urged the churches and their members to look after the musical equipment to avoid them being stolen or damaged as it was of good quality and expensive.

I reaffirm that PNG will continue to support Fiji in implementing its parliamentary reforms ...

PATO

UNREALISTIC CLAIMS

THERE has been much talk in the media about developments in the Imbonggu electorate.

It is obvious that Imbongguans don’t read the papers and hear about development speeches that Francis Awesa makes.

There has to be a clear definition, between development benefi ts and cash hand-out benefi ts. Cash hand-out is the service that he is able to deliver and boast about. The positive changes that he demands us to take a look at is the amount he has spent for service delivery.

How can he explain the disbursement of the millions he receives every fi ve years. The funds he receives a year under the PSIP, DSIP, LLGSIP and DSG excluding the f unds from Tax Credit Schemes or PIP is a huge amount to change the f ace of Imbonggu and improve lives of its constituents.

Now that the social indicators in Imbonggu are pointing to poor inf rastructure and dwindling services. There is no point in continuing to boast that service delivery and development are taking place without measuring the benefi ts and impacts economically and socially.

Ponia Yeith

Onaraps (12,000 Voters), Mendi

WHAT’S UP?

THE departure of Gary Lo to England and his sudden return to PNG still doesn't make sense with all sorts of rubbish media reports. W hy? Look at the following players w hy did they return home? Larsen Marabe -Whitehaven, Rodney Pora -Whitehaven and Gary Lo-Gateshead Thunder.

Maybe they have something in common.

Concerned Supporter

Why use WP gas for Moresby?

THE decision to use P’nyang Gas reserves in Western Province to supply Port Moresby’s electrical needs is once again a slap in the face of the people of Western Province.

The people of Western Province deserve better as they initially sacrificed their environment and livelihood for the economic gain of the country through the Ok Tedi Mine. The current government, ExxonMobil and its partners agreed for the P’nyang Gas to be incorporated into the current LNG project to supply Port Moresby’s electricity and gas requirements under the Domestic Market Obligation. ExxonMobil should have utilised some of the gas in the LNG project to meet its

commitment under the Domestic Market Obligation instead of using the P’nyang Gas reserves. Such a move should be opposed in the strongest terms as the people of Western Province will not benefit. It would have been more fitting if the P’nyang Gas reserves together with other viable gas discoveries be integrated to create a standalone LNG project in the province.

A standalone LNG project would usher in unprecedented social and economic opportunities for the people as noted from the current ExxonMobil – lead LNG project. In this vain, I would like to caution the government to stop courting multinational corporations at the expense of the people. I call on

the government, ExxonMobil and its partners to revisit their decision to use P’nyang Gas to provide electricity for Port Moresby. This decision will have serious repercussions as the people have continuously suffered at the hands of their own government and investors.

For how long will important economic resources in Western Province be used for the betterment of the country without the people benefiting in a meaningful manner? Please treat the people of Western Province with decency and stop trampling on them for others gain.

Eugene Kambut Port Moresby

views expressed on these pages are the opinions of our readers. They do not necessarily represent the views of the Post-Courier – Editor

Betelnut and what God says

Letter of the day

THERE are certain important factors in our lives as human beings and that is much to do with what we believe in.

For modern Papua New Guineans there are three factors; our traditional beliefs, the church doctrine and the material world.

The church introduced Christian belief is a very powerful force in someone’s life in our society.

In commenting on the current situation in our society I would like to say the Gospel message preached by our preachers in our Christian churches are extremely important to our daily lives.

All you need to know about the right way of living is to look at your pastor or priest and the kind of message he or she preaches.

This nonsense about Governor Powes Parkop resigning rubbish. The Governor is doing very well and he is the best so far.

It is Christians, we do not want to respect and obey laws and regu-

lations: In actual fact there is a lot said in the Bible to respect the earthly government or authority.

Why are our churches very quiet?

There are pastors and priests preaching every Sunday with mouths full of betelnut spittle at pulpits and why is it that no one preaches on the bible text below.

1 Cor 6:19. What know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost (which is) in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

20. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

I wish to ask the mainline churches; Catholics, United, Lutherans and the Anglican churches to interpret this text and tell us what God is saying on this subject please.

What does it say and what is the meaning of the text?

Does God point out that our body is not our own and we should not

Text us on 208

HELP STUDENTS

SLUR ON TRAINEES

defile and corrupt it with drug related substances such as betel nut chewing and spitting while corrupting other people’s bodies by disease like TB.

I am challenging the main line churches to come out clear and explain what God said about corrupting the human body.

I know there is nothing wrong with betelnut, but when mustard and lime come to the mix and spitting starts; that’s when God’s health laws are broken.

Churches are very quiet about the issue and continue to encourage their congregation by preaching false Gospel.

WHILE I appreciate the progress, developments and services provided to the people of Nawaeb District by the member. It would also be nice for the MP to subsidise the tuition fees for Nawaeb students who are accepted to study in other colleges and universities apart from ITI. I believe ITI Lae is the only school receiving subsidies but our district needs human resource from all sectors of education in trades, education, health, agriculture, and higher degree programs.

I am appealing on behalf of all the people of Mawaeb for the Member to subsidise tuition fees for genuine students like other members are doing instead of pumping large sums of money only into ITI.

Natare gwang gwang BO9

NCSL IS FAILING

RECENT incidents of brutality and killings have created new perception in the minds of many Papua New Guineans. Many now fear police, who are to protect the lives and properties of citizens of our nation, more than rascals. Many have even gone as far as saying they feel more safe near rascals than police.

On a PMV bus 16 to Bomana past the police academy of excellence, it is now a common ridicule and slur among passengers when seeing new trainees, “they are training the young ones to kill and terrorise the public and destroy property”. Up to you Police Minister Robert Atiyafa and Police Commissioner Geoffery Vaki.

Knight Templar

UNREASONABLE

Mr Wara Buatau Enemy

Give rogue cops severe punishment

WHILE the country is enjoying some growth from its resource sector, and preparing to host big international events, we have yet to contain violent crimes and lawlessness that have taken root and spiraling out of control.

It struck again. This time in the largely populated Hanuabada and Tatana villages.

In these separate instances, reckless and indiscriminate use of high powered guns by policemen saw three young men die.

Crazy isn't the right word to

10 years ago

describe these horrendous crimes. It's best summed up as utter lunacy and schizophrenic madness on the part of the policemen concerned.

It begs many questions from every citizen and answers from the executive government.

Police brutality in this country is an ongoing curse and yet the elected government lacks the courage and will power to decisively put an end to it.

What is stopping the government from amending laws to double or triple the punishment for disci-

pline force personnel who willfully break laws they promised on oath to protect?

I think severe punishment for rogue policeman will be a workable short-term deterrent. Our society can collapse under the weight of police brutality and related issues should these continue to remain in the government's toohard basket.

M. M. Ondassa Port Moresby

I COMMENT on the poor service being delivered by Nasfund/ NCSL to its contributions at the Lae Branch. I submitted my NCSL withdrawal form after standing for 10 hrs in two days in queues right in the sun and into the room with sub-standard air conditioning. After a week, (as promised by a Ms Alice) nothing happened so I followed up in person and was told to check again two days later. I called two weeks after the initial lodgment and I was told to wait for another week, with this government offi ce remark, “sorry, there are others in the same situation or worse than yours”.

(I wonder how many more are out there!).

What’s going on with Nasfund/ NCSL? Why is it that the staff cannot perform their duties diligently and faithfully?

You have lost touch with your customers.

Member 874896

THE Hanuabada villagers are demanding K10 million from the State for the death of each of the two men killed by police. Although the State is responsible to compensate the two men, the amount is unreasonable and dangerous. It is unjustified. Only if we are sure that in the event that each of the men are still alive and they are likely to earn K10 million each in the remaining years until their death, then that would be a reasonable amount.

Secondly, the amount , if paid by the State would set a bad precedence for others shot by the police in the past or in the future. If the State, pays that amount, I will then open up my case to raise K10 million for the State to compensate my brother who was shot death by police at Morata.

State needs to think twice before agreeing to pay that amount.

John Ima. Waigani, NCD

PAPUA New Guinea’s oil production is on the decline and new production wells have to be found to avoid unplanned shutdowns. PC Jan 4, 2005

THE government will have to seriously look government will have to look at the police and think the use of rubber guns at the and think the use of rubber guns and tear gas is the way to go in quelling such and tear gas is the way to go in such situations.

PUBLIC Service Minister Sir Puka Temu condemning the use of firearms

PUBLIC Service Minister Sir Puka Temu the use of firearms over the Hanuabada police shootings over the Hanuabada shootings.

Fight against leprosy, polio

PAPUA New Guinea has more or less eliminated leprosy, says Health Secretary Pascoe Kase.

He highlighted this success story as PNG gears up to observe the World Leprosy Day that falls on Sunday.

“In year 2000 PNG was among the 35 out of 37 countries in Western Pacific region to achieve the elimination target of 0.7 persons infected with leprosy out of every 10,000 population as set by World Health Organisation (WHO),” Mr Kase said.

“Among the many health issues we want to contain leprosy and polio elimination are success stories for Papua New Guinea which we all should be proud of,” he added.

Since 1991 when the national leprosy elimination program started, PNG drastically decreased the prevalence rate of 14 persons per 10,000 population to less than one person per every 10,000 population by the year 2000.

“When the program started there were 3,799 registered cases. Those patients were all been cured and we have brought down the prevalence rate down to the set target,” Mr Kase delighted on.

Since 2000 to date, Papua

At a glance

HEALTH SECRETARY: PNG has more or less eliminated leprosy says, Mr Kase.

MR KASE: Highlighted this success story as PNG gears up to observe the World Leprosy Day that falls on Sunday.

STATISTICS: In year 2000 PNG was among the 35 out of 37 countries in Western Pacific region to achieve the elimination target of 0.7 persons infected with leprosy out of every 10,000 population as set by WHO, said Mr Kase.

New Guinea is still sustaining the elimination gained at less than 1 per 10,000 population with 100 per cent standard Multi drug therapy (MDT) coverage in the country.

Papua New Guinea has come a long way from colonial days when persons affected by leprosy were treated with one drug only and isolated from families and communities in the early 1930s.

“To date PNG has come a long way from isolation to prevention to control and currently in elimination status,” Mr Kase reflected.

I CAN STILL TRAVEL THE HIGHWAY

DESPITE the poor state of this vehicle, it provided much needed PMV services to locals in the Huon Gulf district of Morobe province along the Highlands Highway, transporting their produce from the garden to one of the roadside markets at 40-Mile. The PMV is seen here making one of its routine runs last Friday, just before its steering rod fell apart. Picture: FRANCO NEBAS

Researcher in malaria breakthrough

A PAPUA New Guinean researcher has made in important breakthrough in the treatment of malaria that are increasingly resistant to traditional treatments.

Dr Moses Laman, who has been undertaking a PhD at the University of Western Australia through an Australian Awards scholarship, has completed an important clinical trial into a new combination treatment for malaria parasites that are increasingly resistant to traditional treatments.

He is the lead author of a study published in the prestigious journal PLoS Medicine. The study is the main topic of his thesis it outlines an important clinical trial of a new combination treatment for malaria.

Dr Laman said since malaria parasites developed resistance to chloroquine years ago, the race had been on to find new ways of beating the disease.

He said combination treatments using artemisinin (originally extracted from the wormwood plant) or its derivatives and longer-acting chloroquine-like drugs such as piperaquine or lumefantrine had been found to be effective but not 100 per cent so.

Dr Laman said in PNG and in many other countries there were different types of malaria, which further complicated treatment regimes.

He said the most dangerous form was falciparum while the least dangerous was vivax. Both affected children, who bore the brunt of the disease.

At a glance

TREATMENT: A PAPUA New Guinean researcher has made in important breakthrough in the treatment of malaria that are increasingly resistant to traditional treatments.been the heart.

RESEARCHER: Dr Moses Laman

Dr Laman said he and his colleagues, including his supervisor Professor Tim Davis, decided to test the efficiency of the currently recommended treatment, artemether-lumefantrine, against that of the novel combination artemisinin-naphthoquine.

They recruited 250 PNG children aged from six months to five years who had fevers related to one or other kinds of malaria but did not have serious symptoms.

Half of the children were given artemisinin-naphthoquine, but the researchers ignored the manufacturer’s guidelines which suggested using it in a single one-day dose and instead gave it over three days as recommended by WHO, while closely monitoring the children’s health and following up on their progress six months later. They found that artemisinin-naphthoquine over three days was not only safe but was a far better treatment than artemether-lumefantrine for vivax malaria, with 100 per cent of the children free of infection after treatment.

Infant to undergo surgery in Buka

BY ROMULUS MASIU

BABY Wilson will undergo operation at the Buka Hospital, says surgeon Doctor Tommy Wotsia. This was agreed by doctors at the Buka hospital, namely chief executive officer Doctor Cyril Imako, Doctor Tommy Wotsia and Doctor Rasin who set the date for the operation on Tuesday February 10, 2015.

“There was a briefing between our CEO Dr Imako,

Women’s bank launches life insurance plan

BY MEROLYN TEN

THE Women’s Micro Bank Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding and launched a new product called “meri laip insurance plan” (MLIP).

The MLIP is a latest life insurance plan designed by Life Insurance Corporation (PNG) Limited for all account holders with Women’s Micro Bank Limited.

“It is a life insurance policy which will be received only by the 10,000 women in Papua New Guinea who have an account with the Women’s Micro bank for the benefit of their beneficiaries after death,” chief executive officer for Women’s Micro Bank Thushari Hewapathirana said.

Mrs Hewapathirana explained the key benefit of MLIP, saying the applicant can be rest assured that in the event of her death, LIC will immediately pay K5000 to the nominee as funeral benefit after providing the original death certificate and other relevant documents to the LIC.

She said it was a very unique life insurance product for all women in Papua New Guinea, including those in the rural areas.

“There will be agents sent throughout the country to make awareness and register every interested woman, for their nominees to benefit from the product.

“But for those interested women in the cities, they must complete a member application form available in Life insurance Corporation (PNG) Limited, together with the annual premium of K55 for funeral benefit only or K70 for loan protection as well,” Mrs Hewapathirana said.

She said it was a very important product out of the seven others and would really help family members when financially handicapped.

The Deputy Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea, Mr Benny Popoitai said it was a good initiative by the Women’s micro bank Ltd to introduce such product to the country since Papua New Guinea is one of the least insured countries in the world.

“Therefore, it would be more unique if such product involves all male as well,” Mr Popoitai said.

our ground surgeon Dr Rasin and myself yesterday afternoon where we basically discussed the way forward for this child.

Following examination by Dr Rasin, the tumor was clinically diagnosed as a teratoma. The mass can be resected locally.

Dr Rasin has been in contact with the country’s paediatric surgeon Dr Mathew McLee from Lae and anaesthetist Dr Lawrence Sogoromo from Port Moresby, both of whom

have agreed to come to Buka and carry out the operative and anaesthetic procedures on our baby,” Dr Wotsia said. According to the doctors, Dr McLee and Dr Sogoromo will arrive in Buka on February 9 to carry out the operation with the other doctors on February 10.

They will stay a day or two to see how the child recovers before they leave.

Dr Wotsia said following discussions with the two doctors, they were satisfied that

the health facility at Buka hospital could cater for this kind of surgery.

“Furthermore, there will be long-term benefits for our local theatre staff,” he added. Any kind hearted individual or groups willing to assist in bringing Dr Sogoromo and Dr McLee to Buka to carry out the operation could do so by depositing directly into a permanent account opened at the BSP Arawa branch named “save a child”. The cheque account number is 7002552581.

Tertiary

students enrolment goes up

A TOTAL of 5628 students will enrol in tertiary institutions this year.

This is up from 4614 last year due mainly to five more tertiary institutions opening.

Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Minister, Malakai Tabar, on Friday said the new institutions accredited as higher education institutions are International Training Institute, Institute of Business Studies, Institute of Banking and Business Management, Enga Nursing College and Sonoma Adventist College. He said this year other institutions would be assessed for accreditation.

Mr Tabar also noted that bottlenecks existed in grades eight and 10 because some districts do not have secondary schools.

MOTHER Naria with her child Wikson.

Police seize marijuana at Goilala roadblock

ABOUT 12kg of marijuana bound for Port Moresby were confiscated at a checkpoint on Tapini Highway in Goilala district, Central Province, last week.

Tapini police station commander Sergeant Rafael Anuma brought the three bags of weed to be photographed before taking them to the police drug squad to store as court exhibit.

The marijuana bags were confiscated after a tip off while the suspected smugglers have been handed over to Boroko police to charge.

Another suspect escaped from a PMV into the bush but left behind two bags of marijuana.

Central police commander Laimo Asi commended the Tapini police for a job well done, saying that this should be a warning to other smugglers that they would be arrested if caught.

Meanwhile, the Tapini police station is manned by three regular policemen and assisted by 30 other community appointed peace keepers who PSC said have done tremendously well. “I would like trainers to go up to Goilala to train these to become reservist and assist me,” Sgt Anuma said. He wanted these men who had been helping him to keep law and order on a voluntary basis to be put on the payroll.

PUBLIC NOTICE

05 TOEA COIN STILL LEGAL TENDER IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

The public and business houses are reminded again that the 05 toea coin is still a legal tender in Papua New Guinea. As such, it has a monetary value and should be used for purchases of goods and services.

The Bank of Papua New Guinea has sufficient stocks of the 05 toea coins that are available for commercial banks to acquire and provide to the public and business houses.

The public should not accept lollies or other products in place of 05 toea as change from retails shops. It is the consumer’s right to demand 05 toea as change and not any other product, unless you consent to it.

Ningerum LLG passes 2015 budget

THE Ningerum local level government has passed a 2015 budget of K1.89 million.

The budget received overwhelming support from all ward councillors from the 24 wards and woman leaders.

The total estimate from national Government grants, provincial grants and LLG internal revenue grants for this year provides an avenue for more infrastructure development this year.

The revenue estimates are:

National Government grants which includes LLG service grants, LLG support improvement program (LLGSIP), 2014 LLGSIP funds and provincial government grants (PSIP) gave a total of K1,300.80; Provincial government grants derived from natural resources and benefits with the total of K876.60; and

LLG internal revenue grant from taxes and charges with the total of K358.

According to Ningrum LLG manager Jimmy Uiafio the budget will be presented to the provincial government to be approved.

Disabled call for discipline

BY GRACE AUKA SALMANG

THE chairman of the PNG Rehabilitation Centre Brown Kapi has described the recent killings by police in the Hanuabada village as an eyeopener for the Government, Police department and city dwellers.

Mr Kapi, who is wheeled chair bound, said on behalf of his fellow people living with disabilities (PLWDs) that this is an ongoing issue with law enforcers that needs to be corrected.

“The nation has suffered enough at the hands of the respect-lacking ill-disciplined police force,” Mr Kapi said.

“This issue needs to be pushed because it is disturbing the way people live, and it cannot be accepted because it’s affecting people’s lives economically and socially.

“We deserve a safe city and the public is already loosing its trust to the police who are supposed to enforce the laws, instead they have gone too far by pulling the trigger at innocent lives.”

Loi M. Bakani Governor

He said the killings and shooting at Hanuabada is a tragic event that just happened and expressed his heart felt condolences to the family and friends of those killed in the incident.

“We must know that the Government is there by the people, for the people

BROWN KAPI Port Moresby

and they make laws for the people and the police are here to enforce the law that the Government makes.

“City dwellers are supposed to be abiding by the laws as well,” he said.

“We cannot point fingers at each other now.

“We got to find a way forward now and manage this issue that has gone out of hand.”

He said when blood is spilled, it tells us that something is wrong, It is now telling the nation that the constabulary has a disciplinary problem from the top right down through the rank and file and this needs to corrected.

“There needs to be complete overhaul of how the police are trained, and they need to be reminded, because they are enforcers of the law, doesn’t mean they can pull the trigger whenever they want to,” Mr Kapi said.

If you have a story to tell, call us on 309 1042, or email

TAPININ police station commander Raphael Anume (right) and auxillary policeman Nicholas Lele with the confi scated marijuana.

There needs to be a complete overhaul of how police are trained...

If you have a story to tell, call us on 542 2602, or email posthagen@spp.com.pg

Education top of Dei district priorities

BY RIODAN BEGUSHAR

DEI MP Wesley Nukundi

Nukunj has allocated K2 million annually to develop the education sector in his electorate.

The money was used to build double classrooms in almost all the schools in the electorate, from primary schools to high and secondary schools.

Currently a boys’ dormitory in Kitip Secondary School is under construction, as well as high post teachers houses in Kenembo Primary School, Nunga High School and Kondepina Primary school. K1.5 million was made available to build classrooms for elementary schools in the electorate this year.

District administrator Steven Korowa said education is a priority of the MP. He said the MP has allocated K2 million from the DSIP funds, approved by the district, for education work every year.

EHP approves K307 million 2015 budget

BY MICHAEL KOMA

THE Eastern Highlands Provincial Government has passed a K307 million budget for the 2015 fiscal year in its assembly meeting in Goroka on Friday.

The figure signified an increase of K6.6 million from last year’s budget.

The provinces eight districts: Henganofi, Obura/Wonenara, Kainantu, Lufa, Unggai/Bena, Daulo/Watabung, Okapa and Goroka are apportioned K15 million each while K5 million is earmarked for infrastructure developments.

While the health sector received a mere K2m while K7m is allocated for the education sector.

All 27 local level governments in the province are set to receive K300,000 each to finance basic services in their respective localities.

The detailed summary of the budget will be disclosed to the media after necessary modifications, according to budget officers at the provincial Yanepa building.

During the budget session Unggai/ Bena MP and Lands and Physical Planning Minister Benny Allan called on public servants to corporate and implement the budget for the benefit of the 350,000 or so people of Eastern Highlands.

Mr Allan said divisions and ill-feelings among certain factions of the province’s public service (following

Tribes reconcile after death

FOLLOWING the murder of a teenage boy, leaders from Erave, Southern Highlands Province and the Moge tribe in Western Highlands Province organised a peaceful and successful reconcilliation meeting.

Erave president PPC Philip Welia and retired kickboxing champion Stanley Nandex accepted the bel kol offering from the Moge tribe for the brutal murdered of the young Eravan boy at Kaiwe market, Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province last week.

The Moge tribe leaders showed initiative and took responsibility for the murder and swiftly negotiated with the peace and good order committee mediators for the bel kol which eventuated on Saturday just five days after the murder Mr Nandex who spoke on behalf of the Erave community emphasized the value of human life. He appealed to the people to respect the life of another.

the recent appointment of Solomon Tato as the provincial administrator) “should stop because implementing government policies to the rural population is very (more) important.”

Meanwhile, many teachers posted to remote schools in the province are still hanging around in Goroka town due to administrative problems within the provincial education division, according to government sources.

This in turn means many schools in the province will not begin the 2015 school year on time.

The enrollment list for grade nine students is yet to be posted on the education notice board in Goroka for public view.

A significant number of frustrated students who are to be enrolled in grade nine this year had travelled to Goroka and are plotting to march to the provincial education office today (Monday) to express their grievances.

Twelve students told the Post Courier in Goroka yesterday they were “very angry with the provincial education officers for not posting the grade nine selection list on time.”

The students do not know which secondary schools they are selected to do their year nine this year.

Repeated attempts to call the provincial education adviser were unsuccessful.

TWO Dei district JDP members pointing at the newly built double classroom at Kenembo Primary school.

Public servants absent from rural posts

BY ABRAHAM AVEDIBA

DESPITE government serv-

ices such as schools and aid posts existing in rural areas, there is still an absence of public servants to deliver these services.

Yabem-Mape LLG deputy president Ishmael Nozu said people in rural areas of Morobe Province, including those in his area, often travel to Lae to have their needs attended to.

“Aid posts and classrooms are there in the villages but there seems to be no health workers and teachers to attend to these posts,” Mr Nozu said.

He said the aid posts do not even have proper supplies and no one seems interested in applying for these jobs.

“There are issues such as law and order, lack of proper roads and banking facilities.

These have contributed to public servants refusing to

Japanese envoy visits peace park

BY PAMELA PITTARD

perform their duties in the area,” he said.

According to Mr Nozu the villagers travel about 10 hours to reach the Brown Memorial Hospital at Gagidu Station in Finschhafen.

He further stated that with the Bank of PNG’s attempt to have everyone in the country financially included he appealed to commercial banks to introduce cash agents in the LLG area.

“We have four primary schools and one health centre in the Yabem-Mape district.

“Many of these public servants would appreciate banking services in the area so they do not travel far to withdraw or send money,” Mr Nozu added.

The Provincial Government has assisted with the building of a remote police station worth over K100,000 to address the law and order issues.

Opening of the Legal Year 2015

Judges, Magistrates

& Lawyers

are to be robed for the service.

The Combined Police & CS Band will lead the Judges, Magistrates & Lawyers from the Godwit Street, Gordons next to Australian High Commission on to the Sir John Guise drive and Independence drive to the Waigani National Court premises. These roads will be closed to the Public between 8:30am – 9:30am for the reason.

There will be a Guard of Honor Parade to be inspected by his Honor, Chief Justice. Refreshments will be available after the Service, which is expected to finish by 10:45am.

The Courts in Boroko, Port Moresby and Waigani will be closing during that morning.

The 2015 Legal Year church service will be held at the main podium Waigani National Court premises – at 9:30 am on Monday 2nd February 2015. It will be lead by St Martin’s Anglican Parish.

This is an Ecumenical service to which representatives of all church congregations & the Public are invited to attend.

The service is for the Legal Profession and Law & Order Sector but members of the Public are cordially invited.

There is ample parking at Waigani court premises & the main road.

Organised & Arranged by:- National Judicial Services & PNG Law Society Phone: 324 5868 / FAX: 325 7732

Issued by:

THE Ambassador for Japan to PNG Morio Matsumoto visited the Wewak Peace Park last week for a memorial ceremony.

The ambassador was accompanied by a team from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan who joined in the memorial ceremony to commemorate 70 years since the ending of World War II at the Wewak Peace Park.

The ambassador paid respects to those that lost their lives during the war.

While reflecting on the past, Ambassador Matsumoto prayed for peace, prosperity and for a brighter future.

The ceremony concluded with the laying of wreaths by Mr Matsumoto and the delegates from the various Japanese ministries that attended the memorial ceremony.

University students in dilemma

BY ABRAHAM AVEDIBA

MOROBE Province students attending various tertiary institutions are still in the dark on whether their provincial government-funded scholarships will continue this year.

Morobe education minister Andrew Gena said despite being allocated K5 million by the national Government, the funds were being held by the treasury office in Port Moresby, due to certain issues.

“Unfortunately, we are faced with a situation that is beyond our control.

“We have made a submission to the provincial executive council to open a new trust account entirely for the education division,” Mr Gena said.

According to Mr Gena, previous trust accounts remained open with no money because funds in them had been misused.

It was also stated that the only trust accounts still operational were the emergency trust accounts for the Provincial Government.

He said that the provincial education division had met with student leaders of the various tertiary institutions.

“We understand that many of the institutions require up-front payments before these students can register for classes,” he said.

At a glance

DILEMA: The lack of funds has left many tertiary students in the dark on whether their provincial governmentfunded scholarships will continue this year.

HELD BACK: The funds are being held back by the treasury office in Port Moresby over certain issues.

HINT: According to Mr Gena, Morobe education minister, previous trust accounts where the funds were held remained open with no money because of misuse.

APPEAL: He is appealing to tertiary institutions around the country to show leniency towards Morobe students

“However, we’ve continuously done well over the previous years when paying fees for students who have done well to come under the provincial government’s scholarship scheme,” Mr Gena added.

He is currently appealing to the management of various tertiary institutions to show leniency towards the students as this is the first time the Provincial Government has been confronted with such an issue.

It is anticipated that the K5 million funds will be released either towards the end of February of by early March.

AMBASSADOR Matsumoto speaks during the memorial ceremony at the Wewak Peace Park last week.

Remote school needs urgent repair

BY PATRICK MINANA BABASE Primary

School

in remote Feni Island of Tanir LLG in New Ireland Province is in urgent need of repair as the school year gets underway today.

The three classroom buildings housing both offices and store rooms has been neglected to a state where they are unfit for students to be in it and learn effectively.

One of the buildings has no more walls or anything in it fit for learning and has even rotted to a state where it is dangerous to both students and teachers.

The other double storey building has also rotted over time as there is no repair whatsoever by the school and its administration. The district education office could not be reached for comment.

School head denies favouritism

By MICHAEL WARTOVO

THE Kerevat National High School principal and governing council have been accused of politicising teachers’ appointments.

A concerned teacher at the school who wants to remain anonymous for fear of his job alleged that there was gross abuse of the processes involved in teachers’ appointment made by the school governing council.

But Kerevat principal Rieme Alo denied this, saying all appointments were in oder.

The teacher raised concerns that the hijacking of teachers by the National Education Board (NEB) professional committee on National High School and Flexible Opening Learning division were based on false allegations and accusations by the school principal and governing council and those teachers were posted to different schools without their knowledge.

The teacher said it was a matter of concern, according to the teachers who have been victims of such hijacking processes when they were not posted to the schools they applied for using the 2014 education gazette. The teacher questioned why many teachers in those national high schools are appealing to the Teachers Service Commission appeal committee if proper procedures were followed.

But Kerevat National High School principal Rieme Ray Alo refuted the teacher’s claims that teachers appointments were politicised.

Marat: PNG SMEs still in infant stages

PAPUA New Guineans need to wake up to the reality that they were nowhere near economic prosperity, affluence and a high standard of living, says Rabaul MP Allan Marat.

He said small to medium enterprises were still in their infant stages and many people should begin to get involved.

“Really mixing it with the big players in multi-million kina, multi-billion kina or even multi-trillion kina businesses are still only a dream for about 99 percent of PNG citizens,” he said. Speaking in Rabaul recently, the MP said so much has been said by ministers in previous governments about SMEs and that SMEs should be simply referred to as a “small business” for a grass-root person. SMEs operates closer to the household than they do to multi-trillion kina.

He said recommendations were made by the governing council to the NEB which makes the final decision on any appointment.

Mr Alo said the NEB appointments of teachers were based on those who have gone through the process of inspection.

He said teachers at Kerevat National High School have gone through inspections but they have to get recommendations from the relevant authority before they can secure their tenure position.

Mr Alo said the NEB has the prerogative in making any final decisions on appointments.

He also refuted claims by the teachers that police were on the ground to force out the teachers.

He said an eviction notice was given this week for those teachers concerned to move out from the school premises to their new postings and police were there to protect the school properties after the situation became tense recently.

He said the posting list for teachers came out in December last year and there was no reason why some of these teachers were still occupying teachers houses.

“The NEB has the prerogative in making final decisions on appointments

RIEME RAY Kokopo

CONCERNED locals wondering how the classrooms will be rebuilt. Picture: PATRICK MINANA

District gets disaster risk plan

THE Tinputs district administration on Friday was handed the communitybased disaster risk management (CBDRM) plan by PNG Red Cross Society and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Themed, “reducing risks and building community resilience” in Bougainville, the PNG Red Cross, in partnership with the UNDP, has been rolling out the programme in the district for the past three months.

This involved 50 participants who were trained in community based first aid with 30 of them getting extra training in emergency and response.

The mitigation activities identified and implementation plans was developed by the participants who undertook the three months of training and was endorsed by the CBDRM committee made up members of village assemblies (VA). The project had five components.

Vital road in rapidly deteriorating state

BY SEBASTIAN HAKALITS

A FEEDER road that leads to one of Bougainville’s educational institutions has been neglected for far too long, deteriorating from a state of bad to worse.

The road from Bonis point to Tongono village in Selau district has not been maintained for over one and a half years and large craters with pools of water have developed and are widening and deepening every week.

A public servant who wished to remain anonymous raised concerns over what the government is not doing in relation to the condition of the road.

The road leads to some of the region’s most iconic infrastructure such as the Bishop Wade Tarlena Technical Secondary school (BWTSS), Tsiroge Catholic Centre, the Nazarene Convent for nuns and Nazarene Rehabilitation Centre.

NATIONAL CAPITAL DISTRICT COMMISSION EXPRESSION OF INTEREST / TENDER

The National Capital District Commission hereby invites EOI / tenders for the following:

1 Flyover on Waigani Drive from Freeway to the City Hall dropping at Wards Road, Cameron Road and Sir John Guise Drive – The Commission in partnership with the GoPNG plans to construct a flyover on the above to prepare the city for the APEC. We invite bids under the following options:

a. Design and Construct – Contractors who have the ability to deliver the flyover on design and construct basis can apply under this option.

b. Design – Designers who have prior experience in designing flyovers can apply for the design, document and cost the design.

c. Early Contractors Involvement (ECI) – Contractors who wish to apply under ECI basis can also submit their bids.

d. Early Contractors Involvement (ECI) – Consultants who have managed ECI projects from concept –design – construction – completion for major road projects for governments, private developers etc.

2 Project Management Services

Bids are invited from established and reputed Engineering firms who have experience in managing Bank financed infrastructure projects to manage the following projects:

1 D & C of 9 Mile to 17 Mile and 9 Mile to Laloki Bridge Roads

2 D & C of 6 Mile to Bautama Road

3 Construction of Magani Cres

4 Construction of 9 Mile to Bootless Bay Road

5 D & C of Ela Beach Road and redevelopment of Ela Beach

All completed EOI’s/ tenders must be placed in a sealed envelope and dropped off at Tender Box located at 2nd floor of City Hall and must be addressed to:-

The City Manager

National Capital District Commssion

P O Box 7270, BOROKO

National Capital District

Only genuine interested bidders are asked to call Mr. Ravu Frank on phone 325 1166; email rfrank@ncdc.gov.pg or Mr Augustine Ravi on augusravi@gmail.com for more information.

Closing date shall be 06th March 2015.

Authorised by:

LESLIE ALU City Manager

Ex-combatants, President hold peaceful forum

A PUBLIC forum was held on Friday in Buka after ex-combatants called for President John Momis to resign from office.

The demand was issued last week in a letter by former BRA strongmen Ishmael Toroama, Sam Kauona and Thomas Tari. The excombatants also voiced concern on the Autonomous Bougainville Government development record and questioned the transparency of some government projects.

The ex-combatants were not satisfied with the president’s response to their grievances and travelled to Buka to discuss the issues in person.

The president, at the forum held at Buka’s Bel Isi Park, was flanked by his ministers. He disputed the veterans’ claims, saying his government had done more than the previous Bougainville governments to further development in the region.

He said democracy must prevail in Bougainville and those who were unhappy with his leadership had the right to challenge him in the upcoming polls.

He said if a change of leadership was what they wanted then the elections were the right platform.

He said there must be a “level playing field” and the time for showing physical force was over as Bougainville was now under a democracy. He brought up the issue of weapons which he said were being used to threaten some sectors of the public.

At a glance

CALL: Ex-combatants called on President John Momis to resign from office during a public forum.

FAIL: They are claiming the current Government has failed to uphold its end of the Peace Agreement

REFUTE: Momis argued his Government had done more than its predecessors.

FORUM: The public forum was held at Bel Isi park and was a peaceful affair.

CHALLENGE: The President challenged those unhappy with his leadership to challenge him in the elections

Mr Kaouona said that the weapons disposal had been completed and that the ex-combatants were the “papa” (leaders) of the disposal program, a pillar of the Bougainville Peace Agreement. He added that the ABG was in charge of another Peace Agreement pillar, good governance and it were failing in that respect.

Mr Toroama assured the President that his men were “not hooligans” but were exercising their democratic right to hold the Government to account.

The forum was a peaceful affair, with the parties discussing the issues in a strong but reasonable manner.

It was agreed that the forum participants had Bougainville’s interests at heart and the conflicts of the past were a part of history.

THE state of the feeder road from Bonis to Tongono can be clearly seen here.

If you have business story to tell, text or call us on 3091028, or email ptwundai@spp.com.pg

Nautilus ends assembly of collecting machine

Market Snapshot

THE operator of the Solwara 1 Project in the waters of Bismarck Sea , Nautilus Minerals (Nautilus) has announced the mechanical and hydraulic assembling of its second of three Seafloor Production Tools (SPTs), the collecting machine (CM), has been completed at Soil Machine Dynamics’ facility at Newcastle upon Tyne, in the United Kingdom.

The company also announced the commissioning of the CM systems has now commenced, according to a statement released at the weekend.

Nautilus’ chief executive officer (CEO) Mike Johnston said in a statement; “having already completed the assembly of the Bulk Cutter, we are delighted that the assembly of the Collecting Machine has now been completed and commissioning has begun.

This is an exciting time for the

SEAFLOOR PRODUCTION TOOLS: The Auxiliary Cutter (“AC”) is a preparatory machine that deals with rough terrain and creates benches for the other machines to work. It will operate on tracks with spud assistance and has a boom mounted cutting head for flexibility. The second machine, the Bulk Cutter (“BC”), has higher cutting capacity but will be limited to working benches created by the AC. Both machines leave cut material on the seafloor for collection by the Collecting Machine (“CM”). - nautilusminerals

Company as we continue with the build of the seafloor production equipment while work has also started toward the build of our production support vessel. We look forward to finalising the assembly of the third and final SPT, the Auxiliary Cutter.”

The statement highlighted that the CM is the lightest of the three SPTs, weighing 200 tonnes when fully assembled. It is designed to collect material cut from the sea-

floor by drawing it in as seawater slurry with internal pumps and pushing it through a flexible pipe to the riser and lifting system and onto the vessel.

The world’s first ever deep-sea miner said the excavation and collection of mineralised material has been split into three individual tasks, which will each be carried out by a different SPT.

The Auxiliary Cutter is designed as the pioneering tool which pre-

pares the rugged sea bed for the more powerful Bulk Cutter.

The company said the two tools gather the excavated material; the third, the CM, will collect the cut material by drawing it in as seawater slurry with internal pumps and pushing it through a flexible pipe to the subsea pump and on to the vessel via the Riser and Lifting System.

Nautilus is the first company to explore the ocean floor for polymetallic seafloor massive sulphide deposits.

Nautilus was granted the first mining lease for such deposits at the prospect known as Solwara 1, in the territorial waters between the New Ireland and New Britian Provinces, where it is aiming to produce copper, gold and silver.

The company has also been granted its environmental permit for this site.

$A sheds one US cent on rate cut hopes

SYDNEY: The Australian dollar has hit a fresh fiveand-a-half year low and is likely to fall further as interest rate cut expectations grow. At 1700 AEDT on Friday, the local unit was buying 77.91 US cents, down from 78.98 US cents on Thursday. Speculation that the Reserve Bank will cut the cash rate on Tuesday, or at least start signalling possible cuts this year, sparked a sell-off.

The currency fell as low as 77.20 US cents on Friday morning, its weakest level since July 2009.

Financial markets are now pricing a February rate cut as a two in three chance, Commonwealth Bank currency strategist Joseph Capurso said, a move that would make the Australian dollar less attractive to traders. “There’s significantly more weakness in the Aussie to come,” he said.

Marengo looking to boost Yandera project

BY SHIRLYN BELDEN

A POSITIVE outlook is expected for the thriving Marengo Mining Limited as it took on the New Year with specified works outlined to improve the economic viability of the Yandera Project.

Chief executive officer (CEO) Pieter Britz said in a statement issued last Friday

that this year the work program will continue to analyse geologic evidence from previous works, plan new field programs, identify prospective areas for high-grade mineralisation and develop more drill targets.

Supporting this, the company has also provided skills development training for its members of staff starting last

year which will continue this year.

The training is aimed at equipping the geology and environmental staff with highly developed tools to analyse, model, interpret and assess complex geology and mineralisation at the Yandera Project.

The company has also started a drilling program at the

newly established Rima exploration site.

According to the statement the core from the four drill holes has been sent to be assayed with final results due this month.

Moreover, the company expects to use funds from its debenture transactions under the newly signed Debenture Agreement for the develop-

ment of the Yandera Project, continuing exploration works and drilling programs, for funding capital requirements and general corporate purposes.

At Quarter end, the Company had available cash and term deposits of approximately US$8.9m or over K22 million.

The work program will continue to analyse geologic evidence from previous works

Miner confident in Lihir

BY PATRICK.T.WUNDAI At

AUSTRALIA’S largest mining company and gold producer and the operator of Lihir Gold Limited Newcrest Mining Limited (Newcrest) reported its December quarter of 2014 characterised by a significant gold production outperformance relative to expectations at Cadia (165koz) and Telfer (140koz).

Newcrest said this was partially offset by below expected performance at Gosowong, Lihir and Hidden Valley.

The quarter’s report highlighted that the performances of Cadia and Telfer have resulted in gold production guidance for FY15 being raised to 2.3-2.5Moz.

Stronger copper production, as well as improved operating efficiencies and cost reductions from the Edge program, have resulted in the All-In Sustaining Cost guidance range for the group being lowered to AUD 2.3-2.5billion. (K5.9 –K6.4 billion).

The report said a fatality at Hidden Valley on December 6, 2014, closed milling operations for 17 days.

Newcrest managing direc-

a glance

QUARTER REPORT:

Highlighted that the performances of Cadia and Telfer have resulted in gold production guidance for FY15 being raised to 2.3-2.5Moz.

tor and chief executive officer (CEO), Sandeep Biswas, said, “The tragic fatality of one of our colleagues at Hidden Valley is something that we consider to be absolutely unacceptable in our workplace.

There is no higher priority for everyone at Newcrest than safety and this fatality reinforces the need to continue focusing our efforts on eliminating potential hazards from our workplace.”

The CEO indicated that Lihir’s gold production was higher than the prior quarter but lower than expected. Lihir’s AUD All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC) increased in the quarter primarily as a result of the deterioration of the exchange rate. “While Lihir continues to under perform against its potential, I’m con-

New technical team delivers PUBLIC NOTICE

fident that we now have the right strategy and people in place, having recruited some of the best people externally and from our other operations. December was the first month the entire new management and technical team were fully in place and I was pleased to see an immediate positive impact on our key focus areas of uptime and intensity,” said Sandeep.

The miner alluded to previous announcement; Cadia East Panel Cave 1 reached a major milestone by safely propagating through to the surface in late October 2014, significantly ahead of expectations.

The anticipated rise in Cadia overall AISC, following Cadia East Panel Cave 2 commencing commercial production (on October 1, 2014), was not as large as expected primarily due to higher than expected production and higher copper prices during the quarter. Higher throughput rates at Telfer contributed to a 4% increase in gold produced. Ongoing efficiency improvement initiatives helped achieve a 6% increase in underground mine production.

Coppermoly to release activity plan in March

NEW Britain focused mineral exploration company Coppermoly Limited (Coppermoly) says its detailed plan for its exploration activities will be released in March of this year.

While releasing its 4th quarter of 2014, Coppermoly said in the context of current market conditions and the Company’s current funding position, a detailed exploration plan for the coming year will be prepared during the March 2015 quarter.

REPRODUCTION AND IMITATION OF PNG CURRENCY BANKNOTES AND COINS IS ILLEGAL

The Bank of Papua New Guinea wish to inform the public and business houses that it is illegal to use the images of Papua New Guinea currency banknotes and coins on products (like wallets, laplaps etc), and advertisements for commercial purposes.

The Central Banking Act 2000 prohibits the reproduction or imitation of PNG currency banknotes and coins for any purpose without the consent of the Bank of Papua New Guinea. It is an offence and penalty provisions apply.

It said the exploration plan will utilise the results from the review undertaken by the Company in the September 2014 quarter.

The September 2014 quarter review identified and prioritised the best use of the Company’s then available funds.

The Company’s most advanced project is Nakru including the Nakru 1 and the adjacent Nakru 2 prospect where drilling in 2014 intersected high grade near-surface copper mineralisation. The Company has maintained a small camp at its Nakru 2 prospect to maintain the site ready for further drilling once funds are available.

The September 2014 quarter review produced a short list of regional tar-

Authorised by:

Loi M. Bakani Governor

gets as candidates for its next field work, subject to a data review.

These targets include Nakru 3, Nakru 4, Nakru 2 Northwest, Malolo Creek (on the Nakru tenement), Mt Misusu (on the Talelumas tenement) and Pulding (on the Makmak tenement). More detailed review and field work to further evaluate these targets will be carried out in the March 2015 quarter.

Coppermoly further said the company will hold an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on Wednesday March 4, 2015, at the Company’s registered office.

In that meeting, the EGM will seek Shareholder ratification and approval for the issue of the securities under the placement and convertible note agreement and the issue of the Barrick Options.

During the December 2014 quarter the Company performed minor maintenance work in both the field and the office on its tenements. The Company also maintained a stripped down operations base in Kimbe and maintaining its relationships with local landowners on the Company’s tenements.

ENB govt boosts tourism

THE East New Britain Provincial Government is very supportive of the National Government’s initiative of making Rabaul the tourism hub of Papua New Guinea.

Early this month, the provincial government released K1.5million to PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) to promote and expand tourism in East New Britain. The funding will be used over a three year period.

PNGTPA commenced with a meeting

initiative

in Kokopo over the weekend where it discussed several tourism aspects with those in the industry including Air Niugini, hoteliers, tour operators and other local business houses. The three year marketing plan covers everything from integrating campaign to training people and product development. This plan will be raising a lot of awareness, education and motivation. It will also evaluate all tourism activities in East New Britain.

NEWCREST’S Lihir mine in Papua New Guinea.

Merkel rules out debt relief

GERMAN Chancellor Angela Merkel has ruled out cancelling any of Greece’s debt, saying banks and creditors have already made substantial cuts.

But Mrs Merkel told the Die Welt newspaper she still wanted Greece to stay in the eurozone.

Greece’s left-wing Syriza party won last weekend’s election with a pledge to have half the debt written off.

Its new finance minister has refused to work with the “troika” of global institutions overseeing Greek debt.

The troika - the European Commission, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund - had agreed a €240bn (£179bn; $270bn) bailout with the previous Greek government.

But Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis has already begun to roll back the austerity measures the creditors had demanded as part of the deal.

Meanwhile, EU economic and financial affairs commissioner Pierre Moscovici told the BBC’s Hardtalk that Greece had to honour its previous commitments, although he said he wanted Greece to remain in the eurozone.

Mrs Merkel told the Hamburger Abendblatt: “I do not envisage fresh debt cancellation.”

She said: “There has already been voluntary debt forgiveness by private creditors, banks have already slashed billions from Greece’s debt.”

Greece still has a debt of €315bn - about 175% of gross domestic product - despite some creditors writing down debts in a renegotiation in 2012.

Mrs Merkel insisted she did not want Greece to leave the eurozone.

She said: “The aim of our policy was and is that Greece

At a glance

GREEK ECONOMY IN

NUMBERS: Average wage is 600 (£450: $690) a month; Unemployment is at 25%, with youth unemployment almost 50%; Economy has shrunk by 25% since the start of the eurozone crisis; Country’s debt is 175% of GDP; Borrowed 240bn (£188bn) from the EU, the ECB and the IMF MERKEL: GERMAN Chancellor Angela Merkel has ruled out cancelling any of Greece’s debt, saying banks and creditors have already made substantial cuts.

remains permanently part of the euro community. Europe will continue to show its solidarity with Greece, as with other countries hard hit by the crisis, if these countries carry out reforms and costsaving measures.”

On Friday, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble warned Greece about its negotiation tactics on writing off debt.

“There’s no arguing with us about this, and what’s more we are difficult to blackmail,” he said.

Finance Minister Varoufakis on Friday refused to work with the troika, saying he would instead talk to individual organisations and EU member states.

He has brought forward to Saturday his planned trip to Paris, where he will meet French counterpart Michel Sapin.

“We are not prepared to carry on pretending and extending, trying to enforce an unenforceable programme which for five years now has steadfastly refused to produce any tangible benefits,” Mr Varoufakis told the BBC’s Newsnight. - BBC

Qatar buys 10% stake in BA owner

QATAR Airways has emerged as the owner of a 10% stake in International Airlines Group (IAG), the owner of British Airways (BA) and Iberia.

The Gulf airline is already a member of the Oneworld alliance.

Willie Walsh, IAG’s chief executive, said he was delighted Qatar had become a “long-term supportive shareholder”.

The stake, worth about £1.15bn, gives Qatar closer links with a group that has two major European hubs and strong transatlantic networks.

Mr Walsh said his company would explore what “opportunities exist to work more closely together and further IAG’s ambitions as the leading global airline group”.

Akbar Al Baker, chief executive of Qatar, said: “IAG represents an excellent opportunity to further develop our westwards strategy.”

Earlier this month he criticised European airlines, saying they they “cannot keep up” with the competition posed by Gulf rivals.

The two groups’ route networks are largely complementary, with Qatar strong in southeast Asia, India and the Middle East, while

PRODUCTION DOWN

PERTH: Origin Energy’s production fell four per cent and revenue dropped six per cent in the December quarter because of maintenance being carried out. Overall production in the December quarter was 33.4 petajoules of gas, down from 34.9 petajoules in the September quarter. The decreased production reflected reduced contributions from Otway, BassGas and Kupe, partly offset by increased contribution from Australian Pacific LNG, the company said on Friday. Sales revenue also decreased six %.

SI SEAPORT BOOST

WORK on the Japanese funded project for the improvement of the Honiara International Seaport Facility in Solomon Islands is set to begin, following its ground breaking ceremony. The project involves the expansion of the current facility and the construction of a second international wharf. The Solomons government says it hopes the project will transform Honiara Port into one of the largest hubs in the Pacific. Japan approved a grant of about 24 million US dollars for the construction phase. The project is expected to be completed in the latter half of 2016.

NZ OIL, GAS

Iberia flies to many destinations in South America.

Qatar said it could increase its holding, but would be limited by the 49% cap on non-EU ownership of European airlines.

Neither group said whether IAG had been aware of Qatar’s stake-building and did not say who the shares had been bought from, or when.

Qatar has more than 130 aircraft and a further 340 on order. It is competing with other Gulf airlines including Emirates, based in Dubai, and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad.

The Doha-based carrier had 22m passengers in the 2013-14 financial year, compared with 44.5m for its larger rival Emirates. IAG carried just over 77m passengers in 2014. - BBC

BC Iron cuts deeper amid weak prices

PERTH: Pilbara iron ore producer BC Iron is making deeper cost cuts as it weathers a falling iron ore price.

The Perth-based company is issuing fresh workforce tenders on a new mining hub in the Pilbara and lowering its full year production cost guidance.

BC Iron is hoping the weaker labour market will lead to savings as it goes to tender to mine the Warrigal hub at its Nullagine mine where contractors

Watpac and Toll currently operate.

Chief executive Morgan Ball says falling oil prices and a weaker Australian dollar have helped the miner maintain positive margins as some other midtier companies lose money.

“The next round of material savings will come in our retendering of existing contracts,” Mr Ball told AAP.

“We’re expecting a reduction in the overall cost of mining

and potentially haulage.”

In December, BC Iron cut dozens of jobs at Nullagine, a joint venture with Fortescue Metals.

The iron ore price has now slumped to a fresh five and a half year low of $US63 per tonne.

After finding savings of between $2 and $3 per tonne during the quarter, the miner has revised down its full year cash costs guidance from be-

tween $49 and $53 per tonne to between $47 and $51 per tonne and is targeting all-in costs of between $54 and $61 per tonne, down from between $64 and $70 per tonne previously.

BC Iron received an average price of $US60 a tonne for its iron ore during the quarter, but lifted production 90 per cent to 1.69 million tonnes after an operations slow-down during the September quarter. - AAP

NEW Zealand Oil & Gas said it was preparing for an extended period of materially lower oil prices. Brent crude oil has fallen from nearly $US116 per barrel in June last year to just above $US45 dollars earlier this month. The company said it will be focusing on efficiency, buying opportunities and extending its existing assets. It said it has a cushion because much of its revenue comes from longer term contracts for gas from the Kupe field. The company had $115.2 million in cash at the end of December after it spent $11.2 million more than it took in during the three months ended December.

TUVALU ENERGY

THE World Bank said on Monday it will grant US$7 million (EUR 6.2m) to help the island nation of Tuvalu achieve its objective of generating 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020. The financing will support the Tuvalu Energy Sector Development Project (ESDP), which envisages the deployment of solar and wind parks along with systems to provide power grid stability and to store excess energy. As part of the plan, prepayment meters will be installed for customers of the national energy supplier, Tuvalu Energy Corporation (TEC), while smart meters will be supplied for large consumers.

QATAR Airways took delivery of its first Airbus A380 last September. - BBC

IAG is delighted Qatar had become a long-term supportive shareholder

...

WILLIE WALSH International Airlines Group

For advertising, call 309 1103 or email lotej@spp.com.pg

For editorial, call 309 1107 or email kialaw@spp.com.pg

Taking a closer look at new Outlook for iPhiones

BY EDWARD C. BAIG

NEW YORK—It’s hard to imagine getting jazzed about an email app in this day and age. But my early impressions of the fresh Outlook for iOS app that I’ve been checking out on an iPhone since Microsoft released it last Thursday are overwhelmingly positive.

Microsoft also released a preview ver-

sion for Android phones and tablets.

The new Outlook is fast, smart and yes, free too, with a major benefit coming through a cozy integration with your contacts, fi les, and especially the calendar.

One key example: a “Send Availability” feature that eases the process of fi nding a suitable time to meet with folks—all within the app. You tap the time slot that

you are available. It’s automatically pasted into an outgoing message.

A recipient reading the message inside the Outlook app can view their calendar on the spot. When an agreed upon time is found, it’s equally simple for either person to set up the meeting from within Outlook.

www.usatoday.com

One Call Does It All!

Telco aims to boost industry

TELECOMMUNICATIONS wholesaler PNG DataCo Limited has been set up as part of a restructure of Papua New Guinea’s telecommunications industry.

Business Advantage PNG discusses its critical role with its Chairman Reuben Kautu, an entrepreneur with a strong background of commercial and strategic management, developed during roles with BP, ExxonMobil and, more recently, Telikom PNG’s subsidiary Kalang Advertising Limited.

Reuben Kautu: DataCo is an initiative of the government to restructure the current telecommunications assets to provide wholesale-only infrastructure and telecommunication services to retailers, who will then on-sell to end users.

The underlying objective of the government is to push competition across the retail telecommunications sector by upgrading, building, owning and operating the National Transmission Network (NTN) and making it available to ICT operators at the wholesale level only. This will eventually provide an effective wholesale infrastructure that is reliable and cost-effective for the people of PNG. Telecommunications prices are set to reduce substantially once all these changes are in place.

The country is faced with vertically integrated structure currently under Telikom PNG that has its disadvantages in a competitive and changing environment. The new structure supports rationalising government investment in the costly wholesale infrastructure while allowing greater competition in the retail segment of the market, thus offering choice to the business community and the entire population. Information is the key for everyone and for the development of this country.

“The Government has already announced for PNG DataCo to partner with Interchange Limited to build ICN-2 cable, or the Melanesian Cable, from Port Moresby to Vanuatu via Solomon Islands.”

PNG DataCo’s Reuben Kautu.

PNG DataCo Ltd to be wholesale infrastructure and capacity provider

FROM PAGE 24

The structure going forward is that DataCo will be the wholesale infrastructure and capacity provider, including capacity on submarine cables, satellites and microwave. It will take one-to-three years to make the Government’s vision a reality, although some services can be transferred immediately, such as international submarine cables and other domestic cable assets.

BAPNG: What is happening with PNG’s fibre optic broadband network?

RK: We (DataCo) have now commenced work to connect the fibre optic broadband link from Hides to Port Moresby built by the developers of the PNG LNG project to Lae and Madang via Yonki, Kainantu, Goroka, Kundiawa, Kudjip, Mt. Hagen, Mendi, Wabag and Tari. DataCo also has plans to extend fibre connectivity to Wewak and Vanimo and to the New Guinea islands as well.

BAPNG: What are your options with the ageing submarine cable between Port Moresby and Sydney?

RK: The APNG-2 cable has served its time and is currently operating at 80% of its available capacity.

Since the inception of DataCo, this issue became a real concern that needs to be addressed immediately. We understand the need to replace the existing cable to Sydney. We’re faced with two options in the route we take to build, considering the length of the route, the dollars required to invest and the availability of funds.

The routes considered were either: to build a new cable connecting to Sydney replacing the existing cable or to partner with our Melanesian neighbours Vanuatu and Solomon to provide a cost effective solution to meet our international cable needs. Both were commercially viable options and my role was to provide these options to the government to consider and make the final decision. The government will obviously consider other benefits that are associated with each option.

There is also already PPC-1 cable, which runs from Madang to Guam and Madang to Sydney, which is currently under utilised, even though Telikom PNG had to buy capacity up front for a period of 15 years, of which only 10 years remain. The issue of under utilisation can be addressed by providing national connectivity to Madang, of which connectivity to Lae and Port Moresby is critical, as bulk of the international traffic and internet data is generated in or intended to be terminated in this main centres.

With DataCo’s creation, we are now working to connect and provide a complete loop from Madang right through the highlands down via the PNG LNG fibre optic cable to connect to Port Moreby. This link will ensure that this traffic or internet data can be re-routed to Madang and out, increasing the utilisation on the PPC-1 Cable.

BAPNG: When do you expect a decision to be made on the replacement submarine cable?

RK: The Government, through the Minister for Public Enterprise and State Investments, has already announced for PNG DataCo to partner with Interchange Limited to build ICN-2 cable, or the Melanesian Cable, from Port Moresby to Vanuatu via Solomon Islands.

‘With the restructure of the SOE’s providing ICT services and their infrastructure assets, I believe we can eliminate the duplications and take advantage of the synergies’

The contract with the vendor has already been signed and the partnership deal is awaiting preconditions to be met by the end of January 2015 before the project starts. This partnership is strategic for PNG, as it brings other commercial benefits to PNG state-owned entities and private enterprises to expand their services (banking, airlines, insurance and tourism services) to our Melanesian neighbours. This cable, once completed, will offer substantial reductions in wholesale pricing, so we expect this reduction to be passed on to the end users by the ICT retail service providers.

BAPNG: So what is the future of the Guam link?

What role will it have in PNG’s future telecommunications infrastructure?

RK: Connecting to Guam is a critical link for PNG as it provides redundancy and diversity. This link provides the PNG telcos with the choice or option to negotiate international termination rates.

Mussau gets connected

THE people of Mussau Island on the far northern tip of Papua New Guinea is one of the areas in the New Guinea Island region to at last have communication with the outside world through the Digicel network.

Member for Kavieng and Public Enterprise Minister Ben Micah and Digicel were on the island over a week ago to officially launch the Digicel network that was installed on the island in December last year.

Minister Micah was accompanied by Mining Minister Byron

Chan, Kundiawa Gembogl MP Tobias Kulang, Digicel PNG director for Government relations Gary Seddon and Kavieng District Authority chief executive officer John Kum.

Mr Micah, who is also the Member for Kavieng that covers Mussau Island also witness the signing of an agreement between Digicel and Kavieng District CEO for the installations of more towers to give extended network coverage over the vast sea area.

Mr Seddon during the launch

said the company has been operating in Papua New Guinea for the last 17 years and this is the first time they have reached Mussau Island.

“What will happen tomorrow? We need more coverage. Absolutely, we need to get more coverage on Mussau. We need to work together in order to achieve this because the innovation that comes with the use of technology cannot be done by one person alone.’’

He said PNG is a vast country from the mountains to the seas

and to connect the people is a very powerful thing.

“We are giving our people the power of information, the power to talk with one another, not only in one area, districts or province but also the country and region to understand how the world impacts on Papua New Guinea, Kavieng and Mussau.”

Mr Seddon said the services provided will enable banking transactions and understanding what is happening in PNG and around the world.

N S I

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Certificate in Information Technology

Certificate in Mastery Learning in English

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Diploma in Business Management

Diploma in Sales & Marketing

Diploma in Human Resource Management

Diploma in Information Technology

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Health officer for AROB Atolls District

“MY main aim is to see most of my people in the Atolls of Bougainville have access to basic health services.”

Annemarie Paul proudly shares that the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarship provided an enormous opportunity for her to acquire skills and knowledge in an Australian University to contribute fairly in the development of her province.

Annemarie graduated from James Cook University in 2012 with Graduate Diploma in Public Health and Tropical Medicine. She currently works as the Atolls District Health Officer under the Division of Health in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

Atolls district covers the most isolated islands in the region and basic service delivery in those particular areas are often very challenging. Annemarie’s roles involve coordinating the delivery of public health programs like community immunizations, medical drugs delivery, and assistance with referrals to major hospitals and awareness on disease outbreaks, etc.

This young woman leader has a lot more to talk about her contributions to her communities.

She has achieved quite a lot of outcomes as planned for prior to her studies abroad.

“My plans upon returning to PNG after my studies were to improve health services, transport systems and channel proper community-based participation to address development issues in Atolls district.

So far, Annemarie coordinated the aid post construction projects in some areas of the Atolls district.

At a glance

ANNEMARIE WORKS: As an Health Officer.

WITH: The Atolls District under the Division of Health in AROB.

ATOLLS DISTRICT: Covers most isolated islands in the region.

AIM: Is to see most of the people in the Atolls of Bougainville have access to basic health services.

She has initiated the sea ambulance project for the division of health which is now underway. She also represents women and church groups in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville during political forums as well as coordinating their health oriented community-based projects.

These tremendous efforts that Annemarie put towards assisting the people of her district gave her recognition to be appointed as the supervisor to manage the pilot program across six health centers in AROB.

This program will be managed using the “Interpreted Supervisory Checklist” - a project of the national government of PNG.

“The skills and knowledge I acquired from my studies helped me to be a better manager to manage the health system with limited resources available. I will be satisfied by the time I see the health system in the districts reach the National Health Service Standards and the people in the Atolls district have access to better health services”.

ANNEMARIE Paul.

Engineer awarded Aussie scholarship

KEIN Kep is a young mine engineer from a mix parentage of Southern Highlands and East Sepik and is one of the privileged recipients of the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarship to study for a Master of Petroleum Engineering at the University of Adelaide.

After graduating from Papua New Guinea University of Technology in 2009 with a degree in Mining Engineering, Kein found employment with Oil Search Limited in the Kutubu oil field.

However being a mine engineer and working in the petroleum industry was quite tough. He had to step up to the responsibilities of petroleum engineering which requires a good knowledge of many other related disciplines, such as geophysics, petroleum geology, formation evaluation (well logging), drilling, economics, reservoir simulation, reservoir engineering, well engineering, artificial lift systems, completions and oil and gas facilities engineering.

“I had to learn a lot of things myself and it was like on the job training for me because it was really different from my mining qualification from Unitech,” he said. Currently Kein is one of the well integrity engineers with the petroleum department that was newly established in mid-2013 as the company expanded into LNG.

Since Oil Search is the second largest shareholder in the LNG project, the expansion was inevitable. Oil Search saw the need to streamline jobs making it more specific for petroleum by creating the well integrity department and Kein among other staffs in the petroleum engineering field moved into those roles. Kein said, initially, the role of a petroleum engineer covered most of the reservoir engineering site, production engineering, drilling and well integrity and well interventions so it was like one person doing all the work. As it expended, the roles become more specialized and he was one of the lucky ones to move into that new role. He was also involved setting up the baseline system which is currently operating however it is still a working progress.

“My basic role in the petroleum department is to monitor all the wellheads. From an engineering definition, a wellhead is the component at the surface of an oil or gas well that provides the structural and pressure-containing interface for the drilling and production equipment.” The role also involves monitoring everything from the wellhead right down into the formation itself making sure that the well doesn’t collapse or explode due to the different elements affecting its structure to mitigate any harm to the plant site, employees and the environment.

Kein and his colleagues are currently monitoring over one hundred and forty five wells and some of them are no operational at the moment.

If there are any issues with the wells, they have to investigate and do remedial or maintenance work to ensure the wells are in good condition to produce oil and gas.

PNG is very challenging in terms of the geography. It is difficult to develop a petroleum site here in PNG than in other parts of the world where petroleum companies don’t need to cut down trees and blow up mountains to establish a potential oil and gas field or by drilling four to five thousand meters down into the earth to extract the crude oil and gas. These experiences are immeasurable for any petroleum engineer with the right qualification to pursue the career anywhere in the world.

“I believe that the study will also give me the confidence and I can finally say that I am a petroleum engineer with an Australian University qualification. I see myself coming back and taking over some of the senior responsibilities in the field and mentoring upcoming local engineers.”

Most of the people Kein work with graduated from petroleum engineering schools overseas because PNG does not have such qualification on offer at our local universities. Most of these people are expatriates and PNG has only a few qualified engineers in this field. “I see there is a need for more Papua New Guineans to become specialist in the petroleum engineering field in order to come back and develop the oil and gas industry in the country.”

Expatriates bring a wealth of experience that young engineers can learn from but aspiring petroleum engineer like Kein need to build their knowledge capacity. That was what drove Kein to apply for the scholarship.

Kein gained a lot of work experience from the petroleum engineering field but still there is the theoretical knowledge that is lacking and that is what he is hoping to gain from the scholarship study.

“I want to study the course itself and understand the theoretical knowledge because I believe that with the work experience I have it will compliment my studies in petroleum engineering and will greatly help me with my work.”

Kein is hoping to give his best and achieve what he set out for and to come back and contribute to the development of Papua New Guinea. He will be commencing his studies early 2015.

KEIN Kep.OIL Search Ltd’s oil operation in Kutubu, PNG.

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Tasmania eyes local tourists

THE Tasmanian Government has unveiled a marketing campaign targeting domestic tourists in a bid to attract more people to the state’s regional areas.

Tourism Tasmania has teamed up with travel company Flight Centre in an almost $1 million push to sell the state as a destination for interstate visitors. Premier Will Hodgman said he hoped it would further boost Tasmania’s reputation as a must-see destination.

“It is designed to leverage off the recent Lonely Planet accolade which proclaimed Tasmania as the fourth best region in the world to visit in 2015,” he said. “It comes hot on the heels of Jetstar announcing it is flying more people than ever to and from Tasmania this summer.” – ABC

LNP rout in Queensland catastropic for Abbott

THE rout of the Liberal National Party in the Queensland election is being described as “catastrophic” by federal Coalition MPs, with some claiming the Prime Minister is now terminally wounded.

“All we are talking about now is the timing and method of execution,” one Queensland MP said.

“This is catastrophic, unimaginable,” said another. Labor looks set to pull off a stunning victory in a cliffhanger election, after securing a double-digit swing that has ended the political career of Premier Campbell Newman.

Labor is on track to claim 45 or 46 of the 89 seats in the state’s parliament, after going into the poll holding only nine seats.

“My political career is over,” Mr Newman told

Labor

LNP supporters as he conceded defeat in his seat.

A senior federal Coalition source said the next move was Tony Abbott’s.

“So far the chatter has been among privates and corporals,” he said.

“It’s a time for generals now. And a time for the general: Tony Abbott. He has to decide what’s in the best interest of the party.”

This morning, AttorneyGeneral George Brandis told Sky News the federal cabinet remained united behind Tony Abbott.

“At the moment and this will be the case, the cabinet is determinedly unitedly and strongly behind the Prime Minister,” he said.

“There is absolutely no appetite among the vast majority of my colleagues for this issue [the leadership of the party] to arise or

even to be visited.”

But on election night the ABC spoke to Coalition MPs and senators across the country, as all watched the most remarkable turnaround in Australian electoral history with growing disbelief and horror.

Liberal MP Jane Prentice said the party “can’t continue as we are” and that Tony Abbott was “not taking the people with us”.

Ms Prentice, the federal

member for Ryan in the south-western suburbs of Brisbane, made the comments while appearing on ABC TV’s Queensland election panel.

“Tony has said he has listened and learned. He is making a keynote speech on Monday at the Press Club, but we can’t continue as we are,” she said. “I think that’s the lesson from today.”

Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss this morning conceded the federal Coalition has to learn from the election result.

“That agenda has been frustrated in the Senate because many of the good things we wanted to do we haven’t been able to,” he said.

“On the other hand we need to do more to explain to people at the federal level that we have delivered.”

Govt would be ‘crazy’ to dump PM

A Coalition minister said all eyes would now be on federal and state LNP MPs, who he feared would unload on the weakened Prime Minister in the wake of the Queensland poll.

A number have suggested former Howard government minister Mal Brough is the one most likely to break ranks and take aim at Mr Abbott.

Fairfax Media reported Mr Brough was being urged to challenge Mr Abbott, to bring the leadership chatter to a head.

Other MPs said he would simply make a statement that laid part of the blame for the loss at the federal leader’s feet, adding to the momentum building against him.

Mr Brough did not respond when contacted by the ABC. – ABC

on cusp of return to power in Qld

BRISBANE: The Labor party is on the brink of a stunning return to power in Queensland just one term after it was crushed by the Liberal National Party.

Campbell Newman became the first premier in 100 years to lose his own seat, leading his party into an electoral bloodbath with the loss of around 30 MPs.

At the close of counting late on Saturday, Labor was projected to win 43 of the

45 seats it needs to form government in the 89-seat parliament.

At the 2012 election, the LNP decimated Labor, leaving it with just seven MPs before it built its ranks up to nine following two byelection victories.

“It’s still too close to call at present but I’m very hopeful that we will be able to form government in the state,” Ms Palaszczuk told Labor supporters.

She refused to repeat her campaign promise not to form government with the support of minor parties, saying: “I’m quite hopeful that it’s going to happen in our own right.”

If she does need support to govern, she will have only three MPs to horsetrade with - two of the three Katter Party MPs who survived, and independent Peter Wellington.

the result coming, with most tipping Mr Newman would lose his seat of Ashgrove but the LNP narrowly hang on to power.

CANBERRA: AttorneyGeneral George Brandis insists the federal cabinet and government party room are united behind Tony Abbott’s leadership. He doesn’t think changing leaders should or will happen despite a “shocker of a week” for the government and the prime minister, and Saturday’s massive swing to Labor in the Queensland state election.

“There is no widespread appetite in the Liberal Party for a leadership change,” he told Sky News on Sunday.

“We would be crazy to repeat the experience of the last Labor government, which failed because it tore down an elected leader.”

The prime minister has come under increasin g pressure recently, with leadership tensions boiling over after he decided to give Prince Philip a knighthood. Senator Brandis acknowledged the knighthood decision was an error of judgment on Mr Abbott’s part but said it was about a frivolous matter.

Few commentators saw

Voters, however, vented their fury over asset privatisation and public sector job cuts, among other things, at the ballot box, and delivered a swing (11.4 per cent) against the LNP that’s even bigger than the swing that cost Labor office three years ago.

“We have seen the biggest majority in Australian history eroded right back. There is an electoral earthquake happening,” former deputy prime minister Wayne Swan told the ABC.

Mr Newman, who announced his political career over, said he felt for his LNP colleagues who’d also lost their seats.

He acknowledged the tough decisions hurt his government politically. Australia was the second country in the world to allow

“If he makes the wrong call on something as ephemeral as whether or not Prince Philip should be a knight of the Order of Australia, heavens above, that is so much a 10th order issue,” the Queensland senator said. But the ensuing debate had led to the government’s “very worst week”.

Nevertheless, Senator Brandis said Mr Abbott was a man of courage and character.

HOBART’S waterfront is just one of the major drawcards tourism operators hope will lure more Australians to the state. Picture: ABC

women to vote. New Zealand was the first

TONY Abbott

MH370 declared an accident

MALAYSIA has announced all 239 passengers and crew on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 are presumed dead.

The head of the nation’s civil aviation authority made the statement at a press conference on Thursday. He also declared the disappearance an accident and said the plane was located on the sea floor of the Indian Ocean.

An interim report into MH370’s disappearance will be made public on March 7, a day before the one-year anniversary of the plane going missing.

The Boeing 777 aircraft disappeared shortly after taking off from the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, bound for Beijing.

Months of searches have failed to turn up any trace of the plane.

Philippines mourns for 44 slain policemen

THE Philippines is holding a day of mourning for 44 police commandos killed in a clash with Muslim rebels.

The bodies of those who died were returned to Manila on Thursday. They were honoured on Friday in a ceremony led by President Benigno Aquino.

The violence took place in the southern province of Maguindanao on Sunday.

Police seeking two terror suspects entered a village held by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

MILF signed a peace deal with the government last year to end years of fighting.

But the rebels say police did not liaise with them about the operation as required under the deal, leading to the accidental clash.

On Friday, flags at government offices and military installations are being flown at half-mast to honour those who died.

At the memorial service inside a police camp in the suburbs of Manila, Mr Aquino paid tribute to the fallen officers by offering a prayer at each of their coffins.

He also presented each of their families with a Medal of Valor, the highest mil-

itary award given by the armed forces.

“I pledge to bring justice to all those who were killed,” said Mr Aquino, who faced criticism for not being present when the officers’ bodies arrived in the capital

He promised grieving relatives that government forces would make it a top priority to capture suspected bomb expert Abdul Basit Usman. Usman, who is linked to a MILF splinter group that rejects the peace deal, is one of two suspects that the commandos were targeting during the operation.

The other was Zulkifli bin Hir, known as Marwan, who is a leading figure of Islamist militant group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) Police say Marwan was killed, but this has not been confirmed. Both men have been incorrectly reported

killed several times.

On Wednesday, in a televised address to the nation, Mr Aquino said that the peace deal with MILF must not collapse.

“If the peace process were derailed, how many more graves would we have to dig,” he said.

The rebels have agreed to end their fight in return for the establishment of an autonomous Muslim region.

Thousands of people have been killed over four decades of separatist fighting in the south of the country. –BBC

“We officially declare Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 an accident... and that all 239 of the passengers and crew onboard MH370 are presumed to have lost their lives,” Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) directorgeneral Azharuddin Abdul Rahman said in a statement. The announcement was in accordance with standards of annexes 12 and 13 in the International Civil Aviation, Mr Azharuddin said. “The Government of Malaysia acknowledges that this declaration of MH370 accident will be very difficult for the families and loved ones of the 227 passengers and 12 crew on board to consider, much less accept. Thirteen nations have also lost sons and daughters to this tragedy. It is nonetheless important that families try to resume normal life or as normal a life as may be possible after this sudden loss,” Mr Azharuddin said. “Without in any way intending to diminish the feelings of the families, it is hoped that this declaration will enable the families to obtain the assistance they need, in particular through the compensation process,” he said, adding Malaysia Airlines was ready to proceed with compensation for the passengers to their next of kin. –ABC/Reuters

Review application won’t stop Aussies’ executions

A SPOKESPERSON for Indone-sia’s attorney-general says the applications for a judicial review filed by two Australian drug smugglers on death row will not prevent them being executed.

Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran were sentenced to death for their part in organising the 2005 Bali Nine heroin trafficking attempt. On Friday the pair filed requests for reviews of their death sentences, after they were denied presidential pardons.

But a spokesperson for attorney-general

The bottom line

Muhammad Prasetyo said that would not stop the Bali Nine ringleaders being executed.

Tony Spontana said an agreement between government departments and the courts meant their application for a review should be rejected anyway.

“The applied norm is that the judicial review doesn’t stop the execution process, the convicts have received the president’s decree which declines their clemency request,” he said.

Chan and Sukumaran are among a group of drug

smugglers who could face a firing squad within weeks.

Among the documents filed to the Denpasar District Court are the letters Chan and Sukumaran wrote to Indonesia’s president and the chief justice of the supreme court, begging for mercy.

Writing in Bahasa

Indonesian, Chan admitted he deserved a long stint in prison.

“I am guilty of the crime I committed, I am not trying to justify or belittle what I had done,” he said.

“I am merely pleading for

you to give me a second chance to show you that I have changed.”

Myuran Sukumaran, also writing in the president’s own language, expressed his own remorse.

“I am so ashamed of how badly I have shamed my family and my country because of my wrongdoing,” he said.

“I’m trying to pay for my mistakes by doing positive and useful activities for the people around me.

“Even though I am in prison and if the lowest point in society is prison, then please note that your prison

has changed me to become an incredible, educated, good person.”

But their pleas and the multiple attempts by Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop to ask for mercy on the men’s behalf have been practically ignored.

Former foreign minister Bob Carr said the government had done all it could to try to save the pair.

“It was on the list of talking points for any bilateral with the Indonesian foreign minister at the time and for any meeting with the

Kangaroos and emus cannot walk backwards, one of the reasons that they are on the Australian coat of arms

Indonesian president,” he told the ABC’s AM program. “I don’t think the present Australian government could have done more.

“Our devastation of capital punishment is renewed as we contemplate the prospect of judicial killings.”

Both men have had their requests for clemency rejected by the Indonesian president. Joko Widodo has stated since December that he will not grant clemency for any drug cases, with the country experiencing up to 50 drug-related deaths per day. –ABC

I pledge to bring justice to all those who were killed

BENIGNO AQUINO Phillipines

THE families of the of fi cers were each given bravery medals.

Picture:AFP/BBC

New findings in plane crash

THE French first officer of an AirAsia passenger jet that crashed into the sea last month was at the controls just prior to the accident, Indonesia’s lead investigator has said.

Data from the black box flight recorder has provided the accident probe with a “pretty clear picture” of what happened in the last moments of AirAsia Flight QZ8501, but officials offered few details.

The Airbus A320 vanished

from radar screens in bad weather on December 28, less than halfway into a twohour flight from Indonesia’s second-biggest city of Surabaya to Singapore. All 162 people on board were killed.

Siswosuwarno said, referring to first officer Remi Plesel. “The captain, sitting to the left, was the pilot monitoring.”

cockpit voice and flight data recorders showed the plane was cruising at a stable altitude before the accident.

Cambodia kicks out nude picture French tourists

BANGKOK: Three French tourists will be deported from Cambodia after they pleaded guilty to taking nude pictures of each other inside the country’s famed Angkor temple complex, a prosecutor says.

The male tourists were arrested on Thursday after they were discovered taking naked photos inside the Banteay Kdei temple at the world heritage site in northwestern Siem Reap province.

The three men, who are all in their early twenties, received a suspended six-month prison sentence and will be banned from re-entering Cambodia for four years.

“They confessed to making a mistake and asked for the Cambodian people to forgive them for their actions,” prosecutor Koeut Sovannareth said.

The arrests caused deep anger among Cambodian officials, who said taking nude photos at such a sacred site was deeply offensive.

“They will be deported from Cambodia very soon,” Sovannareth added, saying the three were convicted on two charges - public exposure and making pornography.

The court also ordered the three men to pay a fine of $US750 ($A968).

“They said their goal was to take nude photos to keep as souvenirs, but we believe that their intention was to use the photos in publications such as a calendar,” Sovannareth said.

Japanese PM vows never to forgive

TOKYO: A visibly upset Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has vowed to “never forgive terrorists” following the apparent beheading of hostage Kenji Goto.

“I am extremely angry about these heinous and despicable terrorist acts. We will never forgive terrorists,” Abe told reporters in Tokyo.

“We will co-operate with the international community to make them atone for their crimes.”

Abe’s outrage followed the release of an Islamic State video on Saturday purportedly showing the beheading of Goto. No mention was made in the online clip of a Jordanian pilot also being held by IS, whom the jihadist group has also threatened to kill.

Goto, a journalist, is seen kneeling next to a standing masked man who speaks with a British accent and blames the Japanese government for his “slaughter”.

“I am at a loss for words thinking about the pain that (Goto’s) family must feel,” Abe said.

Japanese media quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Yasuhide Nakayama earlier on Saturday as saying negotiations with the militant group were “deadlocked”.

“The government has been working with the utmost efforts on the issue - I’m deeply regret that this is the result,” Abe said.

“Japan will never yield to terrorism ...(and) is firmly resolved to fulfil its responsibility in the international community’s fight against terrorism.

“I will take thorough measures to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens inside and outside Japan.”

Captain Iriyanto, 53, was believed to have taken over control of the aircraft from Plesel when it started to ascend and then descend sharply, officials said.

The cause of AirAsia’s first fatal crash, which occurred around 40 minutes into the flight, was still unknown.

tificates.” Indonesia has previously said the aircraft climbed abruptly from its cruising height and then stalled, or lost lift, before plunging out of control into the sea.

under global aviation rules.

“The second-in-command, popularly known as the copilot, usually sits to the right of the cockpit. At the time, he was flying the plane,” head National Transport Safety Committee (NTSC) investigator

The aircraft was in sound condition when it took off, and all crew members were properly certified, they said.

“The plane was flying before the incident within the limits of its weight and balance envelope,” Mr Siswosuwarno said.

Mardjono

Investigators said the

“The flight crew had valid licences and medical cer-

NTSC chief Tatang Kurniadi told the same Jakarta news conference that Indonesia had submitted its preliminary report on the crash to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on Wednesday, as required

The report, which has not been made public, was purely factual and contained no analysis, he said, adding that the full final report would take at least six to seven months to complete.

On Wednesday Indonesia said the search for dozens of victims still unaccounted for could end within days if no more bodies were found. A multinational search and recovery operation has found 70 bodies. –ABC

SPECIAL PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM AND SERVICE DELIVERY NOTICE OF HEARING TEACHER LEAVE FARES

The Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform and Service Delivery is responsible for improving public sector management. The Committee is concerned with the complete administrative failure inherent in the leave fare debacle and the inadequate administrative response of both the Department of Education and certain Provincial Governments.

The Committee intends to convene an urgent hearing into the leave fare system to determine:

who is responsible for the current situation, whether funds were transferred in good time to provinces, why funds have not been transferred to teachers in some Provinces but have in others, where the funds that were purportedly transferred to provinces are currently how leave fares can now be expeditiously transferred to teachers the administrative implications for education generally that arise from the leave fare debacle options for a better system e.g. including leave fares into normal salary plus a component to cover applicable tax

The Committee requires the attendance the following persons/agencies at its hearing to commence at 9am in the B2 Conference Room in Parliament on 6 February 2015:

9am The Secretary Department of Education and responsible agency personnel

10.30am The Provincial Treasurer and Provincial Administrator of all Provinces who have not transferred leave fares to teachers. (Provincial Treasurers are to bring relevant financial records to the hearing).

3pm The Secretary Department of Finance, the Commissioner Internal Revenue Service and the Secretary Department of Personnel Management

Persons who fail to attend the hearing without valid excuse may be dealt with for contempt.

The Committee will present its findings to Parliament during the next session in February 2015.

Hon. Bire Kimisopa MP Chairman

60 perish in Pakistan mosque bomb blast

A BOMB blast at a Shiite mosque in southern Pakistan has killed at least 60 people and wounded dozens more, officials said, in the deadliest sectarian attack to hit the country in more than a year.

The bomb exploded as worshippers attended Friday prayers in the town of Shikarpur in Sindh province, about 470 kilometres north of Karachi.

Pakistan has suffered a rising tide of sectarian violence in recent years, most of it perpetrated by hardline Sunni Muslim groups against minority Shiite Muslims, who make up about 20 per cent of the population.

Sindh health minister Jam

Child killer dodges death

AN INDIAN man convicted of a series of gruesome murders has had his death sentence commuted to life in prison on the basis officials took too long to carry out his execution.

Surendra Koli was sentenced to death in 2009 over the killing of five children in a workers’ colony in a middle-class neighbourhood in north Delhi.

It was alleged he killed a total of 19 women and children, ate some of their body parts and stuffed the rest in a drain behind his employer’s home. After India’s president rejected his bid for clemency last year, Koli argued that it took too long for the authorities to rule on his mercy pleas.

The Allahabad high court has now accepted that argument, communing his death sentence to life in prison.

Human rights advocates have long argued India’s corrupt and ineffective justice system did not allow Koli a fair trial. The investigation was marred by police misconduct and incompetence and there were allegations Koli was tortured until he confessed. –ABC

Thirteen die in factory fire

Mehtab Daher said “the death toll from the attack has increased to 61”.

“There are 54 dead bodies in Shikarpur hospital. Seven others died in Sukkur and Larkana hospitals,” he said.

Witness Zahid Noon said hundreds of people had rushed to the scene to try to dig out survivors trapped under the roof of the mosque, which collapsed in the blast.

Television footage of the aftermath showed chaotic rescue scenes as people piled the wounded into cars, motorbikes and rickshaws to take them for treatment.

“The area is scattered with blood and flesh and it smells of burnt meat, people are

screaming at each other... it is chaos,” Mr Noon said. “A huge contingency of police and rangers is present here and ambulances from the nearby towns have started to arrive.”

Abdul Quddus, a senior police official in Shikarpur, said the initial investigation suggested it may have been a suicide blast.

An official with a national Shiite organisation, Rahat Kazmi, said up to 400 people were worshipping in the mosque when the blast struck.

It is the bloodiest single sectarian attack in Pakistan since January 22 last year, when 24 Shiite pilgrims returning from Iran were killed when their bus was

bombed in southwestern Baluchistan province.

Friday’s attack came as prime minister Nawaz Sharif visited Karachi, the capital of Sindh province, to discuss the law and order situation in the city.

Karachi, Pakistan’s biggest city and economic heartbeat, has wrestled for several years with a bloody wave of criminal, sectarian and politician murders.

Anti-Shiite attacks have been increasing in recent years in Karachi and also in the southwestern city of Quetta, the northwestern area of Parachinar and the far northeastern town of Gilgit.

Around 1,000 Shiites have been killed in the past two

Skeleton sacks baffle India police

DOZENS of skeletons and decayed body parts have been discovered in a disused room of an Indian police building.

Sacks containing the human remains were reportedly uncovered by workers at the building, in Unnao in Uttar Pradesh.

Police said they could not explain where the bodies came from, but said they believed the room had been used as a mortuary until 2008.

Regional authorities have promised to con-

The bottom line

duct DNA testing and investigate why the bodies were not disposed of.

Unnao police chief

Mahendra Pal Singh told the Times of India that records showed there were roughly 100 bodies kept at the police building for investigation.

He said a “proper probe and DNA testing would be done to corroborate the facts”.

“We will also look into the case thoroughly to ascertain as to why the human remains were

not disposed of,” he said.

Analysts said the case appeared to breach procedures laid down for the disposal of bodies after post-mortem examinations.

Separately, the authorities in Unnao district are still investigating the recent discovery of more than 100 bodies in the Ganges river.

They are thought to have been dumped by families who were too poor to pay for a proper cremation.

THE

years in Pakistan, a heavy toll, with many of the attacks claimed by the hardline Sunni group Lashkar-eJhangvi (LeJ).

Pakistan has stepped up its fight against militants in the past month, following a Taliban massacre at a school in the northwestern city of Peshawar.

Heavily armed gunmen went from room to room at the army-run school murdering 150 people, most of them children, in an attack that horrified the world.

Since then the government has ended a six-year moratorium on executions in terror-related cases and pledged to crack down on all militant groups. –AFP/ABC

AT LEAST 13 people have died and dozens have been injured in a fire at a plastics factory in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka, officials say.

The cause of the blaze in the multi-storey Nasim Plastic building is still unclear, but it may have triggered by a faulty gas cylinder or boiler.

The fire was later brought under control. Fire-fighters are now searching through the rubble.

Factory fires are common in Bangladesh, where safety conditions are often poor.

In 2012, 112 workers died in a fire in the factory just outside the capital. The country suffered an even greater tragedy in 2013.

Casino plan abandoned

JAMES Packer’s Crown Group says it will not go ahead with a proposed plan to develop a $400 million luxury hotel and resort in Sri Lanka, following a decision by the government in Colombo to scrap tax concessions for the project.

On Thursday Sri Lanka’s new government decided to cancel generous tax concessions for three foreign resort developments – including Mr Packer’s resort – and said it would not issue them licenses to run casinos. A spokeswoman from Crown said the company respected the decision and on that basis the project would not be going ahead. – ABC

European settlers in Australia drank more alcohol per capita than any other society in history

THE bomb exploded as worshippers attended Friday prayers in the town of Shikarpur. Picture: AFP/ABC

bags containing skeletons were found in a police building

Ex-spy chief appears in court

THE former head o f Colombia’s secret police, Maria del Pilar Hurtado, has appeared in court in Bogota.

She was detained in Panama on Friday night after turning herself over to the authorities.

Ms Hurtado is facing charges of illegally spying on political opponents of the former Colombian President, Alvaro Uribe.

She fled Colombia in 2010 after the allegations were made public and was granted asylum in neighbouring Panama.

The decision caused outrage in Colombia, especially because of close links between Mr Uribe and the Panamanian president at the time, Ricardo Martinelli

Last year the Panamanian Supreme Court revoked Ms Hurtado’s asylum.

Canada PM calls for tougher terror laws

ENCOURAGING terror attacks against Canada will become a crime under legislation proposed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

The measure will also expand the powers of the country’s spy agency, allowing it to take direct action to stop attacks.

Work began on the bill after two attacks days apart last year.

It is expected to be passed by Mr Harper’s Conservative majority in Parliament. Under current law it is

a crime to make a specific threat. The new measure would make it crime to call for a terror attack against the country or Canadians generally, including online.

“We cannot tolerate this any more than we tolerate people that make jokes about bomb threats at airports,” Mr Harper said.

“Anyone engaging in that kind of activity is going to face the full force of the law in the future.”

The maximum prison sentence for those convicted

under the new measure would be five years.

Among the critics of the bill are the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association which called the legislation “misguided” and said it would not make Canadians “any safer”.

“We will be less free, less democratic and less likely to know who to keep an eye on,” policy director Michael Vonn said, adding it was “likely unconstitutional”.

Canada’s two main opposition parties have said they

have not decided whether to back the bill, the CBC reports.

The Canadian government promised the legislation after a gunman shot and killed a soldier at the National War Memorial in Ottawa in October and then attacked Canada’s Parliament Buildings nearby.

Two days before, a man, said to be inspired by the Islamic State group, ran over two soldiers in a parking lot in Quebec, killing

one and injuring the other before being shot to death. Among the other changes in the bill anyone suspected of being involved in a terror plot may be detained without charge for up to seven days officials may remove material considered terrorist propaganda from any website Canada’s spy agency may direct approach subjects and cancel travel reservations, with judicial approval. – BBC

Her whereabouts were unknown for months until Interpol on Friday issued an international arrest order. Hours later she gave herself up to the Colombian authorities in Panama and was put on a plane to Bogota.

Judge Gerson Chaverra in Bogota considered that her arrest was lawful.

He said she will remain in a high security unit at the Prosecutor’s Office in Bogota awaiting trial.

“We need to take precautions to prevent any attempt against her life,” said Mr Chaverra.

Ms Hurtado was head of the now-defunct Department of Administrative Security (DAS) between 2007 and 2008.

The DAS answered directly to the president but Mr Uribe denied any involvement in the scandal.

He said at the time Ms Hurtado fled to Panama that he never issued any orders that violated Colombian law or the Constitution.

More Cubans head to US after policy shift rumours

MIAMI: Rumors of another major change in U.S.-Cuba policy are sparking a surge in Cuban migrants in recent days, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Agency officials tell CNN that Cubans are being told the decades-old “wet foot, dry foot” policy is going away on January 15, and that has many of them attempting to reach the United States.

The policy, which was enacted in 1995, grants asylum to any Cuban who reaches U.S. soil, or “dry foots.” But most Cubans found at sea would be sent back to Cuba. Any change to that policy, which is part of the Cuban Adjustment Act, would need approval by Congress, which is highly

unlikely to happen.

“We recognize that when these rumors continue to perpetuate, they grow. People believe it. They may get desperate. They may try and take to the sea,” said Capt. Mark Fedor, the chief of response for the Coast Guard’s 7th District, which patrols most of the waters around the island nation.

Since the Obama administration announced a renewal of diplomatic relations with the Castro government on December 16, the Coast Guard says there has been a 235% increase in the number of Cubans found at sea, compared with the first two weeks of December. Overall, the final month of 2014 saw a 117% jump

year to year in the number of migrants from the Communist island.

“Having this many people at sea, in very unseaworthy vessels -- it just makes for a very dangerous environment,” said Fedor. The source of the rumors is unknown. But, Coast Guard officials believe human smugglers and builders of makeshift boats may be partly to blame.

“These boats aren’t just laying around. These people are getting paid to build these boats. That’s the profit motive behind all this,” said Fedor.

“There are people making money off of this.

“And they don’t care about the safety of these folks. I think it’s in their benefit to perpetu-

ate these rumors. And we’re trying to combat that.”

Ever since Fidel Castro took power in Cuba in 1959, there have been incidents of mass migration from Cuba -- the most famous of which was the Mariel boatlift of 1980, when roughly 125,000 Cubans landed on Florida’s shores within a six-month span.

Although the recent surge is not considered a mass migration, Fedor says, “We’re always attentive to that. There’s a variety of factors that could lead to a mass migration. But right now, we’re not at that level.”

But, just in case, Fedor says the Coast Guard has put additional resources in the Florida Straits to deal with the current situation. – CNN CUBAN refugees. Picture: Repeating

Opera House were combined, they would form a perfect

THE legislation has been expected since the killing of a Canadian soldier at Ottawa’s National War Memorial. Picture: EPA/BBC

Warning on long battle

EGYPT faces a long and difficult battle with militants, the country’s president has said, in his first remarks since a deadly attack in the Sinai region.

Abdul Fatah al-Sisi spoke a day after a group linked to Islamic State said it killed at least 32 soldiers and police.

“This battle will be difficult, strong, evil and will take a long time,” he said in comments broadcast on state TV.

Mr Sisi cut short a visit to an African Union summit to return to Egypt in the wake of the Sinai attack.

On Saturday morning he chaired a meeting of the country’s Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (Scaf).

Reports say he ended the meeting by issuing a presidential decree to form a new military command for Sinai with the aim of tackling the growing militant threat. -BBC news

Ukraine peace talks fail

PEACE talks aimed at working out a truce agreement between pro-Russian rebels and Ukraine have ended without a deal.

Kiev’s representative said the meeting was thwarted after top rebel leaders stayed away and their negotiators refused to discuss a plan for an immediate ceasefire.

Ukraine’s representative, former president Leonid Kuchma, left the talks in Belarus, telling Interfax news agency that separatist officials had undermined the meeting by making ultimatums and refusing “to discuss a plan of measures for a quick ceasefire and a pull-back of heavy weapons”.

One of the separatist officials, Denis Pushilin, told the Russian news agency RIA that they were ready for dialogue “but not ready for ultimatums from Kiev while shelling by their forces is going on in the background of towns in the Donbass (indus-

trialised eastern Ukraine)”. The outcome dashed hopes that a new ceasefire could be put together soon to stem nine months of conflict pitting Ukrainian government forces against Russian-backed separatists who have declared “people’s republics” in eastern Ukraine.

Mediators from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as well as Russian officials joined the delayed talks in the Belarussian capital, Minsk, after a nominal September ceasefire collapsed under the latest wave of violence.

Russian president Vladimir Putin, French president Francois Hollande and German chancellor Angela Merkel held a three-way phone call on the talks, urging warring Ukrainian factions to agree a ceasefire in Minsk, the Kremlin said.

“The hope was expressed that the questions of an urgent ceasefire and the with-

drawal of heavy weapons will occupy a central place on the agenda,” the Kremlin said in a statement.

The talks come as Ukrainian forces suffered their highest one-day loss since the September truce, with 15 soldiers killed and 30 wounded, said defence minister Stepan Poltorak.

OSCE officials said they hoped for a “binding” truce that would also provide for the “unrestricted supply of basic goods and humanitarian assistance” as the civilian death toll mounts in rebel regions Donetsk and Luhansk. Both sides have accused each other of deadly artillery and mortar strikes on civilian targets in the past two weeks, including on a cultural centre in the main regional city of Donetsk on Friday which killed at least five people waiting for humanitarian hand-outs.

Since the ceasefire deal was struck in September, the

separatists have set up selfproclaimed people’s republics while their forces, which Kiev says are supported by 9,000 Russian regular troops, have seized more than 500 square kilometres of territory beyond that agreed in the Minsk talks and threaten to seize control of the east’s two main regions entirely.

The insurgents last week pulled out of peace talks and announced the start of an offensive designed to expand their control over a much broader swathe of the industrial south-east.

Heavy shelling continued on Saturday in Ukraine’s eastern regions as the separatists sought to tighten a circle around government forces clinging on to control of the strategic rail and road junction of Debaltseve.

“The toughest situation is in the Vuhlehirsk area where the terrorists are trying to seize the town and occupy positions to move forward and

Blaze

encircle Debaltseve,” military spokesman Andriy Lysenko said in a briefing.

Debaltseve is on the main highway linking Donetsk and the other big rebel-controlled city of Luhansk and is also a vital rail link for goods traffic from Russia which Kiev accuses of arming the rebels. The rebels were also continuing to threaten Mariupol, a town of half a million in the south-east of the country on the coast of Sea of Azov, Mr Lysenko said.

More than 5,000 people have been killed in the Ukraine conflict which erupted last April following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in response to the ousting of a Moscow-backed president in Kiev by street protests.

Russia denies what the West and Kiev says is incontrovertible proof that its troops are fighting on behalf of the separatists and providing them with military equipment.

-ABC news

Greek leader offers olive branch on debt

GREEK Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has said he is confident that agreement can be reached with creditors over repayment of Greece’s debts.

Mr Tsipras said in a statement issued to Bloomberg news agency that he had never intended to act unilaterally.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has ruled out debt cancellation, saying creditors had already made concessions.

Mr Tsipras’ Syriza party won last weekend’s election with a pledge to have half the debt written off.

Its new Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis has refused

to work with the “troika” of global institutions overseeing Greek debt, which had agreed a €240bn (£179bn; $270bn) bailout with the previous Greek government.

The troika is made up of the European Commission, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund.

Greece still has a debt of €315bn - about 175% of gross domestic product - despite some creditors writing down debts in a renegotiation in 2012.

Mr Tsipras said Greece would repay its debts to the ECB and IMF, and reach a

wrecks Moscow’s largest library

A FIRE has destroyed parts of one of Russia’s largest public libraries, containing more than 14 million items.

The blaze began late on Friday at the Institute of Scientific Information on Social Sciences in a south-western district of the capital, Moscow.

The roof collapsed but the library’s rare medieval Slavic texts appear undamaged.

The institute’s director Yuri Pivovarov said firefighters had done “everything possible” to save the texts.

“What is important is that they saved the books, the books did not suffer,” he said.

But Vladimir Fortov, president of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said around 15% of the library’s items were damaged, comparing it to a cultural Chernobyl, referring to the 1986 nuclear power plant accident in Ukraine.

deal with the eurozone nations that funded most of the bailout package.

“The deliberation with our European partners has just begun,” he said.

“Despite the fact that there are differences in perspective, I am absolutely confident that we will soon manage to reach a mutually beneficial agreement, both for Greece and for Europe as a whole.”

Jeroen Dijsselbloem, chairman of the eurozone finance ministers’ group, said he welcomed Mr Tsipras’ comments.

-BBC news

“It’s a major loss for science. This is the largest collection of its kind in the world, probably equivalent to the (United States) Library of Congress,” he was quoted in Russian media as saying.

The cause of the blaze is unclear, but one source told the RIA Novosti news agency that an electrical short-circuit was the leading line of inquiry.

Over 200 firefighters worked at the scene to douse the blaze but could not prevent a section of roof collapsing before the fire was contained shortly after midnight. No-one was injured. -BBC news

FUNERALS have been taking place for those killed in the Sinai attacks. Picture: BBC

Papua New Guinea Supreme Court & National Court Office of the Chief Justice

PRESS STATEMENT

The Hon. Sir Salamo Injia, KT, GCL, ChIef Justice of Papua New Guinea today announced his decision to appoint at Leadership Tribunal to inquire into various allegations of misconduct of office against the Clerk of the Parliament Mr Vele Konivaro. The allegations of matters ranging from unauthorised alteration of Bills to misuse of Public Funds.

The appointment of the tribunal is made pursuant to a request received from the National Executive Council through the Head of State under the s 4 and s 5 of the Organic Law of Guarantee of Rights and Independence of Constitutional Office – Holders on 7th August 2014. The appointment was withheld to allow for court proceedings instituted by Mr Vele Konivaro to be finalized.Those proceedings were finalized on 3rd October 2014.

The Chief Justice also disclosed in instrument of appointment of the tribunal which sets out, amongst the things, the names of the Chairmen and members of the tribunal and fixes the date, time and the venue for the inquiry, as follows:

Monday 2nd March2015 at 2015 at 9:30am in Courtroom No.6 at the National Court Building at Waigani.

The Members of the Tribunal consists of serving judges of the National Court namely, The HONOURABLE DEREK HARTSHORN ML (Chairman); THE HONOURABLE MARTIN IPANG (Member) and The Honourable Sir Kina Bona (Member)

Dated this 23rd day of January 2015

crossword: 10838

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 2x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 6 inclusive

Solution to puzzle SL0842

stars

March 20 - April 19

Obviously you’re not thrilled to acknowledge that, in pivotal situations, confrontations are unwise. You may already have tried, only to realise that others are in control. However, their intentions are good and they’re in a position to be helpful. The irony is, you could benefit handsomely, and without doing a thing.

April 20 - May 19

Since early in the new year, your ruler Venus has been accenting the way you live and work. While you’ve made numerous decisions, you’re unsure about others. That’s as it should be. Some need further investigation but in several cases, the actual situation in question remains so unsettled decisions are impossible.

May 21 - June 20

Having observed the way others wrestle with sentimental attachments, you’re often relieved you were born as a clever and rational Gemini. Yet lately even you have been struggling with strong feelings about certain matters. Unsettling as these are, they’re important because they also reveal how much you care about certain individuals.

June 21 - July 21

It would be easy to blame the influence of the retrograde Mercury for the confusion that’s been tangling up your life and everybody’s circumstances. But it’s not that simple. Changes, many welcome, some less so, are shaking up longstanding arrangements and these, too, are stirring feelings in you and others.

July 22 - August 22

Although everybody is influenced by the Full Moon, the fact it’s in your sign considerably heightens its influence. You’ll not only be dealing with the changes it triggers, you’ll feel unusually vulnerable. While, as a proud Leo, this can be uncomfortable, it also reminds you how important certain individuals are to you.

August 23 - September 22

Watching arrangements you’ve worked hard to organise come undone doesn’t just throw your schedule into disarray, you could worry you hadn’t thought things through adequately. However, because your ruler Mercury’s retrograde cycle and the accompanying confusion influences you, perhaps more than, others, your mind hasn’t been as clear as usual.

September 23 - October 22

As a sociable and caring Libra, you’ll sometimes respond to the seemingly serious concerns of others when, actually, they’re only being dramatic. This is especially the case now. The current Full Moon brings both such feelings and changeable circumstances to a head. While these moments are inevitable, they won’t last long.

October 23 - November 22

The potent encounter between the Sun and your ruler Pluto in early January kick-started a period of questioning and review. While you’ve made numerous decisions, ongoing changes in circumstances and your priorities have meant rethinking many. When making further plans, ensure, they’re flexible. That will make your life a lot easier.

November 23 - December 22

There’s a difference between an idea being exciting and it making practical sense. In late December the down to earth Saturn’s move into Sagittarius triggered a review of existing arrangements and future plans. This indicates a substantial shift, both in your approach to planning and in what you put first.

December 21 - January 19

When you’re making decisions, you may talk to those individuals whose support or approval is essential, but you’ll usually already know what you want to do. But now you’re dealing with situations as promising as they are perplexing. These require that you venture into and explore new, unfamiliar and ultimately rewarding territory.

January 20 - February 17

What seemed setbacks only days ago are worth a little thought. Once you’ve reviewed what happened in the light of what you’ve learned since, you’ll realise that what seemed obstacles were more about slowing the pace. This gives you a chance to consider whether the plans that once suited you still do.

February 18 - March 19

Venus, the planet of love and, through its association with Taurus, money, has just met your ruler Neptune. Between this and the Sun’s encounter with Neptune, on the 26th, you’ll find you’re ready to review certain arrangements you regarded as unchanging. What’s next? Expect to make those decisions in early March.

Classifieds Post-Courier

MADANG REAL ESTATE

EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby has an immediate vacancy for a suitably qualified

Laboratory Advisor

The incumbent serves as a senior scientific and technical advisor to agency officials, National Department of Health, implementing partners and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the planning and strengthening of laboratory programs and activities. Specific duties include: Work with the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) to ensure that the PNG HIV testing algorithm meets current international standards; Conduct an investigation of discrepant HIV testing results to identify reasons for high false positivity rates at certain HIV testing facilities; Support the continued development of the External Quality Assurance Scheme (EQAS) for HIV serology; Provide technical assistance to strengthen the HIV related laboratory skills: Support the development of a national HIV laboratory Quality Management System (QMS); Plan, implement and evaluate a new lab computerized information system for the CPHL; and coordinate and support CPHL ISO 15189 accreditation.

Minimum Requirements

Masters level degree or host country equivalent in medicine, biology, microbiology or chemistry is required. laboratory testing procedures and systems is required. Level IV (fluency – speaking/reading/writing) in English and Pidgin is required.

laboratory techniques is required. Thorough public health knowledge of current communicable disease issues is required. Comprehensive knowledge of the host government laboratory facilities, health care system and structures including familiarity with NDOH and PHA policies, program priorities and regulations is required. Good working knowledge of USG public health programs, strategies, methods, processes and techniques used to plan, develop, implement and evaluate results is required. Good working knowledge of team management techniques to plan, organize and direct multi-disciplinary project teams and activities and overall administrative requirements, budgeting and fiscal management in support of contracts/cooperative agreements/ grants/purchase requisitions is required.

required. Ability to analyze, understand and discuss new program design, management and implementation approaches is required.

Salary: K95,732 – K128,002 per annum, plus benefits.

Please note that Housing is not a condition of employment

To apply, please send reliable telephone/email contact information, a detailed resume, and supporting documentation that clearly demonstrates your ability to meet the minimum requirements for this position to;

Embassy of the United States of America

Attn: Human Resources Assistant

P.O. Box 1492. Port Moresby. NCD. PNG.

Or Email: PersonnelPortMoresby@state.gov

Application period closes February 13, 2015. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. For those that are not contacted, we thank you for considering the U.S Government as a potential employer. THE U.S. GOVERNMENT

Position Vacancy

Save the Children is one of the leading organizations working to improve the lives of children in more than 100 countries. From emergency relief to long-term development, Save the Children secures a child’s right to health, education and protection.

Save the Children in PNG delivers development programs for children focusing on Health, Early Childhood Care & Education and HIV & AIDS.

Save the Children is recognized as one of the leaders in PNG in the delivery of HIV and AIDS services to Most at Risk Populations (MARPs) partnering with Australian Aid for the past 10 years in prevention and mitigating impact on families and children.

We are seeking for qualified and dynamic individual to join our organisation in this position:

FINANCE/SUPPORT SERVICES OFFICER–SRH Daru(SRH6A1413)

This position is responsible for day-to-day finance, administration, and HR tasks that support timely operations of the Daru project office activities and implementation in accordance with the SCiPNG finance, administration, and HR policies and procedures.

Selection Criteria

• Diploma in Business Administration/Management ;

• 3 years or more work experience in similarrole with an NGO;

• Must possess diverse administrative and office management including HR skills;

• Excellent oral and written communication skills;

• Proven ability to work in self-directed and motivated manner with limited supervision;

• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team

How to Apply:

The successful applicants will be required to complete a Police Check or Declaration of Criminal Record and must sign onto our Child Protection Policy and organisational Code of Conduct.

For more information on the position description

Call us on 3237061 or email humanresources@savethechildren.org.pg to request it.

Your application should include a cover letter (2 pages maximum) addressing the Selection Criteria, together with a current CV and contact details of two recent referees.

Copies of certificates and references will be requested during interview. Please forward your applications to: Finance/Support Services Officer– SRH Daru(SRH6A1413)

Save

in

O Box 503 Boroko, NCD or email: humanresources@savethechildren.org.pg

Only short listed applicants will be contacted.

Happy 1st Birthday to our princess Vanessa Chantelle Kaiok. You are a special gift from God to mum & dad. You’ve brought us countless joy, happiness & love. Love from mum & dad, aunty Nan, families in Wewak, Madang, Kavieng, Pom, Tabubil, Los Angeles and Brisbane. Happy birthday Queen Vee.

South Pacific Post Limited is seeking to recruit suitably qualified and highly motivated individuals who would be interested in the following position:

Sub Editors - (POM Based)

To successfully represent the Post-Courier newspaper you should meet the specifications set below:

Person Specification

Education Qualifications

Experience & Knowledge

Essential Skills/Attributes/Abilities

If your experiences, qualifications, skills and attributions fall within the above specification immediately forward your application with full resume attention to the;

Human Resources

humanresource@spp.com.pg

(Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for an interview).

IS AN EQUAL

Lihir Gold, a member of the Newcrest Mining Limited, operates the world class Lihir gold mine located on the tropical island of Lihir and provides residents with a peaceful and secure lifestyle. Fly-in, Fly-out employees enjoy a 15 day on 13 day off roster and are accommodated in well-appointed camps which include full dining, laundry services, and a modern medical centre. We are currently seeking a suitably qualified and highly motivated candidate for the following position:

Contracts Administrator

RR 2110

Reporting to the Superintendent Contracts Operations, you will be a key player in supporting our site wide contract management systems and procedures and will work closely with our Contracts Owners and our business partners to deliver services safely, on time, on budget and to specification.

Key elements of the role include: contracts.

contract management, cost saving initiatives and cost control methods.

The successful candidate will have: environment.

Senior Process Technician

RR 2158

working in accordance with all safe working procedures. Key functions of the role include: initiated.

The successful candidate will have: willingness to encourage others in the area of safety compliance. environment and be a team player.

Coordinator – Workshop & Ancillary Maintenance

RR 2153

maintenance team section and ensure that the plant and equipment is correctly maintained to meet necessary production targets.

Key elements of the role include: with safety, environment and other policies and procedures by conducting regular monitoring activities. technical direction to the supervisors and crews and setting and implementing daily maintenance activities. and development and performance management. ahead and communicate shut down.

market best practice, streamlining plant processes and providing input on processes to superintendent. The successful candidate will have: candidates will be contacted. Conditions of employment will be discussed at interview.

POSITION VACANT

Gr. 11 – 12 Geo/ Hist Teachers

3.7.2x Gr.9 – 10 English Teachers

3.8 2x Gr.11 – 12 L&L Teachers 3.9 2x Gr.9 – 10 Sci Teachers 3.10 2x Gr.11 – 12 Phys Teachers 3.11 2x Gr. 11 – 12 Bio Teachers 3.12 2x Gr. 11 – 12 Chem Teachers

3.13 2x Gr.9 – 12 ICT Teachers

Secondary School Student Enrolment for Grades 9 – 12 is also open.

Fees for Gr.9 is K4200.00 & Grs.10, 11 & 12 is K5200.00

P. O. BOX 1840, PORT MORESBY, NCD, 111 PNG

Ph: 77526170/77526171/73153275/71728069

Email:asiapacificcollege69@gmail.com

Courses Dip. Acctg & Bus Mgt Dip. Toursm & Hosp Dip. ICT Dip. Marine Eng/Pilot Dip. Aviation Studies Dip. Aviation Studies Dip. Real Estate Mgt

Motto: We will ensure; No Dreams & Aspirations are shattered!!

Take the Lead in Caring for Our Environment

Do you have a passion for the environment and experience to provide specialist environmental and social support recommendations to a wide variety of stakeholders?

As Environment Lead we will seek your expert advice to support all environmental issues, impacts and processes on site. You will be responsible for developing and executing the site Environmental Plan as well as leading and coordinating a team of professionals.

About us:

Lihir Gold, a member of the Newcrest Mining Limited, operates the world class Lihir gold mine located on the tropical island of Lihir and provides employees with a peaceful and secure lifestyle. Fly-in, Fly-out employees enjoy good work life balance with a 15 day on 13 day off roster. Our people are accommodated in well-appointed camps which include full dining, laundry services, and a modern medical centre. We provide tennis, squash, swimming facilities as well as a fully operational gymnasium. All employees have access to continuous career and professional development.

Key Attributes you should possess:

A strong customer focus

Ability and confidence in dealing with authorities at all levels of government

A passion to lead and develop a team

A drive to get things done on time

Proven ability to communicate to stakeholders at all levels

Career minded and a want to succeed

Experience and qualifications:

Tertiary qualifications, in Environmental Science, Engineering or related discipline

Proven experience in the creation and implementation environmental plans in resource development projects

Minimum of 5-7 years’ experience Environmental management

Organizational and Project Managements skills

Proficiency in; computer skills (especially MS Excel);

database management and financial management

Excellent communication skills in English and Tok Pisin

How to apply:

If you believe you have some or all the attributes listed above, Lihir Gold Limited wants to talk to you about this excellent career opportunity.

Give us a call to talk about this opportunity or send your applications to:

Closing date: 12th February 2015

Senior Advisor – Recruitment

Newcrest Mining Limited, Lihir Operation PO Box 789, Port Moresby NCD

Phone: 9865 377

Fax: 986 5424

Email: RecruitPNG@newcrest.com.au

Lihir Gold Limited a member of the Newcrest Group of Companies operates the world class Lihir gold mine located on the tropical island of Lihir and provides residents with a peaceful and secure lifestyle. Fly-in, Fly-out residents are accommodated in well-appointed camps which includes full dining, laundry, and a modern medical centre. We are currently seeking a suitably qualified and highly motivated candidate for the following position:

Planner Scheduler – Fixed Plant RR 2216

Reporting to the Senior Planner, this position will provide scheduling services to the Process Plant Maintenance Work Groups in order to ensure high levels of equipment safety, reliability and availability and to meet commitments to production schedules.

Duties will include:

balanced schedules to enable the most efficient use of resources and minimum impact on production performance and cost.

discussion and action on improvement opportunities.

meetings to finalise schedules.

The successful candidate will have: in maintenance of mineral processing plants. regarded. regarded.

trong communications skills and an ability to liaise well with all plant maintenance and operations personnel.

committed to improving all aspects of maintenance planning.

short-listed candidates will be contacted. Conditions of employment will be discussed at the interview.

The Senior Advisor - Recruitment Newcrest Mining Limited – Lihir Operation PO Box 789, Port Moresby NCD Fax: 986 5424 RecruitPNG@newcrest.com.au www.newcrest.com.au

The Miner of Choice

Join the Leading Bank in the South Pacific

Bank South Pacific (BSP) is a leading Bank in the South Pacific Islands, with branches throughout Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Solomon Islands. BSP Solomon Islands has a rare opportunity available for a suitably qualified person to lead our strong retail division and to coach and lead our staff to reach their full potential.

This is a key leadership role in BSP SI and the successful applicant will need to be a highly visible, effective and influential individual in developing consumer business with a view to strengthen and build on the BSP branches. The position will be based in Honiara.

MANAGER RETAIL BANKING SERVICES – SOLOMON ISLANDS

If you are an inspiring sales and service leader with a flair for customer service, coaching sales teams and driving individuals to achieve great results, we’d love to hear from you.

This multi-faceted and versatile role covers a broad range of responsibilities including:

• Management of 7 branches in Honiara & Provincial Islands.

• Driving a responsive, cohesive performance based sales & service culture.

• Driving excellent customer service throughout our network.

• Developing effective localised marketing campaigns and business development programs.

• Coaching and developing branch sales teams to achieve targets in sales and service.

• Building mutually beneficial internal and external customer relationships.

• Overseeing the effective operational aspects of a retail banking branch structure.

• Overall management of approx. 93 staff.

Ideally you will need to have:

• Sales management experience within financial services.

• Demonstrated ability in driving a responsive, cohesive and performance based culture.

• Knowledge and experience in managing multiple branches/sites.

• Coaching and leading teams to success.

• A sound understanding of residential and personal lending knowledge.

• Excellent time management and organisational skills.

• Experience in budget preparation.

So if the above sounds like you and you are ready to take the next step in your career and manage the Retail Division of BSP Solomon Islands we look forward to receiving your application.

An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the right applicant.

Please supplement your CV with a cover letter, certified copies of your qualifications, names and contact details of at least two referees can be emailed to the Country Manager at danderson@bsp.com.sb or on phone: 677 23022 or send written applications to:

POSITION VACANTS

JOB TITLE GENERAL MANAGER

Location Monian Tower Branch, Port Moresby

Department Financial Institution

Preamble: NFL company is re-advertising the Deputy General Manager position, which has now been upgraded to a General Manager position.

Job Description

Reporting to the CEO of Niugini Finance Limited, the General Manager (GM) assists the CEO to lead and manage the Financial Institution (FI). The GM provides overall direction to the organization and ensures maximum outreach, sustainability, and transformation of the FI’s operations. The GM also provides expertise, information, advice and counsel concerning the affairs of the institution to the CEO and ensures accountability to all stakeholders. Finally, the GM develops and recommends corporate policies as well as short-term and long-term business plans in conjunction with the CEO for Board approval and implementation.

The GM has a good understanding of and experience in the implementation of standard Lending operations, positioning our client’s operation in Papua New Guinea as a market leading financial institution enjoying sustainable growth and long term viability in a competitive environment.

Skills

A bachelor degree in any of the numerate business related subjects

General knowledge of a wide range of lending products, asset leasing, term deposits and other financial services including foreign exchange dealings.

Advanced knowledge of finance operations, industry, products, software and services

Advanced knowledge of standard Bank of Papua New Guinea prudential standards, compliance regulations, banking/Finance law, business law, PNG employment and labour law, internal operational policies and procedures, and Financial products and services

Exceptional oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, interpret documents, understand procedures, write reports and correspondence, and speak clearly to third parties and employees

Ability to meet reporting expectations of the Board, and statutory bodies

Excellent and advanced critical conceptual or decision-making skills

Strong leadership and team building skill with proven experience in developing and maintaining a strong senior Management Team

Strong relationship building and diplomatic interpersonal skills with sensitivity to the emotional, attitudinal and political aspects of corporate life

Ability to delegate effectively amongst teams and show commitment to the long-term development of the Management Team through coaching, mentoring and creation of development opportunities

Excellent organization, delegation, performance management, administration, analytical, influencing, negotiation, and time management skills

Strong leadership qualities with the ability to set and communicate vision and strategy

Ideally has lived and/or worked in Papua New Guinea

Ideally fluent in English and Pigin

Contact Applications should be addressed to the Human resource Manager : Niugini Finance Limited P O Box 195, Port Moresby NDC 121 E. niuginifinanceltd@gmail.com

THE COMPANY PROCUREMENT OFFICER

Ela Motors is the leading Automotive Company in PNG with over 1000 staff in 16 dealerships. We are committed to developing a quality-focused organization and team culture that provides our employees the opportunity to learn & develop to the highest standards whilst enjoying a professional and enthusiastic work environment.

Job Summary Based at our Port Moresby Logistics Centre and reporting to the Inventory Manager, the Procurement Officer is responsible to ensure parts and/or products are ordered and received in the specific time frames as directed. Evaluate and implement initial Orders for New/ Changed models as introduced in PNG market upon authorization from the Inventory Manager.

Responsibilities include:

Liaising and placing National Inventory Stock Orders with the supplier as stated in the Stock Order schedule. Ensure domestic branch to branch inventory supplied/transferred are action per schedule and records and reports are maintained at all times and presented upon request.

Track and trace orders as requested by branches.

Maintain data integrity as directed in the Logistics and Inventory operating standards. Maintain policy and procedures in accordance with company quality and assurance policy/procedures as directed by the Ela Motors Parts Operating Standards.

Qualifications/Experience/Attributes

The successful applicant must;

Possess a minimum of grade 12 educational qualification.

Have worked at least 3 - 5 years in a similar purchasing role.

Knowledge of Reynolds and Reynolds ERA System (ERA-NET)

Demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills.

Display good computer skills (Excel, Word, & Email).

Display strong analytical, numerical, written and oral communication skills. Be an effective team player with the ability to communicate well and to maintain effective working relations across all levels of the business.

APPLY NOW

Applications close on Friday 13th February, 2015. Interested applicants should send their Applications with resume to the address below:

ELA MOTORS, P O Box 74, Port Moresby - NCD or Email: careers@elamotors.com.pg

NOTE: ONLY SHORT LISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED.

Advertisement

the national distributor for Digicel flexcards, handsets and TV decoder products. Our objectives are aimed at delivering excellent customer service and logistics support.

Currently we are looking to recruit a suitable candidate for the role HR Coordinator.

This position covers OCL PNG and is based in Port Moresby. This is a new role and as such the incumbent must be able to work autonomously with the support of management and OCL head office HR in NZ. The HR team will comprise of a payroll officer and the incumbent with shared responsibilities including:

Processing of payroll (experience in Attaché desirable) and postings

Remuneration structuring for national employees

Coordination of performance evaluations and salary reviews Job descriptions and organisation structures HR policies and manuals Training requirements assessment OH&S and workers compensation matters Periodic reporting such as headcount, staff movements

Assisting line managers with staff disciplinary measures Managing the fleet of company vehicles

Providing advice to management on HR related matters Managing travel and accommodation arrangements Managing work permits and work visa requirements

The incumbent will be expected to have tertiary qualifications in a HR related field, minimum 5 years experience, excellent analytical, problem solving, and communications skills – both written and verbal, and be fairly advanced in the use of MS-Office applications. A good knowledge of current PNG Employment legislation and industrial relations is also required.

POSITION VACANTS

POSITION VACANTS

THE SALVATION ARMY

PAPUA NEW GUINEA TERRITORY

The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarter is looking for a suitable candidate to fill the following position:

PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY

Purpose

To provide Secretarial & Administrative support to The Chief Secretary

Requirements:

Minimum Gr.12 or appropriate tertiary qualifications, Diploma in Secretarial study and /or experience

Personal Assistant and familiar with LotusNotes email habits to meet set deadlines and able to handle pressure.

communication skills (verbal & written)

Duties & Responsibilities

Chief Secretary training courses

Organise supervising officer’s appointment meetings

memos & documents

Attend to filling & maintenance of the filling system

immediate supervisor

Be part of a dynamic, challenging & progressive organization that promotes the rights of Consumers, ensures that the conduct of businesses and regulated industries promote competition and economic efficiency

Currently available within ICCC, position vacancies for immediate start

CAMP MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

High Arctic Energy Services is an international drilling contractor, operating in PNG. We now seek to employ experienced Camp Maintenance Technicians to join our field operations team (to be based at Gulf Province) and to be employed on a rotational roster.

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

treatment systems

Successful candidates will be Safety Conscious, Punctual, Flexible and Dependable with exceptional references, and physically fit and able to pass a physical and medical assessment.

Must be of sound character with sober habits, mature and good interpersonal skills;

Must be a Team player;

Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines;

Must be able to work with minimum or no supervision;

Must be of good physical health

If you think you have the required skills, attributes, and experience to be part of a team of professionals in a dynamic organization, please send us your written application with your CV/Resume, references and supporting documents with reliable current contacts of at least three referees to:

The Manager Human Resources Independent Consumer & Competition Commission 1st Flr, Garden City, Angau Drive PO Box 6394, BOROKO, National Capital District

Candidates that meet the above minimum criteria are invited to submit their application, along with a comprehensive resume, clear photocopies of certificates, license, references and contact details by 13th February 2015:

The HR Coordinator

High Arctic Energy Services Kitogara Street, Gordons 5, Port Moresby PO Box 593, WAIGANI

E-mail: jobs@higharctic.com.au

High Arctic is committed to the training and Professional Development of PNG citizens

Please forward your application with resume, including copies of educational details, and three references by 06th February 2015

More information on the position can be obtained by contacting the Manager Human Resources on telephone number: 325-2144, Fax no: 325-3980 or e-mail: jobs@iccc.gov.pg

Only emailed, hand delivered or posted applications will be accepted. No faxed applications. Due to the limited timeframe to mobilise the crew, Port Moresby based applicants are greatly encouraged to apply.

Email enquiries and applications to : hr_recruit@oclgroup.com.pg, no later than Friday 13th February

hr@oclgroup.com.pg not later than Friday 13 th February. hr@oclgroup.com.pg not later than Friday 13th February.

Emailed applications should not exceed 2 MB

Applications close, Friday February 20, 2015

Authorized by:

Dr. BILLY MANOKA (PhD)

Please consider your application unsuccessful should you not hear from us after 1 week from closing date.

Plidliiflhld

To: The Human Resource Officer P.O. Box 1323 BOROKO National Capital District

Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer

Please note: Only short listed applicants will be contacted, if you do not hear from us after a week of the closing date, then consider your application as unsuccessful.

Bread for the World (BfdW) is the development arm of the Protestant Churches in Germany. Under the motto “Justice for the Poor” it supports efforts of churches and civil society organizations in countries of the global South towards just, inclusive, and ecologically sustainable societies. BfdW supports some 1300 partner organizations in the global South through project funding, personal secondments, capacity building and joint lobby agendas.

The BfdW Regional Office Pacific is located in Madang, Papua New Guinea, and accompanies co-operations with some 40 partner organizations in PNG and Melanesia. It dialogues with partners on development efforts, prepares submissions for decision-making on funding applications and accompanies the implementation of funding support. It also conducts partner meetings and workshops, supports capacity building processes of partner organizations and lobby agendas.

We seek committed and experienced persons for the following position:

Project Officer – Financial Cooperations

Responsibilities

To accompany the implementation of financial assistance for partners according to standards and regulations:

positions according to cooperation requirements

finance plans

program development.

Essential Qualifications

finance management, auditing, project accounting,or a similar field

international context

development dialogue

Preparedness to on the job learning in a complex and highly dynamic work environment, and to a high level of performance delivery

Travel is required.

fax or e-mail your applications to Bread for the Word – Church 511, Madang b.gigimat@vest-pacific.org.

Applications close on February 9th, 2015

two references included your last employer, contact details of referees and at least one telephone number that works.

Please note that Bread for the World – Church Development Service does not return documents back to unsuccessful applicants, therefore do not submit original documents.

LICENSED ELECTRICIAN

High Arctic Energy Services is an international drilling contractor, operating in PNG. We now seek to employ experienced licensed electricians to join our field operations team (to be based at Gulf Province) and to be employed on a rotational roster.

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

qualifications/apprenticeship

operations would be an advantage

Successful candidates will be Safety Conscious, Punctual, Flexible and Dependable with exceptional references, and physically fit and able to pass a physical and medical assessment.

Candidates that meet the above minimum criteria are invited to submit their application, along with a comprehensive resume, clear photocopies of certificates, license, references

The HR Coordinator

High Arctic Energy Services Kitogara Street, Gordons 5, Port Moresby PO Box 593, WAIGANI

E-mail: jobs@higharctic.com.au

High Arctic is committed to the training and Professional Development of PNG citizens

Only emailed, hand delivered or posted applications will be accepted. Faxed applications will not be accepted. Due to the applicants are greatly encouraged to apply.

Please note: Only short listed applicants will be contacted, if you do not hear from us after a week of the closing date, then consider your application as unsuccessful.

PNG

CHIROPRACTIC

Spinal adjustments by Australian registered Chiropractor Dr O’Brien. Enhancing nervous system func on through spinal adjustments promo ng overall health.

For appointments call 325 8466. Located in Gordons Port Moresby

NOTICE OF Lae

Yacht Club

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Date:

Tuesday, 25 February 2014

Time: 6:30pm Venue: Lae Yacht Club Conference Room

Business Development Officer,

An opportunity exists for a highly motivated, proven and experienced, well-connected person to join First Investment Finance Ltd at our Head Office in Port Moresby.

The person:

You will have a good history of networking success

You will manage lead referrals into a development support team that will assist in the writing of the large volume of proposals you and the rest of the Business Development team identify

Your background includes experience in the finance industry

A strong desire to quickly identify and settle deals for your clients

You will hold the respect of many, and will “hit the ground running” as you will have writers assisting you while you move to assist each client

Offer solutions to expedite internal processes

You are a leader in driving growth

You are well managed, diligent and have passion for what you do

Your experience

You have had appropriate training and exposure to business, proven ability to perform autonomously although within appropriate time lines for processing proposals across identification, analysis and relationship building

While we recognise that you may not have a business related qualification, you have had the experience and proven ability to attract new business, relationship building and a passion for personal development

Proven team player in the finance industry

If you possess the above attributes you should apply. This is a developmental role, we are implementing change, which you will be a part of, to enhance FIFL’s services.

Please email your application to: bdm@fifl.com.pg with a subject BDO POM Application and include a resume of no more than 3 pages, along with a covering letter in the body of the email.

Please note this position has been re-advertised and if you are a previous applicant you are welcome to re-submit your details.

DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY CORPORATE SERVICES

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Treasury is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from experienced human resources service providers to assist with the recruitment of up to thirty-five (35) staff at the Assistant Secretary level, and up to three hundred (300) Non-Executive staff at various levels across the organisation. Recruitment action is presently underway to fill positions in our organisational structure at the Deputy Secretary and First Assistant Secretary levels, which is expected to be completed by the end of February 2015.

On completion of the process to fill the Senior Executive level positions, Treasury will proceed to recruit staff at the Assistant Secretary and Non-Executive levels, in the positions identified to be filled in 2015.

Proposals should include details of the nature of the assistance to be provided to Treasury and the fees for:- the review and updating of Job Descriptions, advice and preparation with Treasury staff of the selection criteria for positions, input, review and oversight of vacancy advertisements, the management of the receipting and processing of applications, evaluation of applications against the selection criteria, preparation of initial shortlists, attendance at interviews and scribing services, conduct of reference checks, attendance at selection panel hearings and advice to candidates.

Service providers interested in this opportunity are encouraged to obtain an Information Pack which includes a detailed outline of the functions performed by the Divisions and Branches in Treasury together with details of the Treasury organisational structure, from recruitment@treasury.gov.pg

Responses to this EOI must include details of your company profile, experience in the provision of high HR advice and support in a public sector environment, and contact details for other government agencies/large corporate clients who are in a position to discuss the services of your company.

The selected service provider will also be required to present their strategy for the recruitment action to a meeting of Treasury Senior Management in early February ahead of implementing the agreed recruitment processes.

Formal responses should be forwarded via email with the name of the respondent and ‘Assistant Secretary & Non-Executive Recruitment’ in the subject line to: nama_polum@treasury.gov.pg. Attachments must be in PDF format.

Submissions must be received by 4:06pm on Wednesday 04 February 2015, and will be acknowledged. Late submissions will not be accepted.

FOR NAQIA SERVICES

The Management of the National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA) seeks to advise all importers and exporters, nominated agents and members of the general public that payments may only be made for NAQIA services upon issuance of an invoice by NAQIA for the specific services. Payments by clients, other that payments to maintain approved prepaid account status, must not be made to NAQIA unless an invoice has been issued by NAQIA in relation to them. Payments in cash are not permitted. Payments may only be made by direct bank deposit or EFTPOS.

The management also seeks to advice that it is an offence for a NAQIA staff to solicit, other than by way of invoicing a direct payment to facilitate clearance or release of goods entering or leaving Papua New Guinea at the border at any time, including any direct payment to themselves or another officer in cash or in kind relating to services provided outside normal hours or on public holidays.

It is also an offence for any person to attempt to offer a gift or pay a NAQIA officer directly in cash or in kind for services rendered at any time without prior issuance of an invoice by NAQIA for the specific services.

Furthermore, it is an offence for a NAQIA officer to solicit or receive payment or gift in cash or in kind in return for favorably assigning treatment or other services to any particular service provider or preference to any other approved or accredited to perform the particular services.

The NAQIA management strongly encourages its clients and members of the general public to promptly report alleged offences of this nature by any NAQIA officer, and to furnish credible evidence in support of their reports. Reports will be investigated and the identity of those lodging the reports will remain strictly confidential.

The management has also directed NAQIA officers to immediately report any person who attempts to, or offers to provide a direct payment in cash or in kind for favored or facilitated border clearance services without an invoice being raised for that purpose and the full payment amount. NAQIA officers have also been directed to report any service provider who attempts to offers direct payment in cash or in kind as a kick back in return for favored assignment of treatment or other necessary services.

The appropriate people to lodge such reports are:

1. Dr David, Thomson, General Manager, Operations: Phone: 3112100; Mobile: 72543644

2. Mr Joel Alu, Managing Director, Phone: 311211; Mobile: 72098523

Authorized by the:

Management of the National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA)

Productive Partnerships in Agriculture Project Coffee Component COFFEE INDUSTRY CORPORATION

INDEPENDENT STATE OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Credit No. 476-PNG

Project ID No. P110595

AWARENESS SEMINAR PROPOSED NEW COFFEE STANDARDS

(Re-Scheduled)

1. The Coffee Project Management Unit (PMU) and Coffee Industry Corporation will be carrying out a series of Awareness Seminars in the main centers of coffee producing provinces. The awareness is related to the ‘Proposed New Coffee Grades and Standards.’

2. Dry Factory Managers, Exporters (GMs), Warehouse Supervisors and Coffee Extension Officers are invited to attend this Seminar at which the ‘Proposed New Coffee Grades & Standards’ will be fully explained.

DATE PROVINCES VENUE

06th February 2015 MOROBE/MADANG Lae International Hotel, Lae ESP/ORO/CENTRAL

**AWARENESS/ SEMINAR WILL COMMENCE AT 10:00AM SHARP**

3. Further Information

Interested participants should contact PPAP or CIC for further information on telephone:

PPAP: 532 1925, Facsimile: 532 2080, email: ppap@cic.org.pg or CIC: Manager (Industry Regulations & Compliance) on 531 1277, email: smenanga@cic.org.pg

Anton Benjamin Acting Chief Executive Officer

29th January, 2015

CIRCULAR NOTICE

TO : All Ministers : All Provincial Governors

SUBJECT : 2015 LEADERS’ SUMMIT

In keeping with my commitment to continue to engage with yourselves as Ministers and Governors to review the performance of the Government in the previous year and chart out priorities for the current year, the 2015 Leaders’ Summit is scheduled for the 5th February 2015 at the Gateway Hotel.

I am therefore kindly asking all the Ministers and Provincial Governors to attend and participate at this important forum.

Thank you.

HON. PETER O’NEILL, CMG, MP Prime Minister

TENDER NOTICE

DESIGN AND BUILD OF RAINBOW HOUSING PROJECT - PORT MORESBY

PNG Ports Corporation Limited invites eligible Contractors/Builders in the Design and Build of Rainbow Housing Project, Port Moresby.

Tender documents will only be provided after paying a non-refundable fee of K1,000.00 in the form of a bank cheque to PNGPCL.

For all enquiries, please contact Mr. William Luke on Telephone No. (675) 3084 386 or email: William.Luke@pngports.com.pg

The closing time and date for submission of Tenders is at 1500hrs on Monday 16th February, 2015. The submissions shall be dropped off at the PNGPCL Head Office Tender Box and clearly labeled:-

Tender for DESIGN AND BUILD OF RAINBOW HOUSING PROJECT - PORT MORESBY

The Chief Infrastructure Officer

PNG Ports Corporation Limited

PO Box 671

PORT MORESBY

National Capital District

Authorised by: Mr. Nathaniel Poya, OBE Board Chairman PNG Ports Corporation Limited

Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority

Call for Registration of Interest – Construction of Health Facilities

EOI No. 2

The Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority (WHPHA) has secured funding to maintain and construct health facilities from the Hon Member for Dei, the Hon Member for Tambul Nebilyer, the Hon Member for Mul Baiyer, the Hon Member for Hagen, the Government of PNG, the Western Highlands Provincial Government and donor partners including the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, the Asia Development Bank and the Clinton Health Access Initiative. The funds are to be used to construct and rehabilitate Rural Health Facilities including District Hospitals, Health Centres, Community Health Posts and Staff Housing. Targeted facilities range in area from 50m3 to 380m2 for CHP’s and 1700m2 for Health Centres and District Hospitals.

The WHPHA now invites suitably qualified contractors to register their interest in being considered for work that may be available from time to time. Interested contractors will be required to demonstrate that they have built facilities of a similar design and size within the last five years and must include in the registration of Interest, company capability and financial ability to conduct the required works.

Information relating to the registration of Interest can be obtained by contacting;

Patricia Kiromat Project Management Unit

Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority

\Mt Hagen

Mobile: 7291 5002 (Available during 9.00am-4.00 pm daily)

Email: pmu@whhs.gov.pg

The closing date for lodgement of registration is Friday 613th6th February 2015 @ 4.06 pm. Registrations of Interest are to be submitted through Email: pmu@whhs.gov.pg or can be mailed to the above address and it can also be hand delivered to the office of the Project Management Unit, WHPHA

Djokovic wins 5th Australian open

TENNIS

NOVAK Djokovic

crushed Andy Murray in the final stages to claim the Australian Open men’s singles title 7-6 6-7 6-3 6-0.

Murray had seemed on the front foot as he won the second set to level the match, then broke early in the third set to lead 2-0.

But Djokovic then won 12 of the next 13 games to enjoy an extraordinary victory - and consign Murray to a fourth defeat in the final in Melbourne.

The Serbian superstar, by contrast, has a perfect five-out-of-five record in Australian Open finals - and fully justified his world number one status as he roared away with the match.

Djokovic got tongues wagging at the key moment of the match as he appeared injured at the start of the third set, hobbling slightly between points.

Tunisia players chase referee in Cup loss

SOCCER

AFRICA Cup of Nations hosts

Equatorial Guinea made it through to the semi-finals for the first time in their history but the game ended in carnage in Bata on Saturday night.

The Equato-Guineans beat Tunisia thanks in part to a controversial stoppage-time penalty, which took the game to extra-time.

Referee Rajindraparsad Seechurn was then chased from the pitch by the Tunisian players after Javier Balboa had

won the game for the home side, with one player aiming a kick at the official.

Eventually riot police had to intervene to usher the hapless ref down the tunnel.

As the teams left the field missiles were thrown from the crowd at the visiting players, one of whom picked up a bottle and hurled it back into the crowd.

It had been a bad-tempered game from the start, with Tunisia’s play violent and Seechurn completely unable to manage the occasion.

But for a game lacking in any flow or quality, it more than made up for it with late drama and a spine-tingling atmosphere.

With seconds of stoppage time remaining and the hosts trailing 1-0, Ivan Bolado went down under a seemingly innocuous challenge in the box. But, inexplicably, a penalty was awarded to take the game to the additional half hour.

The 40-000 fans packed into the Estadio de Bata were excitable and raucus long Seechurn pointed for the last-gasp spot

kick, and when Javier Balboa stepped up to convert in from the spot it felt like they might bring the stadium down. But that was nothing compared to the noise when the same man, once a trainee at Real Madrid, curled in a beauty of a free kick from 25 yards in extra time.

Despite the controversial decision, there was little sympathy for Tunisia, a side set up to contain rather than create, and whose energies were as much directed at kicking their opponents as the ball.

Indeed, had Seechurn not completely lost control of the game long before the equalizer, the Tunisians could have been reduced to 10 men, or even fewer.

That the game ended with a brawl including both dugouts and several players was absolutely no surprise.

Tunisia had gone ahead through Ahmed Akaichi, but the striker was one of those who was fortunate to be on the pitch when he converted Manza Mathlouthi’s cross in the 70th minute.

But as so often in the past Djokovic’s mystery injury disappeared as quickly as it had appeared - prompting Murray to shout out “he ALWAYS does it” - and as he produced a string of brilliant winners, Murray’s touch deserted him completely.

The cursory handshake between the two men at the end between two players who used to be firm friends said it all - Murray was clearly unimpressed at how the world number one’s antics had unsettled him at a critical moment.

But the Scot can have few complaints: he allowed his opponent to get under his skin, and after playing an exemplary tournament finally lost his head when it mattered most.

In this most gladiatorial of sports, Murray was ultimately beaten by a player who proved himself both physically and mentally superior.

Sturridge returns from injury

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

LETHAL, Brendan Rodgers called him. It’s been 153 days since Liverpool’s manager last described one of his players in such ruthless, glowing terms but 11 minutes of Daniel Sturridge brought the phrase back into his vocabulary. It was a fitting description. Introduced as a 68th minute substitute, Sturridge made his first sight of goal since last summer count, beautifully cushioning a ball from Philippe Coutinho with his left foot before flashing a drive with his right past Adrian,

the West Ham United goalkeeper. This was the norm last year, when Liverpool were pummelling teams in pursuit of the title, but the current season had lacked a cutting edge until now.

This is the kind of contest Rodgers has seen his side labour in but the introduction of leading man secured an impressive 2-0 win.

Liverpool have often flattered to deceive since Sturridge last appeared on August 31, a combination of thigh and calf problems ruining the campaigns of player and team, but if this cameo against West Ham is to be a guide, the sea-

son might yet end with a bang.

‘It was nice for him because he has been out such a long time,’ said Rodgers, who had Raheem Sterling open the scoring.

‘It is just about managing game time now, but when he gets into that area of the pitch, he is lethal.

It helped us get the rewards for an outstanding performance.’ Rodgers enthusiasm was understandable. With six draws in their last eight matches at Anfield, no Steven Gerrard — rested, according to Rodgers, as a precaution due to a tight hamstring.

TUNISIA’S defender Bilel Mohsni and Equatorial Guinea’s defender Igor Engonga (right) come to blows

QLD Reds optimistic despite first outing loss

SUPER RUGBY

THE St.George Queensland Reds have taken plenty of positives from their first pre-season match of 2015, despite losing 28-13 to the Melbourne Rebels on a humid night in Cairns.

Playing in front of 4,234 Queensland fans at Barlow Park in 26-degree heat and 94% humidity, the conditions called for a forward dominated game.

All but one of the six tries scored in the match were by forwards, as the Rebels ran in four tries to two. The Reds scored through Beau Robinson (2), with one penalty goal to Duncan Paia’aua. The Rebels scored through Tom English, Tom Sexton and Cruze Ah Nau (2). Mike Harris kicked four conversions.

Socceroos crowned Asian champions

SOCCER

ON the site where Australia found so much Olympic glory, the Socceroos have struck gold of their own.

Ange Postecoglou’s team wakes this morning as the champions of Asia, a title secured by Massimo Luongo’s inspired 44th minute strike and an extra time winner from James Troisi. On the back foot for much of the game, and clinging to their lead towards the end, the Socceroos cast aside the agony of a lastminute equaliser for Son Heung Min to come back and win it again.

Less than a decade after joining the Asian confederation, and at their third

attempt, this nascent team’s name is etched into sporting history, with Luongo and Troisi cast as the heroes.

It was by turns enthralling and - for the home support - terrifying from the very start, with South Korea prepared to surprise their hosts by charging on to the front foot. As early as the second minute Son Heung Min, Robbie Kruse’s teammate at Bayer Leverkeusen, began a surging run into the heart of Australian territory, shooting over to widespread relief.

Son could, and really should, have had at least one goal by half-time as Korea created some wonderful chances. Kim Jin Su’s cross on 36 minutes found

Son on the penalty spot, alone to volley a fraction wide; then a minute later Cha Du Ri’s run and cutback allowed him to shoot and only Luongo’s deflection saved Australia.

With Kwak Taehwi also heading wide when superbly placed from a freekick, and Ki Seung Yung fluffing a freekick on the edge of the box after Jason Davidson’s sly foul, the Koreans could have felt baffled at losing by half-time.

Australia were nervous, epitomised by Ivan Franjic’s silly foul in the fifth minute to earn a yellow card. Mile Jedinak’s freekick, struck just too high, and a Tim Cahill snapshot well saved by Kim Jin Su, were the

extent of the real threats to the Korean goal in the first half. Well, until Luongo produced a rabbit from a hat like a master magician.

Trent Sainsbury deserved credit too, his slide rule pass from halfway finding Luongo, back to goal and 25m out. His first touch turned his man, and his second sent a low shot arrowing into the bottom corner. It was an outstanding moment from a talented young footballer, delivered on a stage as big as this.

Korea were stung, and for the first five minutes of the second half were camped around the Socceroos box, the Australian defence excruciatingly deep. Time and again the Koreans tar-

geted Franjic, teetering on the yellow card of his early booking.

Nam Tae Hee was crudely up-ended by Spiranovic, earning the defender a yellow card, and from the freekick Kwak headed straight at Ryan. Australia swept upfield and Leckie let fly with a stinging shot that Kim Jin Hyeon tipped away.

The workload of a whole tournament prompted Cahill’s withdrawal with an hour gone, Tomi Juric coming on to lead the line.

Jedinak became the fourth Australian booked, then Kruse made it five, rather harshly for time-wasting as he received treatment and was then stretchered off.

With two pre-season matches before Round 1 of Super Rugby, the Reds took the game in Cairns as an opportunity to further develop their playing group, with 11 debutants in the 28-man squad, including fullback Karmichael Hunt and flyhalf Paia’aua.

“Given 40% of our squad made their debut at this level tonight, I thought it gave us a good indication of where those players are at,” Reds coach Richard Graham said.

Graham was optimistic about the first hit out and said he was looking forward to seeing how the team progressed ahead of their pre-season match against the Crusaders at Ballymore next Friday.

KARMICHAEL Hunt’s kicking was assured against the Rebels

Rabbitohs bag Auckland Nines in thriller

RUGBY LEAGUE 9S

SOUTH Sydney have dramatically claimed the Auckland Nines title, outlasting the Sharks 18-14 in golden try extra time.

The result was finally sealed by a try to comeback “kid” Matt King, who came out of retirement for the NRL season-opening tournament.

Cronulla were desperate for a feel good story after emerging from the wake of the supplements saga. They were also pretty keen on another trophy.

But the Sharks again

walked away empty-handed, ensuring their sole success is the 1979 mid-week AMCO Cup.

The match went into extra-time after scores were locked up 14-all as Valentine Holmes nailed a sideline conversion off a Jack Bird try with seconds left on the clock.In extra-time the Sharks at one stage rattled off 17 straight tackles and even when Holmes crossed he was called back for a forward pass.

But the fairytale went to King - not the Sharks - after the 34-year-old ex-Test flyer crashed over for a try nine

minutes into extra-time.

The stage was set for Cronulla to exorcise the demons from their 2011 supplements drama.

Sharks’ Nines captain Wade Graham is one of 10 current and former Cronulla players who returned from a backdated suspension in November.

Sharks coach Shane Flanagan also returned from a ban just three months ago following the ASADA investigation.In the wake of the supplements controversy, the Sharks went from 2013 finals threats to 2014 wooden spooners, winning just

five games last year. But the most damage was inflicted off the field to the Sharks image.

The Rabbitohs were expected to dismiss a Sharks outfit that left their stars Ben Barba, Mick Ennis, Andrew Fifita and skipper Paul Gallen at home.

Cronulla also lost stand-in skipper Luke Lewis (knee) before they flew out to New Zealand.

But the Sharks went toe-totoe with the heavyweights at a damp Eden Park before Bird ensured extra-time drama with his stunning effort.

AUSTRALIAN players contrast in emotion after beating Korean Republic 2:1 in extra time to win the Asian Football Cup. INSET-Australia’s Tim Cahill lifts the AFC Asian Cup football trophy to the crowd

SOUTH Sydney Rabbitohs team celebrating.

Williams beat sharapova to claim grand slam title

TENNIS

AN ailing Serena Williams fought off a virus, a rain interruption and even a point penalty to power to her sixth Australian Open singles crown.

Williams displayed her true greatness by turning back a spirited fightback from Maria Sharapova, her nearest rival, for a 6-3 7-6 (7-5) triumph in 1 hours 51 minutes of high drama on Rod Laver Arena.

It was the 33-year-old American’s 19th grand slam singles crown, pulling her within three titles of German Steffi Graf’s record in the Open era since 1968.

“Standing here with 19 championships is something I never thought would happen,” Williams said after the win.

“I went on the courts with a ball and a racquet and a hope.”

Williams rode a heavy serve, regularly clocking around 200 kmph, to keep a determined if overpowered Sharapova at bay, particularly in the tight second set.

The top seed unleashed 18 aces that provided the quick points she desperately needed as her energy levels dwindled from the effort and the affects of the illness.Sharapova’s pre-final assertion that the Williams power prompts an opponent to overhit was evident from the opening point.

Serena Williams credits parents after winning

TENNIS

SERENA Williams dedicated her sixth Australian Open tennis title to her parents, Richard and Oracene, although neither of them was present on Rod Laver Arena last night to see their daughter win a 19th grand slam singles.

Her mother has been a constant travelling companion to Australia and the French Open, while Richard Williams is usually courtside at Wimbledon and the US Open. But the player supporters’ box was full of Williams’ Australian friends, her coach Patrick Mouratoglou, manager Jill Smoller and other training staff, when she defeated Maria Sharapova 6-3 7-6 (7-5).

“They gave me everything. They gave me the whole opportunity to be here,” Williams told American sports network ESPN about her parents.

“This is my first slam without either of them. But they mean everything to me, and from the bottom of my heart I owe them everything.”

On court after accepting the Daphne Akhurst Cup from Martina Navratilova, who had shared 18 slams with Williams and Chris Evert before last night, the world No 1 paid another tribute to her beginnings.

“Growing up, I wasn’t the richest but I had a rich family in spirit and support,” she said. “Standing here with 19 championships is something I never thought

would happen. I went on to the court with a ball and a racquet and a hope.

“You just never give up because you never know what can happen. You never know who you can inspire and I am so honoured to be here tonight and to hold this 19th trophy.” She now equals Helen Wills Moody on the highest list of slam singles winners, with just Steffi Graf (22) and Margaret Court (24) ahead. But in the Open era (since 1968), she is second only to Graf.

“I’m still stuck in 18 so I’m not thinking about 19 or even 20. I wasn’t feeling so great this tournament so I didn’t think this would happen,” said Williams, who left the court briefly during a rain delay in the first set

due to a coughing fit. She has been suffering a chest infection for the entire two weeks of play.

“But obviously my mind is now setting in on Roland Garros (French Open in May) as I didn’t do well there last year (lost 2nd round).”

She only needs to reproduce her most powerful stroke — her serve and she will be a force in Paris. She served 18 aces last night 15 in the second set. Her fastest serve was 203kmh compared with Sharapova’s 177 kilometres an hour. She also hit 38 winners to the Russian’s 21.She also received a hindrance point penalty for yelling out ‘C’mon’ before Sharapova had hit her return. After the match Williams acknowledged she made a mistake,

as she thought the serve was so good Sharapova wouldn’t get to the ball.

“That’s one of her biggest strengths is her serve,” Sharapova said. “Maybe it’s something that has saved her in many matches, many situations where you cannot get the racquet on the ball.”

Sharapova has now lost to Williams 16 times straight three of those have been in Melbourne and two of them in the final (2007, 2015).

“I like the battle, I do. I mean, it’s frustrating to be the one going home, as I said, with the small trophy,” Sharapova said.

“But I do love the battle.

I love high-quality tennis. I love being part of it. It’s a lot better than watching it on TV.

The top seed ripped a backhand return off a 159 kmph Sharapova first serve deep into the corner, advanced menacingly behind it and watched her foe dump a hurried backhand into the net. Sharapova tenaciously strived to get on the scoreboard, reaching game point but couldn’t clinch it and eventually faced a break point against her. She doublefaulted to concede that crucial first game after a psychological as much as physical struggle that lasted more than six minutes. An aggressive Williams stood intimidatingly inside the baseline to get an ultra-early swing at Sharapova second serves and she blazed winners to stamp her authority on the duel.

Williams unleashed an ace down the middle that ticked over at an awesome 198 kmph in the fourth game and the top seed was all business.

A loud “c’mon’’ after another unplayable bomb in the sixth game illustrated Williams’ killer mindset and even a short rain delay at 3-2 30-30 didn’t stop her. Both players were back in the locker room while it took 12 minutes to close the retractable roof before Williams picked up where she left off.

After comfortably holding serve for a 4-2 lead, she again attacked the shaky Sharapova delivery and the Russian again doublefaulted on break point.

AN ecstatic Serena Williams after hitting the winning shot to win the Australian Open.

Oro fail to impress

FROM BACK-PAGE

the open spaces out-wide through Tutizama Tanito, Eric Komeng and Daniel Joe.

Tanito curved up the Dwellers left defence at will and on one his raids found an unmarked Muri from a cross to score the opener. Tanito created yet another opportunity when his inside pass found an unmarked Semmy who rifled the ball into back of the Dwellers net.

Then a low driving right footer from Muri from the edge of the box found Dwellers’ goal keeper Matheson Nasa short at his left post for a commanding 3-0 lead.

But, Dwellers had to thank Nasa for keeping the margin down with some brilliant saves in the first half.

The introduction of Essa Nasa for the luckless John Kurani who was being outplayed, instilled some backbone in the Dwellers’ midfield.

Nasa’s hard tacklin g and pressure on Muta and Simon swung the tide around but unfortunately Hekari’s defence held and when it broke, Ishmael Pole in the goal mouth was hard to beat.

Mal’s PNG passion

RUGBY LEAGUE

QUEENSLAND Origin

coach Mal Meninga is helping to grow the international game at the Cabramatta 9s tournament – not spying on the NSW VB Blues Origin set-up.

Meninga is in Sydney as coach of the Emerging PNG Kumuls at the 9s, and judging by the early results of the tournament he’s doing a great job.

At the time of publication

Meninga’s side had begun the tournament with two

wins from three matches, an effort that’s likely to see them progress to the finals.

The Queensland and Canberra great is part of the PNG framework that’s aiming to improve their own side’s results and grow the international game.

It’s already reaped benefits with a Commonwealth Championship rugby league victory in Glasgow last year.

“They’ve done a really good job around culture over the past 12 months or so. A lot of these players

were a part of that successful Commonwealth Nines in Glasgow,” Meninga said.

“The majority of these guys are young… with a lot of promise and it’s great to give them exposure in this type of tournament.”

Meninga, in charge of the Kumuls’ elite teams and camps, said he very much enjoys the challenge of coaching one of the world’s most passionate rugby league nations.

“I get tremendous satisfaction out of coaching the Maroons but to see a pas-

sionate rugby league nation like PNG improve, start to make really good decisions related to development programs and get international exposure, it augers well to the future of the sport in the PNG,” Meninga said.

“They’re a great bunch of players and there’s an amazingly passionate fan base too.”

And no, Meninga says, he’s not here on a ‘research’ trip to analyse Laurie Daley’s Origin-winning NSW VB Blues side.

“They [The New South

Welshmen] are treating us really well at the moment but they’re definitely bragging about the Origin win,” Meninga said.

“I’m not spying, I’m here only in my capacity as the Kumuls coach (laughs).”

PNG are just one of the international representative sides attending the 9s tournament. Also represented are Chile, Malta, Nieu, Canada, Philippines, America Samoa, El Salvadore, Thailand, Portugal, Cook Islands and Fiji. NSWRL.com.au.

Pole raced down on his former team mates Nigel Dabinyaba twice and Raymnnd Gunemba on several occasions to keep a clean slate.

In the main encounter, Oro were too flat and were always on the back foot against the slicker Besta outfit.

Their more experienced midfield of Ian Yanum and Jacob Sabua failed to make an impression on the Besta defence.

Besta striker Papalau Awele made the latter pay two goals including a screamer from close range, then a diving header from Alex Kamen from an Isaac Lalo cross made the going tough with a 3-0 lead at halftime.

PNG under 23 striker Patrick Aisa pulled one back for Oro but Besta had the last say with a 90th minute goal to Brendan Ben for the 4-1 win.

Tsaka: PNG Rugby Football League on track

RUGBY LEAGUE

THERE is an aura of confidence amongst the 79 affiliates of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) following the successful annual general meeting (AGM) in Wabag on Saturday.

PNGRFL board chairman Sandis Tsaka yesterday said he was pleased to say that the AGM, the biggest to date, was a resounding success.

Tsaka said for the first time in PNGRFL AGM history, all the affiliates were united and the financials, annual report and the amendments to the constitution

bottom line

were passed by unanimous resolutions.

The confidence expressed in the board and management of the PNGRFL by the AGM and delegates was outstanding, he said.

“For the first time the delegates expressed that the sport had direction and stability and the promise of a better future,” he added.

He said the PNGRFL Strategic Plan 2015-2017 that was adapted by the AGM has six key priority areas that will dictate the direction over the next few years These areas are:

Improving governance and management to continue the good

work already commenced with the improved financial, governance and management reforms ratified at the AGM

Improving domestic RL programs, competitions and standards

Improving competition structure and player pathways and development

Improving international competitiveness, high performance training and elite programs

Commercialisation of PNGRFL and its brands to become self-financing RL and social community responsibility to use the pivotal

position of the sport to drive positive social messages and community development.

Within the frame-work of these priorities the PNGRFL will develop specific programs and activities in partnership with our stakeholders, development partners and the government to achieve the key objectives in the medium term, he added.

In regards to the calendar, Tsaka said they have full schedule of domestic and international rugby league programs for both men and women and in all formats of the game for 2015.

The sport of rugby is named after Rugby School, where the game was first played.

SANDIS Tsaka

THE PNGRFL chairmans XV at the Cabbramatta nines in Sydney on Saturday.

HEKARI United striker and Solomon Islands international Tutizama Tanito (right) is put under pressure from Lae City Dwellers Goropol Albert at the Sir Ignatius Kilage stadium in Lae on Saturday.

Goal fest

Hekari, Besta United on fire Besta United on fire

BY HAIVETA KIVIA NATIONAL SOCCER LEAGUE

LAE City Dwellers and Oro’s efforts to grab a stranglehold on the Telikom National Soccer League came to an abrupt halt. Both were brought down to earth with the local side given a baptism of fire while the Northerners need to seriously address their quality

of players. It was a goal fest at Lae’s Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium.

The Dwellers were nailed 3-0 by champions Hekari United and Oro received a 4-1 humiliation from youth development franchise, Besta PNG United in the main encounter.

In Madang, Admiralty held the highly fancied Madang Fox to a 1-1 draw.

However it was in Lae that the spectators were given their money’s worth. In the first match, Hekari dominated the first half with strikers Tommy Semmy and Nicholas Muri on song with their penetrating raids. This was help by likely Papua New Guinea mid-field combination of David Muta and talented former youth international Emmanuel

Simon dictating terms. With the breakdown in the Dwellers mid-field, central defenders Valentine Nelson and Mose Milubwa were made to work harder as the latter continuously came with wave after wave to force them out of their defensive line.

CONTINUED PAGE 47

Picture: FRANCO NEBAS