Post Courier, Thursday March 5, 2015

Not my fault Not my fault

BY GORETHY KENNETH

EAST Sepik Governor Sir Michael Somare says his hands are tied in managing the province’s financial affairs because of an ongoing court battle over the acting administrator’s position.

He said a court order in place since last July had stopped him from ordering an audit into the East Sepik provincial administration.

Sir Michael, who is also the province’s financial delegate, said this when expressing disappointment over the misuse of K1.2 million of K2 million Boram hospital funds as reported by the Post-Courier yesterday.

Somare: Administrator at fault

Maru: Syndicate may be involved

STORIES ON PAGES 2, 4

HANUABADA SHOOTING INVESTIGATION STALLS

WITNESSES NOT COMING FORWARD: PAGE 3

MOMIS UPBEAT ON B’VILLE REFERENDUM

PEACE DEAL CONDITIONS CAN BE MET: PAGE 17

He also expressed disappointment at acting provincial administrator Otto Ganaii for the alleged mismanagement and misuse of scarce hospital resources as the protracted court battle rages in the background.

Sir Michael said court orders of last July remained in effect, preventing him from removing Mr Ganaii as acting administrator as he had recommended, in order to ensure good governance of provincial finances Prime Minister Peter O’Neill had presented the K2 million to the East Sepik administration last year for the maintenance of the Boram Hospital in Wewak.

“I am therefore pleased that the current chairman of the hospital board, Mr Allan Bird has raised the possible discrepancies that are taking place within the provincial and hospital administration,” Sir Michael said.

CONTINUED PAGE 2

Assist police investigations on HB shootings

ITHAS been 41 days since the shooting of Hanuabada villagers, the late Nicholas Rarua and Toka Gaudi and a Royal PNG Constabulary investigation is yet to make progress.

The RPNGC has put the screws back on the villagers for the delay as only 85 witnesses have given statements to the police team investigating the shooting.

Acting police commissioner Jim Andrews yesterday appealed to more villagers to give statements, which would enable them to build up their case that would lead to the identifying and prosecution of rogue policemen within their ranks.

The top cop made reference to differences amongst the villagers over the sharing of “haus krai” money that was paid to the families of the two deceased, hence no one going forward to give their statements.

If the statement by the acting police commissioner, on villagers refusing to assist the investigation to protest not getting their share of the money, is true then it is shameful that the villagers have put their personal interest and profitability before justice. It does raise questions about the villagers’ actions and whether their protest – which came close to paralysing the National Capital District in January this year – was for justice or opportunism.

The protest by the Hanuabada, Tatana and Baruni villagers had the support of the wider community as finally police brutality and senseless extrajudicial killings by the disciplinary forces were being put under the spotlight. Members of the RPNGC were finally being held accountable for their actions, which is often rare in PNG. But there is a danger of them losing that public support with revelations of them getting upset over how the money was distributed.

Sadly it is a trap that a lot of Papua New Guineans are falling into: putting their personal wealth and benefit over principles and the upholding of human rights. Failure to arrest this development could have long-term implications for this country in terms of upholding the rule of law and becoming champions of justice.

We hope the reports coming out of the big village in the National Capital District are not true and could be a misunderstanding. The families of the two deceased villagers deserve justice but that cannot be realised until and unless the villagers go forward with information to assist the police investigation.

It is in that light that we appeal to Hanuabada villagers who witnessed the shooting to go forward and give information unconditionally. Removing rogue policemen from the RPNGC rank-and-file is our ultimate objective but that cannot be achieved without statements from eyewitnesses. Ordinary Papua New Guineans in Port Moresby and other parts of the country continue to be witness to and be victims of police brutality.

The shooting to death of the two villagers by policemen captured the interest of the nation. We need to keep the momentum going by pushing for the arrest of the murderers. But that will all be academic without the statements of the eyewitnesses. Consequently, we join the village committee in appealing for witnesses to come forward and assist the police. The tragic shootings and the subsequent protest has the potential to become the foundation to hold our policemen and women accountable, let us do the right thing.

How to contact us

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REGIONAL OFFICES

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Buka: David Lornie

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Maru: Syndicate may be involved in Boram fraud

BY NELLIE SETEPANO

CONTRACTORS involved in the East Sepik Boram General Hospital toilet deal have each collected six separate cheques totalling K1.2 million.

This is inclusive of a 10 per cent tax and paid as separate cheques. The names of the two contractors had been revealed by Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Richard Maru, who is Yangoru-Saussia MP.

The cheques were made payable in December, 2014.

They are cheques, numbers 169729, 169730, 169818, 169830 and two cheques with the same number 169828.

Copies of the cheques had been provided to the Governor Sir Michael Somare, Health Minister Michael Malabag and to the police.

Mr Maru told the media yesterday that he believed there was a well-established crime syndicate operating within the East Sepik provincial administration.

Well-organised crime syndicate involved with public servants

RICHARD

He said this following allegations by the Wewak General Hospital board chairman Allan Bird that K1.2 million out of K2 million the Prime Minister had allocated to refurbish the Boram facilities had been stolen.

“Someone at the provincial administration who has section 32 powers approved the engagement (of contractors) and payments,” said Mr Maru.

“Someone in the provincial treasury cleared the fraudulent claims and drew the cheques.” He said someone at the bank (named), without due diligence checks, had cleared and released the

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payments to the so-called contractors.

“It will not surprise me that a fraud squad investigation would reveal the presence of a well- organised crime syndicate that knowingly initiates, approves and clears bogus claims with the assistance of key public servants in the province who have financial authority and occupy positions of trust,” said Mr Maru. He said the stealing of the Boram General Hospital maintenance funds is only the tip of the iceberg.

Mr Maru thanked the Prime Minister for directing an urgent investigation into the finances of the East Sepik government and its provincial administration.

Mr Maru said the investigation would reveal how millions of kina have been misappropriated in the province.

“Our people are wondering why other provinces are developing rapidly na yumi East Sepik nogat. Ol moni igo we?”

Chief shifts

blame over K1.2m stink

FROM PAGE 1

“SUFFICE to say, I am frustrated by endless legal delays and, once the case is resolved, I will order an audit into all the affairs of the East Sepik administration,” he said.

“I am hopeful that the matter before the courts will be resolved shortly so I can once again take my elected role of leadership to oversee the administration of East Sepik Province,” said Sir Michael.

Yesterday Mr Bird and Trade Minister Richard Maru, who is the MP for Yangoru-Saussia, announced that police were now in the province to carry out investigations into the matter which would be completed in two weeks.

We continue to be proud of the progress of financial fraud action PNG, which has led the fight against financial fraud for many years.

YANGORU-Saussia MP Richard Maru

BETTER TO AVOID THOSE PUDDLES

MODERN cars tend to have air intakes fairly low down at the front of the car. Drive through water deep enough and it will be sucked up into the engine, causing it to fail. The technical term for this damage is called ‘hydrostatic lock’ – water enters an engine cylinder and during the compression stroke will lock the engine piston in place. This in turn overloads the connection rod, causing it to deform and cause significant engine damage. It can even destroy the engine altogether.Seen here are a sedan and a cab crossing a puddle on a Port Moresby street.

Hanuabada police investigations stall

BY DONALD WILLIE

POLICE investigations into the January 24 Hanuabada shooting have been stalled and police are blaming this on eyewitnesses for not coming forward with information.

The initial agreement between the villagers and police allowed for the investigators to interview witnesses at a designated area in the village for safety reasons because many of the witnesses were women from the market, which bore the burden of police attack.

A committee of village volunteers was set up to assist in the collection of information and statements to forward to police. A few statements have been collected.

The bottom line

At a glance

DIRECTIVE: All high powered weapons to be removed and locked away in armouries across the nation.

STATEMENTS: Eyewitnesses reluctant to give information.

PRESUME: Disagreement between people over sharing of haus krai monies.

About 85 people came forward with accounts of what transpired that day and the losses they had suffered.

Acting Police Commissioner Jim Andrews said yesterday that investigators were frustrated because witnesses were not coming forward to give their statements.

“From what we heard, there was disagreement between the Hanuabada people over sharing of haus krai monies paid out to families of the deceased and since then no-one has come forward to give statements.

“The ball is in their court, not the police. We are serious about removing rogue elements who do not respect life and property.

“We want to identify them and have them charged both administratively and criminally. So I am once again appealing to the villagers to come forward and give your statements.

“Also, as a practical measure to stop further killings, the police top management issued directives for all high powered weapons

to be removed and locked away in armouries across the nation,” Commissioner Andrews said.

Representatives of the village committee said no witness had come to them demanding payment before submission of statements, however, some had expressed fear of talking to police as they did not trust them.

The committee is calling on the villagers to take courage stand together for the good of the Motuan people and give in their statement.

Other statements including videos and bullets removed from the injured and deceased will be gathered and presented to police.

Falling In Love Has Neurological Effects Similar To Those Of Cocaine

NICE BINS

TOP marks NAC for the disposal bins at Jackson Airport. They are nicely labelled: plastic, glass, paper and general. Hope NCDC folks saw that and install similar bins around national capital.

CONTAGIOUS

BUT the male toilets in the domestic terminal need repairs. The taps aren’t working so users can’t wash their hands. Imagine the number of people a newly arrived POM passenger has to shake hands with.

NACACT

HEALTH authorities are already grappling with a tuberculosis outbreak in the Southern region. Do we want to add cholera to the list due to our unhygienic facilities? C’mon NAC do something.

LONG TIME

THE recently commissioned Erima-Nine Mile road is supposed to cut travelling time for motorists going in or out of the city. But the traffic jam has worsened for residents living outside NCD.

MORECARS

MOTORISTS are asking where all the extra vehicles have come from? If the

TINT OR NO TINT?

waiting time in the queue has lengthened then that has got to be the only reason: more cars were imported.

SPOTLIGHT

MORE scrutiny on PNG businessmen travelling to Fiji. The return of two Fijian girls, who were allegedly held in Port Moresby against their will, has put the spotlight on local entrepreneurs.

THE LIST

NEWS from Suva is that the Fijian authorities have a “person of interest” list. It contains the names of foreign businessmen eloping with local women. A number of PNG men made the list.

STARTNOW

HOPE those in government connected with the Lae Tidal Basin project remember the words of ADB officials. They asked for the new port to be operating immediately after its opening.

RETIREMENT

MEMBERS of Nambawan

Super will be elated at the declaration of a K388 million profit. But they would do well to note advice from bosses of rival Nasfund who say their savings are a retirement fund.

seeing public servants drive around with tinted windows. Has the ban been lifted?

PENGEE: thedrum@spp.com.pg

WHAT is the Government’s policy on tinted governmentowned trucks? Readers keep on

Maru grills Somare

BY GORETHY KENNETH

TRADE Minister Richard

Maru has called on East Sepik Governor Sir Michael Somare to explain if the K5 million used in the Supreme Court reference following his removal as prime minister was reimbursed to the East Sepik Provincial Government.

However, Sir Michael said he was still waiting for his reimbursement for the past three years from the Government.

Sir Michael however, confirmed that the lawyers representing the East Sepik Provincial Government, Wynn Thomas and Co, were paid K5 million for their services. He said only K1.5 million was paid back to the provincial government because that was the actual amount spent.

“I won both Supreme Court references,” Sir Michael said yesterday.

But Mr Maru in a media conference also called on Sir Michael to inform the people of East Sepik how much of East Sepik Provincial Government funds were used to support him in the Supreme Court references following his removal as prime minister in the last term of Parliament.

“We also want to know if the East Sepik Provincial Government and an individual like himself were repaid

their expenses in the case,” Mr Maru said.

“Our concerns stem from reliable information that three Port Moresby law firms where paid K5 million each for legal fees in this case for costs ordered against the State. Is this a case of only law firms enriched as a result of the Supreme Court reference?”

“Why were others not paid and what was the basis for these law firms being paid the outrageous K5 million each?

“I call on the AttorneyGeneral and Minister for Justice to publicly inform our people who were paid what and what the basis of their charges or claims was.”

But the Attorney-General’s office yesterday said that the matter was not to be discussed publicly and that they would respond in time.

Sir Michael on the other hand lashed out at Mr Maru, saying the matter is still in court and that he is still waiting for the funds to be released.

Hospital board chief furious over misue

BY NELLIE SETEPANO

EAST Sepik’s Boram Hospital board chairman

Allan Bird is disappointed over the stealing of mor e than K1 million belonging to the hospital and assures the people that an investigation is being carried out and those involved will be caught and prosecuted. The Government gave

Boram hospital K2 million for maintenance of failing infrastructure last year. The board authorised the use of that money in part to buy a new x-ray machine but unknowingly more than K1.2 million was paid to contractors under the pretext of doing maintenance work related on one toilet at the hospital. In a press conference in

Port Moresby yesterday, Mr Bird clarified that the hospital board can only award contracts up to a maximum of K500,000 and at no time did the board call tenders because the work has not been scoped. Mr Bird also said at no time did the provincial tender’s board call or award any tenders for any work at the hospital.

He queried how the contractor was able to claim and get K1.2 million for work that was never scoped, never tendered, no contact awarded and never done. He said as the hospital chairman, he was shocked that cheques were cleared through the banking system without checking him or the hospital acting chief executive officer.

Yangoru MP uncovers rot in East Sepik administration

THE people of East Sepik forked out K400,000 recently for funeral costs.

Whose funeral and what the costs entailed are not known but the money came out of the East Sepik provincial budget.

The bottom line

This was among allegations of misappropriation that Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Richard Maru had brought to the attention of East Sepik Governor Sir Michael Somare, who is also the pro-

vincial financial delegate. In another case K250,000 from public funds was paid to a private company for a village water supply project in Mr Maru’s YangoruSaussia district.

He met Sir Michael on

Tuesday to express his disgust over these alleged misuse of the people’s money. He told the Government that he supported the investigation “for us to bring to justice those who have teamed up to steal millions

Ninety percent of US dollar bills carry traces of cocaine, it has been revealed

from our province and our people”.

“I want to assure the people of East Sepik Province that I will work with the Prime Minister, the former finance minister and the Finance Secretary and his

team currently carrying out the investigation to ensure those involved and implicated in stealing millions from East Sepik must face the full force of the law. “Enough is enough,” Mr Maru said.

The matter is still before the court....

SIR MICHAEL SOMARE Port Moresby

MR MARU (left) and Mr Bird at a press conference yesterday

Toddler killed in accident

BY MAL TAIME

A 15-SEATER PMV bus hit and killed a toddler on the Highlands Highway and plunged into a ditch beside the road trapping a fouryear-old boy for almost an hour before he was rescued.

The tragic accident happened last week in accidentprone Jiwaka Province, where on the same day another 15-seater bus was involved in an accident at Kuli Gap in which four people were killed.

This one occurred at Baning on Wednesday afternoon and eyewitnesses said the bus was travelling at high speed.

The toddler was crossing the highway when she was hit by the oncoming vehicle which dragged her along the road before plunging into the ditch trapping the fouryear-old boy between the bus and the ditch.

A passing front-end loader managed to remove the bus and free the boy, while the younger girl was rushed to nearby Kudjip Nazarene Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The driver, crew and passengers of the PMV escaped the accident scene for fear of their lives, eyewitnesses

At a glance

ACCIDENT: Involving a 15seater bus that killed a toddler and ran into a ditch, trapping a four-year-old boy. The boy had been trapped between the ditch and the bus for an hour before being rescued using a front end loader.

EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS: The vehicle had been travelling at a high speed. The driver, crew and passengers of the bus fled the scene in fear for their lives.

CALLS: For authorities to review issuing of PMV licences as most drivers were not following correct procedures to get their drivers licence and they were going through back door deals.

said. Bystanders said many PMV buses were involved in fatal accidents because drivers had not gone through proper driving tests to acquire their driving licences.

Bystander Wellshman Pa’a said most of the PMV drivers had been issued PMV driving licences through back-door deals and called on road safety authorities to review PMV licence issuing procedures.

O’Neill issues condolences to flood victims

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has called on citizens to be extremely careful and not take risks during the current extreme weather.

PM O’Neill said lives have already been lost and people injured in accidents, so it is important for all people to stay safe and look after their family, friends and neighbours.

He again expressed his

Health dept adamant on quality training

THE HEALTH Department is working closely with training institutions to improve their capacity and quality of nursing, community health workers and midwifery workforce, says Health Secretary Pascoe Kase. Following support to the midwifery schools which commenced in 2010, 315 new midwives have been registered – effectively doubling the number of trained midwives.

Mr Kase said Nursing and CHW schools are also advancing.

Following an audit in 2012, the school principals convened in Port Moresby last week to set the vision for the future CHW and nursing workforce and commit to specific strategies for its realisation.

Mr Kase said with funding support through the Health Department and the government of Australia, there would be an implementation of a comprehensive program of infrastructure rehabilitation, curriculum review, textbook and essential equipment procurement, and quality improvement.

condolences for people who have died in recent days, including a family lost to flash flooding in Jiwaka, and others lost to car accidents in Jiwaka and Imbonggu.

“I call on all people in affected areas to not take undue risks with your own life or the life of anyone else.

“Roads are extremely dangerous in these weather conditions and people need

to be patient. If you are in a vehicle and a driver is not being careful tell them to settle down and protect their passengers from being harmed.

“Please do not cross rivers unless you know it is safe.

“Again patience is required. In these conditions it is better to arrive at your destination late than to die trying to get there.

“More rain is predicted for the region so we have to be ready.”

Mr O’Neill further expressed condolences to the family of seven people, including six children, who lost their lives during the flooding of the Lei River in Jiwaka Province last week.

In this instance the river burst its banks after continual rainfall affecting the

area in the Anglimp-South Waghi district.

“On behalf of the government and people of Papua New Guinea, I extend my deepest sympathies over the loss of lives and homes in the recent Jiwaka flooding.

Current weather events affecting the Highlands Region has been observed by many local people as being the worst in living memory.

Contract for new medical facility in Goroka signed

THE NEW diagnostic and surgical centre for Goroka Provincial Hospital in Eastern Highlands Province will finally be built following the signing of contracts at Government House yester-

The bottom line

day. The K150 million contract was awarded to VAMED Health Projects of Austria, as approved last year by the National Executive Council.

Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio signed on

Mushrooms

behalf of the State for work to start in 2018.

The building would be funded 85 per cent by way of a low interest Export Credit Agency loan from the Government of Czeck

Republic and 15 per cent by the national Government.

Treasury has been directed to appropriate K30 million as the State’s component. The Centre would comprise of three levels. The services

it will provide are: Accident and Emergency, laboratory, radiology, outpatient department, central sterile service department, operating theatres, critical care unit and women’s health.

This would result in significant increases in the number and quality of our CHWs and nurses.

Last week also saw the ground-breaking ceremony for a new nurse training school in West New Britain. At the ceremony Mr Kase reminded training providers of the importance of undergoing the appropriate accreditation processes before training programs can begin.

He said health worker training providers must be accredited through the PNG Nursing Council and Medical Board.

“This is a legal requirement for the graduates to practice in the PNG health sector and ensures that our health workforce continue to be highly competent in their roles and be responsive to the needs of our people.”

THIS youngster was trapped for almost an hour before he was rescued. Picture: MAL TAIME

are more closely related to humans than they are to plants.

NHEL tasked to address social housing problems

BY JACOB POK

THE NATIONAL Housing Estate Limited (NHEL) was not created to compete with the real estate industry in the country, says Housing Minister Paul Isikiel.

He told representatives from various government entities in Port Moresby yesterday that a core function of NHEL was to operate as a commercial arm of National Housing Corporation (NHC) to generate revenue and continue the social housing program.

Mr Isikiel said NHEL had some prime location in Port Moresby and other main cen-

Naval base welcomes new chief

PNG Defence Force naval base HMPNGS Basilisk in Port Moresby has a new commanding officer, Commander Willie Galia.

Yesterday, the outgoing Commander Thomas Ponjom commended Basilisk unit and encouraged all members of the unit and squadron to give Commander Galia similar support and loyalty that he had received during the past two and half years of his tenure.

“I have enjoyed my 30 months as the commanding officer with a privilege of being the unit’s Section 32 officer. Therefore, I leave with happy memories and wish Commander Galia good command and strong leadership,” Commander Ponjom said.

Commander Galia in accepting his new role said: “I will be very delighted to work with the members of the Unit and maintain team work to overcome challenges ahead.”

NHEL teams up with building company

NATIONAL HOUSING ESTATE LIMITED (NHEL): Its core function is to operate as a commercial arm of National Housing Corporation to generate revenue and continue the social housing program.

RELOCATION OF EXISTING TENANT: NHEL has some prime locations in Port Moresby and other main centres which it would develop through partnership with reputable companies and would relocate tenants. Housing Minister Paul Isikiel said their intention is to relocate existing tenants in prime areas to other temporary locations. In Port Moresby there is an exercise being carried out and there are plans to relocate tenants to Durand Farm.

tres which it would develop through partnership with reputable companies and would relocate tenants.

“It’s not in the interest of

the Government to evict people and put them out on the streets. They are human beings and citizens, so we want to be immune in this

area when we address existing tenants,” “What we intend to do here is relocate existing tenants in prime areas to other temporary locations. In Port Moresby, there is an exercise being carried out and there are plans to relocate those tenants living in prime areas in the city to the Durand Farm with stand alone houses,” Isikiel said. He said NHEL was considering building condominiums at these prime areas and that.

He added land was scarce nowadays and NHEL wanted to utilise its available land to full capacity on the intended

housing projects. “The current project which NHEL in joint venture partnership with Berkeley Capital are carrying out in NCD is the start of more similar projects to come and I am really pleased with the progress,” Mr Isikiel said.

The project on the Durand Farm in Port Moresby would also start towards the end of this month.

He commented interested investors and local companies have been identified and about 5000 titles had already been prepared. He said he was pleased that things were working out as planned.

By JACOB POK

THE National Housing Estate Limited has entered into a joint venture partnership with a reputable building company to develop land and construct affordable housing in Port Moresby.

NHEL executives yesterday announced their partnership with Berkeley Capital at a conference it hosted at the Airways Hotel in Port Moresby yesterday.

Berkeley is a leading international company specialised in sub-dividing land and constructing houses. According to its profile, Berkeley has been involved in sub-dividing land and building houses in many countries throughout the world.

It has offices in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and PNG. To highlight the progress on the new project carried out under the partnership, NHEL yesterday invited other potential state entities who had plans to secure affordable housing for their staff to participate at the conference.

Representatives from PNG Ports, Water PNG, Bank of PNG, Civil Aviation, Telikom PNG and the Finance department, participated at the conference and where informed on the progress of work carried out by NHEL and Berkeley Capital on the development of the new housing project at Tokarara.

During the meeting, Group managing director of Berkeley Capital PNG, Lavchlan Leishman, made a thorough PowerPoint presentation on the development of about 48 blocks at Tokarara where new houses will be built for corporate clients and individuals who wish to acquire a home. The site has been named Gobuta Street Estate.

Mr Leishman said the blocks are 350 to 400 square meters and will contain three bedroom Australian standard homes. He said the blocks would be developed exactly like other homes they build in Australia.

Navy needs manpower

BY MEROLYN TEN

MORE crew, officers and technicians are needed to man PNGDF patrol boats, Basilisk naval base outgoing Commander Thomas Ponjom says. He said yesterday that manpower was a big challenge faced by the sea element of the PNGDF, and so extra attention must be given to boosting manpower.

“The current crop of technical senior sailors have clocked 30 years or close to 30 years of service and as a result, they may retire in the not too distant future,” he said.

Commander Ponjom said the squadron had lost several officers including one who was embarked for ship’s Command and had passed away two

years ago, two officers had left to join the air wing as pilots, and one officer had decided to quit the navy.

He said the unit is now left with midshipmen who have yet to complete all their phases of training to be fully fledged officers of the watches at sea and officers of the day alongside. “This unit has given couple of options to the higher authorities to help mitigate these challenges such as; create direct entry recruitment of both officers and technical sailors from the shipping industry and give them basic military training before they join the Unit.

“As well as, call for re-enlistment of retired PNGDF sailors for a period of time on special remuneration packages.” Commander Ponjom said.

NAVAL officers parade during the hand-over ceremony at HMPNGS Basilisk naval base.

Interoil gives to Anglicare

A NON-government organisation providing HIV and AIDS services has received a donation of K50,000 from InterOil Corporation.

Anglicare Stop AIDS was presented the cheque on Tuesday in Port Moresby. Lifeskills training, literacy, voluntary, counselling and testing services are among services being provided by Anglicare at its headquarters in Waigani, Port Moresby.

It has branches in Lae, Mt Hagen and Wabag and has extended its services in Central and Gulf provinces.

The Post-Courier newspaper had yesterday featured its literacy program which was initially started for people living with HIV/ AIDS, but is now called literacy for all because people from varied backgrounds are attending the classes, including business people.

Health workers in protest

BY MAUREEN GERAWA

HEALTH workers are calling on provincial authorities to address the prevailing poor health services in Jiwaka Province.

They have also called for the removal of the provincial health program manager Jenny Walep from the position.

More than 70 health workers out of 112 working in the province had signed a petition and handed it to Jiwaka administrator Michael Wandil last October calling

Girl needs medical help

A FOUR-year-old girl needs financial help to go overseas and get medical help.

Tiara Morea Nanai is from Lealea and Tubusereia villages in Central Province. She is currently hospitalised at Port Moresby General Hospital.

She was admitted on February 8 with severe headaches.

CT scans done showed a mass in the right temporalparietal region which has been reported as a glioma (brain tumor).

“Although we would have preferred the urgent operation-treatment to be done here in PNG to minimise costs, we have been advised by medical specialists that there are no adequate facilities available in PNG to perform this delicate operation-treatment,” said Loi Edward, a close relative.

for Ms Walep’s removal, and were disappointed that it was taking a long time for the provincial administration to respond to their demand.

They claimed that Ms Walep was not competent to run the province’s health services, highlighting, among others, that the provincial government’s allocation of funds for health in 2013 had not been used properly, leaving services in dire need of finances to run.

They had alleged that the

province allocated K2.5 million to health in 2013, but only K400,000 was spent on health and K2.1 million was diverted elsewhere by the provincial government.

The other allegations included:

Leadership in health division was fragmented and there was no coordination between senior health staff and the provincial administration;

No health executive management team was in place to coordinate and implement millions of kina budg-

eted for health services; Banz Health Centre had its power cut and the ambulance was unregistered, not roadworthy and grounded for two months; and

Three districts had been neglected; the power supplies to major health facilities were disconnected (e.g Minj and Kindeng) due to unpaid power bills, unpaid casuals wages for more than six months.

The Post-Courier contacted Ms Walep this week for her comments but she said that she had not heard of

the petition nor would she respond to the claims unless they came from her superiors or the provincial administration.

Health workers at Nazarene Hospital in Kudjip, who were contacted for comment, agreed that the health services in Jiwaka Province were a great concern.

The petition has been posted on a Facebook page called Jiwaka Province for some time and had become a subject of discussions by people, including medical doctors.

Tiara’s parents, Morea Momo and Delilah Hetahu, and family members had decided to seek medical treatment overseas, particularly at a reputable hospital in Brisbane, Australia, as they have family members living in Brisbane who would provide accommodation and support.

Medical sources in Brisbane have advised that ideally an operation of this nature requires an upfront payment to the accepting hospital in Brisbane prior to her admission.

The remainder of the total cost of the operation/treatment must be paid upon presentation of final invoices from the hospital.

An estimated total medical cost for the operation and rehabilitation in Australia amounts to over A$100,000, that is, about K250,000.

ANGLICARE Stop AIDS director Heni Meke receiving the cheque from InterOil executive vice-president Isikeli Taureka.

Male kangaroos are known to flex their biceps to impress female kangaroos. The bottom line

Customs: Border officers lack vital resources

BY MELISHA YAFOI

THE PNG Customs Service is raising concerns on the illegal movement of people, especially border crossers, at the Papua New GuineaIndonesia border in West Sepik Province.

Vanimo-based PNG Customs Service senior manager John Kiu said movement of people across the border by land and sea poses a huge risk.

Mr Kiu said customs officials operating at the border are facing difficulties monitoring the movement of people crossing the border due to lack of manpower, logistics and communication equipment.

He said these emerging constraints are a grave concern because of no proper authority or permit issued and poses a huge risk.

“There must be tougher laws and penalties for perpetrators and offenders, especially citizens who are engaged in smuggling of illegal items containing arms, drugs and the erasing of taxes and duties on imported items, so a national response is needed to address this,” he warned.

Mr Kiu said they are using available resources to address and carry out awareness at the border to both foreigners and PNG citizens.

“We are concerned at the streamlining of passengers and cargo movement activities around here, and apart from that we are conducting awareness on the border affected areas where we conduct risk assessments in partnership with other agencies on the illegal movement of illicit goods from locals and foreigners.

Bank, Gumine district ink deal to drive development

BY GRACE SALMANG

PEOPLE of Gumine district in Chimbu Province are expected to participate and be empowered in economic development through a ward empowerment Strategy that will provide financial services to people of the district.

To implement this strategy, Minister for Education Nick Kuman who is Gumine MP, yesterday signed a memorandum of agreement that would pave the way for Nationwide Micro Bank to

At a glance

STRATEGY: Ward Empowerment Strategy providing financial services to the people of Gumine district.

PARTNER: Nationwide Micro Bank.

FUNDS: K1.634m from the District Services Improvement Program.

FOCUS: To engage people in agriculture and other microeconomic activities at the ward level and encourage people to develop their own plans and prioritise their projects and programs.

partner the Gumine district in rolling out its strategy to the 45 wards.

“The rural people must be

empowered to drive development at their respective ward level,” Mr Kuman said. Under this partnership,

Gumine district had injected K1.634 million from 2013 and 2014 DSIP funding directly to the 45 ward development committees.

“We have introduced the concept of ward empowerment which is an economic stimulus package to enable and empower all stakeholders in the district and the people to take ownership of their own development at their respective ward levels,” Mr Kuman said.

He said the focus was to engage people in agriculture

and other micro-economic activities at ward level.

This would encourage people through their ward development committees to develop their own plans and prioritise their projects and programs to align with this strategy.

The strategy is consistent with Medium Term Development Plans and Vision 2050 to increase the economy and bring about improved living standards of our people.

Disaster centre hails WNB efforts

BY ABRAHAM AVEDIBA

WEST New Britain Province has been praised for its quick and organised response to flooding in various areas caused by continuous rain last week.

National Disaster Centre acting director Martin Mose congratulated WNB provincial disaster office and WNB Governor Sasindran Muthuvel for their expert response in securing immediate relief assistance to its people who

were affected by floods.

Mr Mose said such action should be an example to other provincial leaders and their officers in assisting the Government regarding disaster and relief services to their people.

He confirmed that the province had been speedy in providing supplies and had so far not asked assistance from the disaster head office in Port Moresby.

“We are also receiving reports from West New Britain; they

had serious flooding.

But here the West New Britain provincial administration is well organised, the disaster office is well organised as well. They have not been running to us as yet for assistance.

“And yes the governor is very passionate about assisting disaster in WNB, where he has been providing a lot of assistance. I would like to congratulate him for that,” he said.

Mr Mose said Mr Muthuvel

was honouring his personal commitment to the province in 2012 when he assured the disaster centre that he would assist in disaster relief in any way in the province.

He also pointed out that Northern Governor Gary Juffa was also outstanding in attending and investing in disaster risk management in his province.

He said it was a good example for the country to see as well as leaders to follow.

Lae’s Soroptomist International still awaiting cargo

BY ABRAHAM AVEDIBA

THE Soroptomist

International of Lae is still uncertain of the status of their cargoes onboard the MV Morobe Rainforest since its shipment into Lae in 2012.

Lae Soroptomist International executive Nelley

McLay said despite current disputes on the ownership of the ship, the organisation was afraid their cargoes may either go missing or be damaged by pests.

“We were advised by PNG Customs Service to provide information on the ship’s maiden voyage.

“But we were unable to because we were unaware of the crew on the vessel and also because the personnel on the ship were not willing to assist us either,” Mrs McLay explained.

She said that the items on the vessel were donated by Soroptomist International of

New Zealand to be given to Salamaua LLG in the Morobe Province.

Lae Soroptomist

International liaison officer Meredith Tutumang said the team in New Zealand had advised them that the items on the vessel included birthing kits and other clinical items.

NATIONWIDE Micro Bank managing director Tony Westaway and Gumine MP Nick Kuman shake hands to seal the deal as Christoper Kiayal looks on.

Lawyers’ admission to bar tomorrow

BY SAMUEL RAITANO

THE Legal Training Institute will have the last filing of documents done today for the admission of new trainee lawyers to take place at Waigani National and Supreme Court house tomorrow.

The admission was deferred from last week to tomorrow due to the incompletion of files and other necessary documents.

A source at LTI confirmed that the preparations were well underway and the admission would take place tomorrow.

However, a trainee who requested anonymity had alleged that other issues within LTI when postponing the admission last week was that there were shortages in lecturers and increased number of students.

Added to the complications were tests and examination papers not marked on time and given back to students and late notice on results given with no time for students to do supplementary exercises to improve their grades, while some courses had not been processed.

However, a source at LTI said the admission would take place tomorrow as the last bit of work was expected to be completed today.

Lawyer tasked to show evidence

BY SAMUEL RAITANO

A LAWYER who claimed that an order was given on behalf of his client to prevent the other party from invoking a related proceeding in the National Court was told to produce the copy of that order in court on March 10.

The matter relates to the reinstatement of lawyer John Napu as the registrar of Co-operative Societies by the Public Service Commission, which was challenged by the secretary and Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry.

Mr Napu’s leave application to invoke a separate but related issue returned before Justice Les Gavara-Nanu on Tuesday but was adjourned as lawyer Laias Kandi, who represented secretary John Andrias, said a ruling by another judge was that related proceedings were prevented.

Mr Napu however, contended that there was no such order issued to stay his related proceeding, and asked the court to have a look at the transcript of the court ruling by the other judge. Justice Gavara-Nanu adjourned the matter to March 10 and further directed Mr Kandi to produce copies of the court order verifying his submission that there was a stay.

Contractors lack tender process knowledge

BY GORETHY KENNETH

MOST contractors bidding for multi-million kina contracts in Papua New Guinea do not really know the laws that govern the procedures pertaining to the awarding of all contracts in the country. And because of this, there are problems faced and most contracts are not completed at all.

The Central Supply and Tenders Board chairman Philip

CSTB board can award a company outside of the list ...

Eludume and his executives yesterday told media that this was one big problem that af-

fected not only local contractors but international companies as well.

They said that all contracts were awarded in accordance with the laws that govern the administration of government contracts.

Mr Eludume singled out that there were many local companies applying for contracts every time a tender advertisement was published and they did this year and in year out, however, most

Rape accused to know their fate next week

BY FRANKIY KAPIN

LAE Court Grade Five magistrate Jeremiah Singomat will decide next Monday whether three people charged with sexually assaulting underage girls will be committed for trial.

Before him this week were Rawing Thomas, 36, of Finschhafen, Morobe Province, Kevin Levis, 35, of Lufa, Eastern Highlands Province, Elias Umba, 30, of Kundiawa, Chimbu Province and Emmanuel Philemon, 21, of Morobe Patrol Post.

Thomas was charged with sexual penetration of an underage girl in October last year.

Mr Singomat said rape was a serious offence and the prosecution had

to be thorough no matter how long it took to present a detailed case before the courts.

Similarly, Eastern Highlander Levis was charged with sexual penetration of a 14-year-old girl and will know his fate on Monday.

Singomat also heard that Umba, 30, from Kundiawa in Chimbu was charged with sexual penetration of a five-year- old girl.

Philemon, 21, in custody for ruling on March 9, had been charged with rape on March 18, last year, at Morobe Patrol Post.

Mr Singomat told Philemon that he had been charged for sex without consent amounting to rape committed on March 18, 2013, at Morobe Patrol Post.

Maladina bail term relaxes

BY SAMUEL RAITANO

FORMER National Provident Fund

(NPF) chairman Jimmy Maladina is free to travel overseas again after a seven-year ban.

The National Court yesterday gave him permission to travel to Australia to see to his daughter’s school arrangements.

Mr Maladina, who was arrested seven years ago, was banned from travelling out of the country as

one of his bail conditions.

Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika granted the bail variation so that Maladina could attend a parent-teacher conference in a school in Australia, but told him to be back in the country by March 19.

Justice Salika also pointed out that Mr Maladina’s matter had taken too long to be solved and set the trial date on May 4.

of them either lacked capacity or did not understand the laws that guide and govern the board’s decisions. They said even some top public servants also did not understand these laws, which include Public Finance (Management) Act, Finance Management Manual, Goods Procurement Manual, Supply and Tenders Board Operations Manual and all other legislations, regulations and guidelines pertaining to the

administration of government contracts.

“That’s why sometimes we are accused of awarding contracts which contractors think are not on the recommended list for the Technical Evaluation Committee,” Mr Eludume said.

“But I must also clarify that the board can award a company outside the list and we have the power to do that,” he added.

PHILIP ELUDUME Port Moresby

INFORMAL sector helps retain the minds of the youths from criminal activities and keep them busy at doing acceptable busines like selling bundles of peanuts to sustain themselves.

PEANUT MAN

Quick thoughts

JUST DON’T!

I see a lot of hype on the issue of whether we should legalise prostitution. Opinion polls carried out are a waste of time. Really, there is no way around it but to “live” with it. Do not legalise it but only accept the fact that it exists within our society. The real fear of legalising it would be the controlling part of it; to make sure it operates within the precincts of that law. Take the street vendors for example. Since the Government introduced laws to protect them, they have literally gone beyond the mark by taking their business right into no-go zones. It’s scary to mention the consequences if prostitution is legalised. Prostitutes will take advantage and just flood our public areas and conduct business wherever they want. It’ll be like letting out pests from their enclosures. Just don’t legalise prostitution.

THANK YOU, MR WEI

On behalf of the Salt Nomane Karamui Students’ Association at the University of Papua New Guinea and Medical Faculty Taurama Campus, I would like to thank our local MP and the vice minister for Agriculture and Livestock Mogerema Sigo Wei for investing in us. This initiative is a relief to our parents. The school fee burdens parents and students encounter is one of the main hindrances to progress in human resource development in the district. Therefore, this initiative should always be the number one priority in the district development agenda. I would also like to thank the district education officer, Peter Kamsunag for finalising the list of 333 students attending tertiary institutions in the country.

Although few students did not benefit from the previous district aids, he had tried his very best and has covered the remaining outstanding fees for the students. A total of K1.2 million was dished out to all recognised tertiary institutions this year. Once again, I applaud Mr Wei and his committee for the initiative.

Nelson Adde Jacob

Looking for someone?

I AM looking for Anne Morris. I believe she is somewhere in ENB or Lae. Please call me on Digicel 7998 2046.

Nelson Malaga Port Moresby

Youth Commission issues

THE National Youth Commission has been dormant since independence. It has not contributed much to the nation’s building.

The commission is riddled with corruption and nepotism. Where is the commissioner? What is he up to?

Government funds have been abused for personal gratification and even worse, the accounts manager was once convicted of fraud at BSP but she still got employed.

The Ombudsman Commission must investigate the commissioner along with his management regarding the funds set for the Youth Friendly Centres.

What the main goal and function of the Youth Commission (author-

ity) is a question that is not clear to the general public. Where is the drive and youthfulness of this organisation? How are they functioning? Why do they exist? And when will the Commissioner be replaced?

These are questions the head of the NYC must answer for the good of our leaders of tomorrow.

NYC should hire private firms to write up good policy frameworks and structures before its transition into an authority. Currently the progression into the authorial stage is very slow.

The current government is doing fine by delivering and developing physical structures but can this government step in to save this humane organisation, where the next

generation will be properly trained and empowered to look after our country?

This is an organisation that can be used as a grooming stage for youths before they get into police recruitments! Now we are thinking!

NYC has never been utilised for its purposes. They seem to be doing “nothing”. Commissioners over the years were not creative and innovative enough and used the gloomy situation for their own gain. None of them were ever effective. Something needs to be done soon if we want a good future for our children.

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

WRITE TO US Text us on 208

Chaos in EHP hospital

Letter of the day

THE continuous tussle between staff and management at Eastern Highlands Provincial Hospital is finally taking its toll on the general public.

As of March 4th, seven deaths were reported in the children’s ward during the crisis period and hundreds of patients sent away from the hospital and the two urban clinics servicing the town and district.

Four hundred nursing officers and allied health staff are in a sit-in protest, demanding to know what exactly went wrong with their rightfully deserved awards which are believed to be diverted by the health authority management to non-deserving members.

It is alleged that authority management are paying themselves hefty rewards, resulting in most of them purchasing brand new vehicles worth hundreds of thousands. Can concerned authorities also investigate allegations that the hos-

At a glance

EHP: The provincial capital of Eastern Highlands is Goroka. The province covers an area of 11,157 km², and has a population of 579,825 (2011 census). It makes up 8.3 per cent of the PNG population, which is the fourth highest population in the country.

pital management is buying cheap biomedical products from local shops to use in the hospital under dubious boomerang deals with the shop owners?

Notwithstanding these allegations, the fact of the matter is that an unusually high number of deaths have occurred in one ward of the hospital. The legitimate question is whether the crisis has in any way, directly or otherwise, contributed to these deaths? If so, then who are the individuals to be held responsible?

The ministerial directions in the media for the protestors to return

We

Text us on 208

to work is in direct conflict with a particular PHA senior member’s provocative reminder to the protestors of their predetermined termination regardless of that directive. So another legitimate question is “who is the boss”?

Another scary move at the provincial hospital is the manning of vital units by re-called retired or trainee health workers, most of whom would be unregistered with the relevant medical registration body. That is actually happening at the hospital and I pose another question about the legality of these retired or trainee staff in the delivery of medical care.

The Health Minister and his secretary should come out and tell the people of Eastern Highlands the exact minimum time-frame required for dealing with such situations. Isn’t it also in their interest to resolve this matter without delay, since they would be among the defendants should a case of medical negligence be brought against the hospital? Come on guys!

Zagomayuha

Give Pori Primary high school status

ON BEHALF of more than 10,000 population of Pori, I would like to call on Tari-Pori MP James Marape and Hela Governor Anderson Agiru to give the current Pori Primary School a high school status.

Pori people have been neglected by successive elected leaders with their political propaganda of “I will do this and do that’’ during every national election campaigns.

In addition to this, Hela MPs did not consider indirect benefits from the LNG Project for the Pori people. MP James Marape in his last term also failed to build better roads and communication infrastructure, which have been and still is a hindrance to the dusty Tari town’s sale

of agricultural produce and other basic services.

The lack of infrastructure development further leads to the poor growth of sustainable economic ac-

START EXPLAINING

I write this in regard to the view “TFF kit delay” by Concerned Parent of Vanimo in the yu tok section (PC March 3, 2015). I totally agree with what the concerned parent had expressed. The provincial education authority and the contractor must explain to the parents, board of management and head teachers of those schools that have not received their share of Tuition Fee Free kits. I understand that Sandaun is one province that is geographically difficult when it comes to transporting goods and providing services (logistics). But logistics companies and contractors must always explain why there are delays. This so called contractor involved needs to be investigated if it had failed to deliver in the given time frame. Can Sandaun education authority explain as well?

Graham Unam

KNIGHT MUST OWN UP

NOT MUCH TO SEE

Papua New Guinea has a currency crisis, the commercial banks have about K1.5 billion on back order for US dollars. Digicel, Puma Energy or NOC are not getting the foreign funds they need to operate. Our exchange rate has been pegged artificially high, causing our long suffering farmers to miss out on the money they deserve from their produce. Businesses are going to the wall because they cannot pay their suppliers. The gas money is not going to save us as most of the funds are channelled to repayments to foreign banks at this early stage. Yes we met the 120-day uninterrupted gas production but we will not see the funds any time soon. So I am puzzled why are we going through this pain and is there a plan to end it?

Goroka Coffee Broker

SOMARE’S SILENCE

tivities in the area. This means parents in the area find it very difficult to make adequate income to send their children to out-of-the-province secondary and high schools. The province is experiencing limited space and learning facilities, that is why students have to be sent out.

My question to Mr Marape is, what will become of Pori’s future? Are you serious with your education priority?

It is our earnest plea to Mr Marape and Governor Agiru to give priority to education in the district.

Pori Nane Ibabitayagei Via email

The tribunal hearing on corrupt charges against MP for Manus Ronnie Knight, reported in Post-Courier (March 2, 2015) cannot be denied by the member and his lawyers. Manus is a maritime province and as such does not need a “ferry boat”. This boat was built purposely for passengers going for leisure trips within the coastline and rivers. Manus does not have big rivers. What the province needs is a passenger trawler that is capable of going out into the open sea. We need a vessel that can withstand bad weather while going around the provinces helping people. My visit to Manus in 2014 saw this boat anchored at Rarah Island, “Seadler Harbour”. It was used as an office for the member because of a defective engine. The K2.9 million should be used to buy a new vessel. This is a corrupt deal and he must be penalised. He should’ve known better.

Former Seaman (Navy)

There is a deafening silence in the office of the East Sepik Governor on the plight of the Angoram people. Are you there Sir Michael? Obviously, there isn’t much development happening in most provinces and East Sepik is no exception. YangoruSaussia and Wosera-Gawi districts may be the only ones moving ahead, thanks to their honourable members. Angoram district, where Sir Michael hails from, is a good old colonial town left to its own peril. Former MP Arthur Somare failed to deliver essential services, improve existing infrastructure and disappeared from the scene. Please Governor, before you go into retirement could you spare a thought for Angoram. Seal Angoram Highway, modernise Angoram hospital, increase power generation capacity in the township, build a police station and encourage tourism. Sir Michael, this is your last chance to prove your critics wrong.

Angrum Boys

certainly don’t want to hold any players

We don’t want to hold any back. If fact we encourage players but at the back. If fact we encourage but at the same time they must make sure that they same time must make sure that make the most of it ... in NRL it doesn’t matter most ... matter how good you are. how you are.

Hunters CEO Brad Tassell

TARI-Pori MP James Marape

National Research Institute to boost operations

THE National Research Institute (NRI) is determined to boost its operations and public policy research to effectively contribute to national policy development in Papua New Guinea.

This was the undertaking made by NRI Council Chairman, Sir Henry Chow, and outgoing NRI Director, Dr Thomas Webster, during the launch of the Institute’s 2015 work plan and welcoming of new staff last Friday.

Sir Henry in his address said one needs to have a lot of determination to build an institution.

He acknowledged the vision and efforts by Dr Webster to bring NRI to where it is now during his tenure.

He stressed that like other organisations, NRI needed better facilities and resources to increase quality results as it has a role to make sound recommendations for the good of all Papua New Guineans.

“On the other hand, there’s the desire for political will and sheer willpower to act on these recommendations to see and make changes,” Sir Henry said.

Dr Webster said this year would lay the foundation for the Institute for the next ten years.

The aim is to improve research activities by linking programs to national issues

to contribute constructively towards national development as well as improving accessibility to research results.

This would see the start of initial work towards constructing new facilities, design of business plans, a face-lift to the NRI campus, increase communications and promoting research results, as well as planning towards raising research staff ceiling.

“The last decade has seen new systems – from information communication technology upgrade to sound financial systems – being put in place to administer plans and activities going forward,” Dr Webster said, adding that everyone (NRI staff) should be proud of their contributions and achievement thus far.

He encouraged the staff “to have passion and work for the greater good, because by having a national focus and contributing to the wellbeing of everyone in Papua New Guinea, then we will benefit, so will our families and communities”.

Dr Webster has served as the director of NRI since 2004 and will relinquish the post in May 2015.

NRI Council has appointed a new director who will take up appointment in June 2015.

Maru calls on NARI to be practical

BY ISAAC NICHOLAS

MINISTER for Trade, Commerce

and Industry, Richard Maru, has called on the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) to be more proactive in implementing the Government’s rice policy.

“NARI has conducted rice research for over 10 to 15 years, however, this investment has not translated to reduction of rice import as the import bill has reached over K500 million a year,” Mr Maru said.

He said with the high population growth of 2.3 per cent anually and village people turning to rice as their staple food, the bill was still soaring and would shortly reach K1 billion mark.

He said the Government had recently approved the private-public-partnership (PPP) policy and called on all government institutions, including NARI, to come out from their comfort zone and work in partnership with private sectors.

Mr Maru made the comments while welcoming Village Garden, a Philippines-based company, on its first harvest at Gabadi super hybrid rice project in Central Province on Monday.

He said NARI should be working with such investors like Village Garden and Trukai Industries to

upscale agriculture production from subsistence to SME (small, medium, enterprises) to commercial production.

“NARI must work closely with Village Garden and other investors to conduct independent research on the super hybrid rice in Central Province and also other potential rice growing provinces and provide independent reports to the Government not in 10-15 years time but within two to three seasons.

One season of rice is three months and three seasons is nine months.

“The Government wants PNG to produce its own rice and become net exporter of rice in the next five to 10 years as per the recent rice policy announced by Minister for Agriculture and Livestock.

“It encourages investors with finance and technical capacities to invest in rice production, processing, packaging and marketing at competitive price,” Mr Maru said.

He added that the Government would provide physical incentives plus the infrastructures to ensure PNG became self-sufficient in rice production.

“NARI has been doing research on rice for a while now, however, we have never reached a point where we were producing rice on a commercial scale,” the Minister said.

CADET researcher Philip Clinton cutting the cake to mark the launch of NRI’s 2015 work plan and official welcome for all staff while outgoing NRI director Dr Thomas Webster (right) and others cheer him.

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

Walk to mark Women’s Day

A PEACE walk is to be held in Port Moresby this Sunday as part of the commemoration of International Women’s Day.

Society celebrates world wildlife day

BY LEONNIE WAYANG

WORLD Wildlife Day, sanctioned by United Nations for the 3rd of March each year, is a day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild flora and fauna.

The date was proclaimed on December 20, 2013, during the UN’s 68th session.

However, the Wildlife Conservation Society of

Papua New Guinea opted to celebrate the event early last Saturday.

The celebration was hosted by Port Moresby Nature Park and included representatives from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and the National Capital District Commission.

WCS PNG director Richard Cuthbert said as an interna-

tional conservation organisation with the name Wildlife Conservation Society, the day’s events at Port Moresby Nature Park fitted well with their own core mission, which is to “save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature”.

“I am glad to see so many

Milne Bay crisis centre launched

MILNE Bay Province has become the first maritime province in Papua New Guinea to officially have a 24-hour maritime emergency contact centre.

This innovative facility was officially launched yesterday in Alotau by Milne Bay Governor Titus Philemon.

The emergency call centre had been operational since December last year.

Governor Philemon attributed this achievement to the commitment between the provincial administration team and Digicel.

The Disaster Emergency Contact Centre is staffed by Digicel agents and operates 24/7.

Seafarers in distress can dial the number 1500 to speak to an agent, establish their whereabouts and a search and rescue response will be deployed based on the information gathered.

“We are proud to be the first maritime province to have taken the most significant step to partner with Digicel in the establishment of this innovative facility.

“Since going live in December, the facility has greatly increased our capacity to handle maritime emergencies and help monitor distress calls from local seafarers,” Mr Philemon said.

The contact centre is named after

late Eric Balaria, who until his untimely passing last year, held the position of provincial disaster and emergency coordinator and had been instrumental in the rollout of this initiative.

“We have an effective collaboration programme with Digicel, one that has brought connectivity to areas that had no form of communication services before,” the Governor said.

Digicel’s Gary Seddon and Colm Breheny both expressed similar gratitude to the Governor and his team for having confidence in Digicel to bring advance arrangements to Milne Bay Province.

Mr Seddon said this facility will build on from the province’s existing program of maritime emergency response.

“It’s about establishing a robust, reliable method of responding to a call for help.

“The Disaster Emergency Contact Centre is ultimately about saving lives at sea, standing as a vital lifeline for people at sea.

“I hope everyone continues to respect the importance of this initiative.

“We will continue to work closely with Governor Philemon and his team to deliver much needed services to the people of Milne Bay Province,” Mr Seddon said.

young children at the event, as they are the future conservationists for PNG,” Dr Cuthbert said.

WCS research intern and Miss PNG, Grace Nugi, was the conservation ambassador. She was joined by Grace Dom, WCS’s policy and legal officer. The theme of the event was “celebrating our world’s wildlife and the need to protect it”.

The walk will start at 6.30am but people are expected to arrive before 5.45am to register if they have not already registered. A global event, International Women’s Day, falls every year on March 8. It is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and also call for greater equality.

Soroptimist International Club of Port Moresby will host the Peace Walk which will start at IEA Ela Beach sporting grounds, toward Port Road and through Downtown, before finishing back at IEA Ela Beach sporting grounds.

Soroptimist International is a global nonprofit organisation which has programs for the advancement of young girls and women in

the community. It has been operating in PNG since 2005.

The organisation has three clubs – Port Moresby, Lae and Ramu – which are run by part-time volunteer members. Each of these clubs work on projects that include skills training for permanent jobs in areas such as retail and hospitality, as well as to empower women through fellowship activities and facilitation of outreach programs in rural community groups, such as Birthing in the Pacific Project (BIP).

Soroptimist International Club of Port Moresby has 28 members and will continue to find ways to support, empower and create opportunities for women by enhancing their opportunities for education and training for sustainable employment in Port Moresby.

Everyone is welcome to join the walk.

KIDS visiting WCS stall during the World Wildlife Day celebrations at Port Moresby Nature Park last Saturday.

K500,000 to power project

PNG Power Limited can now go ahead and complete the Mt Hagen rural electrification project following a K500,000 boost from Hagen MP

William Duma last week.

This additional funding would be used to procure hardware materials to finish the project at Gumanch to Panga (4km) and Rau Bridge to Koge (4km).

Mr Duma committed K2.86 million in 2012 for 16 rural electrification projects in his electorate.

PNG Power used the funds and completed power connection into Balg-Baisu, Wila-Kantel, and Ogulbeng-Puntibuk in 2013.

PNG Power funded the MinimpMoika and Wanka-Kenta rural electrification projects in the same year.

Two representatives from the MP’s office delivered the cheque to the director for rural services, Clement Bonny, and rural electrification manager for Highlands, Carsey Mape.

Land issues had been an obstacle to similar rural electrification projects elsewhere, however, the community in Mt Hagen electorate had been cooperative and allowed access for the construction of power

At a glance

K500,000 BOOST: Mt Hagen MP

William Duma signed a K500,000 cheque for PNG Power Limited to complete the Mt Hagen rural electrification projects.

K2.86 MILLION: Mr Duma committed K2.86 million in 2012 for 16 rural electrification projects in his electorate.

COOPERATIVE: The community had gone to the extent of providing meals and security for the project team.

ESSENTIAL: Electricity is an essential service for rural areas since people are building permanent houses.

poles and lines. They had gone to the extent of providing meals and security for the project team.

“This partnership is very important in the rural electrification projects and landowners’ support is greatly needed for successful completion of these projects,” PNG Power said in a statement.

“Electricity is an essential service in rural areas since many people are building permanent and semipermanent houses.”

Temporary bypass for highway ditch

A TEMPORARY by-pass is currently under construction to bridge the collapsed part of the Highlands Highway in Imbonggu, Southern Highlands Province, Works Minister Fracis Awesa has confirmed.

Immediate response from Works Department came after the culvert near Iombi village in Imbongu was washed away in the early hours of Saturday, creating a 15-metre deep trench.

Mr Awesa said work on the bridge has started and set for completion in two weeks time.

In a statement from the Department yesterday, Mr Awesa assured the travelling public that the situation was under control as mobilisation and deployment of the 24-metre Bailey bridge is currently being transported from Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province, to the

washout site. The culvert gave way to tremendous pressure from continuous rain experienced since February.

The detour used since the collapse of the road can only cater for light vehicles.

A team of experts comprising bridge engineers from Works headquarters in Port Moresby are expected to be on site today to assemble a structure to accommodate heavy vehicles as well.

Mr Wereh said under an arrangement with ExxonMobil, Works Department will have engineers from the company joining his team to assemble the structure into a two-lane bridge.

He said the provincial Works office was on site and keeping a close charge on the emergency restoration effort to restore the flow of traffic.

Egg project successful

FIVE women’s groups in Kutubu and Moran areas in Southern Highlands Province are now enjoying quality local eggs because of a pilot commercial egg laying project initiated by the women’s development arm of Oil Search community affairs department.

OIL Search’s sustainable agriculture project is helping local communities develop healthy and sustainable livelihoods by offering programs that train women in agriculture.

Women’s development officer Doris Pipi expressed how excited the women and communities were about the eggs as they see the poten-

tial in this venture, which may become one of their major incomegenerating activities, as well as providing eggs for their own consumption.

“Every day, each of the five women groups supply four dozens of fresh eggs.

“They sell a dozen for K12, with weekly sales averaging 140 dozens.

“This is giving the women greater financial freedom than they had before, as well as building their confidence as entrepreneurs,” Ms Pipi said. These types of projects are an example of how Oil Search seeks opportunities to generate shared value.

If you have a story to tell, call us on 542 2602, or email

RURAL electrification manager Highlands, Carsey Mape (left) receiving the cheque from Jim Bena, a representative from the local MP’s office whilst his colleague Willie Mapa and PNG Power director rural services Clement Bonny look on.

New structure leaves NBC officers jobless

BY FRANCO NEBAS

NATIONAL Broadcasting Commission (NBC) officers

who failed to secure positions under the new structure of NBC are being made redundant.

NBC Morobe provincial radio director Tonko Nonao said this during the farewell of two long serving officers of NBC radio Morobe on Tuesday.

Mr Nonao said there were two redundancy exercises being carried out by NBC throughout the country for those reaching retirement ages and those who failed to secured positions under the new structure.

He said the two Lae-based officers – Kekalem Meck Meruk and Sara Mumugao – are among those under the retrenchment exercise.

He said both Mr Meruk and Ms Mumugao have been recommended for retrenchment after reaching their retirement ages with both serving NBC for over 30 and 40 years respectively. Officers are recommended for retrenchment when they reach the retirement ages,” he said.

Govt housing tenants told to settle bills

BY ABRAHAM AVEDIBA

TENANTS residing in National Housing Corporation (NHC) properties in Lae have been urged to pay up their outstanding bills or face serious consequences.

NHC Morobe provincial manager David Kaupa, told the Post-Courier that the situation in Lae is similar to that in NCD.

“People have outstanding payments that date as far back as 15 to 20 years ago,” Mr Kaupa said.

“Other tenants are illegally subleasing NHCs properties to other tenants and this is quite a disappointing thing that we have to deal with.”

Despite that some tenants are reluctant to pay their bills, others have been very faithful in their payments and have gained the trust of the Commission to validate their status on NHC’s system.

He said those residing in HHC properties are expected to pay a reasonable fee of K200 fortnightly compared to the rental fees charged by commercial real estate companies to their tenants.

“Many who reside in homes offered by commercial real estate properties would agree that the act of one not paying their rental bills is a breach of tenancy agreement documents, which they signed,” he said.

Mr Kaupa described the actions of

Database to assist LLGs

BY ABRAHAM AVEDIBA

PROPER multi-sector databases of villages is an important tool to assist the Government in delivering services to remote villages, says Social Impact Consultancy (SIC).

SIC managing director Meredith Tutumang, describes the multi-sector database as a record that would capture up-to-date information on various demographic, economic and agriculture activities that take place in a village and local level government areas.

“Speaker of Parliament and MP for Finschhafen, Theo Zurenuoc, had assigned us to do a thorough finding and create a multi-sector database for Huon and Finschhafen districts of Morobe Province.

“We’ve noted that about 80 per cent of people in these areas are dependent on government services, which in most cases, doesn’t reach them,” Ms Tutumang said.

At a glance

GRACE PERIOD: Tenants have argued that a further grace period should be given to them to sort out their dues.

DATE BACK: People have outstanding payments that date as far back as 15 to 20 years ago.

ILLEGAL: Other tenants are illegally subleasing NHCs properties to other tenants.

ABBREVIATION: NHC stands for National Housing Corporation.

REASONABLE: A sound fortnightly fee of K200 is expected from NHC tenants.

disobedient tenants as illegal and unfair for NHC because has been very lenient towards them over the years by allowing them to continue residing on state property.

According to him, NHC is a state owned (SOE) entity.

Just like any other the SOEs, they need continuous cash flow in their accounts from bills paid to continue operating.

This newspaper was advised that the NHC in Lae had previously issued notices to most of the city tenants to pay up their bills, however, many have ignored these notices.

Meanwhile, a number of tenants have argued that a further grace period should be given to them to sort out their dues.

NATIONAL Broadcasting Commission Morobe staff with Kekalem Meck.

ENB without x-ray services

BY GRACE TIDEN

THERE are currently no x-ray services in East New Britain Province.

Both x-ray machines at the Saints Mary’s Vunapope Hospital in Kokopo and Nonga General Hospital in Rabaul have not been operating for some time.

The x-ray machine at the Saint Mary’s Vunapope Hospital in Kokopo broke down and according to ENB health adviser Nicholas Larme, the hospital management indicated that a new machine will be purchased.

He also said maintanence works on the building accommodating the x-ray room was currently taking place and works should take around six months.

A new x-ray machine was recently installed at Nonga General Hospital.

At a glance

X-RAY: East New Britain health authorities report that the province currently lacks x-ray services in both provincial hospitals - the Nonga Base General Hospital in Rabaul and the St Mary’s Vunapope Hospital in Kokopo.

CAUTION: People have been cautioned to seek medical help as soon as possible to avoid complications during this period when there are no x-ray services

However, Mr Larme said there were some problems faced due power fluctuations. Staff at the hospital said a technician from Port Moresby will be in the province this week to get the machine up and running.

Mr Larme said these were the only two x-ray machines in the province and at the moment, there were no x-ray services in both hospitals. He said they were planning on getting a mobile x-ray machine for the time being.

Mr Larme said the non availability of such services was affecting proper diagnosis of diseases presented at health facilities.

Meanwhile, concerns were also raised by people over the lack of such vital services which some people claimed has led to the deaths of a number of patients.

However, Mr Larme said he had no statistics to show that people had actually passed away due to the lack of x-ray diagnosis.

But he cautioned the people in general to seek medical assistance immediately to avoid complications due to the non availability of x-ray services.

Sime Darby heavies visit

BY NICOLE JOANNES

The chief executive offer and president of Sime Darby Tan Sri Dato

Seri Mohd Bakke Salleh was given a rousing traditional welcome when his private jet touched down at Hoskins airport yesterday morning. He was received at the airport by Governor Sasindran Muthuvel, provincial executive council members, provincial administrator Williamson Hosea, NBPOL general manager Harry Brock and other top management of the milling compa-

ny. Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh was accompanied on his familiarisation trip by the chief executive officer of NBPOL Nick Thompson and a delegation from the Sime Darby Group.

They were dressed in the traditional bilas then carried on two chairs off the tarmac onto the waiting vehicles.

The delegation travelled to NBPOL head office at Mosa where they met the staff then were given a tour of their company’s facilities including the Kumbango refinery and the bio gas plant.

Police charge three over guard’s murder

BY GRACE TIDEN

THREE suspects have been charged with the murder of a security guard in Kokopo, East New Britain province.

The guard was stabbed in the chest by suspects at the Sea View residential area and died a few days later at the Nonga General Hospital.

According to reports from the provincial police commander Superintendent Anthony Wagambie Jr, the security guard, who was employed by the SAS security firm, was on duty at a company premises located in the Sea View residential area. The guard disturbed a number of suspects who had entered the premises and managed to fight them off.

However, during the confrontation where he fought off more than three suspects, he was stabbed in the chest but he managed to pull the mask off one of them during the struggle.

The guard’s screams woke up the neigbours and he was rushed to the

hospital.

Supt Wagambie said the security guard was hospitalised at Nonga hospital but succumbed to his injuries, where he passed away a few days later. He was from the Bitapaka area.

He said the following morning, with assistance from SAS, police managed to arrest three of the suspects, who were all rounded up from the nearby Banana camp settlement at the Sea View residential area beachfront.

He said the investigation is continuing and more arrests will be made soon.

“I am very much concerned with the influx of people into settlements. I am aware that many workers live in the settlement but it is the large number of unemployed people living there that is a concern to me,” Supt Wagambie said.

“Due to the fact that they have no formal means of earning a living, they have resorted to illegal activities like break and enter stealing, drug trafficking and so forth.”

Push for crop diversification

CROP diversification is one way to bring development into a remote areas of East New Britain Province, with the agriculture concept of alternating forestry and agriculture, a forum was told.

The public forum was organised to gauge views and grievances of the Makolkol people in the Lassul Baining area in East New Britain province on how the environmental plan can cater for their needs.

THe Department of Environment and Conservation, assisted by the provincial administration, is work-

ing to draw up an environmental plan to allow for a large scale agroforestry integrated development project.

The forum was to hear from the landowners and general public about the proposed agro-forestry integrated development project in the Makolkol timber resource area along Open Bay.

The team said the initiative is a good one that would benefit the landowners because it does not only concern forestry but also alternate cash crops.

THE Sime Darby delegation welcomed at the airport

United States envoy addresses Bougainville women

BY SEBASTIAN HAKALITS

THE Women Peace and Security Technical Working Group (WPSTWG) in Bougainville held its first quarterly meeting for 2015 on Monday in Buka.

The group consists of representatives from the six member organisations as the Bougainville Womens Federation (BWF), Buin District Women’s Federstion (BDWF), Family Support Centre (FSC), Community Empowerment Development Services (CEDS), Leitana Nehan Women’s Development Agency (LNWDA) and Tunaniya Open Learning Centre (TOLC).

Others include the ABG Department of Community Development, the Law and Justice Agencies, Counterpart International, UN Women, UNDP, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the media, who play a big role in information dissemination.

The discussions shared relate to the role of women in reconciliation and peace building, participation in the upcoming Autonomous Bougainville Government election and referendum, climate change and weapons disposal and also insights on the United States commitments and interest in the region.

President upbeat on referendum

THE conditions of the Bougainville Peace Agreement can and will be met by Bougainville within the next five years as a prelude to its referendum.

Autonomous Bougainville

Government President John Momis made this bold statement in reference to Bougainville’s referendum that must be held within the five year time period of 2015-2020.

The conditions of the Bougainville Peace Agreement are good governance, fiscal self-reliance and weapons disposal.

“We must not fear, we must have faith in each other and ultimately of course we must have faith in God to give us the wisdom and strength to prevail,” Mr Momis said.

“We have now reached a critical juncture on our journey to freedom where we stand at the threshold of a new socio-economic, political and spiritual order.”

He said this new future means Bougainvilleans will want to be liberated from structural impediments, from institutional impediments and become agents of change and development and also become the subjects and objects of these changes.

“We know for a fact for example that the people of Bougainville for a long time have always seen themselves as a people set apart from the

At a glance

REFERENDUM: The vote for referendum must be held within the five year period from 2015-2020, and is dependent on good governance, fiscal self-reliance and weapons disposal

rest of PNG,” he said.

“Consistently over a period of time the people have always demanded to have a referendum to determine whether Bougainville was to remain a part of PNG, join with the Solomon Islands or become an entirely Independent nation on its own.

“So when you look at the history of Bougainvilleans, Bougainvilleans definitely had a history, we have a history of rejecting outside imposition, a history of being proud of our heritage and a history of selfdetermination.

“This is in line with the fact that man is by nature a self-determining animal, man being a rational is endowed with the intellect and the will that enables him to asses, analyze and make informed decisions his future.”

He said self-determination is not a dirty word for the people of Bougainville.

United States Ambassador to PNG Walter North travelled from Port Moresby to participate in the meeting and was also the keynote speaker.

“As an ambassador of the United States of America to PNG, it’s an honor and priviledge for me to bring the warm greetings to you from the US Secretary of State, John Kerry and President Barrack Obama,” Mr North said.

Mr North told the gathering that women in Bougainville can make a change to the lives of the people in this critical political juncture and they must participate in political, social and economic development of Bougainville.

WPS-TWG was created to enable women to advocate and speak out on issues affecting human rights, the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the development of the women, peace and security national action plan.

The Women Peace Buildin g Initiative team assisted in the planning and organization of the last meeting of the WPS-TWG in their last quarterly meeting in October 2014 that information identified exploring potential collaborative and coordination opportunities and covered topics on women’s issues.

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

US Ambassador Walter North with participants in the first WPS-TWG quarterly meeting for 2015 in Buka.

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

Microbank to empower rural economy

BY GRACE SALMANG

FORTY-FIVE wards in Gumine district of Simbu Province will now have their ward accounts opened to carry out their economic activities.

The accounts opening will enhance business activities such as trade stores and small scale vegetable and livestock farming activities.

This comes under the recent Ward Empowerment Strategy Model rolled out by MiBank for the Gumine district, where local member for Gumine Mr Nick Kuman will make funding available for these wards under his District Services Improvement Program (DSIP).

Nationwide Microbank Limited managing director Mr Tony Westaway, yesterday said to compliment such a strategy, the bank has already opened these accounts with signatories comprising of elected ward councillors and appointed ward committees comprising of the community sectors such as business, church and women representatives.

“The funding available to the district will be allocated and deposited into individual ward accounts and drawn have been formally signed off by the Gumine district administrator, and are deemed ready for funding,” he said.

Mr Westaway understands that such activities mentioned above have already been preidentified through the usual Ward Profile exercise undertaken by the Gumine district management team.

MiBank will assist the district management team in monitoring progress of the various ward projects and will provide scheduled reports on the conduct of banks accounts.

“We look forward to not only extending our training to the ward members, but seek to reach out to the people in Gumine and more widely in Simbu province.”

Fund to give 7 % credit to members

BY GLORIA BAUAI

PAPUA New Guinea’s largest super fund, Nambawan Super Limited has declared a 7 pe cent crediting rate to be paid to their members’ accounts as enabled by a profit of K388 million in 2014.

NSL board chairman Anthony Smare said this will include the accounts of the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) of retired members, whilst at the same time putting K90 million in reserves to help the Fund counter any challenges in the coming year.

It was said the exact time of payment of the dividends is yet to be determined, but it should be done as soon as practical, as this was now up to the technical team.

These was made known yesterday when NSL announced a healthy profit of K388 million, which for over the past three years represents an annual return of 9.75 per cent (K366 million per year).

Smare said the board was pleased with this achievement adding fur-

At a glance

NAMBAWAN SUPER LIMITED: Nambawan Super (“the Fund”) is a defined contribution fund approved under the Superannuation General Provisions Act 2000. The Fund is governed by the Board of Directors of Nambawan Super Limited, the Fund’s Corporate Trustee.

CREDIT: The Fund has announced that due to the company making a profit of K388m in 2014, members will be receive a 7 per cent credit rating to be paid to their accounts. However, the exact time of payment of the dividends is yet to be determined.

ther that in the last 12 months, the Fund has been able to overhaul its Investment strategy, among other changes designed to ensure the Fund continues to thrive and meet the expectations of its members in the long term.

“2014 strong financial result endorses the effectiveness of Nambawan Super’s very disciplined investment strategy.

“Of course it is important for our members to continue to develop a savings culture and attitude to assist them in their retirement over the longer term,” he said.

Smare also noted that Nambawan Super’s Net Asset Value now totals K4.76 billion, representing a growth of 12 % over 2013 audited results and 2014’s net profit of K338 million compared to K410.6 million in the 2013 audited results, a factor being the international market fluctuation

He further noted that total membership contributions increased by 14.2% from December 31, 2013 figures; voluntary member contributions increased by 50% from 2013 figures; and management expense ratio being 1.19% against a budget of 1.2%.

Market Snapshot

$A lower on post-RBA profit taking

NSL soon to complete Old Parliament House project

BY GLORIA BAUAI

THE K110 million old Parliament House (OPH 1) project of the Namabawan Super Limited which will serve as the number one office building of Port Moresby is expected to be completed this year. According to NSL board chairman Anthony Smare, OPH 1 has been a long time project which is still ongoing; should see its completion this year, among NSL’s other in-

vestment achievements.

Chief executive officer Garry Tunstall said they have engaged Lamana Development Limited (LDL) as the new contractor after the previous contractor did a poor job. He explained that upon investigation, it was found that the electrical work and all the infrastructural work for the air conditioning ducts were not being done to satisfactory standards. “As a result of that, we had to take them off

the job and replace them with another builder to rework all the electrical wiring and all the ducting and mechanical works within the building,” he said.

Tunstall said LDL has so far completed all the rewiring and re-ducting and all the mechanical work to a satisfactory standard and are adding the finishing touches.

The 13 storey building called OPH, derived from the company name OPH of which

NSL holds a 65 per cent share, will be renamed to reflect the major tenant once the building as well as the legal documents are completed and finalised.

It was also revealed that NSL had also decided to proceed with OPH 2, which will be adjacent to the old parliament house.

According to the chairman, OPH 2 will be a 13 storey residential tower with 54 service apartments and 2000 metres

of retail café and bars, and is likely to be the centre point of the business community of Port Moresby as well as Papua New Guinea.

With other investments, NSL expects to see the completion of Holiday Inn Express, which they hold 55 per cent as the subsidiary of Holiday Inn, as well as the completion of the treasury building expected to be completed this week and Vele Rumana building in Lae, Morobe Province.

ANTHONY Smare

FROM right to left: Head of Mobile Banking Trudi Egi, managing director Mr Tony Westaway and local MP Nick Kuman signing necessary documents to roll out the program.

Gulf landowners query payment of LNG royalties

BY PATRICK T. WUNDAI

THE FACILITIES, pipeline and wellhead landowners of the multi billion kina Gulf LNG Project are in a state of confusion as to when their lawful royalties will be paid into the respective landowner companies.

Facility and pipeline landowners of Segment 7 in the Kikori area of Gulf province yesterday expressed concerns with Post Courier saying: “We are in the dark as to when our royalties on the LNG Project will be paid into our respective wellhead landowners, facilities and pipelines area landowners accounts.”

Project participants or partners in the project like Oil Search, Santos and NPCP have disclosed their share of the equity and when are we as wellhead, facilities and

Locals graduate from SME workshop

BY JOHN IAMO

EIGHTY locals from the Mekeo-Kuni LLG area in Kairuku District of Central Province are the first to graduate with certificates after a weeklong training in Small to Medium Enterprise workshop in Iesubaibua village.

With the main source of income affected by Buai Ban in Port Moresby, the Central Provincial Government is looking for other means to assist the Mekeo people sustain their livelihood.

Business representative in Central Provincial Assembly Henry Ine’e, when officiating at the graduation ceremony, told participants that betelnut is now a problem income for the people but there are other ways and means that people can sustain their livelihoods.

He said one priority area that the Central Provincial Government has is SME for the people of Central Province, and Governor Kila Haoda’s idea is to help small business people in Central Province prosper and make a decent living.

“This workshop is the way forward for our people in Mekeo-Kuni LLG, other districts in Central Province have had similar workshops and this is the first of its kind in Mekeo,” Mr Ine’e said.

At a glance

GULF LNG PROJECT: Gulf LNG project includes the development of the onshore Elk and Antelope gas and condensate fields in the Gulf Province of Papua New Guinea. Gas produced from these fields is proposed to be liquefied by a floating LNG (FLNG) vessel and exported.

ROYALTY PAYMENTS: Landowners of facilities, pipeline and well head of the multi billion kina LNG project are asking when respective landowner companies will receive their royalties.

pipeline landowners getting our royalty payment?” a concerned Ben Eraru asked.

Mr Eraru who is chairman of Kope Waterway Holdings, whose land and waterway in which all LNG barges and cargo ships pass through said: “It’s not fair for resource owners to be waiting for and being denied their rightful entitlements.

“Our royalties were determined through various

agreements and Ministerial Determinations through the Umbrella Benefit Sharing Agreement in Kokopo and also provides for the Oil and Gas Act of 1998.

“We are talking about what rightfully belongs to the resource owners and facility owners of this multi billion kina project.

“We have reports of our facilities owners receiving their royalties but why not us? Is

it because the Department of Petroleum and Energy failed to do a thorough clan vetting to determine the royalty benefit or for some other reason?”

Mr Eraru stressed.

Andrew Dairi, chairman of Kerewo Marine Resource added that the wellhead, pipeline and facilities owners royalties have flown into Government coffers since the first shipment of LNG cargoes and is being parked in the trust account with the Central Bank of PNG.

“We know millions of our royalty money is parked in the Central Bank, but we are lost as to when our royalties will be paid to us.

“There were instances where Government puts its hands on various trust accounts and funds designated for landowners at the ignorance and silence of the

landowners. We fear that our royalty funds sitting in the trust account may be misused by Government or elite landowners who have networks in the government system. We want the Government to tell us when our royalties will be paid,” Mr Dairi added.

ExxonMobil PNG Limited told media recently that the landowners royalties were paid and has been flowing into the Central bank and is being kept in a trust account.

Post-Courier understands that since DPE hasn’t completed or failed to get clan vetting, landowners identification studies and social mapping done on time, it is believed the funds are kept in a trust account until the landowner of various segments sort themselves out before payment is made.

Mekeo-Kuni LLG President, Bona Ine’e also thanked the Central Provincial Government for their commitment in funding the workshop and told participants to make use of the knowledge they gained through the workshop to make their lives more sustainable.

Mr Ine’e also announced that Governor Haoda would assist the course participants with K1,000 funding to kickstart their small businesses in their respective communities in Mekeo.

The workshop was an initiative of the president for Mekeo-Kuni LLG and was hosted by the Onimai Community Development Association. The SME workshop was facilitated by John Maino, a master trainer and consultant engaged by the Mekeo-Kuni Local Level Government.

NBPOL makes changes to board of directors

NEW BRITAIN Palm Oil Limited has announced the following Board changes following completion of the acquisition by Sime Darby Plantation Sdn Bhd of approximately 98.8% of NBPOL’s issued share capital.

Antonio Monteiro de Castro, Dato’ Kamaruzzaman Abu Kassim and Ahamad Mohamad have resigned from the Board of the Company effective immediately. Meanwhile, Dato’ Henry

Sackville Barlow was appointed to the Board of Sime Darby Berhad as the Non-Executive chairman of NBPOL with immediate effect.

Dato’ Barlow was educated at Eton College and obtained his Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Dato’ Barlow is also a Di-

rector of a public company, namely, The International and Commonwealth University of Malaysia Berhad.

He also holds the position of Honorary Treasurer of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society and is a Trustee of the Merdeka Award Trust.

Dato’ Barlow has over 35 years of experience in the Plantation Industry. He was the finance director of Barlow Boustead Estates Agency Sdn

Bhd, Joint managing director of Highlands & Lowlands Berhad and Council Member of the Incorporated Society of Planters.

Dato’ Che Abdullah, Rashidi bin Che Omar, Mr Rosely Kusip, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Bakke Salleh and Datuk Franki Anthony Dass were also appointed to the board. Commenting on the appointment, NBPOL chief executive officer Nick Thompson said: “On behalf of the NBPOL

Board, shareholders and employees, we thank Mr Antonio Monteiro de Castro, Dato’ Kamaruzzaman Abu Kassim and Mr Ahamad Mohamad for their valuable contribution to our Company over many years. We wish each of them well for the future.

“At the same time, we welcome our new directors and look forward to continued growth and success as part of the Sime Darby family.”

... NICK THOMPSON CEO Sime Darby

Oil is directly responsible for about 2.5% of world GDP, but accounts for 1/3rd of humanity’s primary energy supply.

ANDREW Dairi (left) and Ben Eraru (second left) with two local leaders expressing their grievances yesterday.

Picture: PATRICK T WUNDAI

At the same time, we welcome our new directors and look forward to continued growth and success as part of Sime Darby

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Editorial: 309 1107 or email kialaw@spp.com.pg

Register your interest

NOW available for immediate lease in Chesterfield Apartments are 6x2 bedroom apartments and 2x3 bedroom apartments. Chesterfield Apartments, feature secure car parking for all tenants, 24 hour security, intercom, backup power and water. All apartments have walk - in robes and ensuites in the main.

Surrounded by lush tropical and neatly kept gardens, a true testament to the dedicated staff here at Chesterfield. They are part of the team that will ensure that your tenancy here will be comfortable as possible. The entertainment area here is unique, complemented with two swimming pools, one of which has an aqua bar a unique twist on your next BBQ with friends. No reasonable rental offer here will be rejected!

Price on Application.

Contact, Mutien Mays of Strickland Real Estate on Phone: 320 0944, Mobile: 7005 3289

Email: mmays@sre.com.pg

Fair Haven

SOUGHT after, and at last...... Vacancies now Available for two bedroom apartments. Fully furnished and serviced. Gym, Swimming pool and recreational facilities are available within the complex. One of Port Moresby’s premier residential addresses. Secure tenancy now!

K 4,500 per week.

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

Tenants fix own flats

NATIONAL Housing Commission flats have been run down for years while tenants have been paying rent to the state. Because of this tenants are now doing their own maintenance to some of these properties. MAIN PICTURE: One of the flats without proper windows. INSET: Rotting ceiling and floors are a common sight in many of these homes.

Pictures: DIANNE WAKETSI

Curb side retail

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Peace & quiet

NOW available for lease on Ororo Crescent, Boroko is a three bedroom unit. Recently renovated, this property features dual level, spacious units – ideal for the growing family and within walking distance to Boroko East, ideal if your kids go to schools within the area. The general compound itself is warm with lush tropical gardens and a very quiet and secluded courtyard, a place to relax and unwind.

Asking K 2,400.00 per week

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

Special offer

WITH two units now available for immediate lease in this property why not make use of the opportunity, NOW!

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Asking K 1,200.00 per week, reasonable offers will also be accepted. Conditions apply.

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

Aust drug mules moved to execution island

AUSTRALIAN drug smugglers Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran have arrived on the prison island where they are scheduled to face the firing squad.

The men were taken out of Bali’s Kerobokan prison in a police armoured vehicle before dawn this morning.

Photographs released by AAP news agency then appeared to show Chan, 31, and Sukumaran, 33, being manhandled onto a chartered plane at Bali’s Denpasar airport.

The men were taken off the plane in Java and taken to the port of Cilacap, where they were put on a ferry for the short journey to the Nusakambangan island prison where they are due to be executed.

The date when they will face the firing squad is yet to be announced, but Indonesia’s attorney-general is required to give them 72 hours’ notice.

The pair are among a group of 11 prisoners slated to be executed on Nusakambangan.

Just minutes before they left their Bali prison this morning Chan’s brother Michael turned up at the gates and attempted to be allowed inside, but he was denied access.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the Government was “revolted” by the prospect of the two men being killed and was continuing to press Indonesia for a stay of execution.

“I think right now millions of Australians are feeling sick in their guts at the prospect of execution for these two,” he said.

“But I’ve got to say anger is not a very good basis on which to determine a nation’s

At a glance

AUSTRALIAN DRUG SMUGGLERS: Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumara have arrived on the prison island where they are scheduled to face the firing squad.

PM TONY ABBOTT: Said the Government was “revolted” by the prospect of the two men being killed and was continuing to press Indonesia for a stay of execution.

PRESIDENT JOKO WIDODO: Has said he will not grant clemency to drug traffickers on death row.

NUSAKAMBANGAN: Located in the Indian Ocean, separated by a narrow strait off the southern coast of Java island.

policy, and in the long run, anger is not a very good basis on which to determine your own conduct.

“So let’s see how things develop, let’s maintain our values, let’s maintain our respect for human life as a nation and as a society, but let’s remember that a good relationship with Indonesia is very important to this country.

“And whatever might happen in the next few days, the relationship with Indonesia must endure and over time it must grow stronger.”

“There were some suggestions earlier that perhaps at least some people in the Indonesian system were having second thoughts, but I’m afraid those second thoughts seem to be dissipating,” he said.

Indonesian president Joko Widodo has said he will not grant clemency to drug traffickers on death row. - ABC

Maori academics to consider new NZ flag

NEW ZEALAND Ngai Tahu academic Hana O’Regan is on the 12 person panel set up to get the public’s view on whether New Zealand should get a new flag - and also find out what it should look like.

Massey University researcher Malcolm Mulholland, of Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, is also part of the group. They join some well-known New Zealand names, such as Olympian Beatrice Faumuina and businessman Rod Drury.

The panel was appointed

by a cross-party group of MPs, including Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox.

A new design for the nation’s flag will go up against the existing ensign in a ref-

DEFENCE PAY UP

DEFENCE personnel will be offered a higher pay increase as the Abbott Government continues to try to cast aside unpopular policies. The Federal Government had been criticised heavily, including from some of its own backbenchers, for offering ADF personnel a pay rise of 1.5 per cent. It has now lifted that offer to 2 per cent a year for three years. Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the boost was “fair and reasonable”, particularly given the announcement yesterday to send more troops to Iraq.

STOP POLITICS

PUBLIC servants have been warned against leaking information and playing political games in the lead up to the Western Australian Budget in May. WA Treasurer Mike Nahan said he had been frustrated by a series of leaks in recent weeks, after which Government ministers had been forced to publicly reject suggestions of cuts to fire stations and library services.Dr Nahan said in both cases, information was leaked to the media when no decisions had been made. He said the Government’s Expenditure Review Committee (ERC) did consider proposals put forward to cut library services, but rejected them.

TROOPS INCREASE

erendum next year.

The government said a change to the New Zealand flag would not affect the status of the national Maori flag - Tino Rangatiratanga.

Meanwhile, Maori sovereignty group Te Ata Tino

Toa said if a new symbol was adopted, it wanted the country to have what it calls a ‘two flag’ policy.

It said the New Zealand flag should fly at all times alongside the Maori flag, as is done in Australia - indigenous alongside non-indigenous. - RNZI

AUSTRALIA is to significantly increase its contingent of troops training local forces in Iraq, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has announced. An additional 300 troops will be sent to the country in a joint mission with New Zealand, Mr Abbott said. They will join the 200 special forces already in the country tasked with training the Iraqi army. The Royal Australian Air Force joined the US-led coalition against Islamic State (IS) in Iraq in October. Mr Abbott said that supporting the Iraqi army in its fight against IS - which he referred to by another name, Daesh - was vital to domestic as well as international security.

MORE FRUITFLIES

ELEVEN Queensland fruit flies have now been found in the Auckland suburb of Grey Lynn. The latest find, which is an adult male, was found within a 200 metre radius of where the first fly was found last month. Strict controls over movement of fresh fruit and vegetables within that area remain in place. The Ministry for Primary Industries said all flies tested to date were genetically similar. It said it was most likely that they were dealing with a localised population.

High Court backs ACMA’s power to find 2Day FM broke law

THE HIGH Court has cleared the way for a Sydney radio station to face serious penalties over a prank call to a London hospital in which two presenters posed as the Queen and Prince Charles.

DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian from 2Day FM rang the hospital treating the Duchess of Cambridge for morning sickness in December 2012, pretending to be the Queen and Prince Charles.

Nurse Jacintha Saldhana,

46, passed the call through to the ward and, following a storm of publicity about the fact the presenters had obtained personal details about the Duchess, she later took her own life.

A UK inquest into her death was later told she blamed herself for the incident.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) ruled the station had breached the law by broadcasting the call without the

consent of the other party.

It considered the station had breached New South Wales surveillance laws with the prank call.

The radio station then successfully took legal action against the ACMA in the Federal Court, which found the authority had no power to determine matters of a criminal nature.

But this morning the High Court overturned that decision, finding the media

watchdog did have the power to rule if a criminal offence had been committed.

It found the ACMA did have power to make an “administrative determination” that the station had committed a criminal offence, as a preliminary to taking enforcement action under the Broadcasting Services Act.

The court found that in making the determination, the authority was not exercising judicial power. - ABC

are more than 150 million sheep in Australia, and only some 20 million people.

THE NEW Zealand and Tino Rangatiratanga flags flying in Wellington. - RNZI

If a new symbol is adopted, the country must have a ‘two flag’ policy ...

TE ATA TINO TOA New Zealand

2Day FM presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian made the prank call to the hospital. - ABC

McCully pushed to raise abuses with Indonesia

Quick news

NAURU PROBE

A REPORT in Australia says child protection whistleblowers who raised the alarm about child sexual abuse, violence and self-harm on Nauru are being investigated by the Australian federal police. Guardian Australia reports the AFP has been called in by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection to investigate Save the Children staff who anonymously wrote a submission to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s inquiry. That submission said they believed that the children had been subjected to multiple violations of their human rights and wrongdoing from multiple parties.

STAY WITH FRANCE

A FORMER French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, says it should be in the interest of New Caledonia’s pro-independence parties to stay with France. Mr Sarkozy made the comment in a wide-ranging interview with the Noumea daily, Les Nouvelles caledoniennes. He says New Caledonians benefit from the support of the French state against the brutality of the international mining speculators and the brutality of an increasingly more violent world.

TUVALU ELECTIONS

NEW ZEALAND’S Foreign

Minister Murray McCully has been criticised for not raising concerns over human rights abuses with his visiting Indonesian counterpart.

Retno Marsudi has been in New Zealand holding talks with Mr McCully who was pressed by other New Zealand MPs to raise concerns over abuses in the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua.

In December, Indonesian security forces opened fire on a peaceful demonstration, killing five school students in uniform.

The Greens MP, Catherine Delahunty has raised in Parliament the matter of human rights abuses in Papua and says Murray McCully must communicate those concerns. She said it is hypocritical for

ISSUE: The abuse in the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua.

CRITICISM: New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Murray McCully has been criticised for not raising concerns over human rights abuses with his visiting Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi who has been in New Zealand holding talks. Greens MP Cathrine Delahunty says McCully must communicate those concerns.

the Government to have the ‘guts’ to address abuses in Iraq while ignoring closer neighbours.

“This is a quiet war against the people of West Papua. It’s very disappointing to have on the one hand the government saying we must participate in a war to protect human rights and yet the war in our region, the attack on West Papuan people, they are really not doing anything about it,”

said Ms Delahunty.

Maire Leadbeater, from West Papua Action Auckland, says Mr O’Neill has raised documented violations, and Mr McCully should do the same.

“Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister Peter O’Neill didn’t say anything about necessarily wanting a change of sovereignty or anything but he’s talking about a voice at the table, I think, of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. And why

should that not be granted, because it’s very clear that that’s what the united leadership of West Papuan leaders want,” said Ms Leadbeater.

PNG’s Foreign Minister, Rimbink Pato, has confirmed that PNG respects Indonesia’s sovereignty, but says there are proper channels to raise concerns, if and when abuses occur. But he confirmed he still hasn’t raised the December shooting with his Indonesian counterpart.

“Human rights is clearly a concern to all of us but as to the specifics, it’s a matter that we have to deal with case by case.

“During the meeting I heard that was not one of the specific matters that was raised on our part, and neither was it raised on the part of the Indonesians, because I did not

receive a brief in relation to it,” said Mr Pato.

Mr McCully could not respond to requests for comment, but Catherine Delahunty says the Government is facing increasing pressure to take a stronger regional stand.

“The West Papuans are very clear that they are relying on countries like New Zealand as regional neighbours to stand up and say very clearly to Indonesia, you need a peace negotiation with West Papuan leadership, you need to stop allowing the military their abusive control and you need to be prepared to discuss not only human rights but selfdetermination,” she said.

Rimbink Pato says his office will make enquiries and look into the shooting of the school children. - RNZI

NOMINATION of candidates contesting Tuvalu’s national elections on March 19, closed last week. Fenui News reports the two seats from the island of Nukufetau, currently held by the caretaker Prime Minister, Enele Sosene Sopoaga and caretaker minister for Natural Resources, Elisala Pita, have not been contested. The running candidates for Vaitupu include former Prime Minister, Apisai Ielemia, caretaker Minister for Foreign Affair, Taukelina Finikaso and new candidates Melton Paka Tauetia, Foliaki Paolo and Muau Monise.

DIPLOMATIC TIES

FIJIAN Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has advised Thailand’s deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, General Tanasak Patimapragorn that Fiji was actively looking into establishing a diplomatic mission in Bangkok. Bainimarama said that while the office would still be under the accreditation of Fiji’s resident Mission in Kuala Lumpur, it would better serve Fiji’s interests in the UN-ESCAP, as well as allow Fiji to explore and advance new partnerships with Thailand.

Nauru says 40 refugees arrested over protest

THE NAURU government says about 40 refugees have been arrested for blocking a main road in the latest protest on the island.

This comes a day after the authorities warned that groups of three or more which do not disperse within 15 minutes could be arrested and face charges carrying penalties of up to three years in jail.

The government says while the majority of the 500 refugees on the island do not wish to participate in these pro-

tests, a small group of troublemakers are attempting to incite others.

It has again said that the protestors are backed and encouraged by refugee advocates from Australia.

The Refugee Action Coalition earlier said about 150 people were arrested, including a 13-year-old who was being considered to be a protest leader.

The government says police have attempted to provide the refugees with guidelines for a peaceful protest.

There have been a series of protests since last week about what the refugees say are the slave like conditions they live in and the animosity of many Nauruans towards them.

Nauru’s president Baron Waqa said his government was sensitive to their grievances but it would not tolerate violence.

In a statement, the government said the protestors threw stones, injured three policemen and damaged a police vehicle.

But the Australian based

Refugee Action Coalition’s Ian Rintoul says that is not true.

“We have got photos and we have got footage of both protests. The only violence came from the police last Friday where without any provocation at all they started punching people and knocking people to the ground, so the only violence that is in evidence anywhere is that that’s being perpetrated by police in an attempt to stop people peacefully marching down the road.”

says it is hypocritical for Government to address abuses in Iraq while ignoring closer neighbours.

THE UNITED Liberation Movement for West Papua converges on the Melanesian Spearhead Group secretariat. - RNZI

REFUGEES held in Nauru. - RNZI

MH17 wreckage on display

THE families of those killed in the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine have viewed the plane’s wreckage for the first time at a Dutch air base, investigators say.

Pieces of the plane’s fuselage were laid out in hangars at the Gilze-Rijen base in the southern Netherlands where they were viewed by the victims’ relatives and journalists.

Some 50 relatives saw trucks carrying the wreckage arrive at the military air base in December, but this is the first time they have seen the plane’s parts up close.

“There are about 500 people coming, not only from the Netherlands but also from other countries,” said Sara Vernooij of the Dutch Safety Board (OVV), which is leading the investigation into the crash.

Flight MH17 was en route to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam when it was shot down over eastern Ukraine on July 17, killing all 298 people on board.

Around two-thirds of those killed were Dutch, while citizens from a total of 11 countries died in the disaster.

Ukraine and the West accuse Russia of supplying proKremlin insurgents with the missile that downed the jet.

Delhi police block gang rapist film

POLICE in India have secured a court injunction blocking the broadcast of an interview with one of the Delhi gang rapists on death row.

The Delhi court order also prevents publication of the interview, which has angered many in India. It came as the government demanded an explanation from jail officials over how a British film-maker gained access.

The Delhi rape shocked the world. Four men were sentenced to hang for raping and murdering a 23-year-old student.

Film maker Leslee Udwin’s interview appears in India’s Daughter, a BBC Storyville documentary due to be broadcast on 8 March, International Women’s Day. It was also due to be shown in India on NDTV.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh was taking the matter “seriously” and had spoken to the Tihar jail directorgeneral to demand an urgent report, PTI news agency quoted officials as saying.

Police in Delhi say they have regis-

tered two cases against the film, alleging breach of India’s penal code.

“We urge the Indian media not to show it,” said Delhi Police chief BS Bassi, the Times of India reported.

In the interview, one of the convicted rapists, Mukesh Singh, expresses no remorse and says the victim should not have fought back.

Ms Udwin says she sought - and received - permission to conduct the interview from the then director-general of Tihar jail and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

“The letter basically stated that it was a campaigning film. I had applied for permission in May 2013 and I got the answer ‘yes’ in two weeks,” she told reporters in Delhi.

“Official permission of MHA also came. Permission from the prison was also signed.”

Earlier, prominent women activists wrote a letter to NDTV, asking the channel to refrain from showing the film which they said would amount to contempt of court.

-BBC news

At a glance

MORE TO FIND: Dutch team to search for more remains at the MH17 crash site.

SUIT CONTEMPLATION: MH17 families plan legal action against three countries.

But Moscow and the separatists deny responsibility and have instead pointed the finger at Kiev.

The Dutch are leading international efforts towards a criminal prosecution, if the culprits can be identified.

International investigators from Ukraine, Malaysia, Australia, the United States, Britain and Russia have already carried out a preliminary investigation of the wreckage, the OVV said.

The three-dimensional reconstruction of part of the aircraft will begin later this month, focusing on the cockpit and business class section, the OVV said.

A preliminary report in September, which apportioned no blame, said the plane “broke up in the air probably as the result of structural damage caused by a large number of high-energy objects that penetrated the aircraft from outside”.

-ABC news

THE victims’ relatives have been allowed to view flight MH17’s wreckage for the first time. Picture: ABC/AFP

THE December 2012 gang rape brought a sea change in Indian attitudes towards rape. Picture: BBC

Myanmar students defy deadline to disperse

HUNDREDS of students protesting against an education bill in Myanmar have defied an order to disperse.

Riot police in the town of Letpadan formed a human chain to prevent 300 students from continuing their march to Yangon, the country’s main city.

The students began their march in Mandalay in January, in protest of a bill they say curbs academic freedom.

The authorities have promised changes to the education bill, but students say their protest will continue.

Tensions rose on Monday after police surrounded a

Canadian missing in North Korea

A PASTOR from a Canadian church has failed to return from a humanitarian visit to North Korea, an official from his church says.

Reverend Hyeon Soo Lim, 60, travelled to North Korea on 31 January and was due to leave on 4 February.

He had been to North Korea many times, his church said, but this was the longest he had been out of touch.

Canadian officials said they were in contact with Rev Hyeon’s family and had offered consular assistance.

North Korea periodically detains visiting foreign nationals, particularly those linked to religious activity - which is restricted inside the country. US citizens are generally held the longest. North Korea is seen as using them to try to extract political concessions.

But citizens from nations of less political importance to Pyongyang can be freed quickly. An Australian missionary detained in February 2014 for leaving Christian material at a tourist site was swiftly deported.

At a glance

SUPPRESSION: Riot police in Myanmar have blocked a march by students protesting against a bill they say curbs academic freedom.

SCHOOL BILL: Myanmar’s government has agreed to hold talks with students over an education bill, following a rare protest march.

PROTEST: In Myanmar, also known as Burma, several hundred students have taken part in a fourth day of illegal protests against what they say is un-democratic new legislation.

monastery overnight in Letpadan, about 130km (80 miles) north of Yangon, where the students were camping.

The group had paused there last week following negotiations with the government

but had planned to continue their march on Monday.

Police said they would act to “restore law and order” if the students tried to reach Yangon. The Associated Press reported that three water can-

non vehicles arrived on Tuesday, along with several trucks filled with riot gear.

The police had given the protesters an order to disperse by Tuesday afternoon but the deadline passed without incident.

Earlier, local media reported that Myanmar’s security and border affairs minister, Col Thet Tun, spoke at the monastery gate with student leaders but that the negotiations were unsuccessful.

Student leader Min Thwe Thit told AFP news agency that some protesters had decided to go on hunger strike until they were allowed to

continue their march.

“The police are still blocking our way. We will not move from here until we get our demands,” he said.

The students believe the new education bill is undemocratic and centralises control over higher education institutes.

The military controlled Myanmar (also known as Burma) for decades, until the generals announced a transition in 2010 and handed power to a largely civilian government.

During military rule, student activists were at the forefront of several major uprisings. -BBC news

Church officials initially wondered whether Rev Hyeon had become caught up in a 21day quarantine North Korea said it was imposing on travellers potentially exposed to Ebola.

“We didn’t want to cause unnecessary hysteria, just make sure he is OK,” Reuters news agency quoted Lisa Pak, a spokeswoman for the Light Korean Presbyterian Church in Toronto, as saying. “He’s very non-political; he just wants to help the people.”

She said Rev Hyeon helped oversee facilities for the elderly and orphans in North Korea.

Canada advises against all travel to North Korea and has no diplomatic presence in the country.

-BBC news

Documentary on China’s pollution goes viral

AN online documentary on China’s notorious smog has become a viral sensation with more than 155 million views, just one day after it was released.

A former anchor with state broadcaster China Central Television, Chai Jing, produced the film Under the Dome, which details causes of atmospheric pollution in the country.

Chai said her daughter, who was born with a benign tumour, inspired her to make the film.

“I’d never felt afraid of pollution before and never worn a mask no matter where, but now, here’s life in my arms,” she said.

“What she breathes, eats and drinks are all your re-

sponsibility and then you feel the fear.

“When I went to Beijing I knew I was pregnant, when I heard the heartbeat, I wish she could be healthy and I couldn’t wish for anything more than this.

“Unfortunately she had a benign tumour.”

The baby survived surgery after she was born and Chai Jing quit her job with state television in China to care for her daughter.

Chai’s documentary featured interviews with officials from London and Los Angeles, two formerly heavily polluted cities, on how they sought to control the issue.

The 103-minute film, uploaded on domestic websites on Saturday, triggered much

criticism over the government’s failure to act on pollution in a timely and effective manner.

“The government needs to be pushed for more action and the people need to have their awareness raised about what they can do to fight against pollution,” the China Daily said in an editorial.

China’s minister of environment protection, Chen Jining, who was appointed to the position, just last week said he watched the entire video.

He told the China Daily the documentary should “encourage efforts by individuals to improve air quality.”

Internet users voiced strong support for Chai’s documentary.

-ABC news

RIOT police formed a human chain to stop the students from continuing their march to the city of Yangon. Picture: BBC

Royal wraps tour

BEIJING: Prince William makes the final stop on his China tour when he visits an area in the country’s southwest that’s home to wild Asian elephants.

The prince planned to spend Wednesday in Xishuangbanna in Yunnan province, a tropical region bordering Myanmar (Burma) and Laos that has been the focus of government efforts to stop poaching.

He was scheduled to travel to a village and hear people describe how they are adapting to living in close proximity to wild elephants, visit a nature reserve and meet injured elephants.

William, who regularly speaks out against wildlife trafficking, was expected to bring up the plight of African elephants, tens of thousands of which have been slaughtered in recent years to meet a surging appetite for ivory in Asia, primarily China.

Last week, China banned ivory imports for one year in the hope that would help reduce the demand for African tusks and protect wild elephants.

There is still no ban on ivory trade within the country, and conservationists say legal sales provide cover for a thriving black market.

William told President Xi Jinping on Monday that he hopes China can become a world leader in the field of wildlife conservation, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

During their meeting, Xi explained China’s policies and work protecting elephants and other wild animals and told the prince that he hopes to strengthen international co-operation in this field.

William arrived in China on Sunday after a fourday trip to Japan.

In Beijing, he met Chinese political leaders as well as young people from disadvantaged backgrounds - another issue close to his heart. He crossed over into the business world in Shanghai and met entrepreneurs while launching a festival to promote British creativity and innovation.

He also attended the China premiere of BritishFrench film Paddington. -AAP news

Billionaire finds warship

MANILA: Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen says he has found the Japanese Navy’s biggest warship at the bottom of the sea in the Philippines, 70 years after US forces sank it.

Allen posted a photo on Twitter on Tuesday of the World War II battleship Musashi’s rusty bow, which bore the Japanese empire’s Chrysanthemum seal.

The American billionaire, who has also pursued space exploration, said his luxury yacht and exploration ship, the M/Y Octopus, found the Musashi one kilometre deep on the floor of the Sibuyan Sea. -AAP news

Tourists flock to cats island

TOURISTS are flocking to a remote island in southern Japan, where an army of feral cats now outnumbers humans six to one.

People first migrated to the 1.6-kilometre island of Aoshima 380 years ago and established a fishing village, bringing cats to deal with mice that plagued fishermen’s boats.

The island, a 30-minute ferry ride off the coast of Ehime prefecture, was home to 900 people in 1945. Now, more than 120 cats swarm the island with fewer than 20 humans, all pensioners aged between 50 and 80.

According to Japan Daily Press, islanders said cat numbers began to shoot up about a decade ago. As the human population decreased, the cats’ breeding went unchecked, locals said.

Now, boatloads of tourists from the mainland descend daily on Aoshima, visiting what is locally known as Cat Island.

The cats of Aoshima are not too picky, surviving on the rice balls, energy bars or potatoes they get from tourists.

“There is a ton of cats here, then there was this sort of

cat witch who came out to feed the cats which was quite fun,” said 27-year-old Makiko Yamasaki.

“I’d want to come again.”

The allure of cats is not surprising in a country that gave the world Hello Kitty, and cat cafes that have long been popular in Tokyo, catering to fans who can’t keep the animals at home because of strict housing regulations that often forbid pets. Residents of the tiny island say they do not mind the intrusion of gawking tourists, as long as they are left in peace. -ABC news

CATS crowd the harbour on Aoshima Island in the Ehime prefecture in southern Japan. Picture: ABC/REUTERS

Judge suspended over Porsche

A JUDGE in Brazil has been suspended from a highprofile case against Eike Batista, a tycoon who is accused of insider trading, officials say.

Flavio Roberto de Souza was deemed unfit to continue because he was caught driving home in Mr Batista’s Porsche.

The judge said police had no appropriate place to park the car that was confiscated by his own order so he took it home for safe keeping.

The judge’s decisions in the case are now annulled, meaning a likely retrial.

A new judge is expected to be appointed in the case, which began last November.

Mr Batista was once Brazil’s richest person, with an estimated $30bn (£20bn) fortune.

He is accused of manipulating market charges in the sales of shares of two of his companies. He has denied wrongdoing.

If convicted, he faces up to 13 years in prison.

-BBC news

Asiana settles 72 lawsuits

Ferguson police racially biased says US

THE US Justice Department has found evidence of racial bias at Ferguson police in Missouri, US media report.

The agency is expected to accuse the department of conducting stops without reasonable suspicion and making arrests without probable cause.

It began a civil rights investigation following the August shooting of Michael Brown.

A white police officer killed the unarmed black 18-yearold, sparking protests in Ferguson and nationwide.

A separate report is expected to clear the officer, Darren Wilson, of any civil rights violations in the shooting of Mr Brown.

Officials announced the findings of the investigation into the police department by speaking anonymously to

EVIDENCE: The US Justice Department has found evidence of racial bias at Ferguson police in Missouri, US media report.

ACCUSATION: The agency is expected to accuse the department of conducting stops without reasonable suspicion and making arrests without probable cause.

INVESTIGATION: It began a civil rights investigation following the August shooting of Michael Brown.

POLICE OFFICER: A white police officer killed the unarmed black 18-year-old, sparking protests in Ferguson and nationwide.

REPORT: A separate report is expected to clear the officer, Darren Wilson, of any civil rights violations in the shooting of Mr Brown.

FINDINGS: Officials announced the findings of the investigation into the police department by speaking anonymously to various US media.

various US media.

An official announcement is expected on Wednesday.

Attempts to seek comment from the police department and city government were

not successful. A spokesman for the Missouri governor said: “We haven’t seen the report to be able to comment on it.”

It is believed the report will

accuse the police of using excessive force against blacks and present evidence that black motorists are stopped and searched without reason.

While African Americans make up 67% of the population in Ferguson, they accounted for 93% of arrests between 2012 and 2014, according to the Washington Post. The report will also present evidence that the courts also engage in racial bias - blacks are 68% less likely to have their cases dismissed by a judge.

Investigators also found that officials used money from fines to help balance the city’s budget, the New York Times reported.

Michael Brown memorial

The Justice Department could file a civil rights law-

Colombia holds Chinese arms ship

COLOMBIAN officials say

they have detained the captain of a China-flagged ship bound for Cuba for illegally carrying explosives and other arms.

The attorney general’s office said the ship was stopped over the weekend in the Caribbean port of Cartagena.

Officials said about 100 tons of gunpowder, almost three mil-

lion detonators and some 3,000 cannon shells were found on board.

The ship’s records said it was carrying grain products.

“The documentation that the captain had in regards to the merchandise that was being transported did not correspond to what we found,” said Luiz Gonzalez, national director of

the Colombian attorney general’s office.

He said the Chinese captain, Wu Hong, would be charged with weapons trafficking. The ship was been impounded and searched for 48 hours before the order for the arrest of the captain was made.

-BBC news

suit, if officials do not settle the claims out of court.

The protests about police use of force were reignited when a Missouri state grand jury did not recommend charges for Mr Wilson.

Shortly after the grand jury decision, President Barack Obama said the protesters’ frustrations, “have deep roots in many communities of colour who have a sense that our laws are not always being enforced uniformly or fairly”.

The civil rights investigation was announced in September 2014 by Attorney General Eric Holder, the Justice Department’s first black leader.

In October, he said the Ferguson police department needed “wholesale change”.

-BBC news

ASIANA Airlines has reached a settlement with more than 70 of the passengers onboard the plane that crashed two years ago in San Francisco, according to court records.

In a joint statement filed in federal court, attorneys for the airline and the passengers said that 72 passengers settled their personal injury claims that stemmed from the crash. The terms of the settlement are confidential.

The settlements are among the earliest claims to be resolved since the July 6, 2013, crash, when an Asiana Boeing 777 clipped a seawall and slammed into a runway at San Francisco International Airport.

“It’s a very good, positive first step,” said attorney Frank Pitre, who represented 10 of the passengers included in the settlement. He characterised those in the settlement as having less serious injuries from the crash.

More than 180 of the 307 passengers and crew members about Flight 124 were injured and three were killed.

Asiana handled the lead negotiations for the settlement, which also included the airplane’s manufacturer, Boeing, and the maker of the emergency evacuation slides, Air Cruisers.

-Stuff news

THE Ferguson shooting sparked nationwide protests. Picture: BBC

OFFICIALS found boxes of weapons aboard the Chinese cargo ship, Da Dan Xia

Russians bid farewell to Nemtsov

THOUSANDS of Russians have bid farewell to murdered Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov as his funeral took place in the capital Moscow.

They queued patiently to view his coffin before it began its solemn journey to a city cemetery.

Several EU politicians and Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny were barred from attending the funeral. Hours later, Mr Navalny accused the Russian authorities of responsibility for the murder.

In a statement (in Russian) from jail, where he is serving a 15-day sentence, he said: “I believe that Nemtsov was murdered by members of a government (special services) or pro-government organisation on the order of the country’s political leadership (including Vladimir Putin).”

The question, he said, was whether the order had been given to kill Nemtsov or “stage an action that would have a high impact”. -BBC

Mine blast traps dozens

MORE than 70 workers have been trapped underground after an explosion at a coal mine in a rebel-held region of eastern Ukraine, reports say.

One miner was killed and 14 were injured at the Zasyadko nine in Donetsk while the fate of 73 others is unknown, local officials said.

A union official was quoted as saying it had been a methane blast.

Reuters news agency quoted a rescue official as saying more than 30 people were killed but this is not confirmed.

Donetsk saw heavy fighting between separatist rebels and government troops over the winter but the mine union official, Mikhail Volynets, told a Ukrainian TV channel there had been no fighting in the area in recent days.

said was a politically motivated prosecution. Picture: BBC

Stalin wiped from museum

THE director of a Russian museum at a Stalin-era prison camp says local officials have taken over the site and removed references to the Soviet dictator’s crimes.

“Of course it’s a political move,”

Viktor Shmyrov told the BBC.

Perm-36, in Russia’s Ural mountains, is the only surviving camp with buildings dating back to the Stalinist terror.

A non-governmental group has been managing the museum, but is disbanding after arguments with Perm officials.

Millions of Soviet citizens were sent to labour camps in the notorious Gulag system, or shot, during Joseph Stalin’s hardline communist rule. The worst repressions took place in the 1930s.

Portraits of Stalin - taboo after the scale of his crimes was revealedhave become more common since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Surveys indicate that many Russians now regard Stalin as a hero.

Speaking to the BBC by phone, Mr Shmyrov said the local authorities had decided to put their people in place at the camp.

“The memorial won’t disappear, but the museum has been taken over by other people appointed by the new authorities, who have totally changed the content. Now it’s a museum about the camp system, but not about political prisoners. They don’t talk about

the repressions or about Stalin.”

Last year the Perm authorities cut off the site’s water and electricity, complaining of unpaid bills.

Mr Shmyrov said the takeover started in 2013 and triggered protests by thousands of people.

He said Perm-36 covered 14,000 sq m (150,000 sq ft), with more than 20 buildings.

“It will lose its significance,” he said, complaining that now “the museum will be quite different”.

Up to 3,000 political prisoners were housed there under Stalin, and about 1,000 when Leonid Brezhnev was Soviet leader in the 1970s, he said.

The prisoners included nationalists from Ukraine and the Baltic republics, and such nationalists are vilified in Russian state media today.

The camp was closed in 1988 and became a museum in 1996.

Mr Shmyrov said the takeover by the Perm authorities was less about a rehabilitation of Stalin than “connected with the political situation in the country”.

“We are already seeing the creation of a Stalinist-type state - enormous power is concentrated in the hands of one man,” he said.

Under President Vladimir Putin “there is no need now for repressions - the people have become obedient”, he said.

“The political system is returning to totalitarianism.” -BBC news

Journalist fined over drone

AN Al Jazeera journalist has been fined €1,000 (£725;$1,120) for flying a drone in Paris last week in the midst of a security alert sparked by unexplained drone sightings across the city.

A court also confiscated the drone from Al Jazeera journalist Tristan Redman.

Mr Redman and two colleagues arrested with him are not believed to

have been linked to the other drone sightings. The latest mysterious drone sighting in Paris was reported on Monday night near the Place de la Republique.

According to France TV, the drone was spotted by a policeman guarding the offices of Liberation newspaper.

Flying drones over Paris without a licence is banned by law and no night flights are allowed over the city.

A statement issued by the pro-government administration in Donetsk region appeared to concur with information given by rebel emergency services at the scene.

-BBC news

AMONG the mourners was Russian businessman Platon Lebedev (second from right), who was jailed along with Mikhail Khodorkovsky in what critics

Kenya leader burns tusks

KENYAN President Uhuru

Kenyatta has set fire to 15 tonnes of elephant ivory as part of the East African nation’s efforts to curb poaching.

The ivory, with a black market value of $30m (£19.4m), is the largest consignment to be destroyed in Kenya.

“Many of these tusks belonged to elephants which were wantonly slaughtered by criminals,” he said at the ceremony in Nairobi National Park.

Elephant ivory is often smuggled to Asia for use in ornaments.

Rhinos are also poached for their horns for use in traditional medicine.

Conservationists have warned that elephants could be wiped out in some parts of Africa in the next few years.

“Twenty-five years after the historic banning of the ivory trade, demand from the emerging markets once again threatens Africa’s elephants and rhinos,” President Kenyatta said.

The burning of the ivory was to show that wildlife trophies must be put “beyond economic use”, he said.

“We want future generations of Kenyans, Africans and indeed the entire world to experience the majesty and beauty of these magnificent animals.

“Poachers and their enablers will not have the last word in Kenya.”

Mr Kenyatta promised that his government would destroy the country’s entire stockpile of ivory - thought to be another 115 tonnes - by the end of the year.

“We are committed to combating the menace robustly and persistently until we dismantle the entire vile economy,” the president said, adding that Interpol’s new regional office on environmental crime in Kenya was a significant boost in the battle.

Last month, China imposed a one-year ban on the import of ivory, amid criticism that demand from its consumers was fuelling poaching in Africa. -BBC news

Militants seize Libyan oil fields

ISLAMIST militants are reported to have seized two oil fields in central Libya, as rival groups fight for control of the country.

Forces guarding the al-Bahi and al-Mabruk sites retreated after running out of ammunition.

Libya’s internationally recognised government in Tobruk is locked in a bitter battle with rivals Libya Dawn, who control the capital, Tripoli.

The two sides also mounted airstrikes against each other on Tuesday.

“Extremists took control of the al-Bahi and al-Mabruk fields and are now heading to seize the al-Dahra field following the retreat of the forces guarding these sites,” said Colonel Ali al-Hassi, a spokesman for the oil industry security service.

The sites had been closed for some weeks due to violence and a slow-down of exports.

A gun attack on the al-Mabruk site in February left 11 people dead.

Mr al-Hassi also said militia warplanes had made an unsuccessful attempt to attack an export terminal at al-Sidra oil port.

In response, the head of the internationally recognised government’s air force said it had struck Tripoli’s Mitiga airport, without causing any casualties.

Oil fields and airports are prime targets in the conflict, which has pitted Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni’s parliament in Tobruk against Libya Dawn, an alliance of militias that includes various Islamist groups.

It took control of Tripoli last year and formed its own administration.

The United Nations is trying to restart negotiations to end the fighting that has engulfed Libya since the fall of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Israel warns United States against Iran nuclear deal

ISRAELI prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned the US Congress that a proposed deal with Iran would be a “countdown to a potential nuclear nightmare”.

Mr Netanyahu’s appearance on Capitol Hill was always going to be controversial, with the invitation extended without the White House knowing. He used the speech to issue a stern rejection of a possible nuclear deal with Iran, saying the regime could not be trusted.

For his part, president Barack Obama said he did not watch the Israeli leader’s address but read the transcript and declared there was nothing new in it.

The noise as the Israeli

prime minister entered the House chamber was deafening with cheers and applause from members, even though 50 Democrats chose not to attend.

Mr Netanyahu spoke of the strong relationship between the US and Israel and said he regretted his visit had been seen as political before launching into his attack on Iran.

“We must all stand together to stop Iran’s march of conquest, subjugation and terror,” he said.

The deadline for US-led talks with Iran is inching closer with the goal of stopping Tehran creating a nuclear bomb.

The potential agreement could see restrictions on

Iran’s centrifuges in place for 10 years and ensure its actions are open to international inspectors.

But Mr Netanyahu said the proposal was the worst option.

“The greatest danger facing our world is the marriage of militant Islam with nuclear weapons,” he said.

“To defeat ISIS and let Iran get nuclear weapons would be to win the battle but lose the war. We can’t let that happen.”

He said the world would be at risk if Iran was allowed to keep parts of its nuclear infrastructure.

“That’s why this deal is so bad. It doesn’t block Iran’s path to the bomb; it paves Iran’s path to the bomb.”

Israel is fearing a possible nightmare after a militant Islam is given clearance to build nuclear weapons.

The bottom line

BENJAMIN Netanyahu addressed joint session of the US Congress on the Iran threat. Picture: ABC/AFP

PRESIDENT Kenyatta promised that the entire country’s ivory stockpile would be burned this year. Picture: BBC

Solution to puzzle SL0865

stars

ARIES

March 20 - April 19

Planning ahead may be wise. But during early March, with its frequent and abrupt changes, even the simplest of arrangements must be viewed as tentative. Ensure others are aware of this as well, and when the inevitable changes take place, you can work together to turn them to your advantage.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 19

No sign is better at being persistent when dealing with obstacles. Yet even you are getting impatient about certain matters that are as frustrating as they are unfair. While you can say and do little now, ensure others know your views. When things change, as they will, those who can will help you.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

Although everybody is influenced by the current Full Moon, because it crosses the portions of your chart that accent the structure if your life, thoughts of changes are inevitable. While you may be fantasising about major changes, what’s more likely is you’ll be making improvements on your domestic or working setup.

CANCER

June 21 - July 21

Positive as most of this week’s planetary aspects are, several suggest you’ll be facing power struggles. Most will involve the many wonderful, if unsettling, changes surging though your life and the world around you. Waste no time trying to have the last word. With circumstances shifting frequently, it’s pointless.

LEO

July 22 - August 22

Giving up on longstanding arrangements isn’t just disruptive, it means saying farewell to something that’s been a part of your life for a long time. Still, it’s clear, this demands more from you than you receive. That first step is the most challenging. After that, it will be a relief.

VIRGO

August 23 - September 22

On one hand the Virgo Full Moon brings feelings, both unspoken and those you’ve acknowledged, to a head. But at the same time, the actual events you’re dealing with have reached a turning point as well. Tempting as it is to control both, don’t. This is a period that’s about being flexible.

LIBRA

September 23 - October 22

You don’t want to ruffle anybody’s feathers, especially now, with so much in upheaval. Yet you’ve already put off raising certain issues involving close partners, at home or at work. Wait much longer and the simple fact you took so long will make it seem you don’t care, when, indeed, you do.

October 23 - November 22

Living with tensions isn’t easy. You’ve done it before and, in one particular situation, can again. Still, youÕd prefer these be resolved. They will be, but not until certain tricky issues can be acknowledged by everybody concerned and dealt with fully. And that’s unlikely to happen until later this month.

November 23 - December 22

Your instinctive reaction to the amazing events triggered by fabulous planetary activity involving your ruler Jupiter, this week and next, is to explore now and make decisions later. However, not everybody’s as confident. If they’re uneasy, encourage them to seek out the facts. Be helpful, but ensure they tackle their concerns themselves.

December 21 - January 19

Few things are more unsettling than feeling vulnerable. It makes no difference the cause, whether it’s a situation or one particular individual. Yet this powerful planetary activity between now and mid-March makes this inevitable. Unsettling and, often, uncomfortable as this is, it will be more than justified by the insights you gain.

January 20 - February 17

Mostly, when decisions need to be made, you can do it once and that’s that. But with the actual foundation on which those decisions are based shifting, what seems the best option one day is likely to change, and change again. Knowing that, ensure whatever you organise is flexible.

February 18 - March 19

It’s time to discuss certain contentious matters frankly. You’ve avoided these for fear of upsetting others. They might. While once these were no problem, now they are. That being the case, address them frankly, asking those concerned to join with you in finding a solution everybody can live with.

RUGBY LEAGUE

TOUCH

CENTRAL TOUCH

SOCCER

DARTS

Rabbitohs open title defence

FAR from being burnt out, all-conquering South Sydney believe a mammoth pre-season has them primed for the greatest challenge in rugby leaguesecuring back-to-back NRL titles.

The Rabbitohs open their title defence in a sellout season-opener against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.

After completing a summer sweep of the Auckland Nines, Charity Shield and the World Club Challenge Series with a record-setting 39-0 rout of St Helens, Souths will start 2015 as outright favourites to become the first team in 22 years to win successive premierships in a united competition.

No sides since the great Brisbane outfit in 1993 featuring Steve Renouf, Allan Langer, Kevin and Kerrod Walters and Glenn Lazarus has successfully defended their crown. Melbourne and Manly dominated for a decade and threatened to build dynasties but still couldn’t manage two grand final wins in a row.

The Sydney Roosters reached six title deciders in 13 seasons, but nor could they muster consecutive premierships. Souths coach Michael Maguire admitted it was a tall order but insisted Rabbitohs were excited rather than nervous about trying to go back to back.

“We obviously put a lot of time into

the pre-season and we’re looking forward to games,” Maguire said before the premiers departed for Brisbane on Wednesday. “We’ve been able to travel across to Arizona, and also to England, and have some good times there, but our focus now is about round one.”

Maguire acknowledged Rabbitohs would need to take their awesome power game to another level to reign again in 2015. “Every team is fresh after preseason and we need to be the same,” he said. “The bar will raise and we need to raise our bar as well as we move through the season, and definitely in round one. “You look at the Broncos team, and with Wayne (Bennett) going (back) up there, no doubt he’ll bring his aura around the team and what he brings to the Broncos. “He’s obviously spent a lot of time up there (previously) and we’re expecting that they’re going to be well drilled.

“So for us we definitely need to be spot on our game.” Maguire promised fans there was no danger of the Rabbitohs being fatigued after their hectic pre-season, saying the club had plans in place “every single day” to combat potential burnout. “The staff, how they monitor the players, are great,” he said. “The players take it upon themselves to look after what they need to do - whether it’s their diets to hydration levels - all sorts of different things - whatever gets them ready for game one.’’

RUGBY LEAGUE

WAYNE Bennett at Brisbane Broncos training. INSET: Rabittohs John Sutton (with ball) will be a handful at tonight’s NRL opener.

Namatanai RL set for launch

National Soccer League double header

SPILL FROM BACKPAGE

DWELLERS duo Raymond Gunemba and Nigel Dabinyaba will set the pace with their presence to give Joe Turia’s men a worthy challenge.

While in the earlier clash, FC Pom are riding on a high at the moment, but are likely to come falling down to earth again by a winless Admiralty in a possible upset of the day.

FC Pom’s immaculate Neil Hans will be closely marked on the fringes of the 18 yard box.

But if given room, the power left-footer will enthral spectators with his guile and power down the left flank.

PATRON of the newly established Namatanai Rugby League Association (NRLA), Cletus Ngaffkin plans to advance development of the new sporting body to new heights in New Ireland, East New Britain and Papua New Guinea.

Ngaffkin said that backed up by the personal involvement of committed professional and eminent New Ireland citizens, his strategy is to bolster and enhance NRLA as a force to be reckoned with in the future.

He said that not only will NRLA focus its resources on the playing field as one of its primary activities cover public and community awareness on the current social ills that are threatening peace and good order and eating away the very fabric of the Papua New Guinea Society.

Ngaffkin added that the PNGRFL advocates “Stop Violence Against Women, No to Drugs, Homebrew and other illegal substances” and NRLA

would adopt this campaign as it grows into the future.

“An important part of the work of the young players is to be role model for our young people. We plan to request to have key PNG Hunters players to visit rural areas of the Namatanai district as part of the NRLA community awareness programs to encourage youths to get involved in sports and to be good citizens for the betterment of the game.

The competition will be officially kicked off on March 20 at the Ratubu oval.

This will be the major highlight for the Namatanai District.

The PNGRFL and the NRLA interim Board are working on a program to concurrently launch the junior school rugby.

The participating schools in the junior rugby league program are; Kabanut top up school, Tubuana top up at Ratubu, Ulaputur top up at Sahara, Namatanai Secondary School and Laur top up in Namatanai town.

“This is a direct investment in future players which we believe we can give opportunities to bring themselves to Adrian Lam’s level of playing.”

“Furthermore, my plans are to have NRLA as a feeder competition for the Agmark Guria franchise, which is a great opportunity for our players to be considered for selection into the PNG Hunters and of course our national rugby league representative side –the Kumuls.”

“Also, the good progress, management and future development of NRLA will enable us to look at the option of entering a representative side in the future to play in the East New Britain Rugby League competition which is two hours away from West Coast of Namatanai,” Ngaffkin said.

Commending those who have contributed immensely to the various sporting codes in the Namatanai district, Ngaffkin said that those “one off” competitions are confined to where they are hosted

in a very short period of time without any future plans for development.

He said the NRLA is not a one off competition but an annual competition penciled down in the PNG Rugby League calendar with greater opportunities for local players to be selected to play in other semi-professional competitions such as the Digicel Cup and ultimately the Kumuls.

“I have faith and confidence in the Board and Management of NRLA to extend the competition in the near future to other parts of Namatanai and New Ireland Province now that the competition has commenced in West Coast of Namatanai.”

“I perceive my appointment as an opportunity to engage with my people in the whole of Namatanai District about the work and future development of NRLA and the challenges we, as a society, face in order to build a more inclusive and fair Namatanai.”

“I believe that to sustain the long-term popularity and success of the NRLA or for that

matter any sport, we must have an ongoing consciousness of how we, as individuals and groups administer and support the sporting initiative for the future benefits and representations of Namatanai, Kavieng and New Ireland Province as a whole.”

“Rugby league as an entity, from the elite status to the grassroots, has a critical leadership role in building cohesive, diverse, robust and inclusive communities.”

“Since its introduction as we know, it all begins at the grassroots clubs, in provincial capitals and cities. People come together for the love and passion of and for the game.”

“It just isn’t about the highprofile footballers or the local stars, it is about all of the necessary things that need to happen behind the scenes to ensure the NRLA is viable and a successful competition exists.”

“Sporting clubs often will be a reflection of the broader society in which they exist,” said Ngaffkin.

Admiralty coach Peter Sakael yesterday said they are keen on a change of the tide and can expect to give their committed supporters to something to cheer about.

While in Lae, the spurring form of Madang will come under scrutiny from Besta United, but should do enough to beat the PNGFA franchise.

However it is the main game at Bomana, that will draw much interest with the talented Raymond Gunemba and Nigel Dabinyaba set to ignite the Morobeans and their ardent followers in Port Moresby.

Turia is expected to bank on former national striker, Garry Moka up front with speedster Patrick Aisa to pepper Dwellers defence. Hekari remains on bye this weekend.

Seeto Kui beefs up MRFU series

BY FRANKIY KAPIN RUGBY UNION

THE Seeto Kui group of companies has combined with Anitua Hardware and Bmobile-Vodafone to sponsor the Morobe Rugby Union 7s Series in 2015.

Morobe Rugby Union President Livingstone Nenjipa announced that Seeto Kui is joining the competition as a minor sponsor and was confident the company will extend it’s cooperate assistance for the rest of season 2015.

And as the competition brews for the third weekend of sevens fiesta series, Nenjipa says the scrum oval is ignited with another K1, 000 prize money up for grabs at the end of each series.

“As every player and respective teams is already pumped to release the valve come this weekend, so too are the support behind organisers to make this season better and exciting,” says Nenjipa.

Seeto Kui representative Jeff Lung said their company has come aboard in a small but significant way to assist the staging of the seven’s series for the remaining four weekends.

Lung said the company will be cladding the referees and lines judges with uniformed wear to add to the professionalism of the code.

He added that the company also realizes the local competition has built up the interest that was kept at bay after the premature ending

of last year’s competition.

Lung added that there is obviously new talents popping up as the seven’s series pick sup momentum.

Nenjipa said they are looking at a 16 team competition again this weekend and also we will be having on show for the first time two women’s team to play an exhibition match.

He added that the competition is getting better with a lot of teams improving from previous weekends.

Games Coordinator Michael Muriki cautioned two weekend champions Segathon Mites to look out for Unitech Reds, Defense and Pirates who are improving each weekend.

PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRF) board chairman Sandis Tsaka (left) welcomes Namatanai Rugby League Association patron Cletus Ngaffkin (right) and founder Janet Sios (centre) to the fold yesterday.

RUGBY LEAGUE

Muthuvel: New facilities in pipeline

BY SAMUEL RAITANO PNG GAMES

WEST New Britain Province is preparing for the 2016 PNG games to be hosted there, despite challenges in financial backing and infrastructure. Governor Sasindran Muthuvel told Post Courier that the provincial government is looking to improving the facilities though they do not have similar infrastructure in Lae or Port Moresby.

“We are confident that we will use all our available resources to host PNG Grass Roots games 2016, we are just starting to build new infrastructures,” Muthuvel said.

From the provincial budget this year they have allocated K500,000 for the Host Organising Committee, and K1 million for various sports fields in four LLGs for the upgrading.

He added that they will allocate three to five million kina in 2016 budget and overall, they expect to invest five to seven million for sports infrastructure and games.

Pukpuks team finalised for tour

RUGBY UNION

PAPUA New Guinea Rugby Football Union (PNGRFU) national selectors have finalised their Pukpuks team for a forthcoming three-match tour of Singapore.

The Pukpuks will play Singapore Barbarians (A team) on April 4 and 7 and then the Test match on April 11.

The squad will form the basis of the Pukpuks that the national coaching staff are preparing for the Federation of Oceania Rugby Union (FORU) Cup that will be staged in August in Port Moresby.

PNGRFU head of coaching

Sydney Wesley said all play-

ers named have been monitored over the past 18 months which accumulated in a training camp last month in Port Moresby. Wesley said the Singapore tour is an important one towards their preparations to re-build a strong Pukpuk team again. “The squad is fairly new with only seven players being retained from the last FORU Cup campaign,” he added.

These players prop Wesley Thomas, lock Ahulo Ottio, flanker Butler Morris, scrumhalf Libert Suang and Adeck Naio, playmaker Jonah Kautu Jr and centre Tissa Kautu. PNG came second in 2013, losing to Cook Islands in the decider. Wesley said they have

had to open the scope of selections to Brisbane, as PNG players in the competition have had several match under their belts.

“It is unfortunate that a lot of home-grown players will not have match practice due to the lack of competition at this time of the year,” he added.

“Unlike Singapore who are at the back-end of their competition and are entering their representative season,” he added.

PNGRFU general manager Frank Genia chimed in to say that having a number of players currently in the competition mode is beneficial towards team preparation.

Mt Hagen to regain fame

BY JOHNNY POIYA RUGBY LEAGUE

MT HAGEN league is expected to regain the fame it was once known for when it begins the 2015 season competition this weekend at the Rabiamul Oval.

The competition which completely dropped its quality over the last eight years will begin this year with more purpose following last year’s successful season under the management of President Cr John Ropa.

Ten teams have shown interest

to participate this season, with eight already having paid their player’s registration fee, totalling K18 250, which was handed over to PNGRFL Highlands Director Joe Tokam yesterday.

The failure in securing major sponsors over the last eight years compounded with political differences resulted in poor management.This has badly affected the local competition as well as the province’s flagship franchise Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles in the Digicel Cup. Cr Ropa with his executives including secretary Joe

The Pukpuk squad: Props: Bomai Kaupa, Wesley Thomas, Misiel Silas (CRU), Kenneth David (EHRFU), Zion Reto (Brisbane GOS), Hookers: Rabbie Namaliu Jnr (Brisbane West), Samuel Tam Jnr (CRU), Joshua Vakona (Melbourne Bulldogs), Locks: Johnny Emphraim, Richard Gebob (MRFU), Ahulo Ottio (CRU), Openside Flankers: Bradley Kelegai (Brisbane Souths), Butler Morris (MRFU), Blindside Flankers: Clifford Vali (MRFU, No8), Dondon Kais (Madang RFU), Tui Fitiao (CRU, No 8/Lock), Scrum-half: Libert Suang, Adeck Naio (CRU), First Five: Jordon Tkatchenko (Brisbane – Fullback), Titus Lunguni

Dossy and treasurer Chris Manapi said in the past eight years teams competed in the preseason, only to stop midway without any finals.

“Last year Mt Hagen League has started afresh when we made the finals for the first time after so long.

This will continue this year and the years to come,” said Cr Ropa. With a successful competition, we hope to regain our lost fame in both the local and Digicel Cup competitions, said Cr Ropa. “We plan to regain some lost pride.

(CRU – Second Five), Jonah Kautu Jnr (CRU – Fullback), Second five: Tissa Kautu (CRU – Fullback), Centre: Jacky Markus (ENBRFU); James Lumaris (CRU), Wing/ Centre: Shadrach Gabilihia (Brisbane West), Fullback/

Second Five: Richard Aitsi (Brisbane West), Wing: Jacob Vodo (CRU), Wesley Vali (Mendi RFU).

The non travelling reserves: Paul Nelson (MRFU – Utility Back), Kirarock Ngaffin (CRU – Wing/Centre), Iose Duba (DRFU – Flanker/No 8), Manu Havora (CRU – Centre).

All players will come into camp on March 17 and depart on April 2.

He also added that the National Government had not yet assisted though they requested for K20 million to build sports infrastructure, and there was no allocation in this year’s National Budget.

However Muthuvel said Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko had promised that the National Government would assist after this year’s Pacific Games as right now the government is fully focused on successfully hosting the Pacific Games.

“We hope the National Government, Sports Ministry and PNG Games Council will assist in due course,” he said.

The estimated cost in total is K30 million from which K20 million is expected from the National Government, K5 million from the Provincial Government and K5 million from sponsors. “My message to the athletes in the province is, this is a great opportunity to show-case our culture, values and sports capacity of WNB and PNG and also opportunity for all visitors to see WNB and realize its potential in sports and also agriculture and tourism.

“Sports is a great tool to bring communities together and foster relationships and to instil pride in ourselves.’’

PNG Pukpuks head coach Sydney Wesley (cap) gives instructions to players that attended the training camp in Port Moresby. INSET: Pukpuk squad members Tui Fitiau (left) and Tissa Kauatu have been named.

NSL thrille thriller

GI ready take on Qld mate Hodges in NRL opener: P41

MADANG FC’s Alwyn Komolong (left) challenges for the ball against his Hekari opponent Jeremy Yasasa last week in Madang. Alwyn is expected to take the lead again against Besta PNG United FC in Lae tomorrow.

SOCCER