Post Courier, Thursday February 5, 2015

Buai for ‘sale’

Betelnut

BY ISAAC NICHOLAS

MAJOR markets throughout Port Moresby and the country will have a strict buai selling and chewing sections to help control littering and spread of diseases like TB, says Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

Mr O’Neill, who was at the opening of the reconstructed Koki Market facilities this week,

received a big round of applause from the public as he announced a K2.5 million funding for the extension of the market facilities to cater for betelnut trading.

He said the Government has supported the new Koki development with a contribution of K5 million.

“We are going to assist the Member with further assistance for K2.5 million for the exten-

sion of the project to cater for the buai market,” he said of Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko.

“Many of you know what is going on with the buai ban and it was a hard decision that the Governor had to take. I want to urge all our citizens, and especially our residents in Port Moresby, that we support the Governor in his initiative.

CONTINUED PAGE 2

to be chewed in ‘designated zones’ in all city markets

CLOCK WIS E from top: The Raburogo market CLOCKWISE from top: The market ou t side N CD, which was suppose d to be t he outside NCD, which was supposed to be the t rading place for betelnu t; t he L areva market trading for betelnut; the Lareva market burns as t he ban took ef fec t , cit y vendors sell - burns as the ban took effect, city vendors selling betelnu t; and vendors wit h t heir buai looking betelnut; and vendors with their buai for a spot to sell for a to sell.

Po st- C ourier Post-Courier file pictures file pictures

Designated chewing zones a win-win

THEREis no doubt the National Capital District is looking far more cleaner after the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) imposed a city-wide betelnut ban in October 2013.

It was a tough decision and could have political consequences for the NCD Governor Powes Parkop come the 2017 General Election. But it was a decision that had to be made in preparation for the 2015 Pacific Games, the 40th independence anniversary celebrations and the 2018 APEC Summit.

But there are health reasons too that played on the minds of those in the seat of government in Waigani, which Prime Minister Peter O’Neill made reference to in his speech at the official opening of a refurbished Koki market in the NCD.

Consequently, the Government has gone one step further and indicated that members of the public will now only chew in designated areas (other than their residents) as betelnut chewing in public places will now be banned.

“When you were walking down the street, that buai chewing will be banned. In public offices buai chewing will be banned. It is the same approach like with smoking in public areas, because nobody wants to catch cancer from someone else’s smoke and nobody wants to catch TB because you are chewing betel nut,” he said.

It does make sense controlling the chewing of betelnut amongst thousands of the city’s residents, especially when the risk of contracting tuberculosis (TB) in Port Moresby remains high with health authorities struggling to contain its spread. Marking designated chewing areas in the city will assist the health authorities in the long-term.

Coincidentally, the NCD-focused betelnut ban has come under the spotlight in recent weeks with the shooting to death of two Hanuabada men, allegedly by police following a raid on the village’s betelnut market. Papua New Guineans condemned the shooting and demanded the fast-tracking of investigations into the deaths with some pushing for the total lifting of the betelnut ban and Mr Parkop’s resignation. Others expressed regret at the unnecessary loss of life but urged the NCDC not to back-down or remove the policy.

We believe there has to be a middle ground on this particular issue to ensure no more lives are lost. Both those who support the ban and oppose it should find common ground to address the matter as it is clear Papua New Guineans still love their betelnut, whilst acknowledging that there is an increasing number of people who also oppose it. The decision by the PM on designated chewing zones ticks off the boxes for both groups.

However, we acknowledge the difficulty that the City Hall will face in terms of the enforcement of these new municipal laws. We do not have to look far for an example of a prohibition by the State which authorities fail to police. The Government prohibited smoking in public areas in 2012 but Papua New Guineans continue to do so in full view of law enforcement officers despite it being illegal. The Government will also need to thread with care when it comes to enforcing the law, mindful of the fallout from the Hanuabada shooting which today remains unresolved.

Index

Asia news ........................32-34

Bougainville Today ..............16

Business ..........................17-20

Classifieds ............................39

Comics..................................38

Highlands Post.....................13

Home news..........................4-9

Islands Post .........................15

Mamose Post .......................14

Pacific news ....................30-31

Southern Post ......................12

Sport ................................41-43

Stars ......................................38

Sudoku .................................38

The drum ...............................3

Turf Guide .............................40

World news......................35-37

Yu tok ...............................10-11

How to contact us

EDITOR

Alexander Rheeney

Ph: 309 1021

Email:rheeneya@spp.com.pg

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Paula Speakman

Ph: 309 1044

Email: pspeakman@spp.com.pg

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Bala Babaga

Ph: 309 1013 Fax: 321 3284

Email: bbabaga@spp.com.pg

DELIVERY INQUIRIES

Ph: 309 1102

Email: bbabaga@spp.com.pg

REGIONAL OFFICES

Lae: Franco Nebas

Ph/fax: 472 4683. Email: fnebas.spp@global.net.pg

Kokopo: Grace Tiden

Ph: 982 9186. Fax: 982 9147. Email: gracetiden@gmail.com

Mt Hagen: Johnny Poiya. Ph: 542 2602. Fax: 542 3039. Email: posthagen.spp@global.net.pg

Buka: David Lornie

Ph: 973 9188

Fax: 973 9170 Email: postbuka@gmail.com

CLASSIFIEDS HOTLINES

309 1175, 309 1174, 309 1088

JOIN

www.postcourier.com.pg

NEWS TIP?

Ph 309 1021 or email editorial@postcourier.com.pg

Computer glitch adds to uni woes

A COMPUTER glitch has added to Lae University of Technology registration woes.

Vice-chancellor Dr Albert Schram said yesterday the online registration system for Unitech has crashed, having been infiltrated by a systems virus.

The glitch had been experienced since Tuesday. It comes on the heels of the travel dilemma for tertiary students which has prevented at least 2800 students arriving on campus by the Monday, February 2, deadline to register.

Dr Schram told Minister for Higher Education, Research,

Science and Technology

Malakai Tabar, who opened the 2015 academic year at Unitech yesterday, that students already on campus could not register until network and systems technicians destroy the virus. Registration was due to resume after midday yesterday but not all of the accepted students have arrived, meaning classes would be affected.

Mr Tabar said the initial hiccup was in Port Moresby with the late issuance of plane tickets. He said the arrangement in place was for the two universities, UPNG and

Unitech, to be given the ticketing responsibility under an arrangement with Air Niugini. However, the universities had been left out under the current arrangement under which a private travel company was engaged to facilitate the travels, Mr Tabar said. He said the current arrangement should apply only to all other tertiary institutions, not UPNG and Unitech.

Mr Tabar said the matter would be rectified so that there would be no repeat of the current fiasco.

Mr Tabar reaffirmed that 6800 students of the 19,000plus Grade 12 students who

sat for national examinations had been offered scholarships to study at various tertiary institutions this year.

In a related Unitech development, vice-chancellor Dr Albert Schram has been signed on for a second term, confirming his competent and visionary leadership, the university council informed Mr Tabar yesterday.

Unitech chancellor Sir Nagora Bogan said the vicechancellor had shown good leadership. Sir Nagora said the council had the confidence in also confirming all other acting positions of the pro-vice-chancellors.

Plans to allow buai trade in markets

FROM PAGE 1

“WE support it because buai brings out an ugly sight when people sell and chew without control. So that is why the Governor and myself and other leaders have agreed that we will have specific locations for buai selling in all the markets of NCDC.”

“We will start off in Koki,

and then when we start building Gordons, Hohola, Gerehu and Waigani markets.”

“We will be having specific areas for selling and for chewing buai so you can only chew buai in declared areas. That means chewing in the market areas where this is allowed and we can keep it clean. This will be where the floor is tiled so

that there is no spitting in the dirt and this is carrying diseases that can affect our communities. We will embark upon that immediately.”

Mr O’Neill said the government, through NCDC, will be declaring that ypeople can only chew at the place of residences or designated areas while chewing in public areas will be banned.

“When you were walking down the street, buai chewing will be banned. In public offices buai chewing will be banned.

“It is the same approach like with smoking in public areas, because nobody wants to catch cancer from someone else’s smoke and nobody wants to catch TB because you are chewing betel nut.

WONDERS OF CLAY

Roadblock makes K60,000 in fines

BY JOHNNY POIYA

THE roadblock at Kumbal by Jiwaka Provincial police in preparation for the indefinite alcohol ban in two Highlands provinces has generated more than K60,000 in fines for traffic offences.

Provincial police commander Joseph Tondop said yesterday that although the roadblock was funded by the Western Highlands Provincial Government, it was meant to prevent alcohol smuggled into Jiwaka and Western Highlands provinces.

The secondary purpose was to check on the road worthiness of motor vehicles, whether drivers were licensed and checks for

The bottom line

the drum

SCRUTINY

THE Ombudsman

Commission should put some government agencies under scrutiny. Recent directions for security companies to use two “preferred” training academies and another requiring road contractors to store explosives at one “approved” site appear fishy.

CHECK EM

THE anti-corruption watchdog should run a due diligence rule over them to ensure tenders were issued and transparency was applied. Revisiting the personal files of the departmental heads to check if they declared their interests isn’t a bad idea.

TESTING

SO another politician has been charged with 12 counts of fraud. Wonder what happened to the MP’s foreign advisor. Is he sticking around to assist his boss?

CARPARKS

DO THE Physical Planning laws mean anything anymore? Every building has a requirement to provide adequate parking for clients. Did that shop next to the Gordons roundabout get the nod from the NCD to turn half of their already

restricted car park over to a car dealer?

FIT PM

THUMBS up for a fit looking PM who literally ran up the steps to the podium for the opening of the refurbished Koki Market in Port Moresby recently. It goes to show that a fit and healthy person will make good decisions for any organisation and country.

BUAI HUT

AND the biggest applause was for the PM on his announcement that all markets in NCD will be extended and will include a section strictly for selling and chewing of betelnut. Even the NCD Governor agreed.

THE ICONS

OUR Lawes Road boss did not escape scrutiny as he was introduced at least three times as the MD of the nambawan selling newspaper, a fitting moment as Koki market and PostCourier are historic icons.

A CRAB

EVEN heavy rain does have its surprises as the flooding waters at Bava compound subsided to reveal a huge mud crab. But nobody dared to have the crustacean for dinner fearing some bad luck to fall on the consumer!

At a glance

JOSEPH TONDOP: He is the Jiwaka Provincial Police Commander.

ROADBLOCK: The roadblock at Kumbal was meant to prevent the smuggling of alcohol into Jiwaka and Western Highlands provinces.

FINES: The road block has generated more than K60,000 in fines for traffic offences.

over-loading and drinkdriving as well as transportation of illegal firearms and other contrabands.

Supt Tondop was also responding to the PostCourier editorial opinion on Tuesday that questioned the Jiwaka police’ role in

conducting road blocks following the death of three school students in a road accident on Monday.

He said his men were performing their duties well at these check points.

“There should be no misleading information or queries on the performances of my men.

“With the short period of roadblock, we raised over K60,000 from traffic offences alone.

“Such comments in the newspaper do not reflect the hardships my men are going through and demeans their efforts,” Mr Tondop said.

He said his officers ensured every vehicle was roadworthy and qualified drivers by licence were

behind the wheels.

“Accidents do happen. Nobody wants accidents and deaths.

“It’s no good jumping to the conclusion and blaming my hardworking men by questioning our performance.”

Supt Tondop called on pedestrians and roadside loiterers to keep away from moving vehicles.

“A normal person along the roadside should always know that vehicles could have failures or drunken drivers could be behind the wheels.

Everyone has one life and should take extra precautions by staying away from the roads,” Supt Tondop cautioned.

Outer space is only an hour’s drive away, if your car could drive straight up.

PENGEE: thedrum@spp.com.pg

THEY seem to pop up everywhere. Opportunists waiting to make a quick buck. This lot chopped the tree that fell across the road and wanted to “charge” all city motorists that used the road.

THESE young crafstmen show their skills by moulding birds and planes out of red clay found in many places in Port Moresby. Most of them are back in school after a long festive season holidays.

Finance yet to receive acquittals

BY SAMUEL RAITANO

THE Finance Department has not yet received 2014 DSIP acquittals from all 89 districts.

Finance Secretary Ken Ngangan said that not even one financial report has reached his department.

This means this year’s funds will be on hold this month and early next month, until district authorities comply with this requirement.

Mr Ngangan said the report was separate from the detailed ones given to the Department of Implementation and Rural Development.

“Anyone who is receiving public funds will need to acquit. That’s the procedure to be followed by the respective district authorities, now that the joint district planning and budget priorities committees have been abolished,” he said.

Mr Ngangan added that some MPs, mainly those from the Opposition who claimed to have not received their DSIP funds were not telling the truth.

“All the funds for last year have been released to all 89 districts, 100 per cent. Every MP has received in full the 2014 PSIP-DSIP funds,” he said.

He added that the final batch of the funds was released toward the end of last year and it could be the reason for districts not submitting acquittals as yet.

Meanwhile, Mr Ngangan said during his term in office he has seen the need for an effective data transmission mechanism to identify and monitor the use of public funds.

The integrated financial management system was being recommended for linking up other government agencies and district authorities so that details of transactions and expenditure of public funds would be viewed by the headquarters in real time, thus no need for manual submission of acquittals which is seen to be a time taking process for respective districts and their people.

All public service agencies are encouraged to link up using the integrated financial management system.

Defence Force holds dedication service

BY SHIRLYN BELDEN

THE PNG Defence Force has been urged to uphold God and discipline in their line of duties throughout the year.

This was emphasised by retired United Church moderator Reverend Samson Lowa during the Defence Force dedication service yesterday in Port Moresby.

More than 200 military personnel from its three units of land, air force and maritime joined their senior colleagues from the defence hierarchy and Secretary John Porti in a humbled church service at the Sioni Kami Memorial Church, Gordon.

At a glance

PRINCIPLE: Defence Force personnel were urged to uphold God and discipline in their line of duties.

ATTENDEES: More than 200 personnel form the three units of land, air and sea joined their senior colleagues in the church for dedication service.

GUIDANCE: The attendees were encouraged to avoid compromising their duties with civil affairs.

SOLDIERS: As Christians, the attendees are also God’s soldiers.

Rev Lowa pointed out that with discipline a soldier’s duty must never be mixed-up with civilian affairs as that may jeopardise a soldier’s reputation and overall the defence organisation.

‘’As Christians you are also

soldiers of God. Always put God first when carrying out your responsibilities then good things will come to you. Discipline also counts.

Civilian affairs can be appealing but stay away from it because it can bring destruc-

tion to you and the force.

“Practice discipline now and you can make a difference in your line of work and ultimately the country benefits.

“You need to ensure that you do not compromise for things that make you fall,” he said.

Rev Lowa challenged the defence personnel to be professional and strategic this year as the country plays several major roles in hosting events in the region.

Secretary John Porti also encouraged the defence personnel to take their time to acknowledge God and make sacrifices for the people.

Defence white paper on implementation list

BY SHIRLYN BELDEN

THE PNG Defence Force says the Defence White Paper 2013 is one of its main priorities it will implement this year.

Defence Force Commander Gilbert Toropo said this yesterday at the defence dedication service, urging his colleagues to maintain their focus in delivering this important duty this year.

He said among preparing for events and development

activities it has also prioritised the white paper as over two hundred tasks are yet to be delivered.

Brigadier-General Toropo assured church leaders, government officials and other dignitaries there that the white paper remained the main issue to improve to achieve constructive outcomes within the defence force.

“I take the responsibility to say that this year my priority

for 2015; I have taken parts of the implementation of the 2013 White Paper. There are over 200 tasks from the 2013 White Paper that are to be fulfilled. That is a lot of tasks,’’ he said.

The White Paper is a set of commitments or responsibilities signed by the Defence Force to carry out in the organisation to achieve successful technical, management and infrastructure outcomes.

Brig-Gen Toropo urged his officers and those in government departments to give their best in supporting this priority.

He said such responsibilities in the force rested entirely on every member that it was important for members to maintain their focus on their duties.

Brig-Gen Toropo also told his colleagues that this year would be a busy and strategic year for the country where

the force’s assistance would be utilised to high expectation.

“This year will be a challenging year for us. There is a lot of expectation from the Government and the people and so we must perform our mandated duties responsibly and professionally.

“PNG plays an important role in the region and so we must perform to our best,” he said.

BY SAMUEL RAITANO

PUBLIC money should be handled transparently, Finance Secretary Ken Ngangan said during a recent gathering with staff of the Department of Justice and Attorney General.

Mr Ngangan said various government departments were responsible for facilitating payments and financial assistance to enable service delivery to the people and this must be done properly.

He said because of this the departments of Finance, Treasury and National Planning had been linked to the integrated financial management system to fine tune and monitor expenditure of public funds.

Mr Ngangan said the people of PNG deserved better and whatever technological expertise that could be utilised to achieve this must be used. He said there were some government departments that had been blamed for misapplying or diverting monies for specific purposes to other areas and this practice must stop.

Ngangan: Handle public money transparently Unggai MP takes the lead

BY GRACE AUKA SALMANG

OUT of the 89 districts in the country, Unggai-Bena district in the Eastern Highlands Province has set the pace and standard by being the first to present its 2014 acquittals to the Department of Implementation and Rural Development (DIRD).

The Member for UnggaiBena and Minister for Lands and Physical Planning Benny Allan is the first to acquit for this year.

During the presentation yesterday, Minister Allan assured that more development projects would be flowing into his district this year.

“This district has been producing report to the DIRD and will always maintain this practice,” Minister Allan said.

The acquittals includes; DSIP payment vouchers and status reports, non and discretional funds payment vouchers and status reports, members acquittal forms, members disbursement forms, bank statements, JDP and BPC and LLG meeting minutes, PGAS printout for DSIP DSG and LLGSIP, LLG status reports and rollover funds payment vouchers and status reports.

Minister Allan said the submission of the acquittal reflected his cooperative team (with competent staff) that aims to take Unggai-Bena district to next level.

REVEREND Samson Lowa on the pulpit presiding over the PNG Defence Force dedication service.

Polygamy ‘bad for business’

THERE is a need for legislation to stamp out polygamy because it hinders business, a seminar on indigenous business has been told in Jiwaka Province.

Accountant Elizabeth Lolo, who was one of the speakers, said many hardworking men started off well with small businesses but failed to progress because of new wives.

“If we’re serious about business, let’s start by cleaning our bedrooms because polygamy and big name never promotes business,” she said.

Ms Loko said if the people did not change their attitude, foreigners would always come in and reap from their land while Papua New Guineans would be spectators.

“Our women should also not look at selling themselves to businessmen because women could be successful in their own right if they worked hard,” Ms Lolo said. Jiwaka Governor William Tongamp was also in attendance.

Community groups get United Nations awards

BY NELLIE SETEPANO

TWO community conservation projects have been awarded for recognition and outstanding contributions in environment conservation, poverty reduction and climate change.

The Kangaroo Tree conservation program in Morobe Province and Tulele Peisa in Bougainville were awarded the Equator Prize 2014 in New York City.

Tree kangaroo conservation project is a community conservation area and locally owned forest and first of its kind in PNG.

Interest in rice farming grows

A PRIVATE company and a local level government in the country are keen on growing Philippine-sourced hybrid rice.

This comes as a field trial being done by SL Agritech is dispelling the belief that rice cannot be grown in PNG.

Frisco Malabanan, a consultant for SL Agritech Corp (SLAC), said coffee exporter PNG Coffee Ltd (PCL) was considering infusing investment in growing the SL8H rice.

“We have already created massive awareness in Papua New Guinea on hybrid rice,” Mr Malabanan said. “Our rice grains, due for harvest in March, are already filled.”

He said Village Garden PNG Ltd, the local company that was pilot testing the cultivation of different SLAC hybrid rice seeds in the Kairuku-Hiri district of Central Province, had opened its farm as a technology demonstration area for observation.

He added that PCL chair Noreo Beangke had inspected the hybrid rice “in an interest to venture in the highly promising crop.”

Mr Malabanan said the demo farm was expected to yield at least seven metric tons per hectare produce.

At a glance

AWARDS: Two community conservation groups have been awarded the auspicious Equator Prize 2014 awards.

EFFORTS: Kangaroo Tree Conservation Program in Morobe Province and Tulele Peisa in Bougainville, Autonomous Region, have been recognised for their efforts in contributing to environment conservation and poverty reduction and climate change.

The conservation covers a habitat in the Yus local level government of Huon Gulf.

This project focuses on the Matschie’s, or Huon tree kangaroo, scientifically known as dendrolagus matschiei which is endemic to the Huon Peninsula. Under an

arrangement with Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, United States of America, and the kangaroo conservation project, clan leaders created a total of 187,800 acres for total protect or no – use zones which serves as wildlife banks for the animals’

hunting ground. According to the UN, while originally focusing on the research of the tree kangaroo, the holistic program expanded to include research, conservations, education, community development and health.

Tulele Peisa is an organised volunteer group of Bougainvilleans for Bouganivilleans.

Facing rising sea levels, food shortages due to saltwater flooding, and other threats associated with climate change, this NGO organised voluntary relocation of people of the Carteret Islands. The com-

munity-based approach to relocation offered a positive resettlement model for other atolls in the region, and created the unexpected benefit of improving interisland trade, which served to enhance local resilience and livelihoods.

The two groups were selected as winners from more than 1200 nominations in 121 countries. The highlevel award ceremony was held in September last year, in New York. Each winner received a monetary award and participated in a sixday community dialogue at UNDP headquarters.

Also, government officials from East Sepik Province, which has 200,000ha to 250,000ha of land that may potentially be cultivate the hybrid, have also expressed interest in planting rice.

“One of the demo farm’s visitors is a board member of the local parliament in East Sepik province,” Mr Malabanan said. According to Mr Malabanan, PNG, which traditionally imports about 300,000 tons of rice from Australia yearly, has noted the significant contribution that the Philippines is making to its rice sector even if it has its own National Agricultural Research Institute.

GOVERNOR Tongamp (second right) with MP Kouza (third right) with officials in Kurumul.

The Earth isn’t perfectly round, it is slightly flattened at the north and south poles.

The bottom line

Abel: New ID system not against Christian belief

BY ISAAC NICHOLAS

NATIONAL Planning

Minister Charles Abel has assured the people that the new national identification (NID) project will not be against any Christian doctrine amid fears by certain religious groups.

Mr Abel trialled the national ID registration yesterday at the National Statistical Office then went on FM100 talkback show to explain the NID program undertaken by the O’Neill Government to the country.

“My great great grandfather brought the bible to parts of Milne Bay and I come from a Christian background and I have a family tradition there and I want to say that it has got absolutely nothing to do with those sort of things that the people are talking about and the project has nothing to do with this.”

Mr Abel said this after a caller named Junior asked why some mainstream churches have been involved and is the tip of the iceberg of what Christian’s call 666.

The minister said it is only natural when new ideas or projects there are always fear and misunderstanding but that is understandable, and made it clear that the project has got nothing to do with some of these beliefs.

“The intent is genuine and that is to help improve services delivery to our people and of course how people interpret it. There is no other motive and I don’t have time for those sorts of nonsense,”

Mr Abel said the ID program will benefit the people in helping them open new bank accounts, travel identification, photo ID on electoral roll for voting during elections and helps with the

Naru calls on PM to act on housing petition

MOROBE Governor Kelly Naru has called on the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Housing Minister Paul Isikiel to clamp down on the strongarm tactics used by certain National Housing Corporation officers in relation to NHC houses in Lae.

Mr Naru was responding to a copy of the petition by concerned public servants delivered to his office yesterday.

integrated land group (ILG) registration.

He said 350 young people have been trained to conduct registration that starts this month and hopes to cover almost 70 percent roll this year but challenges still remain with the tough geography compounded by mostly uneducated people.

He also said an MOU has been signed by all major churches in partnership to assist people understand the program and also for awareness in their own congregation.

“We are trying our best in engaging with the Churches not only on this program but now that we have got a government–church partnership which Planning has reviewed and improved, we are funding our churches development programs particularly in health and education as part of the implementation process and innovative partnerships and arrangements.”

“But the message needs to be communicated as there is a large task out there, at the end of the day, when you talk about Christian principles, lets leaive them and I certainly wont be supporting anything that is contrary to our Christian beliefs.”

The petition, which was originally sent to the Prime Minister, named NHC Lae manager David Kaupa and NHC CEO John Dege as directing the eviction of long term tenants in Lae allegedly under rather dubious circumstances.

Mr Naru said if there is an NHC eviction of illegal tenants than proper and legal procedures must be followed so all parties are satisfied with the outcome. “However, by reading the contents of this petition and statements submitted by those affected, it appears to me that illegal force, threats, intimidation and harassment has been exerted on many NHC tenants,” Mr Naru said.

“I call on Prime Minister to stop this illegal exercise by John Dege and David Kaupa in Lae.

“I also call on Minister Isikiel to discipline both officers for using excessive force in some instances, harassing innocent tenants, especially women and their children and threatening to throw them out on the streets of Lae.

“This sort of behaviour is unbecoming and uncalled for in Lae and I will not tolerate my public servants and private sector workers being treated like criminals in my province.

“If John Dege and David Kaupa want to behave like this, they should go and try this tactic in Kundiawa and see if it works.”

Mr Naru said that under the NHC Act, sitting tenants have first right of offer to buy NHC houses that were to be put up for sale.

“However, the petition lists instances where houses have been sold off to cronies and businessmen, allegedly in backdoor deals, before NHC agents are sent to evict the tenants,” Mr Naru said.

O’Neill sticks by District Services Improvement Program

BY

THE district services improvement program (DSIP) is a direct government intervention to bring much needed services to the majority of people, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said yesterday.

He said there had been many critics of the DSIP but that program alone was bringing much needed services and bringing changes

to the lives of many ordinary Papua New Guineans in remote and isolated communities.

Mr O’Neill gave an example of how DSIP funding had been utilised to bring services such as the newly constructed Koki market in the nation’s capital after so many years of neglect.

He stressed that politics and political instability does not help but bring misery to the people. “When we took

government in 2012, a lot of you will know the state of the nation, now you see plenty of changes because we now have committed leaders in government, committed leaders who are changing Port Moresby, Lae and the country.”

PM O’Neill said this was because this government is putting funding into priority areas so that services can reach the majority of our people.

“Now the Members are getting funding from DSIP and a lot of people have been against DSIP program, but this government has deliberately put this funding in because it wants to bring this kind of service like the Koki market.’’

“Now you will see in many areas around the country and in remote districts DSIP is working, where there is on-going work to build a lot of roads, bridges, classrooms

and markets which are changing our country and it is good to be here to support our Member (Tkatchenko) that gives us the big confidence that the government is putting money in the right places.”

Mr O’Neill said the National Government remained focus on delivering on its priority programs of education, health, infrastructure, law and order and growing the economy.

The intent is genuine and that is to help improve services delivery to our people and of course how people interpret it ...

MINISTER CHARLES ABEL Port Moresby

There’s an island in the Bahamas called Big Major Cay (or Pig Beach), which is only inhabited by swimming pigs.

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill

NATIONAL planning Minister Charles Abel on FM100 talkback program. Picture: MARK TALIA

ISAAC NICHOLAS

MR Abel being shown the machines that will be used in the ID program.

Humble school grows

BY PHILIP KEPSON

CHIEF Justice Sir Salamo

Injia’s self-initiated elementary school had its status elevated and a new name was approved by the Enga provincial education division.

Angoramanda Elementary School in Wapenamanda, established more than 15 years ago with the help of the Chief Justice, will now be called Angoramanda Injia Primary School.

Sir Salamo, who was personally involved in building

the school, was a happy man to see Enga Governor Peter Ipatas and Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Rimbink Pato, commending him for putting in a lot of his personal resources into developing the school to gain the primary school status it has now.

Governor Ipatas had assisted Sir Salamo and his Waimin-Yangao community with K100,000 for the school, five years ago.

He said he was happy to see Sir Salamo achieving a goal from a project that he

At a glance

SCHOOL: Angoramanda Elementary School in Wapenamanda has had its status elevated and will now be called Angoramanda

Injia Primary School .

RESPECT: The school was established 15 years ago with the help of Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia, who had committed his personal resources to the elevated status of the school.

ASSIST: Governor Ipatas had assisted Sir Salamo and his WaiminYangao community with K100,000 for the school, five years ago.

RIMBINK PATO: The MP for Wapenamanda said he will assist with K15 million from his DSI funds to further improve the school.

had initiated from nothing to where it is currently.

“I am happy for Sir Salamo

Injia for this achievement. “He has committed resources for the sake of

helping children from his village.

“It started from a humble beginning to accomplish what we are seeing now,” he said.

Governor Ipatas said his Government would fund desks for the two new classrooms that were opened during the occasion.

Mr Pato, who is also the MP for Wapenamanda, said he would help the school with funding from his district service improvement funds of K15 million to further improve the school.

Project fees to cover loopholes

BY ANDERSON KOPONO

THE tuition fee free (TFF) or free-education policy does not cover all the operation costs for school.

This means certain fees (project fees) have to be met by parents to cover the loopholes for the free-education policy to materialise.

This was said by a headmaster who had explained the rationale behind the school stance on project fees after queries by confused parents regarding recent media coverage of a free education to disallow schools to collect any form of fees.

“As for Mt Hagen secondary School, it is compulsory for parents to pay a required amount of project fee to cover costs for school uniforms, ID cards and maintenance fee for the ailing infrastructure,” headmaster John Mamb said.

He said this has been the case over the years. The school benefits from this fee and not the headmasters.

“Parents need to take responsibility in meeting certain fees.” Mr Mamb said.

The schools acts as a middle-man to transfer money to suppliers for the uniforms. He explained.

He also said last year there was a shortfall on the physical budget of about K345,000 under the tuition fee free policy.

It happened to all schools.

Mr Mamb said this referring to actual budget of each schools not met under the TFF funding from the Government.

Meanwhile, a primary school headmaster questioned whether certain fees paid would be reimbursed when the TFF fees from Government is provided to schools.

Student ticket delays frustrate parents

BY SIBA MESA

PARENTS in the highlands provinces whose children are on government scholarship are frustrated with the Office of Higher Education for delaying their children’s tickets to travel back to various institutions.

The registration dates of several institutions are starting this week and next.

Parents who stood in line at the Mt Hagen Air Niugini office last week have raised complaints that voucher numbers were given to their children to show at the Air Niugini office to collect their

tickets but they were told by the workers that their tickets were not yet ready.

A concerned parent from Jiwaka Province, Paul Niggins, whose son will be doing his first year at the Divine Word University, is frustrated by the OHE delay and the Global Travel office

at DWU on the arrangements of the DWU students’ travel tickets.

Mr Niggins said to travel the highlands highway is risky for our children where they are vulnerable to road blocks and holdups.

“We pay a huge amount of school fees and the refund

our children get at the end of the year is less than the amount of ticket money arranged by the OHE.

“Parents are also wasting their time and effort travelling to and fro the rural areas just to check up on their children’s tickets,” an irate Mr Niggins said.

Mr John Raima said this in regard to the Nortredame Secondary School board that urged parents to pay K400 subsidy fee as they will reimburse the money if the proposed budget for the school is met by the TFF funding from the Government.

In addition, a councillor had asked schools to implement the Government policy and allow students to register free.

Irate parents call for more secondary schools

BY MICHAEL KOMA

PARENTS of grades eight and nine students in Goroka are calling on government authorities to establish at least two more secondary schools in the Eastern Highlands capital to cater for grade nine students. The call was made after 50 per cent of the 3000 students, who completed grade

eight in Goroka’s 20 primary schools last year could not continue to grade nine due to insufficient spaces in the existing Goroka, Kabiyufa and Asaroka secondary schools.

Disgruntled parents converged in Goroka on Monday and said their children’s student academic performance qualified them a place for grade nine this

year but were left out due to insufficient spaces as there are only three secondary schools.

The parents said they have sweated their guts out to see their children educated for the country’s job markets and depriving them of this is “total injustice and a slap in our faces.” They called on local MP, Biri Kimisopa, the Eastern Highlands

Provincial Government and the National Government to finance two new secondary schools in Goroka in a bid to absorb those students who missed out.

Reliable sources in Goroka allege that there was a certain degree of “bribery and unscrupulous deals involving the selection of grade nine intakes.”

Information obtained by

the Post-Courier indicates that some parents paid selectors to have their students selected for year nine in secondary schools across the province.

A senior education official said, under the condition of anonymity, that Eastern Highlands Province is operating without a provincial education Act. He said education offic-

ers hastily put together one (Act) recently but “no one is interested to take it up with the educational secretary Michael Tapo and Education Minister Nick Kuman for approval due to differences and infighting for positions within the provincial education office. He said the provincial education board also could not be sworn in.

CHIEF Justice Sir Salamo Injia, (front) Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Rimbink Pato (middle) and Enga Governor Peter Ipatas (back) being welcomed at Tsak Valley by local leaders before Enga Provincial Education authorities announced the elevation of Angoramanda Elementary School.

The blue whale’s heart is the size of the Volkswagen Beetle – a two-door, four passenger, rear-engined economy car.

The bottom line

PNG law protects Indon fugitive

BY GORETHY KENNETH

INDONESIAN fugitive Djoko

Tjandra is now a Papua New Guinean citizen protected by PNG laws, Justice Minister Ano Pala said yesterday amid fresh moves to extradite him.

Mr Tjandra is known as Joe Chan in PNG after he was awarded a citizenship certificate three years ago.

The Jakarta Post newspaper reported this week that the Indonesian government was set to hunt down Indonesian criminals hiding in PNG and Vietnam after the Indonesian House of Representatives began deliberating on extradition treaties with the two countries.

The House was expected to ratify the treaties by the end of the session on February 18, allowing Indonesia’s attorney general to proceed with years of halted efforts to arrest Indonesian criminals hiding in the two countries, including Djoko Tjandra, the newspaper reported.

Mr Pala said yesterday that the extradition of any Papua New Guinea citizen for alleged criminal offences must only be done under the processes and procedures of a signed and ratified treaty with the requesting country.

He stressed that PNG was part of the international community and had obligations under international conventions and treaties which the Government respected and followed its processes and procedures when an extradition matter arose.

“In the case of Indonesian businessman Djoko Tjandra, he is now a citizen of Papua

At a glance

FUGITIVE: The Indonesian government is attempting to extradite an Indonesian fugitive who is now a Papua New Guinean citizen.

CITIZEN: Businessman Djoko

Tjandra has been a PNG citizen for the last three years since receiving his citizenship certificate.

PROTECTION: He is currently protected by PNG law.

New Guinea, and like every citizen of Papua New Guinea, he is governed and protected by the laws of this country,”

Mr Pala said.

The minister confirmed that PNG had a signed extradition treaty with Indonesia which had not been ratified by the National Parliament.

He said the extradition treaty could not be enforced unless ratified by Parliament.

“Nevertheless, if Indonesia wishes to discuss matters under that extradition treaty, they have to follow procedures and processes laid down by the treaty.”

“Like every country, we all know our obligations, duties and responsibilities under international conventions and treaties and any discussion on this matter should be addressed under the extradition treaty,” the Attorney General said.

Tjandra has been issued a PNG passport and is already making millions of kina in businesses in PNG.

To date his investment is estimated at about K5 billion, according to his family.

CRAFTY THINKERS

Search on for missing girl

THE parents of a 16-year-old school girl are appealing for help in the search for their missing daughter.

Ursular Maxsil, of a mixed parentage of Morobe and Chimbu was last seen on January 23 at their family home in Lae.

“It is almost 12 days now since she went missing, and we are worried because she is also supposed to register for school on Monday, ” father, Maxsil Kawage said.

He said he had cautioned her on the use of mobile phone when feeling upset

she walked out of the house.

“I didn’t expect that she would do such a thing by running away, as we were thinking that she went to spend time with her friends

to cool down, but then we realised that days have passed and yet no sign of her back at home.

“So we went checking with her school friends and our relatives but there was no sign of her so we reported the matter to the police,” he said.

Mr Kawage believes that her daughter may be somewhere in Goroka or Lae so he’s appealing to the general public for any information that may lead to his daughter. He can be contacted on 710 85033 or 722 91250.

Tribe at a loss over rejection of ‘bel kol’

BY SIBA MESA and OGIA MIAMEL

THE people of Nenga Andakomon in BukapenaWara of the Mul LLG in WHP have contributed K25,000 cash, 23 pigs and two cows to make ‘bel kol’ or reconciliation with the Komkui tribe but unfortunately it was rejected.

The Nenga Andakomon people, the tribesman of Mr Samuel Rot the Divine Word

The bottom line

University Lecturer who beat his wife to death and is now under police custody, have waited for three weeks for the relatives of late Lynette Rus of the Komkui tribe to accept and receive the compensation but they have refused to do so.

Former Mul Baiyer MP and Police Minister Sani Rambi who represented his people and was present at the gathering said that he is ashamed of the incident

that occurred but is also not happy and doesn’t know why the Komkui people, who know the law, refuseds the compensation. He said this reconciliation is for the common good of the community and if refused meant there was still differences with the whole tribe.

Mr Rambi said Rot is already in the hands of the law and our country’s law protects women for which he will face the maximum

penalty for his crime but as is the custom and tradition of the Western Highlands people when one dies, compensation is made to maintain peace within the community.

The councillor of the Nenga Andakomon tribe Thomas Numbolg said that such actions of reconciliation is meant to protect the tribe and to avoid problems arising in the future.

The son of current coun-

The volcanic rock known as pumice is the only rock that can float in water.

cillor Jonathan Numbolg said they did what was right according to the norms of their province to make peace but since it was refused it was a disrespect to the norms and culture.

He said all they want is peace and for the community to move around freely but they now felt that their lives are in danger after the relatives of late Lynette refused to accept their compensation.

BY DENYSE KALAU

MILNE Bay police commander Joseph Morehari has asked for more Government resources to crack down on continuing sea piracy in provincial waters.

Chief Inspector Morehari made the call following the latest incident on Tuesday when passengers were robbed and then forced into the sea as the pirates made off in their boats.

Fortunately, no lives were lost.

Chief Insp Morehari said armed men held up the passengers and crew of two boats between East Cape and Esa’ala.

On board were men, women and children who were robbed at gunpoint and then forced out of the boats and left to fend for themselves in the middle of the sea.

Chief Insp Morehari expressed disappointment at the manner in which the lives of innocent people were treated by the pirates.

“Sea piracy still remains a burning issue in the province, particularly for men, women and children who have often become victims of holdups when travelling to their islands by boats and dinghies,” he said.

Police have done their best to tackle the issue but lack resources like faster vessels, arms and sea training to succeed in curbing piracy.

Piracy on steady increase Law must reign supreme

NEW Ireland provincial police commander (PPC) Chief Superintendent Philip Welia has called for law to reign supreme over customary obligations.

He made the call at a peace ceremony at Palimb one village near Mt Hagen after the recent murder of a teenage boy from Erave who is a clansman of his.

The policeman called for justice to prevail by appealing for the two culprits involved in the killing to be apprehended by police.

“Justice prevails when culprits are handed over to the rule of law to take its course,” he said.

He urged the community to take ownership by helping police with the investigations.

“Compensation leads to peace but the culprits must also face the full force of the law,” he said.

Chief Insp Welia said the culture of paying compensation to make up for crimes must stop because it allows perpetrators of crime to move around freely, which will lead to further trouble in the community.

THESE ingenious youngsters proudly display their craft work made out of orange clay. Who says you need legos to build a masterpiece?

Rain deters villagers’ petition

BY DONALD WILLIE

THE petition by the people of Hanuabada that was scheduled to be presented to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill yesterday at the foot of the Parliament House was not presented due to rain.

It is understood that the Prime Minister had agreed to receive the petition personally, but had requested that the presentation be rescheduled to next Monday due to heavy rainfall and that he desired the presence of the Police Minister Robert Atiyafa, who is currently overseas.

Although disappointed that the presentation of the petition did not eventuate, the people are determined to have their petition tabled before the Prime Minister before the next Parliament sitting on Tuesday.

The proposed demand of K20 million by the MotuKoitabu Assembly will not be part of the people’s peti-

tion that will be presented to the Government by the people of Hanuabada and neighbouring villages.

A volunteer working committee, a group of villagers representing the people, not affiliated to any political or non-government institution, has put together a realistic petition to present.

No protest march will be required however, a small convoy of the committee, affected family representatives and others will deliver the petition.

The villagers are eager to pull through with this convoy and presentation of the petition. An ultimatum of two weeks will be given from the date of receipt of petition for a written response to this petition by the Government.

The petition contains five demands relating to the police shooting in Hanuabada village which left two men dead and two others injured.

TO EACH THEIR OWN

Homebrew production on the rise

HOMEBREW production is on a rise, leading to escalating law and order problems within settlements and suburbs in Lae city.

Lae Urban ward five chairman of law and order Sam Oyaya raised the concern yesterday.

Mr Oyaya said the producing and selling of homebrew is a major concern. However, the community was not helpful.

He said the law and order committee had tried their best to appeal to the community by carrying out awareness campaigns but it only fell on deaf ears.

“As community leaders we are taking up the challenge of looking after the community however our own community members are not helping us to report these cases to authorities so that we can punish these law breakers,” Mr Oyaya said.

He said the issue is affecting women and girls, who are being harrassed regularly being by youths under influence of homebrew.

“Since there is not enough man power for us to control these illegal activities going on in the community we expect the people to help us but this is not happening” he said.

MANY people have been taking to whatever protection they can find to shield themselves from the continuing rainfall throughout Port Moresby city.

LAE DESERVES BETTER

I COMMENT regarding yesterday’s article: Lae city hit hard by water shortage February 3,2015.

Water PNG’s Mr Raka, Lae city just cannot come to accept the same lame excuse Water PNG Lae come up with every time there is a shortage. All business houses in Lae know PNG Power service is unreliable and most have installed their own backup generators.

Water PNG knows Lae’s power woes very well but just keeps giving the same excuses. Why have an of fi ce full of engineers when they cannot even have a back-up plan in place? If they cannot do the job they should tender for a contractor who know about service reliability. Why are paying customers still suffering this day and age with all the technology available? Lae expects better.

Brian Anderson WOPA Resident.

NASFUND TOO SLOW

HOW long can we wait for our NASFUND to be ready. PNG Tropical Wood Products Ltd. Please do something. Eight years is too long.

Frustrated contributor

WHERE’S THE MONEY?

HOW is it that we read everyday of vehicles being donated and cash donations to churches and funerals by politicians. This clearly indicates that the Government has money to spend, yet the accounts departments of Government institutions like Port Moresby General Hospital and NCDC tell us they have no funds to pay their bills? So if it doesn't give them publicity then they don't allocate funds for normal operations?

How is it that the NCDC has K2 million available for a new buai market at Koki but can't pay it's outstanding bills?

Simple Simon

I AM looking for Mr Gulaga Maro, a former SP salesman in Kimbe, and now living in Port Moresby. Please contact me on mobile: 71929827 or email: lagisac@gmail.com

Chris P Lagisa

I AM looking for Mr Greg Nigel Philemon of Alotau (Woodlark Island) but resides somewhere in Port Moresby. If anyone knows him or knows his where about please call me on mobile #: 739 21 259 or 714 83 395

Kwekweina Maiwori

I AM a concerned pastor and a minister of the gospel and I support Father Klower Waimi of the St Martins Anglican Church of Boroko.

He told the judiciary when officially opening the legal year on Tuesday Feb.3 2015 to uphold justice.

He said the law was derived from the Bible and the judges and magistrates were tied to biblical history.

He further said that he was a lawyer and associate to the judge before Independence.

Compared to past, evil, corruption, violence are happening eve-

ry day. I thank Father Klower for giving the right direction to our lawyers and judges because we pastors and lawyers are divinely appointed to uphold His law and implement it.

Thus as the great preacher and wise King Solomon says;

“Let us hear the conclusion of all matter:

“Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgement, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Proverbs 12:13,14,NKJV).

Therefore, under the sun, there is only one law giver and one judge.

It is God the creator of the universe.

Remember! One day all mankind will be judged according to the saying; “You reap what you sow”, likewise God will reward us when he returns.

Pr.Jackson Rangip Dip.Theology@SoCol(2009-2011) Email:jrangip47@gmail.com

WRITE TO US Text us on 208

Hefty fees, taxes killing us

I WISH to thank the Government for recognising the need to immediately review PNG’s tax regime by appointing a Tax Review Team last year headed by Sir Nagora Bogen.

This review is timely because there are serious issues affecting individuals and businesses because of the way the various tax laws in PNG are written and applied.

I have already provided a comprehensive feedback to the review team exclusively covering PNG’s petroleum fiscal regime only.

With respect to tax laws and implications affecting other sectors and businesses such as personal income tax, banking, shipping, insurance, customs, land and merchandising, I think our people are adversely affected in a profound way. Every educated person in PNG must make it his or her business to provide feedback to the Tax Review Team.

Generally, I think our tax system must be designed to less tax public servants, farmers, low income earn-

ers and genuine businesses who invest and live in PNG and respect this country, her laws and her citizens.

I am a public servant and my gross salary is taxed at over 30 per cent per fortnight. The bank fees, GST and other fees drain off another 40 per cent of my salary. This leaves me with only 30 per cent, which is not a saving but the actual cost on expenses.

The Government must reduce the personal income tax rate for all public servants and improve their employment conditions and then sack people who do not perform.

Also, the Government needs to appoint people with discipline, integrity and honesty in top public posts and make them produce results, including disciplining those under them.

There must be a complete overhaul of the entire laws governing the public sector so that the “carrots and sticks” culture of management is strictly applied in order to make the public service machinery efficient and allow for efficient flow of goods and services to the people.

Text us on 208

On the broader scale, if you look at the actual cost of goods and services in the country, the prices are too high and GST is applied on top of the already inflated prices, which do not reflect the true economic cost of business.

This is an economic trap because workers will not have enough money to save in the banks and when they do save in the banks. The banks erode their savings due to hefty fees. Banks become an abyss to the small people.

Commercial banks are preying on the unsuspecting public with all kinds of fees, even they charge you fees for choosing them and depositing money in their banks.

The recent report by the National Research Institute confirms that banks are charging exorbitant fees and interest rates (EMTV, Feb 2). This is a “time bomb” situation in the country and the Government must act quickly and decisively to address this issue.

K Koya Ialibu

Citizens are duty-bound to obey the law

WE cannot lay all the blame on the PNG Royal Constabulary in relation to the ongoing atrocities committed by uniformed police personnel against civil citizens.

The police force is an important state institution that exists to ensure that citizens are protected and their security is maintained.

Citizens must bear in mind that they have the duty to obey, respect, and abide by the rules, regulations or law imposed by the state. Adherence to the rule of law is an integrated part of a democratic state like PNG and citizens must reflect that value in their conduct with reference to their social interactions within the society.

10 years ago

Failure to comply with state sanctioned laws will result in consequences and ultimately lead to chaos and violence. If citizens feel that certain laws imposed by the state are biased or do not reflect common good, then there are legitimate processes and procedures available to follow in order to repeal, amend or abolish that particular law. Resorting to deliberate violation of the law by civil citizens is an act of disobedience which has consequences. Police brutality against citizens is a direct result of defiance, violation and non-adherence to the rule of law. The method of physical assault (brutality) is a form of corporal punishment. It is a conditioning technique

FOR THE PEOPLE?

POLICE are supposed to provide security and protection to the community. But instead, the community is afraid of them.

Bill Victor

BANKS KILLING US

I TOTALLY agree with Prof Satish Chand and the NRI team that the interest rate charged by commercial banks and finance companies in this country is way too high.

This makes it difficult for most of us to make any meaningful savings from our already depleted pay packets. With the cost of living rising it becomes harder and harder to provide for immediate families and, as we Papua New Guineans know too well, our extended families’ needs make it all the more difficult.

I give two examples here. You leave K100 in your account for some months without making any further deposits; your savings of K100 will be decreasing all the time without any interest earned during that period and you may find your account closed.

used to compel one to comply with certain rules if he/she fails to understand the values of compliance within standard norm of behaviour.

In PNG, the use of physical force may be necessary to condition citizens to understand the importance of compliance and adherence to the law. It appears that the democratic value of law and its importance is missing or not entrenched in the minds and hearts of our citizens. Ideals such as human rights, liberty, gender balance, respect for the law, freedom of speech and movement are only theoretical discourses..

James Pepi Port Moresby

Secondly, take for example; a person went to a bank and takes out a K5000 personal loan. What is frustrating is that the bank eats up a big part of the K5000 principle amount that he/she asked for by deducting well over K330 to K360 on taxes and charges that only the banks know of.

Not only that, this country’s very unfriendly tax regime makes it so impossible for most people to make genuine savings for their future.

In addition, it seems that the supermarkets and other retailers also increase their prices at this time of the year so it is a clear case of a “nowin” situation for the poor worker, as well as everyone else in the country.

For now we wait to see if this government takes any remedial steps in regard to the report by the eminent persons on PNG’s Tax Regime done in 2013, led by Sir Nagora Bogan.

Currently PNG’s financial environment is not conducive to provide for a savings culture to be embraced and appreciated by the people. Anyone can come up with all the policies and well-intended theories. But it will take political will and practical action by the authorities concerned to change the scenario for better in this country. Otherwise it does not bode well for the majority of our people. Only time will tell.

Seko Sisiwan

EXTRA FEES FOR?

EDUCATION board needs to question the principal of Sogeri National High why project and other fees still being charged at a total of K520? Basically, parents are going ahead and paying this fees, simply because we are afraid our children might miss out. This is on behalf of the silent majority.

KEEP IT SILENT

Oki

AFTER my letter to the editor (PC 02/02/15), I have learnt that it is sometimes wise to stay quiet, feel the pain and do your best to exhaust all in-house processes. In general, that can be seen as good for all parties involved.

However, such a relationship does not and will not help Nasfund/NCSL (or other similar organisations) to improve their services.

So it is good to take a whip at times, in order to move fast in the right direction. I believe the comments made earlier in the week will do more good than bad to Nasfund/ NCSL, eventually.

Thank you Nasfund/NCSL for taking on board the cries of the silent majority. We deserve better services, which you are currently improving with time.

H Mua

Hawaii is moving towards Japan at the speed of 10cm a year. This is because they are on different tectonic plates.

The Finance Department was instructed to The Finance was instructed to make available K45m to pay off the overdraft make available K45m to pay off the overdraft and we are now proud to say that PPL has and we are now to say that PPL has between K30-K50m in its accounts. accounts.

If you have a story to tell, call us on 309 1042, or email bwaluka@spp.com.pg

Technology to help improve water

PROBLEMS associated with clean, safe water in the North Fly district of Western Province have been alleviated with the introduction of a new technology.

The district has introduced the new technology that will purify dirty water into clean and healthy without causing any harm to the body of people who drinks.

North Fly MP Boka Kondra said the district holds the biggest open pit mine in PNG and the whole world, which dumps its waste directly into the Ok Tedi River system and flows down to Fly River.

“Most of the people complain and have suffered from drinking contaminated water from the river system polluted with Mine waste dump directly in the river system which also flows into tributaries,” Mr Kondra said.

“Since water is the biggest problem here most of the people resort to drink well water, or those have

At a glance

CLEAN WATER: Clean healthy water shall no longer be the problem in North Fly District of Western Province.

CONTAMINATED WATER: Most of the people complain and have suffered from drinking contaminated water from the river system polluted with Mine waste.

money pay for big tanks to store water for consumption. In town the only water supply that supply water to town is from the Ok Tedi Mine which they have restrictions that only cover Ok Tedi workers compound,” he said.

Mr Kondra while introducing the technology to the teachers and public said the technology would help those who had been suffering for clean water for years.

He said the technology was developed by FCUBED Australia

Pty Ltd and has been proven scientifically to be working without causing health problems to the people. According to FCUBED chief executive officer Peter Johnston the Solar water processor will not use power or anything but just the sun light to process the dirty, contaminated water into clean and purified water that can be drink and use by people.

“It does not have any side effects or will cause any harm to both human being and the environment,” he said.

Mr Johnston said the equipment work just like how nature works where water is evaporated from the river system, than condenses and form as gas than fall as rain.

He said FCUBED technology is based on the natural process of distillation which separates purer water from the wide range of contaminants by using solar energy.

FILTER SYSTEM COMING SOON!

Wobiro tells patients to take TB medication

WESTERN Governor Ati Wobiro has appealed to tuberculosis patients to take their medications as the best weapon in the fight against the killer disease in the province.

Mr Wabiro said this week that the only help coming to the province in the TB fight was from the Health Department and from the Australian Government. He said a funding of K2.3 million for hospital and for TB programs was allocated last year. Apart from that, the provincial government assists World Vision International’s TB programs, giving K200,000 last year.Last month, health workers at Daru General Hospital held a sit-in protest after nine nurses contracted multi-drug resistant (MDR-

TB) strain of tuberculosis with one nurse on MDR-TB treatments. The Governor said the province could not do much to help fight TB but appealed to defaulting TB patients to take medication.

Mr Wobiro encouraged workers to take precautionary measures as health workers when dealing with TB patients.

He said that there was a simple explanation for the drug resistance TB; it is not passed from one person to another but was normal TB, and those who contract the normal TB then contract the resistance TB when they do not take medications.

“Practice what you preach, don’t run to the government for help when you contract resistant TB.”

Health team checks TB scare

A TEAM from the Health Department headquarters is in Daru, Western Province, to visit health facilities and assess the increasing threat of drug-resistant tuberculosis cases reported by the provincial hospital and surrounding villages. The team’s visit comes after a day after Deputy Health Secretary Dr Paison Dakulala went to Daru to meet with health workers early this week to discuss health issues that the hospital workers were facing. They had petitioned the Health Department, Western Provincial Government, its provincial and district administrations to address manpower issues, the rundown facilities and funding for medical supplies. They gave the authori-

ties two weeks to respond to their demands. The deadline lapsed on Monday and the frustrated workers had planned a sit-in protest but the meeting with Dr Dakulala prevented this from happening.

The Daru General Hospital staff held a public forum with the national health team upon arrival yesterday. A sit-in protest two weeks ago happened when nine nurses at Daru General Hospital contracted multi-drug resistant strain of tuberculosis. As the disease paralysed services at the hospital, the remaining hospital staff protested for better protection at the workplace, supporting widespread fear on the island that the TB epidemic, rampant in the province, would spread among the hospital workers.

THE office of censorship is planning to spend K4 million to install a filter system to block internet access of phonographic sites and materials in PNG, including the use of mobile phones.

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

Leaders clash as city suffers

JOHNNY POIYA

TRANSPORT and Infrastructure Minister

William Duma and City Authority manager Pious Pim are at loggerheads over the poor state of Mt Hagen.

Mr Duma, who is the local MP, has tasked the city authority to explain the poor state of the city, especially its roads, though it should have had a total funding of K25.8million.

AGE-OLD CUSTOM

The traditional hausman (men’s house) system in the Highlands is on the verge on extinction due to foreign influences. Most tribal groups in the region are reluctant to erect men’s house in their respective localities. On the other hand some ethnic tribal groups in the rural areas continue to maintain the culture, which is also deemed the “village parliament.” Men live in the men’s house and make important decisions that affect the affairs of the tribe. This picture show three boys standing in front of Aulabol “hausman” in Chimbu’s Koge village (Sinesine).Picture: MICHAEL KOMA

Freak storm wreaks havoc

BY PEARSON KOLO

FIVE people escaped death when strong winds and rain sent huge trees crashing onto their houses on Sunday afternoon in a rural district in Western Highlands Province.

The natural disaster struck the Kinjanmanda area of Kumikama council ward 18 in Lumusa district.

The strong winds and rain which destroyed the area on Sunday at around 5pm affected more than 100 people who had their houses, food gardens, pandanus trees and coffee trees completely destroyed.

The five people, including an elderly man, a teenage boy and his mother and an elderly couple, were inside their homes when the strong wind and rain hit them.

The elderly man, Paka Kepowa, said he was inside his house when the strong wind blew off his roof.

“I ran out of my house shouting and was almost slashed to death by one of the roofing irons which fell on top of me,” Mr Kepowa said.

“I shouted for help and looked across to my neighbour’s house but that house had a huge tree across it and I heard my neighbour and her son shouting for help from inside their house.”

Mr Kepowa said he ran across and pulled them out of the house and took them to higher ground where they stood and watched the destruction.

At a glance

DISASTER: A rural district in Western Highlands Province was ravaged by a fierce storm last Sunday.

DESTRUCTION: Homes, food gardens and cash crops were destroyed and thrown yards away from their original locations.

ESCAPE: During the freak storm five people were fortunate to escape from some potentially deadly situations.

Another elderly couple was also rescued from their damaged house when a big tree fell on it and trapped them inside.

Kumikama ward 18 councillor Napil Kepowa, who gathered his people after the destruction to assess the damages, said the strong wind and rain was a first of its kind experienced by the people from his council ward.

“The destruction is extensive, with fallen trees all over the place and most houses with their roofs blown off,” Mr Kepowa said.

“Many breadfruit trees, pandanus trees and coffee trees and food gardens have been destroyed.”

Fortunately, nobody was killed or seriously injured during the natural disaster.

He said it would take more than three months for their food gardens to recover and the people are running low on food supply.

Contractor explains work

WOPA Construction, the firm contracted to work on Mt Hagen city roads, said it was assigned to do maintenance on the city’s ring roads only.

Operations manager Immanuel Wak yesterday said the streets inside the city main were not in the scope of work his firm was contracted to do under a K10million funding

allocated for the city’s roads. Mr Wak was responding to claims made by Mt Hagen city manager Pious Pim that it did a sloppy work of the city roads. He said the work was done on time in 2012. He said they were tasked to work on the roads from the Newtown soccer field to Hagen Park, Mt Hagen market to Tarangau and other areas.

Mr Pim hit back saying he was not answerable to Mr Duma as the city authority never received any funding support from the local MP and referred him to the Treasury Department.

Mr Duma in a letter dated 10 December 2014 to Mr Pim enquired on the disbursement of K10 million he (Duma) claimed to have requested from the national

Government for Mt Hagen city roads in the 2012 budget and requested for reports on a K15,883,114 the city authority received from a National Court judgement against the National Housing Commission.

Mr Duma said though he requested for the K10 million for the roads, the money was transferred directly to the Western Highlands Provincial Government without his knowledge by the Department of National Planning.

He said no work to the value of K10 million has been carried out on the city roads.

Western Highlands Governor Paias Wingti and Mr Pim wrote to the National Planning Minister in April 2013 and requested the K10 million to be disbursed to the provincial

government. Mr Duma also said he wrote to the treasury minister in July 2008 pursuing the state for the release of the National Court judgement sum of K15,853 114 for Mt Hagen.

He said no work to the value of K10 million plus a K2 million counter funding from the provincial government has been carried out on the city roads.

Mr Duma said: “Please inform me as to what happened to the K10 million which I had secured from the national budget…I have been concerned at the low level of general cleanliness and the management of the city assets such as vehicles and machines.”

He also called on Mr Pim to provide reports on the usage of the K15.8 million from National Housing Corporation.

Lae residents clash with vendors

BY JOSEPH DAWAI

CONCERNS have been raised over a fight that broke out last weekend between street vendors and the general public, forcing Lae city to a standstill.

It was alleged that the fight broke out at the main bus stop in top town and became so fierce that nearby shops had to shut their doors while PMV bus owners pulled their vehicles off the road.

Lae city Lord mayor Koim Trilu Leahy was one of the witnesses who saw the main shopping centre turn into a battle field.

Mr Leahy came out of his vehicle and watched the fight as missiles were exchanged from both sides.

He said the street vendors had returned to conduct illegal sales on the footpath where they allegedly help thugs steal from and harrass the the public.

Mr Leahy recalls a past incident in 2011 when street sellers initiated a fight which developed into an

ethnic clash and appealed to the authorities to plan operations for the safety of city residents.

He said the fight has caused many deaths and injuries to city residents and this has painted a bad image of the city for investors interested in conducting business in Lae.

Two months ago the lord mayor announced that the street vendors would be totally banned from selling in public places like toptown, Eriku and the main market.

He said street sellers are the ones who collude with petty thugs to block the footpath and take advantage of the public.

He said on Saturday the fight instigated by the vendors had caused huge problems for the travelling public with many innocent people suffering injuries as a result. He assured the public that police will take action on petty crime around the city and urged the thugs and vendors to heed the warning.

JUST ANOTHER MARKET DAY

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & APPRECIATION

ENGA DEVELOPMENT FORUM INC.

Maru puts

A Non-profit, Non-political and Independent Development Partner & Think Tank Focused on Development in Enga Provincial

THE PATRON OF ENGA DEVLOPMENT FORUM INC. & GOVERNOR OF ENGA PROVINCE, GRAND CHIEF HON. PETER

IPATAS, GCL, MP AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE ENGA DEVELOPMENT FORUM INC. WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND THANK THE FOLLOWING LEADERS, COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT AND DONATION TO ENGA DEVELOPMENT FORUM INC. TOWARDS

a) OUR FIRST FUNDRAISING DINNER HELD ON THE 22nd NOVEMBER 2014 IN PORT MORESBY, AND

b) OUR INAUGURAL ENGA DEVELPOMENT FORUM HELD ON THE 22ND DECEMBER 2013:

THEY ARE;

1. Hon. Peter O’Neill, CMG, MP, Prime Minister

2. Grand Chief Hon. Leo Dion, GCL, MP, Deputy Prime Minister

3. Sir Theodophilus Constantinou, CBE

4. Hon Davies Steven, Minister for Civil Aviation

5. Hon James Marape, Minister for Finance

Hon Robert Ganim, MP, Member for Wabag

Hon Labi Amaiu, MP, Member for Moresby North East

National Airports Corporation 20. Air Niugini and its subsidiary, PNG Link 21. Mineral Resources Development Corporation 22. Mineral Resources Enga

Independent Public Business Corporation (IPBC)

25. Eda Ranu 26. National Gaming Control Board 27. Manase & Company, Lawyers 28. Exxon Mobil PNG Limited

Mr. Robin Fleming

Ela Motors

Nae Properties

Nenele Properties

Covec PNG Ltd

Dae Won Ltd

Panda Builders

Wabag Guest House 37. Ribito Motel Ltd 38. Cameron Construction

Oceanic Construction

Star Tailoring 41. Boruku Builders/Juka Services 42. Wizzy Transport

Guangdong GDFC’(PNG) Ltd 44. Orion Project Services

Haiara Legal Practise 46. Mr. Willy XZ Chen 47. Mr. Namba Tumu (Madang) 48. Mr. Laias Kandi/Wagambie Lawyers 49. Dr Timothy Pyakalia & Mrs Pyakalia 50. Mr. Mathew Kakaraya 51. Many others who we are not able to name

We deeply appreciate your support and donations given and highly regard you all as our Strategic Partners in Development

A full report will be presented at the second Conference of the Enga Development Forum scheduled for the 2nd week of April 2015 in Wabag, Enga Province.

Thank you and May God bless you more in 2015 and beyond.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ENGA DEVLOPMENT FORUM INC.

K1 million for churches

YANGORU-Saussia District in East Sepik is now looking forward to funding the building infrastructure projects for all churches within the electorate.

This building project is purposely for pastor’s houses and church buildings where all the buildings will be designed and built with permanent materials.

This was revealed by the YangoruSaussia MP and Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry Richard Maru recently.

Mr Maru says it is very important his electorate give what belongs to God back to God; therefore he has committed K1 million to support and assist all the churches with their building projects.

This K1 million funding allocation will be coming from the district services improvement programs (DSIP).

Mr Maru said Yangoru-Saussia is the only district within the province that has signed a covenant with God and with this they have committed to always put God first.

Mr Maru said from this K1 million funding, K100,000 will be allocated to each mainline churches.

From this year’s funding 10 local churches from each of this main line churches will have to apply for the K10,000 assistance but they must provide their building project proposals to their main church

At a glance

PROJECTS: Yangoru-Saussia in East Sepik will soon embark on a massive building infrastructure project.

CHURCHES: The project will see the building of pastor’s houses and new church buildings within the district.

will

the funds

be paid directly to the hardware stores in Wewak for the purchase of building materials, Mr Maru said.

THE Mutzing roadside market is one of the busiest and biggest apart from Umi market along the Highlands Highway in Morobe Province. But yesterday it seemed pretty laid back as vendors watch over their stalls and waiting for customers. Picture: FRANKIY KAPIN

YANGORU-Saussia MP Richard Maru

If you have a story to tell, call us on 982 9186, or email postrabaul.spp@global.net.pg / or call 973 9188, email postbuka.spp@global.net.pg

Spills prompt response

AN emergency authorisation was issued to immediately minimise or stop potential cyanide spillage at the idle Sinivit Gold Mine.

This is why officials from the Department of Environment and Conservation are expected to be in East New Britain Province later this week to implement preventive measures.

DEC had obtained the emergency authorisation under Section 76 of the Environment Act 2000 from the director of environment.

The visiting team will comprise technical officers from DEC and a legal advisor from the State Solicitors office. The team will be working with the ENB Provincial Government and administration, Pomio district and Sinivit Local Level Government administrations to address these environmental risks issues.

The ENB monitoring team

The ENB monitoring team was put in place to do an assessment at the mine site...

was put in place to do an assessment at the mine site and monitor cyanide laden leach vats and heaps a couple of weeks ago. This followed the theft of special canvases used to cover these heaps and vats and the continuous rainfall in the area. The rain fall average in the area is around 28mm a day.

It is believed the mine, which is located in the Baining Mountains, was put on care and maintenance since October 1 last year and only a handful of workers were at the site to look after the vats and properties. The mine has around 17 vats with some located on

Ward leader wants State to pay up

BY MICHAEL WARTOVO

A WARD member in East New Britain Province has called on the National Government to settle their outstanding allowances.

Elijah Hosea from Baai Village in the Kombiu Local Level Government area made the call on behalf of ward members in the LLG, district and province as a whole.

He said their outstanding allowances, starting from 2013, should now be paid to them as promised by the government.

He said the government had been making empty promises, including their inclusion into the payroll system of the State.

Mr Hosea said authorities continue to turn a blind eye on ward members who have worked closely with the people in their respective wards, attending ward problems and other matters and yet, the

government has not compensated them for their efforts.

He called on the National Government, through the Department of Inter-government Relations Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Grand Chief Leo Dion, to fast-track their outstanding payments and to backdate their wages to last year.

He said they are now in 2015 and nothing much has been said about the issue.

He said the 13 ward members of Kombiu LLG will be confronting the office of Governor Ereman ToBaining Jnr and the East New Britain regional member Mr Dion to air their frustration on the issue.

Meanwhile, Mr Hosea called on fellow ward members in the other districts of the province to come forward and support their move to call their respective leaders in the province to help.

Villagers call for services

BY GRACE TIDEN

VILLAGERS in remote communities of Pomio district in East New Britain Province continue to cry out for basic government services.

The people of Maranagi, Raigal and Kiligia in the Sinivit Local Level Government area of Pomio district continue to walk for hours to sell their cash crops and garden produce and to access basic services in the urban areas.

These three isolated communities are located near the Baining Mountains. There is no road to link

their communities to the urban centres of the province.

Community leaders Charles Gerep and Julius Tepemes both say they walk for four to five hours to reach Arabam. There, the people have to cross a river before reaching Dadul to catch a PMV to town. The nearest town is Warangoi.

However when it rains, the river overflows, which makes it hard and dangerous to cross.

Mr Tepemes said despite 40 years of independence, they continue to walk for long hours to reach Arabam just like their forefathers.

ridges and near cliff edges.

Monitoring team leader Florence Paisparea said they expect the team to arrive later this week so they can implement these preventive measures which include discharging of the containment pond under specific requirements, disintoxication of the vats and heap pads, testing of the river systems and at the same time conduct awareness in nearby communities.

In regards to their awareness programs, she said they have already started talking to the people as well as on the local radio station.

Authorities in the province have been treating this issue as a very serious matter.

The ENB monitoring team in one of its recommendations asked for a state of emergency to be declared at the mine site.

The Baining Mountains is where most of the province’s major rivers originate.

Mine pond

ABG leader rejects weapons disposal call

BY SEBASTIAN HAKALITS

ABG Minister for Public Service Joel Banam has rejected calls made by Bougainville veterans that weapons disposal is not an issue and that it is a waste of time talking about it.

Mr Banam clarified recent reports published in this newspaper saying that the weapons disposal is one of the three pillars of the Bougainville Peace Agreement to ascertain Bougainville’s future.

The three pillars are autonomy, referendum and weapons disposal that is a joint creation national Government and the leaders representing the people

of Bougainville to resolve and secure lasting g peace by peaceful means.

“Autonomy must be seen as operating effectively, efficiently before we can have our referendum with good governance which the ABG has done by building the structure to establish our government and link it down to the people to strengthen the work of the council of elders, council of chiefs and the local level government to achieve good governance,” Mr Banam said.

“In March this year the government will pass a law to amend the act of council of elders 1996 to strengthen the COEs and VAs to

Student foundation to assist with school fees

THE South Nasioi Students Foundation (SNSF) will sponsor more than 130 students from the South Nasioi Constituency of Kieta District in Central Bougainville.

Able Tanumei, South Nasiou council of elders vice chairman, announced this at the ground breaking ceremony of Dokotonau Primary School last week at lower Aropanari (Aropa).

The foundation, formed and backed by local MP John Ken, will cater for 60 percent of students’ school fees from different schools within the region and the country.

This initiative aims to lighten the school fee burden of parents and also to raise the level of education by helping to send more

13 homes burnt in village raid

BY ROMULUS MASIU

achieve good governance in Bougainville because the international community is watching us and we must meet the internationally acceptable good governance before we go into referendum.

“Weapons disposal is for containment of guns that were in the hands of the people and it is a must that those guns are removed as our foundation is shaky with the guns around and we don’t want to build autonomy on top of these weapons.

“The people of mainland Bougainville wanted independence to be given by the PNG government right away in 1990, which was

not the right time but we the people in Buka wanted to go through autonomy to build us economically, build back our relationship and to attain independence by peaceful means and PNG would not have given us independence depending on our economic status and possession of weapons.

“If you don’t need the weapon than why are you all holding on to the guns or maybe it is for safeguarding purpose, and if so, the government should thank the people of Bougainville including those who died and those who are alive and compensated should be given to those who lost their lives, lost properties

and those that have suffered due to the crisis.”

He said he has spoken with the ABG President to give some form of compensation as a token or goodwill to the people this year when the house resumes and will find funding to compensate people who have died, lost property and those who have suffered inhuman treatment.

“And those responsible as the PNG government and BCL must also take part in this process and come back and apologize to the people as I see that buying back guns from the people won’t work,” he said.

Mr Banam said in this way we will see peace among all people.

SEVEN families are without homes and belongings after several heavily armed men stormed Mainoki village of Paruparu in the Eivo Torau constituency and burnt down their houses.

The incident, which happened last month, has triggered tension between the people of Mainoki and armed men alleged to be from the nearby Panguna area.

An elder from Mainoki, Alphonse Pemuko, called into the Post-Courier Arawa office to relate the incident after reporting the matter to the police.

Mr Pemuko said the armed incident occurred on January 12 when men from the mountain ranges of Panguna entered Mainoki village and burnt down 13 houses belonging to seven families.

children to school.

Mr Tanumei urged the people to work with the foundation as it is a first of its kind in the Central Bougainville area and the region as a whole, thus it needs the support from the parents and the people of south Nasioi. He presented the project to the Bougainville Education Board (BEB) so it can be recognised as part of the region’s education project in terms of funding.

It was received by BEB acting secretary Mary Remi and BEB chairman Anthony Tsora.

“We have started the foundation and that will help all of us therefore we must take ownership of the project and support the foundation,” he said.

Momis: Resignation demands undemocratic

DEMANDS by the ex-combatants for Autonomous Bougainville Government President John Momis to resign are undemocratic, Mr Momis said.

The President said though the ex-combatants, led by former Bougainville Revolutionary Army commanders, Ishmael Toroama, Sam Kauona and Thomas Tari, can voice their concerns on the Government’s priorities on development, demanding that he (Momis)

resign without due cause cannot justify their demand.

This ultimatum was issued through a letter to the president questioning his ability to act in the best interest of Bougainville while outlining certain ABG ventures that it deemed utter failures.

The letter suggested that if answers provided by the president as unsatisfactory would warrant his removal from the presidency.

“The ABG has already explained the dealings ques-

tioned by the ex-combatants clearly and concisely, so what is the criteria that warrants me to resign as President?” Mr Momis said.

“As the democratically elected leader of Bougainville, what criteria justifies their demands for me to resign, without properly assessing the Government’s development priorities before levelling accusations against me as head of the ABG.”

Mr Momis declared that his

government has done more in terms of development of infrastructure and policies in Bougainville than the last government.

He said though there were constraints within the public service and the ABG’s financial capacity, the government had done all it could to strengthen Bougainville’s drive to reckoning its political destiny through and through.

The president’s sentiments are evident through

the stability within the Government and its development capacity during the Momis Administration.

In the last five years of his tenure as ABG President, there has been an improvement in relations with the National Government –the K500 million Special Intervention Fund from the then Somare government, recouping the ABG’s priorities on mining as well as initiating important legislations.

He said all the cash crops including food garden have been chopped to the ground. Pigs and other livestock were also been slaughtered, he said.

“My people of Mainoki are living in fear and are traumatised by the violent incident.

“I believe those people affected must be evacuated to another village because they were left with nothing – not even clothes or cooking utensils,” he said.

Mr Pemuko revealed that the armed operation occurred after some disagreement between the two parties concerned, not ruling out land disputes and talk of incest cases.

Mr Pemuko said other chiefs are working around the clock to settle the issue between the disputing parties.

However, he said the case needs the local MPs to intervene. He expressed dissatisfaction that many attempts to get the ABG Members for Eivo Torau, Melchior Dare and Ioro Michael Oni, to come over and settle the issue with chiefs and the two parties has fallen on deaf ears.

“This is a sensitive case and it needs the political will and leadership to be present to cool the warring parties down.

“It is very frustrating when our many attempts to summon our local Member, Melchior Dare, to come and help us address and sort this issues out has been unsuccessful,” a frustrated Mr Pemuko said.

ABLE Tanumei presenting the SNSF project to BEB representatives, (from left) Ms Mary Remi and Mr Anthony Tsora. Picture: ISHMAEL PALIPAL.

The computer used to guide the Apollo 11 moon mission was less powerful than a modern calculator. The bottom line

LOs against merger of P’nyang gas field project

BY PATRICK.T.WUNDAI

A STRONG opposition is looking on the Government and ExxonMobil PNG Limited (EMPNGL) plan to integrate P’nyang gas field with the current PNG LNG Project.

Simon Ekanda, the uncompromised and powerful voice from the Hides gas fields in the PNG LNG Project says he fully supports the position taken by the chairman of P’nyang Resource Association, Michael Betkimsok for the P’nyang Project to be a Standalone with a completely new and separate agreement.

Mr Ekanda, an advocate of greater PNG Benefit from the country’s resources and the PNG LNG Project advocate from Hides Gas Fields said the recent signing by the government to amalgamate the gas resource into the current PNG LNG should not be allowed.

He said the landowners fought for the recognition by the PNG Government and the license holder of their rights to give or withhold consent for this gas resource development, nevertheless allegedly

Digicel PNG announces comp winners

TWO Digicel customers from Lae and Port Moresby have won a brand new 32-inch Samsung Smart TV each this week in the ‘New Customer’ competition by Digicel PNG.

The competition involved customers buying a Digicel Play Box and then entering the competition before the 31st of January this year.

The winners; Mrs Walagato Albert from Port Moresby and Ms Amanda Jerewai from Lae were chosen randomly by Magna Quest, the company that programs the set top boxes that enable people to access the 29 channels on Digicel Play Box.

When contacted by Digicel, Mrs Albert, who was thrilled with her win said, “I have never won a free gift in my life. This TV is a blessing.”

Mrs Albert had purchased her Digicel Play Box from the Digicel retail store at Vision City after a great deal of pestering from her son, Alan, who had seen the Digicel Play channel lineup at a neighbour’s home and convinced his mum to buy one for the family for Christmas.

Jack Bourke, Head of Marketing for Digicel Play presented the Albert family with their new TV.

Amanda Jerewai, who was presented with her new TV by rugby union great, Brendan Cannon who is the general manager of Digicel Momase said, “I was happy and surprised when the guys from Digicel called, and very excited to have won this prize.”

bullied by the State.

Mr Ekanda who is awaiting a National Court decision on whether he should proceed to trial or lose out on his court challenge of the entire PNG LNG Project Agreement stated that the right relates directly to the right for indigenous people to control their future and the future of their people.

He said this has been stated as the right “to give or withhold their free, prior and informed consent to actions that affect their lands, territories and natural resources”.

“This is shortened to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent or FPIC,” he

told the Post-Courier this week.

“This right has been violated by the Government of PNG and the developer (EMPNGL). The two parties to the so called agreement have been connived and collude literally eliminating the rights of the indigenous landowners,” the advocate said.

Mr Ekanda who is the Mama-Papa Graun Association president; an association which fights for indigenous land and resource ownership and organisation behind the concept of Production Sharing Contract Arrangement opposed to current equity holding and tax collection regime, said such agreement to integrate a huge gas field into an existing project should not happen.

He pointed out that the indigenous peoples are protected from this situation under International Law and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“Indigenous peoples have the right to be involved in any decision that affects their lands, resources or territories. They have the right

to give or withhold their Free, Prior and Informed Consent. They have the right to reach a collective decision through processes defined and determined by themselves. All projected-affected communities must be able to participate in effective decision-making and negotiations and when non-indigenous communities say ‘no’ to a project this should be accounted for.

“For how long the successive governments of PNG since independence will continue to ignore the indigenous people’s rights by supporting investments to the favour of foreign developers thus undermining their own respect as the government of a sovereign nation often times?” Mr Ekanda queried. He stressed that the mechanism of consultation with landowners laid in the Oil and Gas Act provisions are quite inadequate and if seen sufficient lacks clear link with FPIC, thus fragmented and maybe viewed as absurd.

Meanwhile, EMPNGL refused to comment when ask by the Post Courier on certain queries that arose of the gas supply agreement.

Market Snapshot

O’Neill farewells TOTAL executive

THE Prime Minister has expressed gratitude to the outgoing Senior Vice President for the Asia Pacific from French Company TOTAL Exploration and Production, JeanMarie Guillermou, for his commitment to investment in Papua New Guinea.

PM O’Neill made the comments during a courtesy call from Mr Guillermou, who is about to retire, and incoming Senior Vice President for the Asia Pacific, Olivier Cleret de Langavant. “On behalf of the Government I express my thanks for TOTAL’s investment in Papua New Guinea and ongoing commitment to the Elk-Antelope Liquefied Natural Gas project,” PM O’Neill said following the meeting this week. I wish Mr Guillermou

best regards for his pending retirement, and welcome Mr Cleret de Langavant to his new role.”

The Prime Minister made the point to the TOTAL delegation that now is the right time to increase investment in Papua New Guinea with the anticipation that energy prices will rebound.

“The low oil price has been a challenge for the global economy, but it is broadly expected that energy prices will increase over time. It is currently a prudent time to invest in Papua New Guinea’s resources infrastructure in anticipation of a return to better pricing.”

PM O’Neill said he anticipates it will not be long before the outgoing TOTAL Senior Vice President returns to Papua New Guinea for

$A bounces back from six-year low

SYDNEY: The Australian dollar has bounced from its six-year low on greater optimism over a deal to renegotiate Greece’s debt.

On Tuesday, the Aussie plunged two US cents after the RBA cut the cash rate to 2.25 per cent, the first move in a year and a half.

Most analysts are expecting there will be at least one more rate cut this year.

However, on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning stock markets and most commodity prices rallied after Greece’s Syriza government dropped its calls for a write-off of Greece’s foreign debt.

At 1700 AEDT on Wednesday, the local unit was trading at 78.40 US cents, up from 76.63 cents on Tuesday.

personal leisure.

Mr Guillermou said he was looking forward to coming back to Papua New Guinea as a tourist. Having traveled here on business there has not been the opportunity to fully take in the culture, fauna and wildlife of our nation and he now expects to return with his wife and enjoy a holiday.

“It will be a pleasure to see Mr Guillermou come back and enjoy a holiday in Papua New Guinea.”

The TOTAL delegation also included Mr Philippe Blanchard, Managing Director of TOTAL Exploration and Production Papua New Guinea Limited, and Mr Marc Geniteau, Vice President, TOTAL Country Advisor, for Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.

On Tuesday, Australian bond future prices rallied to new all-time highs after the RBA cut the cash rate to 2.25 per cent, and most analysts believe there could be more.

However, things turned around for safe haven assets on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning when stock market and oil prices rallied after Greece’s Syriza government dropped its calls for a write-off of Greece’s foreign debt.

RBC Capital markets currency strategist Michael Turner said it has been a roller coaster ride for the Australian dollar in the past 24 hours.

“Brutal moves in commodity currencies have been the main themes,” he said.

“The Australian dollar is back to pre-RBA levels and has been meandering around 78 US cents for most of the Asian session.”

At 1700 AEDT, the Australian dollar was at 92.30 Japanese yen, up from Tuesday’s close of 89.65 yen, and at 68.30 euro cents, up from 67.63 euro cents. Meanwhile, bond futures prices have fallen after stock markets rallied on optimism about a Greek deal. Nomura head of macro products Jon Linton said global bond markets sold off and that has continued during the Asian session on Wednesday. “It’s been very surprising, the aggressiveness of the sell-off today, we’re now lower in bond prices than we were before the rate announcement,” he said.

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill (center) with Total delegation who paid a courtesy call to the PM’s office this week.

Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, is dyslexic.

The right relates directly to the right for indigenous people to control their future and the future of their people ...

SIMON EKANDA Port Moresby

Frieda feasibility studies makes positive progress

BY GORETHY KENNETH At a glance

THE Frieda River CopperGold Project in Sandaun province continues to see positive progress since Australian miner PanAust Limited completed its acquisition of a majority interest in the project in August 2014.

A geotechnical and hydrogeological drill program is underway as part of PanAust’s feasibility study for the project.

The development concept leverages PanAust’s experience gained at its Phu Kham Copper-Gold Operation in Laos, which has a similar process plant configuration and compact footprint, and is located in very similar terrain.

In parallel, work on an En-

Farmers lack savings culture

DESPITE an increased participation in agricultural and commercial activities, most villagers in Finschaffen lack banking services and knowledge on the culture of saving money.

Social Impact Consultancy (SIC) managing director Meredith Tutumang said subsistence farmers and trade store owners in the district often raise money but there are no tangible evidence of such incomes. “The village people gain a fair amount of money from their produce or service they provide, however, the money is spent immediately on bride price, compensation and church initiatives,” Ms Tutumang explained.

According to studies carried out by the SIC nearly 90% of the villages are financially illiterate and the issue is one that has not been part of the government’s agenda.

The Bank of PNG has made much awareness and it is currently appealing to commercial banks to have all Papua New Guineans financially included before the year 2050. However, much effort is needed in education and providing banking services in the rural areas so that BPNG’s vision becomes a reality.

Meanwhile, the matter has been brought to the attention of several commercial banks in Lae and attempts are currently being made to address the issue.

ExxonMobil projects begin

PANAUST:

FREIDA RIVER PROJECT: One of the largest known undeveloped copper and gold deposits in the world and offers PanAust excellent potential for the establishment of a long-life operation.

SHARES: PanAust holds an 80 per cent interest in the Frieda River Copper-Gold Project with the remaining 20 per cent held by Highlands Pacific, a company incorporated in Papua New Guinea. - PANAUST.COM.AU

vironmental Impact Assessment is underway to ensure environmental impacts are clearly understood, appropriately managed, and minimised.

PanAust has won a range of international awards for its sustainability and community engagement work in Laos. It

is recognised internationally for its best-practice environmental management of waste and tailings to minimise any impact on waterway and river systems from operations and associated infrastructure.

The feasibility study for the Frieda River Project is scheduled to be completed by

the end of 2015. Reflecting progress on community relations, an extensive process of consultation and mediation by two appointed land mediators, with support from the Mineral Resources Authority, has resolved a longstanding land-ownership matter between local groups dating back to 1995.

A lands court sitting was held in Wabia village on January 12, 2015 and Sandaun Province Senior Provincial Magistrate, Patricia Tivese, resolved the landowners of all six impacted villages were ‘collective owners’ and agreed a split of future project benefits to be derived from the land.

This is a positive result for all the landowners and paves the way for the negotiation of

a compensation agreement between them and PanAust in the lead up to an application for a Special Mining Lease.

PanAust managing director Dr Fred Hess is currently in Papua New Guinea with the company’s Board of Directors to inspect the Frieda River Project site, talk to local landowners and village representatives and to meet senior government ministers and officials.

While on the visit Dr Hess noted the significance of the Frieda River Project.

Upon grant of a Special Mining Lease the Government of PNG has a right to acquire, at cost, up to a 30 per cent interest in the Frieda River Project.

Morobe woman farmers oppose jetty relocation

BY ABRAHAM AVEDIBA

FARMERS from villages along the north and south coast of Lae city have raise concerns over the relocation of the jetty port at Voco Point.

Many young girls and mothers, who grow cash crops such as cocoa and coffee and vanilla, often travel to Voco Point to bring their items to markets in Lae.

However, the new location

seems to pose a threat on the lives and belongings of these local farmers.

Meredith Tutumang, a cocoa grower in Finschaffen said, the new location is situated near the settlement where there is a greater chance of opportunists attacking them.

“Various female farmers ship about 10 to 15 bags of cocoa pods every week to Voco Point. However, we are

currently unable to ship that much as we fear that our bags, if left unattended to like we use to at the old jetty, may go missing,” Ms Tutumang said.

She reaffirmed that the security of female subsistence farmers and cash crop growers is not guaranteed at the new spot that dinghies have been assigned to.

It was also mentioned that the area is situated in an open

area where there are huge rocks and waves that often tend to become rough.

“Women and young girls also fear that dinghies may capsize if care is not taken in docking the dinghies at a good spot,” she added.

Yatu Gesele, local farmer from Salamaua area, gave an account of an ordeal she experienced on Monday.

“The seas were rough and while the skipper of the din-

ghy was trying to identify a good spot to dock in, huge waves came crashing into our dinghy and my greens were all covered with salt water,” Mrs Gesele said.

Despite arrangements to have the local dinghies return to the old jetty, there hasn’t been any move taken by the city authorities to have the area prepared. City authorities are currently looking into resolving the matter.

NEW YORK: ExxonMobil has been working for years on a fleet of enormous oil and gas projects in places such as Abu Dhabi, Russia, Papua New Guinea and the Gulf of Mexico designed to turn around what has been a consistent and alarming slide in oil and gas production.

A record eight of these mega-projects came on-line last year, Exxon said Monday — just as oil prices were falling by more than half.

“Investors would be more than happy to see production decline but oil prices higher,” said Fadel Gheit, an analyst at Oppenheimer & Co. No such luck this year.

These enormous projects were conceived and started years ago, as prices were rising.

Now, they are starting to produce oil and gas at a time when the price of global crude has been eviscerated by rising supplies and weak growth in demand.

On Monday, Exxon posted a 21 per cent decline in both revenue and profit for the fourth quarter because of lower oil prices.

The company said it earned $6.57 billion in the quarter, the lowest since the first quarter of 2010, on revenue of $87.28 billion.

Last year, Exxon earned $8.35 billion on revenue of $110.86 billion. - The Associated Press

A copper and gold producer in Southeast Asia and has a portfolio of organic growth projects in Laos, Papua New Guinea and Chile.

Jury: Toyota will pay K28m

MINNEAPOLIS: A US jury ordered Toyota Motor Corp to pay nearly $11 million (K28m) to victims of a fatal Minnesota crash on Tuesday after ruling that a design flaw in the 1996 Camry was partially to blame for the 2006 wreck.

The jury said the company was 60 per cent to blame for the accident, which left three people dead and two seriously injured. But jurors also decided that Koua Fong Lee, who has long insisted he tried to slow his car before it slammed into another vehicle, was 40 per cent to blame.

Lee was driving when his car crashed into another vehicle at a high speed after he exited Interstate 94 in St Paul. His attorneys insisted the crash was caused by an acceleration defect in his vehicle, but Toyota argued there was no design defect and that Lee was negligent.

After the 2006 wreck, Lee was charged and convicted of vehicular homicide and sentenced to prison. But he won a new trial after reports surfaced about sudden acceleration in some Toyotas, and questions were raised about the adequacy of his defence. Prosecutors opted against a retrial and he went free after spending two-and-a-half years behind bars.

Lee and his relatives, along with other people who were injured or lost loved ones in the crash, later sued Toyota in US District Court in Minneapolis. The verdict was announced late Tuesday afternoon.

During the trial, Lee’s attorney, Robert Hilliard, told jurors that there was a defect in the car’s design. He said the Camry’s auto-drive assembly could stick, and when tapped or pushed while stuck, it could stick again at a higher speed.

Hilliard also accused Toyota

of never conducting reliability tests on nylon resin pulleys that could be damaged under heat and cause the throttle to stick.

“This is what makes the car go. This is what turns it into a torpedo, a missile, a deadly weapon,” Hilliard said during his closing argument.

Toyota said there was no defect in the design of the 1996 Camry, and that Lee was negligent. The company’s attorney, David Graves, suggested that Lee was an inexperienced driver and mistook the gas pedal for the brake, and that’s why the car accelerated.

Toyota also noted that Lee’s car was never subject to the recalls of later-model Toyotas.

Jurors were asked to decide whether there was a defect in the design of the 1996 Camry that was unreasonably dangerous, and if so, whether that defect caused the plaintiffs’ injuries. – AP

Disney beats forecasts

ENTERTAINMENT giant

Walt Disney has credited the continuing success of toys based on its hit film Frozen and an increase in visitors to its theme parks for an “incredibly strong quarter”.

Net income rose 19% to $2.2bn (K6bn) in the quarter, with revenues up 9% to $13.4bn, both better than forecast.

Frozen toys sold particularly well, helping its consumer products division to report a 22% rise in sales.

“This was yet another incredibly strong quarter for our company,” it said.

The company also report-

ed a 9% rise in sales at its theme parks and resorts for the three months to the end of December, despite fears over a measles outbreak at Disney’s Southern California parks in December.

Chief executive Robert Iger told CNBC that the out-

Local brand overtakes Samsung

SAMSUNG has been overtaken as the largest seller of smartphones in India by local budget brand Micromax for the first time, according to market research firm Canalys.

Micromax accounted for 22% of India’s smartphone shipments in the three months to December, its figures showed.

Samsung’s market share fell to 20%.

India is the world’s thirdlargest smartphone market and

SACKED MANAGER

A sacked manager of Fiji TV has lodged a formal complaints against the country’s Attorney General. Tanya Waqanika, the former Head of Content at Fiji TV, was sacked along with the former CEO, Tevita Gonelevu, during the Government’s dispute with the Fiji TV’s rugby sevens deal with World Rugby. Ms Waqanika says the Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, gave Fiji TV a directive. The company’s Chairman, Nouzab Fareed told the media yesterday that there was no interference from the Attorney General, but Ms Waqanika says she challenges the board members to agree with his statement.

COMMENTS IRK MP

The Cook Islands finance minister says opposition criticism of aid from China is naive and shows a lack of understanding. Mark Brown says comments from Democratic Party MPs criticising a multi million donation of machinery is simply political posturing. The opposition had questioned whether the machinery, intended for the outer islands, would be maintained or left to rust.

‘LOWER COSTS’

Former BP chief executive Lord Browne has warned North Sea oil operators’ costs must fall in order for them to compete globally. “Costs have got out of control, we need costs to come right down,” he told BBC 5 live’s Wake Up to Money programme. Browne said companies would have to “slim down”, warning “there will be some companies that go to the wall”. The warning from Browne, who led BP for 12 years, comes amid fears the industry is in crisis. A barrel of Brent crude has more than halved in price since its peak of $115 (K301) last summer. On Tuesday, the price stood at $57 (K150) a barrel.

UK MAKES HISTORY

many users are upgrading to smartphones for the first time from basic handsets.

More than a quarter of all shipments were for smartphones that cost less than $100 (K262).

As a result, phone makers have rushed to produce basic but affordable smartphones that can appeal to different income groups.

“Catering to local market preferences will become increas-

break had had no impact on attendance and that visitors were up compared to the same quarter last year.

However, sales in its studio entertainment division fell 2%. Disney said the fall reflected the weaker performance of its Big Hero 6 film compared to Frozen’s strong performance in the same quarter a year ago.

Disney’s shares, which have already risen 30% over the past year, rose a further 4.4% to $98.23 in after hours trading.

“Our results once again reflect the strength of our brands and high quality content,” said Mr Iger.

ingly important,” said Canalys analyst Rushabh Doshi.

“Micromax has been quicker than its competitors to improve the appeal of devices, for example, by including a wide variety of local languages on its Unite phones.

“But vital to success is selling these handsets at low price points to appeal to the bulging mid-level income market in India.” – BBC

MPs have voted in favour of the creation of babies with DNA from two women and one man, in a historic move. The UK is now set to become the first country to introduce laws to allow the creation of babies from three people. In a free vote in the Commons, 382 MPs were in favour and 128 against the technique that stops genetic diseases being passed from mother to child. During the debate, ministers said the technique was “light at the end of a dark tunnel” for families. A further vote is required in the House of Lords. It everything goes ahead then the first such baby could be born next year. Proponents said the backing was “good news” but critics say they will continue to fight against the technique.

THE success of 2013’s box office hit Frozen is continuing to boost Disney’s earnings.

At a glance

BLAME: The jury said Toyota Motor Corp was 60 per cent to blame for a fatal Minnesota crash in 2006, which left three people dead and two seriously injured.

Our results once again reflect the strength of our brands

...

ROBERT IGER USA

KOUA Fong Lee, serving time for a fatal 2006 accident in St Paul, Minnesota, is interviewed in prison in 2010.

– Jeff Baenen/AP Photo

MICROMAX held a 22% share of the total smartphone market in India in the fourth quarter.

Flying start start for property for property investment in Qld in

Brisbane close to Griffith University campus. Prices start from $419,000. Don’t forget Cayman Properties can also assist you with property management for your home in Cairns or Brisbane and can provide first 3 months management fees to any new managements. Please call on 7310 6535 to make an appointment to see Angela or email : angela@caymanproperties.com.au

WE HAVE had a flying start with many investors coming into the market on the back of improved currency exchange rates for PNG against the Aussie Dollar. Cayman Properties are pleased to be returning to Port Moresby this Wednesday (yesterday) February 4 to Saturday February 7, 2015 at Crowne Plaza for our first visit for 2015.

For this visit, we have some information on great new home packages for property at lower price points such as new homes in Townsville 3 bedroom 2 bathroom from A$349,000 and apartments in Beenleigh for just A$269,000 just 30 minutes from Brisbane via train. Beenleigh is a growth suburb and has experienced a growth rate of residential apartments of 7.0 percent over the past 12 months and has a rental yield rate of 7.1 percent.

Meanwhile this year is predicted for Cairns as a bumper year for growth by renowned property commentators Michael Matusik and with a feature article in the Australian Financial Review. There is now very limited stock in Cairns at present. We have some new homes on land of 900 – 1000m2 in Edmonton south of Cairns which is almost double the land size of normal homes. Edmonton is a thriving suburb with new road and shopping centre infrastructure and future health facilities. Prices start from AUD$455,000 all inclusive for large 4 bedroom home with inclusions such as fencing, landscaping driveway and fully air conditioned through. There are also new homes available in Smithfield, Trinity Beach and Redlynch. We also have some great new homes and apartments on the Gold Coast and in

NOW available for immediate lease on Valvai Avenue is a large 3 bedroom unit. The property is located within walking distance from St. Joseph’s International Catholic College, Port Moresby Medical Clinic, Boroko Market and Four Mile. The unit is fully furnished with back up water, genset and 24hr security.

Asking: K 3,000.00 per week.

To inspect this Unit, Contact: Mutien Mays of Strickland Real Estate on Phone: 320 0944, Mobile: 7005 3289 or email: mmays@sre.com.pg

NOW available for lease in Korobosea is a split level four bedroom fully furnished unit. With only two units in the property, yard traffic is kept at a minimum. In quiet, safe and secure location, back up power and water is provided to ensure that your tenancy is comfortable and stress free in times emergencies.

Leasing at K 2,700.00 per week.

Arrange to inspect now with; Mutien Mays of Strickland Real Estate on Phone: 320 0944, Mobile: 7005 3289 or email: mmays@sre.com.pg

Best move

SECURE for yourself by far the best in a compound of fourteen town houses. Spread over multiple levels is a timeless classic that is sure to please. Be greeted at ground level by a warm wooden panelled kitchen, an open lounge to capture your imagination on the next flight up and sleeping accommodation to top off (three bedrooms and an ensuite). The patio overlooks the swimming pool, with ease of access to the BBQ and entertainment area. This unit is within walking distance to the kids play ground and tennis court which are some facilities on offer at this compound. Back up water and power available and security onsite 24hours.

For Sale K 1.25m

Please contact the sales team at Strickland Real Estate on Ph: 3200944 or Email: salesdesk@ sre.com.pg for inspections.

Simple, neat & tidy

SURROUNDED by well manicured gardens in a compound of eight is a two bedroom fully furnished unit. The property has back up water and power and 24 hour security. Ideal for the Single Expat or Couple. Asking: K 1,300.00 per week.

For Inspections, Mutien Mays of Strickland Real Estate on Phone: 320 0944, Mobile: 70053289 or Email: mmays@sre.com.pg

PORT MORESBY

BOROKO

Quiet place

NOW available for lease on Ororo Crescent, Boroko is a three bedroom unit. Recently renovated, it features dual level spacious units of solid foundations. Compound itself is warm with lush tropical gardens and a very quiet and secluded courtyard, a place

to relax and unwind with a cuppa and a book after a long day of hard work. K 2,400.00 per week

For Inspections contact, Mutien Mays of Strickland Real Estate on Phone: 320 0944, Mobile: 7005 3289 or email: mmays@sre.com.pg

PROPERTIES FOR LEASE

PORT MORESBY

Sea views

IN AN exclusive Port Moresby suburb, crested on a hill top overlooking Fairfax Harbour is an Executive Standalone House, consisting of three bedrooms. Recently retouched from ceiling to floors, effortless craftsman ship has been employed to produce the best quality internal finishes. Ideal for those who have live in housekeepers, The property also has a fully equipped granny flat downstairs, to ensure that your household staff have enough comfort of their own to ensure that

your home to be, is well managed and maintained. This property has all the backups provided with two electronic gated entries and parking for two vehicles. With a large and extensive back yard, this would be ideal for Dog Lovers and Owners.

Asking: K 5,500.00 per week

To inspect this Home, Contact: Mutien Mays of Strickland Real Estate on Phone: 320 0944, Mobile: 7005 3289 or email: mmays@sre.com.pg

side retail office space lease

SITUATED right in the heart of Port Moresby’s CBD are two Retail office spaces available for immediate lease. Both are approximately 112 sqm. P.O.A Call now for immediate and exclusive inspections. Contact; Mutien Mays of Strickland Real Estate on Phone: 320 0944, Mobile: 7005 3289 or email: mmays@sre.com.pg

Smart city address

IMMEDIATELY available for lease and situated in the heart of Port Moresby’s CBD.

A three bedroom – Executive Apartment. From Fairfax you can: walk to work, the shops and anywhere in down town, knowing that your home is just...a few footsteps away. Fairfax gives you and your guests a foyer entrance that leads to the entertainment area that is complemented with a bar fully fitted for your weekend functions and complete with a well maintained swimming pool. At the Fairfax back ups, basement car parking and 24 hour security provided. Lift access throughout complex.

ASKING K 6,000.00 Per Week.

DEMAND LOCATION MAKES “FAST “ ACTION A MUST. Act fast. Call Now!

Contact Mutien Mays of Strickland Real Estate on Phone: 320 0944, Mobile: 7005 3289 or email: mmays@sre.com.pg

PORT MORESBY

AVAILABLE FOR LEASING

PROPERTIES FOR LEASING

Property: Winward East

Location: Port Moresby, Town, Ela Beach Road

Description: 3 Bedroom + Study, Pool, Tennis & Squash Court, Gym, BBQ & Recreational Area, Back up Power & Water, 24 HR Security

Property: Queenscliff Apartments

Location: Port Moresby, Town, Davara Road

Description: 3 Bedroom Townhouse, Pool, Back up Power & Water, BBQ Area 24 HR Security

Property: Scott Apartments

Location: Port Moresby, Town, Ogoa Street

Description: 2 Bedroom Townhouse, Pool, BBQ Area, Back up Power & Water, 24 HR Security

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES FOR LEASING

Property: Baruni Commercial Park

Location: Port Moresby, Baruni

Description: 5 x 270m2 Warehouses, Central Location to Planned City Development

IDEAL RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY FOR YOUR COMFORT!

Property: Harvey Apartments

Location: Lae, Town, Coronation Drive

Description: 3 Bedroom Townhouse, Pool, Back up Power & Water, 24 HR Security

Property: Blaikie Apartments

Location: Lae, Town, 6th Street

Description: 3 Bedroom Unit, Pool, Back up Power & Water, 24 HR Security

FOR

ENQUIRIES CONTACT:

Evodia Sambre (POM) Ph: +675 7009 4477 esambre@pacificpalmsproperty.com.pg

Property: Walterbay Location: Port Moresby, Badili

Description: 1 x 302m2 Warehouse, Central Location, close to central business development

Property: Walterbay Location: Port Moresby, Badili

Description: 1 x 324m2 Warehouses, Central Location, close to central business development

Daniel Geno (POM) Ph: +675 7009 4533 dgeno@pacificpalmsproperty.com.pg

Property: Falcon Apartments

Location: Lae, Town, Falcon Street

Description: 3 Bedroom Townhouse, Pool, Back up Power & Water, 24 HR Security

FLEXIBLE DEDICATED & SECURE COMMERCIAL SPACE!

Property: Gordons Business Center

Location: Port Moresby, Gordons

Description: 1 x 504m2 Warehouses, Central Location, close to central business development

Property: Kitty Hawk Estate

Location: Port Moresby, 6 mile, Tobo Road

Description: 1 x 499m2 Ideal for distribution & logistics, secured warehousing facility within close proximity of Jackson’s Airport

Property: HARD STAND - Sletjford

Location: Lae, Sletjford Street opposite Lae Wharf

Description: 10 000m2 Fenced, Convinient & Central Location

Napa Pala (POM) Ph: +675 7009 4500 npala@pacificpalmsproperty.com.pg

Delphine Kurangik (LAE) Ph: +675 7100 4557 dkurangik@pacificpalmsproperty.com.pg

Corina Aldan (LAE) Ph: +675 7100 4568 caldan@pacificpalmsproperty.com.pg

www.pacificpalmsproperty.com.pg

Services sector hopeful of improving mining arena

SERVICES companies and contractors are often a casualty of a mining industry downturn. Business Advantage PNG talks to companies servicing the sector in Papua New Guinea on how they have coped with the downturn, and the potential for a turnaround in the country.

Despite difficult conditions in Papua New Guinea’s mining industry, Lihirian landowner company, Anitua Mining Services, is hopeful of a rebound and is considering a number of new opportunities that would grow its project portfolio.

Mining focused companies in PNG continue to face challenges as the country’s minerals sector struggles to recover from a downturn that has been felt on a global scale.

While conditions have been forecast to improve, with Deloitte PNG saying in its November budget analysis that the mining sector will grow by 12 per cent in 2015 as new strategic mining plans take effect, Anitua Mining Services general manager Mark Edwards believes a rebound in PNG will take more time.

Edwards said over the past 18 months in particular Anitua Mining Services had felt the impact of the industry downturn in PNG.

‘Conditions will improve but it is going to take time-it is the same throughout PNG-it has been a bit of a roller coaster but I don’t think the industry here has been hit as hard as it has been elsewhere in Australia,’ Edwards told Business Advantage PNG.

Anitua Mining Services’ activities continue to be dominated by its long-standing contract at the Lihir

gold mine, now owned by Newcrest Mining Ltd. The company is also active at two mining projects off Lihir Island, although Edwards described them as minor and in their formative stages.

Future opportunities

Despite an outlook that will require patience, Edwards said the Anitua mining services team was currently considering a number of new projects to bolster its portfolio.

‘PNG is actually presenting itself with quite a few opportunities (for us) at the moment. We have to make sure what we choose is sustainable and it is going to be the right thing by the landowners–at the end of the day we work for the Lihirians,’ Edwards explained.

‘We like to go into an area where there is a landowner group that wants to take on a similar model to what the landowners here also seek.

‘We go into a shareholder agreement with them and part of that is that we provide them with the management and training to assist in improving the current business they’ve got for a sustainable business for both of us.’

No improvement

Engineering company Kramer Ausenco is another that has been impacted by the mining downturn, with Chief Executive Officer Frank Kramer saying the lower activity had probably been the ‘most notable aspect’ of the company’s performance in 2014.

www.bapng.com

INUNDATED

THE rainy season and average rainfall is currently taking its toll around most parts of the country. Picture left, a rural village and road flooded after accessive rainfall. During the wet season most rural communities are stocked up with food and ensure shelter is good to last the season.

Conference attracts hundreds

THE northern Queensland city of Cairns recently played host to the joint Australian Archaeological Association/Australasian Society for Historical Archaeology (AAA/ ASHA) conference.

Over 500 members, academics, archaeologists, students, consultants and interested persons from Australia and around the world attended the three day conference in December last year, held at the Pullman Cairns International. The conference participants heard from over 300 presentations under the theme of Culture, Climate and Change: Archaeology in the Tropics.

The conference was officially opened by Professor Chris Cocklin, the Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor of James Cook University, the host university. Among the attendees were two representatives from the University of Papua New Guinea, Jason Kariwiga and Teppsy Beni, from the UPNG Archaeology Lab Group.

Three sessions held on the opening day concerned the archaeology of Melanesia, and recent advances in Pacific archaeology. These sessions brought together current archaeological research and findings on Melanesia and primarily PNG.

KOPKOP COLLEGE

When asked why PNG archaeology was being discussed at an Australian conference, joint convenor of the sessions, Dr. Matthew Leavesley of James Cook University together with Dr. Anne Ford of University of Otago replied that PNG was fundamental to Australian archaeology.

“Australia and New Guinea were once joined by land across the Torres

Strait and therefore we have a shared history that can only be accessed through archaeology”, Leavesley said.

For Kariwiga and Beni, it was the first for both to attend an AAA conference. It was an opportunity to listen to and gauge the current direction of Australian and Pacific archaeology. It was also a chance to establish new networks with professionals from Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere.

“The conference has been an eyeopener, not only because we got to meet many leading archaeologists and listen to some great presentations, but the fact that PNG and Melanesian archaeology was acknowledged as integral throughout the conference shows our region’s importance,” Kariwiga said.

A poster exhibition and photo competition was also held, detailing current excavations and archaeology around Australia and the Pacific.

Archaeology has been taught at UPNG since the university’s founding, however, PNG has only a handful of qualified local archaeologists. These numbers were dealt a blow in October this year with the untimely passing of Herman Mandui, formerly chief archaeologist at the National Museum and Art Gallery. The late Mandui’s contribution to PNG archaeology was acknowledged by a number of speakers at the conference.

The AAA conference is an annual event attracting hundreds of people who debate Australian and Pacific and South East Asian archaeology. Last year marked its 37th meeting.

to

ENROLMENT STILL OPEN

At Kopkop College we set achievement targets at the beginning of each academic year. For example; in 2014 our Grade 10 scored 86% Distinction and Credit after the national examination.

‘Kopkop College stands on strong principles of quality education’

We invite you to enrol your child at Kopkop College for quality education in 2015.

Enrolment is still open for 2015 for Early Childhood Learning (3 – 4 years old), Primary school (Preprep – Grade 6), and Secondary School (Grade 7-12).

For further information call us on 326 1822 or 326 2839 OR email: admin@kopkopcollege.ac.pg

‘Strive

do better’

Use of poems useful

WHEN students only use a coursebook, sometimes the expressing and understanding of the language can get very typical and students may not want or not know how to diversify their way of expressing ideas. How about inovating and showing them short poems about diverse subjects?

You can find them anywhere on

Private schools playing vital role

BY MARILYN PAUL

As the school year begins with most in classrooms some are still enrolling and for PNG Education Development Services Secondary School this is no exception.

PNGEDSSS a private run institute enrolling students from Grade 9 to 12 in four centers in the country is seeing more students turning up to be enrolled for the year.

Established in 2011 at Avi, Jiwaka Province it now has a branch in Mt Hagen, Lae and Port Moresby in line with high demand for student enrolment.

Founder and Director of the school, John Rumints said the idea behind was to help students who could not proceed in the formal sector due to space limitation to have a chance of continuing their education through schools like PNGEDSSS.

“I started the school with the idea to improve and support human resource in the country.

The school is into its 5th year and we are happy to help the unfortunate students achieve their dream through the service we provide.The education curriculum is the same as in government schools including the exams and selection is done

PARENTS talking with teachers to find out how they can go about to enroll their children. PNG Education Development Services Secondary School POM office.

through OHE”.

Mr Rumints also pointed out that the National Government should support private schools like the public schools since the two are doing the same thing of educating the country’s human resources.

He said if the government helps or at least pays for the teachers engaged by the private schools then school fees will be reasonable for parents to afford.

He also pointed out that they must be a guideline for fees charged by private schools as most are too high and unaffordable for ordinary parents. With high fees charged it’s targeting the ones with money and the average parents are finding it hard

to support their children to pursue their educational dreams.

The Government did help PNGEDSSS last year with K100 per student and will continue this year. The school is solely funded by the fees paid by the students and from provincial members of students attending the school in its four centers.

The fees are affordable and the money paid are used for teacher’s salary and bills since all of its office space used for tutoring and office space are on rented properties . Though the school year has began they are still enrolling and they hope to kick start classes come Monday of week three of the school calendar.

the internet, just google it. It’s good to see how they can understand and express themselves differently on reading the short poems - new structures, new vocabulary, new horizons, new culture, new perspective, new ideas.

The teacher can use many short poems to improve any language ability.

FOUNDER and Director Mr John Rumints.

Island of ash won’t last

TONGA’S disruptive volcano has gone quiet, leaving behind a temporary island of ash.

Hunga Ha’apai erupted out of the sea 65 kilometres north of the capital Nuku’alofa just before Christmas and this month sent enough ash into the atmosphere to force flights to be diverted or cancelled.

Tonga’s National Advisory Centre of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources said this week that the eruption had stopped and nothing was coming out of the new vent.

“There were no signs of any emissions of ash, gas, or steam observed coming out from the vent of the new-formed island,” the ministry said.

It gives a new island to join the kingdom’s existing 176.

But it is a 3-square kilometre 120-metre high pile of ash that is expected to be quickly washed away because the eruption had no lava in it.

It is roughly the size of Auckland’s Browns Island or Wellington’s Matiu/ Somes Island.

-STUFF news.com

European Union issues tuna industry warning

SOLOMON Islands, Papua New Guinea and Tuvalu are facing a European Union (EU) tuna import ban if they do not take action on illegal fishing.

The three Pacific nations have received yellow cards from the EU for non-compliance with its laws designed to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency director-general James Movick last week told the ABC’s Pacific Beat program that in the case of Solomons Islands, virtually all their fisheries exports were going to Europe.

At a glance

TALEMATE: Small Pacific Island states and the powerful countries which fish in their waters were unable to agree on tuna conservation measures during a week of heavy talks at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) annual conference.

QUOTAS: The islands want the annual meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) in Samoa to cut tuna quotas in the region, which is the source of almost 60 per cent of the global catch.

He said it was essential Pacific fisheries worked with the agency to meet all aspects of EU fishing regulations as a ban would be catastrophic for the region’s tuna industry.

“It would be virtually impossible to develop alternative markets within the six-month period, plus there would be a reputational issue if you’re banned in one market then

certainly the level of scrutiny in another market would presumed to be higher,” he said.

Sol Tuna managing director and Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association chairman Adrian Wickham said the industry in Solomon Islands was taking the European Union’s warning seriously.

He said tuna industry representatives in the Solomons met with the fisheries minister last week and were assured the government was taking all the necessary steps to avoid a yellow card.

Mr Wickham said the government was planning to pass a bill to ensure better regula-

Children survive capsize

tion of the nation’s fisheries industry.

“It is all about process and procedures and reporting systems and one of the most important instruments that has to be put in place is the new fisheries act,” he said.

“We are assured by government at the prime minister’s level even, that the new fisheries bill will be tabled in parliament at the next sitting.”

Mr Wickam said he believed by working with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, Solomon Islands would be able to avert an EU ban on the nation’s tuna.

-ABC news

Compensation for nuclear test exposure

FIJIANS aboard two New Zealand Navy ships that were used to monitor nuclear tests over 50 years ago are to get compensation for the poor health they suffered but the New Zealanders are still fighting for any payments.

Seventy Fiji soldiers were present at Britain’s Christmas (now Kiritimati) Island nuclear tests in 1957-58, aboard HMNZ ships Pukaki and Rotoiti.

British and New Zealand servicemen who suffered radiation damage have been campaigning for compensation without success but today Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said he wanted to bring justice “to a brave and proud group of Fijians to whom a great injustice was done”. His father, the late Inoke Bainimarama, led the Fiji group to Christmas Island.

He said the government would make payments to 24 surviving veterans. They witnessed hydrogen bomb explosions standing on a ship’s deck.

“Witnesses recall looking at their hands and being able to see their bones through their skin when the blast took place.”

Bainimarama said thousands of others were affected by the British Government

was refusing to pay any compensation for a range of terrible ailments – leukemia, other blood disorders, skin complaints and other conditions.

“But Fiji is not prepared to wait for Britain to do the right thing,” he said.

“We owe it to these men to help them now, not wait for the British politicians and bureaucrats.

-STUFF news.com

A BOAT laden with children sailing for the first time has capsized on Wellington Harbour amid winds of 100 kilometres per hour today.

Police say they are lucky to have survived in the squally conditions.

Gale-force winds have swept the capital in recent days and forecasters had warned strong winds were expected in the capital this afternoon.

So Maritime Police were thoroughly unimpressed that an instructor decided 60 knot wind conditions were an appropriate time to take five children aged 12 to 13 out to learn boating today - some of whom were “first-time sailors” - when the only other vessels out on the harbour were the Cook Strait crossing ferries.

Predictably, the 4.5 metrelong trimaran capsized - spilling all into the water just off Petone Beach, Wellington maritime police Sergeant Andy Cobden-Cox said.

“As a result the thing just got blown over and at that stage they’ve ended up about 300 metres offshore. A number of the kids were scared and funding it quite hard to breathe while they were in the water.”

An inflatable dinghy set out from Petone beach and rescued the children, who were wearing lifejackets. -STUFF news.com

FIRST close-up images of Tonga’s new volcano. Picture: STUFF NEWS

Abbott faces revolt

AUSTRALIAN Prime Minis-

ter Tony Abbott is facing a growing backbench rebellion, with three MPs calling for a vote on his leadership.

One Liberal MP, Dennis Jensen, has publicly called on the prime minister to step down.

Questions over Mr Abbott’s leadership have grown amid a popularity slump and a shock defeat for his Liberal-National coalition in the Queensland election.

He has described the leadership wrangle as a sign of a “robust” party.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has been suggested as a possible challenger, although she has told fellow cabinet members she is “not campaigning for the job of prime minister”.

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has also been suggested as a possible rival, along with Social Services Minister Scott Morrison.

On Tuesday, Mr Jensen called for Mr Abbott to be replaced “as soon as possible”, Australia’s ABC News reported.

He said that government policy was “not consistent and coherent” and there was “no strategic direction”.

Queensland MP Warren Entsch said he wanted to see a “resolution” to the leadership issue at a party meeting next week.

“This speculation has to stop and we need to have a situation where there’s a whole-of-government approach,” he was quoted by ABC as saying.

His fellow Queensland MP Mal Brough said that although Mr Abbott had his support, he did not have his “unequivocal support” and he also called for the issue to be settled swiftly.

Mr Abbott’s approval ratings have fallen below 30% this week, partly in response to his decision to award a knighthood to Queen Elizabeth II’s husband Prince

Experts back three parent babies

At a glance

SAFE FOR NOW: Later on Wednesday, Ms Bishop reiterated her support for Mr Abbott. “I’m not discussing leadership speculation this evening,” she said at an event at the Australian National University. “I support the prime minister, I support the leader and I have said repeatedly that I am not campaigning, that I am not contacting the backbench and I am not seeking their support.”

Philip. On Wednesday Mr Abbott described the backbenchers’ actions as just a sign of a “robust” Liberal Party.

“We’ve always had a robust party room, and I hope that will always continue,” he told Macquarie Radio.

“What I think everyone in the party room understands is that the last thing we should do is go anywhere near reproducing the rabble of the Labor years.”

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann told ABC Radio that Mr Abbott had the “strong and unanimous support of the cabinet”.

“I believe he has the overwhelming support of the party room,” he said, warning his backbench colleagues not to repeat the mistakes of the former Labor government where infighting over the top job eventually cost it dearly in a general election.

Mr Cormann said the backbench needed to get behind the PM and “give him a fair go”.

Treasurer of Australia Joe Hockey also rallied to Mr Abbott’s defence, saying it was only the Canberra press gallery that was obsessed with the leadership.

“You don’t try and bring down a prime minister because of a knighthood for Prince Phillip,” Mr Hockey told the ABC.

-BBC news

Dig unearths mutiny victim

THE skeleton of a victim from one of Australia’s most famous shipwrecks has been unearthed by archaeologists.

The remains on Beacon Island, off Western Australia, date from the wreck of the Dutch East India ship the Batavia in 1629.

In the aftermath of the disaster, more than 100 survivors were murdered by a group of mutineers.

Maritime experts hope the latest find will shed new light on the episode.

The wreck site was first discovered in 1963 and a mass grave was found in 1999.

But Dr Daniel Franklin, of The University of West-

ern Australia Centre for Forensic Science, said this was the first skeleton to be found undisturbed on Beacon Island through archaeological investigations.

He said it “represents a unique opportunity to reconstruct events surrounding this individual’s death and internment”.

Jeremy Green, head of maritime archaeology at the Western Australian Museum, said they hoped to learn more about about the life of sailors. -BBC

SYDNEY: Medical experts hope the Australian government will eventually allow so-called “three parent” babies after the UK parliament lifted a ban on a genetic technique.

The decision has divided opinion in Britain between experts and charities backing the treatments and opponents who say the move marks the start of a slippery slope towards “designer” babies.

Former Australian Medical Association president Andrew Pesce said: “This is designing away disease, not designing babies.”

He said the technique would help families affected by mitochondrial disease, which was potentially fatal.

“It offers the hope of giving birth to a healthy child to a woman who would otherwise be unable to do so by providing the necessary mitochondrial DNA from a second woman,” Dr Pesce said.

UK House of Commons MPs voted this week in favour of allowing the creation of babies with DNA from two women and one man.

The technique, in which only 0.01 per cent of the child’s genetic make-up would come from the donor, could stop genetic diseases being passed from mother to child.

A further vote is required in the House of Lords.

If it is approved, then the first such baby could be born next year.

Professor David Thorburn, of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne, said the therapy could eventually be performed in Australia.

“We want them to do this and demonstrate that it’s safe and effective and then we will be lobbying very hard for it to become possible in Australia,” Prof Thorburn said. “Technically it is possible but it would be very hard to change that legislation at the moment. The criteria to undergo the treatment in the UK will be extremely stringent.

-AAP news

Study: Fences could halt cane toad menace

SPECIAL fences built around dams in arid parts of Australia could help eradicate the menace of cane toads, according to new research.

The toads, regarded as poisonous pests, are drawn to the dams by the need for water and die in large numbers if fences hold them back, scientists said.

The animals were brought to Australia in the 1930s to get rid of beetles.

They have since spread from Queensland into the

Northern Territories, New South Wales and Western Australia.

Their numbers have grown because they have almost no natural predators and their toxins kill native animals that normally feed on frogs.

Various methods to eradicate the toads have been tried, including mass culls by teams of volunteers, but have only had limited success.

Now a study led by experts at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) says

toad-proof fences around dams may stem their spread because most areas the toads will invade in future are semiarid or arid.

The dams are built to provide water for livestock but are a magnet for the toads.

Researchers built small fences from shade cloth around three dams in the Victoria River region of the Northern Territory and maintained them for a year.

They found that the toads were unable to jump over

them or burrow under.

“The toads were still attracted to the water but they died en masse while attempting to settle at the fenced dams,” said the study’s lead author, UNSW Associate Professor Mike Letnic.

“Their numbers remained suppressed for a further year. By comparison, there were 10 to 100 times more toads living at the unfenced dams that were used as controls in the study,” he said.

The team has suggested that

livestock farmers and wildlife agencies work together to fence out the toads or replace the dams with water tanks. “If conducted strategically, excluding toads from manmade water sources could effectively control their populations across large areas of Australia,” said Prof Letnic. The research team included scientists from the University of Technology, Sydney, and the University of Melbourne.

-BBC news

THE Batavia story is well-known across Australia. Picture: BBC

We hope to learn more ...

JEREMY GREEN Australia

SOME cane toads are fitted with tracking devices to plot their spread. Picture: BBC

West Bank paper sorry for cartoon

AN official Palestinian newspaper has apologised to its readers for publishing a drawing that is alleged to have depicted the Prophet Muhammad.

The Palestinian Authority’s Al-Hayat-al-Jadida also denied that the drawing – of a robed figure standing over the Earth – represented the Prophet.

Most Muslims view any depictions of the Prophet as forbidden – and offensive.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has ordered an inquiry into the publication of the cartoon.

The official Palestinian news agency, Wafa, said Mr Abbas had called for “deterrent action against those responsible for this terrible mistake”.

Plane hits bridge, crashes into Taipei river

A TAIWANESE flight with 58 people aboard went sideways, clipped an elevated roadway and careened into a river shortly after takeoff from the island’s capital of Taipei, killing at least 12 people.

Rescue crews in rubber rafts clustered around an exposed area of the mostly sunken fuselage, which was on its side in the Keelung River and missing a wing a couple dozen metres from the shore.

They feared many of the passengers and crew members of the TransAsia Airways flight remained trapped inside The ATR-72-600 prop-jet aircraft was flying on its

side, with one wing scraping past Taiwan’s busy National Freeway No. 1 just seconds before it plunged into the river, local television images showed.

It had taken off from Taipei’s downtown Sungshan Airport en route to the outlying Taiwancontrolled Kinmen islands.

Civil aviation officials said the flight took off at 10.53 am (local time) and lost contact with controllers two minutes later.

A screengrab from a car’s dashboard camera was quickly posted to Twitter showing the plane’s collision with the bridge.

Many passengers were from China, Taiwanese

and Chinese state media reported. Kinmen’s airport is a common link between Taipei and China’s Fujian province.

Taiwan’s Central News Agency said 12 people were killed. Taiwan’s tourism bureau said 31 of the passengers were from mainland China.

Wu Jun-Hong, a Taipei Fire Department official who was coordinating the rescue, said the victims were among 27 people pulled from the plane. The 31 people who remained unaccounted for either were still in the fuselage or had been pulled downriver, he said.

“At the moment, things don’t look too optimistic,”

Wu told reporters at the scene. “Those in the front of the plane are likely to have lost their lives.”

Rescuers were pulling luggage from an open plane door to clear the fuselage, and Wu said they planned to build a pontoon bridge to facilitate those efforts.

The plane’s wing also hit a taxi, the driver of which was injured, on the freeway as it flew into the river, Taiwanese broadcaster TVBS reported.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said it had sent 165 people and eight boats to the riverside rescue scene, joining local fire department rescue crews.

A TransAsia media office

declined comment on possible reasons for the crash, deferring to a news conference scheduled for later on Wednesday.

Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration also was also unable to discuss possible causes of the crash.

A plane operated by the same Taipei-based airline crashed in the outlying Taiwan-controlled islands of Penghu last July 23, killing 48 at the end of a typhoon for reasons that are still under investigation.

Mr Abbas was among the world leaders who attended a rally in Paris last month to condemn a deadly gun attack on the offices of a satirical magazine that had caricatured Muhammad.

The gunmen - both of whom had links to jihadist militants - killed prominent journalists at the Charlie Hebdo magazine, in apparent retaliation for the caricatures.

The attack sparked a global debate over freedom of expression and its limits.

Al-Hayat-al-Jadida published a drawing in its 1 February edition that featured a robed figure standing over the Earth, scattering seeds from a heart-shaped bag. The caption to the drawing said, “Our Prophet Muhammad”.

The cartoonist, Mohammed Sabanneh, later wrote on his Facebook page that he had not meant any harm by the drawing, Reuters news agency reported.

Wednesday’s crash is likely to further hurt the reputation of the 64-yearold airline along with that of the Civil Aeronautics Administration. -Stuff

news

Mr Sabanneh said the robed figure did not represent the Prophet but was “a symbol of humanity enlightened by what the Prophet Muhammad brought”. It also launched an inquiry into “the published drawing that led to the misunderstanding”. – BBC

Bollywood ‘comedy show’ taken off YouTube

THE producers of an Indian comedy “roast show” have taken it off YouTube after an intense row over its contents on social media.

Stand-up comedy group AIB recently invited Bollywood actors Arjun Kapoor and Ranveer Singh to its “comedy roast” filmed in front of thousands of people.

Right-wing groups and Twitter users objected to the show’s “abusive jokes”.

The programme was based on US-style roast shows where celebrities are abused and insulted.

Most celebrities take such insults in good humour and get a chance to get back at their “roasters” at the end of show.

Popular filmmaker Karan

Johar hosted the show along with AIB members to question Kapoor and Singh.

In the video, the Bollywood actors can be seen laughing at the jokes and seem to have taken the “insults” in their stride.

Among the audiences were top Bollywood actresses Deepika Padukone, Sonakshi Sinha and Alia Bhat.

The three-part series got more than eight million views within days after it was uploaded on YouTube.

But the comedy group has now removed the series after several right-wing groups and Twitter users protested against its “below the belt” jokes and “abusive language”.

The Maharashtra state

government has said that it would look into the content of the show and take necessary action if needed, The Indian Express reports.

The AIB, which is popular for making funny videos about celebrities and current affairs, is also facing threats from Hindu nationalist parties.

Regional party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has asked the actors to apologise over the show.

The party added that it would not allow the films of these actors to be released in the state if they failed to apologise.

The show’s content sparked several hashtags on Twitter. Most people have

used #AIBroast and ##AIBNationalShame to criticise the show.

However, there is support for AIB in equal measure on Twitter.

Many see the pressure on AIB as an indication that some Indians are yet to take humour in their stride.

“Master roaster” Karan Johar was among the first few to hit back at those who criticised the show’s content.

Then there are others who think there are far too many serious issues in India to debate than a comedy show. Most of the supporters of the comedy groups have used #WestandbyAIBknockout hashtag.

-BBC news

RESCUERS pull a passenger out of the TransAsia Airways plane which crash landed in a river, in New Taipei City. Picture: Stuff news

ARJUN Kapoor was present at the AIB’s “roast show”.

Picture: BBC

North Korea-US talks unnecessary

NORTH Korea says it sees no more need to negotiate with the United States, accusing Washington of plotting to “bring down” its regime, and threatened to strike back using all its military resources.

North Korea routinely seeks to raise tensions ahead of annual joint military drills by US and South Korean forces that usually begin in March. This year, Pyongyang has offered to suspend nuclear testing if Washington calls off the exercises.

However, North Korea’s National Defence Commission said on Wednesday, local time, that the United States was inching close to “igniting a war of

Myanmar warns UN envoy

MYANMAR has accused a top UN official of interfering in its internal affairs.

The statement from the foreign ministry referred to the visit last month of Yanghee Lee, the UN’s special rapporteur on Myanmar.

Ms Lee had highlighted discrimination against Muslim Rohingya minority in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.

She also criticised draft laws proposed by nationalist Buddhist monks that include curbs on interfaith marriage and religious conversions.

After her visit, she was described by a prominent nationalist monk as a “bitch” and a “whore”.

This prompted a strong reaction from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad alHussein, who called on Myanmar to condemn him.

In its statement, however, the foreign ministry said that some of the concerns Ms Lee had raised did not reflect “the overall positive aspect of an issue”.

“Selectivity is often exercised. On some occasions, interfering on issues which fall within state sovereignty and domestic jurisdiction is evident.”

The statement referred to the Rohingya issue and the proposed laws, as well as land reform, media freedom and political prisoners.

It called on Ms Lee to do her job in a “professional and prudent manner”, while making no mention of the abuse directed at her.

Most people in Myanmar are Buddhist.

In 2012, scores of people died and thousands were left homeless after violence broke out between Buddhists and Muslims in Rakhine state, mostly from the Rohingya minority.

Anti-Muslim violence has flared several times since then.

The UN says the Rohingya - who are stateless - are being persecuted. Last month it passed a resolution calling on Myanmar to give them citizenship. -BBC news

P

aggression” and that the Obama administration was working to trigger its collapse.

The commission, Pyongyang’s supreme leadership body, is headed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

“Since the gangster-like US imperialists are blaring that they will “bring down” the DPRK ... the army and people of the DPRK cannot but officially notify the Obama administration of the USA that the DPRK has neither need nor willingness to sit at the negotiating table with the US any longer,” it said.

Using the North’s official name of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK),

it said Pyongyang had decided “to write the last page of ... US history”.

“(Smaller), precision and diversified nuclear striking means and ground, naval, underwater, air and cyber warfare means will be used,” the commission said in the statement carried by the official KCNA news agency.

US President Barack Obama said in an interview carried on YouTube on Jan. 22 the Internet would inevitably penetrate even a country as reclusive and closed as North Korea and bring about change. “Over time you will see a regime like this collapse,” Obama said.

-STUFF news.com

M

International Performance by a male athlete in 2014

2. Female Athlete of the Year – Best International Performance by a female athlete in 2014

3. Team of the Year – Best International Performance by a team in 2014

4. National Performance of the Year – Best National Performance by a male athlete, female athlete, or team in 2014

5. Community Sports Initiative – Best use of sport to help address social issues at a community level in 2014

6. Junior Male Athlete of the Year – Best Performance by a male athlete who was 18 years and younger in 2014

7. Junior Female Athlete of the Year - Best Performance by a female athlete who was 18 years and younger in 2014

8. Best Sportsperson with a Disability – For athletes with a physical or intellectual disability who have performed outstandingly in 2014

9. Sports Official of the Year – For individuals who have excelled as a Coach, Referee/Umpire or Administrator in 2014

10. Sports Photo of the Year – For best photo taken in 2014 capturing a sporting moment at any level of sport

11. Sports Media Award – For media coverage of sport or a sporting event in 2014 by an individual, programme, organisation or online site

*People’s Choice of the Year - Public to be given opportunity to vote on which finalist from the first four categories they feel deserves to win this award Nominations can be submitted by anyone including national sporting associations, individual sportsmen and women, coaches, administrators, clubs, sports officials, the media and the public for any of the above awards.

The SP Sports Awards are for all sporting persons and bodies. The decision of the Awards Selection Committee is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Closing date for nominations in all categories of the SP Sports Awards 2015 is Wednesday 25th February, 2015.

Additional information on terms and conditions or criteria can be obtained from the:

PNG Olympic Committee Inc. on:

Telephone: (675) 323 0114 323 0108 or 71001063

Facsimile: (675) 325 1851 Email: alepani@pngoc.org.pg

Location: Telikom 4-Mile Compound, Boroko NCD

NOMINATION DETAILS

I would like to nominate________________________________________ (name) Of _________________________________In the category of_____________________________________________________ (eg Male Athlete of the Year)

IMPORTANT

Nominations MUST include supporting documentation describing major achievements in 2014 to enhance your nomination and forward to:

PNG OLYMPIC COMMITTEE INC.

PO BOX 467, BOROKO, NCD. 111, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Location: Telikom 4-Mile Compound, Boroko. NCD

DETAILS OF PERSON NOMINATING ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Name ________________________________________________________

NORTH Korean leader Kim Jong-un has threatened to attack the US over its annual military exercise with the South. Picture: STUFF NEWS

YANGHEE

Japan eyes ‘required’ holidays

TOKYO: Japan is considering making it compulsory for workers to take at least five days’ paid holiday a year, in a bid to lessen the toll on mental and physical health in a country famed for its long hours.

Workers typically use less than half their leave in a year, according to a survey by the labour ministry which found that in 2013 employees took only nine of their 18.5 days average entitlement.

A separate poll showed that one in every six workers took no paid holidays at all in 2013, Jiji Press said.

The government wants to boost the amount of paid leave used to 70 per cent by 2020, and is planning to submit legislation mandating holidays in the current parliament session, Jiji said.

Most Chinese cities fail air quality standards

ONLY eight out of China’s 74 biggest cities passed the government’s basic air quality standards in 2014, the environment ministry has said.

The most polluted cities were in north-eastern Hebei, the province that surrounds the capital Beijing.

Beijing and Shanghai both failed the assessment, which was based on measurements of major pollutants.

China is attempting to cut pollution but the country still relies heavily on coal for its energy needs.

The government shut more than 8,000 coal-burning factories in Hebei last year.

But the BBC’s Celia Hatton in Beijing says like many places in China, the authorities are struggling to balance factory closures with the demands of the country’s slowing economy.

The environment minis-

try’s statement published on its website (in Chinese) noted that the 2014 result was an improvement over the previous year, where only three cities met the standards.

But it added that “presently, the country’s air pollution situation remains serious”.

The assessment was based on readings of pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and ozone.

The southern city of Haikou, in Hainan province, was found to have the cleanest air.

Most of the eight cities that made the grade were in the

east of the country.

Meanwhile the northern industrial city of Baoding had the dirtiest air.

The statement did not give the rankings for Beijing and Shanghai, although it noted that Beijing’s air quality had improved slightly over the previous year. The Chinese authorities announced a “war on air pollution” last year, and recently began publishing figures for the air quality in China’s cities. Officials have pledged to restrict consumption of coal, scrap millions of cars and rely more on clean energy sources.

At November’s Apec summit, China made a historic pledge that its carbon emissions would peak by 2030, but did not set a specific target.

It also attempted to improve the air quality in Beijing during the Apec summit, imposing tight limits on car use and ordering factories to close in the weeks leading up to the meeting.

The temporary improvement in air quality was termed “Apec Blue”, and the government has since promised to make it a permanent feature by improving air quality countrywide.

-BBC news

In early discussions, employers’ groups have proposed limiting the number of compulsory paid holidays to three days, while unions have called for eight.

Japan’s culture of long working hours and unpaid overtime is regularly criticised as a leading cause of mental and physical illness among employees.

The term “karoshi”, which means “death by overwork”, entered the lexicon a few years ago amid a surge in the number of people dying because of stress-related problems, or taking their own lives.

Japan has a relatively high 15 statutory holidays annually. In recent years there has been a move to shift the days so that they fall adjacent to the weekend, making domestic holidays more of a possibility.

This year for the first time there will be a five-day weekend in May and in September, to which it is expected some employees will add a few days’ leave to make their holidays longer.

-AAP news

Japan wakes up to bad news about journalist

JAPAN woke up early on Sunday morning to the news of the death of Kenji Goto, whose apparent killing was shown in a video released by Islamic State militants.

Many first learned the sad news on Twitter, as they did when the hostage situation broke initially, although newspapers were also quick to bring out special editions on Sunday morning.

For many in Japan, this has been a tragedy unfolding before their eyes on social media, so it was only natural that they would respond on Twitter. But the response has been mixed, as it has been since the beginning.

There is of course grief, anger, commiseration.

Many have joined in calls not to look at images of Kenji Goto’s killing, but to show images of Mr Goto as he did what he excelled in, reporting on the lives of ordinary people caught in the crossfire, caught in a humanitarian crisis.

Many people are asking news outlets not to create a media circus around the families of Mr Goto and another Japanese hostage, Haruna Yukawa, who was beheaded a week ago.

The reaction of Kenji Goto’s older brother. Junichi, has been widely praised on social media.

He began by thanking the Japanese government, the country of Japan and the

world for their support, before concentrating on Kenji himself.

“As his older brother, I wish Kenji was able to come home and thank every one himself, and I’m most aggrieved this is not to be. I am proud of Kenji’s professional achievements, but, as his brother, I think this time his actions were careless,” Junichi Goto, 55, told broadcaster NHK.

His words are exactly the kind of family response Japanese considers dignified and noble in this kind of situation, touching on the very notion of “Japaneseness”.

Others are angry at Japanese TV stations that are

repeatedly showing snippets from the murder video, calling it a direct terror threat against the Japanese people.

While many share the anger expressed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, some have pointed out that he only touched briefly upon the grief suffered by the two victims’ families and failed to refer to their achievements.

They highlight a contrast with a statement issued by the White House in which President Barack Obama said: “Through his reporting, Mr Goto courageously sought to convey the plight of the Syria people to the outside world.” -BBC news

Asian region has been experiecning plane crash incidents in the recent past.

TAuthorities strife to balance factory closure with demand.

CELIA HATTON Beijing

THE northern industrial city of Baoding was found to have the worst air in 2014. Picture: BBC

GUN TESTED

Vaccination row stirs up US presidential race

THE row over vaccinations has spilled into the 2016 US presidential race, with two Republican hopefuls forced to clarify comments about the safety of vaccines amid alarm from doctors and fellow politicians.

Considered eradicated from the US in 2000, measles reemerged in December in an outbreak clustered around the Disneyland amusement park in California, with 102 cases reported in 14 states. The issue has stirred up the country’s political scene, particularly among potential Republican candidates for the 2016 presidential election, and shone a spotlight on the so-called anti-vaccination movement.

The issue presents challenges for the politicians who do not want to alienate the ultraconservative electorate who sometimes reject the vaccine.

Republican senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, himself a doctor, attracted criticism after telling CNBC he had heard of instances where vac-

US to purge intel on foreigners

US spy agencies will expunge intelligence on foreigners gleaned from phone or email intercepts after five years, unless it has security value.

Two years after whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed a vast overseas digital dragnet that snared, among others, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the US government says it’s changing how it handles the trove of intel.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has announced it’s imposed new limitations on the retention of personal information about non-US citizens.

Following a review requested by President Barack Obama it says intelligence community elements must now delete non-US person information five years after collection. -Stuff news

President’s ‘arrest planned’

ARGENTINE prosecutor

Alberto Nisman drafted an arrest warrant for President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, according to the woman investigating Mr Nisman’s mysterious death.

cines caused “mental disorders”.

“I have heard of many tragic cases of walking, talking normal children who wound up with profound mental disorders after vaccines,” he said.

“I’m not arguing vaccines are a bad idea, they’re a good thing. But I think the parent should have some input, the state doesn’t own your children, parents own the children and it is an issue of freedom.”

Senator Paul later sought to clarify his comments.

He said he never alleged vaccinations caused disorders, just that they were related in time. He also tweeted a picture of himself getting a booster shot.

New Jersey governor Chris Christie, a Republican and potential 2016 presidential candidate, was also forced to clarify his stance after saying parents needed a “measure of choice”.

“There has to be a balance, and it depends on what the vaccine is, what the disease

type is, and all the rest … Not every vaccine is created equal, and not every disease type is as great a public health threat as others,” he said.

His spokesman later said the governor believed kids should be vaccinated against measles.

Even calling it a ‘debate’ infuriates the medical establishment.

Dr Zeke Emanuel, the chair of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, said framing the vaccination debate as a question of individual liberty was a disingenuous stance.

“People who don’t get their kids vaccinated are not proclaiming freedom, they’re simply being irresponsible and shoving a lot of burden on everyone else,” he said.

The remarks alarmed politicians on both sides of the aisle, prompting other Republicans, like House speaker John Boehner, to make it clear where they stand.

“I don’t know that we need

another law, but I do believe that all children ought to be vaccinated,” he said.

Republican Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal said there was a “lot of fear-mongering” on the issue.

“I have no reservations about whether or not it is a good idea and desirable for all children to be vaccinated,” he said.

Hillary Clinton, widely seen as the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination, was perhaps the most blunt.

On Monday, she wrote on Twitter: “The science is clear: The earth is round, the sky is blue, and #vaccineswork.”

Earlier this week president Barack Obama urged parents to have their children vaccinated against preventable diseases such as the measles. He said that while he understood there were families concerned about the effect of vaccinations, he said the science was “pretty indisputable.”

“We’ve looked at this again and again. There is every

reason to get vaccinated, but there aren’t reasons to not,” he told NBC.

“You should get your kids vaccinated.”

He said the larger the group of unvaccinated people, the more vulnerable it made small infants and people who cannot get vaccinations because of health issues. Debunked theories that once suggested a link between vaccines and autism have led some parents to refuse to have their children inoculated.

Even though doctors say those fears are unfounded, many parents want to decide for themselves whether to vaccinate their children.

There have been 91 measles cases in California, with at least 58 of those epidemiologically linked to a cluster that began at Disneyland.

More than a dozen other cases have been confirmed in 13 other US states and in Mexico.

No deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak. -ABC news

Seven killed as New York train hits vehicle

A COMMUTER train has hit a vehicle at a level crossing north of New York City, killing at least seven people and injuring 12, officials say.

The train, with about 800 passengers on board, hit the Jeep Cherokee near Valhalla - about 20 miles (32km) from New York - on Tuesday

evening. The vehicle’s female driver was killed, along with six people on the train, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said.

The car and front carriage of the train caught fire following the crash. The packed commuter

train had left Grand Central Station in New York City and was heading to Wassaic in south-east New York State.

The crossing gates at the railroad had come down on top of the vehicle, which had stopped on the tracks, MetroNorth Railroad spokesman

Aaron Donovan said. The driver got out to look at the damage, and then got back into the car to drive forward before it was hit by the train. It pushed the vehicle more than 120m (400ft).

It is not yet clear why the vehicle stalled on the tracks. As a result of the collision

the electrified third rail of the track came through the front carriage of the train.

Passengers had to escape from the rear of the train.

Mr Cuomo, who visited the site of the crash, said he witnessed “a truly ugly and brutal sight”.

He added: “When you look

Lead investigator Viviana Fein said the draft warrant was found in a rubbish bin in Mr Nisman’s apartment complex.

Mr Nisman was found dead in his Buenos Aires apartment last month, with a single bullet wound to the head. Investigators have yet to establish if he killed himself, or was murdered.

Mr Nisman had been investigating the 1994 bombing of a Jewish centre in Buenos Aires which killed 85 people.

He died hours before he was due to testify in Congress against President Fernandez, whom he had accused of covering up alleged Iranian involvement in the 1994 attack.

President Fernandez has denied the allegation. Iran has also denied involvement in the attack.

Ms Fein told a local radio station on Tuesday that the draft warrant was “on file”, and that a previous statement from her office saying that no such draft had been found was “erroneous”.

-BBC news

at the damage done, it’s actually amazing that not more people were hurt.”

Passenger Justin Kaback told ABC News: “I was trapped. It was definitely scary - especially when people are walking by on the outside and said ‘The train’s on fire’.” -BBC news

‘LESS LETHAL’

PROTESTS were held across the US after Ferguson police shot unarmed teen Michael Brown, now police are looking at less lethal alternatives. Picture: Stuff.co.nz

TO FREEDOM

‘No Jews’ job advertisement in France sparks outrage

PARIS: A French anti-racism organisation has filed an official complaint for discrimination after a company published a job ad online looking for a computer graphics designer who “if possible” is “not Jewish”.

The job description, which was published Monday on specialised website www. graphic-jobs.com by graphic design agency NSL Studio and has since been removed, sparked a furore on the internet.

Troops hurt in attack

A MAN wielding a knife has attacked three soldiers patrolling outside a Jewish community centre in Nice, in the south of France.

The soldiers were wounded and police said the assailant was captured.

Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi told French TV that a second man had been arrested in connection with the stabbing.

The attacker was expelled from Turkey last week and questioned upon his return, French media reported.

France has been on high alert since last month’s terror attacks in Paris by three Islamist gunmen, in which 17 people were killed.

After the attacks, 10,500 soldiers were deployed outside sensitive sites including Jewish and Muslim centres as well as media buildings.

The soldiers attacked in Nice were guarding a building in the city’s Massena square which houses the Jewish community centre and a Jewish radio station. -BBC

Greece lobbies over debt

GREECE’S leaders have received a guarded welcome to their reported proposals for a debt deal, ahead of crunch talks with EU creditors.

After a meeting in Rome with Greek PM Alexis Tsipras, Italian PM Matteo Renzi said his country would “give Greece a hand” without always agreeing with it.

Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis has reportedly suggested a new deal for exchanging debt with bailout creditors.

The radical left Greek government was elected on a pledge to end austerity.

The company has distanced itself from “the anti-Semitic comments that were published on February 2, 2015 on the site,” it says on its web-

site, where it also announced having filed a complaint so that a probe can determine “who is responsible for this publication”.

“NSL Studio is an agency of integrity that does not discriminate,” it said, adding that “the person in charge of the ad will be questioned, a probe launched and the necessary measures taken if it turns out that it really came from us”.

NSL Studio had earlier said on its Twitter account that its job ad had been hacked.

“This is a proven case of public discrimination based on the real or supposed belonging to a race, ethnic group

or religion, which is punishable by law,” SOS Racisme spokeswoman Aline Kremer told AFP.

The organisation has filed a complaint against persons unknown until a probe determines exactly who is responsible.

The specialised jobs website, meanwhile, has apologised, saying its moderators had failed to notice the ad for around 35 minutes before it was deleted.

-AAP news

The Syriza party, led by Mr Tsipras, won last Sunday’s vote by promising to write off half the country’s massive debt, sparking alarm on the markets and among eurozone officials.

The Greek government also said it would refuse new loans from the EU and the IMF, prompting questions about how it would finance itself.

This week, however, Greek leaders on a tour of European capitals sought to allay some of the concerns. -BBC news

UN: Renewed fighting in Ukraine ‘catastrophic’

UP to 16 civilians have been killed and dozens more injured in the space of 24 hours in fighting in eastern Ukraine, as the UN warns that the fresh surge in violence is proving “catastrophic”.

Government and rebel representatives reported the latest deaths in locations across the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Ukraine’s army also said five soldiers had died fighting pro-Russian rebels near the strategic town of Debaltseve.

The bottom line

Civilian casualties have risen sharply in recent weeks amid a rebel offensive.

The latest deaths were in the city of Donetsk, Debaltseve and several villages under government control in the Luhansk region. The exact numbers could not be independently confirmed.

UN human rights chief Zeid

Ra’ad Al Hussein said there had been a “clear breach of international humanitarian law which governs the conduct of armed conflicts”.

“Bus stops and public transport, marketplaces, schools

and kindergartens, hospitals and residential areas have become battlegrounds in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine,” he said in a statement.

“Any further escalation will prove catastrophic for the 5.2 million people living in the midst of conflict in eastern Ukraine,” he added.

According to the UN, the death toll now exceeds 5,350 people and more than 12,000 other people have been wounded in the fighting.

There has been heavy fighting around Debaltseve, site

of a key railroad junction, for the past week, with rebels trying to surround government forces.

The BBC’s David Stern in Kiev says reports suggest there is a growing humanitarian crisis in the town, which is virtually cut off by the battle.

A Ukrainian journalist who visited told the BBC that Debaltseve had been virtually destroyed and many residents were trapped - hiding in basements, without food, electricity or water supplies.

-BBC news

Captains have zero tolerance of weakness when faced with ‘life or death’ situation at the war fronts.

FIVE soldiers had been killed in fierce fighting over the past 24 hours. Picture: BBC

A WHITE-TAILED eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is released, having been brought back to health by the Przemysl Protected Animal Rehabilitation Centre in Poland. Picture: BBC

THE ad was posted by NSL Studio. Picture: BBC

Chad troops join battle

CHADIAN troops have entered Nigeria to join the battle against militant Islamist group Boko Haram.

Armoured vehicles and infantry crossed a bridge from Cameroon following air strikes and mortar attacks on Boko Haram positions, officials say.

Fighting focused on the key north-eastern town of Gamboru, Nigerian security spokesman Mike Omeri said.

Chad’s deepening involvement shows how the conflict with Boko Haram is taking a regional dimension.

Last week, Chadian troops reportedly moved into Malumfatori, a Nigerian town which lies near the borders of Chad and Niger, after a ground and air assault against the militants

Chadian forces have also massed near the town of Diffa in Niger, Reuters news agency quotes military sources in Niger as saying.

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has threatened to create a caliphate, incorporating parts of Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

The African Union has responded by backing plans to establish a 7,500-strong regional force to fight the group.

The Chadian contingent of about 2,000 troops crossed the frontier without a shot being fired, AFP news agency reports from the scene.

Chad warplanes had earlier carried out air strikes for about an hour.

Mr Omeri told BBC Focus on Africa that Chad’s intervention signalled the “intensification” of efforts by neighbouring states to defeat Boko Haram.

“We should expect more cooperation, more collaboration and more coordination,” he said.

Chadian military sourc-

IS: Jordon executes two Jihadists

JORDAN has executed by hanging an Iraqi female militant it had sought to exchange for a Jordanian pilot killed by Islamic State militants.

es told Reuters that their troops had clashed with the militants in Gamboru, a small town separated from Cameroon by a river and used by the militants to launch cross-border raids.

“Our troops entered Nigeria this morning. The combat is ongoing,” it quotes a source as saying.

On Monday, Nigeria’s army said it had recaptured Gamboru, also known as Gamboru Ngala.

Most of its residents had fled after Boko Haram seized it last year, destroying most of the town and killing hundreds of people.

Nigeria’s military has been widely criticised for failing to curb the six-year insurgency, which has displaced some 1.5 million people.

It is under increasing pressure to regain territory ahead of the 14 February presidential election, amid concerns that the insurgency will prevent many Nigerians in the north-east from voting.

Boko Haram controls territory the size of Belgium, mostly in Borno state, according to Associated Press news agency.

In April, it caused international outrage by abducting more than 200 schoolgirls from the north-eastern town of Chibok in Nigeria’s Borno State.

Founded in 2002, initially focused on opposing Western-style education - Boko Haram means “Western education is forbidden” in the Hausa language

Launched military operations in 2009 to create Islamic state

Thousands killed, mostly in north-eastern Nigeriahas also attacked police and UN headquarters in capital, Abuja

Has abducted hundreds, including at least 200 schoolgirls. BBC news

UN Gaza probe head quits

THE head of a UN inquiry into potential war crimes committed during the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict has resigned amid allegations of anti-Israel bias.

William Schabas acknowledged he had previously done work for the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), and did not want this to compromise the probe.

Israel had accused Prof Schabas of “clear and documented bias” against it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the investigation should

now be scrapped. The inquiry’s panel, which was commissioned by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), is due to issue its findings in March.

Mr Netanyahu said the council was “an anti-Israel body” whose record proved it had “nothing to do with human rights”.

“This is the same council that in 2014 made more decisions against Israel than against Iran, Syria and North Korea combined,” he said.

“After the resignation of William Schabas it is

Government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani said authorities had also executed another Iraqi prisoner sentenced to death for terrorist plots.

The executions were in response to the murder of Jordanian fighter pilot Maaz al-Kassasbeh, who was reportedly burned alive by the Islamic State group. Hours after a video emerged online purporting to show the 26-year-old engulfed in flames, a security official said executions would begin at daybreak.

Would-be Iraqi female suicide bomber Sajida al-Rishawi was named as the first slated to go to the gallows.

Rishawi was sentenced to death for her role in a 2005 suicide bomb attack that killed 60 people.

Ziyad Karboli, an Iraqi Al Qaeda operative who was convicted in 2008 for killing a Jordanian, was also executed at dawn, Mr Momani said.

First Lieutenant Kassasbeh was captured in December when his jet crashed over northern Syria on a mission that was part of the US-led coalition air campaign against the jihadists.

Some Jordanians have criticised King Abdullah for embroiling them in the conflict they say was waged to serve the West’s interests against Muslims.

time to shelve the anti-Israeli report his committee wrote.”

Prof Schabas, a Canadian international law expert, was appointed last August to lead a three-member group looking into alleged war crimes during Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.

UNHRC spokesman Rolando Gomez said Israel had accused Prof Schabas of having a “conflict of interest”, AFP news agency reports, due to paid consultancy work done by Prof Schabas for the PLO in 2012. -BBC news

Some also felt it could provoke a militant backlash. Several politicians and lawmakers have called on the government to pull out of the coalition.

Jordanian authorities said First Lieutenant Kassasbeh’s death would not weaken resolve to fight militant Islamist groups.

King Abdullah cut short a visit to the United States to return home following the announcement of First Lieutenant Kassasbeh’s death on Tuesday (local time).

In a televised statement, he said the pilot’s killing was an act of “cowardly terror” by a deviant group that had no relation to Islam. ABC news

Surviving son blames burglar for axe massacre

THE surviving son of the Van Breda family who were axed to death in South Africa has told police that a burglar attacked him and his family in their house.

Henri van Breda, 20, told detectives he was attacked last and was knocked unconscious, next to his mother and

sister Marli, 16, who also survived the attack and remains in a stable condition with severe head injuries, including possible brain damage.

According to South African news agency Netwerk 24, Henri told police his brother Rudi, 22, was attacked first before the burglar turned on

their father Martin, mother Teresa and Marli at the family home in the wine town of Stellenbosch, 50km from Cape Town, in the early hours of last Tuesday morning.

Henri, who suffered a bruise to his head and scratches during the ordeal, is currently staying with an uncle

and undergoing counselling in nearby Stellenbosch and may not attend a memorial service for his family on Thursday.

It has been reported he had scans for cysts on the brain at an Australian hospital last year. An triple-0 call he made

after the attack has also surfaced, in which he appears to snigger when telling the operator members of his family were “bleeding from the head”.

Operator: “OK what kind of injuries is there?”

Henri: “Um, my, my, my family and me were attacked

by a guy with an axe.”

Operator: “With an axe? An unconscious yeah?”

Henri: “Yes and bleeding from the head.”

Detectives on the case have remained tight-lipped and have made no arrests, despite security cameras all over the estate. -Stuff news

ISRAEL and Palestinian militants in Gaza fought a destructive 50-day war in July-August 2014. Picture: BBC

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 2x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 6 inclusive

Solution to puzzle SL0845

stars

ARIES

March 20 - April 19

Everybody loves it when romance is in the air. Yet lately you’ve found the emotions that accompany one particular alliance somewhat irritating. They make you feel uneasy and, worse, dealing with them would take time better spent on certain pressing pursuits. Yet, ironically, those discussions would require only minutes.

TAURUS GEMINI

April 20 - May 19

You long ago realised that although you’re capable of making decisions, sometimes certain individuals are better equipped. So much so that you’ll bow to their wisdom. This may be more difficult than you anticipate, especially since there’s no time for them to explain the thinking behind their decisions.

May 21 - June 20

Appealing as the idea of completely unexpected ideas or offers may be, you’ll find they’re unsettling if not somewhat annoying. These, which are indicated by the Sun’s upcoming link to the bountiful Jupiter, could appear in many, and often surprising, ways. Explore them all, since whatÕs best could be least expected.

June 21 - July 21

Although the actual Full Moon took place a few days ago, you’re still dealing with the fallout. This is emerging in forms you’d expect, that is, heightened and occasionally confused feelings. But it’s also brought sudden and necessary, but unsettling, developments in situations you regarded as stable, if not unchanging.

July 22 - August 22

Somebody seems to have taken one step too far, at least from your perspective. Yet before you get seriously upset, ask a few questions. Not only is this an unsettled period, with Mercury retrograde, misunderstandings are common. Once you’ve talked things over, you’ll realise that’s exactly what happened.

August 23 - September 22

At first it may seem somebody didn’t make an effort or, perhaps, failed you in promises they’d made in the past. Before you jump to any conclusions, ask the individual in question what actually took place. Their answer is likely to surprise you and, when you look back on it, be a relief.

September 23 - October 22

There’s been lots of talk about exciting developments involving who or what you care about most in life. This could mean those individuals who’re dear to you, activities you’re passionate about or even future plans. Or, perhaps, a blend. Still, with Mercury retrograde until the 11th, regard any of these as tentative.

October 23 - November 22

Although most Scorpios have a mystical side, you pride yourself on being practical. This especially applies to planning and pivotal decisions. If that down to earth approach is getting you nowhere, try listening to your intuition. Something your instincts tell you or an unexpected but inspiring idea could do the trick.

November 23 - December 22

By no means are you narrow minded. Yet recently you dismissed certain ideas as uninteresting. Now events are forcing you to review these and, importantly, reconsider your rather hasty assessment. The real problem is your views were based purely on past experience. Times have changed and so, too, have you.

December 21 - January 19

Few things are more exciting than watching ideas turn into plans, and plans into action. But things are moving so swiftly you’re uneasy. This is no surprise, since with your ruler Saturn now in fiery Sagittarius, and powerful Jupiter and Uranus also in fire signs, the pace is bound to be a fast one.

January 20 - February 17

When there’s good reason for forthright discussions, you’ll happily express your views, and frankly. Now, however, while others insist on going over things in detail, you see no reason for it. Instead tackle the matters in question, but at a measured pace. This should keep others happy but avoid unnecessary dramas.

February 18 - March 19

Issues that involve a tricky combination of personal and practical, business or financial matters are increasingly worrying. While ordinarily you’d want to tackle and resolve these right away, with Mercury retrograde and causing confusion until the 11th, you’re better off waiting until you can deal with them once, and properly.

sports draw

Lune to make step up

BASKETBALL

THE sky is the limit for Erave product Moses Lune who has just returned from a one -week training camp and trial run against the McDonald Mackay Meteors in Australia.

Despite Papua New Guinea’s second team losing to the home side 73-67, Lune was a stand-out performer.

The shy speaking Southern Highlander who rose from nothing to be a much respected talent among the elite in PNG, is within a group of potential players vying to make the final 15 cut.

One is of special interest is that he is the only candidate from the Highlands region.

Lune and the rest of the team arrived from Mackay yesterday.

Also a member of the PNG Men’s Basketball League (PMBL) champion club KSS Southern Flames, he will show his leadership qualities when he lead his club for a quick tour of neighbouring Honiara in the Solomon Islands this month.

“I have worked hard to get this far since day one,” he added.

“I made the team last year but was left out in the trip to New Zealand,” he said.

“I never gave up hope to one day wear the national colours, as it has been my dream since taking up this code as a young boy growing up at Kaugere (suburb) in Port Moresby,”

Lune said after arriving from Australia yesterday.

Lune who is fifth in an extended family of 10 is from Sembirigi in the Kagua-Erave

Umpire Kapa returns

CRICKET

WATER PNG sponsored cricket Umpire, Alu Kapa, returned from officiating in the New Zealand (NZ) Cricket Men’s National Under 19 Tournament in Christchurch from January,13-22.

At a glance

TRIAL: Moses Lune who has just returned from a one week training camp and trial run against the McDonald Mackay Meteors in Australia.

MEMBER: Member of the PNG Men’s Basketball League (PMBL) champion club KSS Southern Flames.

CUT: Lune is amongst a host of potentials vying to make the final 15 cut.

District. He said there are not too many Eravian’s that have made it this far in the selection process.

He said he always aspires to better himself in the game he loves and the drive to fulfil his dream was strengthened when he produced a sterling effort in the PMBL grandfinal and further to that was given another call up into the PNG men’s train on squad for the Pacific Games.

Flames club president Kevin Teme said the Southern Highlander as all the attributes to play at the next level.

President Nick Daroa also made a special mention of Lune after seeing him rise to the occasion during the PMBL games.

148

Lune

Bomana to serve as NSL venue

SOCCER

THE Telikom National Soccer League (NSL) has finally found a suitable venue to play their matches in Port Moresby starting on Saturday.

Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) and NSL competition manager Simon Koima yesterday confirmed that the Correctional Services Training College at Bomana will serve as the alternate venue.

Koima said due to the wet whether and unavailability of venue for the planned mid-week fixture, the week three match will be played

at Bomana. “It is unfortunate that we have been faced with these issues but we are doing our best to ensure matches are not disrupted and run smoothly for everyone’s benefit,” he added.

Koima confirmed that on Saturday, Oro and Admiralty will play the first match at 12.30 and then the main game will be between Madang and FC Pom at Bomana.

“Champions Hekari will fly to Lae again to meet Besta in the clash of the round at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium,” he added.

Koima clarified that all parties are aware of the adjustment and

have agreed to the playing venue change as well. Lae City Dwellers are on bye.

Kapa, Police Band Chief Sergeant who originally hails from Hula in the Central Province said he was pleased to be selected for the event which has given him much exposure and experience in umpiring cricket matches.

“The tournament had opened up the opportunity for me to learn and adapt quickly in umpiring skills especially from the normal 20 over matches played here in the country to 50 over matches,” said Kapa.

“The tournament has given me greater exposure to the different kinds of cricket matches at one time and that was an added bonus for me to partake and learn from.”

Former New Zealand Test cricketer and current Batting Coach of the New Zealand cricket team, Chris Harris attended the tournament and acknowledged Kapa’s performance.

“Harris had made mention of me when I gave a penalty for a no ball for five fielders who were on leg side.

This penalty has not been given by most umpires in a cricket match especially if one can also see the fielders performing and concentrating on umpiring the batting team,” said Kapa.

Kapa thanked PNG cricket greats such as Lakani Oala and Charles Amini for giving him the support and opportunity to umpire and excel in the sport so far. He further thanked Cricket PNG’s General Manager Greg Campbell, Game Development Manager Gayan Loku and Water PNG for having the faith in him for participating in international matches.

In 2014, Kapa had the opportunity to officiate in the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) Premier League in Adelaide and Darwin.

MOSES Lune is a strong contender for a place in the Pacific Games men’s basketball team.

is pictured here in action during a recent trial match against McDonald Mackay Meteors in Mackay, Australia on Wednesday night. Picture courtesy of Allison Black

NSL competition manager Simon Koima

GOC names athletes reps

BY KILA NAO PACIFIC GAMES

THE Games Organising Committee (GOC) through the PNGOC Athletes Commission has identified 10 athletes from various sports to be the Pacific Games’ Ambassadors.

Four of the ambassadors who were present to witness the ceremony were Lois Garena from volleyball, Vavine Yore (touch football), Isikel Tovia Junior (softball) and Francis Kompaon (paralympics).

The other six athletes from other sports will be announced at a later date once the Athletes Commission finalise the names.

The announcement was made yesterday by the GOC chairperson Emma Waiwai.

“This is to give the public an insight into the various sports through the eyes of the athletes as they prepare so the people can relate to the Games and enjoy it,” she said.

“This year’s Games provides an opportunity for us to educate ourselves with the 28 sports that will be played at the Games and also know who our athletes are.

“As part of the legacy program, we hope that by the end of the Games, Papua New Guineans will be familiar with these sports, get to enjoy it and hopefully sign up to participate in the future.”

SP Hunters ready to rumble

THE SP Hunters have confirmed their only pre-season trial match against the Ipswich Jets will be televised live to Papua New Guinea.

Even though this match will be held in Ipswich, Queensland, the people of PNG can watch all the action live - on the new Digicel Play channel, TVWAN Sports HD.

SP Hunters CEO Brad Tassell said: “It’s pretty unique in the world of Rugby league - or in fact any sport - that a trial match is televised live.”

“But there is a huge amount of interest out there and we certainly don’t want to disappoint our fans. This match will really wet their appetite and make them hungry for the full SP Hunters Intrust Super Cup season - live and

exclusive to TVWAN,” he added.

PNG fans can view the trial match lives at 5.30pm on Saturday February 21, only on TVWAN Sports HD.

To access this match and the full season of the Hunters fans will need to purchase a Digicel Play Box from their nearest participating Digital Store, and subscribe to a suitable Prepaid Plan.

Tassell further said all Hunters matches during the season will be exclusively televised - live - through the TVWAN Network.

“So I would urge fans to secure their set top boxes well ahead of the trail match and upcoming season,” he added.

The Hunters first game of the season is against the South Logan Magpies in Bris-

bane on Sunday the March 8. “Die-hard fans are welcome to attend the Hunters season launch, on Sunday March 1 at the Gateway Hotel, Port Moresby,” he said. Tables are available for the event @ K4,500 per table of 10 or K450 per person. For all enquiries and bookings contact Tassell at: brad@pngrfl.org.pg or phone 71114699.

“They will play an important role in promoting their respective sports and give the public an insight into the various sports, and above all promote the Pacific Games so people can relate to it,” said Waiwai.

The four athletes commonly shared that they were excited and it a challenge for them as ambassadors.

Garena said she is looking forward to counteract with the public in the next six months to share the insights of the Games and the preparation of the sports she is involved with.

Kompaon said it is an honour and privilege for him as not many people follow disability sports and this is a chance opportunity for him to go to the public and share his experience.

KABA president happy, but fires shot at PNGBU

BOXING

BY LAMECH JINIMBO

THE president of the Kairuku Amature Boxing Association (KABA) Andrew Magaiva yesterday thanked Dexter Limited and Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

This was for supporting team KABA for three days during the PNG Boxing Union sanctioned National Boxing Trials in Goroka last week.

Magaiva with his team manager Ernest Lapu commended the team’s per-

The bottom line

formance for their positive results which saw three of their boxers being named in the PNG team for the Pacific Games.

The three are winners of the 52kg Lui Magaiva, the 69kg Andrew Aisaga and in the 75kg Jonathan Keama.

Magaiva said their other boxer Tony Waike lost in the 60kg final but was named in the development squad.

“I would like to thank all KABA team members who have made it through for their dedication and hard

work,” Magaiva said.

“I am also expressing my sincere gratitude to the good Prime Minister and Dexter Limited for helping us with our accommodation in Goroka for the event and the air-fares back to Port Moresby,” he added.

“I also would like to commend the PNGABU and the Eastern Highlands for hosting this national trial’s,” he said.

Magaiva also expressed his appreciation to the president for PNGABU

John Avira and the PNG National Boxing Coach Joe Aufa for their effort in making the event a success.

In regards to the selection process, Magaiva appealed to the events selection panel to be fair in their selections and comply with rules and regulations of the boxing union.

Magaiva claimed there were several centres that also backed his call for fairness on the role of the PNGBU tournament director.

Boxing gloves are actually more dangerous and result in more deaths than bareknuckle boxing.

NOEL Zemming (right) in action for the SP Hunters in the QLD Cup last year.

POST-Courier reporter Lamech Jinimbo talks to Kairuku Amateur Boxing Association officials Andrew Magaiva and Ernest Lapu yesterday.

RUGBY LEAGUE

Cricket PNG wins 2014 EAP award

CRICKET

CRICKET PNG (CPNG) is the proud recipient of the “Best Overall Cricket Development Program” in the 2014 Pepsi International Cricket Council (ICC) East Asia Pacific (EAP) Development Programme Annual Awards.

CPNG won the award due to their strong organisational structure which has allowed them to effectively implement their cricket development programmes.

With an active, competent board and a working staff of over 80 employees, CPNG enjoyed an exciting 2014.

“Cricket PNG is delighted to win the Best Overall Cricket Development Programme Award in the EAP Region for the fourth consecutive year,” CPNG General manager, Greg Campbell.

“The achievements that we made in 2014 was remarkable with the Barramundis leading the way, being ranked 15th in the world, achieving ODI Status, winning their first two (2) ODIs against Hong Kong and winning the SACA Premier League T20 Cup for the second year in concession.

Gulf backs Isapea

RUGBY LEAGUE

THE Gulf Provincial Government Gulf Isapea rugby league franchise will take part in this year’s nationwide Digicel Cup semi-professional competition.

This will be the third year that the provincial government is supporting the endeavours of its flagship team with Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK) as the major sponsor.

Gulf Governor Havila Kavo yesterday made the clarification following the endorsement of the provincial budget.

With the endorsement of the budget, Kavo said his government will continue to support the pride and joy of the Gulf people. “The Gulf Isapea is a successful program driven by my government and has achieved many positives,” he stated in a media statement.

“It is a platform that brings

all Gulf people together to discuss the game that all young people aspire to progress in the past and today,” he said.

He said the Isapea icon has brought the people from the west to the east end of the province in a bid to forget their past differences.

“It serves to unite my Gulf people and as such my government will continue to support this program,” he added.

He said the Isapea is significant in that it unites all the

Gulf people living throughout the country and oversees as well.

Governor Kavo said he is buoyed by the development of the Kerema RFL and made special mention that local talents will be given more emphasis in the make-up of the team.

He further announced that the Isapea board under the chairmanship of Jacob Ivaroa will now include Gabriel Topokai and Kevin Ahipum.

“Jacob (Ivaroa) has my blessing to continue the good job he has done so far,” he added.

In regards to the team management, he said that all positions will be reviewed by the board with a further announcement to be made soon.

He also assured the respective sponsors that they will not regret supporting the endeavours of the mighty crocodiles again.

The other two national teams shouldn’t be forgotten, with the Garamuts (U19 Team) playing in their seventh ICC World Cup in the UAE and being ranked number 1 in the EAP and the Lewas (National Womens Team) winning the ICC EAP Womens Trophy in Japan, meaning they regain their number 1 ranking in the EAP region and qualifying for the ICC Womens World Cup Qualifiers later in 2015,” said Campbell. During the year, the BSP School Kriket Program consolidated its reputation as PNG’s leading junior sports product with a participation base of nearly 200,000. School cricket competitions also saw strong growth in numbers and a significant improvement in structure via the successful Gold Nuggets School Kriket Trophy for children aged 1219. Since its inception in 2004, CPNG have won twenty-three (23) EAP Awards.

Buria catches attention at Tatana tourney

VOLLEYBALL BY KILA NAO

DARKHORSES Buria caught everyone’s attention in the men’s under 21 division of the Nick and Bonnie Alan Cup tournament being staged at Tatana village, National Capital District.

Not known for their volleyball, the surprise package from Lea Lea village showed a lot of maturity against more advanced city-based teams by going through their pool matches undefeated.

Lea Lea, situated in Central

Province’s Hiri West are participating in this annually staged tournament for the first time.

Despite being the underdogs they came with a lot of purpose as they have been training for the past six months, purposely to expose their talents and to improve their skills. Winning the trophy is the last thing they have in mind but establishing friendship and learning new tactics in the modern game is paramount, said senior player John Nou.

Buria had a close but an en-

tertaining clash against A.T Tude another motuan team from Hanuabada when they won 2 to 1 set that enabled them to march on for the qualifying rounds.

They narrowly won 26-24 in the first set with John Nou, Frank Airi junior, Jack Tau and Teddy Maino firing their spikes from all angles.

But A.T Tude after settling down came back strong to win 25-23 in the second set, but the final set was all way for the Lea Lea boys winning 15-10. Their dream-run eventually ran out them bowing out in

the semi-final. “We are happy that we made a statement by coming this far,” said Nou.

In the women’s grand final, Rojo from Hula Village humbled Hebamo Frenz with a stinging three sets to nil victory.

Rojo won 25-16, 25-21 and 2520 in the three sets.

Rojo’s power hitter, Wari Pala was outstanding with her performance spiking from both front and back courts with able assistance from Alu Noah, Eva Aunama, Esther Wala and setter Geno Kapu.

Willie Pep is the only boxer to ever win a round without throwing a punch. The bottom line

GULF Isapea centre Jojo Forova (with ball) being chased by Agmark Gurias winger and current Canterbury Bulldogs development player Tau Fitzgerald during the Digicel Cup last year.

BURIA’S John Nou tries to spike the ball

current developments

Time will tell will

XV Pacific Games

THE Pacific Games Council (PGC) remains confident that each of the 28 sports will have a suitable field of play.

The update announcement was made by the president of the PGC Vidhya Lakhan at a press conference in Port Moresby yesterday.

Lakhan noted the positive changes that have occurred since November and in particular commended the tireless work of chairman Kostas Constantinou, the Venues Infrastructure Equipment Committee (VIEC) and the Games Organising Committee (GOC).

Lakhan said: “The progress evident over the past three months has gone another step towards satisfying the PGC that Papua New Guinea will be ready to host the Pacific Games in July.”

This follows a comprehensive tour of all main games venues this week by Lakhan and PGC executive director Andrew Minogue to assess

the state of preparations. Since Lakhan’s last visit in November, he had urged stakeholders to redouble their efforts to get the venues finished in sufficient time before the Games.

This was to allow the Games Organising Committee (GOC) to take possession of the venues, test them, and install the necessary overlay, technology and other services needed to deliver successful competitions.

He specifically requested that a process be implemented where the Venues Infrastructure Equipment Committee (VIEC) venue delivery timelines be fully integrated with the GOC’s needs to take possession of the venues with sufficient time to deliver the Games successfully.

After the assessment Lakhan indicated that substantial progress has been made in this integration process.

“The VIEC and the GOC are working together more closely than ever before.

Whilst some of the finer

details of the delivery of the venues to the GOC is still to be finalised, it is operating in a more certain environment than was the case in November,” he said.

“Very significant progress has been made in the construction program over the past three months,” he said.

“In particular, Sir John Guise Stadium and the Taurama Aquatic Centre have moved much closer to completion,” he added.

This was further enhanced with adequate contingency plans for the location of netball and table tennis by the GOC.

The PGC supports the activation of this plan.

From the overview, Lakhan was encouraged and expects further significant progress in the construction program when the International Federation Delegates for the 28 sports, and the Chefs de Mission from each of the participating countries, conduct their analysis when they visit in March.

However, while PGC confi-

dence levels continue to grow, Lakhan stressed that critical important work remains to be done to finish the venues no later than May 31 and thus guarantee a successful Pacific Games.

The GOC, supported by the PNG Olympic Committee, will deliver a successful Games if the venues are provided to them in a timely manner”.

Lakhan lastly called upon the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) to lend all of its support to the GOC to ensure that the surroundings of all Games venues and the city of Port Moresby itself is presented in such a way as to present a positive image of both the Pacific Games and the nation in its 40th year of independence.

“I urge the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Minister responsible for the Games, to ensure that all stakeholders, including NCDC, continue to work together with urgency to bring the final preparations for the 2015 Pacific Games to a positive conclusion,” he added.

PART of the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium side-stand under construction at Konedobu; and Pacific Games Council president Vidhya Lakhan briefing the media yesterday.