Post Courier, Tuesday February 17, 2015

MAN DIES IN POLICE CUSTODY; H’WAY BLOCKED

600,000 kids missing school

BY GRACE AUKA SALMANG

ABOUT 600,000 children do not go to school at all, have dropped out for various reasons and do not complete their basic primary education, Education Secretary Michael Tapo said yesterday.

The frightening statistic represents

30 per cent of school-aged children.

“The education sector has seen significant achievements during the past years with the net enrolment rate in basic education increasing from 53 per cent in 2007 to 74 per cent in 2013, yet key challenges remain,” Mr Tapo said.

CONTINUED PAGE 2

Address widening gap in child education

ITIS shocking that close to a million school-aged children do not enter a classroom to have proper education in Papua New Guinea.

Revelations by the Education Department Secretary Dr Michael Tapo yesterday that 600,000 or 30 per cent of school-aged children in the country are not in classrooms learning, drop out of school or simply do not complete their basic primary education is incomprehensible.

Tragically, that is one whole generation of young Papua New Guineans who will enter a fast changing world without having the basic tools of life to build this nation and contribute to their own welfare and prosperity.

While there has been some good news with the Education Secretary pointing to an increase in net enrolment in basic education from 53 per cent in 2007 to 74 per cent in 2013, the challenges to ensuring every school-aged Papua New Guinean child is in school are enormous. The shocking statistics on over half-a-million children not been in school is a testimony to the problems that continue to affect the education sector.

It is a dilemma that our leaders at both the political and bureaucratic level should address and sooner. The O’Neill Government has allocated K1.9 billion in its 2015 National Budget to the education sector, which will fund the delivery of primary, secondary and tertiary education through the Department of Education (DOE), the Department of Higher Education and the various national universities. The key challenge for our bureaucrats in the education sector now is how to access and use that mammoth funding to plug the gap that currently exist (and continues to increase) in PNG children missing out on education.

There is no doubt that poverty-stricken children in our major urban centres including Port Moresby, Lae and Mt Hagen are part of that half-a-million who are not in school. Their needs should also be considered by the respective government departments, though in close consultation with partners such as non-government organisations and churches who are already addressing some of these problems.

But the relevant government agencies including the DOE cannot effectively address the widening gap in education without the relevant data to know the extent of the problem. It is therefore necessary to conduct a nationwide audit on the number of children in schools, those who are not attending classes and the factors contributing to them missing classes. That data is necessary before any kind of intervene programs are formulated.

It is unfortunate that we get hit with this appalling statistic just seven months away from celebrating our 40th anniversary of independence. But it is not too late to put a halt to the widening gap in accessibility to basic education, it can be done and should start now. The education sector is a Government priority and the allocation of a record K1.9 billion funding opens the door to potential solutions. Our bureaucrats, in consultation with the various partners in the education sector, just have to be smart in utilising that funding to ensure the problem is resolved and our children put back in classrooms all over the nation.

How to contact us

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

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Children missing school

FROM

PAGE 1

THESE challenges included poor access to schools, low student retention rates and issues in the quality of education and getting children to school at the right time and age,” Mr Tapo said.

Highway blocked after police death

BY JOHNNY POIYA

A SPEEDING driver who

was locked up at Banz police station, Jiwaka Province, on Saturday night was found dead in his cell block on Sunday morning.

The driver was identified as Cedric McWiden. Three others with him in the vehicle were arrested following the high-speed chase from the Chimbu border to Waghi bridge in Minj.

Angry relatives, claiming that he was the victim of police brutality, blocked the Highlands Highway in three different locations between Kurumul and Minj on Sunday morning, inter-

rupting traffic flow.

Police have appealed to the relatives to remove the blockade within 24 hours.

Jiwaka police commander Joseph Tondop yesterday said McWiden had died in police custody and the circumstances surrounding his death would be thoroughly investigated.

“If the investigations reveal that he died from police injuries, those responsible will face the full force of the law,” Superintendent Tondop said after suspending the five members of Highway Patrol unit, pending investigations. Supt Tondop said McWiden had not cooperated with the police when

stopped and was cautioned for speeding.

He and gone to his Kugark village, got some tribesmen and followed the police to Minj police station where an argument followed.

When the Highway Patrol, which had confronted McWiden earlier, headed for their base in Kudjip, the villages blocked the road at Kugark and waited there for them.

Since they were outnumbered the three men police fired into the air to disperse the crowd. McWiden and three others were arrested and locked up at Banz where he was found dead the next morning.

“The causes are many – from the prohibitive distance from school to parents not supporting their children’s attendance to fear of violence in schools, which particularly affects girls.

“Even among those children who do go to school, many drop out.”

He said by 2030 every child would complete their education after Grade 12 and there would be no dropouts after Grade Eight or Grade 10.

Mr Tapo said the task ahead was not just to ensure that current out-of-school children got a good education but also to make sure that in the near future, there were no children missing out of school.

Unicef) PNG representative Bapa Danpapa quoted from a new joint report from the Unesco Institute of Statistics and Unicef saying that PNG was among countries where the 63 million adolescents, between the ages of 12 to 15 years, were denied their right to an education.

ONE of the three roadblocks in Maraban coffee plantation yesterday.

ZEBRA CROSSING

A ZEBRA crossing is a pedestrian crossing used in many places around the world. Its distinguishing feature is alternating dark and light stripes on the road surface, from which it derives its name. A zebra crossing typically gives extra rights of way to pedestrians. In this KENNEDY BANI picture, contractors are busy adding a fresh coat of paint to the worn out crossing in front of Ted Diro Primary school.

Global Fund invests millions in healthcare

BY NELLIE SETEPANO

THE campaign to fight tuberculosis and malaria has intensified with the signing of three new grant agreements with a combined value of $US50 million (more than K131 million).

Yesterday, Global Fund and partners signed the grant agreements that would extend to the end of 2017 for malaria and TB, including a first-time over-arching agreement for health system strengthening.

Global Fund is an organisation designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, TB and malaria epidemics. As a partnership between governments, civil society, and people affected by the diseases, Global Fund mobilises and invest nearly $US4 billion (K10.75m) years to support

The bottom line

At a glance

GLOBAL FUND: an organisation designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, TB and malaria epidemics. As a partnership between governments, civil society, and people affected by the diseases, Global Fund mobilises and invest nearly US$4 billion (K10.75m) years to support programs run by expect in more than 140 countries.

IMPLEMENTERS: The grant agreements also represent a partnership with PNG, Rotarians Against Malaria, Population Services International and World Vision.

programs run by experts in more than 140 countries.

Financial resources provided through the Global Fund come from many donors, represented at the ceremony yesterday by Australia, the United States and European Union. The grant agreements also represent a partnership with PNG, Rotarians Against Malaria, Population Services International and World

Vision who will implement this program.

The two main grants, worth $US32 million (K84 million) will be used to fund the distribution of 2.8 million mosquito nets and training of community health workers. The grants also support prompt diagnosis of malaria, strengthen monitoring and improve access to care for the country’s most disadvan-

taged communities.

The $US18 million grant (more than K47 million) will be implemented by World Vision and is aimed at reducing the incidence and prevalence of tuberculosis in PNG. The grant will be used to improve recruitment and retention of clinical staff and also improve access quantity drugs and laboratory diagnosis for HIV, TB and malaria.

At the signing, Global Fund executive director Dr Mark Dybul said Global Fund would continue to support PNG and brushed aside past talks that the international funder had stopped its funding.

“Today we are coming together in solidarity to support the people of PNG as they build a healthy future,” Dr Dybul said at the signing.

A STUNNER

FANTASTIC images coming out of East New Britain from the PNG Hunters 2015 photo-shoot. One of the boys facing the rumbling Tavurvur volcano is a real stunner.

KICK OFF

A TRIAL match this weekend against Queensland-based Ipswich Jets should give the management an indication of where the team stands before the Intrust Super Cup kicks off.

FAVOURITES

IN THE UK, Kumul players

Jessy Joe Parker and Dion Aye have become crowd favourites at the Whitehaven RL Club. Check out their Facebook page, a lot of posts just on the PNG boys.

FLAG WOES

IS THAT the state of affairs at the National Library? The forces of nature is taking its toll on provincial flags hanging in front of the library. Most have been torn to shreds and discoloured.

ILL DISCIPLINE

THE litany of infamy continues. Copper charged with shooting at Tatana. Drunken soldiers raid Kiunga store. City night club bans policemen without IDs.

500 METERS

Is there such a word as discipline?

WELCOME

IF THE picture the folks at the TPA circulated on the 2014 visit of the P&O cruise ship Pacific Dawn is any indication, we aren’t surprised the vessel is back in our waters. Thanks to spotless blue sky, crystal clear waters and friendly people.

BLAME

DOES it only happen in PNG? Heavy rain followed by continuous power blackouts? Can’t say we’ve seen it in most Oz cities. PPL blames the bridging effect caused by salt vapour.

THE TRUTH

BUT they are stretching our imagination when it happens in the Highlands region. Isn’t the truth just simple lack of preventative maintenance? After all we have a rainy season every year!

ROAD SIGNS

FINALLY the RPNGC top brass noticed how chaotic traffic has become in the national capital. Acting deputy commissioner Jim Andrews wants proper road signs erected before the Pacific Games kicks off!

CUSTOMER service the Trobriand Islands way. EFTPOS services are available in Losuia, the island’s government station. But you will have to walk some 500 metres from the trade store to get the Digicel signal in order to seal the transaction!

PENGEE: thedrum@spp.com.pg

Singing exercises your heart, lungs, and releases endorphins which make you feel good.

Essential data on diseases crucial

BY NELLIE SETEPANO

DATA collection on tuberculosis, malaria and HIV is an essential need and Papua New Guinea needs to work on this, says Global Fund executive director Dr Mark Dybul.

He told TB, malaria and HIV stakeholders that without essential data there would be no smart investments.

Dr Dybul also sounded a caution for PNG to increase its fight against tuberculosis, because of its current situation. As it is, it poses a risk to the region and globally. “Countries are looking at PNG to improve,” he told a meeting which consisted of stakeholders in the fight against TB, malaria and HIV. He said the fight against TB, malaria and HIV begins with leadership and partnership.

Dr Dybul was in the country to sign three grants agreements worth more than K130 million for malaria and TB when he acknowledged the fight against malaria from which reports have shown a drastic drop in prevalence rate.

He told partners that Global Fund will stay with

O’Neill, Malabag recognise efforts of Global Fund

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill and Minister for Health and HIV AIDS Michael Malabag have separately acknowledged the significant support the health sector receives from Global Fund.

PNG to see success rates in TB prevalence. He brushed aside past suggestions that the Global Fund would cease its funding assistance to PNG.

Reports from World Health Organisation and the department of health state PNG has made more significant progress in its campaign against malaria. As a result the prevalence ratehas dropped from 12. 1 per cent to 1.8 per cent. The key success here has been the implementation of aggressive mosquito net distribution program to 82 per cent of house holds.

The Secretary for Health Pascoe Kase said data available for TB has been up to date as a result more TB cases have been reported and treated; more than before.

When sharing briefly on HIV/AIDS, Peter Bire from National AIDS Council Secretariat said for 10 years, there has not been any proper baseline data on HIV/ AIDS for the country but that is being worked on.

According to the chairperson for PNG Country coordinating mechanism for Global Fund, grants for HIV and AIDS are in the process of being worked on.

TOWER UP

The executive director for Global Fund Dr Mark Dybul met briefly with the Prime Minister and Health Minister after the signing of the grant agreement worth more than $US50 million (K130 million) yesterday. “The Global Fund is an important partner in the development of our nation. The health sector has been receiving their support since 2003 in the fight against Malaria, HIV and AIDS and TB,” the Prime Minister said.

“The support of Global Fund has been instrumental in the achievements of the PNG health sector including the control of the HIV epidemic and significant reductions in the incidence and prevalence of malaria”.

“I would like to acknowledge the valuable support that has been provided by Global Fund to PNG and will continue to provide under these latest grants. The Government of PNG is committed to controlling TB and Malaria, as well as HIV and AIDS, and welcomes the contribution of our trusted development partners,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister also applauded the efforts of the principal recipients of the Global Fund grants which include Population Service International, Rotarians Against Malaria, World Vision, and Oil Search.

Sir Moi hails partners on completion of hospital

BY MAUREEN GERAWA

FORMER MP Sir Moi Avei has praised the partners of Pacific International Hospital for the set up of a most advanced healthcare in the country. The new

The bottom line

health facility at ThreeMile in Port Moresby was opened on Friday by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and witnessed by dignitaries, including Australian High Commissioner Deborah Stokes, US Ambassador

Walter North, Health Minister Michael Malabag, Health Secretary Pascoe Kase as well as representative from various business houses.

Sir Moi, who is also the chairman of PIH board,

described the opening of the new PIH as planting of a new seed that would pave way for new developments to take place in the health sector such as the cascading effect on the health workforce.

“It will provide an oppor-

tunity for PNG doctors to rub shoulders with foreign doctors and PNG nurses to rub shoulders with foreign nurses,’’ said Sir Moi. He said the hospital would in due course provide an avenue for the training of

Researchers have found that reading reduces stress by 68%, more than listening to music or taking a walk.

doctors in the use of the hitech healthcare.

Sir Moi had also announced that despite what many people think PIH was not a foreign-owned hospital as its shareholders were PNGowned companies.

LEADING mobile network company Digicel (PNG) is extending its program into the remote areas of Bougainville with the construction of tower networks to connect the whole island region. Pictured is a tower being erected at Baba Council of Elders of Bana District, South Bougainville. Words and picture: ROMULUS MASIU.

BY FRANCO NEBAS

QUICK response from the Lae Fire Services saved what could have been a major fire disaster for a primary school in Lae, Morobe Province.

Quick response saves school fire disaster Agencies slow on disabled policy

The Huonville Primary School, located within Lae City, could have ended its 2015 academic year with a fire destroying entire school buildings.

However, the school lost its administrative building that accommodates the head teachers’ office and the deputy’s office, the library and the staff room to the fire. The cause of the fire is still not known.

The Lae Urban city policing police patrol unit that was doing its routine patrol came across the fire at around 12:30am on Monday morning.

“We quickly contacted our guys at the police station advising them on the fire. They then alerted the Lae Fire Services. The firemen arrived soon after they received the message and managed to stop the fire from spreading to other classrooms. The firemen did extremely well,” a policeman said. School head teacher Barn Kawage, who turned up at the school in the morning, was shocked and wished not to comment on the incident.

However, Lae Urban LLG ward two councillor, Carol Yawing, demanded a full investigation on the fire incident. She claimed the fire was the work of an arsonist and urged a full investigation to be conducted. The Fire Service could not comment.

Disabled man keen to study medicine at uni

BY SHIRLYN BELDEN

HE may be physically unfit for sports and some activities but when it comes to getting educated in school, he is just as strong-willed as anybody.

Peterson Mathius, 21, of Enga Province, has lived with a disability since birth but he will not let his disability pull him back from pursuing his ambition to study medicine at the University of Papua New Guinea.

This, by far, is his imminent challenge which he is determined to overcome and hopes, can pave way for more recognition and inclu-

sion of people living with disabilities in Papua New Guinea.

“I hope the Government can see the need of people living with disability and one day recognise us. We are physically disabled but mentally most of us are not.

We are also mentally capa-

ble of doing anything. We are strong too, you know.

“I hope that by attending university, more people with disability feel assured that we can become what we dream of becoming. No one can understand our plight so if I can do it, we all can,” Mathius said.

“I have a rare disability which saw various treatments fail. Doctors couldn’t clearly explain my condition either.”

Mathius has a condition where his body weight falls to one side of his body, making balance and mobility difficult.

Although physically disabled, throughout his upbringing, Mathius was taught to never resort to sympathy or self-pity and defeat by ridicule, less support or discrimination; he was taught to embrace challenges and find solutions.

The soft-spoken man said while he promotes inclusive

BY SHIRLYN BELDEN

PEOPLE living with disabilities have been neglected, denied services and provided less recognition in terms of their rights.

Although there are intentions to step up obligations through the disability policy, the one challenge that still remains is to recognise and domesticate or apply the policy within the government, private and public run institutions and offices, Community Development Secretary Anna Solomon said.

Ms Solomon said while the policy has been created and prepared for tabling and legislation in Parliament, it was still necessary to get everybody from different government and private organisations to actually practice it by includin g services and opportunities for people living with disabilities.

“One main challenge is to keep doing awareness on this issue,” she said.

“I encourage all government agencies and business houses to review their corporate plans, laws and policies.

“They must ensure that it is disability inclusive; they must include people living with disability (PLWD) in their plans.

disability, his other main challenge was also to study medicine and find a better solution or cure for the cause of his disability.

He is probably the first PLWD student accepted to the UPNG in a long while.

Mr Mathius said his entire school life has been about beating the odds, getting to school on time, taking part in the school’s recreational activities, facing discrimination and allowing changes as well as to learn as much as he could.

He said this has made him become strong-willed to set his goal to study medicine at the university.

“There mustn’t be discrimination of PLWD in employment. This way we can make their rights become real.

“That is basically what was captured in the reviewed policy so that PLWD must see that they are part of the Government’s priority.”

Ms Solomon said the policy is an instrument to advocate for inclusiveness of disabled people by addressing important objectives like inclusive health and education, early detection and prevention, rehabilitation and data and statistics of disabled people.

She said the policy was also to define the roles of the government and disability organisations and service providers.

FIREMEN managed to stop the fire from spreading to other classrooms.

In China, marriage rates drop significantly for women aged 30 and over.

bottom line

We can become what we dream of becoming.

PETERSON MATHIUS Wabag, Enga Province

Marape: Parlt to debate crucial business

BY ISAAC NICHOLAS

THE Government will push through some major business when Parliament resumes for the second week of session this morning.

The main agenda that will go in this week and possibly next will focus on dual citizenship legislation as well as the much-anticipated and long overdue sovereign wealth fund.

Leader of Government Business and Finance

Minister James Marape said yesterday that the House would adjourn after all major government agenda were dealt with within the next two weeks.

“Parliament will sit this week and possibly next week, matters on our agenda include dual citizenship, sovereign wealth fund (SWF) and Kumul structures for our mining and petroleum entities are some of our main agendas,” Mr Marape said.

“Our session will be busy this week as we will also debate key government reports and also Lae City Commission and the Hagen City Commission.”

“These are some major agendas within our (government) radars for this week

Parliament to consider friendship

PARLIAMENT has been asked to consider establishing a PNG-China Friendship Group.

This was one recommendation made by a Parliamentary team which visited China recently led by Speaker Theo Zurenuoc.

Dei MP Wesley Nukundj, who presented a report on the trip, said that the friendship group would serve the purpose of fostering parliamentary relationship between the two countries.

and next,” Mr Marape said.

Last week, Parliament was dominated by Question Time and a couple of ministerial statements at the back of media hype over a possible notice of a motion of no-confidence vote against the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

However, this had been brushed aside as the Government consolidated its numbers and position to be able to get back into the serious business of managing the nation.

Last Friday also witnessed the alliance agreement signed between People’s National congress Party Leader and Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and United Resource Party Leader William Duma to further solidify their relationship now and into the 2017 elections.

The PNC Party has 56 members and with URP’s eight members, have boosted the PNC-led Government comprising National Alliance and People’s Progress Party to an historic solid coalition to push through some major bills this session.

This is the first session of Parliament for the year, and comes just after the lapse of the grace period.

SEE MY BEST FRIEND

THE crab man, Dennis Wasaua fronted up at the Post-Courier office with a tool box in hand. He pulled out a crab which he says he had looked after for the last six weeks. He said he has been feeding it with rice and scones. Just by looking at it, the crab seemed friendly towards it’s caretaker, crawling up and down his arm instead of trying to attack him. After playing with his friend he put it back into his tool box and took it back home.

“This will enhance working relations between parliamentarians from both countries and between the two parliaments, through technical support and capacity building.”

Mr Nukundj said the second recommendation was that the Parliament, through its Foreign Affairs and Defence Parliamentary Committee, conduct a review into the PNG-China relations with the view to identify areas that would further enhance relations.

He said the visit by the parliamentary delegation created an opportunity for more inter-parliamentary dialogue and consultations between the two parliaments and also in contributing towards improving the work of parliament.

MP: 2015 Budget to run on target

BY ISAAC NICHOLAS FINANCE Minister

James Marape has assured Parliament that the Government will honour all its commitments as forecasted in the 2015 Budget.

“We don’t need to panic. No Government in this world has gone broke. This government is not broke as many doomsayers continue

to say,” Mr Marape said last Friday.

Mr Marape said the Government is now focusing on its big ticket items like free education of which K603 million has been remitted from the Waigani public accounts to the Department of Education for tuition fee free education program.

“The Treasurer under his leadership and the Prime

Minister are mindful about the global economic situation that confronts us in the context of fuel and mineral prices. We are closely monitoring what is happening out there, let me comfort everyone that our economy is tracking on target.

“We plan for our expenditures in January period and we have satisfied our expenditures for January

period and we are now moving into February period and all government programs will run on target as planned for in the 2015 Budget.

“Let me assure the Members, the House and the people of this country that your economy is secure and we will honour all our commitments as we did last year.”

Namah queries leadership of Pruaitch

BY JACOB POK

VANIMO-Green MP

Belden

Namah has questioned the legality of leadership status of Treasury Minister Patrick Pruaitch who is Aitape-Lumi MP.

Mr Namah, armed with a copy of a court judgement, sought leave of parliament during Question Time on Friday to ask the Speaker of Parliament to clarify whether the Speaker’s office knew of a court decision that was made against Mr Pruaitch in relation to a matter involving his (Pruaitch’s) referral by the Ombudsman Commission.

Parties sign alliance

BY ISAAC NICHOLAS

PRIME Minister and leader of the ruling Peoples National Congress Party Peter O’Neill has secured enough numbers that now effectively put to rest speculations of a vote of no-confidence move being perpetrated by the Opposition.

The PNC Party number of 56 members has now been boosted with an Alliance deal signed between the United Resource Party leader William Duma and Mr O’Neill on Friday committing the eight members in a marriage that

would see them working together this term and into the 2017 General Elections.

Mr O’Neill said with the National Alliance and Peoples Progress Party, two major partners giving their commitments is a vote of confidence in the current government leadership and policies.

He reiterated his firm stance that political stability was necessary for economic growth and development during the signing on Friday.

Mr O’Neill said this alliance had now committed the two parties to run together in the 2017 election and also

strengthen their relationship in this term of parliament.

“It is important that we have stability in government and in political relations and that is why we have to go into these kinds of agreements, “

“I want to announce that we will together assess all the candidates that our parties will endorse and of course in this term of parliament, we will stand together until the term ends.”

“Political stability is necessary for continued growth and development of our country that is why we feel that it is necessary that we do not al-

low discussions of instability in political structures in the country to be continued to be debated unnecessarily without any given need to do so.”

“This is the first time in the history of our country, I think you know that we are a very strong government in the Pacific given that some of our neighbours are experiencing their own leadership issues, so this is a credit to the maturity of politics in the country.”

PM O’Neill said stability now and in the past two terms of Government had seen strong growth and policy sta-

bility has seen achievements in health, education, law and order and infrastructure development.

“These are achievements we will never be able to do so if we continue to allow instability to create unnecessary disturbance where governments continue to conduct their business, “

URP leader Mr Duma said his party was happy to enter into this deal with no conditions attached but based on the fact that the party has confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister O’Neill.

Mr Namah told Parliament that Mr Pruaitch was illegally holding the office as Treasury Minister and any decision that Pruaitch makes should be deemed illegal.

He said he had a copy of a Supreme Court decision dated December 3, 2014, which dismissed an appeal by Mr Pruaitch to prevent a leadership tribunal from hearing misconduct allegations against him.

He claimed that a further stay order against Mr Pruaitch’s suspension from office had lapsed upon the court making its final ruling.

“The effect of this ruling, in my opinion, is that the Mr Pruaitch remains suspended from office and cannot continue to perform official duty including attendance in Parliament,” Mr Namah said.

Leaders not happy over report Debate on K50m report heats up

SOME leaders in Nipa district of Southern Highlands Province have expressed disappointment over a media outburst by a Hela group calling on the Prime Minister not to appoint a new administrator for Hela until peace between Hela and Nipa is reached.

The Hela group claimed that a Nipa man was shortlisted for Hela administrator position and petitioned the government not to proceed with the appointment process.

However, former Nipa councillor Mack Hembe said the petition by Daminen Arabagali as chairman of the Hela Gimbu Association published in this newspaper last week was misleading and should not be considered genuine.

“The decision to appoint provincial administrators rests with the government in consultation with the provincial executive council as per the new legislation,” Mr Hembe said.

He said they welcomed Mr Arabagli’s reported pledge to take the lead in compensating Nipa men who had been killed on Hela soil in the recent past.

BY JACOB POK

THE issue relating to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) findings on the mismanagement of more than K50 million earmarked for the Konebada Petroleum Park some five years ago was debated in Parliament last week with Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Basil pushing for those implicated to be prosecuted.

Mr Basil told Parliament during Question Time last week that there were high profile politicians implicated in the Public Accounts Committee report of 2010 in relation to the Konebada Petroleum Park.

Mr Basil, in a supplementary question relating to the PAC report, asked Petroleum and

Are those implicated in the PAC report not pursued?

SAM

BASIL Port Moresby

Energy Minister Nixon Duban to clarify whether those implicated in the PAC report would be pursued according to law.

Mr Basil supported LaigaipPorgera MP Nixon Mangape’s questions on the issue.

Mr Mangape asked the Petroleum and Energy Minister why the recommendations in the PAC report for investigations and arrests of persons impli-

cated over the misuse of the funds for the park not implemented. Mr Mangape said the PAC under the chairmanship of Timothy Boga recommended for a thorough investigation and arrests of persons implicated in the misuse of funds earmarked for the park but those recommendations were not adhered to. Minister Duban in his response explained that the issue had been raised to the PAC during Sir Moi Ave’s time as the Petroleum Minister and those issues were dealth with by the PAC. He said the PAC was mandated to deliberate on those issues relating to the Konebada Petroleum Park and it has the power to refer those who were implicated for the purpose of prosecution.

Dept reforms to house religion office

BY SHIRLYN BELDEN

THE Department for Community Development should have the new structure for the office of religion next week, a department official says.

Secretary Anna Solomon said the current restructuring of the department would see irrelevant positions renamed to suit the new office of religion in the department. The Government had been consistent with the idea of

strengthening the church partnership by having an office for religion within the department.

“On the office of religion, over the years the churches have been the government’s main partners in securing vital services around the country, especially in the rural areas. The government ensures these services reach the rural people through this (churches) strategic partner. So the office can focus on the funds, its shared

achievements, administering or registering services the churches provide and all in all manage the church partnership arrangement,” Ms Solomon said on Friday.

Ms Solomon said currently the church funding assistance was with the Department of National Planning but Religion, Youth and Community Development Minister Delilah Gore has agreed with National Planning Minister Charles Abel to redirect the church funding to her.

Peter O’Neill and William Duma signing the alliance agreement on Friday.

Life PNG Care founder commends Gore

BY MAUREEN GERAWA

SOME homeless children will not want to return to their parents even if they are asked to return, says founder of Life PNG Care Collin Pake.

He said these are children who have survived trauma, abuse and neglect by their own parents for various reasons.

“We are living in a time where parents no longer place value in their children,” Mr Pake said.

“It’s like the adults are living for themselves, without love and care for their children.

“They prioritise their own needs, as a result a child will want to leave his or her parents and relatives, especially in the cities and towns.’’

He was responding to an article in yesterday’s Post-Courier which states that a large number of children living on the streets have parents who can be traced and the children returned to them.

Minister for Religion, Youth and

At a glance

FOUNDER: Some children will not want to return to their parents even if they are asked to return, says founder of Life PNG Care Collin Pake.

MP GORE: Was reported to have said in Parliament on Monday that the revised Lukautim Pikinini Act was now before Parliament which would see children confined to shelters or sent to school.

Community Development Delilah Gore was reported to have said in Parliament on Monday that the revised Lukautim Pikinini Act was now before Parliament which would see children confined to shelters, sent to school and wards of State until their parents and relatives are traced and the children reunited with them.

Mr Pake said most of the street kids he has come across were survivors of trauma, abuse or neglect by either of their parents

and relatives. Some have also lost both parents and cannot continue to live with their relatives.

He said some of these parents and relatives of these children are also struggling to survive and cannot sustain their livelihood with basic necessities of life.

But the sad reality, he said, was that when their children are forced out on the streets they begin to make dangerous life choices in order to survive.

Life PNG Care is caring for children who are abandoned and orphans in the hope that they will learn to live good and decent lives one day.

Meanwhile, Mr Pake said he was glad to know that some leaders are now talking about the issues regarding street kids.

“The issues of street kids has been neglected for so long,’’ he said. “The legislation part is essentially vital for good governance and practise for both government and non-government organisations,’’ he said.

NOT THE RAIN AGAIN

Adviser outlines issues affecting children’s education

BY GRACE AUKA SALMANG

CULTURAL issues are among barriers that keep children out of school, says senior education adviser of Unicef PNG Mark Waltham.

He said tribal fighting, land disputes and issues and mentality of keeping girls out of school after they drop out to help in household duties were common barriers to education.

When emphasising the importance of the out-of-school initiative yesterday, Mr Waltham was reminding parents that education was a basic human right and every child had the right to go to school because education was the way for a prosperous life.

He said poverty was the major contributing factor to the reduction in the number of children without education or do not go to school at all.

PNG cultures were also identi-

fied as challenges in reducing the number of out-of-school children.

He said some other barriers to education was cost of going to school, gender based, accessibility to schools especially in remote areas, where parents are concerned about the security of their child or children and children from the minority ethnic group. He said marginalised children with disabilities were among the least visible not just in PNG, but globally.

“Good parenting practices, provision of good health and nutrition, early childhood care and development services is critical to ensure that children get the best start in life so that they are physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually ready to learn once they begin school.

“But getting children to school remains only part of the solution educational outcomes for all,” Mr Waltham said.

PNG, Unicef launch initiative

THE Department of Education, supported by Unicef PNG, has launched the out-of-school children initiative which places emphasis on achieving education for all goals. This initiative was launched yesterday in Port Moresby and is supported by experts from the Unicef headquarters in New York and East Asia Pacific regional office and the Unesco Institute of Statistics (UIS) in Bangkok.

Education Secretary Michael Tapo said the objective of the meeting is to sensitise policy makers in key education sectors on how best PNG can use its resources and address its policies to achieve the EFA goals from 2015 onwards. The meeting which begun yesterday would also share successful glo-

bal models and approaches, including good practices in achieving equity through measureable results for children and to equip the Education Department to better understand the issues of out-of-school children initiative, early childhood development and value education. These initiatives are to be reflected in the education plan 2015-2024. Mr Tapo said the task ahead was not just to ensure that children got a good education but also to make sure that in the near future there were no children staying out of school. Along with education, other sectors also contribute significantly to the holistic development of a child. He said OOSCI would be the education enabler that would drive the Government’s priorities.

A WOMAN caught in the rain along the footpath at Parliament House.

Picture: TARAMI LEGEI

Family of slain medic want probe

BY MIRIAM ZARRIGA

THE family of the doctor killed during the weekend at Ensisi Valley in Moresby Northwest is calling on police to begin investigations.

Late doctor Joe Kumbu was transported to the funeral home at Erima amid confusion of his cause of death.

Brother-in-law Gibson Kemoi said according to witnesses, he had stopped a taxi and was talking to the driver.

“Soon after there was a commotion on the other side of the street and a fight broke out. After that whatever happened is still a mystery. We call on the police to please begin investigations immediately and find out the cause of his death,” Mr Kemoi said.

“We need the police to find the persons responsible.”

Dr Kumbu was found face down in front of the Wesleyan Church at Ensisi

Valley on Saturday morning.

He had a wound at the back of his head above the right ear.

The doctor had gone out with a friend and had returned to the friend’s home at Ensisi Valley.

Upon their return at 2am, the doctor decided to catch a cab home at about 3am.

Mr Kemoi said they do not have information of his movement between 3am and 4am.

“What we know is information given to us by the friend and his family and the boys who saw him that morning.

“As the family is grieving we are unable to comprehend what has happened to our brother and son.”

Dr Kumbu was supposed to return to Australia to continue his studies, which he was due to complete at the end of this year.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

PMV group upset over new fares

THE Independent Consumer and Competition Commission recently published a notice in both daily newspapers which specified the new fares for the urban PMV and taxi services.

This follows a lengthy review by the ICCC of the taxi and PMV industries in which the Commission called for submissions from stakeholders and consulted widely with the industry and other interested parties.

However, over the past two weeks, the National Capital District PMV Association has said it was disappointed with the new fares announced by the commission and that the commission should have consulted them before setting the new fares.

These comments do not accord with the facts. PMV operators were given ample opportunity for comment. They were specifically asked to provide submissions and information, on a confidential basis, on their operating costs and revenues but that information was not forthcoming.

ICCC Commissioner and CEO Billy Manoka said: “The commission would like to state clearly that it is required by law to undertake such reviews in an open and transparent manner, which involves wide stakeholder and public consultation prior to making any determination. And it did that.”

“Throughout the PMV and taxi fare review, the commission organised consultative meetings with PMV owners, operators, associations and stakeholders on several occasions within and outside Port Moresby.”

But despite the commission putting out public notices in the newspapers for this consultative meetings, the NCO PMV Association never attended, he said.

A TAXI operating in Port Moresby, without proper licence plates in front

NCSL STAFF SO SLACK

I EXPRESS my concern on the delay and misinformation from staff at Nasfund NCSL Kokopo branch.

Since July 2014, I submitted my NCSL withdrawal form and have been in and out of office until February 2015.

The male and female staff have not been giving me the right information f rom Port Moresby office or is it that the staff cannot perform their duties diligently.

This is frustrating for me as I’ve been travelling from home in East Pomio (ENBP) to Kokopo a number of times paying K100 boat fare to and from.

I’ve been told to give latest bank statements for a number of times w hich even cost me K5 for a copy. I was told by Nasfund staff to come back tomorrow which takes me weeks and months with no proper answers.

A female staff by the name of Dorothy asked me to check my account on Wednesday and still there is nothing in the account.

This shows that there must be a communication break down with the Port Moresby office otherwise the staff should give realistic answers.

Frustrated Customer, Kokopo PLEASE can Nancy Malana living somewhere in Port Moresby call me through this number - 73859815. Friends and family please relay this message to her.

CHECK NEXT DEALER

I refer to "Gas cookers" letter on Thursday Feb 12. LPG cooking gas price is regulated with the manuf acturer or the supplier Origin Gas. Distributors or dealers can sell w hatever price need be to cover cost. If you think you are being overcharged by a certain dealer, go to the other dealer. You might buy it a few toea cheaper.

Gas Cage Dealer Lae

China loans doing a lot more

I CLARIFY comments by affiliates of IMF and World Bank on the entry of China EXIM Bank in to the soft loan market of PNG to develop the dormitories for UPNG Goroka Campus.

And mind you, the engineers will be answerable for any defects during 50 years life of the structure.

Billy Ave

Although it is a condition of the China Exim Bank that the main contractor has to be a Chinese State-owned Company with 60 % labour and material to be sourced from China under a very low interest rate, the actual project will be the best because it is loan funded and not an aid project.

Any Chinese engineering team for the project will not mess around and any delivery of any substandard loan funded project will have them face execution back in China.

By comparision, World Bank and ADB have provided so much money for the infrastructure since independence and there is nothing to show for in terms of quality roads, bridges and ports.

If China is committed to deliver high standard infrastructure under their soft loan, then why shoot them down when they are in the country during the last three years only.

It must be noted that the China Development Bank had provided $US700 million loan funding for the LNG project while the China Exim Bank also provided funding into the loan syndicate for

the PNG LNG project so be weary when learned economist drop “shallow bombs” on China Exim Bank. The new city roads from Baruni to Nine-Mile and Lae to Nazab are funded by China Exim Bank and wait until you see and drive on the roads before you comment.

Allow healthy competition in soft loan sources among old and new players. China Exim Bank is now ready to provide loan to the GoPNG to fund its stake in future LNG projects so it does not have to go into middle man deals with USB or other loans again.

Mista Spencer NCD, via email

The needs for small people to be served well

Chimbu police not performing

Letter of the day

An analysis on the general attitude of Chimbu police on their operations in the province has revealed that there is a serious lack in their command and order structure.

Many of the police OIC are heavily compromised.

Chimbu is not like other big centres of PNG. It is a small four cornered town, which has very low probability of experiencing major criminal activities.

Therefore Police units in the province should have constructive plans in place to utilise the vital time to do viable operations.

The duty to enforce law is vital, many people at present do not fully understand the basic laws of our country.

Police needs to do awareness on law and order, they need to teach the people about the laws of the country. Then lead by example by

living their own lives according to the laws. Instead, Chimbu police are forever short of funds. Of all operations or report they respond to, the complainant have to dig into their pockets to fund fuel, provide lunch or snack money and other additional cost varying from circumstances just to get a favourable response.

If these funds are not provided, there is a less opportunity to get a response immediately. We have never seen any humility instilled in the Chimbu police personnel to correctly serve the law and people by virtue and loyalty.

The big questions are, do they have a budget to support their operational plans?

Are police personnel on salary?

Is their line of command in order? are they people and law oriented or money?

There are many other questions one can ponder on.

One very clear break down I

Text us on 208

see here is the way police receive their orders and the types of attitude they display.

There is an obvious lack in police command and control structure. They seem to wear uniforms but are confused of their obligations. When Chimbu is already safe from major crimes, the police should have figured the types of common unlawful acts and draw up constructive plans to regulate them.

We call for the Chimbu police to come down and see the need to protect the people regardless of class and status.

The PPC should be challenged to be firm in issuing instructions to make sure plans are carried out and changes are achieved.

We do not want to see police personnel roaming around money and neglecting their primary duties.

Simbu Yomba Kundiawa

Who runs the Games Organising Committee?

I READ in your of Wed Feb 11, the Games team attend Canada Winter Games.

Can the 2015 Pacific Games Organizing Committee justify to the people of PNG the long term benefit sports will have on theses people attending the Canada Winter Games?

I ask what positive impact the Winter Games will have with Summer Games?

Notably Papua New Guineans are trained and well versed in the enabling and co-ordination of accreditation system.

With an influx of vibrant people been employed by GOC to strengthen the workforce based on merit and experience as the game’s date comes closer. Seriously time is an

10 years ago

essence in every aspect. In the first instance, why employ people with limited knowledge and send them overseas for training. We have enough capable Papua New Guineans in the same field being overlooked by GOC. Clint Flood claims the operations system of the Canada Games is similar to the Pacific Games, so what knowledge and skills do we Papua New Guineans possess that is different. We have PNG Olympic Committee staff who are highly trained handling online Accreditation through the Sporting Pulse System for Olympic, Commonwealth, Pacific and Mini Pacific Games on annual basis. Not far from the GOC office we have the PNG Sports Foundation who are kingpins of

WHAT GOES AROUND...

Ousted opposition leader Belden Namah’s complaint about his removal while in sick bed (The National, Feb 16, 2015) makes me want to laugh. Namah should not complain because he is getting a taste of his own medicine. He was one of the key architects who orchestrated the removal of a legitimately elected Prime Minister in Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and his government while Sir Michael was in his sick bed in Singapore prior to the 2012 elections. Namah even went to the extreme to call for the dismissal of the Grand Chief from parliament as mandated governor of East Sepik province and called him “a stranger in the house” when Sir Michael returned and entered parliament with his NA MPs to reclaim his seat as the PM. Namah, you are now getting a taste of your own medicine. And there is a saying that “what goes around comes around”.

Freddy Gigs

LITTLE PEOPLE LOSE

and address this outbreak. Our country’s already underperforming health system will literally die if the outbreak is not contained and dealt with properly. It is even more troubling that the consequences of failing to prevent such a dangerous health crisis will devastate the human population of PNG. We are already in the red, Minister Malabag declare a SoE in Western Province before it is too late for the rest of us.

Orlando W

FISHY WORKS DEALS

Can someone intervene and investigate how civil works contracts are dished out? Contracts are awarded to wantoks, who then leave jobs half done. The bill of quantities does not reflect what is on the ground. People are stealing taxpayers’ money.

Miok Wankaiop

FOOD PRICE HIKE

PNG Game’s, which in terms of participation of athletes and official is bigger than the Pacific Games.

Let me put it on record that similar arrangements were made for two members of the GOC when they attended the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland on observer status observing different roles on how high profile games were managed.

Sadly upon their return home one officer resigned, why? Seriously who is running the show at the GOC Office, is it Clint Flood, Peter Steward or Emma Waiwai.

PNG Power in Alotau should just send someone to Japan to bring back parts required for the genset in Alotau (Post-Courier, Friday 13, 2015). PPL reckon they clawed back millions since introducing the state of emergency. The blackouts aren’t three weeks old as reported. It goes way back to early January. Workers of small businesses are losing money as people are being sent home when the power is cut. Sue them for loss of income.

Concerned

TB CRISIS

The current health crisis in Western Province has placed a huge question mark on the safety of every individual in this country. It is truly frightening that more and more people will become exposed to TB if the government does not act swiftly

Wow! Chicken lovers! Did you see price hikes on chicken pieces lately in the city’s supermarkets? The story is the same in all shops visited. Customers were seen avoiding their juicy delicacy and going for fatty beef and sausages. One unimpressed shopper said to me, “we can live without it”, referring to chicken. Last December, it was price hikes on fruits and veggies. This month it is chicken pieces. Ox & Palm is now going for K12 in one supermarket. Who knows what other surprises are in store for the rest of the year. Can we get some immediate explanation from relevant authorities on food pricing? While we wait, start reviewing your weekly eating patterns and get your children to forego chicken for other protein. Seriously, you and I have no choice. The cost of food items are going up.

Penniless shopper Gerehu

Parents and teachers were upset about the ruling on payment of school fees in NCD. Schools were told not allow children to attend classes unless they pay fees in full.

The needs for small to be served well will be the focus of Mr Tamate’s six-year term will be the focus of Mr Tamate’s term in office The Public Solicitors officer will help office. The Public officer will people who need legal help. people who need help.

Sports Insider Gerehu II

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LLG president to pursue masters

By JACOB POK

THE local level government president for Kiunga in the North Fly District of Western Province is one of those who have firm thoughts in pursuing their education despite having too many responsibilities.

James Donald, 35, who is married with four children, said it was initially his dream to do masters in business administration before becoming the president of his LLG area.

He has enrolled at the Divine Word University campus in Port Moresby on February 6, to take up studies.

“The leadership position I hold now is not my birth right and I may pass it on to someone else so I can pursue what I have always wanted,” Mr Donald said.

He said while development continue to take place in his LLG, District and Province, it has dawned on him that he

needed to be well qualified to be a greater contributor to participate meaningfully in the development in his area.

“That is why I have to pursue my studies to acquire the best qualification while managing my time to properly commit to my family and leadership responsibilities,” Mr Donald said.

He urged elites of Western Province who are undergraduates in any field to do likewise as it would eventually build the human resource capacity to contribute towards development.

HOLIDAYS OVER

AS the academic year begins for students around the country to resume classes, many schools are yet to sort student registrations. Grade seven students from Watunou Primary School in Mine Bay Province are seen here in front of their classroom with their head teacher Mr Japheth Kelesiani (left) and a grade seven teacher.

K500,000 plan falls short

BY DONALD WILLIE

RIGO Inland LLG president

Biari Ubuna is calling on the national Government to reconsider the decision to cut the LLGSIP funds.

He said the budget cut on the LLG funds has affected their five-year development plans which was drawn using K500,000.

He thanked the Prime Minister for the allocation of K500,000 the previous year which had allowed many LLG members like him to fund and act on major projects.

However, the cut to funding also meant cut to developments, especially the underprivileged areas like his Rigo Inland area.

“Its like a fallback on our part as well because our five-year development plan has been drawn up according to a K500,000 budget allocation,” Mr Ubuna said.

School closed over funding

KIUNGA Secondary School in North Fly District of Western Province, has been suspended since Friday over funding issues.

This was revealed yesterday during a meeting held by the school board and administration and the parents over the issue.

The school has more than 800 students from all over the district and even the province.

According to the principal Minaru Gipo, the school has no money to run and the funds left from last year have been used since the school started two weeks ago.

He said there are three reasons why the board has agreed to suspend the school temporary.

One is because there were no funds to run the school, especially to pay for boarding students’ food; secondly, the government subsidy has not been given to the school yet; and thirdly, the Education Department has issued a circular stating no project fees should be collected from students.

Mr Gipo said in the past three years the school has run on limited funding, with the help of Fly River provincial government they have secured on K500,000 this year but that is not enough to run the school.

“The school needs K1.6 million to run each year to cater for students’

At a glance

SCHOOL SUSPENDED: KIUNGA

Secondary School in North Fly District of Western Province, has been suspended since Friday over funding issues.

MORE STUDENTS: The school has more than 800 students from all over the district and even the Province.

REASONS: Three reasons why the board has agreed to suspend the school: one is because there were no funds to run the school, especially to pay for boarding students’ food; secondly, the govt subsidy has not been given to the school yet; thirdly, the Education Dept has issued a circular stating no project fees should be collected.

food in mess, uniform, books and other necessary items,” Mr Gipo added.

The concerned parents while questioning the authorities to find ways to get funding and keep the school going urged the school to resume classes and let the students received education.

One of the parents who do not want to be named said the school administration should be blamed for this suspension because they have spent school money unwisely last year and the previous years.

JAMES Donald

COFFEE BUYERS STRANDED

COFFEE buyers in the Mt Michael and the remote Unavi local government areas in Lufa district are encountering difficulties when it comes to transporting their bags of parched coffee to Goroka (60km away) for sale. Hardly any PMVs travel into the area since last September due to the destruction of the Agibi bridge by raging flood waters. Many people are calling on the district, the provincial and the national governments to finance the reconstruction of the bridge, located 20km south of Goroka. Picture and words: MICHAEL

KOMA

Lufa set to launch development plan

BY MICHAEL KOMA

EASTERN Highlands’ remote Lufa district is set to launch its fiveyear development plan in April to coincide with the inauguration of the newly-incepted district development authority.

The roadmap, focused on enhancing socio-economic developments, would provide a platform for the district development authority to operate.

The plan focuses on good governance and capacity building.

Health and education infrastructures, improved communication systems and rural electrification are also featured in the dossier.

Lufa’s southern frontier is the Unavi area that hosts six airstrips.

The airstrips in this geographically rugged part of the district will

Leader: Lets work together

A COMMUNITY leader from Kagua is calling on all losing candidates and failed election petitioners and those who have opposed the local MP to put aside their differences in the interest of change and progress in the electorate.

The call was made yesterday following another unsuccessful election petition in Port Moresby last week against Kagua-Erave MP James Lagea.

Community leader Nicholas Sambu said with three successful election petition wins in a row, the MP has proven enough to remain in office for the entire term.

He said supporters of the three petitioners must also be satisfied that their grievances have been fairly settled and justice was served appropriately at the proper court of law.

Mr Sambu said aspiring politicians can now focus on challenging the MP in 2017 if they are keen to contest the seat.

“There are appropriate government

agencies to deal with the MP pertaining to any other allegations or leadership issues against him, if there are any, therefore it is not in the peoples interest to distract the MP from performing his electoral duties.

“We cannot continue to cause the innocent majority to suffer when we pursue our individual agendas,” said Mr Sambu.

The recent election petition was filed by former National Court Judge and lawyer Nemo Yalo challenging the win by Mr Lagea during the 2012 elections on grounds of abuse of process and bribery allegations. However the Court of Dispute Returns dismissed the petition for not complying with the competency rules of election petitions. Two other unsuccessful petitioners were Daniel Tulapi and Komeali Ropa. Mr Lagea is serving his second term in Parliament.

Mr Sambu made this call so dfferences be put aside to pave way for progress.

also get facelifts under under the plan.

District administrator Wesley Loko told the Post-Courier in Goroka that he was determined to implement the plan this year.

Local MP Jeffrey Kuave was optimistic the plan would be successfully translated into tangible developments for the benefit of the 80,000 people of Lufa.

The district is also the host to the world-class Mt Crater gold mine and is also a renowned tourist destination.

Mr Loko said the information fragile tourism industry in the district would be developed as captured in the blueprint.

Lufa boosts some of the world’s most unique flora and fauna that attract tourists and research scientists from all over the globe.

Businessman wants probe

THE managing director for the Goroka-based Night Owl Security Services (NOSS), Winch Lee Oibotee, is calling on Goroka police to thoroughly probe an incident in which police allegedly injured one of his guards.

At around 10pm on Saturday February 7, a policeman had an argument with a street vendor near the Goroka Catholic Church.

The encounter sparked a fight in which reinforcements closed in at the scene and drove the vendors, loiters and bystanders away in all directions.

In pursuit of the vendors police allegedly bashed one of NOSS’ night security guards guarding the entrance of the Mandarin

Restaurant adjacent to the Bird of Paradise Hotel.

The victim, who sustained facial injuries, was treated at the Goroka hospital and discharged.

Provincial police commander

John Kale told the media last week the main suspect in the assault was a brother of a policeman.

Mr Oibotee said the perpetrator could be a uniformed man.

Along these lines, Mr Oibotee has asked police investigators in Goroka to look into the matter “so that justice can be served at the end of the day.”

“We respect the work of police and await patiently for them (police investigators) to accomplish the task,” he said.

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Students urged to refrain from bad influences

DIVINE Word University students have been urged to be wary of bad influences that would sidetrack them from their studies.

Catholic Archbishop of Madang, Stephen Reichert called on the students to stay focused and learn as much as they can, meet as many new friends and grow in wisdom but not be influenced to go astray.

Archbishop Reichert invited the students to ask why they were at the university and ensure they were motivated by a purpose to do good for their families, communities and country.

“What is your motivation? Is life as a student about money and power in the future, the ability to manipulate and use others for your own selfish benefit?

“Is your motivation frivolous, aimless and about having a good time?”

Archbishop Reichert asked.

Students challenged to set priorities

STUDENTS attending the flexible open distance education (FODE) programs were challenged to set their priorities right in order to excel in life.

The challenge was issued during the school’s dedicatory service held in Lae last Friday.

It is an initiative established for students to attend tutorials and examinations that assist by pushing them back into the system after complete their studies.

Lae Secondary School principal Chris Raymond issued a challenge to the FODE students adding that they must compete with students in the main stream schools.

“Do not look at yourselves as failures and think bad for yourselves; instead embrace what has been given to you as a second chance in making things right for your education,” Mr Raymond said and challenged them to excell.

Rural bank officers get training

BY ABRAHAM AVEDIBA

WITH small to medium enterprises (SMEs) expanding in the rural parts of the country, bank officers need to keep their knowledge and skills of banking services up to par.

Bank of Papua New Guinea financial systems manager George Awap said this during the recent BSP officers’ graduation on financial education training.

Mr Awap said the BPNG and the national Government have made attempts to introduce the microfinance expansion project (MEP) to enable bank officers to motivate the unbanked population to become financially literate.

“Humans have a tendency of copying each other, so when rural bankers master the art of properly educating the unbanked population in rural areas, others will try to imitate those who’ve been educated,” Mr Awap said.

It is evident financial education, apart from banking services itself, is greatly need many parts of the country including the Momase Region. four out of the 14 Bank of South Pacific (BSP) staff who graduated from the financial training education were from the rural parts of the Momase region.

BSP

Kabwum

sub-branch officer

At a glance

EDUCATION: It is evident financial education, apart from banking services itself.

STAFFS: A total of four out of the 14 BSP staffs were from the rural parts of the Momase Region.

Rachael Watu said such specialised training and other refresher courses are often appreciated mostly by officers from the rural branches.

“It’s quite a challenge that we often face when trying to educate the rural community on banking services when we are not fully versed with the latest services and technologies that the bank initiates,” Ms Watu said.

According to Ms Watu her branch is situated in a remote area of Morobe Province where accessibility to transport services is quite hard. “We often have set amount in our tablets that we have to work within so when the amount has been reached we cannot accommodate for any transactions.

“It’s during such times when we have to explain to customers of what is going on and at times, the process can be quite a headache,” she added.

ARCHBISHOP Stephen Reichert delivering Holy Communion to students during the mass to mark the opening of DWU’s academic year last Friday. Picture courtesy of DWU Community Information Centre.

Govt okays sale of shares

BY NICOLE JOANNES

THE West New Britain Provincial Assembly has given overwhelming approval for the sale of its 12 million shares in New Britain Palm Oil to Sime Darby.

The provincial assembly has also endorsed the provincial administrator as the trustee of NBPOL free share carry trust to execute and submit the acceptance of Sime Darby offer in respect of the same 12 million shares.

It further endorsed that all cash considerations received from Sime Darby through the offer, the proceed of K345,840, to be reinvested and held in treasury bonds with the Bank of Papua New Guinea on short to medium term bases.

The provincial administration is expected to explore long term re-investment options including Bank of PNG options for tabling and

Crowd witnesses legal year opening in Gazelle

BY MICHAEL ARNOLD

A MASSIVE crowd congregated at the Paparatava parish in the Gazelle district last Friday to witness and partake as East New Britain opened the legal year.

The occasion began with a procession lead by members of the East New Britain legal fraternity and members of the police and disciplinary forces, closely followed by students and other business houses from across the province.

In his remarks to the disciplinary forces, Justice Salatiel Lenalia, one of the two judges in attendance, said there had been much publicity recently about police brutality after the recent case in Hanuabada village of NCD and several other incidents that had taken place in the past year.

He urged members of the police

hierarchy to address the issue, adding that the law requires the police to uphold the law and maintain and enforce the law in an impartial and objective manner as according to the constitution.

Justice Lenalia also said one of the biggest problems being faced around the country is child abuse.

He stressed that people need to be made aware of their rights to bring cases before the court because the law exists to protect the rights of every citizen of the country.

Lawyers were also urged to try to dispose of cases in a timely manner as they were dealing with people’s lives.

He said the court system could not operate in isolation to provide legal services to the people and encouraged all law enforcement agencies to work together in order to administer justice to the people.

ENB pioneers legal awareness

A GROUP of East New Britain-based law students from the University of Papua New Guinea have pioneered a legal awareness program in the province.

Over the duration of one month the team of three students carried out legal awareness in the five districts of the province.

Spending three days in each district, the team did awareness on the topics of constitutional law, criminal law, land rights, roles and functions of the village court, family law, human rights and organic law of provincial and local level governments.

Joseph Tobung, one of the students, said they wanted to creat an awareness of the law in the com-

munity and help members of the community to realise that they too are important players in the legal system.

The awareness program, which was funded by the Gazelle district, was attended by ward members, ward development committees, ward recorders, community based organisations, youth leaders, women leaders and other interested members of the community. Many of the participants of the awareness program said it was an eye-opener for them as they had been previously unaware of some of the rights that they had as individuals which were continuously being abused by others and they had learned to just accept that.

further consideration and endorsement by the assembly.

The approvals were given in a special assembly sitting on Saturday after the committee appointed to look into the issue held various discussions and consultations with, independent advisors, the national Government agencies and other stakeholders related with the Sime Darby offer.

Governor Sasindran Muthuvel told the assembly that the special committee was fully conscious of the importance of the financial angles and implications of the decision to be made by the assembly.

Mr Muthuvel said there is no guarantee that the provincial government would be receiving the dividends from its 12 million shares as this is not any ordinary share float but a takeover bid.

He said the provincial government and the people

stand to lose if the move to sell the shares is not being made.

Mr Muthuvel said the provincial government investment with the Bank of PNG in the treasury bonds with an interest rate of 16 percent will bring into the province over K55 million bi-annually compared to the K6 million dividends received from NBPOL.

Meanwhile, Kandrian Gloucester MP Joseph Lelang said there are a lot of uncertainties involved in the takeover bid and as such the move taken by the provincial assembly to sell is a move in the right direction.

Talasea MP Francis Marus and Talasea LLG president Victor Narere, Mosa LLG president Dacca Wagai and all presidents gave approval for the sale of the provincial government’s 12 million shares with NBPOL.

Sime Darby already has already acquired 70 percent of the shares on the market.

GOVERNOR Sasindran Muthuvel, Kandrian MP Joseph Lelang and Provincial Administrator Williamson Hosea holding the tavur with the rest of the provincial assembly members.

Power outages crippling Buka

BUKA town is experiencing severe power disruptions on an almost daily basis.

The blackouts are affecting the public service, private businesses and residents.

The power outages are occurring mostly during business hours though some are at night.

The daytime blackouts are causing disruptions to major service providers in town.

Like many buildings in Buka town, those premises housing Customs, Public Solicitors Office, Internal Revenue Commission, Department of Labour, Australian aid, the PostCourier, Airlines PNG and others do not have back-up power and major interruptions to daily business have been caused.

Customs officials told this newspaper they are not impressed at all.

“We are really mad. We are concerned about our machines. When the power goes down we lose our work and there is the danger the computers can be damaged. This really affects our work. Our server is connected to headquarters in Port Moresby and we are required to submit reports daily. The power blackouts are causing big problems with this,” they said.

“Stand up PNG Power. We prepay for our power on Easypay but we don’t get the service. If there was competition, other providers they might do a better job.”

Computer repair specialists Best Price was equally unhappy. “We are losing a lot of money. Everything we do works on power. We can’t work, fix computers. We just sit around doing

Legal year opens on B’ville

BY SEBASTIAN HAKALITS

THE legal fraternity in Bougainville witnessed the opening of the 2015 legal year with a church service at the Hutjena United church.

At a glance

BLACKOUT: Power outages on Buka are happening on an almost-daily basis, angering many business houses.

CUSTOMS: We are really mad, it is frustrating.

BEST PRICE: We are loosing a lot of money.

JOMIK ENTERPRISES: We rely on our gensets more than PNG Power. Last Saturday was worse because our genset was down.

PNG POWER: Big silence

nothing or we are forced to close the shop. We are not happy with PNG Power,” a spokesman from Best Price said.

“It’s frustrating,” said a spokesman from the Labour Department. PNG Power needs to come up with a strategy.”

Major Bougainville retailer Jomik has gensets which they run during outages. But this costs a large amount of money.

“We are spending up to K30,000 a month on fuel to run our gensets, a store manager at Jomik said.

“We really rely on our gensets more than PNG Power, the gensets are where most of our power is coming from.

“Last Saturday was the worst because the genset in our main store was down because we had been using it so much it has given up.”

The general feeling in Buka town is that PNG Power must lift its game. Further they need to communicate with their customers and explain exactly what is happening.

Rice grower appeals for help

BY ROMULUS MASIU

A RICE farmer in Panguna district of Central Bougainville is seeking help to purchase a rice mill.

Martin Paul, from Konuku village in the Ioro constituency, has a big rice project in his area and has been growing rice since the Bougainville crisis.

Growing rice is not new.

The locals have survived with the grains during the blockade on the island.

But during that time they used use a traditional makeshift mortar to grind rice, which is a very tiring and time-consuming

process.

Mr Paul said in Konuku more than 500 families are into rice farming and they are calling on their local council of elders (COE), Panguna district executive manager Otto Noruka and Ioro Constituency Member, who is also the

Minister for Mining in the ABG, Michael Oni, to purchase a rice mill for them.

“We’re also extending our plea to our national parliamentarian Jimmy Miringtoro to assist us.

“Our appeal is open as we have a big rice farm and desperately need rice mill to have our finish products,” Mr Paul said.

Mr Paul said the villagers are already harvesting the rice and storing them away in warm and safe places because there was no mill to prepare the rice for consumption and marketing to other areas of Bougainille.

The ceremony was attended by the Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia and ABG chief secretary Monovi Amani and Minister of the Law and Justice in Bougainville, Joseph Nopei, the new Residential Judge of Bougainville, Sir Kina Bona, all law and justice sector agencies including prisoners from the Bekut Correctional Service facility.

Mr Amani said Bougainville is special under an agreement with the National Government with the issue of autonomy, which gives Bougainvilleans the opportunity to chart a new way for Bougainville and the issue of law and order is a very important pillar of this agreement.

“We stand together as agents of a new Bougainville to deliver the service of law and order for a better environment,” Mr Amani said.

Mr Nopei said the two disciplined forces must give their best work ethics and work effectively in the district level so that law is felt and seen at the community level.

He said the justice system must be seen as working with the people to serve them who desperately need it to combat the issues of law and order.

Sir Salamo said the occasion is conducted in the sixty Commonwealth countries who share the common law jurisdiction over many centuries with a church service conducted on the first day of the first month of the year and in PNG it is on February 2 and for Bougainville, the legal year had to be deferred to Friday so that he can attend.

Sir Salamo said Bougainville is one of the 14 national court establishments and more than one half of the judges are based in those jurisdictions.

Students still waiting for certificates after two years

THIRTY students of Koromira Technical High School who have completed their grade 10 in 2013 are still waiting for their grade 10 certificates.

A frustrated parent, Bruno

Arampa, said it is now three years and the students are still waiting for their certificates from Port Moresby.

“The responsible authorities are not giving us the right information as to

when we will collect the certificates for our students,” Mr Arampa said, adding that this has made it very hard for their children to continue their education.

He said since 2013 the

school principal, who has since left the school, has promised the parents and students that they will collect the certificates but that has yet to happen. “The principal and authorities

at the school said they will get it but to date they’ve done nothing. The principal (named) we heard is now in Lae and students and parents are looking for him,” said Mr Arampa, who repre-

sented all the parents of the 30 students who completed their grade 10 in 2013.

Last year’s graduates received their certificates but those from 2013 are still waiting for their’s.

A CHILD sitting on the bags of rice harvested by Mr Paul

We have a big farm and desperately need a rice mill...

MARTIN PAUL Panguna

Developer: P’nyang gas pricing is confidential

BY PATRICK T. WUNDAI

A PNG LNG Project proponent says the use of natural gas for power generation provides an opportunity for cost efficiencies for the State compared to use of diesel powered power generation.

A spokesman for the operator of PNG LNG Project ExxonMobil PNG Limited (EMPNGL) said this yesterday when asked if it could disclose the price for gas and its pricing formula for the recent MOU signing between the State to supply gas from the P’nyang gas field.

“It’s commercially confidential. We cannot provide details on pricing, however, when compared to alternate fuels (for example, diesel) the use of natural gas for power generation provides an opportunity

Trading good at Koki

SINCE the new-look Koki market was opened a fortnight ago, trading has been good for all vendors. The market is now much more cleaner, and orderly paving way for a greater variety of food and vegetables being sold.

Koki Market was the traditional trading post for the motuans from the east and from the west, from Koiari and from Rigo inland. Seasoned vendors from the Gulf Province would also show up to sell their popular sago and dried fi sh. However, today the market has expanded and includes vendors from all over the country who live in the city and settlements who sell their produce. The recent rains in the city and Central Province have given vendors a great time to make money.

EXXONMOBIL: The gas pricing formula to supply gas from P’nyang is “commercially confidential”. It cannot provide details on pricing but is cost effective against diesel.

PM O’NEILL: The PM’s office has not responded to questions sent earlier regarding the disclosure of what price the State is negotiating with the Developer regarding the pricing formula.

LANDOWNERS: Landowners oppose the MOU which they say is outside the current PNG LNG Project jurisdiction of which P’nyang is not a party to.

for cost efficiencies for the State,” the spokesperson said in an email to the Post-Courier

Several queries sent earlier to the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s media team seeking comments and disclosure as to what price the state is negotiating with EMPNGL and under what formula the State

is negotiating to buy gas for domestic gas supply from EMPNGL have gone unanswered since last Friday.

The questions relating to domestic gas pricing and its formula to determine the price in light of no fixed price for LNG and whether, if a gas price is agreed on; should

it (price) be either below or above or the same as the global oil price remains doubtful.

Also former attorney general Kerenga Kua’s questions to the Government on the floor of Parliament last week as to what price the State is negotiating with EMPNGL and using what formula, remain answered.

This is despite Mr O’Neill saying in Parliament last week that the PNGLNG Project will deliver up to 25 megawatts of power to Port Moresby as agreed under the MOU signed between the State and EMPNGL. The gas is expected to come from the P’nyang gas field which is outside of the current PNG LNG Project which is being opposed by landowners, who want a standalone project.

Landowners reject deal, want standalone project

THE chairman of the P’nyang Landowners Association (PRA), Michael Betkimsok has rejected the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between State and ExxoMobil Limited PNG Limited (EMPNGL) to supply and purchase gas from the P’nyang gas field and integrate into the current PNG LNG Project.

“We have been advocating a standalone gas project and insinuation that it will be integrated into the current PNGLNG project is not happen.

“I reject it outright and as such.

It’s not negotiable. We want a separate standalone project that must go through all aspects of negotiations towards the issuance of a development licence,” Mr Betkimsok said.

He said there hasn’t been any consultation between all stakeholders regarding this arrangement as this is a very sensitive issue.

“The State and EMPNGL haven’t consulted us as a significant stakeholder so we assume the speculation as hot air, he said.

“But let me put it this way, even if we are involved in any delibera-

tions and negotiations processes, we insist that the P’nyang gas will be developed as a standalone project,” the Chairman said.

ExxonMobil PNG Limited yesterday said, “the P’nyang field is currently under assessment and no development plans have been approved yet”.

However, despite this, there have already been many engagements with the P’nyang area landowners.

“To reiterate, while we have been assessing the P’nyang field, we have engaged true local landowners in

Rollout continues

WITH SMEs expanding in the rural parts of the country, bank officers need to keep their knowledge and skills of banking services up to par.

their villages so that they are aware of our plans. These have included awareness sessions held face-toface with landowners.”

“We understand there will be further engagements this year held by the Department of Petroleum and Energy (DPE) and Department of Environment and Conservation.”

EMPNGL said while ask to comment on the position of the landowners.

It is understood, the Developer’s licence is to expire in April, with the authorities still to decide its renewal.

BPNG Financial Systems manager George Awap mentioned this during the recent BSP officers’ graduation on financial education training.

Mr Awap said BPNG and the national government have made attempts to introduce the Microfinance expansion Project (MEP) to enable bank officers to motivate the unbanked population to become financially literate.

A total of four out of the 14 BSP staff who graduated from the financial training education were from the rural parts of the Momase Region.

BSP Kabwum Sub-branch officer Rachael Watu said such trainings are often appreciated mostly by officers from the rural branches.

Pictured is the Lea family who are selling their fresh produce at Koki Market.

Financial literacy still a challenge

BY ABRAHAM AVEDIBA and MELISHA YAFOI

A MUCH greater effort is needed to train financial officers to better educate the un-banked or the financially illiterate population before 2017, says an economist.

Bank of Papua New Guinea deputy governor Benny Popoitai said this and adds that the Government, through the microfinance expansion project initiative, had managed to train 34,000 officers from various banking institutions.

“We have yet to train an additional 120,000 officers before the year 2017,” he said.

“Despite efforts to train bank officers on banking and finance matters, there remains challenges when making efforts to educate the financially illiterate.”

He said one of the challenges is trying to explain banking and finance matters in simple terms to someone that has never had access or made efforts to using banking

services. Mr Popoitai said the other challenge is to encourage those who have been newly-introduced to banking services to adopt the culture of saving.

He said the majority of the un-banked population had fair amounts of money which they generate from their daily economic activities.

However, many refuse to bank their money through the usual regulated financial system, as they have gotten used to doing their financial transactions on a cash-only basis.

According to Mr Popoitai various commercial banks have in the past gone out to introduce bank accounts in rural parts of the country, but they’ve also faced challenges in retaining these customers.

“Villagers who opened new accounts were never properly informed of what the opening of a new account meant and what was involved in having these accounts operating,”

Mr Popoitai said. FINAL work on the foundation being carried out. Picture courtesy PNG PORTS

Kavieng port work in progress

PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNGPCL) is into full swing for the 2015 business year with plans to launch Kavieng port’s new storage facility soon.

The program and logistics for the launching of the new port storage facility is being progressed and PNGPCL is inviting the Minister for Public Enterprises and State Investments, Ben Micah, to officiate at the ceremony in March.

The launching ceremony will signify a new era for New Ireland Province as PNGPCL provides the opportunity for individuals and business houses and government organisations to boost business activities.

“The new storage facility was initiated to create opportunities for more containerised cargo going into Kavieng and to boost business activities,” said PNG Ports chief executive officer Stanley Alphonse.

He said the initiative is the company’s commitment to the people of New Ireland Province under its community service obligation program.

It also falls under the company’s 20 years strategic plan to rehabilitate and develop port infrastructure at its network of 15 ports nationwide.

The new storage facility is located at portion 1030 in the provincial capital.

Steamies closes Highlands venture

STEAMSHIPS Trading Company Limited (SST) has closed its East West Transport division’s Highlands Highway Operations.

This decision follows a lengthy review of the operation which has served the region for many years.

In a formal announcement yesterday, Steamships said that since the end of the ExxonMobil PNG LNG development, there has been a glut of capacity, which when combined with the continuing deplorable state of the highway and insecurity has caused unsustainable operations.

“To this extent the accounts of the group will reflect a fleet and inventory impairment together with redundancy costs of K15.7 million (post tax),” said Steamships.

Steamship board and management has recognised the fact that this closure will affect many long term employees and sincerely thanks all their colleagues for their valuable contribution, wishing them well for the future.

Steamship also revealed that during the course of the year, the residual East West Transport business will be amalgamated with that of Steamships’ Joint Venture Stevedoring business to form an overall land-based logistics division.

This merger will parallel a similar amalgamation of the group’s marine divisions of Consort Express Lines Limited and Steamships Coastal Shipping.

“Both combinations target efficiency alignment and synergy cost savings in a competitive economic environment.”

Chopper crash hinders InterOil

FOLLOWING the forced landing of a Bell 206 helicopter contracted to InterOil in Gulf Province on Sunday, the company has now suspended all helicopter operations in its field operations as a precaution.

This incident occurred about 10:15am on Sunday during routine operations at the Bobcat drilling site, northwest of Kerema.

In a brief statement by InterOil, the company said the pilot, who happened to be the only person on the aircraft at the time, was flown immediately back to Port Moresby and transferred to hospital for x-ray and medical observation and is said to be safe.

InterOil has reported this incident to the aviation authorities and investigations are currently underway.

The Post-Courier’s attempts to get comments and confirmation of the incident with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority were unsuccessful.

Also details of the aircraft ownership and its status if the aircraft were not available.

Farmers reap the rewards

SELECTED farmers from villages in the Kurumbukari plateau in Usino-Bundi, Madang province are now reaping rewards after harvesting vegetables to consume and sell.

The harvest was a result of seeds supplied by Ramu NiCo community affairs department agriculture section a couple of months ago.

These hard working farmers are now selling vegetables such as pak choy, beans and egg plants to fellow villagers as well as to the NCS-Raibus, a catering company serving the Ramu NiCo Management

(MCC) mess which feeds workers at Kurumbukari mine site.

The seeds were distributed to hard-working farmers in Kurumbukari through a program by Ramu NiCo CA department agriculture expert from China now based at KBK Mine, Jian Chunping

Jian Chunping, from the Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Science (CATAS) is currently based at the Ramu NiCo Kurumbukari Mine Site.

Local farmers are already

harvesting veggies from their model farmers include Eki Utu, Emma Peter and their families at Kinimati, while down at the Ramu plain at Daunagari, is Sevuru Nokoma.

Mr Utu said they are selling the veggies locally at road side market to fellow villagers who do not have gardens. He added that many of those without gardens depend on monies from the developer such as compensation and land-use payments and are too lazy to work. Most of their time is spent on gambling.

MR JIAN with farmers from Kinimati village Eki Utu and Emma Peter and family show off their pak choy harvest ready to be sold.

Storage facility planned for NIP

PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNGPCL) is into full swing for the 2015 business year with plans to launch Kavieng Port’s new storage facility soon.

The program and logistics for the launching of the new Kavieng Port storage facility is being progressed and PNGPCL is inviting the Minister for Public Enterprises and State Investments, Ben Micah to officiate at this ceremony in March this year.

This launching ceremony will signify a new era for New Ireland Province as PNGPCL provides the opportunity for individuals and business houses including government organisations to boost business activities.

Chief Executive Officer of PNGPCL, Stanley Alphonse said “the new storage facility initiated to create opportunities for more containerised cargo going into the New Ireland

Province and to boost business activities now and into the future.”

Mr Alphonse said this initiative is PNGPCL’s commitment to the people of New Ireland Province under its Community Service Obligation (CSO) Program and also falls under the company’s 20 years strategic plan to rehabilitate and develop port infrastructure at its network of 15 ports nationwide.

The new storage facility is located at portion 1030, allotment 985, within New Ireland’s provincial town, Kavieng.

This new storage facility will increase storage capacity for Kavieng Port to about 1.6 hectares from its current storage space of 6,624 square metres.

PNGPCL acknowledges Lims Construction Ltd, the contractor that was engaged do the project.

A PROFESSIONAL tuna fi shing boat seen on the Pacifi c Ocean.

TUNA VESSEL

PNGPCL reflects sound 2014

PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNG Ports) has announced about K51 million as its unaudited after-tax profit for the 2014 trading year which is more than double its 2013 financial results.

“These results come at the back of a stabilising economy, with revenue from slightly higher than those of 2013, due to increased efficiency programmes at the Ports and strict control costs measures which has kept costs under 6 per cent to that in 2013,” Board Chairman Nathaniel Poya (right) said yesterday.

“Our Volume and throughput analysis for the 2013 and 2014 financial years indicates that throughput has stabilised to 2009 levels due largely to the completion of the construction phase of the LNG project.” Nonetheless, the prudent management of the economy by the Government has resulted in continued growth of GDP that has resulted in continued improvements that drives volumes in other sectors in relative terms.

Mr Poya said other important outcomes for 2014 include the successful completion of the 2013 audit, the asset verification exercise and the roll out of the accounting and terminal operating system to Madang Port, bringing to five the total number of ports that are using the Klein & Technology one operating system. The Board and Management is keen to ensuring the rollout of these technologies throughout the port network.

“To this end, Rabaul and Wewak Ports are going to be next to use the new operating system which we envisage to be completed by June 2015. The Klein N-Tier Upgrade is currently in progress, when completed, it is envisaged to improve productivity and efficiency of operations of these ports. This will enable productivity gains for all stakeholders involved in the logistics chain and trickled down through economy” Mr Poya said.

Mr Poya said PNG Ports is also almost up to date with its statutory tax obligations. It has already settled the 2011 income tax of K12.5 million and lodged its’returns for 2012 with its 2013 return expected to be lodged by February 2015. During the 2014 financial year, it has paid approximately K39.5m in taxes to the Internal Revenue Commission.

“The overall growth in throughput

and volume has stablised to post PNG LNG Project levels due to end of the construction phase of the PNG LNG Project. Nevertheless, PNG Ports revenue in 2015 has increased by 12 percent due to revenue diversification by management

This has therefore enabled a relative growth in various sectors that translate into positive financial performance. At the back of this environment, the Management of PNG Ports has also implemented prudent cost control measures which enabled us to effectively manage our cost which has resulted in unaudited after tax profits which are significantly higher than those in 2013, Mr Poya said.

On a comparative standpoint, PNG Ports has reduced its costs by 10% in 2014 and increased its revenue by 12%. In terms of total cargo revenue tonnage in 2013 was approximately 7.36 million revenue tonnes. In 2014, the company recorded approximately 7.5million revenue tonnage. In so far as containers are concerned, the company handled 342,190 containers in 2013 and 347,830 in 2014 respectively. During this period vessel calls were lower than 2013 due to shipping agents utilising bigger vessels owing to economies of scale and scope considerations. Overall, the operational and financial performance highlights the good governance framework under which PNG Ports operates.

These amongst others include prudent cost control measures and improved efficiency that results in gains not only to PNG Ports but the stakeholders in the port industry. The performance also underpins various challenges to deliver port

services to outer ports which operate on breakeven or loss on a standalone basis. The Ports of Lae, Port Moresby, Kimbe and Madang to some extent remain our key profitable ports.

Against these challenges PNG Ports has also delivered key infrastructure roll out throughout its port network. Some of these major projects completed and commissioned include Alotau Wharf extension, Oro Bay Trestle Completion, Lae Berth 3 Extension, Kavieng Hardstand area for container storage and reefer points, gensets and business manager’s residences at both Kieta and Buka. The Kimbe Coast Wharf Upgrade project has commenced and is expected to be completed by June 2015.

“Additionally, I recognise the exceptional performance of the Board and the Management. T othis end I also recognise the

WORKS being carried out on the Western Province threstle in Daru.

staff of PNG Ports for their commitment and dedication in meeting the challenges we faced in the past years and urged you all to continue to support the company as we move forward in the New Year.

“Furthermore, I also acknowledge and thank our key stakeholders amongst others include the National Government, the

Independent Public Business Corporation and all the various stakeholders in the country and abroad for the support over the year,” Mr Poya said. Mr Poya also thanked the Board, the Management and Staff for their exceptional performance last year and urged all of them to keep up the good work this year.

EXPRESSFREIGHTMANAGEMENT SOFRANASAILINGSCHEDULES-Week08

TEL:3212185FAX:3212287 E-mail:pom@expressfreight.com.pgor ED-eduardo.rejano@expressfreight.com.pg-71856968

WHARF ROAD

Seabed survey and dredging for Rabaul

A HYDROGRAPHIC surveyor, Aquamap Pty Ltd, was engaged by PNG Ports Corporation Ltd (PNGPCL) in December last year and has identified about

13,500 cubic meters of silt material required to be dredged from within the berthing pockets alongside the Rabaul Port main wharves.

ASIA PNG ASIA SERVICE

The hydrographic survey is a technical survey undertaken to collect data including reduced levels below the water surface (or high water mark).

Dredging basically involves the excavation and disposing of materials below the high water mark.

Chief Infrastructure Officer of PNGPCL, Waqa Bauleka said “the survey is usually undertaken during pre-dredging and post dredging exercise to ascertain dredging levels and volume of materials excavated.”

Mr Bauleka said this survey helps to identify underwater features including levels of the terrain below the water and provides guidance as to the extent of dredging required if any.

Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Alphonse said “currently Rabaul port is experiencing large volumes of silt (mainly from volcanic ash falls) been washed through the town drainage systems into the wharf berthing pockets.”

Mr Alphonse said this silt movement reduces the required draft levels for the safe berthing of vessels especially at berth 1 where silt build-up is most critical.

POM/KIUNGA/DARU SERVICES

Indonesia, China Ports, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia (East & West), Bangladesh, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines, Taiwan, Korea and India VOYPOMKIUNGA

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DARUFLY PORTS

PNGPCL’s Infrastructure team is currently sourcing a contractor to carry out the required dredging works this year.

Mr Alphonse said the survey exercise is basically an ongoing monitoring mechanism used to ensure that sea bed levels at respective port berthing pockets or channels are regularly maintained (by dredging if required) to ensure they comply to the required service standards.

PORT MORESBY / KIUNGA/ DARU

Lae amywong@hubline.com

Ph: 323 6726

Ph: 4723521 phillip.otari@pngexpressline.com

Manfred.Akis@pngexpressline.com

Fx: 4723530 doc1@pngexpressline.com

Ph: 3237501 rubbie.torot@pngexpressline.com

Fx: 323 6685 beven.otari@pngexpressline.com inbound@pngexpressline.com mavis.ipai@pngexpressline.com

He said the survey and dredging which is going to be rolled out will benefit all port users and stakeholders but more particularly the shipping lines.

The Dredging works in Rabaul is now pending completion of the tendering and approval process with the engagement of a qualified dredging contractor expected to commence soon.

A SKETCH of hydrographic suveying taking place.

SEEN here is a newly built road built along the Lae Port wharf.

‘Goliat’ leaves SKorean shipyard

THE world’s largest cylindrical floating production, storage and offloading vessel Goliat FPSO has left Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Ulsan shipyard in South Korea, and is headed to Norway on board the Dockwise Vanguard.

The 64,000 ton cylindrical floater, measuring 112m in diameter and 75m in height, is designed to store one million barrels of crude oil per day.

Eni Norge will install the FPSO in the Goliat field in the Barents Sea, 85 km northwest of Hammerfest, with start-up expected by mid-2015.

Following some fi nal preparations, the vessel departed on its 60-day journey around the southern tip of Africa, and should arrive in Hammerfest by the middle of April. The platform will make a brief stop-over before being towed out to the Goliat field location. Tie-in operations and preparations for production will take place during the summer.

The platform will be supplied with electrical power from the mainland using the longest submarine cable of its type in the world. The field is planned to come onstream in the middle of this year.

The design and manufacture of the project complied with the NORSOK standards. The FPSO features a cylindrical shape designed to withstand harsh sea conditions.

Images: Eni Norge

THE ‘Goliat’ is the world’s largest cylindrical floating production, storage and offloading vessel

For advertising, call 309 1128 or email akwara@spp.com.pg

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Local musician launches new album

ENTERTAINING you with the latest Pacific and Local concerts and music and continuing to do so is Sports Inn, your place to hang out.

Robby T Metere Crew and our friend from Solomon Island, Sharzy kept the party goers entertained throughout the night on Valentines night last Saturday bashing out their favorites all the way through for those who turned up to celebrate the Valentine night.

According to the club, there was a good turnout and the night was fun as most enjoyed without any hiccups.

This coming weekend starting Thursday night, Daniel Bilip launches his latest album titled Meri Kerema so for all the Kerema’s and fans the word is yu yet kam na lukim at Sports Inn.

On Friday night is the Roro and Mekeo night.

Performance to be put up by the Kairiku artist’s and to sum up the weekend activities at Sports Inn will be another concert by the boys from Tokarara, the Stagajah production. So for all the fans and party goers who are still deciding where to hang out this weekend, then Sports Inn is the place for you.

Above: MARY Natera and her father performing at the launch last week of the Loft Bistro bar located at the top fl oor of the former CHM Centre Point building in Boroko. Above: Guest s at the launching of Loft.

PART of Daniel Bilip’s new album cover

Jon Bon Jovi ‘just adores’ wife

THE 52-year-old musician has been married to his spouse since 1989, after the pair fi rst started dating at high school.

And questioned about the secrets to such a happy, long-term union, Jon insists there’s one simple answer.

‘I got it right the fi rst time,” Jon told People.com. “She’s the best, I just adore her.’

Jon was speaking while attending Common Thread: An Acoustic Collection Music Series, an event held during New York Fashion Week that he is curating

alongside fashion designer Kenneth Cole. While Jon is keeping him-

self busy with his personal life and his philanthropic pursuits, he is also working with his band on a new offering.

Speaking about the upcoming album, Jon said: ‘I was in the studio all day working on the new record; I walked here from the studio.’ Jon also revealed he has been getting inspiration from daily events for the new record, adding: ‘I just read the paper; it gives you an opportunity to write something. It’s early but I’m about a dozen songs in.

I feel good.” Jon is perhaps as well known these days for his charity work as his musical offerings. As well as the Common Thread series, Jon’s Soul Foundation has teamed up with Kenneth’s wife Maria and the HELP USA organization to help build an apartment building in New Jersey.

“It’s so rewarding emotionally,’ Jon said.’I try to explain to people, take part in what we do because you’ll leave there feeling so good about it.’

Why every movie fan should be happy about Fifty Shades of Grey and Kingsman’s success

IT’S not tremendously hard to understand why movie studios tend to be a bit more hesitant when it comes to producing R-rated material. After all, the ratings actively prevent movie-goers under the age of 18 from paying for tickets, and why make movies that will automatically limit the audience size? It’s a hard point to argue, but at the same time Hollywood has been undervaluing R-rated movies for years and looking down on their potential profitability. As seen in this past weekend’s box office results, that thinking should really be put into the past.

While the final numbers are still rolling in, this weekend completely dominated by movies sporting restrictive ratings – with three out of the four top spot titles hitting theaters with an R classification.

Fifty Shades of Grey led

the pack with an impressive $81.6 million take; fellow new release Kingsman: the Secret Service over performed with a $35.6 million total; and American Sniper continued its killer tear over the last few weeks by adding another $16.4 million to its staggering $300 million-plus total to date. Obviously this is exciting news to anyone who has found themselves a fan of one or more of the titles, as it’s always fun to

see that other people appreciate something as much as you do, but there might also be some very positive ramifications for the future of R-rated filmmaking. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats, and must wonder if this could lead to a wave of studios starting to look at their R-rated projects in a different light.

The primary area we may soon start to be seeing changes is in simple budget

allotment for studio projects that can’t be made without an R-rating and have been seen as a hard gamble as a result. Acknowledging the limitation that comes with cutting the teen audience out of seeing a particular project, studios have been known to proportionally trim budgets – but with a greater confidence in those properties the equation may change. While studios can’t necessarily predict that

their next adult-themed romantic drama will make as big a bang at the box office as Fifty Shades of Grey, they may be willing to throw a few extra million dollars its way to perhaps increase production value and perhaps the odds of the project being a hit in the process. The market is clearly out there, and the name of the game is just reaching them.

On beyond just the money factor, we may also potentially see an effect on the creative side. It’s rare that a year goes by without us hearing about projects that has been trimmed from an R-rating to a more family friendly PG-13 – but an industry feeling positive about more adult-oriented material could have a completely different perspective on that. The money made by Kingsman: The Secret Service clearly shows that

there is an audience keen on seeing stylish, violent comic book adaptations, and in the near future we may see a production company try and target them again (I’m looking at you, Fox). Hopefully this can stretch to genres not represented at the box office weekend as well, though, as I’m surely not the only one tired of seeing castrated horror movies.

Fifty Shades of Grey, Kingsman: The Secret Service, and American Sniper are all very different films that had many, many different factors leading into their individual success stories, but it’s the common, adult-focused ground that makes their box office wins so notable. While we don’t necessarily expect to see changes immediately, it will be interesting to see if this develops as a trend over time.

INSET: Bon Jovi with wife Dorothea and above the Jovi family.

Film to boost tourism in PNG

BY DIANNE WAKETSI

HOLLYWOOD fi lm companies will soon be gracing our country with their presence in a hope to catch the next block buster hit movie on our shores; this is in a bid to boost tourism in the country according to Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture Boka Kondra.

A contract signing between Gorilla pictures and the government is set to take

place come July however the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Boka Kondra said this may change as the Pacific Games will be on too.

Kondra added that these movie giants will be able to travel to all parts of PNG and shoot movies, He added that fi lm facilities in the country will be upgraded to world standards, more students will be enrolled at arts schools in

turn generating more income and promoting potential tourism destinations to the world.

SNAPSHOTS ... SNAPSHOTS ...

BLUE haus kids having some fun.

PICTURE left, Australian High Commissioner to PNG Deborah Stokes and Minister for Tourism , Arts and Culture during a meeting. Above: Boka Kondra at the Museum.

SHAMMAH & Western.

BATA Mahn & Billy.

MATHEW family of ggb at the March Girls Resort.

MUM Y MUMY Sera’s princeses princeses... A ngel Maiya Angel

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Breast cancer screening cutbacks

Fight over rural doctors’ contracts

HUNDREDS of doctors could be locked out of South Australian country hospitals unless new contracts are finalised swiftly, the Rural Doctors’ Association (RDA) says.

The deadline is the end of the month for doctors to sign new contracts for their work in regional hospitals, but negotiations on pay and working conditions have stalled.

Peter Rischbieth of the RDA said the sticking points included implementing an electronic health records system and ensuring prompt payment when regional road accident victims were treated.

“We’re the supervisors, we want to go and work, the registrars want to go and work but we’re told our capacity to be let in to the hospitals is only going to happen if we sign up for a dodgy contract,” he said.

He said junior doctors might be affected if their supervisors refused the contracts on offer.

“They’ve been told that because their supervisors haven’t signed then they won’t be able to work in those hospitals, so our workforce will be decimated,” he said.

“When I’ve asked the question ‘Will I be able to go to work on March the 1st?’ I haven’t been reassured that I will be let into the hospital either.”

A BREAST cancer support group is alarmed about a reduction in screening services but the Tasmanian Government says it is only temporary.

In recent months women aged 40 to 49 have received letters from the free screening service, BreastScreen Tasmania, informing them of the changes.

The letter said women in this age bracket would no longer receive mammogram reminder letters and that appointments were limited.

Breast Cancer Support Network’s Mandy Forteath said she was appalled by the change.

She was diagnosed 11 years ago and credited the reminder letters with saving her life.

At a glance

SCREENING SERVICES: A breast cancer support group is alarmed about a reduction in screening services but the Tasmanian Government says it is only temporary.

STATISTICS: In recent months women aged 40 to 49 have received letters from the free screening service, BreastScreen Tasmania, informing them of the changes.

LETTER: The letter said women in this age bracket would no longer receive mammogram and that appointments were limited.

“I had no symptoms, nothing to feel I had no risk factors and they found I had two tumours in my left breast,” she said.

“So one Friday I had my breast, the following Friday it was off.

“If I hadn’t received my letter and gone back for two yearly breast screening mammogram I wouldn’t be

here today.”

For women in the highest risk group, aged between 50 and 74, services have not changed.

But Ms Forteath said women in their 40s should still have access to the test.

“It’s very expensive to have mammograms and ultrasounds at your own cost and I think this is a

funding.”

In recent years providing mammograms for women in their early 40s has become contentious.

The Cancer Council’s Cancer Prevention Policy has stated there was limited evidence mammograms were beneficial while there was actually a higher risk of harm due to false-positive results and low cancer detection rates.

But the policy also pointed out other studies have found screening does provide better breast cancer outcomes.

Health Minister Michael Ferguson said a change in national screening guidelines had put pressure on the service, but he did not deny state budget cuts had

Magnitude 5.2 earthquake

THE 5.2 magnitude quake occurred about 2am local time on Monday (5am NZ time).

It was followed by an aftershock measuring 2.9 about 45 minutes later. Callers to ABC radio have reported waking to rattling windows and shaking houses.

Dorothy, from Mundubbera just south of Eidsvold, said it was a strong tremor.

“The whole house shook, it just felt like the washing machine was off balance,” she said.

“It shook and woke us up.

“We’ve been through it once

before in the late 1980s. At that time the bed moved across the room but this time, well, it’s not on wheels any more but it shook the whole house.”

The quake was also felt as far north as Rockhampton, 322km away, and across the Sunshine Coast. Authorities are warning of more aftershocks in coming days.

“We can’t predict the magnitude or duration of the aftershocks but generally they become smaller and less frequent over time,”

seismologist Jonathon Bathgate,

from Geoscience Australia, told the ABC.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said power appeared to be out in some areas.

People have described their experiences on the QFES Facebook page.

Danielle Bell Kawana, who was at the Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital, said the walls creaked.

“My bed was gently shaking,” she said.

Amanda Wood, who lives at

Mr Ferguson also said no women would be turned away.

“There have been budget pressures right across health,” he said.

“We are screening now on a routine and targetted basis, for the first time this financial year, women between the ages of 70 and 74.

“But there’s still 1,000 allocated appointments for women in the non-target age range.”

The Minister said money would be found to provide a full service by July and reminder letters would resume immediately.

The service screens about 26,000 women every year.

-ABC news

Maree Geraghty from Country Health SA, the state agency involved, said a good offer was on the table and she was confident the doctors would sign before the end of the month.

“Nearly half the GPs have signed up already and we’ve still got two weeks to go and we’re really confident, based on past experience, that all the doctors will sign up,” she said.

She insisted country patients would not be adversely affected if some doctors refused to sign new deals as locums could be used.

Health Minister Jack Snelling’s office said he did not get directly involved in enterprise negotiations but would have a regular meeting with rural doctors this week. -ABC news

strikes Eidsvold, QLD

Buderim on the Sunshine Coast, said the shaking and rattling lasted for quite some time.

“I was woken to a rustling sound of the doors rattling. The bed shaking & the room vibrating. Lasted a couple of minutes. Very weird sensation!!” she wrote.

Nicola Addy, who lives 20 minutes north of Bundaberg, said her old house, which is on stilts, was rattling and shaking.

while Nambour resident Jeff Spencer said his pets went crazy.

“My cockatiel and dog went ballistic. WOW.” -Stuff news RARE earthquake hits QLD. Picture: BBC

WOMAN receives a mammogram. Health Minister Michael Ferguson said money would be found to resume the full breast screen service by July. -ABC

Ferry captain in jail

THE captain of a passenger ferry that collided with another boat in Hong Kong, killing 39 people, has been jailed for eight years.

Lai Sai-ming, who captained the Sea Smooth in the 2012 collision, was convicted of manslaughter on Saturday. His vessel hit a pleasure boat, the Lamma IV, which then partially sank.

The captain of the Lamma IV was acquitted of manslaughter but convicted of endangering the safety of others at sea.

The crash, near Lamma Island, was Hong Kong’s worst maritime accident since 1971.

It happened on 1 October, China’s National Day, when the Lamma IV was carrying employees of Hong Kong Electric and their families to watch a firework display.

Several of those who died were trapped inside the boat, which filled with water fast after the collision with the ferry ripped open its side. Other people were thrown into the sea.

-BBC news

Troops killed in clashes

Bali Nine judge denies bribery allegations

KEROBOKAN: One of the judges named in a complaint of bribery in the trial of death row Australians

Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran has denied the claim and says he’s ready to be questioned if necessary.

Wayan Yasa Abadi has told reporters there was no bribery in the drug trafficking trial of Sukumaran, which saw him sentenced to death.

“I assure you there was none, no intervention either, there was none,” he said.

“The sentence was purely

based on the facts at trial and discussion between the three of us. “I consider these allegations usual, if someone’s not satisfied, they report to the judicial commission.”

With the Australians likely days away from their executions, their lawyers have filed an ethics complaint over the six trial judges.

It follows one of the Bali Nine’s original lawyers, Muhummad Rifan, alleging there had been “interference” in the trial.

The current lawyers say judges offered lighter sentences for cash.

Legal and diplomatic efforts go on for Chan and Sukumaran, while Indonesia pushes on with its execution plans.

Tony Spontana, spokesman for Indonesia’s attorneygeneral, says once they and other prisoners are on Nusakambangan island in Central Java, they will announce “D-Day” - the date of their executions.

“We’re already in the stage of preparing the executions and these must be implemented,” he told reporters in Jakarta. Australian embassy officials attended a Jakarta meeting on Monday where Indonesia conveyed the formalities in its plan to execute the

Bali Nine leaders. Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry invited all embassies with citizens to be executed.

Mr Spontana said embassies had been asking when lawyers and families were permitted to visit the prisoners.

Chan and Sukumaran’s Indonesian legal team was seeking a meeting with Attorney-General HM Prasetyo on Monday to ask for the execution planning to stop while the administrative court assesses their challenge of Mr Joko’s decree denying clemency.

NEARLY 50 soldiers have been killed in a week of fighting between government troops and Kokang ethnic rebels in Myanmar, state media report.

The Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said air strikes had been used in the response to the flare-up in Shan state, near the Chinese border.

The BBC’s Myanmar correspondent, Jonah Fisher, says it is the heaviest fighting in at least two years.

It comes as the government tries to sign a peace deal with rebel groups.

There are reports that thousands of people have been leaving the area to escape the fighting.

China said on Tuesday that some people had crossed over into its southern Yunnan province, and that they were being looked after.

The Kokang are a Han Chinese ethnic group, and their armed wing a remnant of the Burmese Communist Party which fragmented in 1989.

-BBC news

Sri Lanka leader seeks to mend India relations

SRI Lanka’s new President Maithripala Sirisena is in India, seeking to mend relations hit by tensions over China’s growing influence on Colombo.

This is Mr Sirisena’s first official foreign visit since taking office last month.

By choosing to visit India first, he is making it clear that ties with Delhi are a top foreign policy priority.

This is in sharp contrast to Mahinda Rajapaksa, his predecessor, who forged closer ties with India’s rival China.

During Mr Rajapaksa’s

The bottom line

rule, China invested billions in loans and infrastructure projects in the island nation and last year, a Chinese warship and two submarines visited Colombo port, much to the dislike of the Indian authorities.

President Sirisena, who arrived in Delhi on Sunday on a four-day visit, is due to hold official talks with Mr Modi on Monday and also attend a banquet hosted by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee.

Before returning home on Wednesday, he is due to

travel to the Hindu temple in Tirupati in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh and visit the Buddhist pilgrimage site Bodh Gaya in Bihar.

At his bilateral talks with Mr Modi, he is expected to allay India’s fears about Colombo’s ties with Beijing.

The two leaders are also likely to discuss Sri Lanka’s efforts to establish reconciliation with the ethnic Tamil minority.

Sri Lankan Tamils have complained that little has been done to restore trust and national unity after the war

Indonesia has one of the toughest laws on drug.

with the Tamil rebels ended in 2009. India, with its own sizeable Tamil population, has also voiced concerns about the slow pace of reconciliation efforts.

“A first visit is always an opportunity to set directions,” India’s foreign ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin told reporters ahead of President Sirisena’s arrival.

“We expect substantial talks, we expect outcomes in terms of agreements, in terms of frameworks, and in terms of announcements,” he added. -BBC news

PRESIDENT Sirisena is due to hold official talks with Prime Minister Modi on Monday. Picture: BBC

A POLICE officer carries a box of marijuana to burn along with piles of other illegal drugs confiscated in raids conducted over the past few months in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Picture: BBC

FLAMES OF DRUG

The sentence was purely based on facts at trial

...

WAYAN YASA ABADI Jakarta

Egypt bombs IS targets

EGYPT says it has bombed Islamic State targets in Libya, hours after the group published video showing the apparent beheadings of 21 Egyptian Christians.

State TV said the dawn strikes had targeted camps, training sites and weapons storage areas.

Earlier, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Egypt had the “right to respond” against IS.

A video emerged on Sunday showing a group wearing orange overalls being forced to the ground and decapitated.

IS militants claim to have carried out several attacks in Libya, which is in effect without a government.

The kidnapped Egyptian workers, all Coptic Christians, were seized in December and January from the coastal town of Sirte in eastern Libya, under the control of Islamist groups.

The video of the beheadings was posted online by Libyan jihadists who pledge loyalty to IS.

The killings were described as “barbaric” by alAzhar, the highly regarded theological institution which is based in Egypt.

Egypt’s military said Monday’s air strikes were “to avenge the bloodshed and to seek retribution from the killers”.

“Let those far and near know that Egyptians have a shield that protects them,” it said.

The statement said all planes involved in the operation had returned safely.

Most of the 21 Copts kidnapped in Libya were labourers from an impoverished village in Upper Egypt.

A caption accompanying the video made it clear they were targeted because of their faith. It referred to the victims as “people of the cross, followers of the hostile Egyptian church”.

President Sisi has said in the past that militants in Libya are a danger not just to Egypt, but also to the Middle East.

Egypt has provided assistance to the Libyan government, what remains of it, and the Libyan army.

The Egyptian leader will now be under pressure to deliver a robust response. There is speculation that could come in the form of air strikes across the border. -BBC news

Gunman had violent past

DANISH police say the gunman believed to have attacked a free-speech debate and a Copenhagen synagogue was 22, born in Denmark and known to them because of past violence.

The presumed gunman was shot and killed early on Sunday morning by police who were monitoring an address in the Norrebro district of the city.

The man’s name has not been confirmed.

A film director and a synagogue guard were killed in separate attacks. Five police officers were also injured.

Carnival time in Rio

DANCERS on stilts, barechested cowboys, Carmelite nuns in miniskirts and plenty of bare flesh flooded Rio’s streets on Saturday as revellers cranked up the volume at Brazil’s intoxicating Carnival festival.

Crowds of residents and tourists drank and partied during the joyous carnival, considered the greatest show on Earth by many who live in the “Marvellous City”. Despite sweltering heat, millions of people joined multiple street parades in Rio, an annual celebration for almost a century.

The first record of carnival celebrations dates back to 1723 - but the first samba school was not formed until 1928.

Recent years have seen the popularity of street groups or “blocos” mushroom and now there are around 400. Some draw just a few hundred people but others attract millions.

Having partied into the night after King Momo, the symbolic head of Carnival, declared the five-day frenzy open on Friday, residents were back on the streets from dawn, eschewing more than

the briefest of sleeps. Many were decked out in the distinctive black-and-white polka dot outfits inspired by Rio’s oldest street party group, Cordao da Bola Preta. Others sought to outdo themselves in garish garb, with cross-dressing and superhero costumes typical favouritesalthough many wore barely any clothing at all.

“We are cariocas (Rio natives), party animals,” yelled out Willian de Assis, a 30-yearold bare-chested man wearing a pink cowboy hat, tiny shorts and boots.

-ABC news

DANCERS from the Alegria da Zona Sul samba school take part in the Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome. Picture: ABC/REUTERS

crossword: 10849

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 2x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 6 inclusive

Solution to puzzle SL0853

stars

March 20 - April 19

When your ruler Mars moved into the most strategic portion of your chart, on 12 January, you knew certain tricky matters would need attention. However, you didn’t expect there’d be so many. Still, looking back, you’ve dealt with most and, while you’re still working on the others, they’re nearing resolution as well.

April 20 - May 19

Although you long ago learned that, despite the best of intentions, promises can’t always be kept, sudden changes can be upsetting. Bear this in mind when others inform you they need to withdraw from arrangements you’ve only recently discussed with enthusiasm. This ensures you recognise those changes were inevitable.

May 21 - June 20

By no means are you lacking in curiosity. On the contrary, while most are interested only in situations from which they’d benefit, you enjoy learning for the sake of it. That’s especially the case now, with your ruler Mercury and the New Moon both accenting this process of exploration.

June 21 - July 21

It’s not that you’re bored. It’s just you’ve learned so much recently that you’re eager to turn those ideas into action. You will. For now, focus on planning. That way, once the determined Mars reaches the crucial midheaven angle of your chart, on the 20th, you’ll be ready to make your move.

July 22 - August 22

Since mid January the fiery Mars has been in the somewhat obsessive Scorpio. True, circumstances forced you to analyse and deal with a number of extremely detailed situations. Still, you’ll be relieved that its move into your fellow fire sign of Sagittarius, on the 20th, will speed the pace considerably.

August 23 - September 22

Every Virgo has a sentimental streak, one that’s being triggered by the current planetary setup. Yet, at the same time, you tend to analyse those your emotions, so much you sometimes become self-conscious about revealing them. Do your best to overcome these anxieties, since others will adore learning what you feel.

September 23 - October 22

Being tactful by nature, you’ve an instinct for the right thing to say, even in impossible situations. But others lack that gift, and it’s this that accounts for their seemingly rude response to certain admittedly tricky situations. Acknowledge that and you can shift your focus to resolving the actual issues in question.

October 23 - November 22

Obviously you’d never have given up time you spent with those you care about most or doing what means most to you. Yet now you’re facing a long list of tasks. Tempting as it is to think these through, then organise them, just plunge in. Once you’ve begun, they’ll organise themselves.

November 23 - December 22

Long ago you learned that while some obstacles can’t be ignored, others will vanish of their own accord. While that might be the case with those currently facing you, those that remain could prove troublesome when promising developments begin moving swiftly. Knowing that, you’re urged to tackle them all now.

December 21 - January 19

Talking things through may be important, but only so much can be discussed before it’s time to take action. However, with dynamic Mars moving to accent your way of living and working this Friday, it’s essential you tie up all those loose ends now. That ensures you’ll be free to respond swiftly.

January 20 - February 17

Often the best solution to an otherwise irresolvable problem is to say nothing, at least for the time being. By allowing others to reflect and, especially to consider whether they’re being impossible, progress can be made behind the scenes. Similarly, you may realise you’re the one who’s been unrealistic.

February 18 - March 19

The forthright Mars moved into Pisces in mid-January, beginning a cycle of review then action. While this powerful planet departs your sign on the 20th, several matters still need attention, must be discussed with others or, perhaps, change. Although you’ll be under less pressure, ensure these remain your priority.

MINISTERIAL

Local bussiness to benefit from Games

Kari wants to make the grade

BY JOE GURINA BASKETBALL

GULF Province teenager Rosa Kairi is amongst a host of hopefuls vying for a shot in the Papua New Guinea women’s basketball team. At 17 years old, Kairi is considered one of the future prospects to be given a chance at proving herself amongst the senior rank and file. The grade 11 student at Badihagwa Secondary School in Port Moresby is determined to make the final 15.

of 20 left Port Moresby yesterday for the tournament. PNG Basketball Federation president Nick Daroa confirmed that the team would be finalised during the competition from the current 20 to final 15 after the tournament.

During a brief farewell yesterday, head coach Thalo Green challenged the squad members players before their departure to perform to their best if they want to make the Pacific Games cut.

PACIFIC GAMES

THE Games Organising Committee (GOC) has a further K22 million of work still to offer local contractors.

GOC ceo Peter Stewart said this when addressing the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the XI Pacific Games update during a breakfast meeting on Thursday.

Stewart told members of the business community that were present that they have already awarded K138 million in contracts.

“Some of you present here are now part of the GOC family,” he added.

Stewart said they currently have just over 200 companies benefiting from this program and there is still more.

“We still have some of the key contracts still to be awarded and I must reiterate that everything we purchase has a strict procurement process that is adhered to religiously,” he said.

Some of those areas include medals, sports equipment, overlay items, venue maintenance services, sound systems, broadcast and venue services plus equipment, operational vehicles and venue catering.

Stewart encouraged business houses to keep an eye out for tender advertisements put out in the media and on their website to register their interest.

“Let me emphasis that we are looking for solutions to problems that we have… an end to end solutions,” he said. “You provide, share and help us use your product then we give it back to you,” he added.

Stewart reiterated what he has been saying all along, that business must not ex-

pect to make money from this venture. “But you will gain value to business for the long term if you give us your total commitment…come and talk to us if you haven’t yet,” he added.

Stewart said if you can’t give through sponsorship then it is a great opportunity to volunteer your best staff on loan for the next five months to broaden their managerial skills.

“I can tell you we set a high bench-mark and those that are with us are upgrading themselves personally to meet the high demands we set,” he said.

He said once the Games are over, your staff member will return and offered a guarantee that he or she will be more competent than ever before.

“We are contributing towards building capacity and leaving a legacy for business in PNG,” he added.

Over 200 Papua New Guinean companies have been engaged with the 2015 Pacific Games to date.

These companies are party to the 51 million kina already spent by the Games Organising Committee (GOC).

“Local businesses are benefiting from various business opportunities and more can benefit from it right up to the two weeks of competition,” he said.

We have 20 sponsors who have contributed K64 million, which is a tremendous effort and I thank each and every one of them for their contribution,” Stewart said.

He also provided a brief on the venues and an update on upcoming milestone events including the volunteer launch, the games relay and the launch of over 600,000 tickets that will be on sale tentatively set for March 26.

Kairi started playing the game seriously at the tender age of 12 at the Hohola basketball courts. She has grown up with the game and has always dreamed about representing Papua New Guinea one day. The lofty teenager has proven herself at the junior level already with stints with the PNG Junior Development Squad, taking part in several oversees tournaments already.

“These actually opened my eyes as to how the game is played at a higher level and it has lifted my confidence to have a go at the senior level,” she said.

The first test for Kairi will be to prove herself during a one week tour to Manila, Philippines where PNG will take part in the 3rd Discovery Women’s Basketball Invitational at Davao City from February 19-22.

The three nation tournament will be between hosts Philippines, PNG and Middle-East country Turkmenistan.

The PNG women’s basketball train-on squad

PNG assistant coach and former international Salape Parapa said the team’s confidence is on a high and will have to work hard to repeat the 1991 SP Games gold medal winning performance.

Parapa, who was a member of that gold medal winning team joined the squad last week.

“She is a gold medalist, and I believe she would use her expertise to guide and mentor the girls with her vast experiences and skills to boost the team’s morale,” Daroa added. “The Pacific Games will be a huge challenge for the women,” he said. He said the women need to impress on the home turf advantage from previous results.

“The team scooped bronze in the 2007 Pacific Games in Samoa, dropped in New Caledonia in 2011, however came back strong for a surprise second placing behind Tahiti in the Pacific Championships in New Zealand,” he said.

“We are all fingers crossed for the Pacific Games,” Daroa added.

The original basketball basket was closed at the bottom; a ladder was needed to recover the ball.

The bottom line

GOC ceo Peter Stewart

ROSA kairi. Inset: Basketball team heading for Manila. Basketball having lunch before heading to the Airport

Triathlon athletes v ying Triathlon athletes vying for spots for spots

TRIATHLON

THE Papua New Guinea triathlon team is currently holding a training camp to prepare for the Global Construction Sprint triathlon event in Port Moresby on Sunday.

The meet a Pacific Games test event will be used to gauge selections for the na-

tional teams for the men and women. The camp started yesterday with swimming at the Aviat Club in Port Moresby.

Sydney-based head coach Peter Clifford took the team through various aspects of swimming. This included their starts, turns, sighting and drafting.

“Though it is a lot different

to the open sea we had them going through basic techniques to improve their performance,” said Clifford.

Clifford was appointed by the PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) and PNG Triathlon Association.

“We looked at the various aspects of swimming.

Whilst for the rest of the

week the team will be at the gym, on the bicycles on Wednesday, and road running on Thursday,” he said.

“Friday will be a rest day for the team to prepare for the selection trials on Sunday,” added Clifford.

“The selection criteria will be first over the line including commitment shown over

Table tennis compo opens to all

BY JOHN PANGKATANA TABLE-TENNIS

THE Papua New Guinea Table Tennis Federation (PNGTTF) is giving the opportunity to all interested participants to take part in the Open National Championships slated for February 28 to March 1 in Port Moresby.

The tournament will be staged at the Port Moresby International School (POMIS) between 8am and 5pm on both days.

The events to be staged are: under 12 (boys and girls), under 15 (boys and girls), under 18 (boys and girls), under 18 junior doubles (boys and girls), Open men (singles and doubles), Open women (singles and doubles) and mixed doubles.

PNGTTF secretary Arun Rao yesterday said that it is open to all who want to take part in the various age and open categories.

Rao said there is no restriction to the number of entries.

“However during registration on the first day, it is mandatory for boys and girls taking part in the under 18 category to have proof of age,” he said.

Rao said it will be competitive affair in the Open categories as competitors will be given a ranking depending on how they perform.

“Obviously the winner as the top ranked player will join the elite team and be a member of the XV Pacific Games team as well,” he clarified.

From the current national train-on squad, there will be five players selected for both the men and women’s teams for the Pacific Games in July.

“There will be two reserves named as well,” added Rao.

He made the point that all entries for each category must be

sent before Tuesday February 24 at 5pm.

“This is to finalise the draws and no late entries will be entertained,” he added.

Entries can be sent to Rao via email arun@steelindustries. com.pg or mobile Ph. 72079527 or PNGTTF treasurer Rea Loi rloi@ works.gov.pg or mobile 73577245.

a period of time from the individuals,” said Clifford.

A final team of six will be selected with reserves that will be presented to the Justification Committee (JC).

After the team is finalized, they will take part in two international events, Clifford said.

“The team will take part in

the Luke Harrop Triathlon on the Gold Coast in April and then next meet in June for the Coral Coast Triathlon in Cairns,” he confirmed.

The PNG train-on squad are: Susie Pini, Mairi Feeger, Troy Kua, Casmer Kamangip, Polihau Popiliau, Rosie Ralfe and Racheal James who is training in Australia.

MEMBERS of the PNG triathlon squad at the Aviat Club yesterday, (from left) Rosie Ralfe, team manager Sue Ferges, Casmer Kamangip, Sydney based PNG head coach Peter Clifford, Mairi Feeger, Susie Pini and Troy Kua. Pictures by: KENNEDY BANI

We’re ready We’re

THE XV Pacific Games Sprint Triathlon test event is set to showcase Papua New Guinea’s elite athletes on show in Port Moresby this Sunday.

In what is expected to be a sneak preview of how Up South Events company will endeavour to stage the gruelling three-prong event, all eyes will be on our national train-on squad members fighting to stake a claim for final selection.

25 competitors have been locked in the starting list including late entries from the junior development squad and Chris Close all based in Wewak.

Event co-ordinator Stephen Damien yesterday said the event is being staged by the PNG Triathlon Federation and the 2015 Pacific Games Organising Committee.

“Basically it is for them to see where

we are in terms of event preparedness. Everything on the proposed course along the Poreporena Freeway to the Port Moresby waterfront,” Damien said. “Officials will test water safety and control measures, traffic and control measures, traffic and crowd control procedures as well as medal presentations,” he added.

The race will start at 6am this Sunday.

You won’t tear us apart: PNG squad members Casmer Kamangip and Rachael James vying for selection.