Post Courier, Tuesday March 3, 2015

PISIMI MURDER TRIAL HITS FIRST

ONE MONTH TO FIND PROSECUTOR: PAGE 2

MORE BAD THAN GOOD: PAGE 4

COURT ORDERS VEHICLE SENT TO

CHEAP CARS PUT PRESSURE ON ROADS: PAGE 5

H’lands strife K8 million sought for disaster-hit provinces

BY SHIRLYN BELDEN

THE National Disaster Office is seeking K8 million in urgent relief assistance for Western Highlands and Jiwaka provinces which have been hit-hard by recent rain, floods and landslides which have killed seven people.

Acting director Martin Mose said yesterday his office was preparing a submission for the money from the Treasury Department for these two provinces although the “worst” seasonal rain had affected more than 10,000 people in the Highlands provinces since January.

He said the money was for relief and assistance to the people of the flood-ravaged villages in the provinces.

CONTINUED PAGE 2

Hunters on track to be competitive

THEHunters, on track to be the most popular and famous of all our sporting teams this year, are on their way to bigger things ahead of the Intrust Super Cup season kickoff. As minnows, although last weekend’s result against the defending champions in the trial match did not reflect this, we will be up against Queensland’s best.

Rugby league is an unpredictable game where there will be ups and downs. There will be moments of hunting glory and, yes, Hunters can expect to be humbled, chastened by better teams, even humiliated by less better teams.

As they prepare as a team for the season proper they have to come to terms with the reality that their era of greatness is knocking on the door to register on the horizon of success.

It takes team effort to open that door; that is what team sport is all about. When every member of a team clicks you get positive results.

The big question on the minds of Hunters followers is this: Will team effort persist for their team to end the reign of the champion teams now at the top of the Intrust Super Cup ladder?

The Hunters have the magic to win well this year – the era of their dominance could be just starting. Put a smile on your thousands of home supporters who, instead of being disillusioned and rush for the gates in the recent past, will remain to final whistle and celebration your glories at the end of matches.

This rugby league-mad nation has the unprecedented advantage of live, and delayed, coverage on national television. It is our prayer that Hunters’ viewers will be watching more ups than downs in Queensland this season, not a repeat of recent past instances where we were outplayed by a better team-working team.

To be at the grounds grandstand and savour what should be hard-fought victory for Hunters in their first game will be a highly privileged position.

In the PNG living rooms and clubs what else can be expected but to experience an atmosphere growing to a crescendo of controlled excitement?

A first win at the Intrust Super Cup outing is always course for celebration.

Only time will tell whether this is the best side yet by recent standards as the trial match last weekend attests to as the boys played some their best rugby league in a long time. Yes, these are early days but an ominous sign yet the Hunters seemed destined to enjoy a sustained period of success this season.

There must be an absolute team effort from the Hunters, we must show that we are superior to anything our opponents can offer.

Index

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Search for prosecutor delays Lae murder trial

BY FRANKIY KAPIN

THE Lae district committal court has given police until next month to provide an outside prosecutor to handle the murder case of Lae mother Moana Pisimi. Senior provincial magistrate, Jeremiah Singomat, set the new hearing date yesterday after Lae-based police prosecutor, Hove Genderiso, told court that an outside prosecutor would be brought to pursue the matter. A policeman has been charged with Pisimi’s

murder. Mr Genderiso told the court that all files on the part of the prosecution had been completed and a search was underway to find a neutral prosecutor from another province to hear the case.

The court was told that arrangement for the outside prosecutor had been relayed. The court had noted and was yet to receive the HandUp Brief (HUB), according to magistrate Singomat.

The defense counsel specified to the court that the defendant is out on a K2,500

National Court bail as well complying to set regulations in the bail application, including reporting to the Lae national court registry every Monday until the matter is determined.

The Lae Committal Court heard that the defendant did unlawfully and willfully murder Pisimi, contravening section 299 (1) (a) of the Criminal Code Act Chapter 262.

Detectives from Port Moresby investigated the high speed car chase across Lae on January 1 which

resulted in the shootingdeath of the woman driver Pisimi. Police Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki had ordered the investigation amid mounting pressure from relatives and claims among the Lae public that the pursuing police in the chase may have fired the fatal shot that killed Ms Pisimi.

The fatal chase started at Dragon Entertainment Centre on Markham Road and ended at Back Road where Ms Pisimi was found dead with gunshot wound at the back of her head.

Govt sends team to assess disaster

FROM PAGE 1

A WOMAN and six children, including four of her own, were swept away to their deaths by the Lel River in Jiwaka last Friday.

“People’s lives are most important and we are working to organise some funding for assistance and relief to these areas. We have been keeping close checks on the current situations happening around the country. We will be organising a request

as well to the Treasury Department as well for funding assistance,” Mr Mose said.

Rain and the resulting floods in the past month had damaged homes along banks of rivers, claimed livestock, swept away food gardens and destroyed roads, including parts of Highlands Highway.

Mr Mose described the situation there as “severe”, adding it was the worst disaster caused by the monsoon

compared with last year.

As PNG is experiencing the peak of the monsoon season heavy rain had caused flood and land slips in many province with the Western Highlands and Jiwaka being the worst affected, he added.

Mr Mose said a disaster relief team was sent to the affected areas in both provinces last week and had returned with a report which prompted him to seek urgent Government

assistance. Funds must be released immediately because many lives were at stake, he said.

Mr Mose also confirmed a hail storm at Kainantu district’s Kompri Valley, Eastern Highlands Province, last week where K350,000 was released by the National Disaster office to assist the people there. There was another hail storm last week in Mt Hagen which damaged villagers’ gardens and homes.

If your skin comes in contact with flood water, make sure to wash it with soap and disinfected water because the contents are unknown.

RAIN STOPS CLASSES

Police nab Bulolo rape suspects

BY FRANKIY KAPIN

FIVE youths have been arrested and charged with the rape of a 50-year-old woman and attempted murder of a village chief in Bulolo district of Morobe Province.

One of the suspects was arrested last Tuesday and appeared briefly at the Lae District Court on Thursday with the cased adjourned to March 22.

The other four will appear in court on Thursday after police complete their arrest files by tomorrow, according to Mumeng police station commander Senior Sergeant Paul Dana.

Sergeant Dana confirmed yesterday that all, but one,

The bottom line

At a glance

YOUTHS ARRESTED: FIVE youths have been arrested and charged with the rape of a 50year-old woman and attempted murder of a village chief in Bulolo district of Morobe Province. Local MP Sam Basil maintains his call for police to uphold law in the electorate.

suspects were arrested the police. The lone suspect voluntarily surrendered with the help of community leaders. He said all were from Kamox village, Kumalu River in Mumeng Local Level Government in Bulolo district who will be charged

by Wednesday upon completion of the arresting files. Meanwhile, Bulolo MP and deputy Opposition Leader Sam Basil, who had been vocal on the issue, maintained his earlier warning to police officers in his district not to compromise their duty.

Mr Basil said he has discussed this with Police Commissioner Geoffrery Vaki who had agreed to rehabilitate police ethics in the district.

He said his call last Tuesday for arrests to be made came within seven days of his deadline; the swift police reaction prevented the involvement of outside officers to assist.

PPC Ambane said his men

would only deal with law and order issues so all other claims, including compensation, were outside police jurisdiction. Relatives and clansmen of the victims are claiming total compensation of K345,000 for three related incidents; K250,000 for the chief, K75,000 for the rape victim and K20,000 for the attempt rape of two school girls.

District administrator Tae Guambalek had said that claims of compensation would be discussed amicably among all parties, including the government. But the Morobe Provincial Government had stressed that it did not tolerate compensation claims.

SNUBBED

HEARD a government minister snubbed the first harvest of a Central Province rice project. He wasn’t convinced of the crop’s potential. PNG spends K700 million annually on rice imports.

THELINK

IS THERE a link between our story on the increasing fascination with penis enhancements and PNG being the planet’s most porn obsessed state? Researchers might want to check it out.

HEAVENS

PORT Moresby’s weather isn’t making it any easier for Pacific Games contractors. They have been given until May/June to complete the sports amenities but the heavens continue to open.

21 PAGES

THE new company tax returns effective as of February 16, 2015 is now 21 pages. The costs of photocopying alone will drive them to the cleaners.

NO DUCK

THE United Kingdombased Kumul player Paul Aiton finally broke his duck! He scored his maiden try in the UK Super League on Sunday after 23 appearances for the Leeds

Rhinos.

BRUTAL

THE Indonesian military has warned its soldiers against using social media, reports newspaper Jakarta Post. Is it because they’ve been posting images of their brutality on social media?

GRAFFITI

THE new Koki market in the national capital is already spotting graffiti on its brick walls less than a month after its opening. Some idiot must have run out of paper to express themselves.

TRAINING

HAS the RPNGC top brass handed over command of the Bomana Police College to the AFP? The active involvement of the Aussies in cadets’ training is raising eyebrows.

CHECK-UP

WHEN was the last time you went for a full medical checkup? A lot of Papua New Guineans are dying in their prime. A medical check-up can save your life.

ABEL TOPS

TOP marks to the National Planning Minister and Alotau MP Charles Abel. His frequent Facebook posts on his tour of the electorate is keeping Alotau citizens educated and informed.

NOT a good sign for motorists in the East Sepik Province. This is the road to the PNGDF-owned Moem Barracks. Is this a National Government or provincial government responsibility?

PENGEE: thedrum@spp.com.pg

Every two minutes, someone in the US is sexually assaulted, and 60 per cent of sexual assaults are unreported to the police.

MOEM WOES

MANY schools in the nation’s capital had to send children home yesterday due to rain. Seen here are Wardstrip Demonstration School students hurrying back home after turning up for classes. Picture: KENNEDY BANI

Morobe ready for new system

BY MELISHA YAFOI

THE standard-based education (SBE) curriculum will replace the outcome-based education (OBE) system in all elementary schools across the country.

This was announced during the closing of two weeks training of trainer’s workshop last Friday in Lae attended by elementary teachers from Morobe Province.

Morobe provincial team leader for standard-based program in Lae, Haring Qoreka said the Government had seen that OBE was not precisely clear for children learning at early ages.

Mr Qoreka said the SBE will now set the standard for all elementary children with their learning.

He said SBE will increase the level of English language for all elementary students so all the schools will now use English as the mode of learning.

“This program will help the children to think deep and utilise the resources that they have in the classrooms as well as the curriculum will enable the students to understand their culture and community especially their way of life, environment conservation, health and hygiene and nutrition components including sports,” Mr Qoreka said.

He said there was a big change seen in the teachers who have undergone the training which shows that this new curriculum will improve the children’s academic level at an early age and Morobe Province will have a promising future.

These teachers will now become trainers when they return to their districts to implement the new strategy among the 23 clusters and train other teachers to understand the curriculum, he said.

“We are asking every teacher to take ownership of the program by allowing more trainings to eventuate,” he said.

New intakes register at UPNG

BY LAMECH JINIMBO

NEW intakes at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) begin their registration yesterday despite the wet weather while some are yet to arrive on campus.

The registration is held at the main lecture theatre where the university accounts department sorted out the new intakes school fees and issued registration forms to the students to prepare them for their registration and orientation.

VOCO POINT FUN

Penis enlargement a myth, says doctor

BY HAIVETA KIVIA

THE do-it-yourself penile enlargements practised by men and boys in Morobe Province are all going wrong and cannot be corrected or reversed medically, says a medical practitioner in Lae. The doctor, who wished to remain anonymous because he runs a private medical practice, said yesterday the side effects of the procedures were worrying and he wanted the Health Department to dispel the myth that large penises would lead to good sex life.

He said many men, as well as teenagers of about 16, had presented themselves at his clinics to correct deformi-

MEDICAL DOCTOR Lae

ties and sores to their sex organs as a result of injecting themselves with products such as silicones, cobra oil and even cooking oil. A check with many public health facilities in Lae revealed instances of men seeking treatment to correct or reverse their do-ityourself treatments which had gone horribly wrong.

A rural health centre in the province reported village men and government station workers inquiring about penile enlargement procedures and the options available to them if anything went wrong. The doctor said some would-be patients had developed abnormally huge manhood with deformities, inflammations and some had developed sores while others had complained about painful sex.

A research by the PNG Sexual Health Society showed that many PNG men and boys who had injected themselves with oil-based penis enlargement substances were seeking or

requesting corrective surgery.

But, the doctor in Lae stated that corrective surgery could not be performed and it was dangerous.

Another research, done by a university in Australia for PNG showed that penises of many men who had the injections had become fibrosis, meaning the sex organs were abnormally stiff and could not function normally.

Many men were also inserting foreign objects such as toothbrush handles, rice plastics, ball bearings, cup handles and clothes zippers into their penises to enhance the size of their manhood.

Most of the new intakes from Mamose and New Guinea Islands arrived last weekend have already been given rooms according to a pre-allocation of room list that was put up for the new intakes.

However, continuing students are to start registration on March 9 which is next week but a handful of continuing students only with full payments of tuition fees also got themselves registered for the academic year since the pre-registration last week, but many are yet to arrive from their home provinces.

Moreover, many of the continuing students are yet to pay their school fees.

According to sources, many of the continuing students seemed to delay payments which most of the time lengthens the registration process past the set due date.

The source said that they always urge students to payup their fees before arriving on campus as it is always on their acceptance letters that are sent out to them.

And when students seem to delay payments it slows the registration process and the administration sometimes gives students grace periods for late registrations.

The source said they hope that this year’s registration will flow smooth without any delays and urged new intakes and the continuing students to work together for a smooth start.

YOUNGSTERS hanging out on a rusting vessel at Voco Point in Lae, Morobe Province. The country’s second biggest city is not strong on recreational facilities - both natural and man-made - for residents. But these youngsters don’t seem to mind. For them, a rusting vessel could be more fun than a proper playground.

Men fall asleep after sex because their brain is flooded with seretonin, a hormone that makes them sleepy. Women are opposite.

Many men had come asking for me to fix the deformities...

Court sends ‘old bomb’ to the wrecker

BY TODAGIA KELOLA

PAPUA New Guineans are buying up vehicles like never before but the road network cannot cater for them all.

Complicating matters was that many belonged to the junkyards but still roamed our roads unchecked.

The National Government was doing its bit by pumping millions of kina for road extensions and road but everyone must play their role to make roads safer for the community and this must include the police, municipal authorities and the courts.

That’s the word of advice from a district court in Western Province when ordering a vehicle off the road to be crushed for recycling.

The Tabubil District Court, presided over by senior magistrate Patrick Monouluk, was handing down a ruling on an ex-parte application by police to forfeit a motor vehicle and to have it destroyed. The reasons were that the vehicle was unroadworthy and presented a risk to other motorists, passengers and pedestrians when driven on public roads. Furthermore, the vehicle was environmentally unsound.

The vehicle, a Toyota Land-

Cruiser pick-up, was seen being driven on Dakon Road, next to Ela Motors in Tabubil, giving off excessive exhaust smoke and loaded with men and women, the court heard. Not only that, the vehicle had an appearance of a tired, old beaten-up machine that somehow managed to find its way onto public roads.

Further, checks on the vehicle revealed that it was unregistered, uninsured and had no certificate of road worthiness.

Magistrate Monouluk ruled:

“Far too many pang pang vehicles, or half-cast, mixed race vehicles of confusing description are still allowed on our roads with no concern at all from our police and municipal authorities.

“We do not have to go far to see what is happening in the National Capital District, Lae, Mt Hagen. We must free our congested roads from these vehicles and at the same time make sure that vehicles that are potentially dangerous to other road users and wreak havoc to our environment must stay off our roads.

“We have to start respecting and honouring our towns and cities by cleaning and freeing up our roads, starting in Tabubil, one town at a time.”

SP GAMES SCULPTURE

Concerns over games facilities

THERE is a lot of concerns raised by citizens on the construction of the South Pacific Games facilities.

Many of them said the facilities would not be completed on time.

Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko has assured that the facilities would be completed and used by local athletes well before the games, but some citizens doubt that.

A concerned Port Moresby resident Meck Kessa told Post-Courier yesterday that from his observation, the facilities were still far from completion.

“I seriously do not think these facilities will be ready because from the way I see them, the facilities, such as the one at Taurama, still needs a lot of work. I won’t be surprised if one part of the facility is used and the other part is still under construction during the games. It will be a total disgrace,” Mr Kessa said. He said other facilities at Konedobu Stadium and Port Moresby Rugby League were also way behind schedule and called on the minister to again assure the public that these facilities would be completed on time.

“We the people can not be made to assume that the facilities would be ready when we can see for ourselves that they still require more time to complete.

“It would be a total disgrace if we host the games on half built facilities.”

Scholarship support to tertiary students increases

BY SHARON LOWA

THERE is a marked increase in the scholarships support to students in tertiary institutions this year, compared to 2014.

The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology is providing

The bottom line

scholarship support for over 5600 new students, in addition to scholarships for nearly 6200 continuing students.

Acting secretary of the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology David Kavanamur said once the final count was completed, the

department was expected to provide scholarships for over 13,000 students studying in all tertiary institutions, an increase of 21 per cent from last year.

Speaking during the opening of the academic year at Kabaleo Teachers College, he said, the O’Neill-Dion Govern-

ment was committed to providing free basic education and free health services. He said these policies basically aimed to improve Papua New Guinea’s position on Human Development Index and lifespan.

According to Mr Kavanamur, only 2 to 3 per cent of col-

lege age population (between 18-25 years inclusive) of the total students in Papua New Guinea is being absorbed into tertiary institutions.

He said to reach a middle income country status, about 15 per cent of the college age population needed to be absorbed into tertiary institu-

tions. The first pillar of the Vision 2050 acknowledges the country’s critical need for sufficient and quality human development to manage the PNG’s economy to future prosperity and social security ensure to achieve future economic and social prosperity and environmental security.

ONE of the sculptures erected in the nation’s capital in preparation for the 2015 South Pacific Games to take place in July. Picture: KENNEDY BANI

Rheeney heads council

THE Papua New Guinea Media Council (MCPNG) has announced the appointment of new executives to lead the organisation forward.

Members of the council held the annual general meeting last Friday at the Institute of National Affairs (INA) office in Port Moresby. The election of new office bearers was the last agenda item which the Council members discussed and voted on.

Media organisations present at the meeting included the Post-Courier, the National Broadcasting Commission, EMTV, FM100, PNGFM, Wantok Nius Pepa and associate members, the Media Partners and CIS Media.

The Sunday Chronicle sent its apologies. The new executives are: Post-Courier editor Alexander Rheeney (president), the National Broadcasting Commission’s Janet Kwalahu (vice president), Adrian Au from PNGFM (treasurer) and Frieda Kana from the Wantok newspaper (secretary).

The council is currently run by a skeleton staff out of the INA and has been inactive over the last two years after donors pulled funding following fraud concerns during the tenure of the previous executive.

However, two independent audit investigations did not find instances of fraud and instead made recommendations for the Council to strengthen weaknesses in its governance and tightening up of its financial management systems.

The AGM discussed the reports of the two independent audit investigations and

At a glance

ANNOUNCEMENT: (MCPNG) has announced the appointment of new executives to lead the organisation forward.

MEDIA ORGANISATIONS: Present at the meeting included the Post-Courier, the National Broadcasting Commission, EMTV, FM100, PNGFM, Wantok Nius Pepa and associate members, the Media Partners and CIS Media.

noted their findings last Friday.

Speaking after the appointment of the new executives, MCPNG members expressed the need for the organisation to move forward. These would include a return to core its responsibilities of being a mouthpiece for the PNG media industry and working with partners including donors to improve journalism standards.

Mr Rheeney, while thanking the members for having faith in him, said a lot of work needs to be done to bring back confidence of Papua New Guineans as well as media industry representatives in the council.

“We need to work together to restore and get the council back up and running, there is a need for collaboration between council members.

“The media landscape in Papua New Guinea has evolved and we need to take stock of those changes,” he said.

Setting up a fully functioning MCPNG secretariat is the first task for the executives when they meet later this week.

East Sepik govt assures tertiary students

BY NELLIE SETEPANO

MORE than 1000 students from East Sepik Province have been assured by their provincial government that K2.7 million in total subsidy fees will be paid to 48 institutions this year as sponsorship.

This is the very first time the provincial government through the leadership of Governor Sir Michael Somare has approved sponsorship for 1,105 students. These students will be attending 48 different institutions this year.

The K2.7 million will cover students under the government sponsorship as well and will go a long way to ease burden off the student-parent component of the fees.

In the break up, a student attending a university will be paid just over a K5,000 and K2,000 will be placed as blanket rate for other institutions such as colleges.

East Sepik Tertiary Students

Union president Newton Savi, who is delivering guarantee letters to various institutions this week, told the PostCourier from Lae yesterday that he was hopeful the guarantee letters would allow students to register for studies.

Students listed on the letter have been sponsored by the provincial government.

A guarantee letter is an open letter by a sponsor, especially a politician, notifying institutions that particular students were under sponsorship and that subsidy fees would be paid at a later date.

Mr Savi said this initiative was the first of its kind for that province.

Maru snubs farm’s rice harvest but praises venture

BY ISAAC NICHOLAS

MINISTER for Commerce,

Trade and Industry Richard

Maru yesterday snubbed attendance of the first pilot rice project harvest in Gabadi, Central Province.

He warned that it was too

early to celebrate and give false hope for the commercialisation of rice in the country although the government will support commercial rice productions through the SME initiative using small farmers to cut down the K700 million rice

import bill every year.

Mr Maru however, congratulated Village Garden Limited, a company from the Philippines, that piloted the super hybrid rice project, with the first harvest yesterday.

He told a brief media

conference that more tests were needed before the Government could say that the Philippines hybrid rice planted at Gabadi was the most suitable for commercial production in PNG.

“I was at the launch a couple of months ago and I said

then and I will say it again and caution the country and the Government that at this stage we cannot get too excited about the Gabadi rice project, because it is really a pilot project to test the new hybrid rice that came out from the Philippines.”

“My message to Village Garden is that this is not the time to beat your chest and make big song and dance, you haven’t yet proven to this country that this rice is scientifically suitable, technically suitable and commercially suitable.”

Stokes: Lack of skills stalls growth

LACK of skilled people is a key constraint to doing and growing business in PNG, according to representatives of PNG businesses and peak business bodies.

However, to help fill these human resource gaps in PNG, the Australian Government is using its Australia Awards and the Australian Pacific Technical College to give opportunities to Papua New Guineans to achieve their business development goals.

In her address to Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association National Capital District career fair and alumni event, Australian High Commissioner to PNG Deborah Stokes said such event demonstrates the strong demand by job seekers for information and by business keen to get the best

workers. The PNG Australia Alumni Association (PNG Triple A) is almost 10 years old. Formed in 2006, it gives Papua New Guineans who have studied in Australia, a forum to discuss PNG’s development issues and opportunities and to share ideas.

It is also an important ongoing forum for networking and provides professional development opportunities for its members. Ms Stokes acknowledged

the return of the 88 Australia Awards scholars from 2014 that are now reconnecting with their professional and personal lives back in PNG.

“This is an exciting and challenging experience as returning awardees work to pass on their increased knowledge to achieve their goals for organisational and personal development,” she said.

The Australian Government supports the Australia Awards PNG Facility and the PNG Triple A to provide a range of services to support awardee reintegration goals, including support for those seeking employment.

This includes PNGAAA’s support to this career fair which involves around 20 employer and education providers seeking new and dynamic staff to

complement their business development goals.

Each year, the Australian government provides around 150 scholarships to Papua New Guineans to undertake tertiary studies in Australia.

“We also provide around 500 scholarships for Papua New Guineans to study at health and education institutions across PNG, helping to meet the country’s essential services’ workforce gaps.

“Australia is keen to support businesses throughout PNG so we have made a concerted effort to ensure that Papua New Guineans from provincial areas are included in these numbers,” she said.

She said in 2014, around 49 per cent of Australia awards were provided to people living and working in provinces.

POST-COURIER editor Alexander Rheeney (president)

This is an exciting and challenging experience.....

DEBORAH STOKES Australia

Library initiative to motivate students Disaster chief calls for govt support

BY JOE GURINA

THE Central Province education division has completed a week-long workshop on the newly initiated classroom library project.

Education Department’s first secretary for standards and curriculum, Titus Hatagen, said the classroom library was an initiative of the Education Department to better the learning of students through reading a lot of books.

The workshop involved district officers, standard officers and head teachers from the province.

Mr Hatagen said the project was vital to complement the new curriculum in place. He said because the current academic level was low, the classroom library initiative would help motivate students’ learning capability.

The workshop described the potential of having a better library facility for schools in a stand-alone format and have the facility built in a more conducive environment for children’s learning.

Allen cancels National Land Board meeting

LANDS and Physical Planning Minister Benny Allen has cancelled the first National Land Board meeting for this year from considering new applications. He however, allowed the board to consider only the renewal of State lease applications due to high irregularities found in the 2015 National Gazette which was put forward to the National Land Board for deliberation.

“I had directed the chairman of the board to withdraw all new applications and deal with the renewal of applications only because

At a glance

EXCEPTION: Lands and Physical Planning Minister, Benny Allen allowed the board to consider only the renewal of State lease applications.

REASON: High irregularities found in the 2015 National Gazette which was put forward to the National Land Board for deliberation.

PROVINCIAL MATTER: Many items listed were from provinces that already had provincial land boards and should be deliberated at the provincial level.

there is inconsistency in the manner in which applicants were listed for the land board hearing,” he said.

Mr Allen has directed the Lands Secretary, Romilly Kila Pat, to explain why sin-

gle applicants were applying for more than one vacant land rather competing with a variety of applicants.

“I’m questioning the manner in which there is only one applicant found in all

land applications,” Mr Allen said. “There should be more Papua New Guineans applying for the same piece of land rather than a single applicant which defeats the whole purpose of the National Land Board meeting.” He also noted in the National Gazette that many items listed were from provinces that already had provincial land boards and should be deliberated at the provincial level.

“Why not provincial land boards deliberate on these applications? What’s the use, we need to give the provin-

BY SHIRLYN BELDEN

THE head of the disaster office says disaster relief should be a political responsibility where all government departments must cooperate to effectively satisfy any disaster emergency.

Speaking to the PostCourier yesterday, National Disaster Office director Martin Mose said natural or man-made disasters affect all aspects of human lives, which different government departments are a part of.

Mr Mose encouraged all government departments to work together and assist those affected.

He spoke in the light of the recent flood and landslides in the Highlands region where a mother and six children of Polga village in Jiwaka Province, were swept away when the Lel River burst its banks last Friday.

“There has to be a combined efforts to address disasters and emergencies around the country. A wholesome government approach is the way to go,” he said.

Mr Mose said there was a shortage of resources and lack of capacity in disaster offices in several provinces, which political leadership must take the lead to address.

cial land boards something to do rather than deliberating provincial land matters at the national level.

“What’s the use of establishing provincial land board if we have not given them the opportunity to make decision at the provincial level.

“I said cancel the land board meeting and put it on hold until we sort out the problems associated with this,” Mr Allen said. He said the decision he took may not go down well with those who spent time and resources to attend the land board meeting.

“We can only coordinate disaster and emergency works on the ground but political leadership and responsibility must take precedence on this cause.

“Provincial leaders must also take the responsibility to afford assistance in their provinces,” Mr Mose said. As rivers flow, tiny stones flow with it, eroding the banks. This causes the river to expand in width and sometimes forms gorges.

Sometimes there is excess water absorbed in the banks and the mud becomes loose due to trees being cut down so their roots can’t hold the mud together, causing the banks to burst.

PARTICIPANTS during the workshop in Port Moresby last week

A woman’s heart organ enlarges while she is pregnant. It works harder and beats at a more rapid pace due to increased blood volume.

The bottom line

Deferral worries student lawyers

BY SAMUEL RAITANO

NEW lawyers from the Legal Training Institute have raised concerns on the deferral of their admission to the bar from last Friday to March 6.

Some of them told the PostCourier that the deferral had affected their plans and had caused travel difficulties for friends and relatives who travelled to Port Moresby last week expecting the event to take place then.

It was said that most of the files belonging to the candidates were not ready to be given to the court registry, resulting in the deferral.

Last week, sources from the Legal Training Institute said they were busy sorting out the files so that admission could take place this Friday.

It is understood that the deferral was to ensure all files were in order before the admissions were done.

Health centre reports 132 HIV cases

BY MICHAEL KOMA

A RECORD 132 HIV-positive cases have been reported in Chimbu’s Chuave district.

Health workers at the new Chuave district hospital told the Post-Courier on Friday that 1300 blood samples were collected from people coming in for medical treatment for various ailments and 132 were confirmed as HIV-positive.

District health officer Haimann Pean and the district disease control officer Andrew Kumunar said the figure included those tested at the district’s health centres at Movie, Wangoi and Monono on top of the majority at the main health facility in Chuave station.

The two men said the tests were done with HIV testing kits supplied by the Health Department on people, especially patients, on voluntary basis. Three women who went to antenatal clinics tested HIV-positive and were admitted to the Kundiawa General Hospital for delivery.

One succumbed to the virus while the other two were placed on ART drugs treatment. The rest of the people living with HIV/AIDS were also supplied with ART drugs.

Hearing on Maladina’s bail conditions tomorrow

BY SAMUEL RAITANO

FORMER

National Provident Fund (NPF) chairman Jimmy

Maladina will appear in the National Court tomorrow to have changes made to his bail conditions.

The bail variation hearing

stems from Maladina’s repatriation from Australia more than a decade ago following controversies in the NPF. Following his escape to Australia during the inquiry into the NPF saga, Mr Maladina was given conditions to abide by when he was brought back

to PNG. However, the inquiry into the NPF was never made public although it was said to have been completed.

Yesterday, Mr Maladina was seen in court to have his matter heard.

However, the matter was adjourned as his lawyer wasn’t

ready for the submission.

The State had indicated that it was ready for the hearing.

It is understood that it has taken so long for the matter to be heard and put to rest.

The inquiry into the NPF saga has other individuals also implicated but no action

has been taken so far and the topic has grown cold over the years.

The bail variation hearing in the criminal court will be presided over by Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika.

Parliament clerk faces tribunal

BY SAMUEL RAITANO

CLERK of the National Parliament Vela Konivaro

is expected to appear for Leadership Tribunal hearing at Waigani Court house today.

Mr Konivaro was referred to stand at the tribunal on allegations of abusing parliamentary privileges.

His matter was listed yesterday but was adjourned to today because the public prosecutor was not present, as his office was unaware of the hearing date.

The National Executive Council had referred Konivaro for allegedly breaching the Leadership Code.

It is understood that the office of the Public Prosecutor will give its side of the story on the allegations against the accused.

The matter will be heard before a three-men bench.

CHUAVE hospital staff, including the district health officer Haimann Pean (centre) in front of the district hospital

Highway in more strife

BY JEFFREY ELAPA

THE Hela –Southern Highlands section of the Highlands highway has been cut-off after a 45 years old culvert was washed away in a recent flooding at Iombi in the Imbongu district.

The wash – away has also caused the death of one passenger in one of the three vehicles that flung 15 meters into the creek after the section of the road was carried away.

Ialibu Basin LLG president Robert Dopo said that a huge rainfall at the source of the Kopitne creek on Friday cause a huge flood after the culvert built in 1970 was blocked by debris over the years.

He said the pressure of the flooding washed away the culvert and cutting off the entire section of the highway around 12 pm last Friday.

He said the flooding further caused destruction down creed in which many domesticated animals, two walkabout sawmills, food gardens, houses and pandanus nut trees were washed away.

He said another culvert some meters to the main Iombi village some meters down creek was half washed away and the total damages would be estimated to be around K300,000. Police officers constables Ato Pima and Steven Kenneth who arrived at

the scene few minutes later three of the vehicles flung into the deep fall said 15 people received minor injuries while a woman passenger in one of the vehicles travelling from Mendi died later after they were transported to the Kaupena health centre. The three badly damaged vehicles were pulled out by locals.

Locals blamed the department of Works in Mendi for neglecting its duty to clear up the blockage after they informed them on several occasion.

They said one several occasion, they managed to inform the department of Works in Mendi that a huge lake was forming after debris such as logs continuously blocking the culvert to allow free flow of water.

Eastern-end works project engineer

Timothy Tikipiye who was monitoring the situation said the department of Works was prepared to put a new culvert and fix the road but it would take about two weeks to allow normal flow of traffic.

He said almost eight meters of the road was washed away and has creek a fall of about 15 meters deep and would cost around K1 million to fix the road. Meanwhile locals who met with Mr Tikipiye said that they will allow works to fix the road but the department needs to pay some compensation.

ONE of the three vehicles that plunged into the space of the washed culvert.

Quick thoughts

THUMBS UP TO PM

Our Prime Minister has brought a high level of energy and enthusiasm into PNG’s political arena by addressing major issues affecting our nation since independence. His assurance to the nation over the weekend in Kundiawa, Chimbu Province, that the Highlands Highway would truly become a functional highway after years of negligence is a relief to the nation. This highway is the economic lifeline of the nation given the major hydrocarbon, minerals and agricultural projects and a very large population it serves. Our nation’s prosperity depends very much on the quality and scale of development of our human resource capacity, public infrastructure and national energy network. The Highlands region constitutes a mass geographical area endowed with abundant hydrocarbon and mineral deposits and is host to a wide range of small to large scale economic activities covering both agriculture and extractive sectors. The key gas and oil fields, which supply feed gas to the PNG LNG Project, are located in the central highlands and the Highlands Highway. It is fitting that this key national infrastructure has been finally recognised for the role it plays in our economy and our country.

PM O’Neill and Works Minister Francis Awesa must be commended for genuinely addressing national road infrastructure issues right across this nation.

K Koya

COME ON, PPL

There were a lot of power black outs reported in parts of NCD this year. Morata is now divided in two; half of the population have been without power for almost two weeks while the other half of the population has access to power. There is little or no sign of PNG Power trying to rectify the problem. Calls have fallen on deaf ears. Come on PNG Power… do something about these blackouts as it is affecting us badly.

Yamo Pita

Looking for someone?

WE WISH to contact Harold V Quinton, an accountant who lived in PNG in the 1970s and 1980s. Last known address: 82 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, Australia.

Harold Quinton or his family members can call MTSL and ask for Isaac McNerbai on +675 3210879 or 675 76557729. Thank you.

Isaac McNerbai

Free education dilemma

THE O’Neill-Dion government has spent millions of kina to provide free education to the people of Papua New Guinea. When more and more people get educated, it will cut down cost incurred by socioeconomic issues like theft, damage caused to properties, law and order issues, prostitution, and many more, which are related mainly to uncivilised acts caused by uneducated people trying to sustain their living. However, there will be increased spending by government to renovate buildings and classrooms, build new ones, buy more desks, books, and all the necessary school facilities to cater for the increasing number of children attending schools.

On the advantages, free education will have an increased income effect on all Papua New Guineans. This is primarily due to the fact that one of the main expenditure a family is paying for is children’s education. By totally eliminating this expenditure, money normally spent on school fee will be diverted to food, clothing and other basic necessities. The “trade-off” for this is increasing laziness, leading to decrease in production. Consider a scenario where a family’s main source of income depends on vegetable produce. One incentive for the family to work harder is to pay for their children’s education. When this burden is reduced by government, they fall into lazy hab-

its thinking that they won’t have to work that hard because the government has taken care of their problem.

Overall, this decline leads to a decrease in the country’s production, whether it be in agriculture or other sectors.

It’s bad news that only about 2 per cent of Grade 12 students made it to tertiary institutions. The good thing is that about thousands of children completed Grade 12 and graduated with a higher education certificate. Corrective actions should be taken to keep the system on track.

Nankegure Kimpre Henganofi

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

– Editor

Vote good, selfless leaders

PNG needs good and selfless leaders.

Voting in good and selfless leaders into Parliament and as LLG presidents into district chambers have always been a problem. It has always been madness for people during the national and LLG elections because that is the time when most rural and urban people see a lot of money and food around villages and towns. That is the time also when most decent people in societies go nuts by putting their “bellies” before their “head” in making choices of a leader.

In 2012, nearly 3000 plus candidates contested for open and regional seats for a 111 seat Parliament House. Almost three years on, some of our MPs have been referred to leadership tribunals and a few have been jailed because of misconducts, fraud, corruption and abuse of the offices they held.

Leaders must understand that they were elected by their people to serve the interests of their people and districts. They must also accept responsibility for their misconducts and abuse of trust of their people. For every action taken there are consequences. God gave us the will power within our souls to make decisions and choices.

Our people must understand that when we cast our votes to elect a leader, it is our absolute right. It is our privilege and our power. Our identity, destiny and inheritance were in those votes. If we gave vote to a thief, a drunkard, a womaniser, a crook, a morally corrupt person, we were in actual fact identifying, supporting and empowering that character to lead us. How can we get rid of this kind of leadership?

Edmund Burke once said: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

The future of this nation and its generation is in our hands. We must vote in people with good leadership

Victims come from all ages... Victims come from all ages...

US Ambassador Walter North on the US embassy’s informative US Ambassador Walter North on the US informative discussion on internet-based financial scams on scams.

Text us on 208

qualities to lead. We should look for leaders with good attitudes, good marriage and life style. A good leader is one who has a proven track record of sacrificial services to the people. A good leader is one who lives with the people and has a close association with them. A good leader is one who is humble and has a generous disposition. A good leader is the one who manages his family, finances and others well.

A good leader is honest, trustworthy, hard working person with integrity. A good leader is a person with honest character and has no records of mismanagement of public funds. A leader must have good management and leadership skills. A good leader will have a long term vision and goals for the people. A moving leader will pick us up and take us to our destination. We need good leaders to take this country forward. May God bless PNG.

BK Dara Baimuru, Gulf

Internet porn search does not tell all

THE report by ABC (and media in the country) which said Papua New Guinea was listed as the most pornography-obsessed country in the world according to Google Trends does not mean PNG is that bad compared to other countries.

It was indicated that the percentage of searches in PNG for the word “porn” or “pornography” was the greatest compared to other countries.

At first glance, this information is damning and makes our country look bad. However, the word percentage implies it is a fraction out of the number of users in the country – it does not say how many, as in giving a number.

Statistically speaking, the percentage may not be truly representative

of all citizens in the country.

When you think about it, a small percentage of the 8 million or so people in PNG have access to internet technology and therefore the number of people doing porn searches could be less than those in Australia or USA.

There could be more people in Australia and USA doing porn searches than PNG, however, percentage-wise, theirs could be smaller when compared to their 23 million and 318 million populations respectively.

We must be mindful that statistics can be made to say anything – and therefore should be questioned.

On the other hand, the PNG population is not only composed of indigenous Melanesians, there are

PROBE USE OF FUNDS

Can Kagua-Erave MP James Lagea explain to the people of Kagua-Erave how the PSIP/DSIP funds were spent over the last two years? It’s time the Kagua-Erave electorate accounts be investigated. For the last two terms during Mr Lagea’s reign, there were no new developments taking place in the district. Roads are going from bad to worse, school buildings are deteriorating, aid posts are closed, and people in the villages are struggling. Enough is enough. Can responsible authorities investigate the use of the funds?

Amenaii

NO REASON FOR PAUSE

and save money. We are now into the end of the first quarter of this year, and we have yet to hear from schools in West Sepik whether they have received the TFF kit. I am concerned because I was asking my daughter the other day whether she had received her kit, and she answered not yet. I have a feeling that the project may fail again like the previous contract that was awarded to the same company. Can someone who is engaged in the distribution of the TFF or provincial education office throw some light on this?

Concerned Parent

TRULY PNG?

people from other countries working and living here, including those from Australia and USA (as well as tourists visiting) and would have been part of the “percentage” doing the searches.

Google Trends possibly only registers searches done using Google’s search engine and not others (Bing, Yahoo or Ask) which may be used more by people from other countries.

Also, if people in other countries go into certain sites and use links there to go to other sites, I doubt Google Trends has any knowledge of those statistics.

So, beware, do not just believe any statistic given.

I Taught Stats

Port Moresby

While the debate on legalising prostitution is on, I see no reason why it can’t be legalised when almost half of the population of this country don’t go to church. And yet we claim ourselves as a Christian country. The recent signed covenant by Somare with Israel is a blanket covering the real wolves inside. If we are truly a Christian country then why do we have corruption, murders, rapes, stealing, and the list goes on. If the government can legalise death penalty then why not prostitution? It is not the country which God will allow to enter into his kingdom when the last days come, it’s the individuals.

Anonymous Reader

TFF KIT DELAY

I was among the parents who witnessed the launching of the TFF in Vanimo Primary School. We were happy and appreciated what the Government was doing. However, one thing that really concerns me is the lucrative contract it gave to this particular firm to distribute and deliver the project, which is a waste of money. Why can’t the government use its current network to deliver the project? I am sure we can deliver with limited resources

Westpac’s ad “We’re for PNG and for the future” does not sit well with me. I had my account with Westpac and since the only branch in Western Province was in Tabubil, I used to travel up from Kiunga. It costs K25 one way. My account was suddenly frozen without my knowledge. After enquiring, I was told that they did it upon request from my former employer. I owe my former employer nothing. I had to travel back and forth several times and eventually, after six weeks, I had my account restored with an apology from the Tabubil branch bank manager. I am now using BSP bank, which is “truly PNG”.

Westpac Victim

DISMISS THEM

I would like to express my view regarding the actions of the soldiers who raided SVS HE & G supermarket in Daru, Western Province. Their actions are totally uncalled for and show undiscipline and unprofessionalism. These soldiers are a bunch of criminals in disguise. The military court marshal should just dismiss them and they should be charged in a civil court of law for their actions.

Donald Werin

Information received by police intelligence officers suggests that a lot of gun smuggling occurs at remote logging areas. Feb 4, 2005

Every day, people around the world fall victim around the world fall victim to swindlers who steal money from trusting to swindlers who steal money from trusting individuals through fraud and deception individuals fraud and deception.

Telikom PNG to link ID program

THE rollout of the PNG national identity (PNGNID) project has received support from Telikom PNG, Huawei and Datec on the information, communication and technology aspect of this government initiative.

“This is an important project initiative of the Government which includes handling personal and confidential information about every citizen of Papua New Guinea, therefore requiring a trusted partner for the government is vital,” Telikom chief executive officer Michael Donnelly said.

“The project is of national significance and of high national security interest,” he said.

“Telikom as the only state owned ICT and communication company strongly believes, along with our system and efforts with the Department of Communication and Information on the Integrated Government Information System (IGIS) project, is

the natural partner for the full implementation of the National Identification Project,” Mr Donnelly said.

Telikom, Datec and Huawei have developed a working partnership to achieve the successful launch of phase one of this program and aspire to complete the outstanding works with a similar arrangement.

The investments that have been made to date in the IGIS project positions the Department of National Planning and Monitoring to leverage the investment to administer and achieve high quality outcome for Government, in the interest of the people.

COMMUTERS STRANDED

Health dept to rehabilitate training schools

AS the Health Department and its partners focus on expanding training of health workers, it is also mindful of the need to ensure that training is of high quality.

Health Secretary Pascoe Kase has issued a statement to remind training providers in the country to be accreditated in order to maintain high standards of care in PNG.

“When a Papua New Guinean arrives at a health service for treatment, whether for themselves or a loved one such as a child or elderly parent, they expect to be given services from a health professional that is caring, competent, motivated and well-trained,’’ he said.

“With this in mind, the Department of Health, with the support of the Australian Government, is rehabilitating training schools for nurses and community health workers across the country. This is a key strategy being implemented under the Government’s Health Workforce Ehancement Plan which is aimed at addressing critical workforce shortages.’’

The rehabilitation of training schools is expected to see increases in the number of health workers.

LAE City residents were forced to turn up late at work and school when PMV bus operators decided not take the Eriku route following a road construction work being carried out at the Fire Station/Huon Gulf Motel round about along the Milfordhaven Road. Seen here are some of the stranded passengers at the Eriku bus stop. Picture: SHANTI JOEL

The program is of national significance and high interest ...

MICHAEL DONNELLY CEO Telikom PNG

Warring clans end

tribal war

TWO warring clans in Tari, Hela Province, came together last Friday to declare an end to their four years of tribal animosity which had claimed the lives of about 32 men, women and children.

Tari-Pori MP and Finance Minister James Marape who had a gathering with his people who were involved in the tribal fight told the people that the returns from the PNG LNG project will pour into the province starting next year.

“Money from the biggest gas project in the country take place in our province will start pouring into our province starting next year so we must prepare ourselves to benefit from it,” Mr Marape said.

“How can we benefit if we are still fighting, take illicit drugs and do other things which will have negative impacts in our lives?”

Bank to remove charges

BY FRANCO NEBAS

BANK of South Pacific (BSP) will be eliminating the service charges to cheque deposits and collections.

BSP chief executive oficer Robin Fleming announced this incentive during the official opening of a new com-

mercial centre in Lae’s down town last Friday.

Mr Fleming said this decision would provide personal and business customers with significant savings and also increase the interest rates to its Plus Saver Customers.

“The top interest rate for this product is now 2.75 per

cent per annum and is calculated on a daily balance and paid quarterly,” he said.

Mr Fleming said that as customers save their money for things such as deposit for their first home, it was important that they earned a good rate of interest.

“We are reviewing our in-

terest rates for personal long term deposits,” Mr Fleming said. He also told the guests that BSP was committed to participating in the development of Lae in terms of serving industrial, manufacturing and other businesses operating in Lae.

Papua New Guinea military chief makes first visit to New Zealand

THE head of PNG Defence Force Brigadier-General Gilbert Toropo is in New Zealand for a five-day visit.

It is his first visit as commander of the PNGDF, New Zealand Herald newspaper reports. His visit included an official welcome ceremony at the National War Memorial in Wellington yesterday morning.

He was also due to hold with New Zealand Minister of Defence Gerry Brownlee, and visit local defence headquarters.

New Zealand’s Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Tim Keating, is hosting Brig-Gen Toropo. He will visit camps and bases, including the Training and Doctrine Group at Waiouru, and Devonport Naval Base.

At a glance

ALLIANCE: New Zealand Defence Force said it had a “good working relationship with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, including exchanges and training as part of the Mutual Assistance Programme (MAP).

MAP BENEFIT: The NZDF said the programme encouraged friendly and co-operative bilateral relationships with New Zealand’s near neighbours and “contributes to a secure and stable environment in the South Pacific.

The New Zealand Defence Force said it had a “good working relationship with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, including exchanges and training as part of the Mutual Assistance Programme (MAP).

New Zealand works with 12 Asia-Pacific countries under the MAP.

The NZDF said the programme encouraged friend-

ly and co-operative bilateral relationships with New Zealand’s near neighbours and “contributes to a secure and stable environment in the South Pacific.”

Lt-Gen Keating said the PNGDF was a “valued partner” and frequently trained and exercised with Kiwi forces, New Zealand Herald reports.

Brig-Gen Toropo told PNG

media last week that during the bilateral talks in Wellington they would discuss the purchase of four very short take off and landing (XSTOL) aircraft.

This type of aircrafts are designed and manufactured in Hamilton, on the north Island.

He said the Government had committed funds for the aircraft which would cost about K60 million to buy, in line with the 2013 Defence White Paper to upgrade the air element.

The aircraft, manufactured by Pacific Aerospace Limited since 2008, can carry nine passengers and cargo and is being marketed as “excelling on rough, unpaved airstrips”. The manufacturer says its Defender II version is being developed for the military.

Air Niugini suspends flights to Kundiawa

AIR Niugini has temporarily suspended all flights to Kundiawa, Chimbu Province to allow the National Airports Corporation to carry out essential maintenance and upgrade of the runway.

It said the suspension was indefinite and the airline would advise once the works were completed and the flights could resume.

All passengers who had been booked and issued

tickets were advised to reroute either via Mt Hagen or Goroka. Changes to their travel were guaranteed to be made without penalty.

Air Niugini said it regretted the inconvenience

caused however, noted that the situation was beyond its control.

Air Niugini has three flights a week into Kundiawa, operating every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

“Because we are constantly seeking new improvements to banking, we have created this new commercial banking centre in Lae that offers the right environment for business opportunities for our priority and corporate customers,” Mr Fleming said.

He said he was happy that the chiefs from that two warring tribes have come together to make lasting peace and to end their bloody conflict.

Mr Marape told the people that their Hela leaders were representing them adequately for the province to benefit from the LNG project and it is now the Hela peoples turn to show their leaders that they deserved to benefit from the gas project.

He told the people that Prime Minister Peter O’Neill will open the Komo Airport this month.

MOROBE Governor Kelly Naru and BSP Chairman Kostas Constantinou jointly cutting the ribbon to marked the opening of the new commercial centre downtown Lae last Friday

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Foundation visits notorious Baruni

BY GRACE SALMANG

IT was a daunting yet fulfilling experience for Papua New Guinea Rehabilitation Centre chairman Brown Kapi and the Kapi Foundation team on an outreach program to the notorious Baruni Dump last week.

Mr Kapi had a positive message to offer along with food stuff for the disabled and bales of clothing to share among the community.

“This place and people are known to be dangerous and hostile, but if we can understand them and communicate, then good things can begin to happen around here,” he said.

Mr Kapi told the community, mainly made up of families from Goilala, that they must do what they can to change the way people think of them, they cannot keep carrying on the way they have.

“If someone in wheelchair can come and bless you with gifts, then you can also go out and do the same to others.

“I lost my legs and gave up on life, but God gave me the strength to stand up again, and now I help those who are like me,” Mr Kapi said.

Various community leaders commended Mr Kapi for making an effort to visit their community saying it really is a forgotten part of the nation’s capital with forgotten people.

“We live here without recognition but there are opportunities to change this place if organisations can come in and help to change the mindset of the people,” woman leader Josie Ina said.

The Baruni youths say they have tried to organise themselves to receive assistance and programs through the Government and companies but have not had any favourable responses.

Foundation helps remote Goilala area

WITH a mission to build community spirit through advancing accessible education and health care, Digicel Foundation brings these vital services closer to people in rural areas.

Digicel Papua New Guinea Foundation works with communities to develop sustainable projects and programs. Those recently assisted are the Kerau people of Goilala in Central Province.

Kerau is extremely remote and accessible only by helicopter or on foot.

Digicel Papua New Guinea Foundation has visited Kerau twice – earlier in the month to conduct quality assurance assessments on the St Anne’s Kerau Primary School classroom and Kerau rural health aidpost and recently on February 20, to officially launch these projects.

The launch was attended by the people of Aivara, Soupu, Katapi and Ivani, which are the villages surrounding the Kerau community.

Digicel Papua New Guinea Foundation acknowledged the late MP for Goilala, Daniel Mona and the Governor for Central Province, Kila Haoda, for their partnership and funding which was instrumental in the completion of these projects.

The situation in Kerau is one faced by many remote communities all over Papua New Guinea.

Despite the lack of basic services in Kerau and difficulties they face,

the people are beautiful, warm, embracing and grateful for being considered in the foundation’s development work.

Francis Karu, a member of the community, told of how grateful the Kerau community was.

“These projects mean a lot to us, more than you can imagine,” Karu said.

An eight hour walk through thick bush to Tapini station is where they go in search of medication for the sick and many have died on their way to the closest aid post.

The experiences shared by the people of Kerau community are a sobering reminder of the difficulties our people in rural, remote communities face and the need for development, in this instance, access to basic services such as education and health.

The remote Kerau community serves people of hamlets perched high on mountain tops, scattered across the Owen Stanley Range. Goilala district is in the northern inland area of Central Province, bordering both Morobe and Oro Provinces and covers the mountains and valleys of the Owen Stanley Ranges.

It is the most remote district in Central Province and is also known for its general lawlessness, a characteristic that seems to follow the locals wherever they go or settle.

THE Tatana-Araira Development Inc was launched last weekend by Tatana villagers as they prepare to cash into new developments taking place in the harbour across their coastal village in Port Moresby.

MOTUANS EYE PORT DEVELOPMENT

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MP launches road project

BY JEFFREY ELAPA THOUSANDS of

people

from Aron Tribe in the Nipa Kutubu District of Southern Highlands celebrated when a road project was launched on Saturday at Pulim village.

The people, including young school children, braved the heavy down pour and chanted “thank you for the road” when welcoming local MP Jeffrey Komal, who flew into the village to launch construction of the K10 million Pulim-Kongu road.

The people had tried desperately to secure funding from previous governments and MPs but their efforts were in vain until now.

While thanking the member for his initiative, the community leaders said it was a relief for more than 22,000 people who, for years, have walked through thick bushes to access services.

Landowners set to get mining licence

BY SIBA MESA

THE people of Kompiam-Ambum district in Enga Province hosted a hearing for the Kompiam district gold project at Kompiam station, conducted by the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) deputy chief mining warden, Vele Gauu. He was there to hear landowner’s views of the alluvial mining lease and to clear misinformation and procedures on how to apply for licenses to do alluvial mining.

Mr Vele advised the landowners that rules of applying for mining licences and bringing investors to mine must be strictly followed by interested applicants or else it will be considered illegal and eventually lead to closure.

Eleven applications were lodged by the landowners of Malipin tribe, including two sub-clans of Poreylin tribe. From the 11 applications, seven were lodged by Peter Malex, who is the chairman of Koekam Holdings umbrella company. These are the

principal landowners of the Timin River where the gold is found.

The hearing went well as landowners of the Malipin tribe agreed to receive a licence to do alluvial gold mining, however, tension grew when the neighbouring tribe that consist of five council wards objected.

The opposing tribe was lead by Bob Moyo, Nick Naniya, Yoanes Nen and Willie Piane.

Mr Malex said theopposing tribes are out of the boundary and do not have rights to object, their interest is for previous licence ML153, which has already been cancelled.

The objection tribe had previously brought in two Chinese investors to mine. According to Mr Vele, these investor companies where doing illegal mining so the MRA had to cancel their licences.

Mr Malex said he is taking action for his rightful land area and wants the other objective tribes to agree and bring an investors into their area in a legal way for everyone to benefit.

At a glance

NEW ROAD: K10m road project was launched at Nipa RELIEF: A relief for more than 22,000 people who, for years, have walked through thick bushes to access services.

They said the days of walking for hours hauling cargoes on their backs would be something of the past as the people would now travel in vehicles on good road.

The community leaders said this project would bring other opportunities like business activities and government services to improve their lives as they would travel to Nipa or Mendi to access health and education.

This is the third road, the others are Wagi and Bosave roads to be built under the leadership of Governor Powi and Mr Komal, a

relief for more than 50,000 who will now be linked to the rest of the highlands provinces.

Mr Komal said service delivery is the result of the people’s clear conscience and choice in choosing good leaders who can deliver services that has been absent for many years.

The MP said he and Mr Powi were part of a united and stable Government led by PM O’Neill that is changing the face of PNG and bringing hope to people with its five key policies.

Mr Komal said he was not playing politics but delivering services to the people as he wanted to see them liberate from their oppressiveness.

He urged the people to stop demanding compensation and hinder development as the machines used on their land for road construction is a dream come true after 39 years of struggle.

NIPA Kutubu MP Jeffrey Komal and Governor William Powi’s project coordinator, Samson Womb, breaking ground for launching of the new road at Pulim Village.

PETER Malex, chairman of Koekam Holdings umbrellacompany, holding the microphone with Koekam tribe landowners all in favour to receive an alluvial mining licence at Kompiam station.

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MP happy with district step up

HEALTH Minister Michael Malabag was impressed with improvement taking place on health facilities within Yangoru-Saussi district in East Sepik province.

Mr Malabag said YangoruSaussia MP Richard Maru had done well within the short period of time delivering services for his people.

He said Mr Maru had delivered most of the very basic services that people had missed out over the past 40 years.

Mr Malabag was invited to officiate on the official opening of a new Outpatient facility at Kubalia health centre.

“As minister responsible for Health I will work closely with your action MP to improve and upgrade all the health facilities,” said Mr Malabag.

Bulolo MP: We will take Pangu to rural areas

WHEN the bully beef party of Pangu returns to power in parliament, we will go rural, says Deputy Opposition Leader and Pangu Party Leader Sam Basil.

Mr Basil said his district of Bulolo in Morobe is setting the pace as the model district for PNG as far as access to basic government services is concerned.

He said this when paying K176,250 in school fees for selected students from Bulolo district attending the

Residents complain of foul smell

RESIDENTS in ward two and three of the Lae Urban LLG have been raising concerns over the unpleasant smell produced from the Frabelle Seafood company factory.

Leonard Kaile, a resident of the Department of Works compound in ward three, has complained of having headaches from inhaling the fumes produced from the tuna factory.

“I’ve been experiencing headaches everytime the fumes are blown towards where I live,” Mr Kaile said.

“The smell is just unbearable that often have difficulties sleeping well at night also.”

Catherin Ijiba, a resident of Fourth Street, described the unpleasant smell as similar to that produced from the decaying corpse of a dog or frog.

“It’s just terrible because I’ve had continuous breathing difficulties from the smell produced every day,” Ms Ijiba said.

“The smell ceases after a day or two but continues afterward and it’s quite surprising to also note how far the smell travels in the city.”

Balob Teachers College in 2015. The scholarship program is in its sixth year.

He said the complacency given to public servants to stay committed to their jobs within his district is taking the forward pace and starts with programs such as the scholarship program.

Other notable initiatives within Bulolo district include rural electricity supply, bridges and satelite communication through Vsat telephones.

Bulolo district made history last year alone to have erected seven bridges under the MP’s funding, including the 40m Watut River bridge.

The rural electrification program will have covered five of the six LLGs of Bulolo by 2017, including the Buang, Mumeng, Watut, Wau-Bulolo urban and Wau rural. Only the Waria LLG will be covered after 2017 pending road access.

Another vital service that

the Bulolo MP is putting in place is the installation of automatic telling machines (ATMs) in rural areas accessed through the installation of VSAT.

The VSAT will provide television signals for EMTV and Kundu 2 as well internet and the usage of ATMs, especially in areas of Waria LLG having no major road links.

Mr Basil said with the district already acquiring its first light aircraft last

November – a 260 powered two-engine carrying maximum load of 600kg and nine passengers, the entry test for Balob teacher applicants right in the heart of the Wau-Bulolo will be conducted by term three of the academic year.

Mr Basil received the green light from college principal Henry Hendigao to assist with the entry tests as he (Basil) made the commitment to sort out the fees for the students.

LGF coordinator urges graduands to utilise their skills

BY ABRAHAM AVEDIBA

HAVING a second chance to basic education is an opportunity for one to either seek employment or further their studies, the Ginigoada Foundation says.

Lae Ginigoada Foundation (LGF) program coordinator Robert Favave, while speaking to graduands of a business development training in Lae, encouraged them to utilise the certificates and the skills they had received.

“Most people don’t really see the relevance of such trainings and the qualification they have until and unless they actually gone into the business commu-

nity to seek or further their education in community colleges,”

Mr Favave said.

He said such training that the participants received is one that people would usually spend so much money to receive in recognised tertiary institutions or through the formal education systems.

“You people are fortunate enough to receive this training free of charge.

“Therefore, I’d like to encourage you all to see this opportunity as reference for you pursue the dreams that you always had despite not receiving your offers earlier on.”

Others have been complaining over the unpleasant smell that continues to be emitted from the seafood factory along Speybank Street.

Angau Memorial Hospital physician Dr Lincoln Menda said the reaction that the residents are displaying may be due to allergies that they have toward the smell.

“It poses a health risk to these residents, because despite the smell seeming somewhat favorable to some, others may develop respiratory difficulties or even have problems eating due to the smell,” Dr Menda said.

He said people may experience allergies that may develop into serious health problems if the matter is not taken seriously.

Attempts to get comments from Frabelle were unsuccessful.

However, Lae city mayor Koim Trilu Leahy advised that a separate investigation will be carried out by health officials from his office.

“I’m aware of the issue and I will be assigning an inspection to take place immediately on the factory site,” Mr Leahy said.

“The issue is disturbing and I’ve been hearing complaints from the city residents so I’d like to advise the company to make attempts to sort the matter immediately.”

But in the meantime, the residents, it seems, will put up with the foul smell for a while longer.

THE new outpatients ward facility for Kubalia Health Centre.

Tourist donates books

THE VISIT by a cruise ship to Rabaul last week was a blessing for students at an elementary school who received two bags of library books from an Australian tourist.

Mrs Maryanne Kossen, from Queensland, was a tourist on board the Sea Princess which stopped over in Rabaul for a couple of hours last Thursday.

She brought with her two bags of library books, fulfilling the promise she had made to students and staff of Tavui SDA Elementary School two years ago.

Mrs Kossen and her husband had visited East New Britain Province in 2013 on board another cruise vessel.

They met the board chairman of a local school who showed them around and made a promise to return with the books.

Students told to commit

BY SHARON LOWA

STUDENTS have been urged to contribute to the attainment of the country’s critical need for sufficient quality human capital development through dedication and commitment to their studies.

The national imperative is to develop education and health services, and the O’Neill-Dion Government is committed to providing free basic education and free health services.

Acting Secretary for the Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology, David

NGI region embraces youth authority

THE NATIONAL Youth Development Authority has ended the third leg of its regional consultation workshop on the National Government’s youth vision for the region in Kavieng. The workshop, attended by representatives from the NGI region, established dialogue within the NYDA-led team comprising officers from the Prime Minister’s Department, Community Development office and Religion, Youth and Community Development ministry.

DIVINE WORD UNIVERSITY: Is one of the newest tertiary institutions in the country. It was established as a university by an Act of Parliament in 1996. The university is ecumenical and coeducational, and is under the leadership of the Divine Word Missionaries.

ENB COLLEGES: Kabaleo Teachers College and OLSH Nursing College have now been amalgamated to Divine Word University.

Kavanamur said this in his address to students from Kabaleo Teachers College and OLSH Nursing College, during the launching of the 2015 academic year at Kabaleo, East New Britain Province last Friday.

He said with both colleges now amalgamated to Divine Word University, they will now enjoy the benefits of quality university education, underwritten by the DWU academic board. He was speaking in light

of recent developments at DWU, saying that students should be proud that the university:

Is being included as the first university to undertake Quality Audit and post audit;

Of twinning arrangements with Australian Catholic University;

Is promoting gender balance; Is complying to Government objectives of access and quality;

Has access to government funding in 2015 (K10m in PIP Funding); Is being responsive

Local company receives land titles

LOCAL company Tabaule Enterprise Limited in Kokopo, East New Britain Province, has received 45 out of a total 363 legal individual land title certificates for development purposes.

Lands and Physical Planning Minister Benny Allen presented the certificates to the regional member and deputy Prime Minister, Leo Dion at Toma-Vunadidir LLG who said the remaining balance of the titles will be given this week.

The company which owns the multi-million kina Varzin Plantation under the directorship of Vincent Toliman will distribute the land titles to individual members in the Toma area.

Mr Allen congratulated the company and said the individual titles given is for building improvement for low-covenant

BENNY ALLEN Lands and Physical Planning Minister

houses to the value of K100,000 for individual block holders of the Varzin Plantation that have been struggling for more than 40 years. “After 40 years of struggle to obtain a title and develop the land, it has now come to fruition and I congratulate the company chairman Vincent Toliman for his foresight in making this a reality,”

Mr Allen said.

He said the titles are under State lease for a period of 87 years. “It acts as a security for

members to get mortgage from the bank to develop the land where possible,” the minister said.

He told members of Tabaule Enterprises Ltd that the government’s main agenda is for people to free up their land to make way for development in the country and what the company has done is in the right direction.

“The government has established a committee called the Land and Housing Committee which will be rolled out in Kokopo, Lae and Hagen to 40,000 houses come 2017. A total of K89 million has been made available last year and out of that K41 million was made available through each district for public service housing and the balance of that will be given this year,” Mr Allan explained.

to current O’Neill-Dion Government encouragement of universities to self-sustain; and

Is being a contemporary university with a focus on improving experience.

Mr Kavanamur told students that given the opportunity to study at a DWU campus, they should apply themselves diligently to their studies and assist fellow students to learn as much as possible.

He told the students that they are privileged to be part of the 5, 628 students nationwide, who were selected into higher learning institutions.

The workshop also provided the foundation for the National Government to forge a new direction with all key partners in implementing youth programs, not only at the provincial but also at all levels in the region. Among the contents covered during the workshop was NYDA’s structure that would create and fund 165 positions within the provincial, district and LLGs levels. Also highlighted was an initiative by NYDA to have a youth representative as per the National Youth Development Authority Act 2014 at the local level development council, and also at the provincial executive councils.

New Guinea Islands representatives presented 23 resolutions that would form an alliance with NYDA and its administrative and structure in the region.

While receiving the resolution, NYDA corporate services director Bui Lee Wetao thanked all representatives from the New Guinea Islands, who welcomed them on board as their new partner in empowering youths in the region.

AUSTRALIAN tourists Maryanne Kossen and Maya Linquist (right) meeting up with Tavui SDA Elementary School students and staff last Thursday.

Titles are under State lease for a period of 87 years ...

If you have a story to tell, call us on 982 9186, or email

Women get business training

A TOTAL of 75 participants, including two men, graduated from a week-long business management course over the weekend.

The “get into business and charge the world” course was facilitated by Anere Institution and co-facilitated by the Arawa Womens Training Centre.

Facilitator Davidson Anare was very impressed with the participants and encouraged them to put in use what they have learnt.

Also at the closing was North Nasioi council of elders chairman John Dona, who told the graduates that the training has no meaning if they don’t put whatever they learnt to good use.

Reduced funding will affect schools

BY SEBASTIAN HAKALITS

THE decrease in tuition fee free (TFF) allocations this year will greatly affect all schools throughout the country, including Bougainville, says Bougainville Education Board (BEB) chairman Anthony Tsora.

He said Bougainville has received only K200,000 TFF allocation for this year, which is a huge decrease from the K1.4 million received in 2014 with the secondary schools feeling the pinch of it.

“The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) must now assist to accommodate the deficit as schools may close towards mid-year,” Mr Tsora said.

“The new Bougainville Education Board (BEB) function, operating under the new Bougainville Education

Act – and not a copy from the national Department of Education – is to prepare and decide on the budget and make decisions on school fees and they have imposed such fees this year of K200 for boarding students in secondary, technical and vocational and day students paying K100.”

He said if the decision was not made on the fees, many schools would have faced problems when the academic year began as the price of goods and services in Bougainville is very high.

As the governing council chairman for Bishop Wade Technical Secondary school (BWTSS), Mr Tsora is questioning why the ABG school fees assistance scheme imposed by a decision by the Bougainville Interim Government in 2004 ceased operating.

“If it was the decision of the

previous government then it was more or less mandatory by law, then the ABG has a commitment to meeting this grants and it needs to be relooked as the scheme had really help tertiary students through their districts,” Mr Tsora said.

“The ABG seems to be forgetting the schools and must not rely on the national Government grant and the BEB will try to look at the legality of the ABG grant and why it was ceased and at the end of last year we have seen that many schools still had credits and the first installments will be used to settle these credits as many suppliers have given materials on credit.

“To all parents and leaders in Bougainville, if we do not have support from the ABG then schools may close

mid-year June if BEB makes a decision that parents will need to abide.”

National MPs’ district services improvement program (DSIP) funds for this year has increased to K15 million and out of that K3 million is for the education infrastructure to cater for the new structure of levels of 2-6-6 grades next year as students will continue to Grade 12.

Mr Tsora said schools must be seen as high impact institutions and must be improved to build the high impact projects in Bougainville.

“The planning committee will sit and make a decision on the allocation of the K200,000 and I thank the Bougainville Regional MP Joe Lera and North Bougainville MP Lauta Atoi for helping to build the human resource capacity of the region,” Mr Tsora said.

Minister visits Buka road project

MINISTER for Works

and Civil Aviation Luke

Karaston visited the roads of Buka town and the Buka Ring Road to see the progress of work.

Friday’s visit was to observe and assess the road project, which is approaching its final stages.

He was accompanied by the secretary for technical

The bottom line

services Benard Tzilu and program management unit (PMU) manager Edward Kenai and the department of technical services manager Simon Itamai. The assessment tour started from Buka town to Tanamalo in the Haku constituency.

The party stopped over at contractor Jomik Hire

Plant’s project site before the final stop at the Nursing College at Tanamalo in Haku – another project, which is still under construction.

The Buka Ring Road (John Teosin Highway) project involves the upgrading and sealing of the 20km road from Malasang to Malis.

The project is funded by the special intervention fund

A LEADING building company in the country, PNG Forest Product (PNGFP), has set up an office in Arawa.

PNGFP struck a partnership deal with a locally owned company Topkina Shoreline Joint Venture owned by Clarence Pokona and Chrisanto Korokoro who will be PNGFP’s agent in Bougainville.

Topkina Shoreline Joint Venture and PNG Forest conducted a road show last Friday with the official presentation of the agent to the business community, especially those in the township of Arawa. General manager of NIU HomesStuart Honey was a happy man, meeting the business community in Arawa.

“It’s not a small thing. It’s a big thing we are trying to do here. It’s time to inject some stability, some quality, some place you go you can be assured, and you can get that service. You want to build something, you know you can come see me or see Clarence Pokona and its there in front of you rather than going to see three to 20 people and all the other regular role to go through. This is quite simple,” Mr Honey said.

PNGFP is not new to Bougainville, it has been engaged to build classrooms there uner an Australian aid program.

Mr Honey said he is happy to employ young carpenters, plumbers, painters and electricians of Bougainville.

“What I did not understand as a simple white man is some of these kids never had any pay packet before – a pay packet in their hand. These kids went home, took their first pay packets and give it to mummy. This is a big thing for me. As time went along I had so much confidence in these young kids and took them to Wewak, Vanimo, Gulf Province up to Chimbu because they wanted to work,” Mr Honey said.

Give back power to chiefs, says UN rep

POWER must be given to the chiefs if Bougainville wants to achieve good governance at the village level, says a United Nations representative.

Peter Siunai, the peace and governance analyst with the UNDP in Arawa, said this while addressing former combatants who reconciled with their victims and their families at Panakei in Siwai, South Bougainville last week.

The ceremony was attended by more than 50 excombatants from the Konga area, who reconciled with families of nine civilians who were gunned down during the crises plus others who were tortured and injured with whose whose properties were burned and destroyed at the start of the Bougainville crisis

Mr Siunai told the crowd of over 500 who came to witness the reconciliation ceremony that true peace must come from the heart and both the perpetrator and the victim must forgive each other for what happened in the past.

He challenged the former combatants to give back the authority that was withdrawn from the traditional chiefs at the start of the crises to show true commitment.

He said the village authority (VA) must take responsibilities now to govern the village.

(SIF) through the national Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government and managed by the ABG department of technical services program management unit (PMU) and the Department of Works.

The Buka Ring Road was built in the 1960s and was named John Teosin Highway in 1979.

PARTICIPANTS at the business management course.

MR Karatson and his touring party

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

Oil Search lauds Total SA as operator of Gulf LNG project

OIL SEARCH Limited has commended Total SA for its appointment as operator of the Gulf LNG Project Oil Search managing director Peter Botten, has expressed that he was happy with this move.

“We are pleased that the rights to hold a 40.1% interest in PRL 15 have now been successfully transferred from InterOil to Total SA.

“The election of Total SA, a world leader in the global LNG industry, as operator of PRL 15 will help facilitate the completion of appraisal and the timely development of the world class Elk/Antelope fields,” Botten said.

Total E&P PNG Limited has been appointed operator of the PRL 15 joint venture after an unanimous vote by all participants in PRL 15.

Oil Search announced this following the transfer of rights in the PRL 15 Joint Venture Agreement and lincense from InterOil to Total SA. The company says the appointment will take effect in accordance with an operator transition plan and the terms of the joint venture operating agreement and is subject to all necessary PNG government approvals.

At a glance

INTEROIL: interOil Corporation is an independent oil and gas business with a primary focus on Papua New Guinea.

2G Ltd building affordable homes

A LOCAL housing development company is setting the precedence in building affordable middle class homes for Papua New Guineans.

2G Development Limited (2G Limited) director Malcolm Giheno said affording a home has been a dream for many middle class and any ordinary Papua New Guineans for that matter.

Mr Giheno says 2G Ltd has developed a concept that would make home dreamers fulfil their dream homes.

Mr Giheno told Post-Courier in an exclusive interview this week that 2G Ltd is determined to deliver affordable housing for middle class Papua New Guineans at an affordable price.

The company director while outlining his housing packages amongst other products, said 2G houses are extremely attractive and affordable; its products offer completely serviced land and house packages; the houses are constructed to meet PNG

standards such as climate conditions and cultural values; 2G designs allow for extension with limited and also allows the buyer options in creating their family home.

Mr Giheno reiterated that 2G Ltd is a venture established on the premise that educated working class Papua New Guineans living in Port Moresby were being squeezed out of basic housing due to the highly inflated property prices coupled with very low-wages.

“2G Ltd has created a concept that was not just commercially driven but socially conscious.

“For 2G Ltd; the hard works of sourcing high quality affordable housing that would essentially pave way to the creation of a middle class. For instance, we have created housing solutions through the collaboration of like-minded partners such as BSP, IPA, NFA, Air Nuigini and many others who understand the importance of having their employees live with a sense of livelihood,” the

company added.

“Not to use their entrepreneurship as just a roll-of-the-dice privilege rather, an opportunity to empower their communities.

“The message I want to relay well and truly is that ‘true business builds communities’ and not exploit. That is the challenge as well as the greatest victory. Exploitation is easy because it does not require much work because it is the abuse of privilege. Empowering the middle class educated elite is what will build a stronger nation,” Mr Giheno added.

He further stressed that 2G Ltd’s concept is also about empowering fellow Papua New Guineans to have a decent job with family without having to worry about housing. The director said having and owning a home of its own also has an impact on owners socioeconomic life as well as on the productivity in the workplace, without having to be stressed out.

Fund appoints new chief investment officer

FUNDS manager Nambawan Super Limited (Nambwan Super) has announced the appointment of Stephen Nash as chief investment officer.

Mr Nash brings with him over 25 years of international experience as a funds management professional with extensive experience managing the following: people; stakeholder relationships; investments; budget and resource; risk; compliance; financial reporting corporate governance change; and board reporting proficiency.

Prior to joining Nambawan Super

The bottom line

he was with PacWealth Capital limited, the licenced investment manager for NasFund, as their chief investment officer.

Mr Nash has a Ph.D. in economics from Cambridge University, among other qualifications, and is a Cambridge Commonwealth Trust recipient.

Mr Nash has published an extensive amount of international publications on policy matters relating to theoretical economics, and has successfully managed large portfolios of investments, including government debt and global equities.

In welcoming him, Nambawan Super’s chief executive officer Garry Tunstall said; “Dr Nash brings a high level of investment skill and knowledge to Nambawan Super. His experience will assist the fund in ensuring the best investment returns for members whilst maintaining security of members’ funds. We are delighted to have him on our team”.

Nambawan Super manages superannuation funds of over K4.7 billion on behalf of 135,000 members from both the private and public sectors in PNG.

In the early 1960’s, Porsche commercially manufactured farm tractors.

Market Snapshot

$A lower ahead of RBA board meeting

SYDNEY: The Australian dollar is lower as the market cautiously awaits the Reserve Bank interest rate decision on Tuesday.

At 1700 AEDT on Monday, the local unit was at 77.76 US cents, down from 78.03 cents on Friday. During the local session, the Australian dollar traded between 78.10 US cents and 77.62 cents.

Last month, the Reserve Bank cut the cash rate to a new record low of 2.25 per cent, saying economic growth was going to be slower than expected and the unemployment rate was going to peak at a higher level. Since then, economists have been split into two camps - one side saying the RBA will immediately follow up with another cut in March, and the other saying it will wait to see what impact the cut had on the economy and probably cut again in May. Forex.com research analyst Chris Tedder said the release of weak business investment data last week means that a second interest rate reduction is inevitable after a bout of weak economic data in recent days. “Even prior to this deluge of disappointing economic data, the RBA’s own quarterly report indicated that it was anticipating the need for further monetary policy loosening,” he said.

“The uncertainty regarding the outcome of this week’s policy meeting at the RBA means that we may see some big moves in the Australian dollar on the back of the bank’s decision, no matter what it decides.”

At 1700 AEDT, the Australian dollar was at 93.15 Japanese yen, up from Thursday’s close of 92.99 yen, and at 69.54 euro cents, down from 69.57 euro cents. Meanwhile, bond futures prices were trading in a tight range ahead of the RBA board meeting.

UBS interest rate strategist Andrew Lilley said the trading range on Monday for three-year bonds has been the tightest he’s seen in a while and trading volumes are also down.

“At the moment the market is 50-50 on whether the RBA will cut tomorrow, and when you are in one of those line ball decision situations, everything else pales in comparison,” he said.

SOON TO be home owners (from left) Martha Sisii and Lance Sililai of BSP after the housing transaction between affordable house developer 2G Development Limited marketing manager Amy Pawer last Friday.

His experience will assist the fund in ensuring the best investment returns for members whilst maintaining security for members’ funds ...

GARY TUNSTALL Port Moresby

PETER Botten

ANZ drives expansion

ANZ YESTERDAY announced that David Qu has joined the bank as China Rates Strategist, as part of a continuing expansion of its financial markets research coverage. Mr Qu was previously deputy division chief of the Financial Stability Bureau at the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) in Beijing.

In his new role he will be based in Shanghai and reports to Global Head of Rates Research Danny Suwanapruti, who recently joined the bank in Singapore from Standard Chartered.

This follows the appointment of Martin Whetton as senior rates strategist for Australia in October last year. Mr Whetton joined ANZ from Nomura in Sydney, where he spent four years covering Australian and New Zealand interest rates. He was ranked second in the 2014 KangaNews research poll for delivering Asian insights relevant to the Australian fixed income market.

Afore locals complete basic financial management training

MORE than 20 participants have completed three days of basic financial management workshop from February 26 – 28 at Afore in the Ijivitari district, Oro Province.

The contents were on basic book keeping in business which included procedures

on how to maintain Combined Cash Book [CCB] and record keepings when dealing with public funds.

Participants who attended were treasurers from various Women in Agriculture groups, coffee marketing and mainly church groups.

The Workshop facilitator, Mr Isaiah Mamure said that capacity training for managing public funds was lacking in the area, therefore he took up the responsibility of running the program.

“All funds ranging from church monies, govern-

ment subsidies and grants to schools and organisations are all classified as public funds therefore are subject to the Public Finance Act guidelines and procedures” he told participants.

“Therefore these funds should be properly docu-

mented to budgetary procedures and accounted for transparently.”

Participants expressed satisfaction and said that they learnt new things that would help them with keeping proper financial records in their groups.

ANZ chief economist Warren Hogan said: “These appointments are important steps in our ambitions to be the best international provider of Australian and New Zealand research and the leading Asian research house globally. We are particularly pleased to be extending our interest rates expertise into the Chinese market, which will complement our existing strength in macro-economic analysis.”

ANZ was ranked number 1 by investors for its interest rates capabilities in Asiamoney’s Fixed Income Poll 2014.

Airline adds to Hong Kong service

AIR NIUGINI has announced that it will be adding a third weekly service to Hong Kong that will come into effect later this month.

Following a strong increase in passenger and cargo demand, Air Niugini said in a statement that its twice weekly services every Tuesdays and Saturday will increase to three weekly from March 29.

The airline said flights will be departing Port Moresby on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3:00pm and arriving in Hong Kong at 7:35pm. Return flights will depart Hong Kong on Monday, Thursday and Saturday evenings, arriving in Port Moresby the following morning.

It also stated that flights take six and a half hours, and are timed to provide convenient connections between Hong Kong and Air Niugini domestic destinations.

The schedule will also allow travellers to fly between Hong Kong and Honiara, Nadi, Cairns and Brisbane via Port Moresby.

With the third Hong Kong service, it now brings to total, fourteen Air Niugini flights to Asia in a week.

Air Niugini operates five flights to Singapore, four to Manila (Philippines), three to Hong Kong and a flight each to Denpasar (Indonesia) and Narita (Japan.)

PARTICIPANTS who completed the Basic Finance Management workshop at Afore.

AIR NIUGINI has announced that it will be adding a third weekly service to Hong Kong flights following an increase in passenger and cargo demand.

‘Sea Princess’ sails into Rabaul

A TOTAL of 25 international cruise ships will be stopping over at the Rabaul port this year. The MS Sea Princess (pictured) was the third tourist vessel to visit the historical town of Rabaul this year.

This sun-class cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises is 261 metres in length and has 14 decks. It can carry up to 1900 passengers and has a crew of 900. The cruise ship brought in almost 2000 tourists last Thursday morning. Only half of them visited tourist sites in the province.

The vessel departed around 5 pm last Thursday afternoon. East New Britain Tourism authorities are looking forward to hosting 22 more tourist ships later in the year.

Words & picture: GRACE TIDEN

Govt to set up national transport system

THE government is planning to establish a State owned national transport system to cater for the increasing population and traffic in the city of Port Moresby.

Transport Minister William Duma told parliament last month that the Department of Transport has plans to transform the transport industry in the city.

“There are plans to enter into arrangements where we deal with our stakeholders who own PMV buses and taxi services. We will approach them and invite them to agree to taking up shares with a company which we propose will be owned by the state.

“We will change the system such as we have big buses owned by one nationally owned company servicing the routes and maybe two or three specific taxi companies so that they are properly licensed and that the drivers’ behaviour are properly monitored. “We are thinking about introducing a system similar to the ones you find in Australia which we hope to have in place before the 2018 APEC meeting.”

Minister Duma said the Government is aware that many PNG citizens own these small PMV and taxi services and all stakeholders will be consulted to reach a common ground. He said most of them have welcomed the idea but have to be involved in those ventures through shareholding proposals which when complete will need Cabinet approval.

Mobile equipment staff learn new tech

MOBILE Equipment Maintenance staff at Basamuk Refi nery admit they are learning new skills and technologies since Basamuk Refi nary’s establishment in the Rai Coast district of Madang Province.

Team leader, Herman Kabul says his staff have learnt the skills and technologies including hydraulic system, pneumatic system and electronic system especially from working on the new model heavy trucks and machineries where these technologies are installed.

Mobile Equipment has two sections, logistics and maintenance. Engaging with around 20 nationals, logistics provides support services to ensure all required equipment and materials are available on time. The maintenance section has two tasked areas. One is dealing with light vehicles while the other on heavy equipment, such as semi-trucks, heavy machineries and trailers. It is with the heavy equipment that their national staff of around 11 have the opportunities to have hand on experience in dealing with the new technologies by acquiring relevant skills.

“Sometimes we have communication

problems with our Chinese colleagues but they always try to assist us to learn these valuable technologies and skills,” Mr. Kabul said.

He says most heavy trucks and machineries face pneumatic or hydraulic system failure because they work and rely on air and oil for brake system and they require special skills and technologies to rectify.

“Generally, ordinary problems faced by our fleets are brake failures. We have a system where all vehicles return for servicing after running on 500 complete hours, so we have a good safety record,” Mr. Kabul said.

Mr. Kabul started with MCC22, a contractor to Ramu NiCo during the Project construction period from 2007 to 2011. After a short break, he joined Ramu NiCo and

based at Basamuk Refi nery in later part of 2011 till today. He admits that lots of positive and tangible changes have taken place during his stay including staff having the opportunity to acquire new skills and talents that can expose them to greener pastures after Ramu NiCo Project.

“Apart from my promotion as the team leader, I also have the opportunity to learn new skills and technologies, as well as my boys and this is good for us. We can move on in life with these skills and talents,” Mr. Kabul says.

His staff who are around 30 males and predominantly locals are looking forward to any competency based training for upskilling purposes so they are confident with themselves to deliver what is expected from them by Ramu NiCo.

“Most boys are raw from the local villages but they show confidence and talent as most joined immediately after the Project construction (repeated with confidence and talent ,redundant).

Now we must train them and up-skill them and I am confident they will deliver,” Mr. Kabul said.

THE mobile equipment maintenance and their two instructors.

THE MORESBY Rainforest was seen berthed recently at Voco Point

MORESBY RAINFOREST IN LAE

Sea travel affordable

LOCALS in maritime provinces have a lot of development and transport challenges. Low levels of economic activity create problems in accessing reasonably frequent and affordable transport services. Banana boats are frequently the only option available.

The MV Chebu commissioning is an interesting development in its goal of providing regular scheduled passenger services in the New Guinea islands.

Published schedules in major papers indicate its capacity to deliver for benefit of travelling public. It’s a relief to grass roots to now have predictability and good frequency weekly service on top of affordability.

MV Chebu has brought a new set of benefits to the grassroots traveller. In line with predictability, it aims to give the public minimum of two

weeks’ notice for any scheduled interruptions for maintenance and other issues.

March 10 to 17 is the next scheduled shutdown period. With good notice time Managing Director of Chebu Shipping Company Ltd Fabian Chow hopes that inconveniences can be minimized so people can schedule travelling and cargoes the week before and the week after.

Management is committed to raising standard of service and comfort

Passengers also must realize there is a two hour check in period and latecomers will be refused boarding.

There are occasional arguments at the wharf when some passengers arrive late. It will take time for latecomers to realize that scheduled service means that they must meet cut off times set.

THE MV Chebu at berth.

‘Pacific Dawn’ makes maiden voyage

CRUISE ship MS Pacifi c Dawn has made its maiden voyage to Madang Port in February this year.

On board were about 2,000 tourists with a crew of 700 from all parts of

the world. Most of them toured Madang town in the wet and muddy conditions but had an enjoyable day.

The cruise ship berthed at around 7.30am with the assistance of PNG

Ports Corporation Limited’s (PNGPCL) Marine Pilot, Captain Mathew Kolam and by 8.30am most of the tourists were already in tour busses for the pre-arranged tours with some going around town on foot guided by volunteer youth ambassadors.

The cruise ship is 245 metres in length and is owned and operated by P&O Cruises Australia. It was launched on the 29th of March 1990 and it made its fi rst visit to Madang on February 19, 2015.

She was built in 1991 by the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy as Regal Princess.

She is the fi rst ship of the P&O Cruises Australia fleet with an all-white hull, continuing a tradition begun in the 1930s by the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company. Her renaming coincided with P&O’s 75th anniversary in Australia.

After her multi-million-dollar refurbishment in Singapore from Regal Princess to Pacifi c Dawn, she will operate from Australia to South Pacific destinations.

Pacifi c Dawn has been calling into Alotau and Rabaul since November 2013 after the upgrade of the Alotau Port overseas wharf and after the successful negotiations between the cruise line, Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), PNGPCL and other tourism stakeholders.

Initial plans by PNGTPA, PNGPCL and the other tourism stakeholders to also have Madang Port as a cruise ship port commenced back in late 2007 and this visit will bring to fruition all the hard work that has been carried out.

Mike Drake, Carnival Cruises Director-Nauti-

cal Operations visited in February 2013 to discuss the possibilities of extending the Carnival Cruise (Carnival Cruises Australia are the operators of P&O Cruises) operations into Madang. Madang Port is on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea and is sometimes included as a port of call on cruises between Australia and Asia. The port’s overseas wharf is 140 metres in length and has a water depth of 12 metres which catered for the safe berthing of Pacifi c Dawn Madang Port staff erected a portable infl atable tent and offered it to tourism stakeholders to use as information booths for tourists including wearing PNGPCL branded shirts and branding the main wharf for the cruise ship visit. PNGPCL offers infl atable tents for information booths at its ports of Madang, Alotau, Rabaul and Port Moresby and also offers competitive pilotage rates to cruise lines.

Brandis censured over Triggs row

AUSTRALIA’S Senate has censured Attorney General George Brandis over the treatment of Human Rights Commission president Gillian Triggs, amid a row over child detainees.

The censure motion, introduced on Monday by Labor Senate Leader Penny Wong, was passed by 35 votes to 32.

It accused Mr Brandis of seeking Ms Triggs’ resignation and failing to protect her from “malicious attacks”.

Police have been asked to investigate whether the job offer was unlawful.

Ms Wong said in the motion filed on Monday that Mr Brandis was “unfit to hold the office of attorney general” after his department allegedly attempted to pressure Ms Triggs to resign from the Human Rights Commission (HRC) by offering her another position.

The reported job offer to Ms Triggs followed an HRC report condemning the detention of children of asylum seekers. The government claims Ms Triggs’ probe was delayed for political reasons.

Mr Brandis has admitted asking Chris Moraitis, the secretary to the Attorney General’s Department, to offer Ms Triggs a different role but claims the offer was made as “a matter of goodwill”.

The Labor censure motion was supported by the Greens, senators Glenn Lazarus and Dio Wang from the Palmer United Party, and their former colleague Jacqui Lambie, now an independent.

Brandis is the third Abbott government minister to be censured in the senate. The censure does not carry any further punishment for Mr

At a glance

CONTEMPT: Australia’s Senate has censured Attorney General George Brandis over the treatment of Human Rights Commission President Gillian Triggs, amid a row over child detainees.

CENSURE MOTION: The censure motion, introduced on Monday by Labor Senate Leader Penny Wong, was passed by 35 votes to 32 INVESTIGATION: Police have been asked to investigate whether the job offer was unlawful.

Brandis.

Mr Brandis reiterated during Monday’s debate that he had “lost confidence” in Ms Triggs and argued that Labor MPs had sought to paint the HRC as “beyond scrutiny”.

Senator Abetz, a Liberal Party colleague of Mr Brandis, criticised the motion, calling it “a joke” and accusing Ms Wong of a “personal attack” against Mr Brandis.

Supporting the motion, Ms Lambie accused Mr Brandis of a “vicious and extraordinary” attack against Ms Triggs.

“If you support Gillian Triggs, you support this motion against Senator Brandis,” she said.

The HRC report that triggered the controversy said a third of detained children had developed mental illnesses of such severity that they required psychiatric treatment.

It argued that detaining children violated international human rights law and called for their immediate release. -BBC news

Tonga bans friut imports

TONGA has banned fresh fruit imports from Auckland, fearing the Queensland fruit fly. State owned Radio Tonga quoted Agriculture director Viliami Kami saying they needed to protect their own horticulture industry.

Eight Queensland flies, including a female, have been found in Auckland’s Grey Lynn.

An extensive Ministry for Primary Industries operation is underway to eliminate the population

VILIAMI KAMI Tonga

of fruit flies.

Tonga’s government statistics do not break down the value of New Zealand fruit imports but show dramatically the danger fruit fly poses to its fragile economy.

Around 78 per cent of

Quick news

CHILD IN JAIL

A LAWYER in Samoa has criticised the court system after another adjournment in the case against a man who was imprisoned by police with his three-year-old son, Radio New Zealand International reports. Leulua’ialii Olinda Woodroffe, who is the accused man’s lawyer, says the case is complicated and has faced harmful delays.

The imprisonment of the child earlier resulted in the suspension of three police officers, and at the local court hearing, Leuluaialii made further accusations against the police, including driving an unlicensed vehicle. Leulua’ialii says the trial was transferred to the district court.

WAVES WARNING

THE national disaster management office in Kiribati says it expects damaging waves will become more frequent. The office is working to repair Betio Hospital after parts of it were destroyed by 2.9m tides about a week ago.

It’s toilet block and maternity ward and temporary sewerage system, as well as part of a sea-wall built to protect the hospital were damaged, RNZI reports. The national disaster management office says it is working to build a higher wall, before spring tides hit again.

NEW COINS AFOOT

THE minting of new Cook Islands coins will begin this week in commemoration of 50 years of independence for the country.

The Finance Minister Mark Brown will visit the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra to see the first coin go into production, ready for circulation in August. He says the New Zealand coins currently being used in the Cook Islands will be phased out, RNZI reports.

NEW FIJI FLAG

Tonga’s export revenue is from the sale of squash, watermelon and papaya.

Kami says if the Queensland fruit fly got into Tonga they would lost.

Fruit from other areas of New Zealand can be imported, but only with authorisation from agricultural officials outside Auckland.

Today the only Pacific states with Queensland fruit fly are New Caledonia and French Polynesia. -Stuff news

A NATIONWIDE competition to design a new flag for Fiji began on Monday, RNZI reports. The prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, says the competition will end on May 1, when a national committee of citizens will sift through the entries to choose the best ones. The committee will then make a selection for public consultation, before Cabinet decides on a submission to Parliament, for a final consideration when it sits in July.

FISH CANNERY DELAYS

AMERICAN Samoan cannery Samoa

Tuna Processors plant, which was officially opened in January, is still waiting for equipment before it can begin full production, RNZI reports. The chief operating officer, Joe Hamby, for the parent company Tri marine International says the last remaining components are scheduled to arrive on the next vessel due from the mainland. Canning activity is now due to start at the end of this month.

Malaysian mum asks Australia to protect her son

THE mother of a former bodyguard to the Malaysian prime minister has appealed to Australian authorities to grant “full protection” to her son, who is facing the death penalty in his home country.

Sirul Azhar Umar was detained by Australian authorities in January when Interpol issued a red notice after Malaysia’s federal court sentenced him to death

in absentia.

He had been living in Queensland with his 15-year-old son before his arrest and conviction for killing a Mongolian interpreter.

The case is diplomatically challenging as Australia will not extradite anyone facing the death penalty overseas.

The 28-year-old victim, Altantuya Shaariibuu, was shot twice in a jungle clearing outside Kuala

Lumpur and her body blown up with militarygrade explosives, leaving only fragments of bone, hair and tissue as evidence.

A former member of the Malaysian police special action unit, Sirul Azhar, claimed he was ordered to kill the woman but never revealed who gave the order.

At the time, he was a bodyguard to then deputy and now current

Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak.

Sirul Azhar’s elderly mother travelled to Australia as part of a “humanitarian mission” arranged by the Malaysian opposition Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS).

Piah Samad urged local authorities to give her son “full protection in Australia”.

“It’s more [safe] in Australia than going

back to Malaysia,” she said.

Sirul Azhar’s sister Noriatin Umar was also in Australia along with Malaysian MP Mahfuz Omar and PAS foreign affairs spokesman Dr Syed Azman.

Ms Altantuya was the mistress of one of Mr Najib’s closest advisers, Abdul Razak Baginda, who was also charged but later acquitted of abetting her murder.-ABC news

The Great Pyramids used to be as white as snow because they were encased in a bright limestone that has worn off over the years

The bottom line

A QUEENSLAND fruit fly, like those discovered in Auckland.

Picture: Stuff.co.nz

We needed to protect our own...

SIRUL Azhar Umar

Fresh Afghan avalanches

FRESH avalanches have hit northern Afghanistan just days after devastating snow slides killed more than 280 people.

Officials in Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley said new avalanches 40 metres high hit the region, cutting off access to remote villages.

The area had already been devastated by avalanches and flooding in recent days thought to be the worst in 30 years.

Last week, 286 people were killed and more than 1,200 homes were destroyed by the huge sheets of snow, which engulfed whole villages as they swept down from the Afghan

peaks after days of heavy blizzards.

The death toll is expected to rise and it is feared people remain trapped in the snow. One of the worst-hit communities remains cut off and authorities are dropping food parcels from the air.

Afghan president Ashraf Ghani cancelled a state visit to Iran and declared three days of national mourning.

The blizzards also cut power supplies to Kabul and neighbouring provinces after heavy snowfall damaged cables running through the Salang Pass, part of the Hindu Kush moun-

tain range that connects the capital to the north.

Afghan authorities said it would take them at least three weeks to restore normal power to the capital.

Deadly avalanches are common in Afghanistan’s mountainous areas in winter.

One in the remote far-northeast in 2012 left 145 people missing, presumed dead.

Despite the billions of dollars in aid from the international community after the collapse of the Taliban in 2001, Afghanistan remains among the world’s poorest nations after decades of conflict. -ABC

North Korea opens fire

NORTH Korea fired two short-range missiles into the sea as annual US-South Korea military exercises got under way, officials in Seoul say.

The two missiles, with a range of 490km (305 miles), were fired from the western city of Nampo into the sea east of the Korean peninsula, the South Korean military said.

The drills, involving tens of thousands of troops, always anger Pyongyang.

It traditionally shows its displeasure with missile tests and louder rhetoric.

Seoul and Washington describe the military exercises as defensive in nature. North Korea calls them a rehearsal for invasion.

Key Resolve, a largely computer-simulated exercise, lasts 12 days and Foal Eagle, which has ground, air and sea components, lasts eight weeks.

In a statement, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles, fired early on Monday, were probably Scud Cs or Scud Ds.

The military remained “vigilant against any additional launches”, it said.

Defence Minister Kim Min-seok vowed a stern response to any provocation. -BBC news

AFGHAN survivors of an avalanche run to get relief goods distributed by an Afghan army helicopter in the Paryan district of Panjshir province, north of Kabul on March 1, 2015. Picture: ABC/AFP

TOP: The annual exercises always lead to a spike in tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Bottom: North Korea, seen here test-firing an “anti-ship rocket” in a picture released on 8 February, traditionally shows its displeasure with missile tests. Picture: BBC

MORE

US-Israel tension rising

US Republican speaker John Boehner has accused the White House of worsening the country’s relationship with Israel over a speech Benjamin Netanyahu will give to Congress.

The Israeli prime minister had arrived in Washington on what he had called a “historic” 48-hour mission to try to stop a nuclear deal with Iran — including, controversially, his speech on Tuesday before a joint session of Congress.

Picture: ABC/AFP

WHO sounds warning

MORE than a billion young people are at risk of losing their hearing because of listening to loud music, a new World Health Organisation (WHO) report warns.

The WHO study found that among people aged 12 to 35, nearly half were at risk of hearing damage because of loud music, be it at live ven-

ues or on personal devices.

The report recommends that the 1.1 billion young people affected should turn the volume down or limit their listening to 15 minutes a day.

Dr Shelly Chadha, an expert in hearing loss prevention for the WHO in Geneva, led the study, which analysed data from high and middle-income

countries. It found any more than 15 minutes of daily exposure to music louder than 85 decibels could cause serious problems in a relatively short period of time.

“We have bones inside the ear which are responsible for hearing and when we are exposed to loud sounds it damages them,” she said.

“If one is exposed to sounds which are 85 decibels, it would sound like if you were sitting inside your car in heavy traffic. That level of sound one can actually listen to safely for up to eight hours.

“But if you were to go on increasing the sound, and if you’re listening to your music at 100 decibels, [that] would

sound something like what a lawnmower would sound like.

“If you’re exposed to that intensity of sound, you can listen to it only for about 15 minutes or less than 15 minutes, and if you listen for longer than this on a daily basis, it’s bound to damage your hearing cells.” -ABC news

The move, however, infuriated the White House because the speech was set up by Mr Boehner without the knowledge of president Barack Obama. The speech comes a fortnight before Israel’s elections, which Mr Obama said breaks protocol.

His national security adviser went further, saying it was destructive to the fabric of the two nations’ bipartisan relationship.

Mr Boehner said the animosity between the White House and Mr Netanyahu was “no secret here in this town”. More than two dozen Democrats said they would boycott the speech, but secretary of state John Kerry said Mr Netanyahu was “welcome” to deliver the speech. -ABC

than a billion young people are at risk of hearing damage because of loud music, be it at live venues or on personal devices.

Original ‘Painim Wok’ re-union

BY THOMAS LULUNGAN

ICONIC as the legendary name remains; ‘ Painim Wok” (original) is coming back together after more than twenty years’ absence from the PNG music scene.

John Warbat MBE and George Telek MBE, have finally sealed a promotional package this month to kickstart their reunion gigs and concerts.

Paveks Ltd is coming aboard with an initial sponsorship deal through owner Rigo Paivu; leading a cue of sponsors to help re-establish the legendary group to touring around the country and internationally as well. Mr Paivu, a young fan during the band’s heydays, is now the owner of Paveks Ltd, based in Kokopo.

The members thanked Mr Rigo during the cheque presentation as the first sponsor to jump aboard. John and Telek have both been awarded MBE medals by the Queen for services rendered to the music industry – a retrospec-

tive recognition that reflects not only their talents but their influences to young musicians and the promotion of our contemporary music domestically and internationally as well.

The original Painim Wok band line-up is Telek on main vocals, John Warbat on lead guitar and back-up vocals, Martin Bobo on bass and back-up vocals, and Henry Maniot on drums.

The foursome is missing originals Wakol Kaia on keys and David Kepas on bass guitar prior to the transit of the original “Molacks” (Vunalaslas) to ‘Painim Wok” in 1983.

“Molacks” band gave forth many groups and solo artists over a span of 40 years, beginning in the early 70s when musicians like late Lakman Meledi, Walter Diuvia, late Graham Livai, Frank Low and late John Wong had stints in and out of “Molachs”.

Its popularity in the 70s preceded the establishment of the commercial music studios in 1980 – in fact, bands like the “Molachs”, “Pacific

Vibrations”[Malabunga], “Malaguna Porehoods”, Matupit’s “Eagles” and “Sunamists”, Nangananga’s “Skylights”, Raluana’s “Shabby Tamers”, Vunamami’s “Pebble Web” and many more, may have formed early studio entrepreneurs’ commercial interests to establish recording studios in East New Britain.

The NBC (National Broadcasting Commission) was the first to start recording bands in mono and stereo (live and ‘dead’ as well) as it took over from the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) around 1977.

NBC’s recording stints by now retired engineers Gerard Turapal, late Bill Nolan & late Lens Gevoto, resulted in several bands released under the early NBC recording Label, purposely for airplay but released on cassette as well.

“Molachs” debut through NBC Port Moresby’s recording of a few songs in 1979; out of which, ‘Talaigu”’came out very popular on NBC’s airwaves right after recording.

The song stayed up top for

quite a long time. Frank Low was on vocals at the time while silent Telek’s left-handed drum tracks held the backbone to that early track.

As the “oldies” of the original Molachs moved on, Telek, (vocals) David Kepas (bass), John Warbat (lead), Henry Maniot (drums) and Wakol Kaia (keyboards) took over the roles of the “new members” to bring the name right up to their debut recording of “Vunalaslas” (Molachs – PAC 1); breaking Pacific Gold’s virginity in commercial recording arena in 1983.

‘Molachs’ title track of that album was ‘Painim Wok’, using the melody and tune of Eddie Rabbit’s, “I can’t go on”.

However, the track titled, ‘Vunalaslas’, became the hit song that penetrated the language barrier in PNG as it became a ‘national anthem”.

The album equally introduced John Warbat’s developing talent as one of PNG’s best guitarists; and consecutively sealing Pacific Gold’s anchorage in the PNG music industry as the leader in

quality music recording and production. go solo at the same time and a band/solo – synchronized recording schedule was set up for Telek and his group in PGS’s 4-track studio. John Warbat clearly became the group’s song-writer and music arranger, and Telek’s music arranger as well.

Synchronized successes of Telek’s solo acts and “Painim Wok’s” string of successes after “Snake, rattle and Roll”; continued to flourish until they disbanded in March 1994.

Their 12 year career did not go down well with their fans as Telek and Maniot moved to CHM Supersounds Studios, Martin Bobo re-pursued his softball career and John Warbat was recruited and mentored to become one of PNG’s top recording engineer, musician and music producer with PGS original members agreed to Telek’s long-standing mandatory obligation to get the originals back together for a final music count-down to retirement.

The legend is retaining Rusi-

at Inut [back-up lead guitar], Kilala Jonah (Telek’s backup singer) and keyboardist Millan McCriddle.

As John and Telek put it …”blong tok tenkiu long olim nem blong band long 20 years”. [To say thanks for keeping the name alive for the last 20 years].

The band is currently rehearsing and planning a tour nation-wide.

Organizations, fund-raising sports teams and private hotels and clubs are now in hot pursuit of Painim Wok’s undying repertoire and style and are already phoning in. ’Painim Wok” [original] will kick-start their “retirement” concerts in May this year at the Ralum Club. Keep a look out for news on their coming live performances on this column.

For bookings please contact George Telek: 73845142, John Warbat: 72102941 or Rusiat Inut: 72237263. Email your stories and photos for a review to: tlulungan57@gmail.com or text to: 71250762 - No calls please.

ABOVE: John Warbat (left) and George Telek right sealing the re-union agreement. Picture right: Telek (left) shaking hands and receiving the initial sponsorhip cheque of K2, 000 from Paveks Managing Director Rigo Paivu (right) in Kokopo this week. Right behind Telek from left: John Warbat, Martin Bobo, Henry Maniot and Rusiat Inut. Pictures: THOMAS LULUNGAN

TTQ kick starts new season

BY DIANNE WAKETSI

PAPUA New Guinea’s popular quiz show the Big Rooster Think Tank Quiz will be kicking off its season four under the sponsorship of fast food outlet Big Rooster soon announced founder and Director John Kama.

Present to kick off the season 4 was Big Rooster’s chief executive officer Salim Chamadia and 2014 Miss South Pacific Grace Nugi as guest of the day.

Kama added that Big Rooster won the naming rights of the TTQ for the next 5 years and this is timely for show.

Kama thanked Big Rooster for its continuous support to the show and hopes that this rela-

tionship will be a strong and successful one.

Kama said, “The crowd has been asked to participate in the show by answering general knowledge questions which will allow them a spot on the show or they can walk away with Big Rooster voucher.

Mr Chamadia said, “Big Rooster to is happy to be the major sponsor of this brilliant show as we feel we are contributing to helping the community through education by training and development through this program.”

He said that the show was an excellent way to help children broaden their knowledge and study harder for a better future.

The brain child of John Kama the concept of “Think Tank Quiz” (TTQ) was hatched in 2004 while he was teaching at the Pacific Adventist University (PAU) outside Port Moresbyy.

“It all started from a series of successful inter-faculty debates that I initiated and hosted in 2003-2004.”

He said that it was a noble idea and concept and he believed a lot of people would benefit from it.

Kama said the TTQ was established as a community service quizzing entity to support the literacy goals of the Education Department, educational institutions, NGOs and donor organisations.

THIS weekend, directly out from Radaaz (Rabaul), is prince of Rub-a-Dub - Anslom Nakikus performing live on Friday thanks to Paveks Promotions and Sports Inn. Regarded by most fans as PNG’s “Lucky Dube” having most of his songs relating to life situations and events with his song ‘Member’ hitting the airwaves, Rub-a-Dub fans are promised to a night full of fun and entertainment this Friday. Featuring on the night also will be Wayne Towan Tefatu and Junior Narox Band of Rabaul. The night will be supported by KB Stone Production, Paveks Promotion and Rabaul Virgin Coconut Oil Limited. Tickets can be purchased at Sports Inn, YumiFM and RaitFM studios. For more information, call Sports Inn on 325 7186.

FROM left, Mr Big Rooster, 2014 Miss PNG South Pacific Grace Nugi, Big Rooster CEO Salim Chamadia and TTQ Director John Kama.

‘THE

VOICE’ OF RADAAZ

Higher Vision launches new album

BY LISA HEBEI

FAMOUS gospel music group Higher Vision has launched its new album titled ‘The King’ under the Wine Press label.

The group was formed in the late 80s by six musicians from Oro province who reigned as one of the country’s top Gospel music groups.

The album was launched last weekend in Lae and coincided with the 38th Anniversary celebration of the Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea. Band Manager George Uware said: “The album titled, The King is produced to lift the name of our saviour Jesus Christ higher and give him the glory for the talent, skills, change and the new encounter with God.’

Mr Uware said producing the new album started last November but because the members were scat-

SNAPSHOTS ... SNAPSHOTS ..

tered throughout the country, there was a delay in the launch taking place sooner. He said it took them four months to compose new songs, however, with vast experience from the members, time ran by creatively.

“Two songs where I believe the fans will love is sung in the local Oro dialect , Afige meaning door open while June Mune means fragrance, refers to a relationship with God. June Mune is in the Angara dialect of Kokoda District,” he said.

Uware said the song June Mune meaning a relationship with God must be like a fragrance. References are taken from the New Testament where Mary Magdalene broke the jar of Alabaster perfume at Jesus feet to release a sweet smelling fragrance. People from different origins and denominations flocked to the Anglican Church in Lae to witness the launching of the album

The King

MAIXS n Kevs at the March Girls Resort.

SERA Paul and mumy dearest hanging out at Vision City.

PAPA Saux n lady Saux at the March Girls Resort.

SIMBU ambai, look style tru.

SONNY Ray and his father having a good time at March Girls Resort.

HIGHER Vision lead vocalists Pastor Daniel Meakero (right) and Peter Bogembo performing one of the new song from the album title ‘The King’ in Lae last weekend . Picture: FRANKIY KAPIN

10859

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

Solution to puzzle SL0863

stars

Solution No. 10858 S P A R E B O I L W L E A G E R E L A N W A R D S L I M A R C E E R I E D A Y S C A R E D E N D E D I A T O M G T E N O R S R E V V E G A N N E T E D I S O N L D I V E S N E W E L M I S E R S A G A R A C E S R C N E A T T U F T S C H I C T I R E S E E E V E N R E A D Y

1 8 12 18 23 27 33 38

13 34

2 24

14 35 37

3 11 28 29 40

4 20 25

19

5 9 15 36 39

6 30

10 21 26

16 31

7 22

17 32

TAURUS ACROSS 3 Employed 8 Bird of prey 9 Fault 11 Literary ridicule 12 Got up 15 Digit 18 Trees 19 Cover 20 Spaces set back 23 Direction 25 First woman 26 Church recess 27 Grapples with 29 Snakelike fish 30 Allotted 33 Season 36 Wretchedness 37 Proverbs 38 Container for strawberries 39 Naval hero 40 Happen again DOWN 1 Fragment 2 Smith’s block 3 Firefighting equipment 4 Country 5 Large buildings 6 Mock 7 Pimply condition 10 Marsh

March 20 - April 19

Positive as the events taking place are, you’ll notice you’re uneasy about certain matters. This is no surprise, since you’re in the run up to the emotionally intense Full Moon, in a few days’ time. While those vulnerable feelings will pass, your excitement about promising events will grow, as plans do.

April 20 - May 19

Being ruled by the gracious Venus, you see no reason why rather difficult situations can’t be dealt with in a civilised manner. Still, you’re at a loss how to be gracious about the behaviour of one particular individual. They intend to be offensive. Say something and they’ll only get worse.

May 21 - June 20

This is one of those rare and extraordinary times when exciting, and unexpected, developments in the lives of others could bring equally wonderful things your way. True, these might be sudden and require rethinking existing arrangements. If so, the benefits will more than outweigh any chaos the resulting changes will cause.

June 21 - July 21

While there’s no arguing the current alliance between bountiful Jupiter and Uranus is as powerful as it is rare, there’s lots more going on in the heavens. Thus, events here on earth will be confusing as well. Explore everything, knowing that each day’s events could mean rethinking the previous day’s decisions.

July 22 - August 22

The Full Moon, in a few days’ time, brings financial and business matters to a head. While you’ve been ignoring several, this lends an urgency to situations. This is timely. Instead of avoiding these, events will force you to give them the necessary time and attention.

August 23 - September 22

Unwise as saying yes to an idea or offer about which you’ve few facts seems, that’s exactly what you’re encouraged to do. While, obviously, you’d rather know exactly what you’re getting involved with, things are moving too swiftly to expect any such answers. Instead plunge in and let experience be your guide.

ARIES VIRGO SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES

September 23 - October 22

Your ruling planet Venus meets Uranus, which signifies innovation and the unexpected, only once a year. As it happens, that encounter is taking place now, during a two-week long period of stunning planetary activity. Overwhelming as events seem when they arise, be patient. As the dust settles, they’ll come together magically.

October 23 - November 22

Few things are more upsetting than suspecting you’re being deceived. For most born under the sign of Scorpio, honesty and being able to trust others is crucial. Still, clear cut as things seem, ask a few questions. Once all the facts are revealed, you’ll realise you’ve drawn entirely the wrong conclusion.

November 23 - December 22

This week’s stunning links between Mars, Venus, your ruler Jupiter and Uranus are so powerful they influence everybody. While some, including you, will respond eagerly, others will be far more hesitant. Waste no time trying to win them over. You needn’t bother. The benefits of these changes will soon persuade them.

December 21 - January 19

Some obstacles are no more than that, problems that need to be dealt with. Those triggered by this week’s challenging aspects to the ordinarily secretive Pluto, which is positioned in Capricorn, will be revealing about your own circumstances, as well as others. Once you’ve figured them out, those obstacles will vanish.

January 20 - February 17

Accounting for the way you use your resources, that is, your time, money and even your ideas, probably isn’t your idea of fun. Yet the resulting insights will explain why certain activities go brilliantly, while others, those you unwittingly neglect, always present difficulties. Now, at last, you’ll know what needs attention.

13 Tracking system 14 Black marks 16 Catch the breath 17 Trick 19 Even 20 Banish 21 Rescues 22 Chemical compound 23 Female sheep 24 Observer 28 Offer 30 Skinflint 31 Concise 32 Passing away 34 Stopper 35 Man’s name 36 Bill of fare Eating Healthy Helps keep the doctor at bay Watch what you eat! A POST-COURIER COMMUNITY SERVICE ANNOUCENMENT

Dealing with the practical matters you’re facing is straightforward. But you’re also contending with certain more complex personal decisions and don’t even know where to begin. The necessary insights are unlikely to surface until the Pisces New Moon, on the 20th. Knowing that, you’ll want to take things slowly.

Amean: God gives second chances

BY PETER SEVARA JR.

RUGBY LEAGUE

SP Hunters latest recruit, Stargroth Amean has a story to share that he hopes will one day inspire others.

Amean is testimony of someone who was given a second chance in life to play the game he loves.

The new huntsman was down in the dumps in 2013 with his promising rugby league career looking down the barrel of a shot-gun.

The young man had busted both ankles, his dreams had been shattered and felt like an outcast amongst his peers as they continuously bagged him about not being able to play again.

“My future was spiraling before me and couldn’t see where I was going,” he added.

But the Engan after going through that harrowing experience has learnt the hard way to have self belief more than anything else.

“I have learnt to now look

at past problems to the future ahead….and I hope others in the same situation can look beyond turbulent waters with faith that there is something there for you,” he said.

And it is not a plain request, it is something that has made him feel complete, fulfilled, satisfied.

To understand it better, Amean said it is important to know why I love this game.

“The first person who inspired me to play was Darren Lockyer. When he made his debut for the Maroons, I was about five years old, I was a kid, but from that time I saw him play, I knew what destiny wanted of me and I set off on a course,” Amean said. He started out in schoolboys for Waigani Primary in 2005 before going onto Gerehu Secondary until his selection for Southern Zone in the Milo Zones schoolboys challenge in Kimbe. Amean made the selections for the PNG Under 16 Kundu’s but the lack of funds saw the trip being cancelled.

Amean soon took his trade to the Lagaip Brothers in the Hohola Offseason, which toughened him up, but when he tried to sneak into the Paga Panthers under 19 team, they took one look at him and sent him back in 2009.

“I was 17 then and they told me I was too young to play and sent me back to join the schoolboy’s league. But the following year I was back in the team and we won the grand final,” said Amean.

By 2011, the Hela Wigmen came calling as their fullback. In 2012 he moved over to the Vipers and played as the backup for custodian and then Kumul Josiah Abavu and passed time playing as a winger. It was in 2013 that disaster struck.

“Around late 2012 going to 2013 I got both my ankles busted and that was it for me. I couldn’t even run, or even jog. I was a cripple and was envious of those who could do those things,” Amean said. It was also the year the Kumuls went for the World Cup, media

reports had him as the rising star as he was making waves for the Viper’s full-back slot that quickly went away as it came with his ankles giving up on him. “It was a difficult time and I was so discouraged at the time by my mates who would always remind me of the player that could have been,” he said.

“I had long hard thought and I told myself…this life is mine and mine alone and for God, I will prove them wrong.

“Nogat way now mi go painim wanpla strongpla lotu man na tokim em long pray long tupla ankle blong mi,” (I reached a dead-end and with nowhere to go I decided to ask a committed Christian to pray for my ankles) he said.

Whilst it wasn’t an overnight thing, Amean said the religious person basically gave him the faith to believe in himself again.

“He practically ordered me to attempt to walk to strengthen my muscles again. I was out of action for up to 12 months until the end of 2013,

Eliab retains captaincy

BY PETER SEVARA JR. RUGBY LEAGUE

THE 2014 Intrust Super Cup nominee for the Player of the Year Award, Israel Eliab was again named Captain for the 2015 SP PNG Hunters. This was announced during the Hunters 2015 launch in Port Moresby on Sunday.

Eliab remained the only plausible choice with his experience acting in several positions to hold the fort,

while head coach Michael Marum switched players to cover for injury in 2014 with just a working roster of 22 players for the whole year.

Eliab said he was humbled and privileged to be given the honor and thanked all those who had faith in him and said he will do his best to lead the boys.

Marum while making the announcement said Eliab’s role is an important one in a time when the new players in camp needed guidance.

With a 26 player roster for this year, Marum has a number of determined charges which will make good competition for the players to bolster their efforts to keep their heads above water.

“Last year we did well despite being a new team and this year the new guns are also proving to be good.

I’ve seen how they have played and I made a couple of choices for the first 18 players to take the field against the Magpies

(South’s Logan) in Brisbane so I should have the final list before Tuesday (today)” Marum said.

In attendance amongst various dignitaries, sponsors, and business individuals was respected Australian Rugby League commentator Phil Gould whose presence was the highlight of the evening.

Gould gave an insight to the Hunters team and rugby league as a whole in a country where the passion for the game was really here.

when I began to regain my old self again,” he added.

The young man missed the heroics of 2013 with the Vipers bagging their much awaited premiership and most of the players were on the shopping list for the SP Hunters.

This allowed Amean to push for a spot in the Vipers trials and secure a regular starting role on the right wing for Leonard Tarum’s team.

Despite the Vipers not being a serious contender last year, Amean did enough in the Digicel Cup to be given a call-up to the Hunters camp.

“I came this far out of my own struggles, self-pity, determination and perseverance. Now I pray before entering the field in every game. I pray to be given the strength every day to perform,” he said.

Amean is living the dream of countless others that followed the Hunters religiously last year. “I am privileged to be part of this team and will work my back-side off to earn my stripes,” he added.

Amean said he grew up in a settlement lifestyle in Morata. “When my dad passed away and others my age would say that the only way to relieve the pressure of being an orphan is to drink alcohol and take drugs,” he said.

“I decided not to take that pathway, instead I used to release whatever pressures I had into playing league. What they didn’t realize was that there has to be more to life than drinking and taking drugs,” he added.

He acknowledged Paga Panthers mentor Richard Wagambie for instilling a certain level of discipline that has turned his whole life around.

“But for those youths struggling in the settlements, have courage and never give up. I was once like you but now I’m a Hunter...you can do it too,” he said.

To have success you must have patience…my story is mine alone and if I ever make it to the NRL it will be my blessing.

Rugby league is most popular in Australia, New Zealand, England, Tonga, France and Papua New Guinea.

STARGROTH Amean in action during the SP Hunters training.

SP Hunters players display one of their playing strips during the launch on Sunday night.

The bottom line

Former NZ coach to lead PNG men’s soccer

HERBERT will take the reigns of his new job this month as the Under-23 selected side goes into camp at the PNGFA academy in Lae.

“Fifty-three year old Herbert will arrive for the camp as discussed,” Brand said. Herbert will be assisted by mentor coach Milan Meric and Reginald Davani as assistant coach.

The Under-23 camp will start on March 16 and conclude on March 19. There are about 30 players selected so far.

The Under-23 team will also tour Solomon Islands for friendly matches a week after the camp. The proposed dates for the matches will be confirmed by PNGFA.

The Under-23 PNG team will play Solympics and Western United FC on separate dates as lead up matches.

“At this time the schedule is not confirmed and I am looking to try and switch the games on the 25th and 27th March,” Brand said. There are plans for more international matches but this will be confirmed at a later date.

OFC president and PNGFA president David Chung said Herbert brings with him a wealth of experience to the team.

“Not many around the world have been to two FIFA World Cups especially in the Pacific region. One as a player and the other as a head coach,” Chung said.

Sagothorns Mites bags second title

BY FRANKIY KAPIN RUGBY UNION

THE Sagothorn Mites have taken out the Anitua Hardware and B-Mobile Vodafone sponsored sevens series for the second week running at the SCRUM Oval in Lae on Sunday.

The touch-rugby team from Sitos Street, Papuan Compound has surprised regular Morobe Rugby Football Union (MRFU) clubs with

their form. With another four weekends of the series played over two days remaining, the Mites have so far pocketed K2000 in cash prizes from winning the Cup in consecutive weekends.

On Sunday, the Mites led by skipper and former Kokopo Barbs stalwart John Rollie beat Unitech Reds 29-7 convincingly in the Cup final.

Sagothorns scored through Maluai Patakai with a double matched by flanker John

Rollie with another two tries and winger Jack Bueng one try for the five try win.

Scrum half Robin Loma added the extras converting two out of five.

Reds managed a lone try to Benny Morris after making a 50 metre break to score.

Rollie said the team is managed well by Michael Muriki and have a good bunch of young players that are enjoying their rugby right now.

The previous weekend, the

Mites beat Harlequins in the final.

Morobe Rugby Football Union president Livingstone Nenjipa says the momentum has surely picked up. He said despite Sagothorns reaching the grand finals so far in the first two weekends of the series, he believes it will be tougher this weekend.

Nenjipa said Sagothorns have been given a taste of two different rivals which goes to

Sevens team to work harder

RUGBY UNION

THE Papua New Guinea Sevens team needs to work harder on fitness, discipline and decision making if they are to do well at the forthcoming Hong Kong Sevens. This follows their upbeat performance to beat Sri Lanka 33-7 at the Borneo Sevens on Sunday.

Coach Billy Rapilla said the team improved greatly from the recent Wellington tournament.

“It was a huge learning for most of them and they showed that during this tournament,” he added. Rapilla said key areas which affected them from going further in the tournament were the yellow cards dished out during the two Hong Kong matches and Tonga. “This comes down to added fitness, discipline and decision making to take the simple options in the three matches that cost us heavily,” he said.

The understanding of rulings of the breakdown laws and over aggressions in tackles was an area we struggled to come to terms with, he added. Standout players were Arthur Clement backed up by Henry Kalua. . Aggression in defense and linear attack and support play was clearly better from the previous,” Rapilla said. While strong performances came from skipper Hubert Tseraha, Eugene

Tokavai, Wesley Vali, Hensley Peter, Stanis Susuve and Max Vali. PNG finished third in the tournament.

show that the coming weekend challenges is anyone’s game.

Nenjipa further reminded that to keep the momentum of the series, there will be no break prior to commencement of the 15s competition.

He said the completion of the seven’s series will carry forth to the preseason of the 15s.

Nenjipa is appealing to all teams to be aware and prepare in advance.

“Herbert has this quality and he has also coached other teams in the Pacific so his experience of Island football and knowledge of other island countries will be a bonus for our preparation.”

Chung said Herbert was specifically hired for the Pacific Games and PNGFA will review his contract after the Games in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers.

Herbert as a player featured in the New Zealand team during the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain and helped guided the All Whites to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Herbert is the second manager and the only New Zealander to take New Zealand to the FIFA World Cup for a second time when his side qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup by winning World Cup qualifying play-off against Bahrain.

SPILL FOM BACK PAGE

THE champions from Sitos Street, the Sagothorn Mites after winning the Cup for the second weekend. INSET: Sagothorn Mites Ray Dadim (with ball) is about to be hit in a heavy tackle from his Unitech Reds tackler. Pictures by FRANKIY KAPIN.

PNG Sevens coach Billy Rapilla (with cap) talking to the players.

Under-2 3 to tour SI as PNGFA hires . . . Under-23 to tour as hires . . .

Mila Meric

Kiwi to coach PNG team

ASSISTANT COACH

Reginald Davani

PAPUA NEW GUINEA Football Association (PNGFA) has set the ball rolling with the hire of an international coach to prepare the Under-23 national team for the Pacific Games.

Former New Zealand professional footballer and NZ head coach Ricky Herbert has been tasked with the biggest assignment as he fine tunes, assess, assemble and put the best team forward for the qualifiers.

Herbert is also a former Wellington Phoenix coach in the ALeague competition in Australia.

OFC consultant to PNGFA David Brand told Post-Courierthat there were other candidates but they went for Herbert because of his “Island football” experience.

“There were other top candidates but we stuck to what we believe is best and that Herbert with his ‘Island football experience can give us the advantage,” Brand said.

The Pacific Games soccer will be used as the Olympic qualifier with New Zealand also taking part including Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) members. There are about 14 OFC member countries.

CONTINUED PAGE 43

FRANK GENAIA