Post Courier, Thursday March 26, 2015

DISASTER HIT AREAS AWAIT PROMISED FUNDS

K8 MILLION PROMISED: PAGE 2

What a waste

Gulf disaster relief supplies

Gulf disaster relief rot away in Central Province rot away in Central Province for eight months for months

BY MEROLYN TEN

PERISHABLE food and relief supplies for floodaffected villagers of inland Gulf Province are rotting away in a Central Province wharf eight months after they were supposed to be delivered.

The Gulf Provincial Government had paid K1.09 million to two shipping companies to deliver the supplies to Kerema after securing emergency funds from the National Government.

The food items, as well as vital services repair equipment, are in eight shipping containers which the provincial disaster committee had bought in September as

relief aid for the mountain people of Kerema electorate, whose food gardens and homes were destroyed by unseasonal rain and wind.

Some of the shipping containers have been raided and their contents scattered all over the beach or on the open deck of one of the two landing crafts, which the province had chartered to do the delivery run from a clearing near Tubusereia village, east of Port Moresby.

The Gulf disaster committee had paid K790,000 to a shipping company (named) and K300,000 to Mundi No.1 Ltd to do the mercy dash but the cargo were not delivered.

CONTINUED PAGE 2

ALLAN John from Milne Bay showing some of the damaged fl our bags on the deck of MV Burai (left); and showing the broken lock of the containers housing the supplies (above).

Is this disaster management?

THEdiscovery of K2 million worth of food items and assorted stuff for flood-affected communities, which were abandoned outside Port Moresby, confirms the sorry state of affairs of the country’s disaster management.

The Gulf Provincial Disaster Committee owes an explanation to the flood-hit communities in Kerema, as to why and how K2 million worth of emergency supplies were found abandoned at an isolated spot outside the national capital. The payment of over K1 million in public funds to the West Coast Shipping Services Limited and Mundi No. 1 Limited to deliver the cargo to the Gulf Province should also be fully investigated.

It appears that the checks and balance mechanisms at the provincial government level have collapsed in the Gulf Province, consequently no one at the Gulf Provincial Disaster Committee or the provincial government raised the alarm until the matter was brought to the attention of this newspaper recently.

Only an independent investigation will throw light on how the goods – which included food items which are now rotting – were abandoned and whether the payment for their freight to the Gulf Province was made to the respective companies.

The story in today’s edition of the Post-Courier coincides with concerns by the West New Britain governor Sasindran Muthuvel, that his province is still waiting for its share of the K8 million that the Government promised for flood affected provinces. The MP believes West New Britain, like other provinces, would be getting K1 million for humanitarian efforts, but by yesterday the money had not gone into the provincial coffers despite being informed of the money being released to the provinces. The delay in the disbursement of funding is another example of substandard disaster management by officials in Waigani.

The disastrous impact of Tropical Cyclone Pam on Vanuatu and its people recently should be a wakeup call for officials at the PNG National Disaster and Emergency Centre. Does the Government’s disaster preparedness and relief plans enable timely access to funding and resources? What is the working relationship between the centre and the provincial disaster committees? And who does a provincial disaster committee report to in a time of crisis or disaster? It is obvious that PNG’s disaster management plans need more fine-tuning, and that process should begin now.

There is a possibility that the plans have factored in all the above concerns and do not need to be fine-tuned. Officials will just need to start implementing them and this could include ensuring quicker processing of funding proposals for provinces affected by natural disasters. This is where provinces such as West New Britain will benefit the most with its governor already expressing concern at the delays.

The delay in the resettlement of Manam Islanders over a decade after the eruption of the volcano in Madang Province is another example of the sorry state of our disaster management plans. Sadly the plight of the islanders appears to be a case of out-of-sight-out-of-mind for our bureaucrats and leaders, who appear to be totally oblivious to the challenges that the villagers continue to face in care centres on the Madang mainland.

The bottom line

Asia news ........................25,37

Bougainville Today ..............17

Business ..........................18-19

Classifieds .......................40-45

Comics..................................39

Highlands Post.....................14

Home news.........................4-9, Islands Post .........................16

How to contact us

EDITOR

Alexander Rheeney Ph: 309 1021

Email:rheeneya@spp.com.pg

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Paula Speakman Ph: 309 1044

Email: pspeakman@spp.com.pg

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Bala Liveras

Ph: 309 1013 Fax: 321 3284

Email: bbabaga@spp.com.pg

DELIVERY INQUIRIES

Ph: 309 1102 Email: bbabaga@spp.com.pg

REGIONAL OFFICES

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

Kokopo: Grace Tiden

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

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

Buka: David Lornie

Ph: 973 9188

Fax: 973 9170

Email: postbuka@gmail.com

309 1175, 309 1174, 309 1088

JOIN US ONLINE

www.postcourier.com.pg

NEWS TIP?

Ph 309 1021 or email

editorial@postcourier.com.pg

WNB still waiting for disaster funds

WEST New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel says his province is still waiting for its share of the K8 million that the government has promised for flood affected provinces. He believes West New Britain, like other provinces, would be getting K1 million for humanitarian efforts but by yesterday the money had not gone into the provincial coffers despite being informed that the money had been re-

leased to the provinces.

Mr Muthuvel said these while receiving donations from Brian Bell group of companies which gave 20 Coleman five-person tents and CPL Group which presented a cheque for K125,000.

CPL supermarket business, Stop N Shop, would also be giving assorted food items and its Hardware Haus would be donating 200 tarpaulins, 100 Jerry cans and 200 treated

mosquito items. CPL general manager commercial Omprakash Seshadri said: “The recent rain and wind has hurt so many people in West New Britain. If we can give what we are able to help the families who have been devastated by this tragedy, we can all make a difference. For the long road ahead, we want to assure them that CPL cares for the people in West New Britain.”

Mark Curtis, Hardware Haus general manager, said he hoped CPL’s donation would be a huge boost to the people of West New Britain and its communities and be reminded that they were not forgotten. “We are more than happy to give donations to this recovery effort. The damage was indeed extensive and heart-breaking but the courage of the people of WNB is simply amazing,” he said.

Relief supplies not delivered to Kerema

FROM PAGE 1

THE acting director of National Disaster Centre, Martin Mose, yesterday shed some light on the aborted mission, adding that his office had offered to deliver the relief supplies to Kerema but the offer was declined.

“It is a very sad story, we do not want to see such happening again,” Mr Mose told the Post-Courier.

Attempts to speak to Gulf disaster relief officials yesterday were unsuccessful.

Governor at the time Havila Kavo, who has since been

jailed on a separate misappropriation case but has since been released pending an appeal next month, could not be contact also.

An on-site check by this newspaper this week revealed that the eight containers, full of disaster relief supplies, were still sitting on the Tubusereia beach. It has come to the attention of the investigators that all food supplies and equipment were damaged by the elements, even stolen.

Mundi No.1 Ltd owner Samson Jubi said yesterday under an agreement with the Gulf provincial govern-

Temperatures have been cooling since 2002, even as carbon dioxide continued to rise.

ment his company operates the 34m landing craft Burai, which the provincial government owned.

He said the Burai had not been cleared by National Maritime Safety Authority to leave port.

“We will not sail a vessel into the open seas without this legal authority from NMSA because it is against the law,” he said.

“We have spoken to the Gulf provincial administration to seek an audience with the National Maritime Safety Authority to please expedite these processes in the best interest of the

people of Gulf Province. We will expedite delivery of these valuable cargos as soon as the vessel is lawfully authorised to sail. Mundi No.1 Ltd does not wish to be unnecessarily dragged into any existing Gulf politics,” he said.

National disaster centre boss Mr Mose said that last September it had, with the exception of Baimuru district, delivered supplies to the affected areas of Gulf.

He said the Gulf provincial disaster centre’s unprofessional conduct had resulted in such a huge lose and poor management of funds.

CSTB: Procurement plans disorganised

BY SHIRLYN BELDEN

THE Central Supply and Tenders Board is not furnished with annual procurement plans by government agencies so most of its business is done on an ad hoc basis, it has been revealed.

CSTB principal coordinator training Edward Oa, said many times already the CSTB could not identify or confirm budgets to procure works, goods and services for contract projects because government agencies did not supply their plans to CSTB to facilitate procurement.

He said budgeted projects that were outlined in the plans, were identified and confirmed before facilitation of acquiring works, goods and services proceed.

The bottom line

the drum

COCKROACH

BAD publicity won’t do your firm any good. Imagine finding a dead cockroach in your pie? That’s the risk a baking company faces if it opts to avoid dealing with the school that reported it.

SILENCE

THE silence is also deafening from the consumer watchdog ICCC after the gory find. Did they collude with the company? Maybe not but that’s the impression it’s giving with its continued silence.

GO LOCAL

A PNG telco is on a recruitment drive. It needs a security manager “who knows the PNG environment” and interestingly advertised in Oz. But don’t locals know the country better?

HINDRANCE

BANK interest rate margins came up at a recent NRI meeting with one little bit from a professor, who said one of the hindrances to the affordable housing policy was the “bullshit titles’’. since 1969.

IT’S DLPP

EDWARD OA Port Moresby

He said many times this was done on an ad hoc basis.

“The agencies establish the need for works, goods and services and is not the CSTB’s responsibility. And this starts off with procurement planning, which seems to be the biggest problem that is faced by all levels of government.

And to date, although it is a mandatory requirement, the annual procurement plans,

were to reach CSTB on February 28 every year and on record we received none,” he said this yesterday at the Ombudsman Commissionhosted leadership summit in Port Moresby.

Mr Oa said CSTB had been unnecessarily blamed in the past for not doing its job well, when it came to facilitating contracts for government agencies involved in government projects.

He said that CSTB was the gatekeeper and only facilitated the procurement of goods and services and so establishing the need for works, goods and services to be procured and implementing the contract projects were the responsibilities of the agencies.

The agencies had a critical responsibility to also develop

and provide bidding documents with the procurement plans, so that CSTB is notified in advance of its tasks in facilitating procurement.

“There seems to be a gap between CSTB and the agencies and I don’t know many times it is CSTB that gets the blame, for failure or slackness or not delivering and awarding on time. But if you look at it, it originates with you and ends with you for implementation,’’ he said.

CSTB as an important body in facilitating procurement contracts for government purposes, was asked by the Ombudsman Commission to elaborate on its roles and responsibilities for government officers, to be aware of their responsibilities when liaising with it.

The system of democracy was introduced 2,500 years ago in Athens, Greece.

THE Oz-based academic said the “bullshit titles” issue came from the DLPP. We thought the PP part

SAVINGS?

was to do with pek pek until reminded it was really Department of Lands and Physical Planning.

19 PAGES

ACCOUNTANTS are wringing their hands over the changes meant to simplify the company tax system. It seems the “I form” has gone from 4 pages to 21 and the “P forms” from 8 to 19 pages!

SIR GRANT

DO WE hear calls for Kiwi cricketer Grant Elliot to be knighted? Elliot hit the six that took New Zealand past South Africa and into the Cricket World Cup final. Sir Grant Elliot sounds good!

SEWERAGE

THE recent Drum on Port Moresby’s sewerage problems compelled the IPBC to clear the air on the Sewerage System Upgrade Project. The city has two main sewerage systems for its inhabitants.

TWO SYSTEMS

ONE system is for the inland area and the other one for the coastal area, which are operated by Eda Ranu. The project, which the IPBC launched in January, is to upgrade the one for the coastal area.

PENGEE: thedrum@spp.com.pg

A CHEEKY bargain price? As a customer you only get to make a savings of one toea – that’s right 1 Toea tasol.

Agencies establish the need for works and is not the CSTB’s responsibility ...

PARTICIPANTS deep in concentration during a session at the Ombudsman Commission conference at Crowne Plaza in Port Moresby.

From humble beginnings Anthony Tairambu Nakuk shares his story

PUBLIC servant Anthony Tairambu Nakuk, 57, from Buang in Bulolo, Morobe Province, has clocked 40 years of service to the State and to the people of Papua New Guinea.

Forty years of service since Independence 1975, that’s how significant it is.

As he absorbed these 40 years of service, surrounded by friends and superiors during a celebration hosted by his employer, Department of Trade, Commerce and Industry on March 3, he was humbled as memories flashed back.

“It was just like yesterday . . . on Independence Day when the Australian flag was lowered and the PNG flag raised.

“I was there. I saw everything. I grew up with the

drastic changes.

“I thank God for allowing me to live this far and see my 40 years of service,” Nakuk recalled.

All these changes Nakuk had experienced, but what anchored his 40 years service and bridged his qualification with other qualified staff in his area of work - his willingness to work, fuelled with undeniable loyalty, dedication and commitment to his job.

“I didn’t have the qualifications compared to those who walked in with degrees and rapidly got promoted,” Nakuk said.

In 1975, Nakuk joined the then Small Industries Research Development Centre as a technical officer under the Department of Commerce, after completing carpentry and joinery at Madang Technical

College. With this certificate and a Public Higher Certificate, Nakuk was now a public servant.

With his A$60 fortnightly pay and two certificates, Nakuk started his long 40 years service.

“I served as an information officer, computer officer, in budget, accounts, and finance

department and planning.

“I have practically been everywhere serving this government department,” he said.

The smaller steps Nakuk took working in each department led him into the right direction and ended up being the biggest step of his life.

Today Nakuk is assistant secretary planning statistics

and information branch under the policy division.

Nakuk’s line of work is essential to the economy and investors. Data collected from IRC and PNG Customs Service are compiled to help the Government give insight to investors, the private sector and even local businesses.

“I worked my way up

through loyalty, dedication and commitment to my job.

“But the important thing is I committed everything in God’s hand and that’s why I am serving this country.

“My success and service to the Government and people of PNG was through my faith in God,” he said.

MR NAKUK and his wife surrounded by their children and grandchildren.

Agencies in justice sector to work together

BY SAMUEL RAITANO

EIGHT law and justice sector agencies involved in the criminal justice process have signed a memorandum of understanding in Port Moresby to work together.

The signing yesterday coincided with the launch of National Criminal Process Improvement Project, which involves the uploading of thousands criminal case files due in the National Court.

Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia said the main activity to be undertaken by the agencies was to find ways to improve the management of criminal court process. This means records of arrests, court proceedings and delivery of justice would be shared by the respective agencies so that matters are dealt with effectively at all levels.

Sir Salamo said the agencies would be able to share vital information and collaborate their efforts to bring about greater efficiency and effectiveness in processing criminal cases in a way that ensures that each case entering the court system was accounted for and disposed of in a manner that was prompt, fair and qualitative.

“A unified approach is necessary to resolving problems of common concern in a very much diverse social and cultural setting like PNG,” Sir Injia said.

The National Criminal Process Improvement Project is to establish an integrated, centralised and computerised

Death row list a worry

BY SAMUEL RAITANO

PUBLICISING names of those on death row has not gone well with the Correctional Service Commissioner, Michael Waipo.

Mr Waipo told Post-Courier yesterday that those on death row were human beings, and to name and indicate their fate to was not proper at this time.

He said disclosure of the identities of these prisoners had been psychologically distressing for some.

“They are also human beings with the tendency to change. I think giving them life year sentences will do, so that they will be jailed all their lives but will still have the opportunity to set things right with God spiritually,” he said.

Waipo also clarified that his opinion was not directed to undermine the laws of the land. He said the law was already there and he was at the service of the government to deliver.

He added that some prisoners had been undergoing rehabilitation programs and were seen to be changing their mindsets, and it was saddening that they would have to be put to death after all.

Justice sector to use new system

BY SAMUEL RAITANO

database of criminal cases.

It involves uploading of data onto a new database in which more than 7000 criminal case files now pending determination in the National Court would be uploaded to the new database, which would be

parked in Sydney, Australia, with the Judicial Commission.

Upon completion, a similar exercise would be carried out with the district courts.

The NCPIP secretariat will assist individual agencies

to implement the activities contained in their respective MOUs and produce reports to the National Coordination Mechanism through the office of the Chief Justice.

The Chief Justice, Secretary for Justice and Attorney Gen-

eral, Chief Magistrate, Public Solicitor, Public Prosecutor, Registrar of the National and Supreme Court, Police Commissioner and Correctional Service Commissioner signed the memorandum of understanding yesterday.

Injia: Agreement to speed up criminal justice

BY SAMUEL RAITANO

CHIEF Justice Sir Salamo

Injia says the criminal justice process in the country “remained largely uncoordinated and as a result there have been inefficiencies” in the delivery of justice.

However, with the signing of memorandum of under-

The bottom line

standing between respective law and justice sector agencies yesterday, this issue is set to be addressed.

Sir Salamo said the work of the law and justice sector agencies involved in the criminal justice system had remained largely uncoordinated, and as a result the processing of criminal cases

entering the National Judicial System from the point of arrest by the police to disposition by the courts and Correctional Services remained largely fragmented.

The agencies had continued to operate within their respective spheres of activities with limited collaboration among them to collectively address

Justice delayed is justice denied, isn’t it?

concerns over problems experienced in the administration of criminal justice.

Meanwhile, Correctional Service Commander Michael Waipo told the Post-Courier that the signing of the MOU was timely.

He said lack of coordination had resulted in remandees kept in jail for prolonged pe-

riods while waiting for their trials and court hearings.

Mr Waipo said that had resulted in jail breaks as remandees felt tired of waiting.

He added that times and dates for prisoners to appear in court were at times confusing due to lack of coordination among the courts, police and Correctional Services.

THE law and justice sector will now use integrated, centralised criminal system database (ICCSD).

The system will track all criminal cases entering the court system throughout the country, from the point of arrest to their disposition by the courts and the Correctional Service.

The benefits the system offers include the provision of a single centralised and integrated database of all criminal cases, provision of reliable and reasonably accurate update of all criminal cases, sharing of reports on all criminal cases among the agencies and identifying of problems experienced by individual agencies so that they assist one another in resolving them.

FORMER Public Solicitor Frazer Pitpit (right) receiving an unexpected gift from Department of Justice and Attorney General Secretary Lawrence Kalinoe yesterday in Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby after the launching of National Criminal Justice improvement project. Picture supplied

MP: Gulf survives on borrowed money, time

BY MEROLYN TEN

GULF Province is operating on borrowed money and time because of misappropriations and corruption at the district and provincial levels, says Kerema MP Richard Mendani.

He told the Post-Courier yesterday that Gulf was in chaos in terms of public service and delivery of goods and services, because public funds were disappearing into private accounts.

“There is a huge breakdown of capacity at the Gulf district and provincial levels as all public funds were being used up for personal interests, leaving the poor people living

At a glance

GULF PROVINCE: Is operating on borrowed money and time, according to Kerema MP Richard Mendani. He said public funds is being diverted into privates accounts for private use and this has been going on for a while now.

SERVICES: Important services such as infrastructure, health, education, law and order is lacking in these areas and the locals are suffering. Most of the schools airstrips and health facilities are either rundown or shut down. People travel to the nations capital to have access to these basic services.

FUNDS: The funds for the services is being used by the people in power for their own pleasure or their private business when it should be use to deliver needed services.

in poverty,” said Mendani. He stressed that infrastructure, health, education, law and order and several important sectors, which people are

supposed to be benefitting from, are nonexistent. This is because funds allocated to them had been misused by senior officers of

the province. “The airstrips, schools, health centres have all been closed and rundown. This occurs because rightful leaders instead of serving

Watchdog presents climate report

REDUCING emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) has enormous financial potential for Papua New Guinea as well as great challenges ahead.

the people have been very ignorant and greedy to give to the people what is rightfully theirs.

“Gulf people travel far to the nation’s capital to gain access to basic services while the people behind the scenes are booking hotel rooms, travelling overseas and living in luxury,” Mr Mendani said.

He said these corrupt activities has been going on for years and nothing had been done to punish the culprits.

“It has become systematic now, and thorough investigations are needed to end these abuses. “I must reveal that Gulf Province is currently relying on borrowed money and time to survive.”

Transparency International PNG said this yesterday as it launched its REDD+ risk assessment report.

TIPNG had been concerned with the corruption risks in REDD+ due to knowledge gaps on the concept and lack of legislation enforcement by relevant government agencies to cater for the program.

TIPNG chairman Lawrence Stephens launched the assessment report, “Safeguarding the future of REDD+”, saying that the intention of REDD+ was to conserve forests and ensure that benefits reached landowners.

He said the reason why TIPNG was interested in the program was because weak governance undermines the implementation of the concept, thus doing such assessment to assist in minimising risk.

“The assessment highlights challenges that threaten REDD efforts in conservation and benefit of PNG forests.

It points to specific weakness in policy and practice for participants in lands and forestry sector to identify priority areas,” Mr Stephens said.

It was even more threatening to know that there were no current policies in place to govern this program.

The four main risk areas on the development and implementation of REDD+ included policy development - landowner rights may be breached without government policy; financial flow and benefit sharing - as there are irregularities in the benefit sharing mechanisms.

Food policy needs backing

THE formulation of a new National Food Security Policy 2015-25 needs the full cooperation of all the stakeholders, including government agencies, provincial administrations and farmers.

The stakeholders and collaborating partners were also urged to be committed and make meaningful contribution into the current review of the expired policy and to take ownership of the new policy.

Seminar: PNG needs good governance

BY SHIRLYN BELDEN

THE need to create good governance and effective leadership in the country has been highlighted as a top agenda that must be deliberated on in order to enhance vibrant and effective governance.

A two-day leadership seminar in Port Moresby, which involved heads of government departments and state institutions insisted that there must

The bottom line

be a good understanding and compliance of procedures practiced when undertaking important responsibilities by and within government agencies.

More than five government agencies presented information and insight into their roles and responsibilities where other leaders from government departments, offices and ministries deliberated and facilitated an open forum

to share and grasp ideas. Important topics relating to good service delivery were presented where success stories and setbacks were shared, prompting connections among these government agencies to improve their roles and responsibilities in basic service delivery in PNG.

The event was hosted by watchdog Ombudsman Commission with the aim of as-

sisting these government offices to understand how other important agencies work in delivering important services to the country.

Ombudsman Phoebe Sangetari said the commission is working with the parliamentary services to hold a similar event for Members of Parliament sometime after the next parliament sitting. The event which ended yesterday saw presenters

India is the worlds largest democracy with more than 700 million registered voters.

from strategic government agencies like the Investment Promotion Authority, Central Supply and Tenders Board, Office of the State Solicitor and the Ombudsman Commission.

These agencies provided insights on how they operate and what they require of other state agencies to offer in order to provide effective and transparent governance.

The call was made during the presentation of the draft policy to Department of Agriculture and Livestock by a team of consultants engaged to review the current food security policy 2000-10.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation funded the review under the project titled, Technical Support and Capacity Development for the formulation of the National Food Security Policy.

The ultimate goal of the policy was to ensure that people had access to safe and nutritious food in adequate quality and quantity, to maintain a healthy and active life.

RICHARD Mendani

CHILDREN sitting under the shades at Gordon enjoying each other’s company and looking for the little creatures that live in their hair. Lost in their own world, these youngsters have no idea that they are under the watchful lens of the Post-Courier photographer.

LOST IN THEIR OWN WORLD

Hospital improves services for TB patients

BY MAUREEN GERAWA At

THE fight against tuberculosis is a high priority at the country’s largest hospital Port Moresby General Hospital.

Chief executive officer

Grant Muddle said the hospital board and the management had placed a high priority on improving TB patients care and treatment.

The hospital had undergone additional improvements and additional facilities to improve the treatment of these patients, he said.

“This is a disease that is curable. However, people need to understand that if mismanaged or left untreated it is a life threatening disease.

“At PMGH, we are doing everything we can to support the reduction of TB in Port Moresby. We are committed to supporting this on-going fight of TB.

“We will continue to look at ways we can improve our treatment methods, our facilities to treat TB patients and how we can be part of the solution in PNG to reduce the infection rate,’’ said Mr Muddle.

PNG’s 51st medical symposium to cost K1m

BY NELLIE SETEPANO

IT will cost about K1 million to host this year’s 51st PNG medical symposium.

This is a target put together by host of the symposium –Women’s Doctors Association.

The association has raised half of that amount and together with the PNG Medical Society, they had called on businesses for sponsorship to hold this event at Gateway in the nation’s capital.

a glance

FIGHT AGAINST TB: The fight against tuberculosis is a high priority at the country’s largest hospital Port Moresby General Hospital.

PRIORITY: Its chief executive officer Grant Muddle said that the hospital board and the management had placed a high priority on improving TB patient care and treatment.

TB RISK: This is a disease that is curable. However, people need to understand that if mismanaged or left untreated it is a life threatening disease.

“Simple things people can do to help in this fight: “It is important the people get the BCG vaccinations at their urban clinics or maternity clinic when delivering; cover your mouth when you cough; and always take and complete your course of medication.”

Recently, Mr Muddle informed the Post-Courier that the hospital had a new building where TB patients were being cared for. Patients in this ward had been moved out from the main hospital.

Symposium focuses on women’s health

BY NELLIE SETEPANO

WOMEN’S health will be in the limelight at the 51st medical symposium planned for August 31-September 4 in Port Moresby.

The PNG Medical Society and the Women Doctors Association say that cross-cutting issues such infant mortality, maternal mortality and poor access to health services, cancer tuberculosis, high TB burden, lifestyle diseases and issues of gender violence were not issues to be addressed by the health sector alone, but needed a wide range of

collaboration to find better solution to these issues.

This year the Women’s Doctors Association, one of the many associations within the medical fraternity, had taken the lead to host the NCD symposium.

With the theme “Advancing Women’s Health Through Innovation”, the symposium would involve researchers and presenters from outside the health sectors to discuss innovative and strategic ways in addressing women’s health.

“We can’t talk about women’s health when we are not talking about physical

health, mental and social health, Women’s Doctors Association president Lynda Sirigoi said.

“She added social and economic indicators played an important role in healthy women and the medical fraternity could not address these alone.

“We know what the issues are but we need to know how to address them,” she said. The association wants others outside the health sector to share their best experience, best practices or application that are used to better women and children’s health.

With the theme “Advancing Women’s Health Through Innovation”, the one week event starts on August 1 and is expected to receive about 1,000 participants.

In a media launch at the school of medicine and health sciences, Women’s Doctors Association president who is a family and panel physician announced that Linda Babao, the wife of Prime Minister, is the patron of the Women’s Doctors Association. She had pledged K100,000 towards the event.

The association also announced that in May they will be hosting a huge fundraising dinner and all proceeds would go towards the symposium.

The association had been praised by the PNG medical society for taking the lead to host the event and especially including women’s health as the meeting’s focus.

At media launch at the UPNG school of medicine and health science yesterday, PNG Medical Society president Dr Nakapi Tefuarani, who is the school executive dean, said other medical issues would be discussed at the symposium.

He said it was such meeting that standard treatments for the country derived from.

About one third of the world’s population is infected with the tuberculosis bacteria. Only a small proportion of those infected will become sick. The bottom line

WOMEN Doctors Association president Lynda Sirigoi (right) and association vice-president Dr Nora Dai

Govt releases K41m for districts, provinces Polye: Time not right

BY ISAAC NICHOLAS

THE Department of Finance has already released a total of K41 million of district and provincial services improvement program funds, Finance Minister James Marape revealed yesterday.

Mr Marape sounded a warning that those districts and provinces that did not acquit funding for the 2014 expenditures would lag behind in getting funding for this year.

The Finance Minister said this to clear claims by certain politicians of not receiving DSIP and PSIP for this year.

“We have delivered to 41 districts a total of K1 million each already for this fi-

At a glance

AMOUNT: Finance department released K41 million of district and provincial services improvement program funds.

WARNING: Finance Minister James Marape warns districts and provinces that did not acquit funding for the 2014 expenditures. The Finance Minister said this to clear claims by certain politicians of not receiving DSIP and PSIP for this year.

PROBLEM: Provinces would lag behind in getting funding for this year.

SLOW: Mr Marape admitted that the funding for this government intervention program had been slow because early revenues had been used to tick off key government policy programs.

nancial year. We will call for the rest to come forward in their acquittals and we will honour the first quarter DSIP and PSIP.”

Mr Marape admitted that

the funding for this government intervention program had been slow because early revenues had been used to tick off key government policy programs in tuition

fee free education, free basic health care and the Pacific Games.

“Yes, it has been slow as we have to tick off free education and 2015 Pacific Games. But at the same time we require districts and provinces to acquit for last year’s expenditure.

“It is a fair call. Whilst paying for one thing, it is equally important that acquittals come in,” Mr Marape said.

The Finance Minister said that the Government was committed to honouring all its commitment in the 2015 budget.

“We will, by the end of this year, pay off all DSP/PSIP as budgeted. But for quicker ac-

cess, districts and provinces must submit their acquittals.

“I call on all district treasuries and provincial treasuries that by March 31, they must submit acquittals or Finance will come out and assist in acquittals that will trigger release of funds,” Minister Marape said.

He said the government spending record for last year speaks for itself as far as budget implementation is concerned, with over 90 per cent traction. He said the big ticket items for the Government, for instance free education, has been accorded over K600 million in this year’s budget.

THE Opposition does not think the time is right for PNG Power Limited (PPL) to be privatised as there are some issues that still have to be sorted out, Opposition Leader Don Polye says.

He said yesterday that one of the issues that should be addressed first was the rehabilitation of PPL infrastructures.

“The Opposition thinks very strongly that power must be in the hands of the Government because we are a country that is underdeveloped,” he said.

“In the hands of the private sector, the private sector is motivated by profits than in providing a service to the people. “Power PNG is a service that must be retained and not privatised and power continually be provided by the Government.”

He said those pushing for privatisation had vested interests and the sale of PNG Power would not benefit the people and the nation.

“I’ve got facts and figures there to come out and prove it to people and put those things out if the Government continues to go down that road.”

Business as usual at PPL

PNG Power chief executive officer John Tangit has advised striking employees that the board and management are still deliberating and engaging in the process of addressing their grievances.

Mr Tangit assured them last night that the ongoing 17 per cent issue with the employees had been addressed by the board and the management, who were applying the process of consultation and arbitration.

He said it was business as usual at the PNG Power Ltd offices since the lapse of the state-of-emergency on Monday night.

Mr Tangit warned the strikers that there was a process involved and that the grievances had to be deliberated on.

“There is no sitting protest. I must say that there is a process of industrial relations that must be given grievances,” Mr Tangit said.

“Let’s not pollute the process but engage it and the process of industrial relations must be given grievance,” he said.

OH, REALLY?

Mr Tangit was responding to reports that unionists and employees were still grieving and on a sitting protest.

MP calls for climate change fund

BY LEONNIE WAYANG

WITH the recent flooding incidents in Papua New Guinea and Cyclone Pam devastating Vanuatu, Opposition Leader Don Polye has suggested a climate change fund or insurance facility be established to cater for natural disasters.

He said the establishment of this fund or insurance facility will give the chance to imme-

diately and promptly provide funds and aid to those who are affected by natural disasters due to the climate change.

Mr Polye said during his time as chairman of the World Bank and attending international forums, he had suggested that there is a need for a “climate change fund that must be established to immediately and promptly address the impacts of weather changes that takes

place and destroys the fragile economies in the region”.

He said although PNG had some capacity to absorb some level of disaster, destructions caused by the changing weather patterns could “detrimentally affect” PNG. He questioned if PNG had the financial capacity to cope.

“The question is that there must be a fund designated to addressing this kind of phe-

nomena,” Mr Polye said.

Mr Polye said aside from the climate change fund, he wanted to suggest for an insurance facility to be established to cater for fragile economies and smaller Pacific Island countries in times of disasters.

“It is very important and it needs to be talked at some of those forums because it is affecting us,” the Opposition Leader stated.

A LASS giving her full concentration during an awareness program for the 2015 Pacific Games at Koki market in Port Moresby.

Judges to discuss crime trend

JUDGES of the National and Supreme Courts of PNG and the Pacific Islands will participate in a two-day capacity building program starting today focusing on financial crime, including money laundering, fraud and corruption.

The program will be led by Justice Michael Hopmeier of the UK Judicial College and barrister Alexander Mills and will feature presentations from the UK, PNG and Pacific Islands perspectives, joint discussions between all parties and an interactive case study.

The program is a joint initiative of the British High Commission in Port Moresby and PNG’s judiciary and is delivered by GovRisk, a specialised provider of technical assistance in financial crime prevention.

British High Commissioner Simon Tonge said the high commission was happy to support the initiative.

“We are delighted to be able to support this initia-

tive and to work in partnership with the PNG judiciary. Understanding the international use of proceeds of crime legislation, and examining its applicability in the local and regional setting, is a vital part of the judiciary’s role in punishing and deterring a wide range of criminal activities.

The UK High Commission’s sponsorship of the project forms part of its continuing efforts to support the rule of law, strengthen bilateral ties and increasing bilateral trade with PNG,” Mr Tonge said.

Dominic Le Moignan, the director of government projects at GovRisk, shared these sentiments.

“This project complements the considerable work undertaken by other parts of government to improve the anti-money laundering framework, which will in turn contribute positively to the country’s reputation to international investors,” Mr Moignan said.

COP CLOCKS 30 YEARS

THIS year Senior Sergeant John Popui will clock his 30 years with the Royal PNG Constabulary. From Pariro village, Snr Sgt Popui has helped set up the Buin police station in 2007 after the Bougainville crisis cease-fire. He worked to maintain law and order during the peak of the crisis, which was a very tense period. He is currently the police stationcommander for Buin and also oversees the whole police operation of the southern region, including Torokina, Siwai and Bana districts. Snr Sgt Popui said before he hangs up his police boots he would like to see more youngsters joining the Bougainville Police Service and maintaining the rule of law. He is seen here going about his normal policing duties in Buin with Buin businessman Michael Pakei and Dr Diou of Buin Health Centre. Words, Picture: ROMULUS MASIU

Govt officers must be transparent

HEADS of government institutions are responsible for cross checking processes or proper documentation before approving certain transactions involving State or public resources.

This was the advise from Ombudsman Phoebe Sangetari on Tuesday at a leadership summit where various senior government heads and secretaries gathered and deliberated on ways to strengthen good governance and effective leadership.

She said offices like the Investment Promotion Authority, Internal Revenue Commission and the Central Supply and Tenders Board were important authorities that, when dealing with procurement, tendering or awarding of contracts, should always confirm proper procedures prior to approval.

Ms Sangetari said verifying information and official documents guaranteed transparency and effective leadership within the government offices. She said many leaders and senior officers tended to face difficulties with authorities when they did not verify information and due processes before approving contracts that involve public or State resources.

Quick thoughts

ENSURE QUALITY

While I support the quick completion of all games venues, I doubt the safety and quality of work done, especially those by Chinese contractors. To regularly read about buildings, bridges and roads collapsing in China makes one wonder if what they are building here will last or be safe for use during the games. A rush job, working day and night, makes me frightened to go anywhere near their buildings. It will be an embarrassment for the country and the Games Organising Committee if a venue collapses or disrupts the games. So please make sure all jobs done are of high quality.

PNG Patriot

LACK OF WORK ETHICS

I would like to warn customers shopping at RH, Vision City mega mall, to be extra vigilant with their personal belongings when leaving their bags with the guards at the entrance. I became a victim two weeks ago when my umbrella went missing and my bag was left open with some items missing. I raised the issue with the guards’ security supervisor and even went to the extent of reporting it to the Vision City security base at the ground floor, but to no avail. Professionalism and trust is lacking in the services of this security service provider. Maybe a more professional security firm, who can uphold work ethics and morale for the good of the customers, should be engaged.

Obahoto Nama

QUERY ASARO BOOKS

Can relevant authorities conduct an investigation into the books and records at the district treasury office in Asaro, Goroka? Members of parliament are allocated K15 million by the government as DSIP grants each year and our MP is required to show how he spent the funds. We, the constituents of Daulo electorate, are still struggling for basic services.

Welafa Welalo Milespinis

Looking for someone?

I AM looking for Joe Simai of Malol village. He is teaching somewhere in Aitape or Sandaun Province. If anyone knows of his whereabouts, please pass this mobile number to him: 7349 0677. Thank you.

Michael Tonou Port Moresby

Honest leaders will grow PNG

YOUR front page article (25 March) titled “Probes worry watchdog” unveils the ugly truth about PNG leadership today.

A great majority of MPs in Parliament today are not leaders so more MPs will get into trouble with the law. Let me qualify my statement with the following facts. One must be qualified first as a leader before he is elected as a MP. Being a MP does not make one a leader.

My observations in the last three national elections confirmed that anybody in PNG can become a MP because majority of the candidates literally buy votes or use illegal means to win. This is where the problem begins.

Elections are not supposed to be meant for anybody and everybody. Only individuals with leadership qualities proven and tested over time should be allowed to contest.

Many MPs are literally stealing millions from the people because this is the reason why they contested the elections. Only true leaders discern what is right and wrong and lead by principles.

Most MPs today lack leadership attributes and are devoid of in-depth knowledge about the world of art and science, hence can’t define economic development.

For example; the K15 million paid to each MP annually for infrastructure development is a lot of money. Is there real evidence of tangible de-

velopment and change on the ground in each electorate throughout PNG? None! We need to address the leadership issue first because leaders build nations and not big money. Rampant corruption is a product of bad leaders. MPs and others are stealing public funds in millions because of lack of leadership at political and bureaucratic levels. It takes a leader to stop this cancer. I propose that the election laws be amended or a new law enacted to set mandatory standards which a candidate must meet before he or she is allowed to contest a national election.

K Koya Ialibu

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

Politicking driving dispute

Letter

NO ONE would argue that frontline health workers and those who manage our health services have an ethical responsibility to save Papua New Guinean lives (You all swore oaths to save lives. Post-Courier editorial Friday, March 20, 2015). Nor would anyone argue your point that “politicking and games” should not be conducted at the expense of patient care.

However, applauding Health and HIV/AIDS Minister Michael Malabag on his decision, through the NEC, to suspend the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (EHPHA) board and CEO is arguable. Less than two weeks ago the minster advised the nation that the committee of enquiry (appointed by the minister himself) had found that the EHPHA board and management was properly constituted and has been performing its functions in accordance with its mandate under the Provincial Health Authorities Act 2007 (Post-Courier, March 11, 2015). In the statement Mr Malabag also expressed his confidence in the

EHPHA board and management.

If the sudden backflip by the Minister is because strike action has continued at Goroka hospital since March 11, the Minister (and NEC) need to know why.

The EHPHA board and management have continued to prioritise efforts to end the strike. EHPHA convened an independent mediation committee comprising community, police and church leaders, who spoke with staff and management in an attempt to identify the underlying issues driving the strike action. To date, no log of claims has been given to the EHPHA board and management by officers who commenced strike action on February 28, 2015.

On Friday March 13, Goroka MP Bire Kimisopa attended a meeting of Goroka hospital staff and community members. The MP stated that the terminated acting hospital manager, Francis Wandi, would be reinstated as the Goroka hospital manager. The gates of the EHPHA administration building were locked and the administration staff were told to go and work in a nearby park.

In response to these actions, the

Text us on 208

EHPHA board, on legal advice, obtained an interim exparte court order on March 17 from the Goroka National Court to unlock the gate of the EHPHA administration building, to remove the illegal guards manning the Goroka hospital gates, to allow access to the EHPHA administration building by EHPHA management and administration staff to permit their return to work, to restrain the conduct of meetings without approval from EHPHA management and restrain from removing/damaging/destroying any EHPHA property, and to restrain Francis Wandi from carrying himself out as acting hospital manager and from entering the Goroka hospital campus.

Hospital staff are being manipulated to revolt against an established and legitimate management structure by a handful of individuals.

An NEC appointed Commission of Inquiry into the functioning of the EHPHA may be best way of identifying the underlying agendas driving the troubles in Goroka.

Let’s Tell The Truth Goroka

Ombudsman, judiciary up and running now

IN LIGHT of recent events about certain MPs being implicated for misuse of public funds, I would like to make a few comments here.

Since independence up to the recent past, not many politicians were implicated and legally convicted in various matters relating to misconduct in offices they were occupying. Although many of them were implicated, only a few were convicted and sentenced.

I believe most Papua New Guineans have seen this scenario as a norm in the political system in our country. Consequently, we concluded that every politician was corrupt

10 years ago

and selfish and does not necessarily represent the very people he or she claims to represent in the floor of national parliament. Likewise, we concluded in part or in whole that the government systems were corrupt too and constantly subject to the influence of politicians and other top-level bureaucrats.

I think that this common perception is now beginning to change. We have seen several politicians being implicated and further convicted by the courts. Other related cases are either pending or on trial.

For the very aspect of fighting official corruption at the government

SACK LAZY OFFICERS

Gerehu police officers are unreliable and ineffective. I’ve been there many times and have seen it for myself. They don’t even know simple routine duties such as filling up the operations book (OB) and following up on cases. They should all be sacked and replaced with competent and reliable officers who know their jobs. Officers should not ask for incentives or “Cola money” to do their jobs. They are public servants and paid by the government/taxpayers to police our society. The Police Department is wasting a lot of money every year by employing them.

DAL Slave

BE OF SERVICE

level, I wish to commend the actions of the Ombudsman Commission, the public prosecutor, the judiciary and other relevant law enforcement agencies for their handling of some of the misconduct in office cases of politicians and others. And for making sure that the cases are fully heard and judgment is passed. In any case, in the preliminary stages, an offender is not guilty yet. He or she has to be proven guilty of the said conduct legally. The process of conviction is now working better than the way it was few years back.

Easter in Catholic church’s calendar is a time of celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It begins with the Holy Thursday when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples during his last supper before being handed over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified. The message Jesus was trying to tell us by washing the feet of his disciples was that he is not here to be served but to be of service to us, the blind and the deaf so we can see and understand better his Good News and help spread his gospel among other Christians. Washing the feet of his disciples is a good example to us to be of service to others either at work, at home or anywhere you may be. It is through our service to others that we can express our love to God and others and become true Christians. And it is trough this that we can build a strong relationship with God and others.

Wanbel Niape

RESPECT DAUGHTERS

I come from East New Britain Province but have been living out of the province for a decade now. What saddens me is the level of incest

and rape that is occurring in the province. This is a fact because you will regularly find in the two dailies stories on incest and rape there. And mind you these are reported cases. I want to ask my ENB brothers, what is wrong with you people? I want to remind you that the first missionaries landed in our province and we ate the first missionaries. We should be proud that we have the religious blood in our blood, which simply means we should not be doing these sinful practices. Furthermore, we produce some of the country’s best educated professionals who have contributed a lot to the development of this nation. This animal behaviour of sleeping with our own daughters and sons demeans and taints our good name. So please, as an educated elite and a father of five beautiful daughters, I am pleading to my brothers out there in ENB and elsewhere in PNG, please respect your daughters and let us look at God as the source of everything. Most importantly, God gave you a beautiful wife to love, respect and cherish until death.

Papa Tumas

ARREST CULPRIT

A Lutheran bishop was shot dead with two of his Christian members critically injured when they came out of the church after the Sunday Service ended this week. He is Bishop Seke Nete of Mulitak, Laigam district, Enga Province. There are many reports of such incidents in the media. May I kindly ask those responsible for the killings what benefit they gain from shooting their prey and sweat they draw when they fry it? Shame on you cannibals. We Papua New Guineans have changed. Where on earth are you living? Your life is next after the Bishop. Please help bring the culprit to justice. May I ask the MP for Laigam to take the lead?

Jonathan Kelly

We are beginning to find a lot of leaders who We are to find a are misbehaving, guilty of misconduct and are of misconduct and who are bringing disrepute to their office This who are to their office. is why we are running this leadership summit. is we are this leadership summit. Chief Ombudsman Rigo Lua concerned that Leadership Code Chief Ombudsman Lua concerned that Code breaches continue to rise rise.

Smith Wendell

Forest Minister Patrick Pruaitch accused NGOs of existing to undermine government efforts to grow economy. March 16, 2005

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

Population puts water at risk

BY MAUREEN GERAWA

THE volume of water being recycled through a natural system between the earth and the atmosphere is the same and is increasingly becoming under pressure due to factors like rising population.

United Nations Development Programme assistant representative Jorg Schimmel said at the celebration of World Water Day in Port Moresby on Monday.

It was important to note that there is no creation of water on the planet, and that the volume of available and accessible freshwater remains the same. He said this amount of water is also increasingly becoming under pressure, which would be obvious in PNG in years to come

Malaysian group plans to raise K1m for charity

BY MEROLYN TEN

THE Malaysian Association of Papua New Guinea (MAPNG) aims to raise a K1 million this year to assist selected charity organisations.

The association, formed in 2001, raises funds and helps PNG communities so as to strengthen the good relationship between PNG and Malaysia.

“We want to have a good relationship with PNG by investing into the country as well as giving back to the society, through assisting charity organisations and help the needy people,” association secretary Yorrick Lee said.

Mr Lee said since 2001, the amount raised had increased from K27,000 to K950,300 last year and this year the target was K1million.

He said as the money increased,

the funds to the 18 selected charity organisations had also increased and many lives were changed as the unfortunates finally obtained opportunities in life.

Malaysian High Commissioner Jilid Kuminding said he was pleased to note that Malaysians in PNG cared about the people of PNG through MAPNG.

Mr Kuminding said based on respect, understanding and cooperation through technological operations and human resource, Malaysian investments were among the highest in PNG.

In conjunction with the Malaysian fundraising dinner at Dynasty Seafood Restaurant in Waigani last Friday night, the Malaysian Association of PNG presented two cheques worth K50,000 each to City Mission and PNG Kidney Foundation.

Park to host programs

PORT Moresby Nature Park’s education department has planned to once again hold the school holiday programs that last year proved to be extremely successful with Port Moresby children.

The education team has started to promote their programs by visiting primary and secondary school classrooms throughout Port Moresby to deliver their 2015 education events calendar while discussing with teachers the events that will be available over the holiday periods.

The holiday programs will kick off with the kids for conservation program beginning from April 13 coinciding with term one school holidays. The education department has

once again included, world environment week, held on June,1-5, which last year attracted more than 1000 students from 23 classes and across 10 schools to the Nature Park.

Education supervisor Amos Babaga said they are planning more of such events.

“By developing a 2015 events calendar, we are able to effectively reach every school within Port Moresby and promote our educational programs to help give every child a chance to visit the park,” he said.

“The 2015 events calendar offers educational school excursion programs that are believed to be oneof-a-kind programs in PNG run by a dedicated team.

as the population increases. PNG’s population is expected to double by 2030.

“While the provision of piped water in urban areas is estimated to be at 89 per cent, more and more people are moving into the cities, and need to access water,’’ he said.

“PNG’s rural areas –housing around 85 per cent of the population – remain poorly served, with estimates of only 33 per cent of the population accessing safe water,’’ he said.

He said many coastal and island communities are already experiencing serious challenges in terms of access to clean fresh water.

“In some other areas, women and girls are required to walk long distances every day to collect clean water

for family usage.’’ Mr Schimmel stated that as the population continues to increase, it would lead to increased competition for water between waterusing sectors and population groups.

Mr Schimmel said while many people in PNG believe that water is abundant in, it is not going to be the same in the future.

Natural disasters and man-made activities could affect the sources of clean drinking water which people must be wary about. These include pollution from rubbish and sewage, especially in cities.

World Water Day is an annual event observed on March 22 and was first observed by the United Nations in 1993. The theme for 2015 World Water Day was Water and Sustainable Development’.

STUDENTS putting on a play about water during World Water Day events this week.

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

Komo LLG to see more developments

BY ANDREW ALPHONSE

THE remote Komo LLG in Hela Province is the hub and host LLG of the multi-billion kina PNG LNG project.

As such, government infrastructures and services must reflect on the grounds of the important economic contribution Komo LLG is making in the national purse with proceeds from its rich oil and gas deposits at Hides PDL 1, Hides 4 PDL 7, South East Mananda, Angore, Moran and Juha PDL 12 projects.

Hela Deputy Governor and Komo LLG President Thomas Potape said this when visiting

At

the new Komo to Ayaka Ipa road construction last Sunday.

Mr Potape thanked Hela Governor Anderson Agiru, national government under Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, jailed Komo Margarima MP Francis Potape, resource devel-

opers ExxonMobil (PNG) Ltd, Oil Search Limited (OSL) and other development partners for supporting him make Komo a better place for people to live and do business.

Mr Potape said with their support and partnership, he was able to achieve many impact projects for his people since he came into office in the 2007 LLG elections. He said amongst the notable project is the current rehabilitation and upgrading of the dilapidated Komo to Ayaka Ipa road project.

About six kilometres of the 13 km road has being upgraded and sheeted with crushed river bed gravels.

Call for sustainability

BY JEFFREY ELAPA

PAPUA New Guinea must develop a policy that will sustain our people and our resources, Public Service Minister Sir Puka Temu said.

Speaking during the opening of the Highlands Region Consultative Implementation Monitoring Council (CIMC) forum in Mendi yesterday, Sir Puka said resource-rich PNG had the potential to become the best managed country in the world but needed to formulate policy that would sustain them.

With all the unique cultural traditions, pristine waters, the untapped virgin forest and all the mineral deposits, he had a vision that one day the United Nations would recognise PNG as a wealthy nation.

“Having learnt of all our resources, I made a proclamation on the floor of parliament that one day the United Nations will declare PNG a rich black nation. I still believe that it will be done one day because we are so richly blessed. But our challenge today is to work together and develop sustainable strategies that will protect those resources and our people,” he said.

“We are smart people. We know

how to do things and be innovative but where have we gone wrong? Malaysia was like us but they are 40 years ahead of us so where have we gone wrong? So this forum is a forum to find out where we have gone wrong and I urge you to participate meaningfully and contribute to the development of this country as your time will not be wasted as your recommendation will go through the executive government of the day,” he said.

Sir Puka said the Consultative Implementation Monitoring Council was the only body in the region to have an interface between the people and the policy makers that influences the policy of the government. That had to be embraced and utilised by the people to speak their minds, he added.

Chimbu set for change

CHIMBU Province is prepared to take on board the district development authority system.

Provincial administrator Joe Kunda Naurr said during the twoday DDA workshop in Kundiawa that several key areas under the development concept were already being practised in the province and would flow smoothly for effective services delivery.

The provincial budget this year will be launched at the Kerowagi district headquarters and thousands of people are expected to attend and see the province’s money plan announced by Governor Noah Kool.

Mr Kunda called on the people not to complain about it or the preceding systems and try to look at the good side of things.

Mr Kunda said the province had also made public services restruc-

ture, focused on local level government capacity building to perform as a government.

“We have empowered our LLGs with vehicles, funding and increased manpower to empower them to deliver to the people,” Mr Kunda said.

Mr Kunda said although these were key areas emphasised under the District Development Authority which replaced the Joint District Planning and Budget Priorities Committee, these changes were already introduced in the province over the last three years.

The two-day DDA workshop which was conducted by officers from relevant government departments and attended by politicians, public servants and interested individuals was aimed at clearing queries on the abolishment of JDPBPC which had been replaced with the DDA.

a glance PROJECT: The project is contributing to the national governments purse with proceeds from its rich oil and gas deposits.

SHP Governor William Powi presenting a beanie to Sir Puka Temu

Resource-rich PNG has the potential to become the best managed country in the world....

SIR PUKA TEMU Mendi

If you have a story to tell, call us on 472 4166 or email postlae@spp.com.pg / or call 422 3120

Proper sanitation, clean water supplies vital

PROPER sanitation and water supply are key factors that contribute towards good hygiene in communities, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) says.

ADRA PNG country director Darren Yorio, speaking at the opening of the Timini village water and sanitation facility in Bulolo district, said such initiatives will prevent villagers from getting sick.

“Poor cleanliness in a community where bushes are not trimmed and human wastes and other rubbish lay everywhere often prevent visitors or guests from approaching such a place,” Mr Yorio said.

He said such small issues often turn into bigger issues that are hard to resolve and stabilise.

He encouraged the community to create further awareness amongst themselves on the importance of using water wisely and using the restrooms properly.

Land grabbing a concern

BY ABRAHAM AVEDIBA

LAND grabbing in parts of Lae city in Morobe Province has caused confusion and anger amongst city residents and the authorities as land titles are being obtained through back door deals.

Lae City mayor Koim Trilu Leahy said constant complaints have been reported and there is a need for immediate action to be taken to resolve the matter.

“I am not pleased with the way some business houses and individuals have obtained land titles to large portions of land in the city,” Mr Leahy said.

“Both the Provincial Lands Division and current residents of the area have been issued formal notification as to how these arrangements were made and we are quite unhappy and embarrassed with such illegal deals.”

According to Mr Leahy, the Morobe Provincial Government last year had passed a resolution that each corporate organisation be authorised to use only a single piece of land to operate.

This has not been the case in recent times and the mayor is appealing to individuals and businesses to consider how their actions affect others.

Facilities to benefit village

VILLAGERS in ward one of Bulolo district will now benefit from the new water and sanitation facility opened in Wakne village yesterday.

Bulolo MP Sam Basil said the service is the first of its kind in the area and it will serve as a complement for the new 20 metre market facility also opened during the ceremony.

“This service has been made available to encourage the local villagers to sell their produce to the residents and commercial companies that operate in the area rather than travelling down to Lae,” Mr Basil said.

He said if the services are taken care of properly, it will convert the area into an attractive spot for visitors and locals to approach and purchase a specific type of vegetable produce.

According to Mr Basil, the market is one of seven in his electorate to encourage economical growth in the rural villages. The project, worth over K200,000 was given to the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) PNG to implement.

At a glance

ISSUE: Land grabbing in parts of Lae city has caused confusion and anger amongst city residents and authorities. Some business houses and individuals have obtained land illegally.

“When a company or individual decides to be greedy and starts acquiring multiple portions of land through back door deals other families are affected,” he said.

He reaffirmed that many public servants and employees of private entities reside in this areas and there will be so much inconveniences caused if they were to be relocated.

Mr Leahy, while making reference to a recent incident of land grabbing at Bundi camp and Nawaeb block, said a company (named) is using various subsidiary names to acquire large portions in the area.

Paul Markus, a resident in the area expressed concerns that they have been in the area for over a decade and the thought of relocating is overwhelming at the moment because the children have settled in school and their land was purchased through formal procedures.

A MOTHER using clean water supply to wash her child at the launch of the project in Bulolo.

Tax office opens new facilities

BY GRACE TIDEN

INTERNAL Revenue Commission staff, stakeholders and invited guests came together recently to witness the commissioning of the commission’s new NGI regional office and regional manager’s house in Kokopo, East New Britain Province (ENB).

IRC’s new regional office is located at the Tropicana Matanitu Building along Kamuk Street and was officially commissioned by IRC tax commissioner Alois Daton last week.

The new regional manager’s house is located at the Kenabot residential area and was built at a cost of more than K600,000 under IRC’s housing program. Building materials were ordered from China and the new facility can withstand fire and earthquakes. The previous house was gutted by fire in 2013.

Mr Daton, who officiated two events on behalf of commissioner-general Betty Palaso, said ENB was where the new NGI regional office would be located.

Awesa hails

Muthevel’s leadership

BY JACOB POK

USING funds for their intended purposes is priority number one and leaders must adhere to this, says Works Minister Francis Awesa.

Mr Awesa said this while commending West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel for providing logistics for the Works Department and schools in the province.

He said such leadership was highly commendable.

He said the approach taken by Mr Muthuvel to work in partnership with other government agency such as the Works Department was vital for development.

“This is a very commendable effort

because in many province, members of parliament and governors buy their vehicles, set up their own construction companies and divert public funds to unintended purposes,” Mr Awesa said.

He said most of the equipment that are bought by public funds disappear after the incumbent MP losses his or her seat in parliament.

“That is why I want to commend the governor for the proper approach taken in working in partnership and sharing resources with other government agencies,” Mr Awesa said.

He said Works would continue to work in partnership with Mr Muthuvel for the development of West New Britain Province.

Health authority gets assistance

BY NICOLE JOANNES

WEST New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel has presented a K100,000 cheque to the Provincial Health Authority (PHA) to enable the running of two mobile clinics.

Mr Muthuvel said the funds from his unspent 2013 provincial support improvement program (PSIP) funds is being given as a grant so the PHA management can ensure the mobile clinics are operational. Chief executive officer of the Kimbe Provincial Hospital Dr Joseph Nale and director for corporate services Vogi Motamota said the mobile buses should be up and running soon. He said some specialist staff at

the hospital need training to use the new medical equipment in the two mobile clinics.

Dr Nale said though a team is ready to go out on patrol, officers from the pathology section require further training to use the equipment which were not previously available at the hospital. He said this is the reason for the delay in using the two mobile clinics.

Mr Muthuvel said he would ask Pacific International Hospital (PIH) for help to provide training for the staff of the Kimbe Provincial Hospital. This is because PIH uses the same equipment as the 17 medical equipment fitted in the mobile clinics.

IRC commissioner taxation Alois Daton opening the NGI regional managers’ house in Kokopo recently.

Police crack down on homebrew

BY ROMULUS MASIU

POLICE in Buin, South Bougainville are cracking down on illegal sales and consumption of homebrew in Buin and surrounding villages.

Buin police station commander Snr Sgt John Popui confirmed his officers have formed a rapid response unit comprising of six members who are going around and dealing with homebrew sellers and consumers.

Police have also imposed a hefty fee of K300 as bail fee of homebrew related cases. Homebrews are confiscated at certain checkpoints leading into town and perpetrators arrested.

“Suspects will be bailed with K300, no less no more,” Snr Sgt Popui warned adding that all brewing items have also been collected and all homebrew distributors’ hideouts will be raided and people will be arrested leading to the coming

ABG Presidential Elections.

Snr Sgt Popui told our reporter that the general law and order in Buin and other districts of South Bougainville including Torokina, Siwai and Bana is stable, quiet and peaceful.

He said leading up to the Bougainville presidential elections police in the southern region are working around the clock in making sure the environment and atmosphere is safe and secured for electoral officials, candidates and voters to engage in a free and safe elections.

Snr Sgt Popui said at the moment he has 40 personnel under his southern police command. However, he is faced with major problem of logistics and housing.

“My married officers and even single officers are without accommodation at present. I really need more housing for my personnel,” said Snr Sgt Popui.

GAS cylinders used for brewing homebrew con fi scated by Buin police and locked up at their premises ready to be disposed. Picture: ROMULUS MASIU

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

Sir Peter: Govt tourism incentive discriminative

BY ROSELYN ALBANIEL At a glance

A MAJOR tour operator in Madang has expressed dismay over seemingly favouritism by the government to select provinces in its bid to promote and develop tourism in PNG.

The operator says millions have been poured, not only by his entity but other investors as well, into developing tourism in other provinces and this move would only prove damaging.

Long time Madang resident and businessman Sir Peter Barter was responding to the announcement by Minister for National Planning and Monitoring Charles Abel on the likelihood of changing visa rules for Australian Tourists wishing to visit PNG.

Mr Abel had, in a report published yesterday, stated this as part of the government’s plans to promote tourism in East New Britain Province.

ANNOUNCEMENT: By Minister for National Planning and Monitoring Charles Abel on the likelihood of changing the rules for Australian Tourists wishing to visit PNG. Mr Abel in a report published yesterday had stated that this is part of the government’s plans to promote tourism in East New Britain Province.

RESPONSE: Long time Madang resident and businessman Sir Peter Barter has written to the Minister expressing his strong objection. He said Australians should be given free tourists visas in order to encourage more to visit the country and to enjoy what it has to offer.

The report had also stated that the Department of Tourism Arts and Culture will also be working on a submission to cabinet to build on existing flights into Milne Bay Province from Cairns. In addition, the minister had said he has requested for special tourist visas for Australian tourists upon their arrival in thecountry-a practice which was stopped by the national government last year and after the Australian Government’s refusal to allow Visa on Arrival for

Papua New Guineans.

Sir Peter has since then written to the minister expressing his strong objection. He made known his intentions to table this issue during the next meeting of the Madang Visitors and Cultural Bureau in order to obtain the full support of the Madang Provincial Government to withdraw what he described as a “discriminative tourist visa system.” He said Australians should be given free tourist visas in order to encourage more tourists visit

the country and to enjoy what it has to offer.

The senior statesman said the industry was already faced with enough challenges and the question he posed to the minister for his consideration was whether these plans would ensure a distinct advantage over other provinces.

“The Melanesian Tourist Services has invested millions of Kina over a lifetime, not only in developing tourism in Madang, but in the Highlands, Sepik, including Milne Bay and Rabaul.

Likewise other investors have done the same only to now find out that we are unable to compete due to the government’s decision to provide favour to selected provinces.

“I write this in the hope that the national government will reconsider their current policy of favouring selected provinces and understand the importance of fair and equitable development of tourism for all of PNG,” he said.

Market Snapshot

WINCHES are approximately 85 tons and manage the feed–out and recovery of the SPTs’ umbilicals.

Umbilical winches for Solwara 1 complete testing

NAUTILUS Minerals Inc (Nautilus) has announced that it has been advised by Soil Machine Dynamics Limited (SMD) that the umbilical winches for the three Seafloor Production Tools (SPTs) have successfully completed Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).

Mike Johnston, Nautilus’ chief executive officer commented; “Completion of FAT on the umbilical winches marks another significant step in the journey towards seafloor mining in 2018.The winches are now ready for installation

of the umbilical cable. When this task is completed later this year, the winches will be dispatched to the shipyard for integration on to the vessel.”

According a statement released explaining the functions of the umbilical winches, Nautilus said the Solwara 1 winches are approximately 85 tons and manage the feed–out and recovery of the SPTs’ umbilicals.

The company said there is one winch for each SPT.

The winches store 2500 metres

of armoured umbilical, with the umbilical providing the power and control systems to the SPTs through copper wire and fibre optic cables embedded within the armoured casing. The umbilical winches will be installed on the production support vessel.

It said the umbilical winches were designed and built by SMD and are based on standard Oil and Gas industry technology and are utilised throughout the world in deep water construction and related activities.

FED:$A’s rally after US prices rise

SYDNEY: The Australian dollar is slightly higher, but analysts believe that the currency’s rally of recent days has petered out.

At 1700 AEDT on Wednesday, the local unit was trading at 78.78 US cents, up from 78.67 cents on Tuesday. Last week the US Federal Reserve, signalled it may hold off on long-expected rate hikes, which helped the Australian dollar rise as much as two US cents to above 79 US cents in the days after the announcement.

However the Australian currency’s trajectory has flattened out after new data showed that US inflation rose for the first time in four months, indicating that a US rate rise might be back on the agenda.

Western Union Business Solutions currency strategist Steven Dooley said the rise in the US inflation rate was a game changer. “The two key factors of the timing of a Fed rate rise are jobs and inflation and no one really expected inflation to pop that little bit higher,” he said. That seems to have caused that Aussie dollar rally to stop dead in its tracks.

Nautilus said the umbilical cables that will be installed in the winches were designed and adapted for Nautilus’ use by the German company, Norddeutsche Seekabelwerke (NSW).

NSW is a world leading manufacturer of communications, submarine, overhead power and offshore cables as well as engineering plastic and environmental products.

For over a century now, NSW has been a pioneer in the area of submarine cable technology and communications.

Hotel in Russia. It could accommodate over 7,500

guests.

Mr Dooley said another reason the Australian dollar has been unable to sustain its rally is that once it gets above significantly 79 US cents, traders are reluctant to keep buying. He said a markets will be interested in the release of US durable goods orders data out during the offshore session on Wednesday night, a key indicator for consumers’ appetite to buy large household items.

At 1700 AEDT, the Australian dollar was at 94.26 Japanese yen, up from Tuesday’s close of 94.07 yen, and at 72.09 euro cents, up from 71.98 euro cents.

Meanwhile the Australian bond market was firmer.

RBC Capital Markets fixed income strategist Michael Turner said strong housing and inflation data gave US Treasuries and Australian bond futures some support. “That sparked off a bit of rally, certainly in 10-year bonds, and then we’ve gone on with it a little bit today,” he said.

“They didn’t really do too much, it’s just that equity markets were pretty weak going into the close in the US and fixed income caught a bit there and we never really let it go in the Asian session.”

The largest hotel in the world is the Izmailovo

The bottom line

NBPOL shareholders get notice

SIME Darby Plantations has given notice to those New Britain Palm Oil Limited (NBPOL) shareholders who did not accept the recent takeover offer, that it intends to exercise the compulsory acquisition to acquire all remaining shares.

NBPOL general manager Geoff Mason said Sime Darby to have already sent notification to the shareholders concerned, advising them that following the close of the takeover, it now holds in ex-

cess of 90 per cent of NBPOL shares.

Mr Mason said as a consequence of this holding, Sime Darby intends to exercise their rights under Section 21(2) (b) (i) of the Takeover Code and compulsory acquire all the remaining shares.

The company has also issued a share transfer form requesting the shareholders of the outstanding shares, both in Great Britain and in Papua New Guinea, to complete and return to the company no lat-

er than April 14, 2015.

“Holders of outstanding shares are entitled to receive cash consideration of Great Britain Pounds (GBP) 7.15 or PNG Kina (PGK) 28.79 per outstanding share being the same as they were entitled to receive under the offer.

“Holders of the outstanding Shares should refer to the Acquisition Notice and accompanying instructions on how to transfer their NBPOL shares to Sime Darby and receive payment.

HAPPY CUSTOMER

MOBILE banking officer Geno Walo assisting a villager at Kapari on Saturday to register her on the Westpac mobile banking service. The old lady was impressed that she could check her balance on her mobile phone at her village! The Westpac mobile banking team visited Kapari and Viriolo village along the Magi Highway last weekend.

Parlt to review changes to Savings, Loans Act

BY ROSALYN ALBANIEL

CHANGES have been proposed to the Savings and Loans Act, and once enacted will see these entities become companies and be re-regulated by the Central Bank.

The revised Act is with the Minister for Finance James Marape for tabling in parliament.

This was from the Nasfund Contributors Savings and Loans Society general manager Vari Lahui during his presentations of the entity’s performance and benefits to the superfund’s Annual Employers Conference held in Port Moresby on Tuesday.

“The purpose of the revised savings and loan act is to provide for savings and loan societies to be established in the future as companies under the Companies Act 1997, and to be re-regulated as savings and loan societies by the Central Bank under this Act.

“As a result of registering under the Companies Act, all societies will now be required to submit annual returns to the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) in addition to providing information to Bank of PNG as is currently the case,” Mr Lahui said.

He said the Central Bank will be issuing licences to entities to operate as savings and loan societies, supervising compliance to this Act, collecting and analysing information in respect of prudential matters relating to societies and issuing prudential standards as opposed to issuing directives.

“Shareholders who fail to complete the share transfer form and return it to Sime Darby by April 14, will have their shares compulsory acquired. The consideration payable to such holders will be paid to NBPOL and held on trust (in an interest bearing trust account with a bank approved under the Banks and Financial Institutions Act 2000) until claimed,” the company advised.

Completion of the compulsory acquisition will see Sime

Darby becoming 100 per cent registered shareholder of NBPOL.

Meanwhile, NBPOL has made an application to the United Kingdom Listing Authority and the London Stock Exchange (LSE) requesting cancellation of trading in its ordinary shares.

This was effected this week.

It was also announced to the market that the Port Moresby Stock Exchange (POMSoX) is also expected to remove NB-

POL from its official list at the close of trading on April 7, 2015.

Shareholders who fail to complete the form will have their shares compulsory acquired

SIME DARBY

To advertise in Education, call 309 1123 or email nkweyaula@spp.com.pg Editorials; call 309 1025 or email dwaketsi@spp.com.pg

Institute backs growth of education

PAPUA New Guinea has seen a rise in the educated population since 2000, due to the government’s free education policy.

Education has become the vehicle in driving PNG, with the Government funding classroom buildings, setting up new institutions to cater for the growing population.

Pacific Arts and Technical Institute, a privately owned technical education institution officially opened its doors to the public last week during the launching of the school.

This new Institution hopes to cre-

ate opportunities and give second chances to grade ten and twelve dropouts in a bid provide them with skills so that they can fall back on.

The school will be equipping these dropouts with technical skills especially in Carpentry, Mechanics, and Electrical Plumbing and other trade skills.

The institution will also enroll students who are interested in upgrading their grade 10 and grade 12 marks, enabling students to enter tertiary institutions.

The very important technical program offered now is the two years

tradesmen program equivalent to diploma in electrical, mechanic, carpentry, plumbing which currently there are 200 students undertaking the courses.

NCD Secondary School Inspector Boi Dekeba stated that it’s an individual commitment that must be collectively brought together to set records and histories in the school for grade twelve national examination, grade ten. He further urged parents to support the students in providing any study needs that arises to fulfi ll their future long term goals.

Foundation strives for province

BY JORDAN BUAKAO

ONE OF the many initiatives undertaken by the Enga Provincial Government under the leadership of Governor

Peter Ipatas was the recent establishment of the Ipatas Foundation Inc.

The foundation will help the people of Enga by providing loan assistance to students, small businesses, sporting groups and churches in the province. A weakness in the School Fee Assistance Scheme may be that applicants other than Engans may profess to be Engans by falsifying documents to access the loans. Our solution is to encourage all Enga students and non-Engans who are eli-

gible (lived in Enga for three years) to register with the Enga Students Association in their particular institution. The association representatives (president and secretary) must meet with the Registrar or Academic President of the institution to confi rm the names of eligible students.

A fi nal list of eligible students with a confi rmation letter from the administration will then be sent to the Foundation office. Many Engans parents and students have been benefiting from the popular “school fee subsidy policy” for many years without paying anything back to the Enga Children’s Fund. I think some parents and students will be reluctant to pay loans back to

the Ipatas Foundation.

My view is that if anyone fails to repay their loan within the agreed timeframe then police prosecution would be taken for non compliance. I would also suggest that the Ipatas Foundation develop its own Constitution to govern the organisation and its functions. We must impart to the people that the Ipatas Foundation is not a government entity. It’s an NGO, funded by the Province, donor agencies and National Government to help people in many aspects of life. Only this will erase the mentality that the institution belongs to Governor Ipatas and so they get loans without repayment. It will also stop people from extrapolating

politics into the organization. I’m so proud of this initiative brought forward by the Enga Provincial Government under the leadership of Governor Peter Ipatas. Keep on supporting the human resource development in the province. We are behind you.

One of his memorable actions which I won’t forget, and even my grandchildren will remember, is free education in Enga Province as long as he governs. I would love it if the Foundation will extend the program into tertiary level which means that college education will be also considered for those students who would like to pursue their education in Enga Province.

Women acquire trade skills

BY DIANNE WAKETSI

LYDIA Kapeli is one of the four women to graduate with an excavator trade certificate from the Kumul Training Institute. Kapeli said she was happy to have completed the 3 months course and she is ready to take on the workforce.

Although Kapeli says the course is dominated by her male classmates, “ I am still treated with respect and like one of the boys.”

“I am so happy to have fi-

nally completed the course, now I want to move forward, fi nd a good job and play my part in the development of the country,” said Kapeli.

Excavator Trainer Harold Ereman said that he was proud of all his students, for their hard work and the effort put into attaining the certificate. He added that these students are lucky to be given the opportunity to learn and master these various trade skills, as the demand for trades man and woman in the country was

high due to the introduction of the LNG gas in the country. Ereman says, “More trades man are needed, manpower is essential towards the growth and the economy of the country.”

“I am proud to have taught these four woman in a male dominated field, it shows that slowly PNG is moving forward,” said Ereman. Ereman encouraged more woman to enrol at the school and take up trade skills and make a difference.

LYDIA Kapeli, Excavator Trainer Harold Ereman and Gelley Philip during the Kumul Training Institute graduation last week.

ONE of the guest speakers during the launch last week.

Managing more than just 24/7 call centre

WOMEN have played a vital and integral part of building and shaping of any organisation and Telikom is pleased to highlight the achievements, successes and the challenges that lie ahead for professional women in Telikom.

Telikom PNG, being the exclusive telecommunications provider for the 2015 Pacific Games has a major part to play in giving athletes, coaches, team management, sponsors, stakeholders and spectators alike a connected experience to share the spirit of the games. Hence, we take this time to appreciate what womenfolk have contributed to the growth of Telikom PNG while this particular woman has a major part to play to ensure customers’ queries are attended to.

From a humble beginning as technical officer to rise to hold a senior managerial position is an achievement for Ellen Pamun. Starting her career with Telikom (Post & Telecommunications Ltd -PTC then) as a 22 year-old technician brought with it a lot of commitment and sacrifice to where she is now.

Clocking 28 years with Telikom this year, Ellen Pamun is currently the Group Manager- Service Assurance, been appointed to this position in February 14, 2013. She is tasked to lead three (3) Managers with approximately 60 plus staff with an objective to improve customer experiences in the use of Telikom’s products and services.

Reporting direct to the Chief Executive Officer, Ellen is accountable for the proper establishment and functioning of Telikom’s Contact Management, Network Management and end-to-end Escalation Monitoring and Management functions.

As one of the three females heading a division within the organisation, Ellen works closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief

Operations Officer and members of the Telikom Executive Management Team, to ensure that operational divisions are resourced, equipped and managed to deliver to the company’s customer service charter and targets.

“Heading and managing this area is tough, with the primary objective to identify root causes of delays affecting end-to-end service experience encountered by Telikom’s customers,” Mrs Pamun comments. She added that providing quick and permanent solution to all functions and operations across the company is vital and to be done on time, hence improving quality and timely delivery of services to customers.

“As a trainee technician in 1985, my dream was to become a business manager in the regions, at that time we only had male managers so I set my goals and work towards it. Eventually my dream came true in 2009 when I was appointed as fi rst female business manager for Island district. There was a restructure in the organisation in 2010 and I had to let go the responsibility of managing the technicians and focus only in sales and marketing activities. I was so comfortable in my new role and did not think of pursuing my career again until Change Management team recruited me, I applaud the managers for mentoring me on corporate strategies and policies.

Ellen’s biggest achievement in her career is the establishment of Service Assurance division, created in 2013. “With the knowledge I gained from Change management I was able to guide my line managers and staff to document business processes and procedures.”

She says it is vital to get documents in order for good coordination of customer orders and trouble ticket flow to take place effectively and at the end we have happy customers.

ELLEN (pointing to screen) supervises new staff at Telikom’s 24/7 Call Centre. Picture: TELIKOM PNG

SCHOOL children of Papa Primary doing a traditional dance to welcome the Water PNG team during World Water Day celebrations.

Picture: MARILYN PAUL

Vote to demolish mansion

AN infamous $70 million unfinished mansion in Perth, nicknamed Taj Mahal on Swan, could finally be torn down, after sitting idle for years.

The Shire of Peppermint Grove has voted to demolish the now derelict building, which has been targeted by trespassers and graffiti artists since it was left half-built in 2011.

Fertiliser magnates Pankaj and Radhika Oswal spent more than $22 million snapping up eight lots to build their home, with plans for seven domes, multiple bedrooms and parking for more than a dozen cars.

However, after their Pilbara ammonia empire collapsed in 2010, the Oswals left Australia amid allegations of unpaid tax and construction on the site stopped.

Peppermint Grove Shire chief executive John Merrick said the mansion was now uninhabitable and had become a blight on the community.

-ABC news

Government rejects RET compromise proposal

FEDERAL Industry Minister

Ian Macfarlane has emphatically rejected a proposal from the Clean Energy Council for a compromise on the Renewable Energy Target (RET).

“I’m not considering anything over 32,000 gigawatt hours,” Mr Macfarlane told the ABC.

His comments were in response to a proposal from the Clean Energy Council to break the political deadlock over the RET.

The target is for 20 per cent of Australia’s energy mix to come from renewable sources, such as wind and solar, by 2020.

Both the Coalition and Labor have agreed to cut the target, but were yet to settle on how big the reduction should be.

The current target was legislated at 41,000 gigawatt hours, which, with demand for power falling, was likely to represent more than 20 per cent of Australia’s energy mix by 2020.

Labor wants a figure in the mid-to-high 30,000s and has said there would be no deal if the Government did not lift its offer.

As a deadline for a decision loomed, the Clean Energy Council said it would sup-

port the target being cut to 33,500 GWh. Its chief executive, Kane Thornton, wrote to Prime Minister Tony Abbott outlining the proposal.

“While the sector is not prepared to accept the Government’s previous proposal to cut the 2020 RET target to 32,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) due to the impact it would have on the sector, we are prepared to accept a reduction of the target to 33,500 GWh,” Mr Thornton wrote.

“I believe it is in the national interest that both major parties support this proposal and finally resolve this issue.”

But the proposal was dis-

missed by Mr Macfarlane.

“Thirty-two thousand is take it or leave it,” he said. Not reaching a deal and passing corresponding legislation in this session of Parliament would have expensive consequences.

Analysts said the renewable energy certificates market would collapse back to where it was before the negotiations between Labor and the Coalition started.

Both the Government and the Opposition agreed to exempt the energy-intensive aluminium industry from the scheme, but the concession would not be actioned unless

Aboriginal still ‘still being stolen’

an agreement was reached on the size of the target.

The Australian Aluminium Council said it would be forced to pay between $50 million and $80 million if the relevant legislation was not passed by March 31.

Unions fear jobs will go in the aluminium sector if a deal is not reached soon.

But Mr Macfarlane said those who were holding out were doing so in favour of “vested interests”.

“The aluminium sector, the industry sector as a whole want 32,000 accepted, the major wind players want 32,000 accepted. -ABC news

Family raise $17000 to bring home Aussie woman

THE family of a Gold Coast woman who died while undergoing cosmetic surgery in Mexico has raised more than $17,000 in less than 24 hours to help fund their trip overseas to bring the 29-year-old’s body home.

Eva Sarmonikas went into cardiac arrest and died on Friday while undergoing surgery at a hospital in the town of Mexicali, on the border with the United States, according to a Facebook statement from her family.

Ms Sarmonikas’ cousin Nick Tsagalias is reported

in the Gold Coast Bulletin as having said she was undergoing surgery to have buttock implants.

Yesterday afternoon the family began an online fundraising campaign to help bring her body back to Australia after an independent autopsy was carried out. So far more than 150 people have donated almost $17,700 to the family.

A target of $30,000 has been set. “The funds will be used for travel expenses, accommodation in Mexico and any professional and legal advice

that we may need in order to bring Evita home,” a family statement said.

“Evita as we knew her on Earth would be devastated at the amount of attention she is receiving at the moment, as she was extremely private and worked very hard to never be a burden on anybody.

“However, the abundance of love that we all hold for her is propelling the action that needs to be taken before she be laid to rest, and she deserves that.”

Over the past few days the family has been inundated

with offers of support from around the world.

It has continued on the fundraising website, where friends, family and strangers are making donations and leaving tributes. -ABC news

“I’m was lucky enough to know this one-in-a-million lady. I’m know it’s not much but it hope it helps to bring the beautiful Eva home,” Tanya Compton said.

Carmelo Zappone, who said Eva worked for him at a Labrador restaurant, said she was always smiling.

-ABC news

that everything new is bound to grow old.

SYDNEY: There is an ongoing stolen generation of Aboriginal children in the Northern Territory who are being placed in protective custody where they risk being abused.

In emotional evidence to a royal commission hearing into compensation for people abused in institutions Maurice Ryan, vice-chairman of the Northern Territory Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation said children were still being wrongly removed from their homes.

Of 1000 children now in protective custody in the NT, 600 are Aboriginal he said.

“I can tell you exactly what is going to happen to these 600 Aboriginal children that are in police custody today. Some of those children will be abused.”

“They are in the care of who?

“They will lose their culture, they will lose their identity, they will lose their language, their law, their customs ...

“This happened 67 years ago to me”.

Lawyer Patrick McIntyre said the stolen generations of the NT were very cautious about whether or not anything would come out of recommendations by the royal commission, especially after the commonwealth’s rejection of a national scheme.

-AAP news

THE owners had plans for seven domes, multiple bedrooms and parking for more than a dozen cars. Picture: ABC/AAP

Aussies killed in German wings flight

VICTORIANS Carol Friday and her son Greig have been named as the Australian victims of the Germanwings plane crash in the French Alps.

The 68-year-old nurse and the 29-year-old engineer were on holiday in Europe and were passengers on the Airbus A320 plane which went down killing all 150 board.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop named the pair before Question Time in Federal Parliament.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this unimaginably difficult time,” Ms Bishop said.

She said the family issued a statement through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Ms Bishop read part of it to Parliament.

“Our family is in deep disbelief and crippled with sadness and would like to ask for privacy,” the statement said.

“Carol was a loving mother of two, a devoted wife to her husband, Dave, and a sister to three brothers. She celebrated her 68th birthday on March 23.

“Greig was to turn 30 on April 23. He was a loving son to Carol and Dave and an exceptional brother to his sister, Alex. He was adored by all his family and friends.

“Carol and Greig were enjoying a few weeks holiday together at the start of his European stay where Greig was to teach English this year.

“They were both extraordinary and exceptional people who were loved by many, who they loved in return.

“They will forever be with us in our hearts, memories and dreams.”

Operated by Lufthansa’s budget carrier Germanwings, flight 4U9525 crashed in the French Alps en route from Barcelona to Dusseldorf. The airline’s manag-

At a glance

WEATHER REPORT: “There was no cloud at the plane’s cruising altitude”, winds were “light to moderate”, and there was no turbulence that could have contributed to the crash, French weather officials said.

RESEARCH: Aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas urged the Indonesian crash investigators to release what they knew about the Air Asia crash in December that also involved an Airbus A320.

ing director, Thomas Winkelmann, said routine maintenance of the aircraft had been carried out the day before and said the company would work closely with investigators.

The cause of the accident is unknown, although authorities have recovered one of the black boxes from the crash site in an area known as Seynes Les Alpes, about 200 kilometres north of Nice.

Authorities have not yet said if the located box was the cockpit voice recorder or the flight data recorder which contains things such as altitude and position of the aircraft.

French officials halted the recovery operation at nightfall when the weather deteriorated but kept 10 police officers to guard the site overnight.

French civil aviation authorities said they lost contact with the plane and declared it was in distress at 10:30am (local time).

“The crew did not send a mayday. It was air traffic control that decided to declare the plane was in distress because there was no contact with the crew,” an official said.

Weather did not appear to be a factor in the crash, with conditions calm at the time.

-ABC news

FAMILY RIDE

Bali Nine lawyers not ready

LAWYERS for two Australian drug smugglers who are attempting to avoid execution in Indonesia may have to seek an adjournment at their trial in Jakarta today.

As part of a bid to challenge the president’s refusal to grand clemency, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran’s legal team are due to face the State Administra-

tive court to present evidence backing their case.

The two Bali Nine drug ring members are appealing the Administrative Court’s decision to deny them a full hearing for a pardon from the firing squad.

But the pair’s legal team may not be ready.

Leonard Arpan, one of the lawyers representing Chan

SPYING JUSTIFIED

FRENCH Polynesia’s criminal court has been told that the surveillance by a defunct espionage service was only conducted in public and was therefore legal, Radio New Zealand International reports. The service was operational between 1997 and 2004 and reported to the then president Gaston Flosse, who is among eight people charged with violating the privacy of a range of individuals. Flosse’s defence lawyer says political intelligence is not forbidden, referring to the original complaint by Flosse’s political rival, Oscar Temaru, who dropped his action once the two had reconciled.

IT’S ACADEMIC

AN academic who’s not being allowed back home to Fiji says he will ask the Australian government to put pressure on Suva to lift the ban. Fiji’s immigration minister Timoci Natuva has told the Fijian parliament the ban on Brij Lal will remain indefinitely because of his opposition to the move towards democracy in Fiji. Professor Lal who was deported in 2009 says that claim could not be further from the truth, RNZI reports. He says he will again write to Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop for help.

GUN LAW IN COURT

A COURT action in the Northern Marianas against the government over a law that bans firearms has now included the finance secretary as a fourth co-defendant. The CNMI Weapons Control Act only allows for individuals to own rifles, not handguns, but some say that’s unconstitutional, as it contravenes the Second Amendment, which guarantees US citizens the right to bear arms. The finance secretary, Larrisa Larson, indirectly oversees the importation of handguns in the Commonwealth, and has been included in a court action brought by US navy Gulf War veteran David Radich and his wife Li-Rong Radich.

DEFENDING WOMEN

and Sukumaran told ABC News last night the legal team did not know what evidence they would present in court today, and had not been able to contact their expert witness. Today is scheduled as their turn to present evidence, but Mr Arpan said if they were not ready they may have to seek an adjournment

Singapore founding father lies in state

THOUSANDS of people in Singapore are queuing to pay tribute to late statesman Lee Kuan Yew as he lies in state in parliament. His body was moved by gun carriage on Wednesday morning from his official residence and through the city.

Mr Lee, who died in hospital on Monday aged 91, led the city-state to independence and served as its prime minister for 31 years.

Singapore is observing a week of mourning ahead of Sunday’s funeral.

Mr Lee’s body has been resting at the Istana - the compound

which houses the president’s official residence and the prime minister’s office - for a private family mourning period. Thousands have already left flowers and message at its gates and signed books of condolence.

His flag-draped coffin, accompanied by representatives of the military and government, was then carried from the Istana through the main shopping and business districts, before arriving at Parliament House.

Crowds cheered, clapped and chanted his name as the procession passed by. -BBC news

AN advocate for the new Family Law Bill in the Cook Islands says the legislation, which recognises domestic violence, is much needed, RNZI reports. A family health survey done last year by the UN and the ministry of health showed one in three Cook Islands women, aged from 15 to 64, had experienced physical or sexual violence. Kairangi Samuela of the Punanga Tauturu Counselling Centre which had pushed for a law change says domestic violence incidents are currently treated as assault.

ISLAND ‘WILL GO’

A GEOLOGIST says the recently-formed Tongan island between Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha’apai will soon disappear. Speaking to Radio Tonga News, Taniela Kula, said the new island, formed by volcanic activity at the end of 2014 and into January this year, has not yet been named in case it sinks back into the sea. He says that’s what happened in the past to an island formed between Vava’u and Ha’apai, which was dubbed Jonah Lomu island.

AN Afghan family on the outskirts of Mazari-i-Sharif on their way to celebrate Nowruz which marks the Afghan New Year. Picture: BBC

HUGE queues have formed in the area around Parliament House. Picture: BBC

40th Anniversary National Game Fishing Titles Port

Ferrum backs engineering

FERRUM Engineering has been operating in Port Moresby since 2008 undertaking structural steel fabrication as its primary business. Over the years, Ferrum has been involved in a number of key projects including the conference facility at Gateway Hotel (2009), 2x Buildings

“C Residence” at Airways Hotel (2011), IPI’s 7 story Residential Building on Airvos (2013), Comrade Trustee’s 3 Story Commer-

cial Building in Waigani (2014), Matrix’s East and West Wing Airport Extension works (2014) and most recenctly, Structural Steel works for the new Aquatic Centre (2014) for the Pacific Games.

Ferrum Engineering currently employs 110 full time staff members. Their products and services include provision of drafting and shop drawing services, metal and steel fabrication, structural

steel erection, specialized welding, cutting and bending reinforced bars, fabrication of truck bodies and boat trailers and also offer sand blasting and spraying facilities for all steel related products. Ferrum Engineering is located at the end of Saraga St. in 6 mile and has a large workshop facility with approximately 1500m2 of undercover workspace with a 10ton overhead crane and 3000m2 of laydown area.

Association gears up for tournament

BY MARILYN PAUL

Games Fishing Association (GFA)

THE

of PNG is gearing up for the PNG 40th National Titles starting this weekend and running till April

5.

The National Games Fishing this year is expecting participants from coastal areas in the country including Lae, Madang and East New Britain and even couple from Australia.

Tournament director Robert O’ Dea said the weather looks favorable for the tournament and anticipates a good turn out and estimates between 250-300 anglers coming onboard this year.

He made this comments during a cheque presentation of K12, 000 by CPL Group yesterday with its commitment to being a Gold Sponsor for this year’s event.

“GFA has a small but key role in fi shing in PNG. We look after Na-

tional Fishing Records, oversee the National Game Fishing Titles, ensure we all fi sh under IGFA rules, and provide support to our affi liated Clubs. We also represent PNG anglers and fi shing clubs in contact with other fi shing organizations and the various Government departments”.

Most of the participants anticipated to take part are ones from previous years with some new faces expected onboard as well.

Most of the catch from the tournament will be donated to charities within the country with the board agreeing to give some to CPL.

A total of 477 participants from all over PNG and abroad took part in last year’s tournament in Lae.

From last year’s record there were more than 550 fi sh captured or tagged during the event including 47 billfi sh (blues, blacks and sailfi sh). Some of the notable captures

A YACHT berths at the Royal Papua Yacht Club marina.

GFA 40th Anniversary National Game Fishing Titles Port Moresby 2015 Supplement

Firm proudly supports sport

PACIFIC Architects is the largest architectural fi rm in Papua New Guinea with nearly 50 years’ in country experience.

With a core staff of twenty five architects, technicians and support staff at the head office in Port Moresby, the practice undertakes

work throughout Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, including the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu.

The practice’s continued growth and professional standing is based on its contribution and expertise in major architectural

projects throughout Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.

PAC Architects has a proven professional reputation in producing high quality projects on time, on budget and to the client’s brief.

PAC Architects has been

TV network takes bait

responsible for a number of major landmark buildings in Papua New Guinea, including: The Deloitte Tower, International Airport Terminals and Ancillary Building, Windward Apartments, Bank of Papua New Guinea, Ela Beach Tower, Hillside Gardens Apart-

ments in Lae and Revenue Haus, Port Moresby.

Other work done by PAC in the country includes Aopi Centre in Port Moresby, Vulupindi Haus, Credit Haus, Mining Haus, and IPI Building in Lae, Port Tower and the BSP Haus located at Harbour City.

The work currently undertaken by PAC Architects includes 2015 South Pacific Games Village, Total Renovation of Marea Haus (Pineapple Building) and Bank of Papua New Guinea Cash Distribution Centre in Lae.

TVWAN – Digicel Play’s free-toview local TV channel – is thrilled to announce its most recent Gold Sponsorship, supporting the GFA of PNG National Titles.

It’s a big year for the Game Fishing Association of PNG as it’s their 40th Anniversary. And event organisers couldn’t be happier, landing the biggest fi sh in the Pay-TV Sea.

“This is a ‘reel’ coup for both of us,” Jack Bourke, Head of Digicel Play Marketing, joked. “It’s sure to be an exciting tournament and we plan to broadcast key highlights on our local TVWAN news.”

For those interested in participating in the GFA of PNG National

titles, registration is mandatory and must be completed at the Briefing Night which will be held at The Gantry at the Royal Papua Yacht Club in Port Moresby on Friday, 27th March. You then have 2 days within the set nine-day time frame (from Saturday 28th March through to Sunday 5th April) to try to land a trophy-worthy fi sh.

The GFA of PNG National Game Fishing Titles was fi rst held in Rabaul in 1976, hosted by the New Britain Game Fishing Club. Port Moresby has a reputation for delivering the biggest fi sh in PNG, with massive marlin, shark and tuna all featuring on the GFA record books.

PARTICIPANTS with a 53.7kg Yellow fin tuna caught at the 2014 Lae titles.

Anniversary National Game Fishing Titles Port Moresby 2015 Supplement

Trukai renews platinum sponsorship

TRUKAI Industries Limited is proud to renew its’ platinum sponsorship to the Game Fishing Association of Papua New Guinea to host its’ annual national titles, which gets underway tomorrow.

“2015 marks the 40th year of the National Game Fishing Titles and we are proud to support this event at this historical time,” said Trukai Industries Chief Executive

Officer, Greg Worthington-Eyre.

The National Game Fishing Titles were fi rst conducted in 1976 in Rabaul, East New Britain and since then has been in rotation between New Britain, Bougainville, Lae, Madang and Port Moresby attracting teams throughout PNG, Australia, New Zealand and other South Pacific countries. Swell angler numbers up to 300

participants are expected to attend this prestigious event.

“To have the 40th National Game Fishing Titles held in Port Moresby, this year, is an honour for a number of reasons,” said Mr Worthington-Eyre.

“The event coincides with Papua New Guinea’s 40th Independence celebration and Trukai Industries’ 45th anniversary.

For these reasons, Trukai Industries is proud to be associated with the Game Fishing Association of PNG and the National Game Fishing Titles. In fact, our association and support of the event has lasted more than 15 years.”

Trukai Industries’ platinum sponsorship will see the Royal Papua Yacht Club’s gantry, adorned in the famous Trukai yellow mid next week, as the major sponsor of the shoot-out.

“I wish all the anglers good luck in the event next week. May the winds stay away and the fish swim closer,” said Mr Worthington-Eyre.

The Trukai brand promotes health and wellbeing hence healthy eating and living an active life through sport is encouraged.

Trukai Industries invests heavily in sports. Apart from the Game Fishing Titles, Trukai Industries is famous for hosting the annual Fun Run - the largest social and sporting event in PNG and the South Pacific where tens of thousands of people participate at one time in more than eight provincial centers and towns throughout the country.

From the GFAPNG

THE GFA of PNG has a small but key role in fi shing in PNG. We look after National Fishing Records, oversee the National Game Fishing Titles, ensure we all fi sh under IGFA rules, and provide support to our affi liated Clubs. We also represent PNG anglers and fi shing clubs in contact with other fi shing organisations and the various Government departments.

Website: www.gfa.com.pg or Facebook

The focus of the Titles is on team fi shing, and is split into tackle classes to encourage all styles of game fi shing. It has more recently introduced an entirely separate tag and release section which mirrors the capture section trophy categories to encourage conservation of all species.

The format is for a team to fi sh any two days out of the nine that the Titles are held over which allows the limited number of appropriate boats in PNG to fi sh several teams. This has proved to be a most successful arrangement, although tiring for the skipper and crew!

Whilst there are occasionally cash prizes for a specific target (e.g. a new National Record marlin), the Titles are not regarded as a money tournament – the big buzz is to be the National Champion for that year and take home a nice trophy for the mantelpiece.

The Titles are always held over the week before Easter, over Easter and conclude with a crying towel session on Easter Monday.

Advertising: 309 1113 or email ksibona@spp.com.pg

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

Cairns dream homes selling

IT’S safe and secure with Robert Smith AFR Founder – Money While You Sleep - wants to Build YOUR DREAM HOME in Cairns. 4 Air-conditioned bedrooms, master bedroom with ensuite & walk in wardrobe, media/theatre room & fully landscaped - built in less than 4 months by our Builder.

House packages stages 1,2 & 3 have all sold out. Now the Final Stages 4 & 5 are selling fast! Do yourself a favour for Easter present to the family and create wealth for future education. Buy your house & land package today with AFR. Close to Schools, Hospitals, James Cook University and only 10 minutes to Cairns City Centre. One Stop Shop, Call or Email Robert Smith AFR Founder for an information pack. Be Very Quick Wantoks to build dreams.

$1,000AUD deposit and you choose your land and house plan, we then open up an Australian Bank account. You are in control, always 100% transparent & confidential. Our very successful New House & Land Package’s Plans are available with a total input of K250,000 PGK. That is all you need to Invest in Cairns. The Market is on its way up. Sit back & relax and let the AFR team build your dream home.

Australian First Realty is a One-Stop-Shop be it Wealth Creation for future and the education of your children or New House & Land Package. Either FIRB approved commercial properties or acreage subdivisions we do it all with our network of introducing you to our Builders, Lawyers, Bankers, Immigration and opening up Australian Bank Account and enrolling children in School. Cairns is Port Moresby’s & PNG’s closest trading partner.

AFR Founder Robert Smith says get ready to make money in Cairns but be quick, very quick. Build your dream home in Cairns at Redlynch Gateway Central, across the road from Shopping Centre, Sports Centre, Public Transport and minutes away from public & private schools, beaches and Cairns C.B.D. 66 new houses are being built, half already SOLD and another 10 taken with deposits. K250,000 to make your dream come true. Redlynch land now selling stage 2: $1,000 AUD Deposit. With 30 years practice, check & see your agent has experience!

With Australian First Realty you will be the Winner. Our AFR Client P.N.G nationals Testimonials to Back up our AFR History last 30 years in PNG. The Guru of Real Estate Donald Trump U.S.A told Robert “Money while you sleep”. AFR will get you on the right track as Robert & the team has been travelling to PNG centres over many years helping wantoks ONE – STOP –SHOP. Mekim mani blo bihaintaim – Bikpela samting em tingim edukeisen is the key to your success & creating wealth. Gutpela Ista

Contact us now for more Info on gathering Tools for your Success. Contact Robert Direct: Best email: admin@australianfirstrealty.com.au

Best Office # +617 4031-1770

Mobile +614 1877 2221

A.F.R. H.Q. 171 Bunda St CNS Opp Rlwy – Next time you are in Cairns Call in and Discuss your Future Wealth Creation over PNG coffee with Robert Direct: 72173866 – The Founder - Money While You Sleep.

Commercial property

WE have just listed a commercial property with two entrance driveways for sale. It is situated on a generous 4,000m2 in a cul-de-sac of the Industrial area of 6 Mile and the property consists of: one large shed with mezzanine and offices a main office building with warehouse area residential housing consisting of:

1 x 3brm unit

x 2brm unit

2 x bedsitters

There is also Building Board Approval recently issued for a Proposed construction of a threestorey mixed use Commercial Office Building.

Selling Price: K12 million (neg)

Please contact Ruby Oala at Strickland Real Estate on 3200944 or mobile 76886739 for an inspection now or email roala@sre.com for more information.

PORT MORESBY

Call now!!

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 or Email: mmays@sre.com.pg

This is unbeatable

IN AN exclusive Port Moresby suburb, crested on a hill top overlooking Fairfax Harbour is an executive stand-alone house, consisting of three bedrooms. Recently renovated, effortless craftsman ship has been employed to produce the best quality internal finishes.

Ideal for those who have live in housekeepers, The property also has a fully equipped granny flat downstairs, to ensure that your household staff have enough comfort of their own to ensure that your home to be, is well managed and maintained.

This property has all the back - ups provided with two electronic gated entries and parking for two vehicles. With a large and extensive back yard, this would be ideal if you have pets.

K 4,500 per week seizes the opportunity whilst it lasts.

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

Fairhaven

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 4,500.00 per week.

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

PORT MORESBY

PORT MORESBY

Hot property

BOROKO RESIDENTIAL – Sect 8, Lot 16, Moale Place, (Opposite Coronation

Primary School): K2500 pwk, negot: - 8 x 4brm t/hses, as new, ff, sf, haus-win, barbeque, trampoline, 24-hr guard; secluded and just a stroll away from all amenities; schools, shopping mall, bus stops and parks. Reserve now and avoid school traffic dramas!

BRUFF LTD

REAL ESTATE AGENCY

Digi: 7232 4839

HENAO DRIVE - GORDONS

2 bedroom

LOCATED on Henao Drive is a fully furnished 2 bedroom split level unit leasing for K1000 per week. The unit has 2 designated car parks with additional parking spaces within the yard. It has been recently renovated and has airconditioning in the master bedroom, ceiling fans, spacious living area, a private back yard and 24 hour security.

For further information and inspections, please contact DAC Real Estate on 325 0822 and ask for Oliver email us on leasing@dac.com.pg. You can also visit our website on www.dac.com.pg to view similar properties we have available.

KITOGARA STREET - GORDONS 5

Split-level

SITUATED on Kitogara Street, Gordons 5 is a split level townhouse leasing for K2500 per week. The property has 3 bedrooms with the master ensuite, spacious living area, 2 car parks, air conditioning, 24 hour security and has back up water and power.

Being in a safe, quiet and friendly environment, the property is ideal for a family and is conveniently near public transport and a few minutes away from shopping centres and markets.

For further information and inspections, please contact DAC Real Estate on 325 0822 and ask for Henry or email us on leasing@dac.com.pg. You can also visit our website on www.dac.com.pg to view similar properties we have available.

Ela Vista lease

SITUATED on higher grounds of Chesterfield, downtown, is the gated Ela Vista compound with available apartments overlooking a magnificent sea view. The apartments range from a single bedroom to 4 bedrooms and are all fully furnished with a spacious living area, marble kitchens, air conditioning, Jacuzzi bathrooms, and access to swimming pools and fitness gyms.

Being in a safe, quiet and friendly environment, the property is ideal for singles and families and is conveniently near public transport and a few minutes away from shopping centres.

For further information and inspections, please contact DAC Real Estate on 325 0822 and ask for Skelwin Ligo or email us on leasing@dac.com.pg. You can also visit our website on www.dac.com.pg to view similar properties we have available.

ELA BEACH

ISLANDER VILLAGE - WAIGANI

Townhouse

LOCATED in the Islander Village in Waigani is a split level townhouse going for K4000 per week. The property has 3 bedrooms with the master ensuite, spacious living area, a carport, air conditioning, 24 hour security and has back up water and power.

Being in a safe, quiet and friendly environment, the property is ideal for a family and is conveniently near public transport and a few minutes away from shopping centres and markets.

For further information and inspections, please contact DAC Real Estate on 325 0822 and ask for Henry or email us on leasing@dac.com.pg. You can also visit our website on www.dac.com.pg to view similar properties we have available.

Featuring;

Convenient enclosed and secure location along Manda street within the close proximity of Mount Hagen CBD and local amenities.

Secured ample loading & parking yard

Wide variety of retail such as supermarket, hardware stores, restaurant and professional service tenants that will generate a daily flow of consumer traffic to the center.

Small shop spaces for fast food franchises, stationery shops, etc...

A dominant area with strong demographics providing easy access to this multi-tenancy project.

A signalized entrance across from the Okuk Highlands Highway.

“Be a part of Mount Hagen’s premium Industrial, Retail & Commercial office future”

The Interview protest on hold

SOUTH Korean activists have postponed plans to send thousands of copies of controversial film The Interview to North Korea, following criticism from Seoul and dire warnings of military reprisals from Pyongyang.

The activists had previously announced they would use giant balloons to launch 500,000 anti-North leaflets and 10,000 DVD copies of the comedy across the border on or around March 26.

The date marks the anniversary of the 2010 sinking of a South Korean naval corvette, the Cheonan, that Seoul blamed on a North Korean submarine.

North Korea has labelled The Interview, a film about a fictional CIA plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as a “wanton act of terror”.

The country was accused by the FBI of being behind a devastating cyber attack last November on Sony Pictures, the studio behind the Seth Rogen movie.

On Sunday the North Korean military said it would respond to the activists’ operation by shooting down any balloons using “all the firepower strike means” of frontline border units.

Any military response from South Korea would then “entail double and treble merciless retaliatory strikes”, the Korean People’s Army said in a statement.

The activist behind the planned launch, Park Sang-hak, said a decision had been made to postpone the event.

Although he declined to provide a specific reason, Mr Park has come under increasing pressure from the South Korean authorities to cancel.

He also suggested the postponement was not indefinite and conditional on North Korea apologising for sinking the Cheonan.

“If there is no reply from North Korea, we will push again for the launch of leaflets and DVDs,” he said.

The North has always denied any involvement in the Cheonan incident, in which 46 South Korean seamen died.

South Korea insists the activists have a democratic right to release the balloons, but has appealed for restraint to avoid overly provoking the North and endangering residents near the launch sites.

Last week the South’s unification ministry suggested the authorities might step in to prevent Mr Park’s DVD launch, saying “necessary measures” should be taken to protect local residents from any North Korean retaliation.

Last October North Korea border guards attempted to shoot down some balloons, triggering a brief exchange of heavy machine gun fire between the two sides.

-ABC news

China approves more free-trade zones

SHANGHAI: China has given the go-ahead for three more free-trade zones, despite the country’s first project in Shanghai proving disappointing.

A meeting of the Communist Party’s politburo hosted by President Xi Jinping on Tuesday approved zones in the southern province of Guangdong, eastern province of Fujian and northern city of Tianjin, the official Xinhua news agency reported. State media says the Guangdong FTZ aims to speed economic integration with neighbouring Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China.

The Fujian zone is focused on Taiwan, which China considers part of its sovereign territory. The Tianjin FTZ is part of a push to better integrate the city with nearby Beijing and Hebei province. Media reports originally gave March 1 as the official opening date for all three.

Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post newspaper later reported the Guangdong FTZ would launch on March 18 but no opening was announced. A statement from the politburo said the establishment of FTZs aimed to “deepen reform” and “expand opening up to explore new approaches”, adding the Shanghai zone had shown “positive progress” since its founding, according to Xinhua. -AAP

India navy plane crashes

MUMBAI: An Indian naval aircraft has crashed off the country’s western coast and two pilots are missing in the latest of a string of accidents to hit the force.

Rescue operations are underway after the Indian navy’s Dornier aircraft plunged into the sea 25 nautical miles off the western holiday state of Goa on Tuesday night.

“Last evening a navy Dornier during a routine training sortie off Goa ditched into sea,” a navy statement said early Wednesday. -AAP

China executes three for Kunming knife attack

CHINA has executed three people for a mass stabbing that killed 31 people last year, the country’s top court says.

Iskandar Ehet, Turgun Tohtunyaz and Hasayn Muhammad were put to death for “leading a terrorist organisation and intentional homicide”, the Supreme People’s Court said in a microblog post.

China uses both lethal injection and shooting for executions, but the method used

this time was not specified.

The attack in Kunming, in the south-western province of Yunnan, also saw more than 140 people wounded and was dubbed “China’s 9/11” by state-run media.

Beijing blamed the bloodshed on “separatists” from the resource-rich far western Xinjiang, where at least 200 have died in attacks and clashes between locals and security forces over the last year.

Incidents have grown in scale and sophistication and spread beyond the restive region, with the Kunming mass knifing the biggest such attack against civilians outside Xinjiang.

A female attacker, Patigul Tohti, was pregnant at the time of her arrest and was sentenced to life in prison.

Rights groups accuse China’s government of cultural and religious repression they say fuels unrest in Xinjiang,

which borders Central Asia.

Beijing defends its policies, arguing it has boosted economic development in the area and that it upholds minority and religious rights in a country with 56 recognised ethnic groups.

China executes more people than the rest of the world combined, according to rights organisations. The country put an estimated 2,400 people to death last year.

-ABC news

THE mass stabbing attack at Kunming railway station was dubbed “China’s 9/11” by state-run media.

Picture: ABC/REUTERS

SOUTH Korean activists have postponed the sending of thousands of copies of The Interview to North Korea after military threats. Picture: ABC/COLUMBIA PICTURES

Yemen leader calls for UN army action

YEMEN’S President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi has asked the UN Security Council to back military action by “willing countries” against Houthi Shia rebels.

In a letter, he requested a resolution authorising immediate support for “the legitimate authority by all means” against the advancing rebels.

Mr Hadi is now in the southern port city of Aden after fleeing the capital Sanaa last month.

On Tuesday, the Iranbacked rebels reportedly seized two key towns.

They took full control of Sanaa in January, declaring that a five-member “presidential council” would rule the country.

Recent developments have raised fears that regional rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia could be drawn into the conflict.

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia moved its heavy military equipment to areas near its border with Yemen. -BBC news

Obama: Prospects for Israel-Palestine peace ‘dim’

US President Barack Obama says prospects for a two-state solution in the Middle East are “dim” after the Israeli prime minister vowed to oppose a Palestinian state.

Mr Netanyahu’s statements angered the White House, even though he has since tried to soften his remark.

Tensions between the US and Israel have been growing as the leaders have wrangled over a number of issues.

But Mr Obama described his relationship with Mr Netanyahu as “businesslike.”

“I’ve met with him more than any other world leader,” the president said claiming their personal relationship was not a major factor in the dispute. “He is representing

NETANYAHU STAND: Mr Netanyahu has taken issue with the United States’ role in the nuclear negotiations, which he claims would create security risks for Israel.

OBAMA STAND: At the same time, Mr Obama has denounced his counterpart’s pre-election statements rejecting creation of a Palestinian state.

APPROACH: But Mr Obama described his relationship with Mr Netanyahu as “businesslike.”

his country’s interests the way he thinks he needs to, and I’m doing the same.”

“So the issue is not a matter of relations between leaders; the issue is a very clear, substantive challenge,” he said.

“This can’t be reduced to a matter of somehow let’s all hold hands and sing ‘Kum-

baya’.” Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli officials denied reports that Israel was spying on the US-led talks.

Mr Netanyahu has taken issue with the United States’ role in the nuclear negotiations, which he claims would create security risks for Israel. At the same time, Mr

Obama has denounced his counterpart’s pre-election statements rejecting creation of a Palestinian state.

Responding to reporters’ questions on Tuesday during a news conference originally intended to brief the press on the situation in Afghanistan, President Obama refused to comment on the spy claims first reported in the Wall Street Journal. He did, however, offer assurances that Israel and other regional partners have been briefed on the negotiation’s progress.

Mr Obama also took time to say that Mr Netanyahu’s attempts to qualify his preelection statements were not effective in advancing a

Alps plane search resumes

two-state solution. “I think it’s hard to envision how that happens based on the prime minister’s statements,” he said.

“I’ve said before and I’ll simply repeat: Prime Minister Netanyahu, in the election run-up, stated that a Palestinian state would not occur while he was prime minister. And I took him at his word that that’s what he meant,” the president said.

In a US TV interview, Mr Netanyahu said he wanted a two-state solution, but said “circumstances have to change”.

Mr Obama acknowledged that Mr Netanyahu did not say a Palestinian state would “never” be created. -BBC

Ukraine governor resigns after row

UKRAINE’S president has accepted a resignation request by Ihor Kolomoisky - the powerful governor of the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region.

President Petro Poroshenko’s office said this happened when Mr Kolomoisky, one of the country’s richest men, met the president in the capital Kiev.

This comes after armed men suspected of links to Mr Kolomoisky briefly occupied the offices of an oil firm in the city.

It triggered fears of a major showdown between the tycoon and the state.

In a statement released early on Wednesday, Mr Poroshenko’s office named Valentyn Reznichenko as the new acting governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region.

It also quoted the president as saying during the talks with Mr Kolomoisky that the region - a centre of heavy industry - should remain “a bastion of Ukraine in the east and protect the peace”.

Mr Kolomoisky - who is estimated to be worth more than $2bn (£1.3bn) - has been widely credited with helping bring order in Dnipropetrovsk and halt the advance of pro-Russian rebels further to the east.

He is also financing a number of Ukrainian battalions fighting the separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk region. His resignation comes days after armed men suspected of acting on orders from the oligarch briefly seized the

headquarters of the Ukrnafta energy company and its subsidiary UkrTransNafta.

The armed men - whom Mr Kolomoisky said were from a private security firm - left the buildings after an ultimatum was issued by the central government.

Mr Kolomoisky claimed the armed men had tried to ward off an illegal takeover of Ukrnafta, in which the tycoon has 42% stake. The state owns the rest of the oil and gas giant.

-BBC news

Fighters in battlefield know what they are fighting against but most do not know what they are fighting for.

A SEARCH and recovery operation has resumed in the southern French Alps after Tuesday’s crash of a Germanwings plane with 150 people on board.

Officials warn the operation could last for days in a remote mountain ravine between Digne and Barcelonnette.

The leaders of Germany, France and Spain are due to visit the crash site.

The Airbus A320 - flight 4U 9525 - from Barcelona to Duesseldorf crashed after an eight-minute rapid descent, officials say. There were no survivors. -BBC news

Nigeria children missing

ABOUT 500 children aged 11 and under are missing from a Nigerian town recaptured from militants, a former resident of Damasak has told the BBC

A trader in the north-eastern town told Reuters news agency that Boko Haram fighters took the children with them when they fled.

Troops from Niger and Chad seized Damasak earlier in March, ending months of control by the Islamist militants.

A regional force has recently been helping Nigeria take on the insurgents.

The case in Damasak was typical and many hundreds of children are missing.

THE rebels have moved into central, western and southern regions since overrunning the capital Sanaa. Picture: BBC

Solution to puzzle SL0880

stars

March 20 - April 19

Ordinarily you’re the first to explore, if not embrace, new ideas. Yet what appears over the next few days is likely to make you grumpy. This is no surprise. While much of what’s taken place recently will ultimately prove beneficial, you’ve faced so many changes you’re bound to be short-tempered.

April 20 - May 19

There’s a difference between an out and out clash, of which you’ve had a few recently, and the more subtle issues you’re currently facing. Ironically, the latter seem more complex, mostly because often you can’t say exactly what’s on your mind but, if you’re to get anywhere, you must be extremely diplomatic.

May 21 - June 20

Over the past few days you’ve been organising plans. While, mostly, it’s been easy, you’ve encountered a few glitches with certain rather tricky situations or individuals. You managed to find a way around those difficulties then. But don’t imagine they’ve vanished. You’ll have to deal with them, now or in the future.

June 21 - July 21

It’s surprising how many people complain about changes without really thinking about it. This variety of negative thinking can suck the life out of the most thrilling of opportunities. If you’re around an individual who does this, be cautious about allowing their negative attitude to influence your thinking or decisions.

July 22 - August 22

As a fire sign, your impatience can be one of your greatest assets. It’s behind many of your accomplishments. However, you’re being urged to take it slowly, at least between now and late June, when fortunate Jupiter, which is in Leo, forms the last of its powerful alliances with inventive Uranus.

August 23 - September 22

Don’t let anybody bully you into talking over matters you’re not ready to discuss. They’re eager because tackling these now suits them. And they’re trying to make you feel guilty because you’re short of facts. Acquiring these takes time. Explain that, and tell them they’ll just have to wait.

September 23 - October 22

Although most problems yield to analysis, several of those you’re currently facing are more complex. So much that, bizarrely, the shakeups triggered by the current eclipse are likely to reveal solutions as unexpected as they are suitable. The next step is mustering the courage necessary to put them into action.

October 23 - November

Being ruled by the uncompromising Pluto, you revere the facts. You’re puzzled by those who’re happy to speak in or deal with half-truths. Yet if you’re to reach an accord in an especially challenging situation, you may need to stretch your perspective to accommodate the very different truths of others.

November 23 - December 22

Despite your efforts to be easygoing about it, when others are given the power to make decisions about crucial elements of your life, you get uptight. This runs counter to your instinctive, and ferocious, independent streak. Still, those who’ve been put in charge have good ideas, ones worth at least listening to.

December 21 - January 19

Throughout history, eclipses have roused feelings of anxiety if not fear. But actually, they’re turning point, in the world and in the lives of individuals. The current pair, last week and on 4 April, are doing exactly that. They’re ushering in changes as unsettling as, ultimately, they will prove timely.

January 20 - February 17

Only days ago you’d have refused even to consider certain changes. You’ve been there before and didn’t enjoy the experience. Since then, however, the actual circumstances in question have changed and, more important, so have you. Reverse that refusal. Everybody else will be relieved and, ultimately, you’ll be glad you did.

February 18 - March 19

The Sun’s move to accent the practical side of your life, last week, began a period during which you’ll be wrestling with various arrangements that once made sense, but no longer do. While in some cases the necessary alterations will be easily accomplished, a few will require creativity and considerable persistence.

in loving memory of

04/01/1937 – 26/03/2013

Late Joseph Lawrence Laukai Auna

Today marks the 2nd year since you left us all to be at rest with our Heavenly Father. Dad, Bubu Man, we love you so much and miss you dearly each day. Fond memories will linger in our hearts forever. Rest in peace our Beloved, until we meet again. With love from the Family.

Expression of Interest

Development of an Infrastructure Master Plan for the University of PNG’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences

The School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to conduct a Master Plan Study for the SMHS. This study will:

• Outline future infrastructure needs;

• Estimate costings; and

• Provide redevelopment recommendations.

The Master Plan Study has come out of a need to align current and future infrastructure needs with what is available and what funding is needed to meet these needs. The Plan will be used to identify and estimate costs of priority construction works and as a tool to petition donors for funding in priority areas.

All EOIs submitted MUST include:

• Copies of relevant company registration and incorporation certificates;

• Details of the organisation capacity, examples of recent master planning services provided and history in PNG in providing these services; and

• Information on key personnel, expertise and qualifications.

Closing date and submission details

Submissions must be received by 4pm on Monday 13 April 2015, with EOIs to be submitted to: tracey.hunter@hhisp.org or hand delivered/couriered to the HHISP Office located on the 1st floor, Muruk Haus, Somare Ct, Waigani. Further information can be obtained from the SMHS Strategic Management Adviser Ms Tracey Hunter on 325 5802 / 325 5721.

About SMHS

The SMHS graduates about 200 undergraduate and 25 postgraduate students each year in multiple disciplines. The school is based at the Taurama Campus next to the Port Moresby General Hospital and is made up of several buildings housing lecture theatres, laboratories, and academic offices; a medical library; dentistry clinics; several student dormitories, staff housing and associated buildings; sports facilities; and parking.

RUGBY LEAGUE

DARTS

Victoria win Sheffield shield title

despite finishing on 4-158, trailing WA by 175 runs.

THE Bushrangers on Wednesday secured the series after their five-day final against Western Australia at Bellerive Oval ended in a lacklustre draw. Victoria’s points standing from the season handed them the top prize,

It was a patient effort by the Warriors as they attempted to bowl themselves to victory, but Victoria’s steadfast batsmen held their ground.

At one point in the final session, eight overs passed without score. Opener Rob Quiney

(53) made a half century. Fellow opener Chris Rogers (17) was gone before lunch and Marcus Stoinis (8) and Peter Handscomb (13) went cheaply. David Hussey (37no) and skipper Matthew Wade (9no) finished unbeaten.

Earlier in the day, WA declared at 2-293. It gave them

Inglis can only get better

RUGBY LEAGUE

THE Rabbitohs No.1 has been in golden touch again this season and coach Michael Maguire reckons his new captain hasn’t finished improving.

“The way he’s taken on the leadership role, on and off the field, I think there’s a lot more in Greg. The way he’s giving to his players and the way he’s represented his players,” Maguire said.

“The talent that he had was one thing but as he’s grown into his role (as captain) - now he’s a senior member of the team.”

With Souths losing Dylan Walker to a broken hand for a month, Inglis will shoulder more responsibility as captain and a player starting with their match against Parramatta on Friday night.

Only Alex Johnston remains from the Rabbitohs three-quarter line from the 2014 grand final winning team.

It leaves the Rabbitohs, on top of the competition and with the best for and against record after three rounds, seemingly short of strike power.

Daryl Millard, who has played 60 NRL games but none in the

a 333-run lead, thanks in big part to a hefty century from opener Marcus Harris (158no) who notched up his highest first-class score.

It was one of a few shining performances during the Hobart decider, including a first-innings century from WA skipper Adam Voges, who

last six years, has been named to replace Walker. . A 30-year-old journeyman who had stints at St George Illawarra and Canterbury, Millard most recently spent five years in the English Super League at Wakefield and Catalans. He was added to the Souths squad for depth but has been called upon following the injury to Walker and the suspension of Kirisome Auva’a. Millard will join a backline which includes another pair who didn’t participate in the grand final win - Joel Reddy and Bryson Goodwin. AAP

is also the competition’s top run-scorer and player of the year. Voges’ sixth century for the season pushes his case for Test selection ahead of Australia’s mid-year tours of the West Indies and England.

For WA, Test opener Rogers added 112 to the first-innings total, showing - at age 37 - he

still has what it takes. And Warriors spinner Fawad Ahmed ended with the best bowling figures for a Shield final, taking 8-89 during WA’s first innings. As selectors look to take two spinners on tour, the Pakistan-born specialist is sure to come into consideration. AAP

VICTORIA celebrate after winning the Sheffield Shield for 2014-15. Picture: GETTY IMAGES

CRICKET

Bank eager to award winners in sports

the launching of this year’s Awards in Port Moresby.

As part of Westpac’s Community Service program it is proud to assist with this award to motivate the young athletes to pursue and excel in their sporting careers.

“It is always good to see successful stories of our talented young PNG athletes domestically and internationally. These young athletes will be our future stars and follow in the footsteps of PNG’s best such as our Commonwealth Champions Dika Toua and Steven Kari.. If we can help to recognise, motivate and develop many more of our promising young talents in their respective sporting careers, Westpac is glad to be a part of it,” Managing Director of Westpac PNG Geoff Toone said.

“We are proud and ready to present our category winners this Saturday and we look forward to supporting this award in the future, “ Mr Toone said.

Tere-Apisah gunning for number two

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA SP SPORT AWARDS

PAPUA New Guinea female athletes have all but caught the international circuit with their performance in their respective sports.

WESTPAC Bank (PNG) Limited

is proud to support the SP Sports Awards for the fi rst time this year by sponsoring the Best Junior Male and Female Athletes of the Year Awards and they are ready to award the nominated winner this Saturday.

Westpac made the initial sponsorship announcement in January (Wednesday, January 7, 2015) after

The Organising Committee of the SP Sports Awards thanked Westpac for coming on board and supporting PNG’s premier event recognising the achievements of those involved in sport.

Westpac opened its fi rst branch in Port Moresby in 1910 and has since spread its wings to other centres of Papua New Guinea. To date Westpac have a growing representation all over the country in their branches, ATMs and In-store Banking facilities.

This year will be a close call between fi nalists in the SP Sports Awards Female Athlete of the Year category, Abigail TereApisah, Dika Toua, and Toea Wisil.

Tere-Apisah is the number one female tennis player in the country and fi nished a stellar year in 2014.

Graduating last month from Georgia State University (GSU) in Atlanta, USA, with a Bachelor of Science in Education major in exercise science, the young lass from Morobe and Central has set her sights on becoming a professional tennis player on the Wom-

en’s Tennis Association. She leaves GSU having achieved a school single season record with 32 wins. Her 2014 tennis season includes the ITA All-American Singles ranking of 15, double ranking of 23, Sun Belt Player of the Year, All-Sun Belt First Team Singles and Doubles Four-time Sun Belt Player of the Week, and GSU Blue Carpet Award for Female Student-Athlete of the Year.

She won last year’s Female Athlete of the Year award and this year will be gunning for her second award. But she has tough competition from Toua and Wisil.

Toua captured PNG’s heart when she collapsed in tears after losing the gold medal to 16 year Nigerian weightlifter Chika Amalaha who was later stripped of the medal after failing a drug test.

Her total lift of 193kg has been recognized as a Commonwealth Games record.

Her medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games was a pinnacle of Toua’s achievements.

She has often thanked her family for their support in her dreams. This year she is looking to add more medals to her list at the 2015 Pacific Games.

Though a quiet year for Wisil, the 26 year old was outstanding in her races for 2014.

She ran a season best time of 11.44 seconds in the semi fi nals at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and shaved two tenths of a second off her effort in her heat.

She was the ambassador for the 6th BSP PNG Games. This is her third time being nominated having been nominated and won the award in 2010 and 2011.

2014 good for sports

Message by Minister for Sports & Pacific Games Justin Tkatchenko for the 2015 SP Sports Awards

ready in less than 100 days.

This occasion of the 28th SP Sports Awards is a special one, especially on the eve of us playing host to our Pacific neighbours in less than 100 days. We recognise the achievements of our sportsmen and women, our officials and our stakeholders, and we heartily envisage what these achievements will come to when competition starts between July 4 and 18.

2014 will go trully down in history for us as a nation in sports.

From our local competitions to National Competitions, the PNG National Games in Lae, our SP Hunters Inaugural Intrust Super Cup Rugby League Season, our Barramundis triumphs, Our Mosquitoes World cup glory in Melbourne, right to Dika Toua and Steven Kari’s Gold hauls at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, what more can you ask for in sporting achievement.

Furthermore, in the lead up to the 2015 Pacific Games, 2014 was the year that we as a Government and a Nation was going to either make it or break it, in terms of standing our Games Venues Structures up, our overall preparations, and our commitment to deliver.

I am proud to say that we will be

Congratulations to Stan Joyce and SP Brewery for their commitment to this Awards over the 28 years. Thank you. I also thank and congratulate the key partners in making this event such a success, the PNG Olympic Committee and the PNG Sports Foundation.

And to all Support Sponsors of this occasion, Westpac, EMTV, FM100, Post-Courier, Air Niugini. Crowne Plaza, CPL, Theodist, Graffiti Signs, and Deloitte, Thank you.

Additionally, I thank the corporate entities and individuals who stand behind our athletes and teams fi nancially and in kind, in their chase of their dreams.

Finally, I take my hat off to every single athlete and official out on the playing field, on the tracks or under the bars in the gym.

I know it takes that extra commitment and effort to bring out the best that you can be and I envy you all.

To those fi nalists in each category, congratulations, I wish all the very very best of luck.

WESTPAC’S Geoff Toone

ABIGAIL Tere-Apisah DIKA Toua TOEA Wisil

100-day countdown begins with Games baton relay

SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES RELAY

THE count down to the XV Pacific Games has begun with the Oil Search sponsored 2015 Pacific Games Baton Relay beginning its journey from Vanimo in the Sandaun Province on Thursday March 26.

The relay starts from Vanimo and will travel for 100 days right across the length and breadth of Papua New Guinea covering all 22 provinces.

The Pacific Games Baton Relay arrives in NCD on June 29th with preparations currently underway and spearheaded by the NCD Pacific Games Secretariat in conjunction with NCDC and the governor’s Office.

According to NCDC Events Manager Mr Numa Alu, the preparations for the National Capital District will be held over five days.

Mr Alu, who is the coordinator of the NCD leg of the baton relay, says for the NCD program it will cover the three electorates, Moresby North West, Moresby North East and Moresby South and also including the Motu Koita villages of Pari, Kirakira, Vabukori, Tatana, Baruni and Hanuabada.

“As much as possible, we would like to involve the residents and communities of the city by bringing the Games close to them, beginning with the Games Baton relay,” said Mr Alu.

He said the NCD program will begin on Monday June 29 with the arrival of the Oil Search Games Baton where an official welcome ceremony will be held at Ela Beach.

The actual relay for the Port Moresby leg begins on Tuesday June 30 in the Moresby North West electorate with the starting point at the CPL head office drive-in, passing by Waikele market at Gerehu stage six.

The baton will then travel from Gerehu passing through UPNG, Waigani, along Waigani Drive to Wards Road, Hohola and ending at Murray Barracks roundabout.

On Wednesday July 1st, the baton relay will then travel through the Moresby North-East electorate starting at Parliament House travelling along Godwit Road passing by the Australian High Commission to the roundabout and pass the RH head office to Unagi Park.

The relay then passes Gordon Foodworld to Ela Murray International School travelling pass Sione Kami United church and to the five mile roundabout.

It then heads towards Boroko East passing by China Town and along to Pom Grammar School then pass the roundabout to Manu Auto port. The baton relay moves along Taurama Road heading towards Port Moresby General hospital and then to Taurama Foodland (J-Mart) and to the Murray Barracks roundabout then

travels along Sir Hubert Murray Highway towards 4 mile roundabout.

The baton relay will end at the Jack Pidik Park, 5-Mile for the Moresby North East electorate.

For Moresby South on Thursday July 2nd, the baton relay will begin at Korobosea near Manu Lodge and travel down towards Sabama market. It heads on past Kilakila Secondary School passing Kaugere and on towards Badili.

From Badili the baton relay will then proceed to Koki market along Healy Parade, Ela Beach towards the CBD (Town). It will continue past Steamships HQ and on towards the PNGDF Basilisk Naval Base then pass Harbour City SVS along the Poreporena Freeway and finally concluding at the Royal PNG Constabulary HQ at Konedobu.

Mr Alu says that more than 200 people will be involved, either as baton relay runners or volunteers in the NCD leg of the Games Baton Relay which will be conducted in conjunction and under the supervision of the Games Relay Management and Administration of the Games Organising Committee.

On Friday July 3rd, the people of Motu Koitabu villages will have their share of the baton relay, says Alu. However, there won’t be any relay runners involved, instead the Games Baton will be transported to the respective villages where a separate local program will be organised by each village.

Mr Alu elaborated that each village will have an hour to spend with the Games Relay Baton where they will have their own programs to celebrate the Games baton.

The Games Baton will be taken firstly to Pari village in the morning and then proceed to Kirakira, Vabukori, then to Tatana – Baruni where a combined program by both villages is planned and finally to the big village Hanuabada.

After the Motu Koita leg of the baton relay, it will then travel to the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in the afternoon, where it is understood that a soccer match for the Pacific Games soccer competition will already be in progress.

It will be at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium where the 2015 Pacific Games Oil Search Baton Relay will be officially welcomed to the host city, Port Moresby, by NCD Governor Hon Powes Parkop. According to Mr Alu, the Games Baton Relay will then be transported to the Games village at the University of Papua New Guinea on Saturday July 4, the Opening day of the XV Pacific Games, where athletes and officials of Team PNG will then participate in the Baton Relay at the village.

The Oil Search Baton Relay will then make its final entry at the Sir John Guise Stadium for the official Opening of the 2015 XV Pacific Games in the evening on July 4.

Sports foundation to manage facilities

SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES

THE PNG Sports Foundation yesterday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the PNG Defence Force.

PNG Defence Force Commander Brig Gen Gilbert Toropo and PNG Sports Foundation CEO Peter Tsiamalili signed the partnership agreement.

Sports Minister Tkatchenko was also present to witness the occasion.

This agreement will now allow the PNGSF to takeover,

The bottom line

upgrade and manage the ovals inside Murray Barracks, beside the current Complex that includes Pool and Gym Facilities.

“ It is a special occasion for everyone we serve, linking up and partnering in sports.

“We are not only going to bring up these facilities, this is also an opportunity to upskill Defence Force personnel in fitness and training. Sports and Fitness is not just entertainment anymore, it is an industry now, this partnership once again is a stepping stone

for sports for the future,” Tsiamalili said.

He added that the foundation would also look to identify soldiers to train, and that it wasn’t just about infrastructure.

Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko was present at the occasion.

“Its been a great partnership so far with the Pool and Gym now up. Murray Barracks has now become the centrepoint for fitness and recreation.

This agreement now covers the big fields as well, to allow

expansion, stands structure, playing surface maintenance and running. Basically specific, better and proper management of these facilities for the Defence Force,” Minister Tkatchenko said.

Brig Gen Toropo thanked the Sports Foundation for their continued partnership through the facility and initiating to change the outlook of Murray Barracks sports facilities.

“It is indeed an important occasion, sports fields are important for the upkeep of

fitness for our personnel, fitness is the key for our men.

As a government agency, the Defence Force is committed to assist athletes through the facilities at the establishment.

The pools at the Murray and Taurama Barracks and gym have brought about positive outlook for the Defence Force. We look forward to this next venture,” Brig Gen Toropo said.

Minister Tkatchenko added that he was looking forward to hopefully getting the PNGSF to extend to the other Defence

Force establishments outside of POM.

The Olympic torch relay began in 1936 at the Berlin Games.

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neil hands the Oil Search Relay baton to GOC Chairperson Emma Waiwai to officially begin the Oil Search Pacific Games Baton Relay.

Wong leads Flames home

PNG basketball reject, Betty Wong has proved critics wrong with another strong performance in the Port Moresby Women’s Basketball League (PWBL) semi final at the Hohola courts on Sunday.

Wong scored 16 points for Kutubu Security Services Southern Flames against seasoned campaigners, Exodus.

The win has enabled them for a showdown with current defending champion Nibroo Saints in the grand final this Sunday.

It was a challenge between Wong and Exodus’ Susan Pasoi who was able to score 15 points but good team effort that put reasonable doubt beyond fans expectations to witness Flames walk away as the winners.

Wong in particular has been outstanding throughout the 2014-2015 season.

However, all her efforts has gone

down without notice despite the potential and talent this young girl from Nipa in the Southern Highlands Province has got.

She is expected to raise a few eyebrows and prove critics wrong when they play against Saints in the grand final this Sunday.

Flames led from the start of the match and took a handy 11-06 lead in the first quarter.

But Exodus bounced back with current representative player Karo Lelai and Dianne Hani trying to salvage their side at closing the gap at 7-8 points in the second quarter time.

Flames held the lead 19-13 at half time and it was no looking back for them from the third and fourth quarter in a very tight and close finish. Exodus came close to trailing 8-9 in the third and 8-10 in the final quarter but could not keep up with Flames’ pace only to go down 38-29 at the end of the battle.

Flames will meet Saints in the grand final this weekend.

Mites geared for grand final

SAGOTHORN Mites is the team to beat as the Anitua Hardware-Morobe Rugby Union (MRFU) Sevens series ends this weekend at the SCRUM oval in Lae.

Match co-ordinator Jonathan Lokora says entering the sixth and last weekend of the series, the Saksak Mites have played in all cup finals of the series winning three and losing two.

Lokora said but this weekend matches will prove a higher call of duty for Sagothorns with the return of a number of fire-powers in the 16 team competition.

Lokora added that intensity is leveled with the competition proving to have unearthed young and raw tal-

ents in the past five weekends.

“There is great interest and participation not only to play but to at least give a hand in the weekend matches organisation,” said Lokora. MRFU President Livingstone Nenjipa expressed delight in the young talents that have soared high throughout the competition and given the old fangs a run for their endurance.

Nenjipa welcomed the hard bangs and rumbles expected to showcase this weekend but stressed that the success of the competition comes from discipline despite an hard fought match of sweat and blood.

Draws will be released on Friday to all teams and matches starting at 10 am on Saturday morning with the grand final on Sunday.

Momis kicks off soccer finals

SOCCER

AUTONOMOUS Bougainville

Government President Chief John Momis was on hand to celebrate with the people of the Hagogohe Constituency during the annual President’s Cup soccer grand final.

The event which was held last Saturday featured the Hamatana Sports Association’s three grades, Men’s B Grade, Women’s Open and

Youngster waits

BY PETER SEVARA JR. SOCCER

PAPUA New Guinea’s most lauded striker Jamal Seeto is patiently biding his time.

Without a goal to his name after round one in the 2015 Telikom National Soccer League (TNSL) season and missing out on the O-League championships with his team, Hekari United FC, Seeto remained confident his chances would come one way or the other.

“I am certainly in no rush to score goals. I have no problem in scoring goals but I can’t be expected to score in every match I play in. There’s a time for everything. The time would come, and when it comes I will gladly oblige,” the 24-year-old said.

the Premier Division grand finals.

The Women’s Division featured Sing Lulu’s versus Sokwela with Sing Lulus proving to be stronger side thrashing Sokwela 2 – 0 while the B Grade Division saw Marsua ousting Ceebees in a penalty shootout.

In the premier division the Sokwela Men’s team went against KK Eagles but the match ended poorly following disagreements from disgruntled supporters.

From a mix parentage of

Manus and Madang, he has etched his name in PNG’s soccer history with his signature calm demeanor in front of the goal mouth despite strong competition.

Set to graduate with a computer science degree next month from the University of Technology in Lae, the two time NSL Golden Boot winner is confident of having another go at the O-League championships in years to come as he will miss this year’s due to work commitments.

“I feel down but for me I trust that the team will do well. David (Muta), Mancii (Emmanuel Simon), Koriak (Upaiga) and Tommy (Semmy) are our best players whom I know will do well. All I need to do now is achieve my permanency in the job and there’s always next year

to look forward to,” Seeto said. Seeto began his career in soccer in 2007 with the Madang Fighters before moving on to play with Nabasa in the local town competition.

His acceptance into Unitech in Lae four years ago saw him play with Besta United and then Gigira Laitepo, before signing on with eight-time NSL champions Hekari United.

“Being with Hekari is very good for me. Discipline has always been the foremost objective in the club and I am learning a lot. Playing soccer is one thing in life but cannot be the only thing. It’s about building character through discipline. After soccer when we go back into society we become examples to others and that is important for me,” he added.

CPL supports fishing titles

BY KILA NAO GAME FISHING

CITY Pharmacy Limited (CPL) group has thrown its support with K12, 000 as the Gold sponsor for this year’s 40th National Game Fishing titles from March 28 to April 5 in Port Moresby.

It is also the retail giant’s first time to be involved as the Gold sponsors and it has plans to showcase some of the freshly caught fish in their Stop N Shop Waigani Central store.

The national game fishing tourney has grown to be the biggest annual sporting event in PNG and more than 300 anglers from PNG and around Australia will be participating in the nine day challenge.

NGF title tournament director Robert O’Dea expressed gratitude to CPL Group for their support and sponsorship.

“It’s great to see a retailer like CPL group coming on board to support this event. We hope they will enjoy nine days of excellent fishing, cold beer, great company and unforgettable good times,” O’Dea said.

“The NGF title, now in its 40th year, has become popular in the

Gold sponsor.

Seeto in action in one of the matches for his team, Hekari FC in the NSL.

NGF tournament director, Robert O’Dea and CPL chief operating officer David Young holding the K12, 000 dummy cheque. Picture: MARILYN PAUL

RUGBY LEAGUE

Coach outlines plan

BY PETER SEVARA JR. RUGBY LEAGUE

NEW Gulf Isapea coach Ted Vere has vowed to instill discipline in the team.

First on his “to do list” is to slash down up to 80 hopefuls that have flooded their gates since opening their doors last week for any interested player to sign up.

Adding to the task, he has three weeks to eke out up to 25 players that can restore pride back in the Gulf franchise, which has been in the doldrums since its inception four years ago.

“All these boys will be selected on performance alone. A number of regulars from last season have been held back but they have been thrown in the mix and those who stand out will be selected.

There are also some who are carrying niggling injuries from playing in the off season leagues and any found carrying injuries will be bundled out,”Vere said.

Last year the management was carrying about 40 players for the season and that is a whole lot of players to manage.

“In order to maintain the side, I’d like to see consistency, proper attitude and discipline.

This is all about getting a competitive side and on and off field

discipline is vital.

At the end of the day, it will come down to who wants it the most. It’s either you sink or you swim,” he stressed.

Vere said players must understand that the intercity level is another level apart from the offseason and suburban leagues.

He said his experience with the Hagen Eagles back in 1998 and the Agmark Gurias in 2009 as the manager has allowed him to see that the Isapeas have a lot to catch up on.

“The team must have dedication. We are not here to carry passengers on board.

“Players will have to earn their keep if they want to be in the team.

I have no problem working with former coach Bobby Ako as we were the pioneers with the Hagen Eagles.

“Our plan will stringent and about getting the small things right. My task is to see them improve from last year and make the finals. But there will be no high expectations. But my standards are there, and I will make it work. Sooner rather than later the players know that I run a strict regime,” he stated.

The Isapeas will hold their trials today and on Sunday this week at a venue yet to be confirmed.

Vipers need more trials

who are more than willing to make the final cut.

Garrison to debut this weekend

BY PETER SEVARA JR. RUGBY LEAGUE

HUNTERS recruit, Jayjay Garrison is raring to debut this weekend.

Garrison joins the likes of Brandy Peter and Edward Goma as the only players with no Digicel cup experience to be recruited into the Hunters camp.

Garrison from Chimbu and East New Britain was selected from the zone championships while playing for the All Stars matches in Kokopo as curtain raisers for the PM’s XIII match last year.

“It’s been hard as I have no experience at the inter city level, but they must have seen something in me that they liked so now here I am. I will work hard, play strong to give credit back to those who had faith in me,” the former skipper for the Hohola offseason team, Malipin Brothers said.

Garrison came through the ranks in the schoolboy’s league before joining Paga Panthers Under 19 team and eventually heading up to the top grade. He was approached by a number of intercity teams but those fell through and he has been waiting ever since but now with the

Hunters selection, he feels he is being rewarded for his patience.

“It’s a very big achievement of my life. In PNG we play for the love of the game but now that I’ve come this far and have a lot of people investing in me, believing that I will be someone in the future is pushing me to do great things,” he added.

Garrison said he is willing to sacrifice part of his life because of the tremendous support from sponsors, trainers and coaches and it is a way of saying thank you to them for their faith. He said it was tough but playing alongside the senior boys has encouraged him to dig in and stick to his guns. He added the excitement of putting on a Hunters jumper was exhilarating and he will he can.

“It was a very exciting feeling to put on the Hunters jersey for the first time, and it’s hard to express… a dream come true… hard to describe that feeling,” he said.

As the injury toll creeps in, fast improving Kato Ottio has been picked at centre to partner with Ase Boas in the first 17 for this weekend’s round 4 Intrust Super Cup match against Tweed Heads Seagulls. A devastating Ottio returns to his usual position due to the absence of Thompson Teteh and Adex Wera,

both ruled out due to injury. The Hunters dropping to third spot from the pole position last week still have an opportunity to return to the top as new team Townsville Blackhawks also on 4 points occupy that spot due to superior percentage, points for and against.

The second placed team also on 4 points, due to better percentage, is this weekend’s opponent Tweed Heads, as both teams clash at the Kalabond Oval in a crucial match that should determine who stays up among the top six, or tumble towards the bottom half of the premiership table.

SP Hunters coach Michael Marum has named at least three debuts who have yet to get a run – Garrison, Nickson Borana and John Ragi – in an extended squad of 19 – with two to be omitted.

The full squad is: 1. Stargroth Amean 2 Oti Bland Tony, 3. Ase Boas, 4. Kato Ottio, 5. Edward Goma, 6. Israel Eliab, 7. Roger Laka, 8. Esau Siune, 9. Wartovo Puara, 10. Henry Noki, 11. Willie Minoga, 12. Brandy Peter, 13. Adam Korave. Interchange: 14. Warren Glare, 15. Atte Bina, 16. Enock Maki, 17. Jayjay Garrison, 18. Nickson Borana, 19. John Ragi. (Two to be omitted). Coach: Michael Marum.

THE Port Moresby Vipers banking on more trials to refine team.

Vipers head coach Leonard Tarum while saying the final 26 players on his roster could be likely since trimming down from 40, he will leave it for another trial.

“Well it is likely that we might have the final 26 but last year we had 22 players so anything in between 22 to 26 is as good a number that we can manage.” Tarum said.

“But since we won’t be having any home games this season this could likely be team to cater for the players who may be worn out due to constant travelling but we will speak with our management and see what they say,” Tarum added.

Tarum said since their three players in Stargroth Amean, Enoch Maki and Bland Abavu left for the Hunters this year they already have in place a number of rookies

“Certain young players have joined the team and we have seen how capable they are and we won’t miss our three star players that much. The young boys are already filling their gaps and we believe that they will perform. Just one more hit out and we will be good” Tarum said.

The Vipers will be having their final trial next week with a team from Aroma Coast and Tarum was optimistic of an analysis game the week after with Gulf Isapeas if they agree.

This weekend they will be having a player combination trial at Kone Tigers on Saturday.

“The concept is to divide players into two teams one and two and play 15 minutes quarter time and rotate player positions to identify team combination. Once that is done we wouldnow prepare for the trial next week and onwards.” Tarum said.

Garrison joins the likes of Brandy Peter and Edward Goma as players with no Digicel cup experience to join the Hunters camp.

RUGBY LEAGUE