Post Courier, Friday February 20, 2015

Asian sex workers sex are here! are

BY GORETHY KENNETH

ASIAN sex workers, both male and female, are flooding Papua New Guinea because the demand for their services is high.

This Asian prostitution ring has flourished since the start of the PNG LNG Project followed by the boom in PNG economy since 2008. High on the list are sex workers from Indonesia, the Philippines, China and Thailand commanding prices ranging from K500 to K1000.

Most of their clients were wealthy Asians, some expatriates,

Papua New Guineans and some Members of Parliament, said a woman recruiting agent, who spoke with the Post-Courier on the condition of anonymity.

Others were miners and ordinary citizens and residents who wanted some fun outside their marriages.

However, the sex traders told the Post-Courier yesterday that they had their own niche markets, downplaying earlier reports that they were “undercutting” prices charged by local sex workers.

CONTINUED PAGE 4

ASIAN prostitutes in a club in Port Moresby.

Nip ugly head of school fights

HIGH school students clashed at Gordon market car park, right outside police station this week which we featured on Page 4 of the newspaper on Wednesday. Shame on them! It is not only the openness of the fight that is revolting but the worrying fact that it happened next to a busy police station and nary a cop was in sight to intervene.

The obvious message by the lack of police presence to attend is that they too have had enough, their repeated warnings to schools and students have fallen on deaf ears It is early days, very early in the school year for Education Department to step in hard with a zerotolerance stand. Nip it in the bud now before it blossoms out of control, before the seeds of disobedience fester and spread throughout schools in the nation’s capital. Repenting students break spears and arrows and throw lavish ceremonies in front of parents and authorities to make peace with rival schools but, the very next day, are back at each others’ throats again. Suspension and expulsion are the obvious options for school management for offending students.

If the Gordon incident is anything to go by, schools cannot rely too much on police help to break up fights, arrest and lock up students. By the same token, this course of action could not be relied on because it seems to have little effect on minimising internal and intra-school fights.

One of the main causes of rivalry among students and schools is cult practices. The NCD could lead to legislate to outlaw these practices, set the benchmark for other provinces to follow. On top of it all is discipline – it is a most important part of the character of students. Discipline enforces adherence to community rules and regulations and buries petty and selfish individual goals for the benefit of the whole society.

Teachers and the school system cannot be held responsible for the activities of children outside of school hours – that is the sole responsibility of parents, and it is sad to say that this is not met at all by far too many parents. It is parents’ business to know precisely where their children are all the time, approve of their friends, monitor their movements, and encourage them to take part in social activities.

Too many parents simply wash their hands of responsibility for their children. They expect the school to do everything else for their child. Unguided thus, as in the case of Gordon market, chaos will reign to the detriment of the whole school and community.

Unruliness in the public place is unbecoming of future leaders. Is this the thanks that Prime Minister Peter O’Neill gets for his fee free tuition policy? Perhaps, the Government could be selective in its application of this multi-million kina policy, denying it to repeat offender students and offending schools. We recall Morobe Governor Kelly Naru warning Lae schools last year that his government was fed up with school fights and may refuse to provide money for schools involved in fights.

The no-nonsense message by education authorities now must be clear enough for the least literate of students to read and understood: School fights must stop, cult practices must stop.

The bottom line

Index

Asia news ........................68-69

Business ..........................23-26

Classifieds .35-40, 53-58, 80-86

Comics..................................79

Highlands Post.....................20

Home news.............4-11, 14-16

Islands Post .........................22

Mamose Post .......................21

Pacific news ....................63-65

Southern Post ......................19

Sport .....................60-62, 88-91

Stars ......................................79

Sudoku .................................79

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

Turf Guide ............31-34, 59, 87

World news...........................72

Yu tok ...............................12-13

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Policemen urged to change

ROYAL Papua New Guinea

Constabulary officers have been urged to change their behaviour in order to serve and protect the society as it is their constitutional duty as law enforcers.

As testament of change, former convict-turned SDA evangelist Phillip Vaki preached the gospel and encouraged all law enforcers to allow Jesus to make changes in their lives.

Vaki: Police must earn public trust

BY LEONNIE WAYANG

POLICE Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki says his officers, from the lowly probation constable up, must reassess themselves and try to improve to win back public confidence.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary had been receiving adverse publicity and criticism from the general public lately, especially in relation to the killing of the two villagers from Hanuabada, in Port Moresby, last month.

Speaking at the police dedication ceremony at the Rev Sioni Kami Memorial Church, Mr Vaki told his officers that the service was a time “for all of us to reflect.”

He told all the officers to reflect and ask, “are we really carrying out and discharging our duties from the lowest ranking constable right up to my office?”

The service was attended by the Police Minister Robert Atiyafa, Defence Secretary John Porti, members of the Australian Federal Police,

all the divisional commanders and provincial police commanders together with headquarters-based assistant commissioners and directors and other dignitaries.

Mr Vaki said policing worldwide was not an easy task plus there was no society in the world that had no problems and PNG was no different.

“We’ve had problems with challenges, we’ve become very frustrated, and we’re getting criticisms everywhere from the Press.”

He is the younger brother of Police Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki.

Preaching at the police dedication service at the Rev Sioni Kami Memorial Church yesterday, Pastor Vaki said, “It is Jesus Christ, the only One, who can make changes in our lives.”

Pastor Vaki said it was the negative attitude, unethical and ill-discipline of some policemen that had set back the good work of the constabulary.

He said it was time to change to serve and protect PNG and it could only be done when each individual allowed Jesus Christ to make the changes in their lives.

“I believe that criticisms are good as long as they are constructive,” pastor Vaki said, adding that the people look to policemen to set a benchmark.

There are more than 900,000 sworn police officers now serving in the US, which is the highest figure ever. 12% of them are female.

POLICE Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki addressing his officers yesterday.

MPs query use of Bougainville funds

THE Parliamentary Committee on Bougainville has been told there is nothing to show on the ground for the millions of kina the national Government spends yearly in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

Speaking at the first consultative meeting with members of the committee, all four national MPs of the region told the committee there was a need to use the national Government annual grant of K100 million on high-impact projects that would change the people’s thinking so that they could concentrate on sustaining their livelihoods.

Regional MP Joseph Lera told the committee he is left out of the decision-making process in the ABG as there

The bottom line

At a glance PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ON B’VILLE: has been told there is nothing to show on the ground for the millions of Kina the National Government spends yearly in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

seems to be no role for him to play there as regional MP.

“They do not use the relationship effectively and include me in the BEC to contribute. Three times I have asked them. I cannot do what the other governors are doing. Even the national Government is not using me to be the bridge with the ABG,” he said.

Bougainville Affairs

Minister Steven Kama told the committee that the national Government did not provide funding when it granted Bougainville autonomy.

He indicated that it was one of the reasons why there was lack of performance by the ABG. “If they had funded the autonomy, we would have performed well,” he said.

Mr Kama was critical on where the Bougainville government was spending its money, saying he wanted to know where all the money had gone to.

The four MPs told the committee on Bougainville, they wanted the national Government’s annual grant of K100 million distributed among them to fund projects

that they would identify in their electorates. The Parliamentary Committee on Bougainville matters on Wednesday convened a hearing with the four MPs as part of a series of consultations on the Bougainville Peace Agreement.

Committee chairman and Southern Highlands Governor William Powi said the meeting would assist the committee on Bougainville matters gain a better understanding on the peace agreement especially on autonomy, weapons disposal and referendum.

The committee is expected to have further consultations with relevant stakeholders and would travel next month to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

TICKET WOES

PARENTS will be furious if they knew the real cause of the delay in their children getting airline tickets to fly to tertiary institutions in other provinces to kick off the 2015 academic year.

SORE LOSER

IT HAD nothing to do with the travel agent’s processing of the tickets as some were led to believe. It appears a company, which lost the tender to the travel agent, decided to “make life difficult” for its rival.

LOGGERHEADS

OUR articles on sex workers got lots of reaction. The public slammed the church’s outburst. One reader went further and described it as “two oldest professions at loggerheads”!

LOST GOODS

HAVE you received registered mail from abroad which was opened at the mail exchange and some of its contents illegally removed? Let us know if you have lost property through the postal system.

RESHUFFLE

WHISPERS in the corridors of power of a looming cabinet reshuffle. The recent

AWKWARD

agreements between the PNC and key coalition partners and the suspension of a minister could force the hand of the PM.

UPDATES?

IT HAS been over a month since a pollution incident involving a vessel belonging to a politician was brought to the attention of the NMSA. Interestingly, we haven’t had any updates.

TOPS PNGIA

TOP marks to the PNG Immigration Authority for deporting Holy Moses aka Cedric Sedibe Nduduzie. The Nigerian was previously sent packing over alleged illegalities but managed to find his way back.

LOCATE THEM

HIS ability to slip through the net over the years confirms the challenges that the PNG Immigration Authority faces. His accomplices should be located and thrown in jail for aiding a criminal.

WRONG MOVE

ADVICE to the PNG Foreign Affairs Minister’s press officers. Next time attach the Minister’s picture to the email. Don’t insert the image into the press release already containing a photo of a persona non grata.

SCRIBES thought yesterday’s press release looked awkward. It had a picture of an angry looking Holy Moses and a smiling Rimbink Pato above it. Inserting the Minister’s picture wasn’t necessary.

PENGEE: thedrum@spp.com.pg

In Japan, watermelons are grown into the shape of a square so they are easier to stack and transport.

INSTEAD of sitting on a scraper to scrape coconut, Joseph from Wakunai in Central Bougainville modified a scraper so he could just stand and scrape coconuts. Picture: JACOB IENU

CREATIVE MIND

Churches must remain in God: Kapi

BY SHIRLYN BELDEN

A COMMUNITY leader says churches must refrain from taking leading roles in established government partnerships as it will cause them to deviate from their primary role of spreading the gospel.

PNG Rehabilitation Centre director Brown Kapi made the call yesterday in light of several church-government partnerships which had nothing to show for in the past two years.

“It is now obvious that there are loopholes in the partnerships the churches have with the Government. There is really nothing to show for in the last two or one year so churches must now see and realise that and make strategic decisions.

“Their primary role is to spread the Word of God to the people and if these loopholes keep on occurring every now and then, then the churches must make the strategic step to continue to do what they do because they are also delivering the same service as the government to the people,’’ he said.

Mr Kapi said as a citizen and a Christian he disagreed with the idea that the church-

There are loopholes

BROWN KAPI

Port Moresby

Govt urged to create equal opportunity for people

BY SHIRLYN BELDEN

THE Government has been urged to be serious in its policies and laws to create equal opportunities for the people so that they do not resort to low life practices like prostitution, a social worker says.

Director for PNG Disability Centre based in Port Moresby Brown Kapi yesterday made the call to the Government to seriously identify strategic ways to implement to avoid people engaging in promiscuous and low-life practices like prostitution.

He was responding to this week’s headlines by this paper on the reality of prostitution in PNG.

“Our country is a Christian country governed by a Constitution founded on the Word of God, and if we are to live our lives like this, unacceptable to God then we are only contradicting ourselves and our beliefs.

“It is understood that such was provoked or caused by so many reasons but let us not condemn nor encourage prostitution.

es should continue to partner with the Government.

He added that churches were establishments founded on God’s Word and so involving itself with the outside influence was not acceptable.

Mr Kapi also said the churches did not need the Government to deliver the vital services to the people.

DELICATE ON THE TASTE BUDS

“It is only up to the Government to improve opportunities for these people to be important partners in the existence and development of this country,’’ he said. Mr Kapi said the Government must see that because of unequal participation in development the gap between the “haves” and the “have nots” had increased, thus creating such issues.

He said programs and policies to up skill the people must be initiated to minimise it.

Asian sex workers ‘not undercutting’ local girls

FROM PAGE 1

THE Post-Courier tracked the agent of Asian nationality (name withheld for security reasons) living in Port Moresby and facilitates for these Asians for PNG and other country clients working and serving in PNG.

Before the conversation could begin, the agent, a woman, rebutted reports that these Asian sex

workers were undercutting the local sex workers.

“This group is not a threat to the local PNG girls. They have their market and it is organised,” she said.

“I just assist them because I have been in PNG for a long time. They have their specific locations where they exercise their talents and most of them, both male and female, can be found, apart from

night clubs, at specific hotels,” she said.

It has been revealed to the PostCourier that most of these sex workers also operate in unlisted massage parlours.

The communication with the agent had been difficult due to less proficiency of the English language however, most of the interview was conducted in part Tok Pisin, part English.

The Post-Courier asked the agent where the prostitutes originated from and she said some came from Bali (Indonesia), some from the Philippines and China and a few were Thais.

While some have work visas in the entertainment industry others were regular fly-in fly-out visitors, the agent said.

The agent was also asked the rates which, she said, varied

depending on whether they were booked at nightclubs, massage parlours or by appointment.

Asked about the fees the woman agent said that the fees varied –nightclubs charge K1,000 for one day and night service, the massage parlour K1,000 but not less than K500. “We are not undercutting anyone in PNG, we know our markets and yes there is demand here in PNG as a whole,” she said.

TWO BOYS from Kieta mashing cooked bananas and taros to make the tamatama, a local delicacy served on big occasions in Bougainville.

in the partnerships the churches have with the government

BROWN Kapi

Women need access

Lack of a way forward slows Papua New Guineans

BY GRACE AUKA SALMANG

ACCESSIBILITY is the biggest challenge facing Papua New Guinea women today.

It is a lack of access to health, access to safe drinking water, access to electricity, Markets and to education for their children, Linda Babao, wife of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, said on Wednesday.

Ms Babao was speaking during the launch of Powerful Voices photo book and film Harim mi: stori blo bagarap, stori blo kamapim gutpla (Hear Me: Stories that hurt, stories that heal) at the Paradise Cinema in Port Moresby.

“Women bear the heavy daily burden of child care, food production and other household chores and are responsible for nearly everyday needs of the family.

“This includes traditional obligations such as caring for pigs in the Highlands region,” she said.

The stories that these women from West Sepik and Western Highlands provinces share are at once encouraging and heart-breaking – their photographs are evidence of the challenges women identified in their

own lives and in their communities, but also of their resilience. While these resources did exist, access was often complicated poor infrastructure, unreliable and expensive transportation and safety concerns.

Ms Babao said it was not uncommon to see women walk kilometres through rough terrain to fetch water while carrying their heavy loads.

“Woman need to look after each other and support each other and allow them to speak confidently and provide awareness to the male counterparts to empower themselves in the community,” she said.

Powerful Voices is a production by FHI 360 – the science of improving lives helping women use digital photography to document their lives and speak out on issues of concern to women in villages and settlements.

Warriors out to help sorcerers change

BY SIBA MESA

SORCERY-related issues

will now be properly addressed and accounted for by the Warriors Against Sorcery a non-government organisation formed under the Mikira community based organisation of in Bogia District in Madang

Women’s initiative to help cause

BY GRACE AUKA SALMANG

POORLY maintained roads unreliable and expensive land and water transport, and an unstable law and order situation make it difficult for rural populations, particularly women to access high quality services, according to two village women.

Nancy Kons Kotna from Dei district and Veronica George from Kinzibi village in Western Highlands Highlands said this as they shared their experiences and talked about their photographs during the launch of a book Powerful Voices and film Harim Mi, featuring women speaking out on violence against women and girls in Papua New Guinea.

Province. With the organisation’s motto “create a sorcery free society”, they aim to create awareness on the impacts of sorcery, facilitate and promote peace among tribes, make good out of sorcery for security wise and to regulate misuse of sorcery in the society.

The newly-formed NGO

group strongly emphasised not to prosecute and hurt those who practice sorcery but to provide counseling services and incentives for sorcerers to start a new life and make sorcery beneficial to society instead of bringing fear and anxiety to the people.

“If all avenues to assist

sorcerers are exhausted than the last resort would be to refer them to the law”, said the director of Warriors Against Sorcery John Sikie. Mr Sikie says sorcery is a life-long practice and it is a hindrance to development therefore sorcery can be preserved for good use.

The NGO group which started last year and is the first of its kind will officially launch its organisation on August 26 this year at the same time hosting a peace ceremony to gather all tribal enemies who use sorcery to kill each other for reconciliation.

“As victims of domestic violence and women from remote villages, havin g access to appropriate and timely services and educating and improving livelihood of women and girls is a struggle,” Ms Kotna says. They showed how community action to end violence against women and girls could be taken when men and women stand together. They also illustrated the need for community actions to reduce violence against women and girls to be supported by effective action by the police and courts, as well as by the delivery of education and health services Ms Kotna said it was often difficult for a woman to talk about personal struggles and challenges but through the Powerful Voices project her dream of building a bridge over the fast-flowing river had been realised for the community as a whole to benefit from services that were on the other side of the village.

FHI 360 Country Director Daniel Tesfaye Lynda Babao-ONeill

Women bear the daily burden of child care and chores ...

LINDA BABAO O’NEILL Port Moresby

Morobe teachers’ posting well overdue

BY MELISHA YAFOI

THE Morobe provincial education division has yet to sign and release the resumption of duty sheets (RODS) for more than 500 teachers in Morobe to commenced duties.

This has left teachers displaced without any posting as the academic year enters its third week on Monday.

Yesterday, the frustrated teachers fronted up at the Morobe provincial education office demanding an explanation from the appointment officer, only to find that his office was closed.

The teachers, mostly from rural schools, have expressed disappointment over the action by the appointing officer Paul Taiam.

According to the teachers, they were adviced by Mr Taiam that the RODS forms would be ready for them to sign on Thursday.

The frustrated teachers have called for the removal of unreliable officers within the Morobe provincial education division.

University probe ongoing

BY NELLIE SETEPANO

INVESTIGATIONS are ongoing into alleged nepotism in the administration of the Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment at the Vudal campus in East New Britain Province.

Minister for Higher Education, Malakai Tabar, told Parliament this week following a series of questions raised last week over issues concerning universities.

Last week, Rabaul MP

The bottom line

Kapi doubts education policy

ALTOUGH the free-education policy has increased enrollments in schools and relieved the burden of many parents, there is a question of whether it is sustainable.

Chairman of the Papua New Guinea Rehabilitation Centre, Brown Kapi, says the policy set by the Government seems to be illprepared.

“This was never a long term scheme and in a way, we did not prepare for it,” Mr Kapi said.

He said in the long run, there will be little benefit for the country as this was a quick-fix plan.

“Quality education is important but there aren’t proper facilities to best deliver this free-education policy.

“The teacher to students ratio is very high and after the students complete their education, where are the jobs guarantees?” he said.

Mr Kapi said if the Government wants to enrol and educate a large number of children each year, they must ensure that facilities, resources and jobs are available for them.

At a glance

MALAKAI TABAR: He is the Minister for Higher Education.

ALLEGATIONS: There are allegations of nepotism practiced by the vice-chancellor of Vudal.

TITUS PHILEMON: He is the Governor for Milne Bay Province.

LETTERS: From past incidents, MPs did not live up to their commitment, thus, guarantee letters are not credible anymore.

Allan Marat had asked what the Minister was doing to address allegations nepotism practiced by the vicechancellor of Vudal and his family.

This week, Minister Tabar

told Parliament that the Vudal campus administration was being investigated and the Parliament would be informed of the outcome.

Mr Tabar also answered a question from the Governor

for Milne Bay Province, Titus Philemon, on the issue of ‘guarantee letters’ from MPs to universities.

Mr Tabar said guarantee letters did not mean anything to universities.

In the past, MPs sponsored students to universities with guarantee letters explaining a student sponsorship package was to be met by an MP.

However, Mr Tabar said from past incidents, MPs did not live up to their commitment and so the guarantee letters are not credible

anymore. He said MPs can arrange with financial institutions where monies can be held in trust accounts and be received by universities.

Furthermore, Mr Tabar warned students who were on government sponsorship or those who were sponsored by MPs not to ask universities for scholarship reimbursements.

“They should receive refunds from what is rightfully theirs and not from sponsors,” Minister Tabar said.

They can scream and holler for what they want or need, but newborn babies can’t technically cry.

“Otherwise, we will have a generation of unemployed youths.

“On the other hand, the quality of our education will drop significantly because of the lack of resources and overcrowding in schools, Mr Kapi said.

He added that the disadvantages will exceed the advantages and will remain evident in the long run.

Mr Kapi has also questioned the policy’s sustainability, saying in the next 5-10 years the cost will run into billions and the government will not keep up.

FRUSTRATED teachers fronted up at the Morobe provincial education office demanding an explanation from the appointment officer, only to find that his office was closed.

NMSA moves to enforce safety law

BY NICOLE JOANNES

THE National Maritime and Safety Authority is in the process of assisting maritime provinces that are prepared to implement the Small Crafts Act following Parliament’s approval.

NMSA project manager Peter Bell and project officer Ismael Kawi are visiting the provinces to ascertain the type of assistance required for the implementation of the Act.

Mr Bell said NMSA would provide training, technical expertise, assistance in following processes and procedures and inspection of existing small crafts to see if they’re sea worthy and fitted with safety equipment and their registration number and license.

He said all small crafts that are 10 metres and below were required to get a license after six months of operation.

Policy centre of debate

POPULATION control and incentives to curb growth was at the centre of debate in Parliament yesterday.

National Planning Minister Charles Abel, who presented the National Population Policy in Parliament, stressed that it was not a birth control policy like China’s one child policy but population control whereby fertility, mortality and migration were controlled.

He said the policy took human rights into consideration, whereby couples and individuals were encouraged to freely make responsible choices when deciding on the

Govt aims to create more SMEs

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has assured Parliament that the Government remains committed to creating 50,000 small businesses in 10 years.

He said during Question Time in Parliament that in order to achieve this, the Government had increased funds allocated to the National Development Bank to ensure capital was made available to as many people as possible and on affordable terms.

Mr O’Neill said this had been backed by funding of K100 million to the bank to assist small businesses grow.

He said he was not aware that an institution was demanding 30 per cent deposit from borrowers and said he would ask the Minister to look into this and give a detailed statement later.

He urged Papua New Guineans to raise some of their own money before going to the bank for help. “Government will make money available as cheaply as possible, but people must put up some money of their own too. If they don’t, they will treat assistance from banks as government handouts, and money may go to waste,” he said.

EXAMPLE OF INCENTIVES: Sir Julius gave examples of incentives offered by countries like Singapore whereby the government takes care of the first two children of parents who want more children as added responsibility.

SUPPORT: Goroka MP Bire Kimisopa also stressed the need for a curb on the population growth.

CRITICISM: Governor for New Ireland Sir Julius Chan said the Minister should not shy away from saying “population control”.

number, timing and spacing of their children.

Minister Abel said although the government was putting a record funding to the districts and provinces in an attempt to grow the economy in one

hand, in the other hand, it was struggling a little to provide for the growing population.

“We tend to concentrate only on the economic growth and seem to ignore one of the

fundamental drivers of development issues - the sheer volume of people that keeps entering the stream,” Mr Abel said.

“The classic example we always talk about is the number of students coming out of high school, the number of grade 12 graduates and the lack of tertiary places for them.

“The baggers and children out on the street - these are many examples of issues we are talking about and as I speak, the government is making a massive effort to resolve these issues but we are still struggling.

New Wewak hospital to get funds

THE national Government will be allocating some funds in the next year’s budget for the relocation and construction of a new Wewak hospital.

Health Minister Michael Malabag said the Boram General Hospital in East Sepik was one of the major health facilities in the Momase region, apart from Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae, Morobe Province.

He said the Boram Hospital had deteriorated over time and

with the climate change and rising sea level, it was time to relocate the hospital to a new site.

He said the Government, in line with it’s priority to provide adequate medical services, had been talking with a development partner (a foreign government) for a partnership arrangement to construct a new hospital for Wewak.

Mr Malabag said this on the eve of his travel to East Sepik

Province this weekend.

He will be accompanied by Member for Yangoru-Saussia and Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Richard Maru.

The facilities at Boram General Hospital have deteriorated over the years because of negligence.

Climate change and rising sea levels have further worsened the hospital’s facilities.

Mr Malabag will visit Boram

“I want to make it clear that this is not a population control policy. In no way are we going to tell people and force them to have a particular number of children. If they want to have 15 children or 20 children, that is their personal choice, but the government is trying to encourage, create awareness and give them information so that they can make informed choice - whether they want to have two, three or 15 children.”

However Governor for New Ireland Sir Julius Chan said the Minister should not shy away from saying “population control”.

General Hospital and the new site for a new hospital at Wirui in Wewak town.

Minister Malabag will then travel to Yangoru-Saussia district to open a new maternity ward at Naksimigel village and a new outpatient building at Kubalia station.

Mr Maru said the new facilities would assist people in that area who, over the years, have been travelling lond distances to get medical assistance.

Community leader inspires Opposition

and

were in Wau on Monday to open two bridges in the heart of Wau town, built by Bulolo district, using the funds drawn from the district’s DSIP funds. The bridge at Ado was opened by Mr Polye while Ms Soso

Mr O’Neill was responding to questions from Bulolo MP Sam Basil alleging that the National Development Bank and other institutions charged with promoting SME were making it difficult for people by demanding a 30 per cent collateral before they could give loans.

Mr Basil, who is deputy Opposition Leader, said such hurdle would make it difficult for the Government to achieve its SME objectives.

PETER Bell (left) holding discussions with West New Britain Small Crafts Board members.

WAU community leader William Yak told Opposition Leader Don Polye that an opposition is as good as a government.

Mr Yak, a former agriculture officer with the division of primary industry of the Morobe Provincial Government, told

Mr Polye and his visiting opposition team to be steadfast in their quest of honesty and transparency.

The speech by the community representative inspired the Opposition Leader and his party to heap praise on Bulolo MP

Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Basil for his perseverance in the Opposition. It also inspired them to hold steadfast in their fight against corruption on the floor of the National Parliament. Mr Polye and the members of the Opposition

opened the Darling Bridge.

Government will make more money available

PETER O’NEILL Port Moresby

‘Holy Moses’ kicked out after 15 yrs

BY GORETHY KENNETH

PAPUA New Guinea’s infamous

“Holy Moses”, the African criminal with a long track record of suspected organised criminal activities, has been deported almost 15 years after his life of crime was revealed.

Nigerian Cedric Sedibe Nduduzie was once caught in possession of about US$200 million fake bank notes and was known for having a machine that printed different currencies.

Three arrested for rape in ENB

BY SHARON LOWA

THREE men have been arrested and charged with the rape of a young girl at Uvol village in Pomio district, East New Britain province.

According to ENB Provincial police commander Superintendent Anthony Wagambie Jnr, the victim was returning from a fishing trip at night in August last year when she was attacked by a man who raped her in a kitchen.

A second man then had his turn while the third suspect stood at the doorway awaiting his turn.

Supt Wagambie said upon seeing

At a glance

RAPE: Three men have been arrested and charged with the rape of a young girl at Uvol village in Pomio district.The victim was returning from a fishing trip at night in August last year when she was attacked.

the third naked man waiting at the doorway the young woman struggled from the second assailant, ran for the door pushing the third suspect side and escaping. She quickly informed her parents on the incident who later reported

the matter to the police.

Supt Wagambie said due to the remoteness of the area and lack of police presence in the district, the matter was not attended to earlier.

The suspects were apprehended at a later date, during police operations in the area and transported back to Kokopo.

All three suspects had been interviewed by the criminal investigations division in Kokopo and were in police custody waiting to appear before the Kokopo District Court.

One of the suspects is from Rabaul district, the other two are from Uvol.

At a glance

CRIMINAL: Papua New Guinea’s famous Holy Moses, the African criminal with a long track record of suspected organised criminal activities, has been deported almost 15 years after his life of crime was revealed.

Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Rimbink Pato announced his deportation yesterday.

“The Papua New Guinea Government has taken decisive action to remove this person from PNG,” Mr Pato said.

“Nduduzie, originally from Nigeria, most recently entered PNG travelling on a fraudulently altered South African passport, after having being kicked out from the country,” Mr Pato said.

“Known also as ‘Holy Moses’, he had established at least 11 other fraudulent aliases in the country, some of which he had used to open bank accounts, contrary to PNG law.

“He was facing a number of charges under the Migration Act (unlawful presence in the country, escape from custody, and possessing false passport), the Passports Act (make false statement in an application for a PNG passport), and several charges relating to the importation and export of drugs.

“Cedric Sedibe Nduduzie has also previously been implicated in illegal firearms and dealing in counterfeit currency. He refused to cooperate with attempts to identify him and remove him even when he was taken into immigration detention.

“Months of detailed work by Immigration, Police, Customs and international law-enforcement counterparts eventually paid off and a legitimate travel document was obtained for him,” Mr Pato said.

MVIL case clarified

THE man who initiated the court proceedings to return half of an alleged K96 million fraudulent investment in Australia has come out public saying credit should be given to where it is due.

Bonny Igime, who was MVIL chairman at that time, said yesterday the result of the Supreme Court in Australia ordering the return of these monies back to Motor Vehicle

Insurance Limited was the hard work of his board.

“My board must be commended, and even rewarded for the very successful outcome of the legal battle we initiated and fought relentlessly,” he said. Mr Igime was appointed chairman in 2011 and upon assumption of office his board uncovered that K96 million of MVIL money was siphoned off to Australia.

WOMEN looking for shells at Kanudi beach in Port Moresby. Picture: KENNEDY BANI

Mediation over pilots’ contracts

THE matter involving grievances arising from the new contracts for Air Niugini pilots is expected to go through alternative dispute resolution (mediation) process.

This is the direction issued by National Court judge Justice Ambeng Kandakasi on Wednesday. The direction is in line with an earlier order issued by Justice Catherine Davani.

The proceeding was instituted by Air Niugini pilot Captain Clarke Piokole against Air Niugini, over issues relating to a new employment contract Air Niugini has recently introduced on the terms and conditions of employment for its pilots.

Kondra faces tribunal

BY JACOB POK

NORTH Fly MP and Tourism Minister Boka Kondra briefly appeared before a leadership tribunal hearing into misconduct allegations against him at the Waigani Court yesterday.

The tribunal members head-

ed by National Court judge Justice Salatiel Lenalia and senior magistrates Ignatius Kurei and Rosie Johnson adjourned the hearing to next week Monday.

A team from the Public Prosecutors office informed the tribunal that they were prepared to proceed with

their presentation when the tribunal resumes next week.

Mr Kondra was referred by the Ombudsman Commission to the Public Prosecutor office on allegations of misconduct of office.

The Ombudsman in its investigations was satisfied that there was a prima-facie

case against Mr Kondra’s conduct and referred him to the Public Prosecutor in July last year.

It is alleged that Mr Konra misapplied more than K185,000 of his electorate’s District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) funds and District Support Grants

(DSG) funds between 2009 and 2010. It is also alleged that the leader used the funds outside of what it was initially intended for. His suspension from office will also be determined next week once the statement of charges is presented to the tribunal.

However, the terms of the new contracts did not go down well with Captain Piokole and others. Captain Piokole disputed the new arrangements.

He argued that there was a breach of constitutional rights on the part of Air Niugini to force him to sign a new contract, while his terms and conditions of employment already covered in 2012 agreement were subsisting. He said Air Niugini was in breach of sections 33 and 36 of the Industrial Relations Act and sections 43(1), 46 and 48 of the Constitution.

THESE two men taking part in preparing a feast for a reconciliation ceremony headed straight to the nearest shelter at Guava village in Panguna District of Central Bougainville as the skies opened up. Picture: JACOB IENU

LET’S SHELTER THIS

Clan vetting into second phase

THE Petroleum and Energy Department will soon launch the second phase of its clan vetting project designed to resolve the issue of equal distribution of LNG benefits to landowners.

The project aims to establish a transparent, pathway that would allow the Government to equally distribute LNG benefits to respective beneficiaries and third party entities in affected areas.

The first phase was completed in May last year and was the identification process which established beneficiary clans and entities and a report was published and presented to the NEC last year.

The second phase would be the finalising and setting up of physical mechanisms such as

Problems associated with entitlement payments where not being addressed properly...

MINISTER NIXON DUBAN Port Moresby

administrative posts and mitigations offices that would allow for the process of payment to parties identified in phase one.

More than K14 million would be needed for the phase two.

Petroleum and Energy Minister Nixon Duban voiced his concern last week in the matter of land entitlement payments, saying

that the problems associated with them were not being addressed properly.

“Clan vetting when completed will render the government and it will be able to make benefit payments and curb the epidemic of land payment disputes that have been a thorn in the PNG LNG’s side since its beginning,” he said.

Accounting house Deloitte would be solely responsible for managing funds payable to respective clans identified under the clan vetting project and that a uniform method of payment would be used. He said he hoped project is completed by May 24 this year to coincide with the anniversary of the first PNG LNG cargo shipment.

Govt sends troops to monitor h’way

WORKS Minister Francis Awesa says the government will take a strong stand to address the issue of land compensation, especially on the Highlands Highway, following claims for compensation at a recent landslip.

He was speaking at a press conference attendeed also by vice minister for Mining minister Wera Mori, PNG Defence Force commander Brigadier-General Gilbert Toropo and Police commisioner Geoffrey Vaki, who signed a memorandum of agreement on the deployment of police and soldiers on the highway to prevent people from unnecessarily blocking the highway and demanding compensation.

Mr Awesa said the compensation issue on road infrastrutures has gone too far and out of control and as a responsible government action needs to be taken to control it.

“The action that we the government will be taking on this issue is to get the army and the police to the area to control and make sure the situation is calm,” he said.

“Eighty percent of the freight is moved along the Highlands Highway that generates the economy of the country, including the mining

resouces and today the government made a strong stand to get police and army in to maintin the situation on the area.”

He said 100 army and police personnel will be deployed at four different areas along the highway at Nipa, Kainatu, Watabung and Kagua.

“The government has been spending millions of kina to compensate unresonable claims most of which are illegal and unresonable,” he said.

“It is time that we as a responsible government depoly the armed forces of the government to forster an ongoing relationship – not to harass anybody but to maintain law and order.”

Mr Mori said all highways in the country are owned by the state and any unresonable claims are serious crimes to defraud the state.

Brig-Gen Toropo said roads are important and the PNGDF is happy to work with the government to enforce law and order as part of the governments arm.

The deployment of the armed forces will soon take place after Mr Awesa announced this operastion at the floor of parliament for financial assitance.

A RECENT roadblock on the highway which had nothing to do with the condition of the road

Call to embrace tourism

THE people of Madang and Wewak have been called on to embrace cruise tourism development in their respective provinces.

Tourism Promotion

Authority chief executive officer Peter Vincent said the people must now become role models of change by displaying the positive side of our beautiful country to our international visitors.

“This is an opportunity for us to change all the negative perception about PNG being a dangerous place to visit. We must accord them respect and make them feel welcome in our beautiful country,” Mr Vincent said.

“Many of the 2000 tourists on the cruise ship are first time visitors to PNG so let’s unite and show them that we are very friendly so more tourists can continue to come and visit our beautiful country.”

Mr Vincent said P&O Cruises’ Pacific Dawn made its maiden call to Madang yesterday and should

be in Wewak berthing in Wewak today. He said while Madang may have seen several cruise ships in recent times, Wewak will be experiencing something new in terms of large numbers of tourists on the ground at any one time.

“We are talking about 2000 tourists and 700 crew all arriving in Wewak for a whole day. This will be something new and exciting for Wewak residents and the whole province,” he added.

Mr Vincent said cruise ship development was quickly taking shape in PNG since the launch of the TPA’s cruise development strategy in 2007, and the subsequent invitation to international cruise tourism brand P&O Cruises to visit PNG, starting in Milne Bay in November 2013.

“We ventured into cruise tourism on a big scale because for too long we suffered from the negative image perception created by law and order issues.”

Kondra hails police operations

BY DONALD WILLIE

ALL visitors and local tourists were well looked after by police and security staff during the 5th Melanesian Arts Festival last year.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Boka Kondra says this was a factor in the festival being successful despite last minute planning and approval by Cabinet.

He asked the police to repeat this performance during the upcoming international events that the country will be hosting, including this year’s Pacific Games.

“I appeal, on behalf of the national Government, to the police force to stand together and make the Pacific Games, the soccer tournament and the APEC meeting in 2018 a success,” Mr Kondra said.

Deputy Police Commander Jim Andrews said under the current management, the force is committed to support the government of the day in any situation.

“We are committed to assist the government of the day and also to support and make Papua New Guinea a better place to live,” said the deputy police commander.

A MAN tending to his garden at Garden Hill in Port Moresby. Hills and vacant land around the city are always a sight to behold during the wet season, when families turn the normally dry and brown sights into neat vegetable gardens.

CITY GARDEN

Quick thoughts

OIL IS SHIPPED OUT

EUGENE Kambut’s letter of February 19, questions whether oil is being produced by the PNG LNG project. The fi elds that the Project is producing from are high in gas and low in associated liquids. A small amount of condensate is produced with the gas.

Condensate is a light crude product. The condensate is separated and mixed with oil from Oil Search’s existing operations at Kutubu before being sent via pipeline to the Kumul export facility, and a small amount is also shipped from the LNG Plant and Marine Jetty outside of Port Moresby. This product is included in the existing Gas Agreement between the PNG LNG Project and the State.

Anne Rix Media and Communications Adviser

GOC MUST CLARIFY

THE chief executive of fi cer of the Games Organizing Committee needs to tell the country how much the transport and logistics contract is worth rather than keeping it secret while claiming it to be con fi dential.

This is of national interest where all expenditures of the Games or contracts awarding need to be made public. Why did the CEO of the Games Organizing Committee refuse to state the amount of the contract which Pindu Transport has won to provide transport and logistics during the Paci fi c Games? Did the contract by-pass the Central Supply Tenders Board with no amount was stated regarding the worth of contract.

The CEO, Peter Stewart, needs to be investigated to prevent any short f all during this big games period in July. We don’t want any embarrassment.

Wanbel Niape Port Moresby

Your opinions

Looking for someone?

Milne Bay people living in Port Moresby are asked to meet on the beach side of Ela Beach hotel on Saturday Feb 21 at about 10am. This is to discuss ways to help MBP students at IBS campus at Six Mile. Please call: Olive on 7372 9828Violet on 7349 8301 for more information.

I WOULD like to share my concerns regarding death penalty as others have expressed. We are a Christian country. We must follow the footsteps of Israel because we are serving their God and Messiah. If you do not know that PNG is the only country in the world apart from Israel that has pronounced Christianity. If the government wants to legalise the death penalty than it is wise to close down all the Christian churches operating within the country.

The churches preach against the slogan an “ Eye for an Eye and a Tooth for a Tooth” because God

deals with the lives of people and not a person nor a government can take someone’s life. PNG is not a Muslim country where they allow this kind of a law and they reap the fruits they sow as we see on TV and read in the media. PNG is not going to be better off if it becomes a law to take someone’s life because the court system is exhausted. It would be much better to put the convicts into a secluded area and only Pastors can be allowed to visit them and give the word of God to them.

God only can mould them and shape them and eventually take their lives and not someone else,

The views expressed on these pages are the opinions of our readers. They do not

views

not even the government of the day.

Take things seriously and plan for the better and invite God into Parliament and you will see PNG change.

Why leave God out and in reality there is no business of God in the very core of your activities in Parliament.

PNG rise up and say no to the death penalty.

Kangom Naweh via email

WRITE TO US Text us on 208

Do not scrap examinations

Letter of the day

THE call by Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Tobias Kulang on the Government to scrap the grade Eight and 10 examinations is not addressing the problem which he thinks the call will solve.

As a former teacher, I say that it is not the examinations that are preventing children to get to the next level – the problem is the lack of classrooms, teachers and the resources. If the MP reads the news, he would notice that students in some provinces, whose exam marks were above the set cut-off mark to get to the next level, were turned away from some schools because of the lack of space.

So, the MP should be calling on the Government to honestly and truly get the job thoroughly done to accommodate every student who has the right to benefit from the Tuition Fee Free Policy.

Without more classrooms, more

teachers and more resources, tens of thousands of our children will still be locked out of schools because schools just cannot take in more students.

Furthermore, examinations are very important – as they are in other parts of the world. Exams not only are good forms of assessments of a child’s progress, they also generally indicate what the child can cope with in future school life, as well as a possible career. (A good parent is always interested in his/her child’s performance and an exam will show how the child has fared in learning.)

Exams determine who has the capability to handle higher level mathematics or advanced language courses, among other things. (You know, not everybody is born to fly a plane, navigate a ship or work as a foreign diplomat. Exams can help show us who can do what.)

In that way, examinations help schools organise students into areas of their strengths and weaknesses,

Text us on 208

as in streamlining students, so their learning will not be hampered in any way.

If you have students who are slow learners in a particular subject/ course with fast learners, you will lull the fast learners to sleep – or frustrate the slow ones who cannot keep up.

Exams help to separate who is capable of what – and the earlier you separate the fast learners from the slow ones, you can well be grooming those who will in the future turn the country around for the better.

So the problem is not the exams – it is the lack of classrooms, shortage of teachers and resources. When the Government gets those things right, then the TFF policy will be successful and we can celebrate.

Follow Moresby South MPs good example

I’D LIKE to applaud Minister for Sports and MP for Moresby-south Justin Tkatchenko.

He is doing a pretty excellent job in delivering much-needed services to Moresby-south people, who have been neglected for a long time. Although his predecessors may have delivered over the years, it was not felt by the populace.

Every single road that linked the settlement in Moresby-south is sealed. The notorious Sabama Market was transformed into a classic standard market and just recently the opening of Koki Market while construction is underway for a fish market.

He is also vocal in education in-

10 years ago

cluding funding for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for youths.

He is actually “killing two birds with one stone”, which is unusual in a sense that he is organising and managing the 2015 Pacific Games, which is a national event, and still caring for his own electorate. Managing more than 22 infrastructure projects for Pacific Games sporting facilities are nearing completion. His leadership is a well-balanced type of leadership.

He is keeping the people of Moresby-south and the country informed through social media.

MPs of Parliament should learn something from him. They should

ANY RESULTS?

Are there tangible results from Kikori district’s DSIP funds?

And where exactly will Kikori MP Mark Maipakai take the department officials from National Planning and Monitoring to see implemented projects (Post-Courier Feb 20, page 13)? Will Maipakai direct them to see aid-posts he built with cheap untreated timbers he got from his private sawmill? About half of the buildings built are already crumbling because they do not meet standard building requirements. Can authorities also check where the two vessels, MV Baimuru and MV Kikori, which were both purchased from the National Maritime Authority funds, are?

And let it be known that no one should get any credit for Kikori Post Office and BSP’s sub-branch because they are MRDC’s funded projects.

Tama Nibo

NO TO DEATH PENALTY

ments. Our Constitution is derived from that.

It was a practise in the Old Testament for heinous crimes committed “an eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth” (payback), or stoning to death of an accused defaulter. This was before He sent His son to die for us. After the death of Jesus/Yeshua, his blood was and still is sufficient to remit and atone for the sins of all. That blood of Yeshua stresses on forgiveness. A better example was shown by the relatives of the two men who were shot by police at Hanuabada. They forgave those responsible for the deaths of their loved ones. If you are unable to forgive those who have wronged you, then God will not forgive you as well on the last day of judgement.

“Choose now whom you will serve” was the question tasked to the government of PNG in 2008 and 2011; the response of the government was; “As for me and my house we will serve the God of Israel”. Are you a bunch of hypocrites?

Western Zenith

concentrate more on developing their own electorates rather than playing politics. After all, MPs have been mandated to provide basic services like education, infrastructure and health, among others.

The wise king Solomon said: “It’s much better you go to a house of mourning rather than go to a house of feasting.”

Therefore, all MPs should follow Mr Tkatchenko’s lead and strive to grow this nation. “For the people, by the people.”

Silent observer Port Moresby

For those who are supporting the death penalty; think again. It will never solve problems. It never solved crimes like murder in countries that practise it, especially in the US. This land of a 1000 tribes is unique. We cannot borrow an idea from outside and say it will work for us. This may cause further reprisals by the relatives of those who are put to death. The hangman or the one who kills will always have blood on his hands. How is that for starters? Food for thought.

S Sisiwan

FORGIVENESS

The government in 2008 decided to embrace the God of Israel on behalf of the citizens. The oath was renewed in 2011. The God of Israel forbids murder (death as penalty for a heinous crime), which is enshrined in his constitution “the Bible”, to be more precise, the Ten Command-

SUSTAIN RESOURCES

The current government is not prioritising its development goals for the country. It is using unsustainable resource development methods. If the trend continues our future generation would have nothing to live for. As a resource owner, I am not convinced that the government is sustainably managing the resources of this beautiful country.

Muno Mokoi

EMPTY WORDS

There has been much rhetoric talk in the print media about progress in developments in the Imbonggu electorate like never before. It is obvious that Imbongguans don’t read papers. There is no proof. Too much boasting!

Ponia Yeith

We have put in some control measures into We have put in some control measures into our foreign currency trading largely because our currency because the commercial banks were charging very the commercial banks were very big margins when they were transacting on margins when were on foreign currency trading. currency

Former science teacher Port Moresby

Chief Justice Mari Kapi urges judges and lawyers to apply the teachings of the Gospel in their work. Feb 2, 2005

Council warns institutions

BY LEONNIE WAYANG

THOSE who wish to enrol their children or employees into training institutions must check with the National Training Council to confirm whether these institutions are legitimate or not.

Council director Geoffrey Kinsella said they have a system in place to lift the standard of requirements

for the registration of trainers, course and training facilities.

“The secretariat’s focus has not changed from the requirement of maintaining quality standards.

“We have adopted a new system of training to elevate the standard of requirements for the registration and accreditation of trainers, courses or programs and training facilitators

who wish to facilitate training in Papua New Guinea,”

Mr Kisella said.

The new system which has been in operation since 2010 is called the national qualifications framework and the quality framework. It has three standards – the trainer standards, course standards and training facility standards.

Each category of standard has its requirements to

be met if one is to register as a trainer, or register a course/program and or register a training facility.

Mr Kinsella said with the change to training standards, there was some opposition because private training institutions were comfortable with lower standards of training that charged higher fees.

“The new training system has weeded out and will

continue to weed out the private training institutions that do not meet the requirements,” he said.

Mr Kinsella said there may be individuals and institutions providing training but are not registered with the National Training Council.

Mr Kinsella said those institutions implicated by the public will be investigated.

“I encourage individuals, parents and potential sponsors to call our office to confirm if the training institution is registered with us before committing funds to them,” Mr Kinsella said.

The National Training Council is also mandated to monitor and distribute the donor funded scholarships among all sectors and subsectors within Papua New Guinea.

Apprentices pass out of PPL college

BY LEONNIE WAYANG

SEVENTEEN apprentices studying electrical and diesel mechanics have graduated from the PNG Power Training College in Port Moresby recently.

Of the 17 apprentices, three took diesel mechanic courses while the rest took electrical mechanic studies and were all PNG Power Limited (PPL) employees.

PNG Power chief executive officer John Tangit encouraged the workers to be diligent and professional in performing their duties to help the company grow.

“I’m looking for technically competent staff. I now challenge you to do your best and don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown you,” Mr Tangit told the graduates.

“You should be looking at your inner voice and, most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart, your intuition as they somehow already know what you want to become.”

In its early years, the PNG Power Training College was a vibrant institution where apprentices all over the country wanted to enrol.

General manager for operations and maintenance, Mr Bigiglen, told the graduates that they were now part of his team, responsible for keeping the lights on.

“The training you receive is to build PNG Power and also to help build the nation because PPL is a service provider and the demand for power has grown dramatically,” Mr Bigiglen said.

“The three values you need to have are commitment, loyalty and ownership toward your job, colleagues and the company.”

Crocodile Prize appoints Dame Carol as patron

RETIRED politician Dame Carol Kidu has been appointed by the Crocodile Prize Organisation as its first patron.

The prize committee was unanimous in its view that Dame Carol’s appointment as patron would be most appropriate in light of her great contribution to public life in Papua New Guinea and her particular interest in PNG literature and literacy.

Now in its fifth year, the Crocodile Prize Organisation administers a range of awards, an annual prize-giving event, writers’ workshops an active website and publishes the annual Crocodile Prize Anthology within the PNGAA publishing program.

In keeping with the traditional role of a patron, Dame Carol would not be expected to exercise administrative responsibilities but would publicly support the prize and assist its activities.

The annual crocodile prize awards event this year will be held in Kundiawa on September 19-20, first time to be convened outside Port Moresby.

Awards will be given for poetry, essays and journalism, short stories, tourism, arts and culture writing, heritage writing, illustration, and writing for children.

School faces classroom shortage

BY MEROLYN TEN

THE free education policy has lessened the school fee burden on parents but has brought bigger problems to schools and education authorities.

With the huge influx of students into schools because of free education, the main focus should be on classroom buildings, teacher position vacancies and teacher accommodation, says Hane Charlie, the head teacher for Ted Diro Primary School in the nation’s capital.

“Ted Diro Primary School has enrolled more than 2200 students this year, but there are not enough classrooms to accommodate and teachers to teach those students,” she said.

Ms Charlie said presently there are more than 60 students to a teacher, and five elementary classes are without classrooms.

“Three classes were squashed into the school’s library, while the other two classes are learning under the tents that were

built outside.

“Those five classes cover small elementary children who need to be comforted in a classroom to learn without any distraction,” she said.

She said two classrooms and a teacher’s house at the school remain incomplete because the contractors have not been paid by the Education Department are now camped outside the department’s head office waiting for their payments.

She said the two classroom building projects were supposed to accommodate those students without classrooms if the commitments were met on time but now it as affected everybody.

“I am calling on the Education Department to please look into the problems that are being faced by Ted Diro Primary school, and engage a contractor to complete the incomplete buildings,” she said.

Education Minister Nick Kuman has recently announced that to help the classroom problems, two classrooms will be built in all schools.

Teachers union reject Kali’s call

DEPARTMENT of Personnel

Management secretary John Kali’s statement that teachers leave fares cannot be converted into cash is naive, says the Papua New Guinea Teachers Association. Associaiotn general secretary for Ugwalubu Mowana said it is possible to convert leave fare warrants to cash because after all, the bottom line issue is money, as long as teachers’ travel details and data are correct.

He was responding to Mr Kali’s statement at a recent parliament hearing on leave fares in which Mr Kali discouraged the conversation of leave fares into cash by teachers.

“The bottom line issue here is money we are talking about,” Mr Mowana said.

“Teachers for so long have been subject to denial and foul play over their leave fares from the provincial administrations, provincial treasuries and travel agents.

“Give the leave fares as cash to teachers and they can chose to travel to their destinations as most airlines and ships do not travel right to their destinations, they need cash to travel the rest of the way home.”

A MOTHER and her child looking for an opening in traffic to cross a busy road in Port Moresby. The volume of traffic in the city has more than doubled in the last five years, putting strain on roads and even pedestrians are being affected.

MOTHER AND CHILD

Govt controls forex trading

BY ISAAC NICHOLAS

LIMITED foreign currency experienced at the moment is a result of the Government imposing some controls on foreign currency trading.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said there was no need for panic as the foreign reserves currently held by the Bank of Papua New Guinea still stand at a record high of US$2.2 billion (K5.9bn).

He was responding to queries after Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko told Parliament that lack of foreign reserves has slowed down work at the new Pacific Games netball stadium at Bisini Parade.

“The fact is that we have put in some control measures into our foreign currency trading largely because the commercial banks were charging very big margins when they were transacting

on foreign currency trading,” Mr O’Neill said.

“As a result when you look at the last four or five financial reports of all three big banks, you will see that large portions of their profits came out of foreign currency trading, which means that they are not lending enough money to our businessmen and women.

“We want them to increase their lending book, we don’t want them to increase their

foreign currency trading. So that is why we have limited the margins in foreign currency trading. As a result there is a bit of tightening that is going on but every priority has been met.

“Whoever got proper clearance from the tax office and all the foreign exchange controls are getting paid through the process.

“There is no need for us to worry about availability of foreign currency, we

have got close to $2.2 billion in foreign currency in reserves, in fact February 20 we are expecting our first lot of revenues coming in from LNG.

“We are also encouraging all our exporters keeping their money in foreign accounts to bring their money back to PNG so that they can be accountable and be taxed on revenues that they are getting.

“It is not as bad as it

sounds. It is fairly well under control. “We are discussing with the central bank to have some flexibilities now that we have given a clear message to the commercial banks.”

PM hails new Qld premier

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has extended his congratulations to the new Premier of Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk, and expressed a desire to continue building trade and cultural relations.

The prime minister said as the closest geographical Australian state, Queensland had strong ongoing connections with Papua New Guinea.

“I congratulate Premier Palaszczuk on her appointment this week and look forward to the opportunity to meet her in person,” Mr O’Neill said.

“There is a great deal of interaction between Queensland and Papua New Guinea that covers a range of sectors and we appreciate this engagement.

“A number of Papua New Guineans are living, working and studying in Queensland and there is an increasing number of Queenslanders residing in Papua New Guinea.

“Business linkages between Papua New Guinea and Queensland continue to grow each year, and we will continue to take advantage of our geographical proximity.

“We share a sea border across which our people move freely for traditional visits and this shared cultural history is important.

“Police from Papua New Guinea are also taking part in training programs with Queensland Police and this will be of great benefit.

“Queensland police are experienced in many of the cultural issues that confront Papua New Guinea police, so I hope the learning and exchange will benefit both police forces.”

Brussels trade officials to visit

A MISSION from the European Commission directorate general for trade in Brussels, Belgium, will visit Papua New Guinea this week.

The mission will be led by Eelke Postema, trade affairs manager for the Pacific and includes trade coordinator Yves Lecompte.

The team will visit Port Moresby on February 17-19 and Lae on February 20-21, before leaving for the Solomon Islands and Fiji.

European Union ambassador Martin Dihm in announcing the visit said, “The main objective of the mission is to review and discuss the implementation of the Trade Agreement between Papua New Guinea and the European Union (interim Economic Partnership Agreement iEPA).

“This agreement has delivered strong benefits in terms of investments and jobs. The team will have a close look at its implementation and how it can be further strengthened to deliver even more benefits in future.”

The EU trade team will pay a courtesy call on Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry Richard Maru and meet with relevant officers of the Department of Trade, Commerce and Industry – trade division.

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

Border village needs roads

ROAD and bridge infrastructure are the biggest concern for people living along the Ok Tedi River.

This was revealed by Amandus Yarokam, who is the law and order chairman of Kungim village near the border of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

Mr Yarokam said for so long many governments have promised to build better roads and bridges but to date nothing has been done.

Goilala students’ future bleak

BY JOE GURINA

GOILALA MP Daniel Mona’s untimely death is a huge loss to the people of Goilala and many are asking whether his projects, including the education scheme, will continue.

A parent from the Goilala district in Central Province, Aloysius Topeau, said the MP’s death had really affected the Goilala students who were benefitting from the education scheme, which was set up by the late MP.

Mr Mona established the Louis Mona Foundation to assist Goilala students attending various govern-

At a glance

LATE GOILALA MP: Daniel Mona passed away at the St. Luke Hospital in Manila, Philippines, on February 4 while undergoing medical treatment.

FUND: Late Mr Mona established the Louis Mona Foundation to assist Goilala students.

CONTINUE: Mr Topeau challenged that this assistance be carried on under a new MP.

ment and private run institutions throughout the country.

Mr Monda wanted to see Goilala people prosper through education and bring development into the district in future.

Mr Topeau challenged that

this assistance be carried on under a new MP.

However, the office of the Goilala administration confirmed with the Post -Courier they would seek assistance from the Central provincial administration through administrator Gei Raga, to

complete outstanding plans and projects left by the late MP.

Goilala district administrator Jimmy Aniawa broke down in tears saying: “Danny was an MP that depicted flying colours in his short term in office.

“He had the heart for his people. He was keen on developing the electorate when he unexpectedly passed on. He had plans to change Goilala.

“However, we will shoulder the burden and accomplish the late MP’s mission in the remaining period.”

Mr Aniawa confirmed that Goilala students attending various schools and institu-

tions in the country would still get assistance for the 2015 academic year.

Mr Aniawa said they would work with the Provincial Administrator to release funding to cater for school fees and other projects in the district.

He also confirmed that they were awaiting arrangements from the Office of the Speaker and the Prime Minister for the Late MP’s casket to be flown back into the country.

Late Mr Mona passed away at the St. Luke Hospital in Manila, Philippines on February 4 while undergoing medical treatment.

He said the people on the other side of the Ok Tedi River have potential to do business and involve in small to medium enterprises that will benefit them. But they do not have a proper road system and bridges for transportation to and from their respective villagers.

“We have been crossing the Ok Tedi River with dugout canoes and walking great distances with our women and children,” Mr Yarokam said.

“Though we have health and education services in our communities, these services are unable to grow and expand because we need better roads and bridges to transport materials to be used by those respective departments.”

He said most of the time health workers and teachers lose interest to deliver services to the people due to struggles they face to transport their families, equipment and materials.

MOTHER of the late MP Daniel Mona, seated left on the chair, with relatives at the haus krai of the late MP’s family home at Gerehu in Port Moresby.

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Principal decries selection criteria

BY MICHAEL KOMA

THE provincial education board in Chimbu Province has reportedly engaged only 20 of the 271 teachers, who passed out from the newly-established Simbu Teachers College.

Founding principal Clement Kaupa told the Post-Courier in an interview that the Chimbu provincial education board and the provincial education division in Kundiawa had “miserably failed to take on board more teachers from STC.”

Mr Kaupa said the Chimbu Government, under the stewardship of Noah Kool, strives to provide hope for school-leavers by training them to teach in rural schools.

He said: “The provincial education board should explain to the Chimbu Government and the provincial administration as to why only 20 teachers were

selected and posted to schools this year.”

Human resource development is Chimbu’s prominent development catchphrase in which the provincial government and administration are pursuing, however, the education board’s decision has effectively cast shadows on this policy.

Provincial education adviser, Essy Walkaima, has brushed aside Mr Kaupa’s claim saying that 85 pioneer graduates from STC are now teaching in schools across Chimbu Province.

Mr Walkaima said some of the STC-trained teachers could not speak proper English because they entered the college with false and scanned certificates. The entry requirement level should be grade 12 with good academic marks, according to Mr Walkaima.

“Look, we are interested in quality and not quantity.” The

Simbu Teachers College is into its third year with an enrollment of around 900 students every year, which many critics dubbed as “too much for a new institution that operates with inferior facilities.”

The college is a brainchild of the provincial Governor Noah Kool.

The two-year-old Simbu Nursing School, located on the southern fringes of the provincial capital, Kundiawa, is also an initiative of the Kool-Kendiyagl Government.

There are six districts in Chimbu Province. Each district has Local Level Government (LLG) areas. For census purposes, the LLG areas are subdivided into wards.

There are three secondary schools in the province: Kondiu Rosary Secondary School, Yauwe Moses Secondary School and Kerowagi Secondary School.

Compensation paid for death of uni student

PEACE was made between two tribes with a payment of 110 pigs, 46 cows, six cassowaries, three cuscus, a goat, a turkey egg and K137,000 in cash.

These were exchanged as compensation between the two tribes in Western Highlands Province over the death of a University of Technology student.

The compensation payment was made by the Poika Palme tribe in Upper Nebilyer of Tambul district to the Ugini tribe of the Mul Baiyer District for the death of late Henry Nimba. He was killed in a car accident in Lae, Morobe Province, last year.

Nimba, a final year accounting student at the University of Technology, would have graduated this year, was with his friends celebrating the end of their exams with drinks. They borrowed a Land Cruiser from a friend’s father and drove around Lae city.

The owner of the vehicle was a

tribesman from the Poika Palme tribe, therefore, the whole tribe felt responsible for the death.

The Ugini Tribe demanded that compensation be paid in six months, however, everything was sorted out within three months.

Provincial peace chairman Thomas Wama said this is the most expensive compensation where livestock and money were paid together.

Ugini councillor Pintike Pana said he is happy with the compensation for the good of the community as a form of closure.

A part payment K22,000 was made in Lae while the rest was given yesterday.

The relatives are still in mourning and all of Mr Nimba’s friends are alive – he was the only one who died in the accident.

They accept the compensation but they are yet to get positive answers from the other boys who were with the deceased during the accident of his exact cause of death.

Kokao’s appointment legit

BY MICHAEL KOMA

THE appointment of senior education officer Robert Kokao as Eastern Highlands’ education director is in line with the Public Service General Orders.

Provincial administrator Solomon Tato said the Public Service Commission, the Department of Personal Management and his administration have formally recognised the appointment of Mr Kokao as the Provincial Education Director.

“After the former provincial education adviser resigned to contest the 2012 national elections, Mr Kokao formally applied for the position and was selected by the provincial selection committee in 2013. “Several

months later a resolution passed by the provincial executive council saw the displacement of Mr Kokao. Other senior bureaucrats (including myself) were also affected,” Mr Tato said.

He added that matter is now before the court for legal interpretation.

“In December last year, after my appointment as the provincial administrator, we reinstated Mr Kokao after consultations with the DPM and the Public Service Commission. The appointment of Mr Kokao is now legitimate and unquestionable,” Mr Tato said.

He urged the public, especially teachers and public servants, to corporate with the newly-appointed education director.

COMMUNITY leaders of the Poika Palme Tribe and the Ugini Tribe of Western Highlands Province shaking hands during the compensation and peace ceremony.

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Schools face space issues

SCHOOLS throughout the country will face major infrastructure problem when the new education system (266 structures) introduced by the government comes into effective.

Kabwum district education manager Ezekiel Nigo highlighted this at the standardbased education (SBE) workshop underway in Lae.

Mr Nigo said the 266 structure introduce by the government would only added more problems to what the schools within the districts are currently experiencing.

He said the number of intakes will increase, forcing overcrowding in classrooms and dormitories, especially at the high school level.

He said the program would now see primary school enrolling grade one to six while high school will take in grade 7-12.

However, the major concern for the schools now would be to accommodate the high number of intakes.

CLASSROOM SHORTAGE

WITH the Government’s free education policy comes the increase in the student intakes throughout the country. An effect of this is the unavailability of classrooms as seen in this picture of Igam Elementary School students learning under makeshift classrooms when the academic year started this year. Picture: FRANKIY KAPIN

Ward leaders challenge Naru, mayor

BY FRANCO NEBAS

MOROBE provincial leaders have been blamed for ignoring the call to address the Lae City Commission at the early stage since 2014.

Community leaders from wards one, two, three, four and five in the Lae Urban local level government made their stand known in support of the City Commission Bill while challenging the provincial leaders to explain their opposition.

James Mutaningkepe of Bundi Camp and Nixion Fosingke of Tent Siti made this statement in relation to the opposition posed by the Governor Kelly Naru and Lae City Lord Mayor Koim Trilu on the subject.

The two men said these leaders were given ample time in 2014 to meet with the Lae MP Loujaya Kouza to have their input into the Lae City Commission Bill.

“Instead we read from the newspapers opposition and negative criticisms from the two leaders and they have yet to inform us how they will finance the operation of Lae city council,” the two leaders said.

“Almost every time, we read City Council officers not getting paid, bills to be paid and contractors to be settled.

“We believe the city commission will do more good to Lae City and

At a glance

DIVISION: The Lae City Commission Bill is causing division among national, provincial and local level government leaders of Morobe. Even the traditional landowners are divided over the issue.

will improve services to the people living in settlements just like our colleagues in Port Moresby.”

They called on the O’Neil-Dion government to ignore the Morobe provincial leaders challenge, saying they are only interested in buying new vehicles, computers and other activities which are not in the interest of the public.

The settlement leaders urged the provincial and national leaders to call a public forum and hear views of the people before making public assumptions on their behalf.

“We want to see a stop in further squatter settlement growth, ethnic violence, end school cult activities before you calling on the national government to stop the Lae City Commission Bill.

“Residents of Port Moresby are enjoying better services because of the commission and we would like to see this happening in Lae City,” the leaders said.

“For a remote school such in Kabwum district of Morobe province, we will be greatly affected with the new system,” Mr Nigo said.

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Pomio welcomes by-election news

THE announcement by the PNG Electoral Commission setting dates for the Pomio byelection has been welcomed by the people and leaders in that electorate.

Community leader Terence Naka thanked Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen for ensuring the commission acted in a timely manner to enable the people of Pomio to elect their new representative to the national parliament.

Mr Naka said the announcement of the by-election dates were most welcoming and relieving as the people of Pomio have been waiting anxiously to know when a by-election would be held.

He said many people in Pomio district have been concerned of not being represented in parliament since former MP Paul Tiensten was imprisoned last year for misappropriation of public funds.

Mr Trawen announced last week that Governor General Sir Michael Ogio had approved the by-election dates for Pomio open seat, which will cost K3.5 million.

The announcement followed the confirmation by State Prosecutor and Electoral Commission lawyers confirming the dismissal of the Supreme Court appeal my Mr Tiensten on his imprisonment.

The Pomio by-election writs will be issued on March 12 and nominations to close one week later on March 18. Polling will take two weeks starting on May 9 and ending on May 22 with the writs to be returned on June 11 2015.

MARKET EXTENSION

UN assists Buka hospital

BY SEBASTIAN HAKALITS

THE Family Support Centre (FSC)

at the Buka General Hospital has received more than K34,000 financial assistance from UN Women in Bougainville.

The centre provides counseling to victims of all forms of abuses inside the family or communities, clinical medication assistance, reports, blood test and emergency treatment of prevention on HIV, tetanus, hepatitis and pregnancy.

Funded by Australian aid, it is to help provide survivors accessibility to the FSC facility and to implement its project with volunteer support, provide training, assist in clinical medication with daily programs on violence on women and girls, male advocacy and community awareness, said Bessie Maruia of UN Women in Bougainville.

Ms Maruia said it is to help prevent and eliminate all forms of family violence against women and girls and sometimes men.

“UN Women is also providing grant facility to other interested groups and government agencies that can be applied for by filling a self-explanatory application form to a maximum amount of US$100, 000.00 and we will work closely with UNICEF and other providers,” Ms Maruia said.

Sister in charge of the FSC Hessa

At a glance

ASSISTANCE: The Family Support Centre at the Buka General Hospital has received K34,000 from UN Women in Bougainville.

CENTRE: The centre provides counselling to victimes of abuse

Barnabas said the funds will also allow other counselors to provide their service to the centre as the number of victims seeking help per week has risen from three to six with the highest attended cases being of marital problems followed by sexual assault.

Chief executive officer of Buka General Hospital, Dr Cyril Imako said the FSC is part and parcel of the hospital structure and we are responsible to provide anything.

“I am very thankful to UN Women, UNICEF and others who have been our working partners as this center is manned only by Sr Barnabas and due to the workload it is stressful so FSC needs volunteers and as the hospital does not have the mandate to pay volunteers, this funding will be used on them,” said Dr Imako.

He said the assistance will end on October of 2016 and may be extended if accountability is transparent as the funds will be put in a trust account managed by the hospital.

ARAWA, the former township of Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL), is developing bit by bit. Pictured is the town’s main market being extended by local building company Triple J. Picture: JACOB IENU

LOs: State must intervene

BY JEFFREY ELAPA

THE National Government has been urged to intervene in the Porgera landowner issues before the sale of Barrick Niugini’s shares so that another Ok Tedi legacy is not repeated.

The Porgera landowners made the call after learning of Toronto based Barrick Gold Corporation’s proposal to sell its 95% share in the Porgera gold mine to a company reportedly from Asia.

The Porgera gold mine is one of 29 world class gold mines owned by Barrick around the world and it is believed to be the most successful and low cost operation among those mines.

It was revealed in Parliament by Mining Minister Byron Chan this week that news of the intention to sell the 95% had reached his office but the government cannot interfere as it was a commercial decision.

However the landowners called on the government to intervene as a signatory to the mining development agreements, as several major outstanding liabilities and issues like resettlement, cost to environmental damages, human rights abuses both physical and emotional as well as several MOA clauses were yet to be addressed by the developer.

Landowner chairman Tony Mark Ekepa said the State has a duty to make sure that the interests of the landowners are protected.

He said although it is a commercial decision, the damages are far greater and Barrick’s intention to sell its shares is questionable. The government should not take it lightly as the issues are similar to the Ok Tedi mine during BHP’s operation.

The bottom line

Miner confirms sale of PJV shares

CANADIAN Miner Barrick Gold Corporation (Barrick Gold Corp) finally confirmed that the Company is actively pursuing the sale of its subsidiary Barrick (Niugini) Limited which holds 95 percent interest in the Porgera Joint Venture (PJV).

The miner, responding to various issues raised by Parliamentarians and aggrieved landowners, said yesterday that the company will be inviting expressions of interest from potential purchasers of Barrick Niugini.

The company has stated that proceeds of any sale would be used to reduce

debt, as the Company refocuses on core assets in the Americas.

Barrick Niugini executive general manager in Papua New Guinea Greg Walker said the industry was experiencing challenging times, as gold mining companies worldwide experienced a lower gold price environment and pressure to reduce company debt.

“Over the past year, in response to these challenges, Barrick has been changing the structure of its operations portfolio with an increasing focus on operations in North and South America,” Mr Walker said.

“The company has implemented a strategy to divest the mines and properties that are not best-suited to the new strategic direction of the company.

“For this reason, Barrick has announced that in the coming months it will be evaluating options for the potential sale of Porgera, and will be inviting expressions of interest in the purchase of the mine.

“We expect this will be an ongoing process and it may take several months. There is no certainty that a sale will occur as a result of this process.

“Barrick will only proceed with a sale that recog-

Market Snapshot

nises the inherent value of the PNG operations.

“Should a sale occur, the mine’s obligations to its employees and communities, including legal commitments and local contracts – will continue to be respected, even under a new owner,” Mr Walker said.

Barrick (Niugini) Limited, on behalf of the Porgera Joint Venture, is the operator of the Porgera Gold Mine in Enga Province. The Porgera Mine employs over 2500 Papua New Guineans, and contributes approximately 11 percent of PNG’s total annual exports.

buoyed by $US

Every year, Louis Vuitton burn all their unsold bags. They burn them in order to prevent them from being priced lower.

BARRICK Gold has confirmed the company is pursuing the sale of its subsidiary Barrick (Niugini) Limited which holds a 95 percent interest in the Porgera Joint Venture. Picture: Barrick.com

Fund membership grows

Strategies working

NASFUND has confirmed its position as the preferred superannuation provider in the country with an overall growth in membership from 461,085 in 2013 to 488,346 at the end of 2014.

The registration of 172 new employer groups drove the number of new members to 52,673 despite the winding down of the LNG construction phase and other events which saw the departure of 139 employer groups and an associated exit of members from the FUND.

The increase in the number of members actively contributing to superannuation is the result of a number of ongoing efforts including the pursuit of defaulting companies with outstanding contributions, some of which go back two to three years.

The FUND’s Employer Services Division has also worked closely with companies registered but not contributing to commence contributions as quickly as possible.

The strategic approach taken by the Division and spread through the FUND’s branch network includes the hosting of Employer lunch-

At a glance

NASFUND: The National Superannuation Fund of Papua New Guinea was established in May 2002 as the successor entity to the National Provident Fund (NPF).

eons, site visitations and the establishment of close working relationships between the FUND’s portfolio officers and the payroll officers of contributing companies.

Yesterday, the FUND hosted its first employer luncheon for the year with 15 employer payroll officers in attendance.

These representatives were taken through: a review of the Registration and Contribution processes; an explanation of the usage of the Statutory Forms required to update and maintain members’ accounts and a reminder of the critical role payroll officers play in ensuring members accounts’ are correctly identified and updated, and the impact this has on members when it comes time for them to withdraw their funds.

Sime Darby soon to end acquisition of NBPOL

SIME Darby Plantation has announced that the offer period for the proposed acquisition of New Britain Palm Oil Ltd (NBPOL) has been shortened and will conclude at 5pm on February 23, 2015.

In October 2014, Sime Darby launched the offer to buy all of the shares in NBPOL, the largest private sector employer in PNG.

Managing director of Sime Darby Plantation, Datuk Franki Anthony Dass, stated that the sustainable approach and good agro-management practices of the company makes for a perfect match with NBPOL.

“Social and environmental sustainability are integral to the Sime Darby way of working,” Mr Dass said.

“We believe this makes our

MRA pleased with women’s group

MORE THAN K21,000 was generated as profit by the Kuembu Women’s Group in the Hidden Valley Mining project area, between November and December 2014 and January this year.

This money was generated from operating a Passenger Motor Vehicle (PMV) between Wau, Bulolo and Lae.

This result was reported to the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) by Kuembu recently in its quarterly report, as required under the conditions of a grant, given to the women by the National Government to purchase the PMV.

The PMV was delivered to the women last October under the Small Grants Program (SGP) funded by the World Bank under the Mining Sector Institutional Strengthening Technical Assistance Project 2.

The Kuembu association reported that in the period of November -December 2014 to January 2015, their total income was K49,315 with total expenses being K28,020 and total profit being K21,295.

company a good fit with Papua New Guinea and with NBPOL.

“Sime Darby always works closely with local people to ensure customary rights are respected and operations are beneficial to the community.”

Sime Darby Plantation brings with it a wealth of agri-business knowledge and experience; its plantations currently cover more than 850,000 hectares globally.

The company’s dedication to environmentally sustainable practices is well aligned with the national strategy of PNG.

Sime Darby Plantation is the leading producer of certified sustainable palm oil, accounting for a quarter of global production.

The company is committed to utilising a local workforce and

delivering other benefits, such as support facilities, to the community. “Creating jobs is a key part of Sime Darby’s strategy and we always look to hire from within the communities that host our operations,” Mr Dass continued.

“Local people have the intrinsic understanding of the land and culture which is vital in the plantation business. We also ensure that the communities benefit from improved facilities related to our activities.

“Mills, offices, plants and research centres are all examples of the facilities that support our plantations,” he said.

Sime Darby Plantation is committed to expanding agriculture in PNG as a source of employment, exports and national development.

MRA’s managing director Philip Samar said he was impressed with Kuembu Women’s groups report. He encouraged the women to continue to effectively manage their operations so that they could reap more benefits for their families. He also assured Kuembu and other women’s groups that have received similar assistance, of the government’s commitment to facilitate necessary assistance and support them. However, it was up to the women to practice good governance and prudent management of their operations.

“It is pleasing to note that Kuembu Women’s group is doing very well. We will continue our support towards all women’s groups under the SGP,” said Mr Samar.

A total of 33 women’s associations and groups applied for the grants, out of which only 12 were successful. The rest of the applicants will be assisted and their applications re-assessed with the view to enable them to access the grants.

The total funding amount distributed to the 12 groups through the SGP is about K1 million. It is an 18 month project where the 12 groups have now been given their funding to purchase items to operate their projects.

Porgera LOs not aware of funds given for relocation program

BY JEFFREY ELAPA

THE resettlement of landowners from the special mining lease area of the Porgera gold mine is a new clause in a new mining agreement yet to be completed, according to the Porgera landowners association.

Spokesman and chairman of the landowner association Tony Mark Ekepa said from Pogera in response to Mining Minister Byron Chan’s statement in Parliament this week.

Minister Chan told Parliament this week in response to questions without notice

from the member for Laigamp Porgera Nixon Mangape that Barrick, the operator of the Porgera gold mine has allocated funding (amount not disclosed) for relocation of the SML landowners but landowner issues of acquiring land has to be addressed first before the program starts.

However, Mr Ekepa said that the resettlement agreement is a new clause added in a revised mining agreement because their concerns for resettlement hadn’t been addressed by Barrick and Placer Dome for the last 25 years. He said the announcement by

mining minister Byron Chan in Parliament this week that Barrick has given money for the relocation was a surprise to the landowners.

“We are not aware of any attempt to resettle the landowners from the SML areas.

“The announcement by the minister is news to us as we only understand that the resettlement program is a new clause in the revised agreement underway. Therefore we want the minister to explain to (us) the landowners the amount allocated, where the money is banked, whether in a trust account or not and the bank hold-

ing the funds,” he said.

The issue has been outstanding and the resettlement program was only accepted in a revised agreement underway and therefore we the landowners have not been informed.

OFFICERS of employer services conducting the employer luncheon at the Nasfund training room at BSP Haus, Konedobu with 15 payroll officers from selected employers attending yesterday.

We are not aware of any attempt to resettle the landowners from SML areas ...

TONY MARK EKAPA Pogera Landowners Association

PNG improves banking system

BY GLORIA BAUAI

PAPUA New Guinea’s banking system is now among the best banking systems in the world.

This was revealed yesterday during the official national payment system (NPS) reception to commemorate Bank of Papua New Guinea and the country‘s significant achievement in adopting the new kina automated transfer system (KATS).

The KATS project, which started in 2010 following the National Payment System Act, saw its completion of phase two last Monday, beginning the third phase and the era of a more improved and efficient national payment system in the country. With this world class payment system, BPNG Governor Loi Bakani says cheque processing will be faster and more accurate with electronic processing using image technology rather than paper (1-2 day clearing time) where cheque image will be transmitted electronically for clearing and settlement.

Mr Bakani said under the previous Bill of Exchange Act, only three functions of the banks were being developed while the fourth the payment system, was over looked, making room for a lot of errors and fraudulent actions involving cheques.

“KATS is a faster, safer and convenient alternate to cheques and we have seen in the recent past fradulant activities had really declined when we introduced the KATS. It is now a challenge for us to get many people involved with KATS,” Mr Bakani said.

He encouraged government departments to come on line and get connected to the KAT system so that their people can benefit. “Companies can also connect their accounting system to the banking system for making payments; import-

Loan rates dear for small businesses, says

officer

BY ABRAHAM AVEDIBA

THE LOAN repayment rates offered by commercial banks in the country are seen by provincial commerce and business development officers as quite unpleasant for Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to comply with.

At a glance

KATS: Kina Automated Transfer System.

BAKANI: According to Governor for the Bank of PNG KATS is a faster, safer and convenient alternate to cheques and we have seen in the recent past fradulant activities had really declined when we introduced the KATS.

COMMENCED: The KATS project which started in 2010 following the National Payment System Act saw its completion of phase two last Monday, beginning the third phase and the era of a more improved and efficient national payment system in the country.

COMMERCIAL BANKS: the introduction of KATS has brought a lot of efficiency, especially in dealing with errors which was common when payment system was manually done.

RECYCLING PNG STYLE

RECYCLING is a process to change waste materials into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials. This man like many others throughout the country earn a living by collecting old 500ml coke or water bottles to sell to customers who in turn use them to sell cold water or Tang juice.

Air Niugini reduces air fares again

AIR NIUGINI will be reducing its airfares for the second time this year on both domestic and international sectors, effective March 1.

Chief executive officer, Simon Foo said the further reduction in airfares is due to the continuous drop in crude oil prices on the world market, allowing the fuel surcharge to be further reduced.

ers can pay customs duties electronically which will mean less delay and congestion at the wharf; likewise for tax to IRC,” he said.

A representative of the commercial banks confirmed that the introduction of KATS has brought a lot of efficiency, especially in dealing with errors which was common when payment system was manually done.

Mr Foo said; “Between September and November 2014, the airfare was reduced by K30 return sector, followed by a further decrease of K20 on February 1, this year and K10 in March, giving a total of K60 per return sector since September last year.”

“We wish to make it clear to the travelling public that, whilst the average aviation fuel prices globally have dropped, aviation fuel in Papua New Guinea is still very high compared to other countries,” he said

SMEs in Gulf need help

LACK OF proper banking services from commercial banks is affecting SME growth in the Gulf Province, says a small business operator in Kerema.

Gulf provincial administration officer Ben Koupa said accessing financial assistance is an important part of SME growth but the absence of commercial banks has caused inconveniences for SMEs in the Province.

“There is, however, assistance that is provided through partners such as

the National Fisheries Authority and Nationals Agricultural Development Projects.

“But we would like to see other commercial banks, apart from BSP, also operate in our province and offer financial assistance schemes for SMEs,” Mr Koupa said.

He admitted that SMEs are thriving in the province due to the introduction of the large scale economical projects but initial capital to encourage SME expansion is greatly needed.

On the international front; airfares have been reduced from up to K500 depending on the different routes.

Mr Foo further added that Air Niugini will continue to monitor crude oil prices and if prices continue to drop, these savings will be passed onto our customers and the travelling public. All other costs are being closely managed to ensure that efficiencies are passed onto our customers.

The last airfares reduction was made on January 13 this year.

Manus provincial commerce officer Jones Bernard said the current repayment rates that commercial banks offer is said to be convenient but many SMEs often refuse to use this service as they are afraid of the high cost associated with it. “Many of the SMEs are newly established and they need initial capital to expand their businesses.

“If the repayment rates aren’t that convenient for them, than these would see a decline of both SME activities and customers to the commercial banks themselves,” Mr Bernard explained.

New Island Provincial Business Development officer Ludy Tolman told the PostCourier that SME operators are often advised to seek alternative entities for financial assistance instead.

“The loan repayment rates from the commercial banks are considered to be quite competitive, but small business operators have found it to be quite unfavourable.

“Despite our efforts in encouraging SMEs to utilise the smart business schemes that commercial banks offer, many decide to approach the National Development Bank (NDB) instead,” she said.

If crude oil prices continue to drop, savings will be passed onto our customers ...

CEO SIMON FOO Air Niugini

GOVERNOR for the Bank of PNG Loi Bakani

Mine set for production by 2020

THE WAFI-GOLPU gold-copper project in Morobe Province is a bright spot in an otherwise tight mining environment.

The Morobe Mining Joint Venture partners believe it will be one of the world’s lowest cost gold projects, and expect production to begin in 2020.

Morobe Mining Joint Venture (MMJV) has estimated that the fi rst stage of the Wafi-Golpu goldcopper project in Morobe Province of PNG will cost US$2.3 billion (K5.9 billion) to develop, less than half of the original forecast it made during 2012.

In an updated version of the original Wafi-Golpu pre-feasibility study, MMJV achieved an aim to lower the forecasted capital costs to develop stage one, or the Golpu deposit, with the new estimate, and outlined an expected life-of-mine expenditure of US$3.1 billion. The original forecast for stage one, delivered prior to an extensive fall in the value of gold, was US$4.8 bil-

lion.

The fi rst stage of the project, which is jointly owned by South Africa’s Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd and Newcrest Mining Ltd, was approved to move into a feasibility study by its partners in December 2014.

Feasibility of the Golpu deposit is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with fi rst production targeted for 2020.

World class’ deposit

“Stage one really targets the high-

5 toea coin is still legal tender

BY DIANNE WAKETSI

ALTHOUGH there have been a lot of issues surrounding the legality of the five toea coin in circulation in the country, the Bank of Papua New Guinea would like to advise the general public that five toea is still a legal tender.

Bank of Papua New Guinea Loi Bakani says that five toea is still a legal tender and that it is not right for retailers to give out lollies unless the customers accepts it in place of a five toea change.

He added that the bank currently has stocks of five toea coins in its reserve, so banks and shops should not have a shortage of the five toea coin.

Bakani said, “The five toea is less attractive, like the one toea and two toea coins that were done away with due to infl ation, also the copper coins were expensive to make.”

He added that for this reasons the Bank of Papua New Guinea had to demonetise the one toea and the two toea coins however the five toea coin is still a legal tender in the country.

Bakani also urged people who had paper bank notes in possession to come to the Bank of Papua New Guinea and trade them for plastic or polymer notes.

“Commercial banks will no longer be able to exchange the paper notes for plastic, as the BPNG has already put a stop to this,” Bakani added.

He said that so far people as far as Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Morobe and Mount Hagen had brought in paper notes to be exchanged for new ones.

“The bank notes can be kept as souvenirs but must be framed and placed properly,” Bakani said.

er grade portion of the orebody. It mines 30 per cent of the tonnes and delivers 40 per cent of the metal content – this is of the reserve as it has been declared,” Graham Briggs, Chief Executive Officer of Harmony Gold, told media during a recent conference call. Describing Golpu as a ‘world-class’ deposit, Briggs added: ‘We believe our objectives (at the project) will be met, which are to target high grades to get early payback on the capital, low capital and to have a

project which is scaleable… something we can build bigger in time, especially if commodity prices change.”

“By targeting the high value core of the ore body fi rst, we have increased the economic returns from the mine by being cash-flow positive earlier in the life of the mine, as well as funding the infrastructure that will support stages of ore extraction and processing,” said Newcrest CEO Sandeep Biswas.

Stage one will consist of two block cave mines, the fi rst being a 3 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) operation, which will be replaced by a deeper version operating at 6mtpa from 2024. With an estimated mine life of 27 years, annual production for stage one is expected to peak in 2025 at 320,000 ounces of gold and 150,000 tonnes of copper.

Next step Briggs said the JV would continue

to update the 2012 pre-feasibility study for stage two of the mine and expected this component to be completed by December 2015, alongside the stage one feasibility study.

“Stage two, which we don’t have tonnage for, it would optimise the resource and really focus on the other 70 per cent of the tonnes and 60 per cent of the metal content. We intend to go into an updated PFS on this.

“The orebody is still open at depth and the only real way that we will be able to explore further is once we get underground to do some exploration drilling from underground,” Briggs said. Harmony and Newcrest each own a 50 per cent interest in the project, with the PNG Government having a right to buy a 30 per cent stake in the operation if a mining lease is granted.

www.bapng.com

THE VIEW over the Wa fi -Golpu project area. Credit: Newcrest Mining.

Business ties to grow during meet

BUSINESS and investment events covering a diverse range of key industry sectors are lined up for Papua New Guinea throughout 2015. Here are some of the highlights from our events calendar.

The major international investment event on PNG in 2015 will be the Papua New Guinea Advantage Investment and Infrastructure Summit, co-hosted for the fi fth year by the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Business Advantage International.

This year, it will be staged at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in Queensland, Australia on 27 and 28 August—just before PNG’s 40th anniversary of Independence. The 2015 Pacific Games in July will undoubtedly be a major event for many businesses, as it will bring visitors from across the Pacific. Plans are under way for a one-day Pacific investment Seminar on 2 July, just before there Games begin, also co-hosted by the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Business Advantage International.

Bilateral events

Lae’s reputation as a venue for major events will continue to grow with the 31st Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum & Trade Expo on 17–19 May, during which, political and business leaders from Australia and PNG will descend on Lae to discuss business and economic opportunities and issues. The bilateral event is co-hosted by the Business Council of PNG and the Australia–PNG Business Council.

For north Queensland and PNG businesses looking to network, Tradelinked Cairns and PNG holds monthly evening business networking functions in both Port Moresby and Cairns. The Cairns events are scheduled for the last Tuesday of every month; the POM event on the third Tuesday of each month.

Industry sector events

In Brisbane, Roads Australia’s event on the Challenges and Contracting Opportunities in PNG’s Roads Sector on 12 March is already a sell-out. The event will aim to discuss and attract Australian industry players to bid for road projects in PNG. Opportunities for education in Australia will be the focus of the Australian Education Roadshow between 5 and 11 June , which will visit Port Moresby, Lae, Madang and Wabag.

While PNG’s major mining investment event happened last December in Sydney and isn’t scheduled again until 2016, the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum holds mining and petroleum seminars in PNG in alternate years. This year’s seminars are tentatively scheduled for 24 to 27 November in Port Moresby.

Elsewhere in the region, the Australian Pacific Islands Business Council will host the 11th Australia–New Caledonia Business Forum on May 4, while the Australian–Solomon Islands Business Forum is set for Honiara on June 15–17 and the Australia Fiji Business Council forum will take place on August 16–18 in Sydney.

www.bapng.com

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

DELEGATES attending the 2014 Papua New Guinea Advantage Investment and Infrastructure Summit

A RURAL community women’s business group stand near a brand new truck they just acquired.

& developement

Digicel fugitive competition is on

HELP! There’s a fugitive on the loose! And he’s carrying a huge bounty on his head. Will you be the one to catch him and cash in?

The DIGICEL FUGITIVE competition will begin this Monday, so if you would like to get in on the fun, tune into to NAUFM, YUMIFM or LEGENDFM between the hours of 7am and 9am.

The Breakfast Show hosts on each of these stations will

randomly announce clues you’ll need to track the elusive fugitive down. Where on earth is he? And how on earth will you recognise him if you can get to the right place in the right amount of time? It’s the ultimate riddle that needs to be solved in the space of two intense hours.

If you happen to work it out and get to the right location in time, you must catch the

person you believe to be the fugitive and ask him the following question: “ARE YOU

THE DIGICEL PLAY FUGITIVE?” Failure to ask the question forfeits the right to the prize.

And what a prize it is! Up to K10,000 in cash and prizes! Just imagine what you could do with that! The competition kicks off with K1,000 cash. Failure to track and catch the fugitive in time will force

the money to jackpot by an additional K500 per day. So if at first you don’t succeed… well, there’s 500 additional reasons to keep trying! Stay tuned!

About Digicel

Digicel Group is a leading global communications provider with operations in 33 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. After 13 years of operation, total investment to date stands at over US$5 billion

worldwide. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network.

Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams, including the Special Olympics teams throughout these regions.

Digicel sponsors the West Indies cricket team and is also the title sponsor of the Caribbean Premier League.

In the Pacific, Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams and also sponsors the Vanuatu cricket team.

Digicel also runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Haiti, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad and Tobago which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes.

INTERNET connections at a server station.

UNICEF supports education

THE Department of Education supported by UNICEF PNG held an Out-Of-School Children Initiative (OOSCI) breakfast meeting recently to emphasize achieving the Education For All (EFA) goals to familirise policy makers from different sectors on this global agenda.

The high level breakfast was supported by experts from the UNICEF Headquarters in New York and East Asia Pacific Regional office in Bangkok and the UNESCO Institute of Statistics (UIS), Bangkok.

The Secretary for Education, Dr Michael Tapo ( picture right) said the objective of the meeting was to sensitize policy makers in key education sectors on how best PNG can use its resources to address its policies and achieve the EFA goals from 2015 onwards.

The meet also allowed stakeholders to share successful global models and approaches, including good practices in achieving equity through measureable results for children and to equip the National Department of Education to better understand the issues of: Out-Of-School Children Initiative, early childhood development and value education.

These initiatives will be reflected in the Ministry of Educations Plan for 2015 – 2024.

Dr Tapo said, “The Education sector in PNG has seen significant achievements over

the past years with the net enrolment rate in basic education increasing from 53 percent in 2007 to 74 percent in 2013 however there are still challenges.

These challenges, among others include 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,” he said.

Tapo said OOSCI will be the education enabler that will drive the Government’s priorities and policies on Free Education that will see every boy and girl going to school and should be able to read and write before the age of 8.

“All sectors should have a

good understanding of the different barriers that keep children out of school, the policies that will remove or reduce those barriers, how current spending can be used more efficiently and more equitably to get the remaining out of school children into school and to be able to achieve the Education For All goals,” Dr Tapo said. “UNICEF is pleased to support the Department of Education in implementing the Outof-School Children Initiative (OOSCI), and in enabling the school aged children to access quality education,” said Mr Baba Danbappa, UNICEF Representative in Papua New Guinea.

FLEMINGTON SATURDAY

Weather: Overcast.

Track: Good (3).

Rail: Is in the true position.

FORM GUIDE: Page 2 of turf lift-out

FEBRUARY 20-FEBRUARY 21

GEAR CHANGES

RACE 1: (1) Ragazzo Del Corsa tongue-tie off first time; (2) Brooklyn blinkers off first time; (3) Bosnia blinkers on first time; (4) Chapel Road cross-over noseband on first time, ear muffs on first time; (5) Vicious lugging bit on first time; (6) Take Pride visor on first time; (9) Parallel Lines winkers on again; (11) Peppermint Grey winkers on first time; (12) Stay With Me lugging bit on first time, winkers on first time RACE 2: (3) Sir John Hawkwood noseroll on first time; (6) Arch Fire ear muffs on first time RACE 3: (3) Mossbeat winkers on first time RACE 4: (10) Nicamorae blinkers off first time, winkers on again RACE 5: (12) Extra Noble gelded RACE 6: (1) Disposition blinkers off first time; (2) Stratum Star blinkers on again; (8) Wandjina blinkers off again, ear muffs off first time; (13) Better Land blinkers off first time, winkers on again RACE 8: (1) Akavoroun blinkers off first time, winkers off again; (12) Mahican race plates on first time RACE 9: (1) Petite Diablesse bar plates on first time, race plates off first time; (14) Arianne cheekers on first time

Flemington strike rates

Chapel Road Race 2: Turnitaround, Aragonese, Zimbali Race 3: Wawali, Fenway, Set Square Race 4: Tawteen, Runway Star, Tuscan Sling Race 5: Laohu, Refulgent, Amorino Race 6: Kermadec, Wanjina, Chivalry Race 7: Lankan Rupee, Deep Field, Brazrn Beau Race 8: Hosting, Decircles, Mahican Race 9: Bermilla, It’s One, Marli Magic

To book your job advertisement in Painim Wok PNG , contact Classi fied Sales on the above emails.

To submit editorial or a feature relating to careers, jobs, staff development and graduate programs or profiles of career people, call 309 1107 or email: kialaw@spp.com.pg

Job seekers sessions on again

JOB seekers Engagement Sessions on again at the Vision City.

Are you a job seeker looking for a job?

Are you employed but tired of doing the same old job?

Are you after a promising job?

Are you a graduate looking for a job?

You have the chance now to meet up with the PNGJOBSEEK Marketing Team at the Vision City to have a chat and learn more about how to use the services provided by PNGJOBSEEK to easily search and apply for jobs advertised various organizations on the job board.

Bring along your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and hand over to the team so they will register you as a job seeker. Once your CV is uploaded

on-line: www.pngjobseek.com

and job alerts created, you will be receiving job alerts within your preferred job categories via your digicel mobile phone or via email.

This will enable you to search or apply instantly on jobs advertised on the on-line job board; PNGJOBSEEK.

The scheduled dates for your chance to meet the PNGJOBSEEK team to hand in your CV as well as register as job seekers are as follows; For more information, you can call our customer service team on phone: 70907200 or email help@ pngjobseek.com . Also follow us on our Facebook page for more information and developments regarding the Job Board; PNGJOBSEEK.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organisation whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles.

The ICRC Mission in Papua New Guinea is looking for qualified candidates to fill its vacancy for:

HEALTH FIELD OFFICER – MOUNT HAGEN

The Health Field Officer will contribute to the implementation and running of health projects / programs, maintain and develop contacts with relevant interlocutors including health authorities and PNG Red Cross and provide necessary support required by Head of Department.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain confidentiality of all medical files and individuals cases.

Carry out First Aid training (FAT).

Undertake travel to various locations within the Southern Highlands and Hela Province. This may entail undertaking duties outside usual office hours and time away from Mount Hagen, up to 5 nights (rarely).

Write concise and clear reports in English as prescribed by the Head of Department.

Assist senior medical field officer in weekly tasks.

Be aware of socio-political situation in PNG and keep information up to date.

Channel all relevant information related to the context, in general and in specific surroundings to the appropriate responsible person.

Provide clear, concise and in-depth health analysis.

Create, interpret and analyze excel and mapping documents.

Interpret when required.

Translate technical documents for health activities and training sessions.

Support monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

Support Logistics of Heath Department

Assist the Health Manager / Head of Office with the implementation of ICRC supportive program to PNG Red Cross.

Assist the Head of Department in preparing, organizing and implementing FA training lectures. Dissemination/Presentation of ICRC activities to interlocutors.

BACKGOUND AND SKILLS

Fluent in written and spoken English and in local language(s), a plus if Huli.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Type of Contract Open Ended Contract Salary According to Qualification and Experience

Starting Date Immediate Location Mount Hagen/No relocation benefits English Test(60mins) Prerequisite for a formal interview.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please send your resume and cover letter by email only with the subject as HFO MOH 2015 to pom_port-moresby@ icrc.org , attention to the Administrator. Applications will close on 27 February 2015 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Lihir Gold, a member of the Newcrest Mining Limited, operates the world class Lihir gold mine located on the tropical island of Lihir and provides residents with a peaceful and secure lifestyle. Fly-in, Fly-out employees enjoy a 15 day on 13 day off roster and are accommodated in wellappointed camps which include full dining, laundry services, and a modern medical centre. We are currently seeking a suitably qualified and highly motivated candidate for the following positions:

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN – FITTERS (X6)

Reporting to the Fixed Plant Maintenance Coordinator, the primary purpose of these positions is to carry out maintenance on fixed plant equipment including Pumps, Grinding Plant, Flotation Cells, Mills and related equipment.

Key elements of the role include: standards.

Qualifications / Experience / Attributes Required: environment.

Applicants must be safety conscious and be able to work in a multi-cultural work environment. interview.

Applications close 5th March 2015 and must be addressed to;

Senior HR Advisor - Recruitment

Newcrest Mining Limited - Lihir Operation PO Box 789. Port Moresby. NCD

Fax: 986 5424 RecruitPNG@newcrest.com.au www.newcrest.com.au

The

Lihir Gold, a member of the Newcrest Mining Limited, operates the world class Lihir gold mine located on the tropical island of Lihir and provides residents with a peaceful and secure lifestyle. Fly-in, Fly-out employees enjoy a 15 day on 13 day off roster and are accommodated in well-appointed camps which include full dining, laundry services, and a modern medical centre. We are currently seeking a suitably qualified and highly motivated candidate for the following position:

TRADESMAN ELECTRICIAN

RR 1969

Reporting to the Electrical Supervisor - Process Plant, the successful candidate main role will be to carryout day-to-day Process Plant electrical maintenance tasks to achieve consistently high standards of safety, availability and reliability.

Key Elements of the role include: within the Process Plant area, including High Voltage equipment and Variable speed drives. maintenance programs. projects.

PROJECT PROFESSIONAL- YOUR NEXT CAREER MOVE

Newcrest Mining is seeking an experienced project administrator that is looking a diverse role that offers challenge and a balanced life style.

As our Superintendent – Project Services Your goal will be to ensure that projects are finished before schedule and under budget. You will coordinate and lead a team, in budget administration, providing analysis, keeping records, and forecasting financial objectives for large scale projects.

About us:

Lihir Gold, a member of the Newcrest Mining Limited, operates the world class Lihir gold mine located on the tropical island of Lihir and provides employees with a peaceful and secure lifestyle. Fly-in, Fly-out employees enjoy good work life balance with a 21 day on 14 day off roster. Our people are accommodated in well-appointed camps which include full dining, laundry services, and a modern medical centre. We provide tennis, squash, swimming facilities as well as a fully operational gymnasium. All employees have access to continuous career and professional development.

Key Attributes you should possess:

Able to Interpret project goals,

Ability set deadlines, and manage others to meet them

Understand financial boundaries so you can best allocate resources and schedule project deadlines

Ability to develop and implement systems and procedures

The successful candidate will have: Mining Process Plant or an allied industry.

Those without an electrical license need not apply. supervision.

Senior Advisor- Recruitment Newcrest Mining Limited, Lihir Operations PO Box 789, Port Moresby NCD Fax: 986 5424

RecruitPNG@newcrest.com.au

www.newcrest.com.au

Able to conduct risk analysis evaluations

A passion to train and mentor others

How to apply:

Experience and qualifications:

A tertiary qualification in building, Civil Engineering, Accounting or Project Management

5 years + project administration, advantage to be within the mining projects

5 years+ contract administration experience

Experience in cost administration and or accounting is essential

Experience with SAP would be an advantage

Competent computer skills in MS Office applications, particularly MS project Superior interpersonal communication skills, oral and written, in English.

If you believe you have some or all the attributes listed above, Lihir Gold Limited wants to talk to you about this excellent career opportunity. Give us a call to talk about this opportunity or send your applications to:

Closing date: 27th February 2015

Senior HR Advisor – Recruitment Newcrest Mining Limited, Lihir Operation PO Box 789, Port Moresby NCD

Phone: 9865 377

Fax: 986 5424

Email: RecruitPNG@newcrest.com.au The Miner

DIVINE Word University students arriving back in Madang for the 2015 academic year. READY

OTML and Aussie

firm sign training, development deal

Leahy Lewin Lowing Sullivan Lawyers, a commercial law firm in Port Moresby, is looking to appoint an experienced lawyer to join its commercial team.

Working closely with the commercial partners, the successful applicant will be involved in a variety of high profile commercial legal work including oil, gas and mining work, construction and infrastructure, mergers and acquisitions, significant government and SOE work, commercial property development, public companies, income tax and stamp duty.

The successful applicant will have a minimum of 8 years’ experience preferably in private practice and will possess the following attributes:

1. Strong drafting skills in relation to complicated commercial documents

2. A good understanding of corporate structures and joint ventures and how they operate

3. Sound commercial thinking

4. An understanding of how the PNG Government and SOEs interface with the private sector

5. Above average inter-personal skills

6. Be computer literate and proficient in applications used in a modern legal practice.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced commercial lawyer with partnership aspirations.

A very competitive remuneration package will be provided to the successful applicant.

Interested parties should forward their up to date resume to Chris Vagi, Finance and Administration Manager (cvagi@llls.com.pg).

OK TEDI Mining Ltd’s (OTML) supervisors and employees will receive training and development from Australia’s JKTech over the next five years as part of a multimillion kina strategic partnership. The state-owned miner signed a memorandum of understanding with JKTech during January which will see high-end technology products, services and training to OTML.

OK TEDI HR Manager Harold Duigu (left) handing over the MOU to JKTech GM of Technology & Knowledge Transfer, Brett Cunningham (right), as Ok Tedi COO Musje Werror looks on. Credit: Ok Tedi Mining

Ok Tedi is a world class mine located at the head waters of the Fly River system in the Western Province of PNG with more than 30 years operational history and over 2000 employees. We offer excellent conditions and career development opportunities.

We are now seeking suitably qualified and experienced persons for the following roles:

MANAGER CONCENTRATOR

Reference: 20150205

The Processing Business Unit is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced person for the Manager Concentrator role. Reporting to the General Manager Processing, you will be responsible for the management of the Processing Operations.

You will manage all aspect of the mill operations when the feed enters the SAG Mill stockpiles until the concentrate (CCon and PCon) are dispatched down the concentrate pipelines. You will also manage the handling and ordering of all concentrator consumables and the disposal of plant tailings via the Moscow Tunnel. You will assist the Chief Metallurgist in defining the scope of development test work, reviewing and implementing the recommendation following test work, and developing cost effective routes to improve plant performance. You will also work with Manager Technical Process Services to evaluate and implement proposals that will improve plant performance and availability.

The Manager Concentrator Operations will promote and uphold the OTML Charter and contribute to achieve OTML’s strategic objectives of workplace health and safety and zero harm, through participation in the safety programs of the Process Plant.

To be successful for this role, you must have University Degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Science with more than 10 years signification exposure to metallurgical flotation & commination practices. Previous work experience with a multicultural workforce, good communication skills, ability to demonstrate sound judgment and easily adapt to operational changes will be highly regarded.

MANAGER BIGE

Reference: 20150205-1

Reporting to the General Manager Processing, you will be responsible for the general management and good corporate governance of the Bige Operations, which primarily includes the Lower Ok Tedi dredging project, stockpiling dredged material on the East and West Banks of the Ok Tedi and the safe storage of pyrite concentrate (PCon) in storage pits on the West Bank of the Ok Tedi.

You will maintain the contract dredging operation (circa 10 million cubic metres per annum), manage the associated earthworks fleet at Bige and safe storage of PCon in order to minimise the impact on the riverine environment. The role also includes overall management of the site including all OTML personnel, contractors, camp infrastructure and utilities.

You will also ensure that all processes and procedures conform to standards and specifications hence achieving a high-level quality assurance and quality control ratings within Bige Operations. Developing and implementing strategies that optimise the value chain incorporating all aspects of dredging, through the implementation of cost-effective short and long term dredging plans.

To be successful in this role, you must have Tertiary Qualifications in Mining or Civil Engineering, with more than 10 years’ of operational management experience, preferably in mining. Certificate of Competency with PNG Mineral Resource Authority (i.e. Registered Mine Manager) will be desirable.

MANAGER KIUNGA OPERATIONS

Reference: 20150205-2

Reporting to the General Manager Operations, you will primarily be responsible for the general management and good corporate governance of Kiunga Operations, in ensuring copper concentrate is processed and stock piled for export.

The responsibility of the role includes management of Wharf operations and stevedoring at the Kiunga OTML wharf - loading and unloading of OTML chattered vessels and convoy trucks. These also includes ensuring efficient management of infrastructure support services utilities and HR Services in Kiunga while providing sufficient assistance to other OTML department satellite stations in Kiunga.

To be considered, you must have a Degree in Engineering, a Certificate of Competency with Mines Department and have more than 5 years CuCon processing and downstream management experience. The incumbent must show initiative, judgement and a degree of independence in identifying problems, researching solutions and taking appropriate action to develop the capabilities, systems and performance of the Kiunga Operations Team.

These are challenging senior roles requiring enthusiasm, a commitment to safety in the workplace and a high degree of self-direction.

If these roles appeal to you, please express your interest by sending your résumé to the Recruitment Advisor, Human Resources, Ok Tedi Mining Limited, P. O. Box 1, Tabubil Western Province, PNG or on e-mail: JoinUs@oktedi.com or fax it to +675 649 9199 by 20th February, 2015.

PROFESSIONALS AT WORKSHOP

PARTICIPANTS at an IT and communication workshop observe and take notes.

KEEPING YOU HEALTHY

HEALTH Extension Officers at Wafi Health Post in Morobe, smile for the camera.

KEEP IT ALIVE A MAN’S DREAM TO PROTECT HIS CULTURE

FROM HEAVEN INSPIRATIONAL PRAYER FROM HEAVEN

BUNA Beautiful

After trekking Kokoda, a group of adventurers found themselves in one of the most beautiful places in PNG. WEEKEND 44 adventurers found themselves inoneofthemostbeautifulplacesinPNG.WEEKEND44

QUOTATIONS

LAUGH LAUGH LAUGH HILARIOUS SIMPSONS’

P51

Keep it alive

Today’s generation is being manipulated by outside influence. It is no wonder that our traditional cultures are being forgotten. AYA HARE HENRY TINDIPE tells of a local’s dream to preserve his well-known and beautiful tradition. The Haroli Anda aims to maintain Hela’s traditional systems.

THE Hela /Huli society is a very unique society. It has had some form of established justice and governing systems which monitored and controlled the livelihoods of the Huli tribes before Western civilisation entered the Melanesian society.

Among such mechanisms was the education system which has produced God-fearing leaders. The traditional educational system or institution was called Iba Giya Anda, while the students were known as Iba Giya, Haroli or Igiri

More (pronounced more’e). This was an institution established to train young boys to become men, get married and start a new life as a family man. Young girls/women were trained by older women.

During their learning period, students were required to grow their hair. Their hair is then used to make ceremonial wigs. Stage one is associated with the brown wig while the second and third stages are associated with the red and black coloured V-shaped wigs. At the end of their training, elders and trainers prepare a feast. Only a few graduates return to become teachers while others start their own families and pass on what they have learnt to their children.

Here are some examples of the important points:

Never use stealth when attacking an enemy. Give him a fair chance to defend himself;

Never kill women and children and burn women’s houses/huts (during tribal warfare). That is the place where you store your savings and riches;

Before you commit any crime against society, remember that there is a God (Datagali Wuape) watching your every move. This

God will punish you and or kill you; and,

Never steal land, pig and women from another man. This will lead to tribal conflicts. Furthermore, the Huli society always had two houses (sleeping quarters). One was for the women and girls (including boys up to five to six years of age), and another for the men and young boys. The men and the young boys were prohibited from making eye contact with women. This was believed to give

Source: pbase

them a strong will and control over their daily activities in a way that will benefit the whole community.

To date, Western culture and Christian churches have played a major role in this contemporary society where today’s generation has lost its pride and love for its culture. This generation has lost its respect for the community framework and the meaning of unity, peace, justice and the Hela way of life. However, the fading Hela cul-

ture is being revived through the establishment of Hela Cultural Training Institute (Haroli Anda).

The institute is being spearheaded by Hot Short Services Ltd, a Helabased sustainable development company. Hot Short Services Ltd is owned by Henry Tindipe, a local Hela man who aims to revive the Hela culture as he believes that political will and traditional leadership should co-exist. This will help people live in peace and harmony, enjoy nature and benefit through small sustainable community-based projects.

The Haroli Anda will be located at different locations in the KomoHides area of Hela.

Hot Short Services Ltd believes in sustainable development and is a supporter of sustainable development activities. This proposal will see money earned from oil and gas invested in sustainable enterprises, especially in eco-tourism and agricultural enterprises.

Mr Tindipe, through the Hela Cultural Institute, is seeking financial support, especially from politicians from Hela Province. This is so that the unique established traditional justice and governing systems of Hela are maintained through the establishment of the Hela Cultural Training Institute.

During training, young men are required to grow their hair Huli men wear elaborate headdresses to battle

Huli dancers during an event at Post-Courier’s office recently

Picture: KENNEDY BANI

Childre n’s Bedtime Stories Children’s Stories

T he C ou nt P i r o The Count Piro

CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

“MY master, Count Piro, sends you these pears,” the fox said, “and asks for an answer to his proposal.”

“Tell the count that the wedding can take place whenever he pleases,” answered the king, and, filled with pride, the fox trotted back to deliver his message.

“But I can’t bring the princess here, little fox,” cried the young man in dismay.

“You leave everything to me,” answered the fox, “have I not managed well so far?”

And up at the palace preparations were made for a grand wedding, and the youth was married to the princess. After a week of feasting, the fox said to the king: “My master wishes to take his young bride home to his own castle.”

Dreamer

There is nothing wrong with dreaming big. MATHEW YAKAI tells of a talented karate lad who is pursuing his dream of making his country proud.

THERE is nothing wrong with dreaming big, and for Daniel Karly Kavoung, winning a gold medal in the 2015 Pacific Games is his goal.

Born in Bougainville, Kavoung is easy going and well disciplined, loves his job and physical fitness.

“If there is an opportunity or call to participate or prepare for the Pacific Games, I will participate,” he says. He is one of Ramu NiCo’s few national lab technicians based at Basamuk Refinery in Madang Province.

Kavoung was with the Royals Shotokan Karate from 2009 to 2010 (while in Lae) and later joined Ram Shotokan Karate Club in 2011, where he was a full time member.

Ram is owned by sensei Rickinson Mekere from Gulf Province.

Thanks to the sensei, Kavoung had the chance to represent Gulf at the PNG Games in Lae last year. Karate was the only team that flew the Gulf flag during the games because of financial problems. The team comprised 30 members. Half

of them came from Gulf while the rest were from Lae, including Daniel.

The Bougainvillean first demonstrated his skills during the 2010 National Karate Championship in Lae, where he won two bronze medals and one trophy. That kept his spirit high and he spent most of his free time training.

Given his potential, Daniel was later selected to participate in New Caledonia 2011 SP Game. Unfortunately, he had no sponsor so was with Ram Shotokan Karate Club until he joined Ramu NiCo.

“With Ramu NiCo, I do training in my room but at nights, I go out to the field and do workouts,” he says.

Basamuk Refinery has good sporting facilities for staff. Kavoung used the facilities when he was preparing for the PNG Games. With no coach or trainer, he would get his fists and legs punching at imaginary objects.

When he was called to take part in the PNG Games, Douglas Turn-

er, HSE site office safety manager at Basamuk helped him on physical exercises before he left for full time preparatory training in Lae.

He was farewelled with K1200 from Basamuk Refinery management, with another K2000 from Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Ltd.

“Whole of October (2014) was taken up by training in Lae and it was very tough,” he recalls. Kavoung was one of the five selected to participate in the Kumite team, which was a point contact where the team won the silver.

“I was training for full contact but was dropped to point contact. If ever given an opportunity for the 2015 SP game, I will aim for gold medal,” Kavoung says.

He thanked the Ramu NiCo management at Basamuk Refinery along with the staff for their support, both moral and financial.

With the Pacific Games just around the corner, we hope our silver boy will turn out to be a golden hero.

fling about the roots of some trees.

“To whom do these pigs belong?” he asked of the swineherd.

“To an ogre,” replied he.

“Hush!” whispered the fox, though nobody could hear him; “do you see that troop of armed men riding towards us? If you tell them the pigs belong to the ogre they will kill them, and then the ogre will kill you! If they ask, just say the pigs belong to Count Piro; it will be better for everybody.” And he ran hastily on.

Soon after the king rode up.

“What fine pigs!” he said, reining in his horse. “They are fatter than any I have got on my farms. Whose are they?”

“Count Piro’s,” answered the swineherd, who did not know the king; and again the king felt he was lucky to have such a rich son-in-law.

“Very well, I will accompany them,” replied the king. He ordered his courtiers and attendants to get ready, and the best horses in his stable to be brought out for himself, Count Piro and the princess. So they all set out, the little fox running before them.

He stopped at the sight of a great flock of sheep, which was feeding peacefully on the rich grass. “To whom do these sheep belong?” asked he of the shepherd. “To an ogre,” replied the shepherd.

“Hush,” said the fox in a mysterious manner. “Do you see that crowd of armed men riding along? If you were to tell them that those sheep belonged to an ogre, they would kill them, and then the ogre would kill you! If they ask, just say the sheep belong to Count Piro; it will be better for everybody.” And the fox ran hastily on, as he did not wish to be seen talking to the shepherd.

Very soon the king came up.

“What beautiful sheep!” he said, drawing up his horse. “I have none so fine in my pastures. Whose are they?”

“Count Piro’s,” answered the shepherd, who did not know the king.

“Well, he must be a very rich man,” thought the king to himself, and rejoiced that he had such a wealthy son-in-law.

Meanwhile the fox had met with a huge herd of pigs, snuf-

This time the fox ran faster than before, and in a flowery meadow he found a troop of horses feeding. “Whose horses are these?” he asked of the man who was watching them.

“An ogre’s,” replied he.

“Hush!” whispered the fox, “do you see that crowd of armed men coming towards us? If you tell them the horses belong to an ogre they will drive them off, and then the ogre will kill you! If they ask, just say they are Count Piro’s; it will be better for everybody.” And he ran on again.

In a few minutes the king rode up.

“Oh, what lovely creatures! How I wish they were mine!” he exclaimed. “Whose are they?”

“Count Piro’s,” answered the man, who did not know the king. The king’s heart leapt as he thought that if they belonged to his rich son-in-law, they were as good as his.

At last the fox came to the castle of the ogre himself. He ran up the steps, with tears falling from his eyes, and crying: “Oh, you poor, poor people, what a sad fate is yours!”

“What has happened?” asked the ogre, trembling with fright.

“Do you see that troop of horsemen who are riding along the road? They are sent by the king to kill you!”

Ramu NiCo staff welcoming Daniel after the PNG Games in Lae

Picture: MATHEW YAKAI

Beautiful Buna

After trekking Kokoda, PAULINE RIMAN and her colleagues ended their adventure at Buna’s sandy beaches, succulent dishes and welcoming locals in Northern Province. What a life-changing experience!

BUNA’S sandy beaches are sunkissed and sparkling grey like the sheen of a black pearl, the sea cool and welcoming, the ocean breeze in eternal play amongst the leaves of the coconut palms fringing the long coastline.

These beautiful images I had the pleasure of experiencing were far removed from my first impression of Buna, which I first encountered in a history book. They were two black and white images taken by two photographers named George in the year of 1942 – during the peak of the Second World War (WWII) in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The photos conveyed suffering, sacrifice and decades later a sense of immortality.

It was the photo taken by George Silk that laid the foundation of our trekking party’s inspiration to journey across Kokoda Track and onwards to Buna in Northern Province. We were the fearsome five: marketing director Alice Kuaningi, marketing and research officer Tonny Kandata and myself – from the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority – and fellow adventurers Florence Bunari and Allan Donigi-Parker.

We travelled four hours via PMV from Kokoda Station to Buna in the wonderful company of Buna Treks and Tours. This was after paying a visit at the Popondetta General Hos-

Our welcoming party drummed melodiously on their kundus and adorned in beautifully designed tapa and colourful feathered head-dresses, weaved a dance around us, smiling and singing all the while.

pital to make a Christmas donation to the hospital’s maternity wing as part of our “Making Tracks for Mamas” fundraiser.

Buna is the home of our porters and guides, all of whom are related and proudly claim great-grandfathers and great-granduncles who participated in the WWII effort, either as carriers or service men.

Northern Province is home to the famous Oro Tapa cloth and the endangered Queen Alexandra Birdwing Butterfly. It is a beautiful coastal province with plenty of tourism potential – WWII historical sites, natural phenomena like a volcano, fjords, waterfalls, coral reefs; while opportunities for diving, snorkelling, kayaking, hiking and cultural experiences are bountiful. Oil palm plantations line most of

the highway routes. The flat terrain allows you to take in the beautiful expanse of the tropical sky lined with enormous clouds.

When we arrived at the Girewo Guest House at Buna, beautiful voices called out rapturously and continuously: “Oro! Oro! Oro!”

(Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!).

Our welcoming party drummed melodiously on their kundus and adorned in beautifully designed tapa and colourful feathered headdresses, weaved a dance around us, smiling and singing all the while.

They led us to a table laden with chilled kulau (young coconut), fresh fruit and a traditional Oro clay pot dish of succulent pork, fish, yam, banana and pitpit marinating in coconut cream. For the five of us who had survived seven days on

the track with mostly muesli bars, tinned meat, biscuits, soup and noodles, this wonderful meal was satisfying as well as gratifying. We were to be impressed with more mouth watering dishes served at dinner and breakfast that perfectly suited our Papua New Guinean palates.

Girewo Guest House is owned by Buna locals Gilda Olai and her brother Morris Dogari. The guest house is a stunning structure built entirely from bush material by Gilda’s brothers, incorporating traditional designs that add authenticity and style. There are 17 rooms – 12 single bedrooms and four double bedrooms, including a private bungalow. We had all we needed here –comfortable lodgings, fresh running water, private ablution blocks and helpful hosts.

The rest of the afternoon we spent in utter enjoyment on the beach, where we swam to our hearts’ content and had a go at paddling a traditional Oro canoe. We were then whisked away on a historical tour with the trek master of Buna Treks and Tours, Peter Bonga. Seeing the actual places of the photographs taken by George Silk and George Strock was a highlight of the Buna Tour. We tread the beach where Strock took the photo that appeared in Life Magazine and shocked America out of its WWII

complacency: “Three American GIs lie dead on Buna Beach, 31 December, 1942”. We then walked the very road where Silk captured the photo that would bind PNG and Australia forever: “An Australian soldier, Private George ‘Dick’ Whittington, is aided by a Papuan orderly Raphael Oimbari, near Buna, 25 December, 1942”.

That evening we sat down to a feast prepared by our host Gilda, her daughter Julie and the fine womenfolk of Gilda’s clan. The star dish of our banquet, four freshly caught crayfish cooked to perfection. Later we were treated to music and dancing on the beach under the glow of the guesthouse’s solar lights. Our serenading musicians turned out to be none-other than our Buna Treks and Tours porters and guides – a multitalented group of gentlemen.

Before we left for Girua Airport for our Port Moresby flight, our trek food master Robroy Woita uttered his favourite Tok Pisin expression that we heard continuously through our Kokoda trek and Buna tour: “Piksa wok long senis” (the view’s changing). We all agreed with his sentiment; we walked in the footsteps of heroes and we experienced their legacy. This was more than an adventure, it was a life-changing experience.

PAULINE RIMAN

Deniki: Last day on Kokoda Track Pictures: TONNY KANDATA, ALICE KUANINGI, FLORENCE BUNARI

Girewo Guest House owners: Gilda Olai and Morris Dogari at Buna, Northern Province

The road where Silk photographed Oimbari and Whittington

An extra arm?

“IN the High and Far-Off Times the Elephant, O Best Beloved, had no trunk. He had only a blackish, bulgy nose, as big as a boot, that he could wriggle about from side to side...” – Rudyard Kipling

The elephant got its trunk, the story goes, because one small elephant child was so curious as to what a hungry crocodile ate for dinner that he got too close to it. The crocodile then bit and pulled its bulgy nose and stretched it out.

From then on, the elephant child was able to stuff large bundles of grass into its mouth with ease.

The truth, of course, is likely to be different to Rudyard Kipling’s elephant child story.

And now researchers have sought to understand exactly what that is; and establish why elephants and giraffes have such long trunks and tongues.

The answer lies with the amount of food they need to eat, a new study suggests. It’s published in the journal Acta Zoologica

A team modelled how the tongues and trunks of 18 species of herbivore related to the amount of food they took in while grazing.

The elephant’s trunk, they found, was vital for it to eat enough food in relation to the size of its mouth. So too was the giraffe’s tongue. They also helped the herbivores eat softer, more nutritious plants such as leaves.

Sox Sox

The team used a modelling process called allometric scaling, a well-known biological “law” which states that the size of an animal is in proportion to how much it eats.

“We observed that they ate much more than you would predict on the basis of their mouth volume and skull dimensions,” explains one of the study’s coauthors, Fred de Boer of Wageningen University in the Netherlands.

“Basically the soft body parts – the lips, tongues and trunks – are the key to their survival, otherwise they could not take in sufficient food,” adds de Boer.

How much they can bite in one go (bite volume) is therefore a direct result of these elongated soft mouth parts. Smaller herbivores such as an antelope do not need a large tongue to eat enough food.

Not only are these structures key to the survival of today’s elephants and giraffes, the team further proposes that they evolved as a direct adaptation to the quality of edible plants in their environment.

It may also explain why some larger herbivores went extinct, says de Boer. During times of sudden climate change, when food became scarcer or less nutritious, other species may have lacked suitable tongues or trunks to eat enough food to survive.

However, as soft tissue is not preserved

in the fossil record, other researchers maintain there’s more to how tongues and trunks developed.

Palaeontologist William Sanders from the University of Michigan, US, is not convinced that this new analysis answers other aspects of herbivore development which could have played equally important roles in tongue and trunk evolution.

The size of an animal’s teeth, how it replaces them in its mouth, and how an animal’s guts work, would all influence how it eats, and have an impact on the evolution of trunks or tongues.

“Skulls, faces and mouths are formed of interrelated anatomical complexes, and that evolution of one part of these complexes will almost always have an effect on the others,” he says.

About eight million years ago, elephant ancestors relied heavily on grazing from the ground but they had two sets of elongated tusks which prevented them from eating with only their mouths.

The elephant trunk, he says, evolved to such a length to accommodate its large tusks.

So in one aspect of his story Kipling was not so far off after all. The elephant child certainly could eat more with its elongated trunk as can all other elephants alive today.

SHE has a good temperament, is sweet and affectionate and loves cuddles.

Her name is Stitch. She is six-months-old. She would be an ideal animal companion for anyone who enjoys feline company and is able to give lots of cuddles.

If you have space in your family for one more loyal and loving member, contact Brigitte at the RSPCA on 325 2363, 7198 2200, 7196 0436 or email your interest or enquiries to rspca@rspca.org. pg

Please note that all our furry friends up for adoption are de-wormed, vaccinated and will be neutered before joining their new families.

325 2363, 7196 0436, 7198 2200, fax: 325 6833 or email your enquiries to rspca@rspca. org.pg

Elephants eat massive amounts of food. Elephants are both grazers and browsers, which makes it easier for them to find food. They eat plants of almost any size, from grass up to trees

Picture: petaboy.com

An elephant and her cub

Letter from Heaven

TO my dearest family, some things I’d like to say,

But first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.

I’m writing this from Heaven, where I dwell with God above, Where there are no tears or sadness, there is just eternal Love.

Please do not be unhappy, just because I’m out of sight,

Victory

THE first challenge for King Saul came when Nahash, the Ammonite leader, attacked and took control of the Jewish town of Jabesh Gilead, located east of the Jordan River where the two and half tribes were living.

The Ammonites, children of Ammon, was an ancient nation best known from the Old Testament that describes Ammon as located east of the Jordan River in the area of the present-day country of Jordan. Nahash threatened to gouge out the right eye of all the Israelites of Jabesh Gilead as payment for a treaty. The people of Jabesh managed to convince Nahash to allow them seven days to see if anyone would come to their rescue.

I am surprised that Nahash was willing to wait that long, but it was a sign of God’s grace. If no one came, then they would agree to the horrible treatment of having their right eyes gouged out.

When the messengers from Jabesh arrived in King Saul’s area of Gilead; they reported the threat by Nahash. The men of Gilead began to weep because they could not believe that such a horrible thing could happen. King Saul did not learn about the problem immediately because he was out in the field plowing. “Just then Saul was returning from the fields, behind his oxen, and he asked, “What is wrong with the people?” (1 Samuel 11:5 NIV) Saul was not the type of King that we would picture from our reading or from movies. I know that in Papua New Guinea leaders of a council or a village continue with gardening and working like all the others.

When King Saul heard about what had happened, God gave him some righteous anger and he took two oxen (quite possibly his own that he had returned with from his plowing) and cut them in pieces and sent the pieces of oxen meat all over Israel with this message.

“‘This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel.’” (1 Samuel 11:7 NIV) The result was that the terror of the LORD came on all the people. King Saul was wise to use Samuel’s name as well as his because the people had much respect for the Prophet Samuel. All of Israel responded and King Saul had them gather at a place called Bezek, north of Gibeah between Shechem and the Sea of Galilee, resulting in a huge army from all the tribes of Israel numbering 330,000. The type of leadership that characterised Saul unfortunately was to lead by causing fear.

King Saul sent the messengers from Jabesh back with this message, “‘Say to the men of Jabesh Gilead, ‘By the time the sun is hot tomorrow, you will be delivered.’”(1 Samuel 11:9 NIV) When the men of Jabesh heard the message, they were delighted and told Nahash and the Ammonites that the next day they could do to them whatever seemed best. They did not tell Nahash that they were confident that deliverance was coming. It is a little hard to figure out how in the seven days stipulated that all of the above took place.

The next night King Saul divided the men into three divisions and broke into the Ammonite army camp and began killing their sol-

diers. This continued all night and until noon of that day. Those Ammonites who did survive had no way to fight Israel. It was a great victory for King Saul. There was a great respect for King Saul after his victory.

Even though, according to the Bible, all of this happened before the Prophet Samuel gave his speech in Gilgal, the reason I am writing about this now is that it leads up to a very important test that God has for King Saul. Also we are not always clear about the sequence of events in the Bible.

In 1 Samuel 10 the Prophet Samuel instructed Saul to go to Gilgal ahead of him, but to wait for him there. “‘Go down ahead of me to Gilgal. I will surely come down to you to sacrifice burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, but you must wait seven days until I come to you and tell you what you are to do.’”

(1 Samuel 10:8 NIV) When God gives us instructions we need to obey precisely and not get ahead of God. We must learn to wait on the LORD.

Samuel’s instruction for Saul to go ahead of him to Gilgal, I believe, was not the same time as when Samuel instructed all the Israelites to gather at Gilgal to reaffirm the kingship of Saul. It was during Samuel’s speech and reaffirmation of the kingship that he mentions the threat by Nahash and his Ammonite soldiers.

The end of Samuel’s speech in Gilgal is a warning to both the King and the people. “‘And I will teach you the way that is good and right. But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your King will be swept away.’” (1 Samuel 12:23–25 NIV) What lessons can we learn from this scripture?

Send your feedback to frankmecklenburgzp@gmail.com

Remember that I’m with you, every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you, when my life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me, and said, “I welcome you”.

“It’s good to have you back again.

“You were missed while you were gone.

“As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.

“I need you here so badly as part of my big plan.

“There’s so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.”

Then God gave me a list of things he wished for me to do.

And foremost on that list of mine, is to watch and care for you.

I will be beside you, every day of the week and year,

And when you’re sad I’m standing there, to wipe away the tear.

And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight,

God and I are closest to you in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on Earth, and all those loving years,

Because you’re only human, there’s bound to be some tears. One thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is over, I am closer to you now than I ever was before.

And to my many friends, trust God knows what is best. I am not far away from you, I’m just beyond the crest. There are rocky roads ahead for you and many hills to climb, Together we can do it, taking one day at a time.

It was my philosophy and please I’d like for you, To give unto the world, so the world will give to you.

If you can help someone who’s in sorrow or in pain, Then you can say to God at night, my day was not in vain.

And now I am contented that my life it was worthwhile, Knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile. When you’re walking down the street and I am on your mind, I’m walking in your footsteps, only half a step behind.

And when you feel a gentle breeze of wind upon your face, That’s me giving you a great big hug, or just a soft embrace. When it’s time for you to go from that body to be free, Remember you are not going, you are coming home to me. I will always love you, from that place way up above, I will be in touch again soon. PS. God sends his love.

~ Unknown

When God gives us instructions, we need to obey them, says FRANK MECKLENBURG, just like King Saul who obeyed Prophet Samuel.

The current Israeli army praying before going into battle

Frank Mecklenburg Freelance journalist and CEO of Zion Pathways

Dougie

Hauslain tumas at Tokua,Radaz Hauslain tumas at Paps shopping

Apo stret stret

Two Papua New Two New Guineans joined Guineans joined Rev Stephen Rev Michael Leach in the iconic Times Square Times at the heart of New York City, to New York to demonstrate their solidarity with with the West Papuan the West liberation movemovement

Banana man man

Tarsi, Noxy and Sammy and

Mangi NIPs raun NIPs raun lo Lae Keepin’

Radaz troops Radaz troops

Youths at Sabama, Pom Youths at Pom Weekend outing Weekend

Rose and daddy at Ela Rose and at Ela Beach

Tasha and Son enjoy- Tasha and Son ing time together time

Sedii and Dougii raun raun Sedii and raun raun Pokali stret, M’Buke Island, Pokali stret, M’Buke Manus Province

Beauty and the ugliest beast and the beast in the world!! Ok sori sampla in the world!! Ok sori... creds kam ah?

Stiggy Marley

WHILE serving jury duty, a man noticed that the defence attorney seemed a bit nervous. At one point, he picked up a piece of evidence and asked his client, who was on the witness stand, “I see an acronym on this receipt. What would CAR stand for?” The defendant replied, “Car.”

EVENTS had left my sonin- law’s sister feeling sad, and she started tearing up. Luckily, our two-year-old grandson was nearby to dispense words of wisdom. “Don’t cry,” he said. “Sometimes batteries die and toys break.”

– Perry Finkelman

THE village blacksmith hired an enthusiastic new apprentice willing to work long, hard hours. He instructed the boy, “When I take the shoe out of the fire, I’ll lay it on the anvil. When I nod my head, you hit it with the hammer.”

The apprentice did exactly as he was told, and now he’s the new village blacksmith.

YOU’RE sending me something via fax? What is it, an important document from 1993?

WE all make mistakes. Some are just more public than others, like these real newspaper typos:

“Here the bridal couple stood, facing the floral setting, and exchanged cows.”

– Modesto News-Herald (California)

“It took many rabbits many years to write the Talmud.”

– Holland Evening Sentinel (Michigan)

“Mrs. ____ fell down stairs at her home this morning, breaking her myhodudududududududosy, and suffered painful injuries.”

– Ohio paper

“A headline in an item in the Feb 15th edition incorrectly stated ‘Stolen Groceries’. It should have read: ‘Homicide.’”

– Enquirer-Bulletin

16th century make-over

What if Superman was born in the sixteenth century? What if the Incredible Hulk was a Duke? Photographer SACHA GOLDBERG went back to his childhood to get inspiration and mixed icons of American culture with Flemish school painting styles. Over 100 people participated in the project. The collection was exhibited at the School Olivier Castaing Gallery in Paris and in Paris Photo. – The Telegraph

Did you know?

2014 viral internet hoaxes

A masked man with a spider embroidered on his chest (Spiderman) and an officer in a black helmet (Darth Vader)

THIS is not a photo taken from

SHIP filled with cannibal rats was never actually headed towards the UK.

FORMER Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych did not have a toilet that looked like this.

Woman in red and blue with lasso (Wonder Woman) and a green man (The Incredible Hulk)

A couple of masked men (Robin and Batman) and a feline woman in black and her even more savage animal (Catwoman)

Teletubbies creator sad about remake

TELETUBBIES creator Anne Wood has said she is “a bit sad” that the hit 1990s children’s show is being remade, and that she will not be watching it.

Wood, 77, told Radio Times she is not a fan of the trend for remaking old shows such as Dangermouse and Clangers

“I’m a bit sad,” she said. “It comes down to the times we’re in: people feel safer remaking hits of the past rather than investing in something new.”

Wood also produced hit show In the Night Garden featuring Igglepiggle.

“There are such a lot of programmes being remade and I just feel the children’s television industry is worth more than that,” said Wood, whose new show Twirlywoos begins on CBeebies next week.

“It would be nice if more encouragement was given to new work.”

Woods has been responsible for many of the UK’s best-loved children’s programmes and characters, including Roland Rat, Rosie & Jim and Brum.

The original Teletubbies, starring Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po, ran on the BBC from 1997 to 2001 and sparked a number one single called Teletubbies say ‘Ehoh!’ in December 1997.

Wood no longer owns the rights to the hit series, which she co-created with Andrew Davenport, as she sold them in 2013 to help fund new programmes.

She said she would not be watching the new series, which is due to air on CBeebies later this year, adding: “I couldn’t bring myself to.

“I have nothing against them, it might be brilliant. They tell me they’ve got the best producer possible on it, so that’s a good sign.” – BBC

‘It’s My Party’ singer dies

SINGERsongwriter Lesley

Gore, who topped the US charts with It’s My Party, aged 16 in 1963, has died, aged 68.

Her partner of 33 years, Lois Sasson, confirmed she had died of lung cancer at a New York city hospital.

Gore’s hits include feminist anthem You Don’t Own Me and the Oscar-nominated Out Here On My Own from 1980 film Fame

“She was a wonderful human being – caring, giving, a great feminist, great woman...” said Sasson.

Lady Gaga engaged

LADY Gaga has taken to Instagram to announce that she is now engaged to long-term boyfriend

Taylor Kinney.

The 28year-old posted a photograph of her ring finger with a heartshaped jewel on it.

The caption with it reads: “He gave me his heart on Valentine’s Day, and I said YES!”

She has been going out with the actor and model Taylor Kinney, 33, since 2011, after they met on the set of her video for You and I

She had used social media on Saturday to say that she was “ready for my Valentine” and it seems he didn’t disappoint.

The Simpsons Best quotations

☺ “MARRIAGE is like a coffin and each kid is another nail.”

– Homer Simpson’s quip in How I Spent My Strummer Vacation (2002)

☺ “IT takes two to lie: one to lie and one to listen.”

– Homer Simpson. The Simpsons celebrated its 25th anniversary in December 2014

☺ BART: “Grandpa, why don’t you tell a story?”

Lisa: “Yeah Grandpa, you lived a long and interesting life.”

Grandpa: “That’s a lie and you know it.”

– Grampa Abraham Simpson is the butt of many jokes. Both Homer and his father are voiced by Dan Castellaneta.

☺ MARGE: “Homer, is this the way you pictured married life?”

Homer: “Yeah, pretty much, except we drove round in a van solving mysteries.”

☺ HOMER: “We’re proud of you, boy.”

Bart: “Thanks Dad. Part of this d-minus belongs to God.”

☺ “LIFE is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead.”

– Homer on his religious neighbour Ned Flanders, whose catchphrases include Okilly-dokilly!, Hey-Diddly-Ho! and Neighborino!

☺ “YOU tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is: Never try.”

☺ “IF you pray to the wrong god, you might just make the right one madder and madder.”

☺ “AND I for one welcome our new insect overlords.”

☺ LISA: “Here’s a good job at the fireworks factory.”

Homer: “Those perfectionists? Forget it.”

– Lisa Simpson, voiced by Yeardley Smith, is always battling to improve her father.

☺ “WHEN I look at people I don’t see colours; I just see crackpot religions.”

– Chief Clarence “Clancy Wiggum” (voiced by Hank Azaria) is the lazy and inept chief of police in Springfield. He is the father of Ralph Wiggum and the husband of Sarah Wiggum. Among his great police instructions were “The suspect is hatless, I repeat hatless.”

☺ “WEASELING out of things is important to learn. It’s what separates us from the animals … except the weasel.”

– Homer Simpson’s youngest child is Maggie, the infant who doesn’t speak.

☺ LISA: “I’m going to become a vegetarian.”

Homer: “Does that mean you’re not going to eat any pork?”

Lisa: “Yes.”

Homer: “Bacon?”

Lisa: “Yes Dad.”

Homer: “Ham?”

Lisa: “Dad all those meats come

from the same animal.”

Homer: “Right Lisa, some wonderful, magical animal!”

☺ VENDOR: “Hot dogs, get your hot dogs!”

Homer: “I’ll take one.”

Marge: “What, do you follow my husband around to sell him hot dogs?”

Vendor: “Lady, he’s putting my kids through college.”

☺ “HOW is education supposed to make me feel smarter? Besides, every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain. Remember when I took that home winemaking course, and I forgot how to drive?”

☺ “LISA, you’ve got the brains and talent to go as far as you want, and when you do I’ll be right there to borrow money.”

– Bart Simpson, whose catchphrases include “Eat my shorts”, “Ay caramba”, “Don’t have a cow, man” and “I didn’t do it”.

☺ “KILL my boss? Do I dare live out the American dream?”

☺ “I’M not normally a praying man, but if you’re up there, please save me, Superman!”

☺ MARGE: “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

Homer: “Yeah. Let’s push him down the steps.” –

In December, Gaga told the American DJ Howard Stern that she knew “Kinney is the right guy”. It’s been a busy time for the singer. She recently sang on stage at the Grammys and announced last week that she’s been invited to perform at the Oscars.

– BBC

Fifty Shades sizzles at NA

EROTIC film adaptation Fifty Shades of Grey sizzled at North American box offices this weekend, taking an estimated $81.7m (K215m).

It was the second-highest February debut ever, behind The Passion of the Christ’s $83.9m (K220m) opening in 2004.

Based on EL James’ best-selling novel, Fifty Shades of Grey is directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson.

According to Universal Pictures, North American audiences were 68 per cent female.

The film’s takings were more than double those of its nearest box office rival, Kingsman: The Secret Service, which earned $35.6m (K94m), according to studio estimates.

Around the world, Fifty Shades of Grey took an estimated $158m (K416m) from 58 countries. James’s trilogy of Fifty Shades books have reportedly sold more than 100 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 50 languages.

The film, which contains “strong sex and nudity”, is R-rated in the US – meaning those under 17 years old can watch it if accompanied by an adult – and has an 18 certificate in the UK.

Animated children’s film The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water came third on the box office chart with $30.5m (K80m).

Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons with Bart and Homer Simpson after he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles in 2012

Picture: AP

Education, passion bring success

EDUCATION, determination and passion are the main driving forces behind the success of Linda Sincha Paru, an Human Resources specialist, who is now expanding the business she established almost five years ago. As she told Business Advantage PNG, that energy is also used to support other up-and-coming businesswomen.

After 22 years climbing the corporate ladder, Linda Sincha Paru found ‘the urge to run a business and make it work well was so strong I went for it’.

That was in 2010.

“I owned it by myself until about 18 months ago when I had to bring in business partners, mainly for expansion and to get a greater share of the market place in infrastructure and asset building,” she told Business Advantage PNG

“When I fi rst started I had about six employees. Our fi rst contract was with Telikom PNG. We were so fortunate-Telikom PNG gave us a little room.”

Within a few months, the company had grown; employing 11 staff and moved to Pacific View Apartments at 2 Mile.

“From there we really grew and by 2012 we had many challenges, and I realised that as a woman owning a business, I needed to have more ammunition, more exposure, and so what I thought about was combining tech-

nology and communications and that is how my current business partners came onto the scene.’

So she sought out business partners with expertise in communications and technology engineering. The company now has a staff of 22.

“It was tough. If I had then all the information I now have, I might still be an employee today.”

First job

The eldest of five siblings, Paru was born in Cape Rodney in Central Province. Her mother is a mix parentage of Kikori in the Gulf of Papua and West Papua. Her father is from Kairuku in Central.

“I realised that as a woman owning a business, I needed to have more ammunition, more exposure, and so what I thought about was combining technology and communications and that is how my current business partners came onto the scene.”

Paru’s fi rst job in HR was with the PNG Banking Corporation.She majored in Psychology at the University of PNG, before going to Sydney University, where she graduated in 2004 with a Masters in International Business and Human Resources.

“One of the reasons I did international business was I was very enthusiastic about being a HR Manager that operated across boundaries within the Asia Pacific region

‘When I was studying international business I realised Asia was the next big developing world.”

When the global food company Cargill was coming into PNG, she called up the head of the recruitment agency doing recruitment for Cargill and said that even if it meant a pay cut, she would be go to provincial PNG, to get the experience.

“So I went fi rstly to Milne Bay. I became

the HR Manager, then the Group HR Manager, with the head office based in Singapore, working and travelling throughout the three plantations within PNG and Asia.

‘‘I truly believe being resilient, determined, innovative and passionate are the keys to success, but been these alone are not enough. I enjoyed it so much. I travelled to China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, PNG and it was amazing and put me about five years ahead of PNG in the HR field.’

In early 2009, the ANZ Bank recruited her as Head of its HR Division, north-west Pacific region, responsible for PNG, Solomon Islands & Timor. And 18 months later, her own company, HR Business Solutions came into being.

Resilience

‘‘I truly believe being resilient, determined, innovative and passionate are the keys to success, but been these alone are not enough,” she says.

“You also must network and most importantly listen to your clients and provide what is required and needed at the right price, be professional and always present facts and build relationships and encourage ideas from your team.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 58

FLEET ADMINISTRATOR

A qualified and experienced Fleet Administrator is required to start immediately with Goodman Fielder Papua New Guinea, based in Port Moresby.

The Company Goodman Fielder Papua New Guinea is one of PNG’s largest food companies, manufacturing and distributing high quality Flour, Snacks, Grocery, Bakery and Stock Feed products throughout the country.

Our Products

Well known products and brands include Flame Flour, Flame Stockfeed, Bilas and Brands Bread, Twisties snacks, and the Meadow Lea range.

Purpose of Position

An integral member of Procurement Team, the primary responsibility of this role is to provide administration, coordination and monitoring of all Operating Lease and Tool of Trade, Forklifts and other industrialized motorized vehicles.

Key Areas of Responsibility etc.)

effect to operations and processes

purchase, etc.)

Qualification & Experience

Mechanics, equivalent or higher.

orientation. management, etc.)

Application Address Goodman Fielder Papua New Guinea Applications Close:

LINDA Paru.

UN Women PNG Office is recruiting a suitably qualified and experienced PNG citizen for the senior position of

OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE

Summary of Key Functions:

1. Administration and implementation of operational support services

2. Budgetary and financial administration support

3. Human Resources Management services support

4. Procurement and Logistical services support

5. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing Recruitment Qualifications

1. Secondary Education. University Degree in Business, Administration or Finance, would be desirable, but it is not a requirement.

2. Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in administration, finance, procurement, human resources or logistic support services at the national or international level.

3. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.).

4. Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of official national language essential.

For the complete vacancy details, please visit our website http://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/about-us/jobs or contact the UN Women PNG Country Office, 3219855 Level 4, United Church Building, Douglas Street, Port Moresby

Closing date : 01st March 2015

UN Women PNG Office is recruiting a suitably qualified and experienced PNG citizen for the senior position of

PROGRAMME FINANCE ASSOCIATE

Summary of Key Functions:

1. Administration and implementation of program and operational financial services

2. Support to management of the country program, budget preparation and administration

3. Accounting and administrative support

4. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing Recruitment Qualifications

1. Bachelor degree in accounting or Secondary Education with specialized national or international certification in accounting or finance.

2. Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience is required in financial management and administration, in a large corporation or organization is required.

3. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

4. Written and oral proficiency in English.

For the complete vacancy details, please visit our website http://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/about-us/jobs or contact the UN Women PNG Country Office, 3219855 Level 4, United Church Building, Douglas Street, Port Moresby

Closing date : 28 February 2015

Candidates responding to the earlier announcement will be considered and need not re-apply

The Bank of Papua New Guinea is a Contemporary Central Bank and Regulator employing best practice in Development of Monetary Policy, Financial Sector Supervision and Payments System.

Due to changes and developments within our Financial Systems & Stability Group operations; Bank of Papua New Guinea is now looking to ill two senior Management roles

• MANAGER – MACRO-PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION UNIT #7012

• MANAGER – EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION ENFORCEMENT UNIT # 7013

Position descriptions can be downloaded from: www.bankpng.com.pg

All applications should be made directly to our detailed job advertisements on www.pngjobseek.com Refer job adverts 7012 and 7013 (as per above).

If you are not registered with the board, register as a jobseeker, upload your CV and apply. A cover letter can be created at the point of application. If you are shortlisted, transcripts and all supporting documentation will be required at interview.

Application method questions can be directed to PNGJOBSEEK team on 7090 7200.

ONLY SHORT LISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED

Applications close on Friday 27th of February, 2015

PASS-OUT PARADE

NEW police recruits take part in their parade at Bomana Police College

Due to increase in Project demands, we hereby invite suitably qualified/skilled personnel for the following position vacancies within our Joinery Division:

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

role organisational skills

machinery conscious

Terms and Conditions will be discussed during interview

References together with a copy of your

PROFESSIONALS AT WORKSHOP

Applications close Friday 27th February, 2015.

PARTICIPANTS at an IT and communication workshop observe and take notes.

Paru: Team work vital for growth

FROM PAGE 53

“I always acknowledge the team around me for my success. Without a great team I am not sure I would have achieved my goals and aspirations. I still feel I have a lot to learn yet to be truly considered a successful business person in PNG.” So is it any different for women than men in order to be successful in PNG?

Advice

“It’s all about having the right advice, access to fi nance for startup and been innovative and determined to succeed will produce a business person whether it’s women or men doesn’t matter.”

“You also must network and most importantly listen to your clients and provide what is required and needed at the right price, be professional and always present facts and build relationships and encourage ideas from your team.”

Her current batch of clients includes the Internal Revenue Commission, National Airport Corporation, Newcrest Mining Limited and NAQIA.

She’s also proud of her two boys who she raised by herself, aged 21 and 14.

“They travelled with me extensively throughout Asia.’

HR Consulting Services

Paru and partners’ company carries out standard HR activities of recruitment, out-

placement, payroll and logistics administration, training and arranging visas and work permits.

“In terms of adding value, we do a lot of assessments when we hire people. I think one of the unique things that we do is behavioural interviewing and computer testing of candidates so that we are able to tell our clients more about candidate’s behaviours and computer literacy skills prior to employment.’

Based on her experiences working for Cargill, in PNG & Singapore, the company has set up a help 24-hour desk facility.

‘Cargill looked after about 33,000 people at their helpdesk in Singapore. So when I returned to PNG, I really wanted to have a helpdesk here.”

Audits

HR is not just a growth industry, but its reach is broadening, she says.

“Recruitment is only one of the many products that we have. One of our biggest services is HR & Payroll Audits.

“We are one of the few companies, like Price Waterhouse and Deloitte, which do Human Resource Practices & Payroll Audits.

“Some of the things we audit are employee communications. We ask for example, is the employer regularly communicating with the people; how do they do their record-keeping; accuracy of time keeping for payroll; the benefits and health insurance they have for their people; leave compliance; do they have job descriptions and are they set down correctly in line with labour laws; how are they hiring; turnover, disciplinary procedures, internships. What is their performance management process?”

“There are a lot of people looking at me as a role model and while it’s very challenging, I do my best to act as a mentor as well.”

Paru is hopeful of carrying out a NEC decision to audit up to 28 government departments and 19 provincial governments and 19 hospitals.

“That was deferred from last year because of budget constraints and other challenges. That is a massive project.”

Mentoring

“There are a lot of people looking at me as a role model and while it’s very challenging, I do my best to act as a mentor as well.

“It’s a very individual thing.

“When I was still working for ANZ as Head of HR I used to spend time with professional businesswomen and there were girls still in school who needed mentoring so I offered my services.”

Paru is currently working with a gender expert on a joint ABDDFAT project proposal which aims to provide mentoring for about 40 women, working closely with Business Coalition for Women.

Organisations

Paru is involved with the PNG APEC Secretariat as the Executive Director for PNG Focus on APEC Women’s Economic Empowerment representing private sector women entrepreneurs.

“I look after the private economic sector for women in APEC in PNG and HR Business Solutions Limited is one of the two women businesses recognised in PNG as pushing gender equality and I’m really proud of that.”

www.bapng.com

Racing at Rosehill tommorrow...

Mcdonald keeps Godolphin inside running

HORSE RACING

THE best Godolphin rides in Sydney will be kept open for James McDonald despite two overseas jockeys contracted to the international stable being confirmed for autumn carnival mounts.

English jockey James Doyle will arrive from Dubai next week to ride at the Chipping Norton Stakes meeting while his British colleague William Buick will be in action during March.

But although he isn’t contracted to the stable, McDonald will continue to have first call on Godolphin’s horses in the John O’Shea yard, according to Sheikh Mohammed’s bloodstock advisor John Ferguson.

“James McDonald will continue to get the first choice of ours in Sydney,” Ferguson said.

“But we would also like to have our contracted jockeys James Doyle and William Buick as back up, and to achieve this we would like them to experience the very different rhythm and style of Australian racing as soon as possible.”

HALLOWED Crown will put his perfect first up record to the test in the Hobartville Stakes at Rosehill.

Hallowed can lead way for Leilani Lodge

HORSE RACING

JAMES Cummings is certain one of the most famous stables in racing can hitch its autumn to the deeds of the Golden Rose winner Hallowed Crown, starting in the Hobartville Stakes on Saturday.

“He is a great horse to have in the stable, he really lifts the whole stable,” Cummings said. “With ammunition like him I think we are going into the carnival with plenty to of-

fer.” Hallowed Crown is one of four Group One winners set to take their place in the $200,000 Hobartville Stakes at Rosehill.

The valuable colt will be the only Rosehill runner for Leilani Lodge, the Randwick stable run by Cummings and his grandfather Bart.

But he promises to be one of the favourites in a Group Two contest tipped to provide important clues to some of the richest races of the autumn

carnival. “It is really going to shape up nicely for the three-year-olds going towards the (ATC Australian) Derby or maybe even a Doncaster (Mile),” Cummings said.

“It will give us a guide of where we’re at but I’m pretty comfortable with the way he galloped on Saturday at Randwick. “He was very fleetfooted. It was a lung burner he really needed.” Hallowed Crown, Preferment, Shooting To Win and Hampton Court

are the Group One winners in the Hobartville and all four are resuming.

And Godolphin’s Sweynesse, good enough to run in the Cox Plate, will be another class runner to start to his autumn campaign.

“I would expect it to be a really interesting race on Saturday to see how he matches up first-up against a really strong bunch of three-yearolds,” Cummings said.

“There is us, Shooting To

Win and Sweynesse first-up and then there are race-fit horses like Scissor Kick, Panzer Division and even Meursault off the midweeks.”

Chris Waller dominates the entry for the Hobartville with Victoria Derby winner Preferment among his four nominations.

Delectation, Harrier Jet, Kermadec - second, third and fourth respectively in the Eskimo Prince Stakes, complete the Waller quartet.

Doyle will link with the imported Hartnell in the Chipping Norton Stakes, the Group One race in which McDonald will keep an association with the stable’s impressive firstup winner Contributer.

“We are a global stable, and we want to be able to use our young riding talent most effectively wherever there is top-class racing,” Ferguson said.

Godolphin’s position will ensure McDonald has the pick of the stable’s expected multiple hand in next month’s Golden Slipper.

One of the jockey’s four rides for O’Shea at Rosehill on Saturday will be Silver Slipper Stakes favourite Ottoman.

He will also partner Sweynesse for the first time in a race when the colt resumes in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m).

Fewer two-year-olds have created a bigger impression than Ottoman did in her firstup win over the Silver Slipper course in December.

Clark confident Aviod lightning can strike

HORSE RACING

TIM Clark is confident Avoid Lightning has done enough groundwork to overcome a distance query when she resumes at Rosehill on Saturday.

The Les Bridge-trained mare has never won beyond 1200m and will have to beat prolific winner and odds-on favourite Catkins to change that statistic in the Millie Fox Stakes.

However, a Group One placing over 1400m and two recent barrier trials

The bottom line

have given Clark reason to believe Avoid Lightning won’t be found wanting over 1300m on Saturday.

“It probably is a slight query but I think 1300 (metres) at Rosehill will be a bit softer than 1300 at Randwick,” Clark said.

“She’s drawn a soft barrier too, all those little things help.

“She did place over 1400 metres at the end of her prep in Brisbane, that’s probably as far as she wants but for 1300 she’s done a sufficient amount

of work.”

Catkins is a $1.80 favourite to post her 14th career win in the Millie Fox while Avoid Lightning is regarded as her biggest threat at $3.50.

The Les Bridge-trained mare is one five rides for Clark at Rosehill where he will feature in three stakes races.

Clark has also picked up the mount on VRC Oaks runner-up Thunder Lady in the Hobartville Stakes and rides Scream Machine in the Parramatta Cup. AVOID Lightning and Tim Clark.

An adult horse’s brain weights 22 oz, about half that of a human.

Lankan Rupee returns from 15 weeks break

Polynikes likes the wet track

HORSE RACING

BRYAN Guy is hoping the wet track bloodlines of three-yearold Polynikes come into play if the predicted heavy rain hits Doomben on Saturday.

Polynikes is on the second line of betting for the Greenslopes Paediatrics Handicap after an impressive third in similar company two weeks ago.

Guy is confident Polynikes will be hard to beat over Saturday’s 1600m journey.

“I have always had an opinion of this horse and I actually gave him his first ever run in a Listed race,” Guy said.

“He has drawn much better on Saturday in barrier one and with (apprentice) Janette Johnson’s three kilo claim he gets into the race very well at the weights.”

Polynikes was an excellent second to Glorious Red over 1600m at Doomben at his only previous attempt at the distance.

He has never been tested on a wet track but the colt has a pedigree that suggests he will handle it.

“His sire Hidden Dragon is getting a reputation for getting wet track winners and his dam Athena Mana Mou won on a wet track at Doomben,” Guy said.

“On his breeding he should handle wet tracks.”

Guy will also saddle up unlucky filly Stroak in the threeyear-old race with apprentice Cassandra Schmidt to ride. She has drawn the outside barrier in 17 but has proven she can handle rain-affected tracks.

“At least Stroak has won and been placed on a soft track and maybe if it rains being drawn wide won’t be so bad,” Guy said.

HORSE RACING

STAR sprinter Lankan Rupee will have a quiet week on the training track in preparation for his clash with Deep Field in the Lightning Stakes at Flemington.

The equal top rated sprinter in the world, Lankan Rupee returns from a 15-week break in the Group One sprint over 1000m on Saturday.

The Mick Price-trained sprinter goes into his clash against Deep Field with a jump-out, a barrier trial and an exhibition gallop under his belt and with Price delighted at how the gelding’s preparation has progressed.

Lankan Rupee was bothered by a quarter-crack in the hoof on his off-foreleg during his spring campaign which forced him to miss the Schil-

laci Stakes at Caulfield in October. The gelding returned at the end of that month and survived a protest to win the Group One Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley in a blanket finish before running third to Terravista and Chautauqua in the Darley Classic at Flemington.

On returning from a spell, Lankan Rupee went about his work in good order taking out

a Cranbourne barrier trial before having an exhibition gallop between races at Caulfield last Saturday.

With Dale Smith aboard, Lankan Rupee reeled off the last 400m in 21.85sec with the last 200m in 10.87sec.

Price said Lankan Rupee worked on the Polytrack on Tuesday morning at Caulfield and wasn’t out to break the clock. “I didn’t have to do a

lot with him after Saturday,” Price said. “He had a good day Saturday and all is fine with him. “He’s had a good prep for a first-up run.”

Smith has done all the ground work with Lankan Rupee for his return run but Craig Newitt flies in for the ride from Singapore, where on Sunday he won his first feature race since moving there in December.

I’m Belucci next step at Doomben

HORSE RACING

DESLEIGH Forster has resisted the temptation to add blinkers to the race gear of promising youngster I’m Belucci as he takes his next step to the Brisbane winter carnival.

I’m Belucci will be having his second race start in Saturday’s Greenslopes Emergency Two-Year-Old (1350m) at Doomben.

The colt came from second last on the home turn to finish second to Craiglea Wan-

The bottom line

doo, beaten three-quarters of a length, over 1110 metres at Doomben on January 31.

His trainer had considered putting blinkers on I’m Belucci for Saturday in an effort to get him to begin faster and race closer to the pace.

“In hindsight we decided to leave them off again. He is going to 1350 metres and they won’t be going anywhere near as fast early here,” Foster said.

“I think with the race experience he can be handier and still run over the top of them

in the straight.”

“I hope I am in the position on Saturday night of being able to sit down and plot his winter campaign. I have no doubt the further he goes the better he will go,” Forster said.

I’m Belucci is by 2010 Epsom Handicap winner Captain Sonador who died after breaking his leg in a paddock accident and is raced by a syndicate headed by Forster’s biggest client, Doug Forbes.

The colt cost $32,000 at the Magic Millions March Sale

and continues Forster’s record with cheaper buys who perform well, the best example being Adebisi who cost just $15,000 and has returned $876,000.

“A lot of work goes into buying our horses and we have been able to pick up some good ones at a cheap price. Let’s hope it continues,” Forster said. She also has Too Good Too Refuse in the two-year-old race at Doomben on Saturday.

“He works with I’m Belucci

The Dubai World Cup is 6 million dollars, the richest horse race purse in the world.

Park set to unveil smart

HORSE RACING

DAVID Hayes and his nephew Tom Dabernig are putting together a stable of high-class etsablished gallopers at their Lindsay Park complex. And the training partnership is set to unleash what they believe to be two-year-old of quality when she makes her debut at Flemington on Saturday.

and there isn’t much between them on the track. But it is first-up at 1350 metres and he might need the run,” Forster said.

Stay With Me, a daughter of Street Cry from Golden Slipper and Victoria Oaks winner Miss Finland, has her first start in the Talindert Stakes. Hayes has had a glint in his eye when he talks of Stay With Me.

“I think she’s pretty good. At least I’m hoping she is,” Hayes said.

Following a debut win at Ballarat, Miss Finland won the Talindert Stakes when it was run in late January before running second in the Blue Diamond Stakes. She then headed to Sydney, finishing fourth in the Riesling Slipper Stakes at Rosehill before her Golden Slipper victory.

ONE of the most instantly recognisable horses in the world, Lankan Rupee

I have no doubt the further he goes the better he will go...

DOUG FORBES Brisbane

Abbott denies threat

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott says his statement yesterday linking Australia’s tsunami relief contribution with calls for clemency for Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, was a “reminder” to Indonesia, and not a threat.

Yesterday Mr Abbott said Australia had helped Indonesia in the past and hoped it would reciprocate, in comments that an Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman interpreted as threatening. But Mr Abbott said today that he was “pointing out

Aussie claims years of torture

AN Australian former Guantanamo Bay detainee said that he wants his government to pay for treatment of ailments resulting from torture after a US military appeals court threw out his conviction on a terrorism charge .

David Hicks, who spent five years in the US detention camp in Cuba, said he had not yet decided whether to seek broader compensation in Australia.

“I do think that someone should be responsible for my medical expenses,” Hicks told reporters in Sydney.

“I was subjected to five-and-a-half years of physical and psychological torture that I will now live with always.”

Hicks pleaded guilty in 2007 to providing material support to terrorism but the US Court of Military Commissions Review threw out his conviction because such activity did not become a crime until years after he was captured in Afghanistan.

Hicks was among the first group of prisoners sent to Guantanamo when the detention camp in Cuba opened on Jan. 11, 2002. He had acknowledged he was trained at an al Qaeda camp in Afghanistan and met the Islamist group’s leader Osama bin Laden. His lawyers have said Hicks was innocent and that he made the guilty plea under duress after enduring years of beatings, sexual assaults

and sleep deprivation.

The ruling by the military appeals court stressed that the decision to vacate his conviction was made on technical grounds. The judgment said Hicks was captured by members of the Northern Alliance fighting the Taliban and handed over to American troops in Afghanistan. It said he had planned to join the fight against the US-backed coalition that ousted the Taliban.

Hicks had joined Lashkar-e-Taiba, a group later designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States, in Pakistan. He received weapons training there before travelling to Afghanistan, the three-judge panel said.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said there would be no apology from the government, which did not challenge Hicks’ detention at the US naval base in Cuba.

“We did what was needed. Let’s not forget ... he was up to no good on his own admission,” Abbott told reporters.

Hicks, who was repatriated to Australia shortly after his conviction in 2007, clashed with reporters who asked if he acknowledged he had been cleared on a technicality.

Asked what he was doing when he was picked up in Afghanistan, Hicks said: “Having a holiday”. -Stuff news

the depth of the friendship” between the two countries.

“It was a reminder of the facts, of the depth and strength of the relationship between Australia and Indonesia, and I want that relationship to grow stronger and stronger in the weeks and months ahead,” he said.

Indonesia has delayed transferring the Bali Nine pair from Bali to the island where they are due to be executed for their role in a drug-smuggling ring.

The Prime Minister said he was focused on what he

“can best do to ensure that these executions don’t go ahead”.

“The focus has got to be ensuring that we appeal to the better angels of our natures, the focus has got to be letting Indonesia know that it is in their best interests and in accordance with their best values,” he said.

Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman Armanatha Nasir warned yesterday that threats were not part of diplomatic language. “No-one responds well to threats,” he said.

-ABC news

TONY Abbott denies he was threatening Indonesia. Picture: ABC

Scientists’ LNG warning

TOP experts are warning of significant scientific uncertainties arising from a massive coal seam gas expansion proposal in Queensland.

The ABC has obtained a report from the Federal Government’s Independent Expert Scientific Committee, which flags a concerning lack of information in project documents and says more work needs to be done on Santos’s Gladstone LNG expansion proposal.

The proposed expansion covers 10,676 square kilometres and has the potential to include more than 6,000 gas wells across central Queensland.

“The scale, the early stage and the geographic extent of the proposed project development, together with other significant coal seam gas projects in the region, creates considerable scientific uncertainty about impacts on surface water and groundwater and associated ecosystems,” the IESC report said.

According to the report, the potential impacts include:

Reduced water supply to Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems, including Great Artesian Basin discharge and watercourse springs and endangered ecological communities.

Changes to groundwater and surface water quality due

WARNING: Top experts are warning of significant scientific uncertainties arising from a massive coal seam gas expansion.

to direct project activities and management of co-produced water.

Cumulative impacts of Surat and Bowen basin activities (particularly coal seam gas and coal mining) on groundwater pressures and lag-time effects on water.

The IESC also warned the hydroecological information (including ecological water requirements of systems) was “inadequate” for understanding potential local ecological impacts.

“Methods applied are appropriate to understand regional impacts, particularly cumulative water drawdown,” the Committee said.

“However, the methods used are not sufficient for understanding local-scale impacts, particularly to ecological assets.

“Recognising the considerable information provided in the project assessment documentation, the IESC is con-

cerned that relevant data and information from investigations and monitoring from the [Gladstone LNG] Project and Joint Industry Programmes have not been incorporated in the project assessment documentation for [this latest] development.”

Santos already has approval for 2,650 coal seam gas wells in the Surat and Bowen basins. This expansion request is currently being looked at by the Queensland Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning.

Submissions to the company’s Environmental Impact Statement are currently being considered.

Santos has been contacted for comment. There are several other major coal seam gas developments in central and southern Queensland region.

In 2013, the Queensland and Federal Governments gave approval for 6,500 wells as part of Arrow Energy’s Surat Gas Project.

In January, the Queensland Curtis LNG Project made the first export shipment of liquefied natural gas from Curtis Island off Gladstone.

The Australia Pacific LNG project sent its first gas from the Surat Basin to its Curtin Island processing facility earlier this month. – ABC

Greyhound quits over animal cruelty

THE New South Wales Greyhound Racing board has stepped down amid an industry crisis over illegal live baiting.

An ABC Four Corners report on Monday showed live piglets, possums and rabbits being chased and killed by dogs during training sessions.

Greyhound authorities have suspended over 20 trainers in three states. Some could face jail for animal cruelty.

NSW Racing Minister Troy Grant said the revelations showed the current system of self regulation had failed.

“The government is committed to ensuring anyone caught blooding their dogs will be kicked out of the sport for life and we will restore the integrity of the industry,” he said.

Mr Grant said the NSW Greyhound Racing board had “agreed to formally disband”, and their powers would be transferred to an interim CEO.

“They have agreed with me that

the community has lost confidence in the industry, and we now need the clear air in order to reform and reshape the industry,” he said.

Some of the video, filmed in NSW, Queensland and Victoria, showed struggling animals being flung around a mechanical lure before being torn apart by greyhounds. One possum was spun on the lure for almost an hour.

Live baiting is outlawed but some trainers believe it gives their dogs an advantage in races.

The footage also captured trainers apparently discussing ways of disposing of unwanted dogs, which is against racing regulations.

Senior figures in Australia’s greyhound industry have strongly condemned the practice of live baiting.

Greyhounds Australasia Chief Executive Scott Parker described the footage as “appalling”. The industry’s biggest sponsor, Macro Meats, withdrew its support in response to the report.

-BBC news

Man guilty of secret filming

A TASMANIAN man has been found guilty of planting a secret camera in a bathroom where his stepdaughter was preparing to take a bath.

Hobart Magistrates Court heard the 36-year-old stepdaughter of Phillip Wayne Jones, 55, was using the toilet in the Margate home where her mother and Jones lived when she saw flashing lights in a pot plant.

She told the court she looked closer and found a pen-like device that apparently had a camera and a USB

attached. She said she plugged the device into a computer and found a recording of herself inspecting the device.

The court viewed a police interview with Jones in which he admitted owning the device and acknowledged it was capable of recording, images, audio and video.

Jones had denied one count of observation or recording in breach of privacy but Magistrate Glenn Hay found him guilty and adjourned his sentencing until May. – ABC

CONSTRUCTION on Curtis Island. Picture: ABC

Solomons back Melanesian aviation accord

THE Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) has thrown its full support behind the decision by Solomon Airlines, Air Niugini and Air Vanuatu to combine resources to jointly develop and promote aviation services between Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

Speaking from the SIVB’s Honiara head office, CEO Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto said the in principle agreement signed last week in the Solomon Islands capital represents what he described as “massive potential” for intraMelanesia travel as well as providing seamless access to the region for literally millions of international visitors.

“While all three airlines operate into a number of Australian cities, the opportunity this agreement holds for the region is further exacerbated when you take into account Air Niugini services into several key Asian

At a glance

SUPPORT: The Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) has thrown its full support behind the decision by Solomon Airlines, Air Niugini and Air Vanuatu to combine resources to jointly develop and promote aviation services between Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

TOURISM: The initiative is aimed at promoting tourism in the Melanesian islands, the potential for which is vast and largely underdeveloped.

destinations and Air Vanuatu services into New Zealand,” Mr Tuamoto said.

“Not only is this a great outcome for all three airlines, it is also a fantastic result for all three countries’ tourism aspirations and a wonderful example of true Melanesian brotherhood hard at work.”

Expected to commence in June 2015, the proposed code share agreement will see Air Vanuatu and Solomon Airlines utilising an Air Niugini Fokker 100

aircraft on the Port MoresbyHoniara-Port Villa route.

The code share is expected to form the basis for further cooperation and other similar arrangements promoting aviation and tourism collaboration among the nations comprising the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

These include Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front of New Caledonia.

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Citi Apartments a great getaway

FOR a getaway, Citi Apartments and Hotels are the best place to stay in.

Located in East Boroko, Lagatoi Place, with spacious car park and friendly staff to assist you, Citi Apartments and Hotels offer 32 luxury apartments consisting of 12 executive suites and seven modern studio apartments.

All these are fully furnished with exterior and interior designs of elegant touch to make you feel comfortable and

at home.

The Executive suites give our guest a relaxing environment to unwind after a long day.

Built with a modern kitchen and fully furnished.

The studio Apartment is also complete with a modern stylish kitchen and cooking appliances with a dining table and a lounge and with queen size beds.

Normal business hours is from 7pm to 10pm Monday to Sunday and ADSL dial-up internet, car

park and laundry area including DVD’s, microwaves, telephones, TV’s and washing machine for guest to use.

Rates are daily depending with payments through cash; bank, cheques, EFTPOS, master or visa card.

For further queries or reservation, call 3230543/ 3234561 mobile# 70706545 or email info@ moresbyapartments.com website: www.moresbyapartments. com

Kina culture way of life

KINA Culture became a way of life for the people of Southern Highlands who live up in the mountains of Papua New Guinea. It existed for generations before the arrival of fi rst Europeans into the area.

History records that gleaming iridescent gold-lipped pearl shells (Pinctada maxima) were once the most prestigious objects highlanders could possess together with large and stock of pigs.

Pearl shells were objects of enormous rarity and important items of wealth across the highlands, traded up from the southern coastal communities through complex systems of exchange.

They were made popular by the arrival of the early explorers and patrol officers through trade routes into the Western Highlands Province.

History records that Pearl shells which were commonly called Kina shells were flown into the Western Highlands in boxes by Leahy brothers who were exploring for gold in Waghi Valley.

They were used to pay wages to the local people who loved the shells

as much as the explorers loved the gold.

Large number of Kina shells entered Southern Highlands through Ialibu area which is the entrance into Southern Highlands through trade routes linking its neighbouring Western Highlands Province. Ialibu is situated between Mt Giluwe on the north and Mt Ialibu on the south.

The plateau between the twinmountains called Ialibu Basin became the centre of Kina Jewellery trade and this eventually developed into a trade centre for all forms of commodities from all directions.

Tribal leaders were able to facilitate trade for traditional oil and salt, various ornaments for body decoration, weapons for tribal warfare, other sea shells, specialty food items, etc using the Kina Jewellery as the medium of exchange and trade.

This made Kina Jewellery popular and commonly used as the medium of exchange for all goods and services including compensation, marriage, exchanges and tribal allegiance.

A GIRL dressed in traditional costume with the Kina shell depicting the family’s wealth. Inset: Kina shell used as money.

Man-eating tiger shot dead

FOREST guards in southern India say they have shot dead a tiger blamed for killing a man and a woman.

The authorities says the tiger, aged between 10 and 12 years, killed a farmer in Kerala state and a woman in neighbouring Tamil Nadu state last week, and had attacked another man.

It was killed in the Gudalur forest on the state border on Wednesday evening.

India’s tiger population has grown rapidly with

2,226 tigers recorded in 2014, up from 1,706 in 2011.

The district authorities had deployed 160 forest guards to hunt down the tiger, which was spotted chasing a deer in the forest on Wednesday afternoon.

The animal was shot dead when it attempted to attack the guards, officials said. There were a spate of tiger attacks in India last year, with at least 20 people killed.

The killings created tension, with angry farmers

vandalising government offices and threatening to hunt down the tigers themselves.

With increasing human encroachment into their reserves, tigers often compete for resources with nearby villagers, leading to conflict.

Also, experts say, densely packed tiger forests - many call them the price of India’s conservation success - often lead to young and old tigers wandering outside, bringing them into closer contact with people. -BBC

Precious reprieve for Bali Nine duo

JAKARTA: Indonesian authorities continue to plan for the executions of drug offenders including Australians Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, after Prime Minister Tony Abbott earned a stern rebuke.

Jakarta on Wednesday made it clear it did not appreciate Mr Abbott’s decision to link the men’s fate to Australia’s donation of $1 billion in aid following the Indian Ocean tsunami.

Mr Abbott had said if the pair was executed, “we will be letting Indonesia know in absolutely unambiguous terms that we feel grievously let down”. He then recalled Australia’s generosity after the 2004 disaster.

“I would say to the Indonesian people and the government, we in Australia are always there to help you and we hope that you might reciprocate in this way at this time.”

Indonesia’s foreign affairs ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir delivered a sharp response. “Threats are not part of diplomatic language ... and from what I know, no one responds well to threats,” he said.

The exchange came a day after the transfer of the Bali Nine drug smugglers for their execution was delayed until at least next week.

Indonesia has not announced a new schedule for their move from Kerobokan prison, or their execution date.

But planning goes on regardless, with AttorneyGeneral HM Prasetyo on Wednesday afternoon meeting prosecutors from the provinces where prisoners slated for execution are jailed.

His spokesman would not reveal what was discussed other than, “the latest on preparations and important directions”.

In Bali on Wednesday, jail, corrections and police chiefs met to discuss security arrangements for the Australians’ transfer to Nusakambangan, the island reserved for the executions.

In Australia on Wednesday night, vigils for the pair were well-supported.

Almost 2500 people were in Melbourne’s Federation Square where a letter from Sukumaran was read.

Civilian deaths soar

THE number of civilian deaths and injuries in Afghanistan rose by 22 percent in 2014, the United Nations says.

A total of 3,699 Afghans killed and 6,849 injured made 2014 the deadliest year since the UN began keeping records in 2009.

For the first time more people were killed in battles between the Taliban and government forces than by roadside bombs, the figures show.

Foreign troops formally ended their combat role last December. -BBC

INDIA is estimated to be home to around 70% of the world’s tigers. Picture: BBC

Former Thai PM faces negligence charges

THAILAND’S ruling military has formally lodged criminal charges against former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

The one-time popular leader was removed from the role just before last year’s military coup.

She now faces up to 10 years’ jail after being charged with negligence over a botched rice subsidy scheme.

Thailand’s military appointed attorney-general has formally filed the charges in the Supreme Court.

Charges against her include one under the anti-corruption law and two of negligence, for her role in a subsidy scheme that paid farmers above market prices for their rice that has cost the state billions of dollars.

She denies wrongdoing and her supporters claim the move is designed to end the political influence of the Shinawatra family, including Yingluck’s brother Thaksin who lives in exile.

The Supreme Court will decide on March 19 whether or not to pursue the case.

It has been a tumultuous year for Yingluck, Thailand’s first woman prime minister, who was deposed days before

a May coup that followed months of street protests and occupations of government buildings.

Yingluck was ordered to step down after a court found her guilty of abuse of power, days before the army took power.

She was also banned from office for five years in January after Thailand’s militarystacked legislature found her guilty of dereliction of duty in relation to the rice scheme.

Despite winning every election since 2006, parties allied to Thaksin have never served a full term in office since then because of court decisions or military intervention.

Shinawatra supporters accuse the courts of bias in ruling against governments loyal to Thaksin and of siding with the elite.

US compensates Phillippines

THE United States has paid nearly $US2 million compensation to the Philippines for the damage a warship caused to a protected reef.

The minesweeper USS Guardian became stranded on the Tubbataha Reef in January 2013 after visiting a Philippine port.

It had to be cut to pieces to avoid further damage to the World Heritage site in a salvage operation that took 10 weeks.

The ship damaged 2,345 square metres of the coral reef that investigators said

would take a generation to regrow.

The incident stirred nationalist anger against the US, a former colonial ruler of the Philippines that remains the South-East Asian nation’s most important military ally. Washington promptly apologised for the mishap and issued a report five months later that blamed the captain and three other officers.

The vessel, which was en route to Indonesia, was found to have sailed into a

Chinese tourists on warning

CASHED-up Chinese tourists’ reputation for uncouth and embarrassing behaviour has so incensed China’s leaders that the government has issued a stern warning to citizens travelling to foreign locales for this week’s Chinese New Year.

Chinese holidaymakers heading overseas are being warned that any bad behaviour will be swiftly punished with a public shaming on their return.

The harsh new measures follow a spate of international incidents involving Chinese mainlanders that have become viral sensations.

This includes excruciating video clips of Chinese tourists defecating on public streets, hurling abuse at shop keepers, and getting into fights from Hong Kong to Germany.

One Chinese teenager recently outraged an entire nation when he scratched his name into a 3,500 year old temple in Egypt.

protected area where marine vessels are not allowed due to “poor voyage planning”, according to a copy of the report.

In a statement, the Philippine foreign department said it received last month

“the full requested amount” of $US1.97 million in compensation.

“The compensation will be utilised for the protection and rehabilitation of Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” it said in a statement.

And Parisians could barely believe their eyes when a group of Chinese tourists decided to wash their feet - en masse - at the Louvre.

China’s new-found prosperity has unleashed a staggering 85 million first-time Chinese tourists around the world in the past few years.

But as tourist operators scramble for a piece of the Chinese market, Wanning Sun, a media professor at the University of Technology Sydney, says the alarming behaviour of the few is causing serious embarrassment for the Middle Kingdom.

-ABC news

THE USS Guardian ran aground in 2013. Picture: ABC/REUTERS

The move designed to end Shinawatra political influence ...

YINGLUCK’S SUPPORTERS Bangkok

death do us part

‘Death is nothing at all’

“DEATH is nothing at all. It does not count.

I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened.

Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.

Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.

Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.

Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.

Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it.

Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident?

Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?

I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner.

All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!

About weddings and funerals

WEDDINGS and funerals have many similarities and differences. Weddings and funerals are both emotional in some way. They’re also similar in that they both gather family and friends together. Weddings and funerals are different in that one is celebrating the union of two people, and the other is mourning the loss of someone.

Weddings have many emotions that go along with them. Most of the emotions that are associated with wedding are joyful and excited. Funerals also have many emotions that go along with them. Most of the time the emotions at funerals are mournful and sad.

Weddings and funerals both bring family and friends together. Weddings usually gather together a wide variety of friends and family members. Funerals typically gather only very close friends and family. Funerals are usually smaller as well as quieter. Weddings are normally

more energetic and more fun. Weddings are a celebration of two people falling in love and wanting to make a permanent commitment. Weddings are a cheerful occasion and are fi lled with singing and dancing. Funerals are ceremonies held to celebrate the life of someone who has recently passed away. Funerals are usually fi lled with sorrow and remembrance for the person that has died.

Weddings and funerals have many differences that people usually notice above the similarities. However, they have many similarities that many people have never realized. They are both ceremonies with friends and family. As well as, they both have a lot of emotions that go along with them. Weddings and Funerals are obviously different but at the same time have many similar characteristics that go along with them.

‘War on those perverting Islam’

US President Barack Obama says the US is “not at war with Islam – we are at war with the people who have perverted Islam”. He was speaking to representatives from 60 nations attending a three-day event on extremism that follows attacks in Denmark and France.

Mr Obama said the world had to confront the ideologies that radicalise people. He said those heading groups like Islamic State and

al-Qaeda were not religious leaders but terrorists.

Mr Obama said associating Islamic State or al-Qaeda with Islam would be buying into the propaganda of those groups, challenging critics who have questioned him for not describing recent attacks as the work of “Islamic radicals”.

Mr Obama has asked Congress formally to authorise military force against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The US and its partners have car-

ried out air strikes against the group since last year.

The idea for the conference came from Islamist-inspired attacks in Canada and Australia, and it was announced right after the Charlie Hebdo shootings in France.

Given that context, the White House has been criticised for resolutely refusing to link violent extremism with the religion of Islam.

But President Obama has forcefully held his ground, arguing that denying religious

legitimacy to terrorists is an important part of countering the radicalisation of potential recruits.

Prevention is the focus of the conference. It’s mobilised people from the trenches in the battle for hearts and minds to share best practices: everyone from teachers to entrepreneurs to Silicon Valley executives have been talking about community outreach to marginalised youth and counter-messaging Islamists on social media.

International delegates will also have their say. But critics say the topic may be too broad to result in any meaningful action from a conference with more than 60 nations represented. Administration officials talk about an action plan, but they’ve described it vaguely as a “catalyst activity” rather than a concrete outcome.

Mr Obama said the fight against violent extremism could not be won by military power alone.

Communities, he said, must do their part. “These terrorists are a threat first and foremost to the communities they target,” he said. He added that there were Muslims around the world who did not necessarily subscribe to the violent tactics of IS, but who “buy into” the notion that Islam had been “polluted” by Western values. “It makes individuals… more ripe for radicalisation,” he said.

-BBC news

Billions needed to fight tropical diseases

GENEVA: The World Health Organisation has urged countries to invest billions of dollars to tackle 17 neglected tropical diseases - including dengue fever, leprosy and sleeping sicknesswhich kill 500,000 people globally each year. WHO said about 1.5 billion people across 149 countries are affected by the diseases, insisting additional investments would save lives, prevent disability, end suffering and improve productivity.

“Increased investments by national governments can alleviate human misery, distribute economic gains more evenly and free masses of people long trapped in poverty,” WHO director general Margaret Chan said.

Dirk Engels, who heads the WHO department of control of neglected tropical diseases, told reporters in Geneva that Africa is the “continent where the most absolute number of these diseases occur”, with many people suffering from more than one of them.

He said about 450 million people in sub-Saharan Africa are at risk of contracting these diseases. But the diseases also hit people across Latin America, the Middle East, Central Asia and Asia, and can even appear in European countries, Japan and the US, the WHO said.

In addition to dengue, sleeping sickness and leprosy, there are rabies, trachoma, buruli ulcer, yaws, chagas, leishmaniases, taeniasis, Guineaworm disease, echinococcosis, food-borne trematodiases, lymphatic filariasis, river blindness, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiases.

The WHO recommends countries invest $US2.9 billion ($A3.71 billion) annually until 2020 to treat the diseases or fight the insects and other vectors that carry them.

After that, it said, investment requirements for the subsequent decade would drop to $US1.6 billion annually as the diseases are reduced or eliminated.

The total investment for 16 years adds up to $US34 billion.

-AAP news

Ukraine troops pullout

UKRAINE says its forces are carrying out a “planned and organised” departure from the flashpoint town of Debaltseve, where pro-Russian rebels have been battling troops for weeks.

Fighting for the key transport hub has raged unabated despite the start of nominal ceasefire between the warring sides on Sunday, with Ukraine and the United States accusing Russia of piling in troops and weapons to spearhead the assault. Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko’s order to withdraw came after international monitors were stopped by the Russian-backed rebels from entering the town.

“This morning the Ukrainian armed forces together with the National Guard completed an operation for a planned and organised withdrawal from Debaltseve. As of now we can say that 80 per cent of our units have left,” Mr Poroshenko said.

“We are expecting another two columns [to leave].”

The Ukrainian leader said he had given the order to pull out on Tuesday (local time) and was now heading to the front line to “meet those who have left Debaltseve”. -ABC news

CEO credits PPP for new facility

THE opening of the new Pacific International Hospital at Three-Mile Hill has been described as the first privatepublic-partnership initiative of national significance in the health sector.

PIH Chief Executive Officer

Dr Amyna Sultan said this in her acknowledgement of different people who played a role in the set up of this facility, including the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill who initiated the idea 17 years ago when he was the young executive chairman of Pacific Finance.

“It is indeed a pleasure to welcome you today as we celebrate another milestone by completing the new Pacific International Hospital – ‘the New PIH’ -- it is a day I have imagined on many a mornings while driving to work down the Korobosea Hills and watching this elegant but abandoned shell of a hospital sit by idly and sadly, year after year,’’ she said.

“Today, therefore is an especially happy day of inauguration, as we celebrate the coming to life of what had become an aborted tertiary care initiative -- I would like to first of all welcome with deep appreciation the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, whose presence here honours all of us.’’

It was also Mr O’Neill’s birthday for which she mentioned as well as his role in the project.

Dr Sultan also informed the Prime Minister that the new facility has well-appointed Presidential Suite and preventative health check-ups “that come due at our age, and we would be delighted should you and other dignitaries in town – choose us for your health needs!’’

She also acknowledged the presence of Minister for Public Enterprise, Ben Micah and the Minister for Health Michael Malabag at the opening ceremony, saying

this marked “the completion of a major public-private partnership initiative of national significance in health care.’’

“The word ‘partnership’ I believe should be the key word of this celebration. For it is this concept of partnership that has brought together so many current and potential partners; all here to share the occasion.

My personal experience in a career spanning 15 years in Papua New Guinea has been broad and diverse, as an eye

surgeon in the private sector and volunteer surgeon on pro-bono basis in the public hospital, as a healthcare services manager of this premier private hospital and as an honorary lecturer and external examiner for the UPNG, having experienced both sides, I have come to a deep conviction about the immense value of publicprivate partnership models, –and their potential to significantly boost delivery of quality health care in Papua New Guinea. In fact, not just boost the delivery of health care, but also the delivery of medical education and training . Such collaborations at various levels between the public and private sectors can greatly enhance national capacity to produce a better qualified health care workforce for all of PNG. ‘’

Dr Sultan stated that PIH was the first private health facility in Port Moresby to offer 24/7 Emergency Care

in 2001.

“ As a private eye surgeon specializing in corneal and cataract surgery, I have painfully experienced the plight of many near-blind patients who are unable to go overseas, and who require retinal surgery not available in Papua New Guinea.

“PIH now has a retina surgeon”. It is such instances which have helped us look ahead and plan for new specialties for first-time introduction to PNG.

This list includes the first mammography for early detection of breast cancer; first hemodialysis unit for supporting patients with kidney failures; and first no stitch phaco-cataract surgery. All of this now topped by the new PIH, offering the first international standard hospital facility of its kind in Papua New Guinea, and equipped with sophisticated cardiac, neuro and minimal invasive surgery capabili-

ties.’’

She also stated that PIH remains interested and committed to partnering with other health care providers, including the Port Moresby General Hospital and provincial hospitals, University of Papua New Guinea School of Health Sciences; the national and provincial departments of health; and insurance companies and superfunds.

“The common goal would be to create innovative schemes and economical packages to make available affordable, quality healthcare for every Papua New Guinean, whatever their income levels.

ALL of us must come together in our search for effective home-grown solutions that promise benefit to all: the patients, the healthcare professionals, the businesses, and the institutions,’’ he said.

“We have shared proposals with the NDOH and we look

CONTINUES ON PAGE 77

Private hospital gains another milestone

PACIFIC International Hospital (PIH) has grown fast and was considered the country’s first 24/7 private, multi-specialty hospital with well trained and equipped medical team.

PIH has been striving to make accessible advance health care solutions for PNG and brought the country’s first CT scan in 1997, then a demodialysis unit, mammogram service, Phaco ‘keyhole’ cataract surgery and retinal angiography.

The hospital has now gained another milestone achievement with the launching of a new facility at Three-Mile Taurama Hill.

Though it’s an accomplishment for the hospital, its board members and partners, it is a double bonus and great achievement for the people of Papua New Guinea to have the new hospital with the latest stateof-the art equipment and specialists, something that was also in dire need for a very long time.

The facility, launched last Friday, is the largest and leading private hospital in the Pacific outside of Australia and New Zealand.

The launch and commissioning last Friday has elevated the PIH’s status to level seven, which is the highest by PNG Health Department standards as approved by the Government.

Though rich in natural resource and diverse cultures and unique environment, PNG’s health services is a hazard for the country’s development.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), PNG has the worst health status in the Pacific region. PNG ranks 157 out of 187 countries on the UN’s Human Development Index, worse than Bangladesh and Myanmar.

For an estimated population of about seven million, Papua New Guinea has less than 400 doctors of which only 51 work outside Port Moresby, despite the fact that majority of the people of about 87% live in rural areas.

That’s one doctor per 17,068 people, compared to one per 302 in Australia.

There’s also a critical shortage of health workers of about 0.58 per 1,000 people, compared to WHO’s standards which specify 2.5:1,000 simply to maintain primary care.

Not surprisingly, PNG ranks in the bottom 15 countries in Save the Children’s Health Workers Reach Index.

Health care for women in PNG is at a disadvantage, as evidenced by poor maternal health indicators and lack of access to family planning.

The maternal mortality ratio is 733 per 100,000 (twice what was in 2006), whilst doctors and other health professionals from the PNG National Department of Health, Population Services International and more estimate that at least five women die in childbirth every day.

The new PIH is a bonus and big relief for Papua New Guinea citizens.

Health Services that were once sought outside the country will be no more as it is now provided at the new PIH.

The hospital will commence in patient care with all the new services in cathlab, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, laser eye surgery, urology surgery, laparoscopy and endoscopy surgery (keyhole surgery) both general and in gynecology, State of the Art ICU, latest MRI, latest CT scan, 3D ultrasound, 3 fully dedicated renal unit for dialysis, State of the Art Pathology Services including histopathology, full Time Blood Bank Services, New Emergency Department, full arrange of specialist clinics and many more hospital services consistent with level seven hospital.

CARDIOLOGIST Dr Ronald Galicio explains to PM the aniogram images in the Cath lab.

PM’s wife Lynda observes the treadmill.

THE Ambassador of the Philippines (right) gathered the Filipino staff at PIH to pose with PM O’Neill and Minister Micah.

FROM PAGE 75

forward to an initiative by the Minister of Health and NDOH to find solutions for public patients to avail the new services at PIH, including the new cardiac and neurosurgery services until such services become available in the public hospital system.’’

“Similarly, we hope to reach out to NGOs and other donor agencies who may wish to join forces with us in making quality health care and good medical education accessible and affordable to larger numbers of Papua New Guineans. Importantly, with the opening of the new PIH, we hope to accelerate our role in knowledge and skill transfer to PNG, by bringing in highly qualified professionals with clinical experience and advanced knowledge of hospital systems and operations; through their offering of

key educational programs and onsite training”.

“With the assistance of the now onboard qualified professionals, experienced in preparing hospitals for international accreditation, we aim to prepare the new PIH to meet stringent international quality standards, and thereby set a benchmark for quality medical care in PNG.”

In conclusion, Dr Sultan said the opening marked the commissioning phase of the hospital project, but it was also a journey that has just begun for a young institution, quoting famous Martin Luther King Jr, “When I climb the mountain I can see the mountain ahead, ….and from there I can see there are many more mountains to climb!”

She congragulated PIH staff and consultants for making it to the top of the hill in Taurama.

PM Peter O’Neill cutting the ribbon at the new PIH launching while ministers Malabag, Micah and Ave look on.

FOREIGN dignitaries and other VIPs at the PIH launching .

Specialist and top of the line equipment at PIH

DR amyna sultan, CEO of PIH, poses with the PIH doctors and specialists, some of who include: Dr Ronald Galicio, Dr Melissa Galicio, Dr Jyotsna Nathdr, Dr Paul Alexander, Dr Vemu Sudhirdr, Dr Jonathan Oblefiasdr, Dr Alfonso nieva Blanch, Dr Mary-Julian Baki Leslie, Dr Jagadish Ebenezer, Dr Om Prakash Sharma, Dr Sharma Vandana, Dr Sudesh Subedi, Dr Mathias Sapuri, Dr Paul Mondia, Dr Frank Torova, Dr Pius Umo, Dr Onne Rageau and Dr Ringko Sitaing.

THE 64-slice CT Scan from Philips is now fully operational at the new Pacific International Hospital. Impressive, but, it seems relatively “simple” compared to the other equipment in PIH.

Nextdoor is the first-ever MRI Scanner, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which is a 1.5-Testa Philips Achieva. It allows for super fine images of soft tissue like muscles, nerves, ligaments and even tumours.

The Cath Lab, with its state-ofthe-art Philips FD-10C Xper Allura, makes angiograms possible. The Angiogram is the “gold standard” in diagnosing the heart, when a special ink, by means of a catherer, is made to flow towards one’s heart, and while a real-time video is running and showing precisely how the heart performs. Angioplasty now allows for balloon-like “stents” to be emplaced

inside one’s arteries and make the blood flow less restricted.

Many PNG nationals have been going abroad for angiograms, and during radio shows, PIH doctors have learned patience they spend K25,000 to do it in Australia. PIH is aiming to offer angiograms at less than K10,000. The Neuro centre will allow the neurosurgeon to be well-armed to do his work, with equipment like the Laparoscopic Tower at his disposal.

All year-round, open heart surgery is now possible in PNG with the cardiac operating theatre under the able hands of Dr Omprakash Sharma. Even for the maternity wing, underwater delivery is now possible in PNG!

Pacific International Hospital has indeed lived up to its tag line of “delivering advanced healthcare”

AUSTRALIAN Federal MP Jane Prentice spoke at the PIH launching and presented a Barrack Obama greeting card, signed by Australian PM Tony Abott to birthday celebrant PM Peter O’Neill.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS FROM PM TONY ABOTT

Public Notice

Announcement of 2015 Orders of Papua New Guinea Investitures

The Office of the Governor General – Government House will host two investiture ceremonies in March 2015 for the 2014 Orders of Papua New Guinea Independence Anniversary Honours and the 2015 Orders of Papua New Guinea New Year’s Honours

Details are as follows:

Event: 2014 Orders of Papua New Guinea Independence Anniversary Honours Investiture Ceremony

Date: Thursday 19th March 2015

Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Venue: Government House – Port Moresby

Dress: Formal

Event: 2015 Orders of Papua New Guinea New Year’s Honours Investiture Ceremony

Date: Thursday 26th March 2015

Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Venue: Government House – Port Moresby

Dress: Formal

All notified recipients of the above Orders of Papua New Guinea Honours lists are hereby advised to contact the Office of the Governor General on Tel: 313 7000 and ask for Mr. Maguli Bernard and/or Mr. Gavera Igo. Queries and confirmation of attendance can also be directed by email to Mr. Maguli Bernard at: mbennard@governmenthouse.gov.pg and/or Mrs. Nelly Pouna at: npouna@governmenthouse.gov.pg.

Due to limited space each recipient is allowed two guests only. Expected time of arrival for all recipients at Government House is 12:00pm. All recipients are kindly asked to make the necessary arrangement to attend the Investiture ceremony on the date(s) stated above.

Tipo Vuatha, LVO, MBE Official Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

LODGEMENT DATE FOR INCOME TAX RETURN

Notice to every person who is required by the Commissioner General by notice published in the National Gazette to furnish a return setting forth a full and complete statement of the total income derived during the year of income, and any deductions claimed, for the year of income commencing on 1 January and ending on 31 December 2014, (or within a substituted accounting period adopted in lieu of that year).

Companies and businesses are required by law to lodge returns even if they are not carrying on business, have made a loss or have been granted tax exemption or otherwise risk the chance of being subjected to severe financial penalties.

Due dates for lodgment of tax returns.

Categories of persons required to furnish income tax returns

Due Date to lodge tax return

On or by 28th February 2015. Persons who have engaged the services of professional tax

All other persons

An automatic extension agents to lodge on their behalf granted until on or by the 30th of April 2015

Provincial authority, local government and local level government

On or by 30th April 2015 body, by whatever name known, whose income is from any business or commercial undertaking or activity, other than from the provision of normal council services, Religious and charitable body whether or not exempt from income

On or by 30th April 2015 tax, whose income is from any business or commercial undertaking in or out of Papua New Guinea

For those with an approved substituted accounting period granted

On or by the expiry of two under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act. months after the end of the relevant substituted accounting period

The information to be furnished must be on such forms as provided for the purposes as are applicable, containing the information and particulars required in the relevant forms and must be verified by such declarations as set forth therein, and accompanied by all such balance sheets, profit and loss accounts, statements and any other documents as are mentioned in the forms or as are required. Tax return forms are available on the IRC website www.irc.gov.pg and at all our offices.

All returns of income must be furnished at our offices at Level 1 Bogan Gapo Building, Champion Parade, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. In addition the following Internal Revenue Commission Provincial Offices have been duly authorized by the Commissioner General to receive all returns of income:

Penalties for failure to furnish returns

A person who is required to furnish a return of income and who fails to lodge a tax return within the time required, commits an offence, and:

1) is liable to be prosecuted and adjudged a penalty of no less than K500.00 and up to K5000.00 as decided by the Court plus an additional fine of K50.00 for each day that the return is not lodged.

2) may be liable to additional penalty.

Penalty for false or misleading statements.

A person, who is required to furnish a return of income, who makes or delivers a return that is false in any particular, or makes a false answer or declaration, whether orally or in writing, is guilty of an offence, and:

1) may be liable of a fine not less than K1,000.00 and not exceeding K50,000.00 and, in addition, the court may order the person to pay a sum not exceeding double the amount of income tax or dividend (withholding) tax.

2) shall be deemed to be guilty of wilful and corrupt perjury, and upon conviction, is liable to imprisonment for a period not exceeding four years.

How

taxes may be paid

All taxes due may be paid either:

1) by delivery of cash, bank notes or cheques at the IRC Head Office in Port Moresby, or any of our Provincial Offices; or

2) by remitting the amount due by bank draft, cheque or electronically through Internet Banking, and payable at the IRC Head Office in Port Moresby or to any of our Provincial Offices.

Persons intending to make electronic payments of tax should visit the IRC website www.irc.gov.pg to learn more on the Taxpayer Guide: Paying Your Tax By Electronic Funds Transfer. Ensure that copies of your returns are also submitted electronically when making electronic payments of your tax to the Revenue Accounts Section of the IRC.

Persons required to furnish income tax returns should contact the Assistant Commissioner of Assess and Prioritise Division to seek further information how to proceed if they are unable to comply with the due dates as specified.

For enquiries contact Joe Maiauka on email address maiaukaj@irc.gov.pg or on telephone 3226961 or John Heni on email address henij@irc.gov.pg or on telephone 3226558.

Authorised by Betty Palaso, OBE Commissioner General

Fiji prepares for trials

ATHLETES

SHOP N Save Athletics Fiji’s Twilight Games was held at the ANZ Stadium in Suva last Friday.

This is to prepare athletes

for the Pacific Games trials on February 28.

Team Fiji athletics coach Albert Miller said the competition was to give athletes time to prepare for the trials.

“This competition was also

for athletes to try different events,” Miller said.

“It also gives athletes more opportunities to qualify for Team Fiji and prepare for the Coca- Cola Games in April.

“We are hoping more ath-

letes to come and participate for the second trials for the Pacific Games.

“In the past we have our competition during the weekends or during the week.

“But this is something new

Former PNG coach asissts SI

and it is a wonderful for athletes to come out and compete in their respective events.”

Students from schools in Suva also took part in the competition. Luke Nacei –

Fiji Sun

Fiji Basketball prepares for Games

BASKETBALL

THE Fiji Basketball Federation kick-started preparations for their mission to the Port Moresby 2015 Pacific Games with a team assembly and motivational session headed by

president Ioane Naivalurua at Ed’s Court in Raiwaqa on Saturday.

The men’s and women’s squads, made up of a mixture of experienced and professional players, and younger players, were present to hear

from their president who didn’t mince his words when he hammered home the message that teams were to base their efforts on the formula of having intent, using methodology to achieve results, and focussing on a desired end

state of their quest to bring back gold from the Games.

Naivalurua delivered the message that in order to be successful, squad members needed to look after not only their physical and fitness state, but also focus on keep-

NETBALL

A FORMER head coach for the Pepes National team in Papua New Guinea [PNG], Annie Iamo is helping to prepare the Solomon Islands netball team for the Pacific Games.

This was confirmed by the Solomon Islands Netball Federation [SINFED] following upon her arrival recently.

President for SINFED, Noelyn Luahiti said, Annie Iamo will be with the national netball team for a week.

“Annie is here to observe and help the national squad to make sure they prepare and perform well during the Pacific Games,” said Luahiti.

She said, she will observe the squad and at the same time involve with the team to show them what they need to do. Sinfed has thanked Vonnie Natto for the financial support towards the federation which made it possible for the former coach to visit the country.

Luahiti said, because of the financial support from the once national player, they now have the opportunity to undergo training with the former PNG netball head coach.

“At the moment the squad’s performance is very good which we are hoping they will improve and do well in the Pacific Games,” said Luahiti.

Iamo has begun her first observation with the team yesterday.

The Pepes, the national PNG netball team is currently ranked 17th [as at the 2011] in IFNA world ranking, with a previous high of 11th [equal 10th] in the period of October 2008 to July 2009.

JOANNA FRANCES –

Solomon Star

Hussein joins team Golf

ing the right frame of mind, and emotional and spiritual state. He also focused largely on the new direction that Fiji Basketball was taking, and the commitment needed to change for the better, from all levels involved in the sport.

Amicale signs up Micah Lea’alafa

SOCCER

SOLOMON Warriors star midfielder and Solomon Islands sensational futsal star Micah Lea’alafa will join Amicale FC of Vanuatu for the upcoming O-League.

Reports reaching Star Sports the local sensation has been eyed by the top club in Vanuatu to boost their campaign in this annual Oceania football competition.

Micah is one of the Solomon Warriors players who will join oversea clubs for the upcoming OFC league after his club

The bottom line

Solomon Warriors FC failed to qualify for the third time in a row for the OFC League.

Other players include veteran player Gibson Daudau who will join Tafea FC alongside Joses Nawo of Western United.

Kency Tangis and Daniel Natou both featured for Amicale in their previous O-League campaigns will also join the star studded Amicale team.

The inclusion of Micah means Amicale will now have 10 overseas-imported players as confirmed by Amicale’s strong man and president

Andrew Leong. Mr Leong confirmed that Micah would feature alongside two Italian Players (Played at Serie A) one Swiss Player (Former National Player) two Argentinean and two Croatian.

One Italian Goalkeeper will be arriving this Friday. Amicale also have two Fijian players and an Italian coach.

Solomon Islands will be represented by Western United, the first for the club.

The team earned their ticket after thrashing Koloale over the weekend . Solomon Star MICAH Lea’alafa.

James Naismith, a teacher at a YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts, is credited with inventing basketball in 1891.

GOLF

TEAM Golf for this year’s Pacific Games meet will feature a father and son combination.

This will be the first time for Team Fiji to field a father and son combination at the games later this year.

Veteran Abid Hussein will team up with his 17-year-old son Baarroon Hussein in their bid to help Team Fiji win its first gold medal 18 years since Fiji last won the top award in the sport.

Abid was part of the Fiji team that finished 52nd out of 75th at the Golf World Cup last year in Japan while his son also represented the country in Melbourne last year. Some of the big names to join the duo in the national team are Roneel Prakash, Anuresh Chandra and Ollaf Allen Jr. Abid said playing alongside with his son was a huge achievement for the family and had vowed to do their best for the country.

Maciu Malo – Fiji Times

AMELIA Finau.

Palais step up preparation

Super 9s hit Hagen

BY KILA NAO RUGBY LEAGUE

MOUNT Hagen’s Rabiamul

Oval will play host to two days of high class action with the staging of the second le g of the Digicel Super 9’s challenge this weekend.

All Highlands Confederate affiliates will converge on the Western Highland’s capital. 16 teams have been confirmed with teams coming from Goroka, Tari, Mendi, Wabag, Minj and Kundiawa.

The teams have been grouped in four pools.

The pools are, Kurumul development, Komo Sagoroots, Hagen Broncos, Goroka Dragons (pool A), Tari, Porgera, Eagles Doa, Goroka West Rocks (pool B), Minj, Hagen Sharks, Kondipina, Kimil Coffee Raiders (pool C) and Gomis, Goroka schoolboys, Banning and Mendi (pool D).

Tournament director David Silovo said: “It will be tough for many of the players that will be participating in the nines completion as most of them are used to playing in the 13’s competition.”

“But I am confident they will catch up with the rhythm and there won’t be any hiccups during the cause of the tournament,”

“We want everyone to enjoy and support in the best interest of the sports similar to the Southern Confederate challenge held at Kwikila last weekend,” he said.

The third challenge will be for the Northern Confederate on February 28 to March 1 at the Ron Albert oval in Madang.

BY MIRIAM ZARRIGA RUGBY UNION

THE Papua New Guinea Palais women’s rugby team has upped the tempo towards their Borneo Sevens preparation.

Team manager Salote

Doko said the team has been trimmed down since the last camp and have added Heather Aro, Angela Parao, and Patri-

cia Harricknen, as they are part of the wider squad.

The team has been in training at the Port Moresby International High School and will now enter camp at the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) today in preparation to leave on Tuesday.

Doko said that the final 12 will be announced after the camp. “When the team returns the squad will be re-

looked at before they head to Fiji on March 4 for the Marist Sevens tournament,” she said.

“Then we return on March 9 and prepare for the Hong Kong Sevens on March 24,” she added. “As you can see we have a busy time ahead,” said Doko.

She said this squad will form the basis of the Pacific Games team plus others in the wider

pool. “We should finalise that team by May,” she added.

“The Hong Kong Sevens next month will be the last international for the team before we focus on the Pacific Games,” Doko said.

The PNG Palais are in Pool B at the Borneo Sevens with Samoa, Melbourne and Thailand.

The other pools will feature the top Asian teams from Ja-

Boxing selections queried

BY KILA NAO

BOXING

NATIONAL Capital District Amateur Boxing Association president and NCD deputy city manager, Honk Kiap has taken a new twist on the executives of the PNG Boxing Union (PNGBU) for the unfair selection of boxers for the Pacific Games. The selection process that took place during the recently held national boxing trials in Goroka last month was unjustified and unfair for most centres, said Kiap.

Kiap said: “Some centres made their own travel arrangements to get over there while the PNGBU executives saw fit to fly some boxers from Bougainville, Central and Abau and a non boxing official from Vanimo was even flown over for the trials.”

“If the PNGBU has secured funding from the Go 4 Gold program and other sponsors, than they should have at least paid for airline tickets for the elite boxers to the trials,”

“It is ridiculous for such

a thing to happen where as some of us (associations) made it our business and committed our time and effort to fly our boxers over to Goroka with our own funds,”

“NCDABA had the largest contingent consisting of 19 boxers and nine officials including our technical officials,”

“The bulk of NCD boxers were selected in the national train-on squad back in 2013 but the concept and the criteria used at the trials is uncalled for,” Kiap said.

“The boxers were told to put up their best performance and win to retain their place in the squad and they managed to handle it fairly well and win their bouts respectively.”

“Despite that two champion boxers, Alan Oeke (52kg) and Junior Kauka (56kg) who won all their bouts were ruled out for selection by the PNGBU executives, saying they were not selected due to disciplinary grounds.”

“How can this be so, the two boxers were implicated in separate incidents in 2013

pan, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China. The squad heading into camp is: Alice Alois, Augusta Livuana, Cassandra Sampson, Joanne Lagona, Trisila Rema, Freda Waula, Menda Ipat, Naomi Alapi, Kymlie Rapilla, Robyn Ravu, Michelle John, Carol Humue, Yarowina Morofa, Amelia Kuk, Dulcie Bomai, Heather Ario, Angela Parao, and Patricia Harricknen.

but were still allowed to participate at the trials and they proved their capabilities but at the end they were dropped and that’s a slap in the face for them.”

“I am totally in disrespect of the PNGBU executives as some of the decisions they are implementing are not in the best interest of the code,” he said.

“This is demoralising the level of the standards set,”

‘We need the best boxers to represent PNG at the Pacific Games and we have four months to go,” Kiap said.

The New Guinea Islands Confederate challenge will be held on March 7-8 in Kimbe. Following the challenges, the winning teams will participate at the PNGRFL Pacific Balance Funds 9’s tournament from March 13-15 in Lae

The teams already confirmed for the national tournament are the Queensland-based PNG Kokomos, Rovanama, Maopa Paio, Central Chiefs, Central Roosters and Wahgi Tumbe. The eight teams from the four Confederates will make the quota.

EYES on the bag ladies...the PNG Palais train-on squad sharpening their tackling skills.

NCDABA president and deputy city manager Honk Kiap

The most succesful rugby league player is Norm Provan, winning 10 grand finals with St George. The bottom

NSL picks up pace

BY JOE GURINA SOCCER

THE Telikom National Soccer League picks up pace with round five set to invigorate supporters in Port Moresby and Lae tomorrow.

In the nation’s capital, champions Hekari United meet a luckless FC Pom keen for a change of fortune in the opening match and then crowd pullers Madang take on Oro in the match of the day at Bomana.

While at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium, the local derby clash will be hotly contested between the inform Besta United and Lae City Dwellers.

Besta’s encouraging form of late should carry them through with their host of rising talent under the helm coaching supremo Bob Morris.

For champions Hekari they still haven’t shown that they are a class act and have

been frustratingly bogged down with goals hard to come by since playing at Bomana.

The flood-gates will open soon and FC Pom will have to be smart in their approach or else face a backlash.

FC Pom, minus Andrew Marampau, will likely call on former internationals Reginald Davani and Andrew Lepani to steady the ship.

Dangerous left-footer Niel Hans has provided the spark when given space but has yet to make his presence felt as with striker Felix Bondaluk.

The loss at the hands of Oro was sacrilege and despite facing the champions, FC Pom can surprise if a change of tactics for the better is applied.

This should provide a tasty appetiser for the main course between Oro and Madang.

Morobe Sevens interest

BY FRANKIY KAPIN RUGBY UNION

INTEREST for the 2015 Anitua Hardware and Bmobile

Vodafone Morobe Rugby Union Sevens has reached rural Bulolo as well as along the Markham plains.

13 teams have confirmed participation, with a further three anticipated to make the 16 team quota by tomorrow.

Tournament director Michael Muriki said there is K6000 in prize-money up for grabs at the SCRUM Oval.

“Starting this weekend for the next six weekends K1000 will be put up as prize-money,” he said.

Muriki says the return of the MRFU season after an abrupt season finish last year has been much talked about and has reached rural Morobe as well as Goroka and Madang.

Muriki said the intentions shown shows that there is a craving for the code in mainland Papua New Guinea.

He said the MRFU has taken into consideration the interest shown and is prepared to go the extra mile in taking aboard interested parties to participate as well to beef up the wealth of the code especially within the northern region.

HEKARI United’s David Muta controlling the ball in training. He will feature again in the midfield when they play FC Pom tomorrow at Bomana.

Netball taking shape

BY JOE GURINA NETBALL

THE Papua New Guinea Pepes have brought back former international Ravu Raula to compete for a spot in the final try-out camp being held at the FAPNG courts in Port Moresby.

Following this camp the train-on squad will be trimmed down to 20.

These are the 20 names that Netball PNG will give to the Justification Committee.

The team will train together and partake in the several lead-up matches organised in Fiji, Brisbane and possibly Singapore.

Netball PNG will then finalise the final 15 in May for the Pacific Games in July.

Pepes head coach Una Rok-

oura yesterday said the team had being boosted with the inclusion of former Pepes Raka Nope from the last camp and Raula to add experience and height to the team.

She said two Lae-based players in Herona Daera and Lydia Mathias are also part of the new crop being given a go as well. Rokoura also said there are plans in place, for the team to have lead-up training matches oversees.

“This training trip is a good opportunity for the girls to build their confidence and at the same time work from what they have learnt so far,” Rokoura said.

She said the squad at this stage is growing in confidence as they look towards taking on heavyweights Fiji and Samoa in the July fixture.

Abel eyes Pepes opportunity

BY JOE GURINA NETBALL

EIGHTEEN-year-old Courtney Abel is among 29 hopefuls eyeing a spot in the PNG Pepes team for the Pacific Games in July.

The leggy Milne Bay islander, daughter of National Planning Minister and MP for Alotau Charles Abel, says she is honoured and blessed to make it this far in the trainon squad.

The Queensland-based student has gained several achievements in her youthful netball career that has now unfolded into a possible Pepes opportunity.

“I started this netball craze when I was about five years old when I used tag along with my mum to the netball courts every weekend in Alotau,” she said.

“I grew up at the Alotau netball courts following my mum every weekend and that was where my interest in netball started growing,” she added. When asked who influenced her the most…she couldn’t go past her mum.

“My mum has been at the cornerstone of my career and I thank her for who I am today,” Abel said.

“I take nothing for granted and this is a huge step for me and that comes with a big responsibility to train hard to impress the selectors,” she added.

“I’m living my dream at the moment,” she added.

Abel was picked whilst representing the Alotau representative team at several regional tournaments.

She prefers the wing-defence but can also goal-attack if called upon.

COURTNEY Abel warms up.

PNG Pepes head coach Una Rokoura sweating it out with the team yesterday. Picture: MARK TALIA

TRAIN-on squad members taking a break from training.

Spike it it

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

THE Papua New Guinea beach-volleyball mens and women’s teams are in need of stiff competition to strengthen their cause for the forthcoming XV Pacific Games.

This Sunday starting at 1pm, the PNG Volleyball Federation (PNGVF) has opened the invitation to anyone who feels they can give their top players a shake. “Come down to Ela Beach courts and have a go,”

said PNGVF vice-president Kila Dick.

“Due to the lack of a variety of regular competition, we have decided to kick-start the interest with an open challenge. “Come down to the beach by 11am and see Alex Gima to register your team and pay a K10 fee per player and you will get a chance to play our national squad members,” he said.

Dick said that currently they have five men and five women

in the squad and will be looking to trim that down to two each for the Games.

“This competition will also allow selectors to gauge the player’s progress and provide a measure of their development so far,” he added.

He said the players have been to several overseas tournaments in Hong Kong and the Gold Coast, and have been training at the high performance centre.

“This competition should

shake some of the cobwebs to see if they have improved or not,” he added.

Dick said the squad had a competitive hit-out in Australia last month and the momentum has slackened off.

“I’m sure this one-day spectacle should invigorate things to get more interested people playing the game,” he added.

“Come and have a go it is open for anyone…come with one other to form a team,” he said.

PNG Amoa women’s representative Dai John spikes the ball during their recent tour to the Gold Coast last month.