Post Courier, Thursday February 19, 2015

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY BANNED IN PNG

GOVT LAUNCHES PLAN TO PLAN CONTROL POPULATION

Church berates sex workers workers

CHURCH representatives have condemned the appeal by sex workers to decriminalise prostitution in the country.

Representatives from the Catholic and Lutheran churches and the Christian Fellowship

MP’S SEE FIRST HAND PAINS OF RURAL LIFE

described the plea by sex workers and same sex lobby groups as an “insult” to Papua New Guineans. They said PNG is blessed with natural resources and a unique land tenure system and there

was no need for local men and women to go into prostitution as well as live lavish lifestyles brought on by a rapidly growing economy.

CONTINUED PAGE 2

A PROSTITUTE calls her client in the lobby of a hotel in Port Moresby

Partnerships essential to combat TB

ITIS unlikely Dabora villagers in the Cape Vogel area of the Milne Bay Province would have seen the plea from the Prime Minister to tuberculosis (TB) patients to complete their medication.

It is a story that was featured prominently on the front page of the Post-Courier recently. The rural communities’ lack of accessibility to mainstream media and critical government-sponsored information continues to make them vulnerable to threats including deadly diseases such as tuberculosis.

The plight of Dabora village and the challenges its inhabitants continue to face without a functioning health centre or aid post is an all too familiar story for rural Papua New Guineans. The death of several villagers from what some suspect to be TB has not set off the alarm bell as the lack of health facilities makes it difficult to run test to ascertain cause of death. Villagers have to walk for three hours to get to the nearest health centre or travel 15 hours by motorised dinghy to get to the provincial hospital in Alotau.

There are villages in the Central, Gulf and Western provinces – which the authorities last year marked as TB hotspots – that are isolated, lack access to functioning health services and remain vulnerable to the threat of the disease. Lack of knowledge on the life-saving benefits of completing one’s medication, poor nutrition, poor housing and poor general health can all lead to one contracting TB. Effective awareness campaigns to educate our people on the dangers of the disease are critical for overall success.

Consequently, we welcome revelations by the Department of Health deputy secretary Dr Paison Dakulala that awareness programs is a major part of the Government’s comprehensive plan that will be supported by funding from the Global Fund. The TB awareness programs will need to target communities in our districts.

The provision of $US50 million from the Global Fund for TB, malaria and HIV is most welcome and will go a long way in supporting the work that the Australian government and other donor partners including the WHO are already doing on the ground in the Western and Gulf provinces to support local authorities. But this is a battle that the Australian government, donor partners and local authorities cannot fight alone.

Effective partnerships, collaboration and strong political will and leadership can go a long way in ensuring a positive outcome for Papua New Guineans. The decision by the O’Neill-Dion Government to embark on a major policy shift to direct development funding and resources direct to the districts also opens up the door to politicians from open electorates to play a key role in health intervention programs.

There could be opportunities for MPs to fund support programs aimed at eradicating TB from rural communities. With each MP guaranteed K15 million in funding in this financial year, there is no reason why they should not be liaising with the National Department of Health now to see how they can support the cause and ultimately help tackle this disease which has already claimed a number of Papua New Guinean lives.

Asia news .............................33

Bougainville Today ..............18

Business ..........................19-22

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Comics..................................37

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Fight against TB must include remote villages

EFFORTS to contain the spread of tuberculosis in the southern part of the country should include villages where health centres or aid posts is like a luxury, villagers in a remote community say.

Dabora village in Cape Vogel, Milne Bay Province, is one of many villages which does not have a health centre or an aid post.

Several people from this village have already died from what many suspect

was TB, but without proper health facilities, this could not be confirmed. This is a coastal village that is well known for its abundant food, including seafood, but is far from the nearest health centre.

Villagers say they walk for up to three hours to get to the nearest health centre.

The provincial hospital in Alotau is about 15 hours by a workboat, less by a motorised boat so most people do not go for medical help

unless they are really sick.

The niece of one man who died recently, of suspected TB, recalls: “I took him to Alotau where he got treatment. He was really weak, but he was improving when he returned to the village. He died after a few months.’’

His relatives say he stopped taking his medicine.

There are many villages in Cape Vogel both along the coast as well as inland that do not have access to health service. Sending

health teams to villages to talk to people to recognise the symptoms of TB and the importance of completing treatment could go a long way towards controlling the spread of TB.

Deputy Health Secretary Dr Paison Dakulala said the TB plan for 2015-20 by will cost K408 million. Part of the funding support of US$50 million for TB, malaria and HIV from the Global Fund would be going towards the plan, he said.

Church reps berate prostitutes

FROM PAGE 1

A LUTHERAN Church elder and a Christian Fellowship representative, who spoke to the Post-Courier on the condition of anonimity, said Papua New Guineans were Christians and they should not condone prostitution.

Paul Harricknen, the president of the Catholic Professionals Society, said prostitution is for those who were lazy and did not have human dignity and self-respect.

“Human rights must be based on human dignity and decency. Those who push for

recognition by Government of rights in prostitution and same sex marriages must know that human right is a gift from the God of our faith,” he said.

“A human right can become a human wrong if we are not guided by clear consciences and the spirit of our faith in God, all persons (children and adults, poor and rich, low class or middle class or high class) have equal dignity and the government has a duty to uphold common dignity and decency of all people thus any law that is against dignity of the person is not a

good law.” The PNG constitution and its provisions relating to the upholding of Christian principles should also guide the Government in how it deals with the issue, Mr Harricknen added.

Information provided to this newspaper by sex workers point to varying prices for different categories of clients. Clients are categorised according to their profession and status.

Premium customers can pay K1000 a day, those considered to be in the middle rung are charged K250-K500 while those at the lower end

of the spectrum can negotiate a starting price of K50 and upwards and can even include food items.

There was mixed reaction by Papua New Guineans to revelations by this newspaper yesterday, which quoted local sex workers expressing concern at the increase in Asian prostitutes in Port Moresby and other urban centres.

They appealed to the Government to consider decriminalizing prostitution, which would enable them to tackle challenges, including the presence of foreign sex workers.

COMMUNITY HAZARD

Wealth fund bill passes first reading

BY ISAAC NICHOLAS

PAPUA New Guinea’s future generation will benefit from revenue extracted today from non-renewable resource projects with the first passage of the historic Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill in Parliament yesterday. Both the Government and Opposition were unanimous in a 82-0 vote.

The Bill has jumped its first hurdle to safeguard the nations wealth from its petroleum and mineral resources.

The second reading and final vote for the law establishing the SWF to take effect will be taken in April.

Opposition Leader Don Polye supported the Bill

The bottom line

Dutch

At a glance

SWF: Sovereign Wealth Fund.

UNDER: There are two funds established under the SWF, one is the future’s fund and the other is the stabilisation fund.

UNANIMOUS: Both the Government and the Opposition were unanimous in a 82-0 vote to have the Sovereign Wealth Fund bill passed in Parliament yesterday.

even though earlier he had been critical of the delay in the legislation and also raised questions about transparency.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill introduced the Bill, saying it was urgent to pass the law because the first

LNG revenue will be paid on March 20, as advised by operator ExxonMobil.

He said since 2012 when the House passed the Constitutional Law on the establishment of the SWF, it also needed to put in an enabling (Organic) law which would in turn make sure the SWF became operational

“Under the SWF, we have established two funds, one is the future’s fund and the other is the stabilisation fund,” Mr O’Neill said.

“I know our business community, landowners and our people are waiting to see the establishment of this fund, there are some cynicism out there thinking that we are not committed to establishing this Fund.”

Mr O’Neill said it had taken some time but there needed to be consultation among all stakeholders.

“The SWF will be established under the Constitution,” the prime minister said.

“The objective of the fund is to have macro-economic stability of the country and the economy, make sure that there is inter-generational or future generation financial security of our country – they must have equity in this as well and making sure we manage the receipts of all mineral and petroleum assets in the country.”

Mr O’Neill reiterated that the legal owner of the SWF was the state, and this was clearly defined in the Bill.

NO CAMP

PHONES were running hot yesterday. Reports coming in from Lae of a “camp” by national parliamentarians. But it was a false alarm as the only camp there was opposition to the Lae City Commission bill.

STORM

QUEENSLAND is bracing itself for a Category 2 Cyclone tomorrow morning. A storm is brewing in the Coral Sea and could impact on weather in the Southern region including the national capital.

PREPARE

HOPE our friends at the National Weather Service are prepared for after-effects from the wild weather. If there are major problems at the service, wonder where our aviators will get their data from.

FXWOES

HEARING stories of individuals and businesses looking for foreign currency to pay their overseas bills. Many are waiting days to exchange money to pay bills and school fees. Is there a problem?

RETIREE

HOPE the AFP is working with the RPNGC top brass to screen coppers flying down to Oz for training. It appears one of the PNG officers sent down recently to Australia is on the retirement list.

RED LIGHT

THE AFP also made headlines recently on social media for driving through a red light at the traffic lights next to the Waterfront shopping mall. Two Aussies cops were seen driving a black Hyundai (rego supplied).

UNIFALL

IT IS incredible that UPNG celebrates 50 years as an institution of higher learning in 2015. Deafening silence from the university administration! The alumni aren’t surprised at its fall from grace.

CRITICISM

OUR front page story yesterday on prostitution in the NCD kicked up a storm. Members of the religious fraternity slammed sex workers, saying they lacked human dignity and selfrespect.

IRONICALLY the Bible makes reference to one of Christ’s famous quotes: “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her”. Not sure if our religious folk remember.

PENGEE: thedrum@spp.com.pg

disease is the relationship between rise in economic development of natural resources

and decline in the manufacturing sector.

THIS a man trying to dig out sand and mud mixed with garbage that has been blocking the drain at the Holiday Inn back road in Port Moresby. The heavy rains, coupled with ignorant people not putting their rubbish in the right places, can cause such problems for the travelling public and city authorities.

Central Province sellers say space an issue Detainees on Manus Island remember Barati

CLAIMING space in markets and fighting over them can be a big issue for sellers in Port Moresby and it is the reason why a group of sellers want their own market.

This group is from Central Province who were not afraid to speak to the Post-Courier on Tuesday, saying it is an ongoing issue and they want it to be stopped or they must have their own market.

They have called on Central Governor Kila Haoda to speed up efforts and have the market at Boroko built properly and opened for them to use.

Bystanders also commented that they feel sorry for the people of Central Province who are being pushed out of the market areas.

Attempts to speak to the National Capital District Commission about people claiming space in markets were unsuccessful.

Last week, NCDC workmen were clearing Boroko market and Ned Gong, first secretary for NCD Governor Powes Parkop, said vendors from Malaoro and Gordon markets would be moved to the Boroko when the toilet was working and there was running water.

Censorship office bans Fifty Shades of Grey

BY LEONNIE WAYANG

THE controversial film

Fifty Shades of Grey has been refused classification by the Papua New Guinea Censorship office, which ultimately means it is not allowed to be shown in cinemas.

The movie was planned to be screened at the Paradise Cinemas in Vision City and Central Waigani in Port Moresby last Friday, on the eve of Valentine’s Day.

However, as it was not yet rated or approved by the Censorship office for public consumption then, screening was postponed pending a

decision from the office.

Deputy chief censor Jim Abani said yesterday they had made it known to the Paradise Cinemas yesterday that the movie was refused and had served them a notice of the decision con-

cerning classification. “The movie has been refused after a panel of eight of our officers classified it on Monday on various reasons pertaining to the content of the movie,” Mr Abani said. The Censorship office refused

classification of the movie for public consumption on the grounds that it: Contained explicit sexual activities; Hadrolonged sex scenes; Strong references to matters of sex; Use of coarse language; Provocative nudity with sexual suggestiveness; and; Sexual elements were used.

In the movie, a college girl engages in a sexual relation with a young wealthy man purely on physical needs where she was given gifts to pursue the man’s fantasies without any emotional attachment.

Mr Abani said he did not want a foreign movie which portrayed the exchange of sexual favours for gifts to be shown in the country as it could be harmful.

“We have a problem in our society where young girls and women are offered money or gifts by wealthy men for sex and all that. We don’t want to promote the idea of wealthy businessmen using women for sexual favours because they have the money and resources at their expense to do so. We don’t want this movie to be shown to the public as it is degrading to women,” Mr Abani said.

Research suggests that laziness is just a natural part of being a teenager and doesn’t reflect bad behavior.

ASYLUM seekers at the Manus Island detention centre have marked one year since Iranian man Reza Barati (pictured below) was beaten to death while in custody, ABC News reports.

Mr Barati was killed when security guards, police and locals stormed the Australian-run Manus regional processing centre in Manus on February 17, 2014.

Two Papua New Guinean men had been charged with murdering Mr Barati but the case had not progressed in months after a National Court hearing in Manus was adjourned in November because the two suspects were not legally represented.

Australians took to social media with the hashtag #LightTheDark to mark the incident and share images of candles and to speak out against mandatory detention.

About 1000 asylum seekers remain in detention on Manus Island.

In Sydney, a skywriter wrote the words “Shut down Manus” to mark the anniversary.

The skywriting was organised by three artists who used crowd funding to pay for it. – ABC News

PEOPLE selling their produce along the roadside at Malaoro market.

Family Planning addresses social issues

INTERNATIONAL NGO

Marie Stopes PNG has welcomed the launch of the national population policy 2015-24.

“The importance of this policy cannot be overstated,” said Maarten Van de Reep, country director for Marie Stopes PNG.

He said increasing access to high quality, voluntary contraception would help individuals, families and communities achieve their dreams.

Young people would be able to finish school, invest in their careers and relationships before starting a family, he said in a statement.

“Couples will be able to plan their financial futures and take care of their health by spacing their children. Communities will be able to plan for their land and invest in the education of their children,” he said.

“The country will be able to manage the infrastructure and social challenges of a growing population.

“Allowing all men and women to achieve their desired family size would save lives, alleviate poverty and support sustainable development. Furthermore, with up to a 700 per cent return on investment, each kina invested can save up to K7 in health, education, water and other public services.”

National Planning

Minister Charles Abel and acting Secretary Hakaua Harry launched the national population policy.

In 2014, the Government launched the responsible sustainable development strategy.

As part of the strategy, Marie Stopes PNG was contracted to provide quality, voluntary family planning services to 20,000 clients across National Capital District, Central, Madang, Morobe, Southern Highlands and Milne Bay provinces.

The bottom line

Global Fund HIV grant will be ready

BY NELLIE SETEPANO

THE Papua New Guinea HIV grant component from Global Fund may be ready by the middle of this year, says PNG country coordinating mechanism for the Global Fund chairperson Lady Roslyn Morauta.

Lady Morauta told the Post-Courier yesterday to ease any mixed reactions by the public that Global Fund only approved grant agreements for malaria and tuberculosis as a result of the signing in Port Moresby on Monday between stakeholders of TB and malaria with the visiting executive director for Global Fund Dr Mark Dybal.

Policy to control population growth

PAPUA New Guinea’s population could reach 30 million by 2050 if the current growth continues, National Planning Minister Charles Abel said yesterday as he launched the national population policy 2015-24 in Parliament

He said the population had doubled in just 20 years, from 3.5 million to more than seven million. Concerns had been raised that given current trends, the population would double again within the next 20 years which places extra ordinary pressures on resources and public services such as health care and education.

Mr Abel and development partners echoed concerns that without any intervention this trend would continue to 2050 when the population could reach 30 million.

At a glance

POPULATION POLICY: The policy launched yesterday in Parliament outlines the need for greater understanding of the link between population growth and sustainable development.

CURRENT POPULATION: The population has doubled in just 20 years from 3.5 million to more than seven million.

CONCERN: Given the current trends, the population would double again within the next 20 years, which places extra ordinary pressures on resources and public services such as health care and education. And without any intervention this trend would continue to 2050 when the population could reach 30 million.

He said the policy launched yesterday outlined the need for a greater understanding of the link between population growth and sustainable development.

“The policy will make an effort to reduce high risk fertility behaviour but continue to support these efforts within the context of reproductive health delivery.

“Population size and structure impact a country’s economy as well as its ability to provide social protections and access to health care, education, housing, sanitation, water, food and energy.

“The Department of National Planning and Monitoring has identified the need for greater emphasis to be placed on understanding

population dynamics and how community structures can be developed to ensure well-being for families.”

Mr Abel called for all to be responsible when it came to population by providing solutions through sustainable programs such the responsible sustainable development strategy that captured the improvement of reproductive health and voluntary family planning efforts.

With technical and financial support from the UNFPA, the third official population policy gives a strong emphasis on population as key development priority, with population as centre of development, furthermore stresses the importance of closing gaps of high mortality rates, the Minister noted.

Three grant agreements totalling more than K130 million were to fight malaria and tuberculosis in the country.

“PNG chose to submit applications for malaria first, then TB, last year,” Lady Morauta said.

“We managed to negotiate both to be ready for signing yesterday (Monday) when the ED was visiting PNG.”

After the malaria and TB proposals, the country coordinating mechanism for Global Fund later submitted an HIV application.

On the HIV grant, the Lady Morauta said there is an active grant that is still current.

“There is a lot of work involved – no way could we have submitted all together anyway.”

She said all Global Fund grants have their own individual timeframes.

NATIONAL Planning Minister Charles Abel cutting the ribbon to launch the population policy. Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and various MPs attended a luncheon to launch the policy.

Pentheraphobia is a fear of a mother-in-law.

There is a lot of work involved – no way could we have submitted all (three submissions together

LADY ROSELYN MORAUTA

Port Moresby

Parlt rescues fishery exports

BY ISAAC NICHOLAS

PARLIAMENT has come to the rescue of the fish exports facing imminent ban to the European Union when it passed amendments to the National Fisheries Act yesterday.

Fisheries Minister Mao Zeming, who introduced the amendments, said PNG fishery producers could face ban by the European Union if it failed to meet certain compliance issues on illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing practices.

He said the EU had already issued PNG with the “yellow card” for non-cooperation to EU market access requirements by June 10, 2014.

“Following the issuance of the yellow flag, the European Commission gave PNG an eight-month ultimatum deadline to rectify all the issues outlined in their letter of notification,” Mr Zeming said.

“Failure of which would render PNG being redflagged or banned from exporting any fish or fishery products under the duty-free and quota-free Economic Partnership Agreement signed between PNG and

Tari rolls out second phase of

rural power program

THE second phase of the rural electrification program has been rolled-out to cover the areas of Tari and surrounding areas.

Last Friday, the five presidents of Tari-Pori local level governments and the lord mayor of Tari Ken Arawi witnessed the continuation of rural electrification for areas surrounding the Tari urban area.

Tebi LLG president Thomas Tawi commended the district for continual support on the electricity grid extension in the Tebi LLG of which local contractor Mbale Contractors have put up well over 15 kms of voltage lines.

Friday’s occasion was the second phase to get power lines from Tari Kikita to Hoyebia village, which has a high school and a primary school and churches.

EU.” Mr Zeming said PNG had since met most of these compliance requirements and Parliament ratification was needed to avoid the ban which would be disastrous for the PNG fisheries industry.

“Noting that the Philippines, which is our main investor in fishing and processing, has recently been granted the generalised system of preference-plus by EU and may end up competing with us for the same market, it is important for PNG to ensure that we get an early removal of the yellow card to help our growing industry integrate itself into the global economy to remain competitive,” he said.

District administrator David Takirago stressed that Tari-Pori, district under Minister James Marape, has rural electricity as a priority along with better road in and out of Tari.

“We ask that people are reasonable in asking for compensation for improvement and environment and allow for service to go as electricity and roads are vital for a better life,” Mr Takirago said.

He said all villages around Tari will have power lines connected so that when permanent electricity becomes available, which Mr Marape and the national Government intends to deliver this year, we can light up our villages as well as Tari town.

Minister shifts land blame to physical planning boards

BY DONALD WILLIE

THE physical planning boards of provincial governments should be blamed for land grabs because they initiate zoning processes, Parliament has been told.

The bottom line

Lands and Physical Planning Minster Benny Allen said this yesterday when responding to Morobe Governor Kelly Naru during Question Time.

Mr Naru said section 375 lot 7 in Lae was public land

which the National Judicial Services had applied for to build a new court house but was now the subject of dispute because it was rezoned for commercial purposes.

He said the NJS had discussed its plans with the

Morobe provincial government and had applied for a certificate authorising occupation before running into complications.

Mr Naru said the Lands and Physical Planning Department, through its

land allocation section, had rezoned a piece of public land, contrary to the town planning board-prescribed land zoning.

“If land is allocated for public purposes, no-one should rezone it for commercial

Gong Xi Fa Cai

purposes,” Mr Naru said. He wanted the minister to assist in issuing a certificate authorising occupancy to the National Judicial Services for the new court building, or alternately deal with an appeal before him.

WORKERS from Iari Maintenance and Contractors working on a drain to control the excess overflow of water from the National Fisheries Authority compound at Kanudi outside Port Moresby. Picture: SAMUEL RAKUM

DRAIN DUTY

A man named Ryan McKnight spent 470 hours building a giant Lego replica of historic Roman town of Pompeii.

Failure to adhere to the European Union would render PNG being banned from exporting any fish or fishery products ...

Firm backs fight against malaria

IN an effort to improve access to better health services, InterOil has joined the fight against malaria by donating a cheque of K10,000 to the PNG Industry Malaria Initiative (PIMI) yesterday.

All of InterOils’ exploration licenses are in Gulf Province.

Unfortunately, rural communities in and around the areas where the company is carrying out exploration, drilling and seismic programs have very poor access to health services, hence the company’s contribution to help the local people.

InterOil will be making a greater effort to improving these health services, in collaboration with the government, other industries and non-government organisattions in its program of community interventions during 2015.

As an initial step the company is making a small donation of K10,000 to PIMI to assist its activities in fighting malaria in many parts of PNG, often along with some of our peers in the resource extraction industries.

Foreign-owned SMEs warned of changeover

BY DONALD WILLIE

NON-Papua New Guineans involved in small to medium enterprises (SMEs) should get ready to sell to locals and close shops, Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry Richard Maru warned yesterday.

He told Parliament the Government was planning legislation that would stop foreigners from owning and operating businesses with an initial investment of K10 million or less.

Mr Maru said this after concerns were raised by

Sector challenges remain

BY ABRAHAM AVEDIBA

THERE remains a number of challenges facing the country’s SME sector despite efforts from various parties to establish its growth, says a specialist.

Lessons from day two of the one-week business advisory skills program revealed surprising facts and figures relating to the various constraints that SMEs face.

East New Britain provincial commerce adviser Henry Tavul, a participant at the training, explained that each of the constraints varies depending on the type of businesses conducted in each province.

“Some SMEs are into agriculture, while others are into tourism and fishing, each of which has their own challenges.

“These include lack of support from relevant authorities to access and assign markets for each of these local SMEs, changes in government policies and regulations when one is replaced by another and the list goes on,” Mr Tavul said.

He also highlighted challenges associated with various structures of SMEs.

“When an SME is operated by a family unit, there’s always the issue of how the benefits are going to be shared and who is to be the manager. If it’s a corporate body, then there’s the issue of which gender manages it,” Mr Tavul said.

SMEs thrive in Chimbu

COTTAGE BUSINESSES: Enterprises like bakeries, tradestores, kai bars, poultry and others are classified as cottage businesses and are specifically reserved for Papua New Guineans.

LEGAL ISSUES: The foreigners who own and operate cottage businesses simply invoke the application of migration, labour and company laws to be dealth with accordingly.

ENFORCEMENT: Law is merely a writing on a sheet and its effectiveness depends on the relevant agencies to enforce it.

Bougainville Regional MP

Joe Lera that foreigners were running businesses locals were capable of. Mr Lera wanted to know if there were legislations in place which

protected local businessmen from foreigners in the SME category.

“Foreigners are coming in numbers and taking over the SMEs that are tradition-

ally reserved for Papua New Guineans, especially in trade stores, wholesale and fast food businesses,” Mr Lera said. He wanted the Foreign Affairs and Immigration and Labour and Industry departments to investigate and determine whether these foreigners are following foreign affairs and labour laws.

Mr Maru said all the consultation for the new SME policy and master plan was completed and the policy was ready to go before the cabinet for approval.

“Businesses with the initial investment of K10 mil-

lion or less must strictly be restricted to Paua New Guineans. Foreigners with less than K10 million will never be allowed to come into the country in the first place,” Mr Maru said.

He said all foreign-owned SMEs worth K10 million or less would be asked to sell to local businesses and leave the country to protect the interests of nationally-owned companies. “We need foreigners to come and continue to invest in PNG but to invest where we really need them –in big multi-million kina industries,” he said.

Coffee farmers suffer as industry declines

MANY smallholder coffee farmers are suffering because of the declining industry, says Dei MP Wesley Nukundj.

He said the coffee industry was suffering because there was no clear government policy or even government intervention, especially in the Hghlands where people were dependent on coffee to sustain their livelihood.

Mr Nukundj said many smallholder growers’ plots

and even big coffee plantations were overgrown by grass and weeds.

He said the coalition Government had been in office for nearly two years without any specific policy or intervention to assist coffee farmers.

“It is part of our life, for school fees, bride price, traditional exchange like Moka,” he said.

“A lot of coffee factories have closed down and coffee

plots and plantations have been overgrown by bush.

“Recently the Minister and Coffee Industry Corporation have been going around issuing coffee exporting licences, but on the side of production we are not producing coffee as shrubs have overgrown the plots and these licences are to export what coffee?

“Can you tell the people of PNG who have coffee gardens on what the plans and policy

for Government is?”

Agriculture Minister Tommy Tomscoll said coffee was a big industry which a lot of people depend on but it had been on the decline for the past 30 years.

He said many factors contribute to that decline, one was lack of consistent government support, secondly, the industry collapsed as a result of the Panga Coffee affair and thirdly, a lot of coffee

trees had aged and gone past peak time to produce the yield required.

Mr Tomscoll said the plan was to replant new coffee to improve and expand the crop in all the districts.

“I will bring the Government policy paper and Government support must continue, under this Government we have put in K7 million to start a nursery program by replanting coffee,” he said

WHILE there have been arguments of government making efforts in growing SMEs, several provincial governments have initiated programs to encourage growth in the sector.

Simbu provincial administration officer Rosemary Kaupa told the Post-Courier that the people in Simbu have progressed with a number of SME activities with the assistance of their MPs.

“Support from the provincial members is vital towards implementing SME policy by the locals,” Ms Kaupa said.

“We’re very grateful that Simbu Governor Noah Kool has taken the initiative to establish severak projects to promote SMEs.”

She explained the issue of finding suitable markets for vegetables, either locally or abroad, has been resolved through the establishment of Simbu Farmers Cooperative (SFC).

“Vegetables farmers sell all their produce to this company and this company then sells their produce on behalf of them to outside markets,” Ms Kaupa said. She said Simbu Governor Noah Kool has played a part in supporting SMEs in the province.

INTEROIL government and community affairs general manager Kuma Aua (right) presented a dummy cheque of K10,000 to PIMI representative Steve Knowles yesterday to help fight malaria.

Pari village set to receive more development

BY LEONNIE WAYANG

PEOPLE from Pari village in the Moresby South electorate have been some of the fortunate ones to see tangible changes in their community with new developments taking place in the area.

In a joint partnership between Minister for Sports and Moresby South MP

Justin Tkatchenko and NCD Governor Powes Parkop, a total of K900,000 was committed to build a new community hall, fencing and sports courts for Pari villagers.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held yesterday at the proposed site in the village where the hall will be built while the sports courts will include one court each for basketball, volleyball and netball.

“Both of us have been working to ensure the quality of life and standard of living in the villages is better,” NCD Governor Powes Parkop said.

He said services needed by the people were available such as health and education while better housing, road and sewerage system will have to be looked into as well to make Pari into a model village.

MPs must help address water issue

THE Government will address the issue of safe and clean water for rural Papua New Guineans, State Enterprise Minister Ben Micah said yesterday in Parliament.

This is because 90 percent of Papua New Guineans still do not have access to clean and safe water despite the fact that water was plentiful from rivers and creeks.

But all members of parliament must chip in with their district support improvement program (DSIP) funds in order to assist the Government with its plans to address this issue, the minister said.

Mr Micah said this while responding to questions raised by Nawaeb MP Gisuwat Siniwin, who said a large portion of his people in the Nawaeb electorate were still using 200-litre drums of water every day.

Mr Siniwin said Lae is the second largest city with onequarter of the population in Nawaeb, settlements not having safe and clean water supply and asked if the Government had any plans to address this issue.

Mr Micah said water was plentiful in the country but unfortunately this abundant resource was not available to everyone.

MPs feel rage of Kumalu

BY HAIVETA KIVIA

OPPOSITION Leader Don Polye and his Opposition MPs, bar Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Basil, came to fully realise the might of the Kumalu River in Bulolo District on Monday.

Mr Polye, Kikori MP Mark Maipakai, Eastern Highlands Governor Julie Soso and Mr Basil were forced to spend one night at Wau after the Kumalu flooded its banks at three locations along the Wau-Bulolo Highway.

The river caused the four MPs to miss the National Parliament sitting on Tuesday.

It threw up silt as deep as two to three metres and broke its banks at three locations along the highway on Monday afternoon after heavy rain at its head-waters, making it inaccessible with the assistance of heavy road plants.

The Opposition party was forced to return to Wau, where they stayed the night and came out the next day on a light aircraft, owned by North Coast Aviation. Mr Polye and Mr Maipakai, who were national ministers in various cabinets in the past, never fully realised the dire straits that the businesses houses and the people in Lae, Bulolo, Wau, and the Hidden Valley

At a glance

KUMALU RIVER: Situated along the Wau-Bulolo highway in Lae, Morobe Province has caused problems for the travelling public for years.

OPPOSITION: Say they will use policies and various forums to push the government give priority to the problem.

Mine faced until Kumalu River had them stranded on Monday.

On Monday morning, the Opposition Leader and his deputy’s party were halted for over an hour at Kumalu as excavators cleared the silt and cleared access across the river before they hit the road again for Wau.

On their return in the afternoon to Lae, the river didn’t allow them to cross and forced them to return to Wau.

While, waiting at Kumalu for the road to be cleared in the morning, Mr Polye, Mr Maipakai and Mr Basil were peppered with a series of questions by the citizens of Bulolo, also stranded by the river.

Mr Polye said the Opposition will use policies and various forums to debate and push the government to give priority to the Kumalu River problem.

MR Tkatchenko with NCD Governor Powes Parkop and Sir Isi Kevau at the ground-breaking ceremony in Pari village.

Tongamp concerned over police brutality

BY DONALD WILLIE

JIWAKA Governor William Tongamp told Parliament yesterday that incidents of police brutality are increasing in the province. His comments followed the death of a speeding driver who was locked up overnight at Banz police station at the weekend and found dead in the cell the next morning.

Governor: Remove road block

should be lifted.

A CRISIS meeting initiated by Jiwaka Governor William Tongamp yesterday called on locals to remove road block in Kugark near the Kurumul provincial headquarters.

Mr Tongamp, who left theon-going Parliament session to attend to the four-day roadblock along the Highlands Highway following the death of Cedric McWiden, reportedly killed by police on Saturday night, said police hierarchy and the government were now involved in the case and the road block

Mr Tongamp assured relatives of Mr McWiden that he was personally involved and would fly three detectives from Port Moresby up by this afternoon to investigate into the death and get to the bottom of the matter.

Backed by provincial police commander Joseph Tondop, administrator Michael Wandil and acting Highlands police mobile group commander Kelly Sombe, the Governor assured a peace mediation team at the provincial headquarters that both police and government

at the highest level were aware of the death and would seriously look into it.

Supt Tondop and chief sergeant Sombe said the four days of road block along the Highway has cost millions of kina in business and appealed to the relatives of the victim to lift the roadblock as it was a criminal act.

“We feel your grievances and will be supporting you by facilitating an investigation into the death” Supt Tondop said.

“The police hierarchy don’t accept police brutality and

we assure that tough actions will be taken because the death occurred in police custody.”

Mr Sombe appealed to the locals to remove the roadblock to allow police to investigate the events of Saturday night which resulted in the death of Mr McWiden.

“You must help us remove the roadblock and we’ll play our part to investigate the death,” Chief Sgt Sombe said.

“The roadblock is unnecessary, has cost millions of kina loss in business and is affecting the interior high-

lands provinces.”

Police indicated that if the roadblock was not removed sooner, they would move in and remove it themselves.

Mr McWiden was driving up near the Chimbu-Jiwaka border on Saturday night with his emergency light on when police allegedly questioned him and bashed him up.

According to police reports, he died inside the Banz police cell on Saturday night but relatives claim he was dead on the road and his body thrown into the cell and set up the roadblocks.

Five police officers have already been suspended as the death is being investigated by an independent team.

Mr Tongamp said he wanted these police officers who were involved to be put behind bars immediately.

He was raising questions about the road block between Kurumul and Minj which had been in place since Saturday.

“Recently, we had a lot of incidents where some bad police officers are bashing up people to death,” he said, asking the Police Minister Robert Atiyafa what he was doing about police brutality. Mr Atiyafa replied that he needed to be briefed by police hierarchy on the situation to give proper advice to the Jiwaka Governor at a later date.

GOVERNOR Tongamp (centre), PPC Tondop and members of the peace mediation team yesterday.

BY JOHHNY POIYA

WILL THE MIX WORK?

I COMMENT on the new Offi ce of Religion by the Department of Community Development and Home

Affairs. I want to ask the Secretary and the Minister to seriously think before mixing religion with public service and politics.

Firstly the Offi ce of the Secretary of Community Development must seriously consider ethical and moral issues first and be exemplary in their conduct in offi ce as Christian believers in all the teachings of the Bible. Secondly, are they (public servants) prepared to keep the ministry and the offi ce holy or continue to smear the image of the department to be just another of those window dressing at Waigani?

A nd finally, there are two factions of Christians now in PNG. One is the main line churches and the other the charismatic churches. Which side is the government going to t ake? Would this pose a threat to the Church – Government partnership?

Jijiro Tubuna Waigani. NCD

WHERE IS THE MONEY?

COULD the Educaton Minister send a team of offi cers to inspect all schools? There is a primary school w ith the biggest number of students w ithin the Nine-Mile and Bomana area, which I am sure gets the biggest cut in subsidy and yet the state of classrooms, teachers’ offi ces and the ablution block is terrible. The classrooms look like run down buildings. Are classrooms supposed to be conducive for learning?

Do board members and headmaster walk around the school area and see the state of buildings and think about fi xing them?

A nd where do all the school funds go to? There has hardly been a teachers/parents meeting in the last three years.

Concerned parent.

Please help Milne Bay students

PLEASE can Nancy Malana living somewhere in Port Moresby call or text me me on this mobile number: 73859815. Friends and family who know her, please pass this message on to her.

Billy Ave

THERE are more than 10 Milne Bay Students enrolled to study at IBS this year.

Some of them are residing at the IBS hostel at Six-Mile.

Accommodation is provided but not food.

I am writing this email to seek assistance if you are from Milne Bay or a friend of someone from Milne Bay and have used Milne Bay words like “Ewa ou how” or “Det wan how”.

Please help us give food to the students.

Yesterday, there were three hungry Milne Bay boys sitting outside the Six-Mile admin building wanting to withdraw from studies and

return home. A teary Margret Kuli (IBS Logistics Manager) met me outside after coming back from my lecture at IBS 11-Mile Campus and asked me to speak to them.

Sean Teliwa, Vaili Kekedo and I met them and heard their story. One did not have bus fare to go to 11 Mile for lectures which is K650 a semester, one was hungry, discouraged and wanted to go home, the other was just trying his best, hungry and trying to encourage the other two.

These boys have the potential to study and are keen to learn.

But with no one to turn to here in Port Moresby, they are discour-

aged and wanted to go home.

I am appealing to Milne Bay family and friends please help bring some food and if we have cash, we can give to Vaili Kekedo to contribute towards transport for the students studying at 11-Mile Campus.

These are our children not only from Milne Bay, but Papua New Guinea.

Thanking you all in advance and God Bless.

Those who want to help call Violet on 7349 8301 or Olive 7372 9828

Olive Six-Mile

Are we giving oil for free?

Letter of the day

THE current ExxonMobil PNGlead LNG project is the biggest gas project in the history of the nation.

This project will significantly underpin the economy for years to come and generate much needed revenue for the country.

In the not too distant future, the Elk and Antelope gas projects in the Gulf Province will soon come on stream, further boosting our economy yet again.

There are also viable gas discoveries in Western Province awaiting approvals for their development by investors.

However, I am compelled to ask as to what happens to the oil that may be found during major gas discoveries?

I am asking this question because geologically speaking, gas and oil are naturally found together. Usually the gas, being much lighter, floats on the oil. Hence, wher-

has never been any mention of the amount of oil that may be present.

I am of the impression that may be the Department of Petroleum believes all the reports presented by exploration companies without verifying them.

Can the concerned authorities clear the air over why there has never been any mention of oil during major gas discoveries?

If there is indeed viable oil discovered together with the gas, what will happen to the oil?

Are we selling off our oil for free by signing only for the gas?

I am suggesting that if viable gas and oil are found together in the same place, separate agreements should be signed for the two petroleum resources respectively to obtain maximum returns for the country.

Text us on 208

YES TO DEATH PENALTY

I WRITE to express my support for the government to implement the death penalty. In recent times, the rate of murders in PNG has soared prompting the Government to implement the death penalty. It is timely that our nation introduce tough penalties on those who have taken innocent lives, not to mention causing irreparable, emotional damage to the friends and families of the deceased. However, I would like to suggest that the death penalty be extended to the following: ILLICIT drugs and firearms smuggling and distribution; RAPE; KIDNAPPING; ARMED robbery; and THEFT of public funds over K500,000.

ever there is gas, there is sure to be oil beneath the gas.

The silence is deafening considering the fact that in almost all the gas discoveries made so far, there

We cannot afford to sell two precious resources for the price of one.

Eugene Kambut Port Moresby

Thank you Minister Tkatchenko for your help

MY name is Ekari Awe. I am a 32year-old disabled male. I live on Sabaka Street in Kaugere in NCD (Moresby South electorate). I have been disabled from birth and my limbs don’t have much strength.

I just completed my grade 12 at the Juha College Secondary School this year. I have applied for further studies at colleges and hope that I get an offer.

I am writing to thank you for having the TVET and Secondary Education Sponsorship in place in your Moresby South Electorate. The sponsorship program has been the sole reason why I have successfully completed my school up to this level. If it were not for

10 years ago

this program I would have not completed my grade 12 and would have paid K7000 a year.

The situation would have been compounded by my physical disability.

As a person living with disability

I would have found it difficult to meet the fees of my education at Juha College Secondary School. I also would like to recommend Juha College to be the major advocate to the Member’s education program. This college has the capacity to handle all students including disabled persons like me.

I am a pioneer student at the Juha College, which in its fifth year of operation. I have grown

with this school. It has gone from strength to strength and has the potential to grow.

I am thankful that the Minister, in his wisdom, set up the sponsorship program. I would like to commend the program coordinators like Ms Rose Haguai and others, who work tirelessly to ensure it is a success.

I have benefited from this program and I am sure there are others like me.

Thank you and God Bless you, Minister Justice Tkatchenko.

I am sure many would agree that the death penalty be extended to offenders who commit the above crimes. It is time to send a clear message to the world that PNG will not tolerate serious crimes.

“Had Enough”

Port Moresby

ARABAGALI STIRRING

I WRITE to bring clarity and put to rest the minds of our beloved Nipa and Hela people to the recent media statement in the PostCourier dated Friday, 13, 2015 by Mr Damien Arabagali of Hela Gimbu Association, he seems to represent Hela people are demanding peace and reconciliation ceremonies with our neighbouring brothers of Nipa in the Southern Highlands.

As far as Helas are concerned, we don’t have any ethical, political or administrative issues with the people of Nipa.

with stable political leaderships of both provinces.

Now, commenting on Arabagali’s published article, if he sees that there are still unsolved issues that needs a peace and reconciliation ceremony, as a leader he should come out in public and reveal all the outstanding conflicts as his statement turned the spotlight back on buried issues of the two ethnic groups.

However, if Arabagali’s intention is to gain his own administrative and political ambitions by using the Hela people; the best thing he should do is to distance himself or quit from making malicious comments as it will never go down well with our peace-loving people.

IT IS noticeable that some of our politicians perform far better as local MPs then as Ministers because they are simply not capable to take charge and manage national affairs.

The PM needs to conduct a performance review of the cabinet and appoint men and women who are suited for ministerial roles and replace those who are wasting this county’s time and money.

Start with the likes of the Health Minister, he has been toying around for the last two years with large portions of the national budget, while many lives continue to be lost to preventable illness and disease.

With due respect Minister Malabag, I believe that any portfolio Minister of a country is in fact a line manager to that nation and when he/she does not perform to expectation they should be dismissed accordingly.

Ekari

We Disabled Student

Our conflicts in the past had been amicably resolved and the people of both sides have enjoyed an atmosphere of living in peace

THE use of buffaloes in harvesting forest trees is proving a success for a West New Britain community. PC Feb 2, p25, 2005.

Orlando W

is no reason for students to carry

is no reason for students to carry mobile phones around in school areas or use mobile around in school areas or use during study periods except on holidays on holidays.

Kellie Kemali of Hagara Primary School in Moresby Northwest Kellie Kemali of School in Northwest electorate warns of the bad effect mobile phones have on students electorate warns of the bad effect mobile have on students.

Peace Keeper Hela Province

SACK MALABAG

PNG’s first LNG being shipped out to Japan.

IPBC wins K41m battle

THE Independent Public Business Corporation (IPBC) recently won a court battle in Australia and successfully recouped A$20 million (K41.9 million) belonging to the Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited (MVIL).

This was the first victory in its ongoing court bid to recoup more than K90 million which was held up in a failed arrangement abroad.

The matter stemmed from an arrangement MVIL entered into in July 2009 with Woodlawn Capital Pty Ltd (Woodlawn), in which MVIL transferred K96 million (about $A43 million) to Woodlawn to invest and manage with the aim of growing the fund over time.

The Supreme Court of New South Wales ordered on December 17, 2014, that Woodlawn release $A20 million to MVIL in line with the same court’s earlier judgement, made in October 2014.

In accordance with the court ruling, Woodlawn transferred $A20 million

At a glance

IPBC: The Independent Public Business Corporation.

MVIL: Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited.

COURT BATTLE: IPBC recently won a court battle in Australia and successfully recouped K41.9 million belonging to the MVIL.

ORIGIN: The matter stemmed from an arrangement MVIL entered into in July 2009 with Woodlawn Capital Propriety Limited.

(K41.9 million) to Gadens Lawyers trust account in PNG in December and the funds were finally released to MVIL. Gadens law firm had provided legal representation for MVIL in the matter since proceedings were initiated against Woodlawn in 2011.

IPBC informed a media conference yesterday that the NSW court ruling was the first outcome in the series of court cases

between the parties, which are battling over $A26 million held in bank accounts managed by Woodlawn that had been ‘frozen’ by the Court since March 20, 2012.

The case has been pursued by the IPBC on behalf of MVIL since July 2011 as MVIL was subject to regulation under the IPBC Act 2002.

In relation to the matter in Australia, the IPBC board unanimously approved legal action against those responsible for losses incurred in the transaction and the establishment of the funds.

According to the NSW Supreme Court ruling, there were a number of outstanding issues that the Court would resolve when the matter resumes on March 30.

Those issues include whether MVIL would be awarded interest on the funds since November 17, 2011, and whether MVIL would be able to recover its legal costs of the proceedings from Woodlawn.

FIRED OR NON-FIRED BRICK?

BRICKS laid out in front of the Gordon Betting Shop in the National Capital District. Two most basic categories of bricks are fired and non-fired bricks. Fired bricks are long lasting and a durable building material sometimes referred to as “artificial stone” and have been used since 5000 BC. Air dried bricks have a history older than fired bricks, are known also as mud bricks and adobe and have an additional ingredient of a mechanical binder such as straw.

Keep people’s money safe, says Micah

BY JACOB POK

IN light of damning reports of millions of kina in public funds from State-owned companies being mismanaged in the past, Public Enterprise and State Investment Minister Ben Micah has warned the current board and management of these companies to manage public funds properly. He said this yesterday while welcoming a court victory by the Independent Public Business Corporation (IPBC) in Australia which successfully retrieved a portion of monies belonging to Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited (MVIL) that was with in a failed investment abroad.

Mr Micah urged current boards

and managements to learn from this and manage public funds properly. He said a lot of monies were extracted from State-owned companies in the past but most were spent on goods and projects that were never delivered or half delivered.

“I have come across many similar arrangements where money was paid but services not rendered. State-owned entities such as PNG Ports, MVIL, IPBC, Telikom, PNG Power and others have entered into such arrangements where money was spent but goods and services were not delivered,” Mr Micah said.

He said the State-owned enterprises are now in healthy state under the current Government and would improve more in the coming years.

Court quashes settlers’ bid

THE Lae District Court yesterday quashed an ex parte order restraining the eviction of settlers at Begesin compound in the Ahi local level government council area.

Magistrate Tera Dawai granted the submission by Gamoga Lawyers representing Homestate Corporation Limited.

The order was filed by Peter Kara and 36 others, representing settlers at Begesin compound.

According to Mr Dawai, the complainant had taken the ex parte order without first appealing the pending order of eviction as perceived and granted by the Lae district court to Homestate since 2013.

Mr Dawai said there is no good reason by the courts to uphold the restraining order, thereby granted the order filed by Homesate to remove the restraining order with

the endorsement of the court.

He added the district court recognises Homestate as the legal title holder of the land and any doings by Homestate based on humanitarian grounds to the settlers would not be decided by the courts.

Mr Dawai said Homestate was not obliged to compensate the illegal settlers of Begesin compound but the company had made an offer of K120,000 which the settlers rejected and asked for K200,000.

He told settlers any claim of compensation could be made to the National Court but first they had to vacate the land as notified through the initial eviction notice.

Early this month Homestate pushed for the eviction order to be implemented but met opposition with the complainant imposing the exparte order.

Fairweather joins Juffa

BY GORETHY KENNETH

SUMKAR MP Ken Fairweather has resigned from Government and joined hands with Northern (Oro) Governor Gary Juffa to join the Opposition.

In a letter to the Speaker of Parliament last week, Mr Fairweather advised that he was moving to the Opposition to join Mr Juffa in voicing issues of nation-

al interest. “I wrote to the Speaker to advise I am moving to Opposition with Oro Governor. We have signed an agreement together that we will speak on the issues of national interest together,” Mr Fairweather said.

“They didn’t want us in the middle benches so we are going to the Opposition.

Last week East Sepik Governor Sir Michael Somare also moved, taking

Maipakai confronts dept officials

BY GLORIA BAUAI

KIKORI MP Mark Maipakai confronted National Planning and Monitoring officials on Friday at the Parliament state function room to express his frustrations at the lack of implementation of funds in his electorate in Gulf Province.

The officials who were there for a cheque presentation to the Gulf provincial government for the implementation of priority projects under the LBSA and UBSA agreements were taken by surprise when an upset Maipakai stormed into the room demanding that the presentation stopped.

Mr Maipakai, who had just been cleared from a long trial for misappropriation of funds last year, was upset that despite the signing of many such agreements, there had not been any obvious use of these funds in the Kikori electorate for which he had been blamed.

“You continue to sign paper after paper, you never follow up to see where the money goes,” he said. “Never even go to Kikori to see what is translated on the ground.”

Coming face to face with one officer, Mr Maipakai said they were the ones abusing funds and then accusing him for the wrong doings.

“You all know that I only receive DSIP, nothing beyond that. I hardly get one single toea for Kikori,” he said.

He said this attitude was very embarrassing and not good enough. “You are making a mockery of the government system...using these money like petty cash for Gulf administration and politicians,” he said.

Mr Maipakai, who also was not aware of the presentation of the cheque, was clearly upset he was not informed of the occasion.

MP blames mine over river floods

BY JACOB POK

THE people of Mekeo in Kairuku-Hiri district of Central Province continue to be affected by flood during wet seasons, causing destruction to food gardens and properties.

Kairuku-Hiri MP Peter Isoaimo blamed the Tolukuma mine for the ongoing flood, citing sediment buildup in on riverbeds as a result of mining upstream.

The MP brought the issue before parliament during Question Time last week, highlighting the struggles faced by his people as a result of continued flooding in the area.

Mr Isoaimo said West Mekeo was the most affected where many homes were either washed away or submerged under water.

He said the flood disaster had also caused havoc to section of Bereina to Gulf road along the Mekeo plain.

Mr Isoaimo said there was need for the drainage of water along the road to clear the road passage for vehicles to pass through.

He appealed to the government to look into the situation and assist his people.

the middle benches and sat next to Kairuku-Hiri MP Peter Isoaimo.

In the last Parliament session last year, Sir Michael had announced that he would move to the middle benches. Yesterday he was allocated his seat, which he promptly took up.

In related news, Mr Juffa welcomed the decision by the leader of Government Business and Finance

Minister James Marape to move him from the Government benches to the Opposition in Parliament.

“Basically, I am satisfied. I just want to state that I am satisfied that I have always spoken up against decisions I feel are not in the best interest of the country or the people,” Mr Juffa said. “I will continue to do what I have been doing and speak up for PNG. I really don’t

care where I sit as long as it’s in Parliament.”

Mr Marape said Mr Juffa’s removal was based on his criticisms against government policies and announcements.

According to Marape, the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) party has resolved in their caucus meeting to remove the Oro Governor and leader of the People’s Movement for

Change party from the government benches.

However, Juffa said he understood the Government’s decision against him.

“The Government cannot be seen to be divided in issues it has developed policies,” he said.

Mr Juffa has been very vocal on issues affecting his people, especially logging and landowner issues.

bwaluka@spp.com.pg

Veterinary clinic gets V-day gift

OUR furry friends at the RSPCA Veterinary Clinic in Port Moresby received a gift on Valentine’s Day from DHL Express.

DHL Express donated towels and blankets for the puppies and kittens last Friday.

The DHL customer service department said: “We do care about our animals and are happy to support a worthy cause.”

DHL is the initials of the three founders of the company.

Founded in San Francisco more than 40 years ago by three budding entrepreneurs – Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom and Robert Lynn.

DHL has continued to expand at a phenomenal rate. Today, it stands tall as the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry.

Legal service expands in Milne Bay Province

THE establishment of legal services in Milne Bay Province is expected to see improved access to justice and delivery of legal services.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Timothy Ai said this following the official handing over of the two staff houses to the office of the Public Prosecutor and the Public Solicitor’s office by the Milne Bay Provincial Government earlier this week.

Mr Ai said the Milne Bay model could be replicated elsewhere to help expand legal services and access to

Districts praise MP over wastes

BY GRACE AUKA SALMANG

ENVIRONMENTAL damage caused by mining operations impact greatly on rural communities without much redress from mining companies.

After suffering for almost 20 years, the affected rural communities along the river system of Angabanga River in the Goilala and KairukuHiri districts of Central Province have commended their MP Peter Isoaimo for raising their concerns in Parliament last week.

Mr Isoaimo claims that Angabanga and other water-ways in his electorate are being polluted by the Tolokuma Gold Mine on the Owen Stanley Range.

“I believe he’s the man who really has the heart for the people to tackle the mining company over its mine wastes affecting the river and ecosystem,” the Auga Dilava Resources Association chairman, Billy Aia Avi, told the Post-Courier

“This is an ongoing issue. We have been suffering from the waste pollutions since the Mine started operations,” Mr Avi said.

The affected communities are hoping for a positive response from the Mining Department as indicated by Mining Minister Byron Chan in Parliament last week.

At a glance

SERVICES: Permanent establishment of legal services in Milne Bay Province.

FUNDING: The K720,000 investments was evenly funded between the Australian and Milne Bay governments.

BENEFIT: These redevelopments created the professional environment for additional legal services for the local community.

justice for more people. The two houses would accommodate staff of both legal agencies.

He commended the Australian Government and the Milne Bay Provincial Government for its joint funding.

The handover follows the recent establishment of other legal buildings in Alotau – the court house, and the refurbishment of the Office of the Public Prosecutor, both completed last year, through the PNG-Australia Law and

Justice Partnership. Mr Ai said these redevelopments created the professional environment for additional legal services for the local community.

However, without staff housing, both the Public Prosecutor’s and Public Solicitor’s Offices could only provide on-the-ground services on a fly-in fly-out basis.

Mr Ai said the local and permanent establishment of these legal services in Alotau will allow them to develop greater collaboration between locallybased justice agencies, and

national justice agencies, to together and ensure the delivery of impartial and independent justice.

The Public Solicitor’s Office provides independent, accessible and quality legal assistance, for socially and economically disadvantaged persons and minority groups, for both criminal and civil matters.

The Office of the Public Prosecutor prosecutes serious criminal matters on behalf of the community.

The K720,000 investments was evenly funded between the Australian and Milne Bay governments.

The Tolukuma Gold Mine is 100km north of Port Moresby.

It is comprised of a small open pit, but largely an undergrounds mine, containing high grade, narrow epithermal veins.

We have been suffering from the waste pollutions

BILLY AIA AVI Central Province

InterOil to give report on oil spillage in Gulf village

BY GORETHY KENNETH

A FAULTY underground inflatable storage tank with 15,000 litres of jet A1 fuel may have spilled and leaked into a village in Gulf Province last week.

InterOil said yesterday it would be preparing a full report on this incident for submission to Government authorities, which will include the most beneficial remediation measures and

appropriate compensation for landowners impacted by this spillage.

Landowners of the Harisu InterOil seismic campsite in Miaru village in Malalaua district reported last week that the spillage has affected the village near the source of spill.

They told the Post-Courier they have presented their demands to InterOil and the Environment and Conservation Department.

The demands have been presented, some of which include InterOil and Oilmin to accept responsibility for the oil (JETA1 fuel) spill. They are to write officially to the community and accept the fact that the spill is from their seismic camp and produce an environment management plan, oil spill plan and other waste management plans.

Yesterday InterOil confirmed the Jet A1 fuel spill-

age or leakage in a Malalaua village.

“InterOil advises that last week there was a leakage of Jet A1 fuel from the storage area of a camp at Herisu in Gulf Province managed by Oilmin, a major support contractor to the company,” they said.

After the fuel leakage was discovered, the matter was immediately reported to the Department of Petroleum and Energy and mop-up

activities begun, recovering a significant amount of the fuel.

An InterOil environmental team had been on site for a number of days along with a specialist environmental remedial company, XLT Limited, carrying out a full investigation of the extent of the impact of the leaked fuel in order to decide the most appropriate option to mitigate adverse effects.

Initial indications were that the impact of the spill was limited to a relatively small area, approximately 100m by 50m adjacent to the camp fence line, which includes the land and gardens of one extended family living in two houses nearby.

Jet A-1 fuel is used for commercial aviations which are produced to a standardized international specification.

PICTURED receiving the ‘love gift’ on behalf of our furry friends is assistant vet nurse, Joe Kendai (first from left). He is with the lovely ladies from DHL Express, (from left to right) Lynn Teio, customer service supervisor, Nia Maraha, customer service manager and Caroylne Baki, customer service agent.

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

Power work for teachers college in progress

BY ANDREW ALPHONSE

AFTER many years of operating without electricity, the Dauli Teachers College in Tari, Hela Province, would soon have access to electricity.

This follows the maintenance and rehabilitation of both the high voltage (HV) and low voltage (LV) power pylons and lines from Yangome to Dauli to connect with the main electricity supplied by PNG Power operated generators in Tari.

Local contractor Mbale Electrical Ltd was given K200,000 by PNG Power to connect power to Dauli and the surrounding communities. The scope of work was for three kilometres from Yangome to the Dauli mini hydro-plant at the Alua River bridge.

However, Mbale Electrical’s managing director, Michael Kewa, said the company decided to extend their work and upgraded the lines and poles from the hydro-plant for another 2.5 kilometres to the college and the surrounding communities as part of their community service obligation and without any payment.

Mt Tundaka in Enga set for mining

BY PEARSON KOLO

THE Mt Tundaka gold, oil and gas projects in the Kandep district of Enga Province are ready to be explored and mined.

This follows the registration of a business group by landowners with the Investment Promotion Authority and landowners are now ready to allow mining and explorations to start on Mt Tundaka.

The principle landowner of Mt Tundaka, chief Tom Ango, said the immediate landowners of Mt Tundaka resources are together under the Mt Tundaka Kupatama Kokari Aihone Investment Corporation with one interest.

“That is to have the minerals on Mt Tundaka explored and mined for the benefit of the people of Mt Tundaka, Kandep District, and the country at large,” Mr Ango said.

He said the landowners are working closely with the Enga Provincial Government, which allocated K150,000 for logistic support to the landowners to prepare themselves for developers.

“We invite developers to come through our registered business group to develop the minerals,” Mr Ango stressed.

He said Mt Tundaka, Mt Pakapuwa and Mt Kare, all in the

District continues losing leaders

THE death toll in a district in the Highlands region has alarmingly reached 30 straight after New Year. Those who have died are young men – most of them have been recognised as future prominent leaders of their district and province. The people of Baiyer Lumusa District in the Western Highlands Province have been in mourning since the New Year with the the recent death being last week.

Paul Balus Warte, aged in his late 40s from Pinyapyisa village in the Lumusa district, died of a heart problem.

He was working as the district administrator for Jimi district and leaves behind a wife from Madang and four young children.

Mr Warte contested in the Lumusa LLG president seat in 2013 and came second.

Kandep district of Enga Province, are sources of minerals such as gold, oil and gas.

The Kupatama, Kokari and Aihone landowners of Mt Tundaka have already tested samples of the minerals with national analysts at the University of Technology Campus in Lae and have their report.

Mr Ango told potential developers and the Government that Mt Tundaka is not in the Magarima District and anything to do with Mt Tundaka and Mt Kare Minerals must go through the Enga Provincial Government under the leadership of Enga Governor Peter Ipatas.

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WORKMEN from local contractor Mbale Electrical Ltd erecting HV and LV poles and connecting power lines to the Dauli Teachers College in Tari last Sunday. Picture: ANDREW ALPHONSE

TOM Ango

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OC urged to probe shipping venture

THE Ombudsman Commission has been challenged to investigate the operations of Morobe Coastal Shipping and its assests.

Paulo Beling, a Guvu village elder in the Hube LLG, made this call after learning about the Finschhafen joint district planning and budget priority committee (JDP&BPC) allocating K1.5 million in collaboration with four other districts to start the shipping company.

“This is public money and we need clinics, schools, bridges and trunk roads to be built instead of creating something that is not even operating today,” Mr Beling said.

“We have needs and I urge the JDP&BPC members, including Theo Zurenuoc, to draw up workable plans to provide service delivery and economic sustains programs in the district to alleviate rural poverty instead of enriching cronies under the guise of business for the people.”

He said while the same cannot be said about other four

districts – Kabwum, TewaeSiassi, Nawaeb and Huon Districts – Finschhafen district is the most remote rural district in Morobe.

He said the shipping company has yet to own a property and no vessel owned by the company has gone on any voyage since the collection of K7.5 million from the five electorates.

He reminded Mr Zurenuuoc that Finschhafen district has a lot to catch up in terms of infrastructure development. He challenge the MP to visit places like Pindiu, Wareo, Mindik and explain to the people what programs he has initiated in his seven years as their representative.

“It is very painful that while we have the Mongi hydro project, oil, gas, and mineral discoveries, coffee and other projects that need the MP’s input, our leader is always in Port Moresby talking about developing the national Parliament.

“These are national functions and I urge you to refocus on the district.”

Lutherans against liquidation

EVANGELICAL Lutheran Church followers are against the liquidator, BDO Accountants from selling any vessels owned by Lutheran Shipping.

Lutheran Shipping employee representative David Baital called on all ELCPNG members to pray for the return of normalcy for Lutheran Shipping services to the coastal waters of Morobe.

He said this in response to an advertisement placed in the newspapers by the liquidator, BDO, on behalf of Kambang Holdings which proposed to sell eight vessels.

Mr Baital said the people want the vessels on the waters to serve them to spread the Gospel and met their transport needs.

He reiterated the stand made during the 2014 ELCPNG synod on Karkar Island.

He said the synod did not authorise the liquidation nor did it endorse any Ampo administration officers (ELCPNG head office) people to sell the vessels.

“These vessels belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea and it remains our property until such time the synod decides,” Mr Baital said.

He said all employees of Lutheran Shipping under Kambang Holdings are still waiting to be paid out their

At a glance

LUTHERAN SHIPPING: Lutheran Shipping was the biggest and perhaps only shipping service provided owned by a church in the country. It has been serving the coastal and islands regions of PNG for many years up until two years ago when it grounded to a halt after years of mismanagement and politics in the church company that was running it.

REPLACEMENT: The Government and other propoents are pushing for a new company to provide this vital service

final entitlements.

Meanwhile ELCPNG Ukata district representative David Path also reiterated that Lutheran Shipping is intending to sail its vessels in March this year.

He reminded BDO Accountants that the liquidation was not recognized by Karkar synod and that the ECLPNG Church Council resolution of last year does not have the head bishop’s signature to engage the liquidator.

“I want the liquidator to produce the synod resolution authorising him to sell our vessels, otherwise I consider this actions illegal,” Mr Path said.

MV Gejamsoa, a vessel that belonged to the defunct Lutheran Shipping.

Road conditions worry Institute of Engineers

CONCERNS have been raised on bad road conditions in East New Britain province.

Chairman of the Rabaul Branch of the Institution of Engineers, John Paivu said roads are being poorly built or maintained, showing a lack of know-how and improper supervision.

“Roads have suffered because of inadequate drainage resulting in potholes,” Mr Paivu said.

“Another aspect of poor road maintenance is bad scoping of works by authorities.”

Road conditions in some areas of the province have gone from bad to worse over the last couple of months.

Mr Paivu said another major concern was the flooding and soil erosion on roads, notably the Malapau section of the Rabaul to Kokopo Road and elsewhere.

“It is also a cost worry as hundreds of thousands of kina have been spent and

there seems to be no ending,” he said.

He said prior to Independence Malapau was part of a plantation and only a number of buildings occupied by workers was near the road and that there was hardly any flooding and soil erosion and the road was in good condition.

He said since the takeover of the plantation people settled on the land and on higher grounds and built houses without gutters and tanks.

“Run offs from these roofs are the cause of flooding and soil erosions which has caused thousands of kina in unnecessary maintenance costs by both the provincial and national governments,” he said.

He the institute has recommended that the permanent solution was for the whole province to be declared a building board area so that all building constructions conform to the building board requirements.

Prison chaplin speaks against death penalty

MANY Papua New Guineans fail to see that the present legislation on capital punishment is nothing more than revenge killings, a Catholic priest says.

Father David Gough, chaplin at the Kerevat jail in East New Britain Province, said every government since independence in 1975, has passionately striven to eradicate revenge killings, despite thousands of years of traditional and customary responses where “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” were the norm. He said national and provincial governments must be congratulated as admirable progress has been made

At a glance

CATHOLIC CHURCH STAND: The Catholic Church has always been against the implementation of the death penalty all over the world, and that stand is the same here in Papua New Guinea

CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES: PNG is predominantly Christian, which means that there is widespread condemnation of the death penalty as a deterrant of crime, but violent crimes continue to be carried out, and many Christians are now supporting the implementation of the death penalty

in attaining these objectives. However, he said justice should be done through a life sentence in prison and not through capital punishment.

“Show the world that you are a Christian nation, not just in name but also in

action,” Fr Gough said.

“Should the Papua New Guinean Government take the life of even one of its sons, then that day will be remembered in history as your nation’s darkest day.”

Father Gough said Pope Francis was the spiritual

shepherd of over one billion Catholics and like his predecessors – Popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II – condemns capital punishment.

“In the opening book of scripture, the Book of Genesis, (1:27) we read that man was made ‘in the image and likeness of God’. This dignity is to be afforded universally to mankind and it is not conditional,” Fr Gough said.

He said some would have people believe that capital punishment was a deterrent to other potential criminals of serious crime.

However, he said clear statistical evidence confirmed that this was not true and

Police hunt suspect

that extensive surveys have revealed both in the United States and Europe that serious crime has not been reduced after the introduction and implementation of capital punishment.

He said some would have people believe that justice was being done through capital punishment.

Father Gough said this was also not true and that modern scientific and DNA technology has revealed from exhausting surveys undertaken in the USA that 25 percent of those put to death between 1950 and 2002 were in fact innocent of the charges brought against them.

ENB autonomy committee hails Enga bid

THE East New Britain autonomy committee has welcomed the call by Enga Governor Peter Ipatas for the national Government to give more powers and responsibilities to the Enga Provincial Government.

Mr Ipatas had made the call recently following the passing of a resolution

The bottom line

by the Enga Provincial Assembly to ask the national Government to give more responsibilities to Enga Province.

ENB autonomy committee chairman Sir Ronald Tovue said his committee welcomed the move by Enga Province to ask for more powers and responsibilities

to be decentralised.

Sir Ronald, in a statement, commended Mr Ipatas for leading his province with wisdom because greater power sharing with the national Government gives a degree of autonomy to provinces and this in turn will empower provincial governments to work dili-

gently for their people.

He said Mr Ipatas is widely regarded as the “action governor” from the Highlands region who has been successful in bringing big developments to Enga in both social and economic sectors.

He said it was encouraging that visionary leaders

like Mr Ipatas recognise the need for the national Government to decentralise more essential powers to the province so that the provincial governments can serve the people effectively.

Sir Ronald said ENB has been on the quest for autonomy for the past 13 year, finally with some results.

Sharks do not have a single bone in their bodies. Their skeletons are made up of cartliages

AN ALLEGED incestuous affair has left a baby boy dead and the mother on the run after burying the dead infant in a nearby garden. According to police reports, the incident occurred at the Gaulim blocks in the Gazelle District of East New Britain Province on the February 2. The community had known that the suspect was pregnant but the baby was born dead.

Police were told that the suspect was taking herbs to kill the unborn child, as it was suspected that she became pregnant through an incestuous affair.

Provincial police commander Anthony Wagambie Jnr said the suspect did not notify anyone at the blocks when she delivered the baby, but buried the dead body in a nearby garden and fled.

The ward councillor was informed and went to the burial site where the body was dug up and the matter reported to Kerevat police.

The suspect is now on the run while investigations are continuing and police are expected to make an arrest soon.

Meanwhile, two robbery suspects are on the run after escaping police custody at the Rabaul police cells.

Both men, arrested for armed robbery in Rabaul in 2014, escaped when a lone policeman took them out of their holding cells for feeding time.

VEHICLES stuck in debris and mud along the Malapau section of the Rabaul-Kokopo Road

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Inland Bougainville lacks vital government services

BY ROMULUS MASIU

THE next Autonomous Bougainville Government should prioritise its service delivery to the mountainous region inland instead of focusing more on the coastal areas.

Joseph Minnou, chief of the mountainous Akanai village in Konnou constituency of Buin, South Bougainville, said for too long the mountain people of Bougainville have suffered with no roads, no proper health services and

no educational institutions.

“People up inland and the highlands of Bougainville are still living like in the past. There are no roads linking

the coastline. People continue to suffer from walking long distances to catch PMVs to bring their fresh produces to the market and to take their loved ones who are sick to the hospitals and so on. It seems the government has been concentrating on the coastal areas only where there is road access,” Mr Minnou said, urging the ABG president John Momis to start concentrating on the inland areas.

Chief Minnou called on all voters in Bougainville to

be honest and not to be twominded and hesitant when ABG polling comes in June, adding that those members who have not performed in the last five years must be voted out and new ones voted in.

According to Chief Minnou, there is a big population in the mountains where many Bougainvilleans reside and and he is calling on the government to prioritise and balance its service delivery to them.

Lera fights for small people

“What the inland mountainous population needs are reliable road networks to link them to the highway to schools and health centres.

What is happening now is that people still carry loads on their backs and walk very long (and tiring) distances to look for government services. The government should be going to the people, not people running to the government,” Mr Minnou said.

Families reconcile over crisis adultery

SELF-STYLED commander of the Me’ekamui Defence Force (MDF) Moses Pipiro took part in a significant reconciliation ceremony in Bougainville after the 10year Bougainville Crisis. He was part of the reconciliation for an adultery case which he (Moses) committed during the height of the crisis.

victim’s family members.

The bottom line

It was a significant event in the sense that no case

of adultery has been showcased in any reconciliation across Bougainville, especially involving ex-fighters.

Mr Pipiro, who was holed up in the former Panguna mine pit, was one of the key figures in the Bougainville crisis.

The adultery case is between Mr Pipiro and the late Francis Ona’s family some years back when the com-

mander committed adultery with Mr Ona’s daughter. Since then, there had been hatred and no peace between the two families.

The reconciliation was made possible through extensive negotiations between the two parties through Bougainville Peace Building Program (BPBP) and the Guava community.

The representatives from youths, churches, women,

and the chiefs of Guava thanked both parties for coming out and sorting out their differences.

They said the referendum is already here and it is time now to move forward.

This is the second reconciliation involving Mr Pipiro since the unification of the three former BRA commanders Ishmael Toroama, Chris Uma and Moses Pipiro.

BY ROMULUS MASIU

BOUGAINVILLE Regional

MP Joseph Lera is embarking on a new approach, this time to help the grassroots of Bougainville realise that they can have money in their pockets by empowering them with knowledge and skills through dissemination of information.

Mr Lera is going around supporting local farmers by empowering them to become independent in a new -ook approach dubbed “grassroots in agriculture”, whereby the outspoken leader is encouraging and supporting independence and referendum through the promotion of economic development at the grassroots level.

He aims to strengthen and help people put money in their pockets by exporting their commodities direct and also engaging in cooperative society approach.

Mr Lera has already visited Tabago, Buin, Panakei and Sininai in Siwai district and Bana’s Baba and Bolave communities, all in South Bougainville.

The people of Bougainville will determine whether they remain part of PNG of break away from PNG at the referendum.

MOSES Pipiro (right) armed with mimis to present to the

THE Arawa Town Authority (ATA) oversees the well being and cleanliness of the town. Seen here are town authority workers doing just that, clearing garbage at the former Arawa supermarket premises. Picture: JACOB IENU

JOSEPH MINNOU Bougainville

IPBC, church team up in ambitious project

PORT Moresby’s central business district (CBD), commonly referred as downtown Port Moresby, will soon have a twin tower built near the Grand Papua Hotel directly opposite the former PNGBC (current BSP building), courtesy of Independent Public Business Corporation (IPBC).

IPBC on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea for the formation of a joint venture to develop prime real estate in the central business district.

The site is immediately adjacent to the Grand Papua Hotel and the vision is to construct an iconic landmark building similar in theory to the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The proposed joint venture has been titled the twin tower joint venture project and it will see the development of what is currently a vacant piece of land in the central business district.

The development is part of the future vision of Port Moresby, which includes the IPBC port relocation

Retraction

POST-COURIER wishes to correct and retract part of a story attributing to Total MD Philippe Blanchard published yesterday on the ElkAntelope project.

The person attributed to should have been from InterOil and not Total.

Also the figure should have been between K31 billion to K51.2 billion ($US15-$US20 billion at the time of the presence conference) for project cost.

We regret any inconvenience caused for the named entities.

The bottom line

project that will see the relocation of the existing port facilities to Motukea by 2018.

The MOU is the first step towards the landmark development. It was signed yesterday for and on behalf

of the IPBC by managing director Wasantha Kumarasiri and Erastus Kamburi, chief legal officer, IPBC; and for and on behalf of the Anglican Church of PNG by Archbishop Clyde Igara and John Francis

Market Snapshot

Kaupa, member of the provincial board of trustees.

The signing was also witnessed by Ben Micah, Minister for Public Enterprises and State Investments.

New SME policy to empower local firms

BY GLORIA BAUAI

THE NEW Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) policy will require businesses with an initial investment of K10m or less to be restricted purely to Papua New Guineans.

This was declared by the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Richard Maru, responding to a question by Regional MP for Autonomous Region of Bougainville Joe Lera during question time in Parliament yesterday.

“Foreigners with no more than K10m will never be allowed to come into the country in the first place,” Maru responded during parliament sitting yesterday. Mr Lera was asking Mr Maru if there were any legisla-

tion in place to control foreigners engaged in SME’s reserved for Papua New Guineans and if not, whether the government had any plans to legislate or strengthen the law if there was one, to deal with this issue.

Being a national concern, Maru said under this new soon to be proposed law, all reserved businesses owned by foreigners will be bought off responsibly and foreigners will be asked to leave the country.

“That also means we must now recapitalise the NDB in a serious way and fund the Papua New Guineans into taking over these businesses. We must also provide the budgetary support to empower our people to buy these businesses,” Maru said.

“The idea is not to stop foreign in-

vestments but they should invest in where we really need them to invest in; the big multi-million kina industries where we require foreign investments and leave alone reserve space for our citizens”.

Maru told parliament that consultation for the new policy and master plan is complete and in the next three weeks when the list of activities and laws are in their proper places, the proposal will be brought to cabinet for consideration. “The draft legislation is being drafted with the plan that the legislation will come to Parliament during the May sitting…I expect the full cabinet’s support to bring this legislation to parliament to enact that into legislation,” Maru said.

$A rises as March rate out chances fade

MDIF, a New York based non-profit organisation, is planning to beam free Wi-Fi to the entire world from space.

ERASTUS Kamburi, chief legal Officer (IPBC), John Francis Kaupa, member of the provincial board of trustees and Archbishop Clyde Igara signing the MOU while Mr Kumarasiri and Minister Micah look on.

Mine LOs: Settle issues first

BY JACOB POK

LANDOWNERS along the Pogera river who were affected by environmental damages caused by the Porgera Gold Mine have petitioned the government to intervene on their request for the developer Barrick Gold to compensate them for the damages caused to their environment and river systems.

Former Member for LaigaipPorgera Opis Papo, who is also a principal landowner of the Porgera river said he had written to the office of the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill on behalf of his people to inform the government to intervene since the story on Barrick proposing to sell its 95% shares in the mine to an Asian company was made public.

Mr Papo, who was mandated with the Power of Attorney to speak on behalf of the 22 clan leaders and 195 clan land agents representing more than 6,000 people who live along the Porgera riverside, said the speculations on Barrick’s exit had deeply troubled the people and wanted the government to intervene.

“My people have suffered the worse consequences of river pollution including loss of our economic life line which was the damage to alluvial gold mining field,” Mr Papo said.

Mr Papo, a geologist by profession added that despite numerous demands, there were no efforts taken by Barrick to resolve the issues.

He said this led to the landowners instituting a court proceeding against Barrick and the State (Ministry of Environment & Conservation) on the failure by Barrick to compensate the landowners at an adequate rate.

“Barrick is the operator

Challenges remain in formalising SMEs,

says officer

BY ABRAHAM AVEDIBA

ISSUES associated with the process of converting informal Small Medium Enterprises (SME) into formal businesses remains a challenge, a provincial commerce officer says.

At a glance

PORGERA GOLD MINE: Is a large gold and silver mining operation in Enga province, located at the head of the Porgera Valley.

BARRICK GOLD: Recently announced its intention to sell it 95% stake in the mine to an Asian company.

LANDOWNERS: Want the miner to settle outstanding environmental issues before they leave.

and majority owner of the Porgera Gold mine, its mining operations have caused irreparable damage on the riverine environment and consequently thousands of people are affected and issues of compensation and rehabilitation have not been fairly and properly resolved,” Mr Papo said.

“Whilst I respect Barrick’s significant interest in the sale, our interest in our land, water and environment should also be respected since we will remain to bear the full brunt of the damage, which is totally unfair,” Mr Papo added.

Meawhile, Barrick said on Tuesday that it wants an open relationship with the stake holders of the Pogera Joint Venture (PJV), of which it holds a 95% share.

In a statement released yesterday, the executive general manager, Greg Walker said Barrick (Niugini) Limited is happy to discuss any issue of concern regarding the operation of the Pogera Mine with stakeholders of PJV.

Walker said the company maintains cordial working relationships with all its stakeholders and encourages the use of these channels to raise any concerns or issues that stakeholders may have.

Ramu Nico project environment safe

RAMU NiCo projects’ environment monitoring as required under its Operational Environment Management Plan (OEMP) reveals that there is no impact from Kurumbukari Mine activities as well as Basamuk Refinery since the inception of the Project, particularly during this current Project ramp-up period.

The Environment Section of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Department together with Ramu NiCo successfully concluded the final Quarterly Fauna sampling in February 3 - 4, 2015 for year 2014 and concluded that all streams are healthy and in good condition for human consumption.

At Basamuk Refinery, the annual DSTP (deep sea tailing placement) check for the discharge pipeline was conducted on February 4 by Messer Alex and Adrian Jahnke of AUS-ROV from Australia with assistance from the HSE, confirmed

RAMU NICO Madang

that the DSTP discharge pipeline is in good condition and that the tailings were directed from the outfall into the Basamuk canyon as predicted by the SAMS model.

The Kurumbukari (KBK) team conducted the first phase of sampling in the Riverine and Oxbow downstream of the KBK Mine site and the control sites along the main Ramu River where water quality parameters were monitored using a Horiba U50 multiprobe. Water, sediment, fish tissue and the macroinvertebrate were sampled to predict the healthiness of each stream

for effects of the mine.

During the final leg of the trip, a consultant, Aaron Jenkin of Aquatica Environmental joined the trip to work on the macroinvertebrate and the smaller fish species in the nearby creeks identified as impacted tributaries from the Kurumbukari Mine site.

For the DSTP, Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV) is used onboard the Madang Resort dive vessel, MV Reef Explorer to check the pipeline. The ROV is connected to the monitoring computer onboard the vessel by an umbilical cord and controlled separately by a remote sensor. Depth readings were also recorded through a transducer mounted on the side of the Reef Explorer. ROV is used annually as per the OEMP to check for any cracks and leakages on the DSTP discharge pipeline starting from the DSTP tank on the shore to the outfall at a depth of 150 meters.

Manus Provincial commerce officer Jones Bernard revealed that there are many instances where an SME owner refuses to formalise their businesses due to the high cost that is involved in this.

“Many reason out that they are better off growing their businesses rather than creating a formal business where huge taxes will be deducted off their earnings, “Mr Bernard said.

Mr Bernard also observed that despite SMEs in the informal sector refusing to formalise their businesses, many are unable to progress in their business after a period of five years.

“Others SMEs say that they are comfortable raising incomes in a manner they wish as formalising their businesses will only result in various regulations and policies that they are obliged to comply with,” he added.

Mr Bernard also stated that most informal SMEs are afraid of stepping out of the comfort zone of their businesses as there aren’t proper incentives in place to attract them to formalise their businesses. He further explained, while making reference to Manus Province that over K2.5 million has been allocated into boosting SME activities in the province.

Simbu Provincial Business Development officer Rosemary Kaupa shared similar sentiments and noted the formalising of SMEs will eventuate if there are proper dialogue between the governments bodies involved.

“The informal SME sector currently comes under the care of the Department of Community Development and not under the Department of Trade, Commerce and Industry.

The National government has, however, set a target of 500, 000 SME to be created before the year 2015.

IPA online registration boosts business in provinces

BY ABRAHAM AVEDIBA

SEVERAL provincial commerce and business development officers say the Investment Promotion Authority’s (IPA) initiative of online registration has assisted the growth of SMEs in their provinces.

Simbu Provincial Business Development officer Rosemary Kaupa told the Post-Courier that the launch of the online registration process has

assisted her role in properly advising and having SMEs attain several benefits.

“Previously, the registration process of attaining a certificate from IPA took months or even a year to be approved, and these often frustrated SMEs and they often conducted their businesses without registering them,” Ms Kaupa explained.

She said several small business owners have approached them to register their busi-

nesses as the process takes just several minutes and their registration certification are received within one month.

“There have been countless cases where we’ve assisted SMEs quickly and they were able to reap benefits such as access to financial services and their business being recognised by relevant authorities,” she added.

Despite positive responses from a few provinces on IPA’s initiative, others argue that

the old way of doing registration is much preferable than the current one.

East New Britain Provincial Commerce advisor Henry Tavul said the situation is quite the opposite in his province to what others say of the online registration process.

“We’ve filled out several application forms through IPA’s online registration and it took three months or in severe cases, it takes a year for them to be processed,” Mr Tavul said.

Other Provincial Commerce officers from Niugini Islands regions and parts of the Southern Region also shared similar sentiments.

A commerce officer from the Western Provincial Administration, who wished to remain anonymous, said a couple of commerce and business development officers have difficulties in doing online registration.

“We would appreciate if an officer from IPA head of-

fice could talk us through the process of accessing this document and the procedures involved in properly completing and submitting them,” the officer said.

IPA’s online registration initiative was launched on the November 13, 2013, and so far several businesses have managed to register their businesses through this medium while others still find it challenging.

A bag of marijuana was the first thing ever bought and sold over the internet.

The bottom line

THE ROV ready for checking on the DSTP slurry discharge point.

There is no impact from the mine activities ...

Australian bank, govt partner to help Pacific

AUSTRALIA–New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) yesterday signed an agreement with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to support economic growth and sustainable development in the Pacific, via increased access to finance, improved financial literacy and potential joint financing of infrastructure projects.

The three year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by ANZ chief executive officer Mike Smith and Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop MP, at ANZ Centre in Melbourne.

“The Pacific region has significant economic potential, particularly with the growing trade and investment

At a glance

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING: The Australia-New Zealand Banking Group and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade yesterday signed an agreement to support economic growth and sustainable development in the Pacific, via increased access to finance, improved financial literacy and potential joint financing of infrastructure projects.

REASON: A recent collaboration in the Solomon Islands where ANZ and DFAT are partnering to extend the roll-out of mobile banking to people in rural areas.

flows that are developing out of Asia. As the largest bank in the Pacific, we want a successful future for the region and its people, and this agreement will see a co-ordinated effort from both ANZ and the Australian Government to ensure its potential can be achieved,” Mr Smith said.

The MoU outlines priority areas for joint co-operation between ANZ and DFAT including: financial inclusion, financial literacy and economic empowerment of women; innovative approaches to finance for small and medium sized businesses; exploring joint financing of

infrastructure projects and more effective and timely communication on disaster and crisis relief

Both parties’ commitment to the MoU follows a recent collaboration in the Solomon Islands, where ANZ and DFAT are partnering to extend the roll-out of mobile phone banking to people in rural areas who currently do not have access to traditional banking services.

ANZ has operated in the Pacific for 135 years and today has the most extensive banking network in the region, with a presence in 12 countries including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Guam, Kiri-

Govt approves NGE sale of 50% stake in PPL 269

NEW GUINEA Energy Lim-

bati, Timor Leste and New Caledonia.

The bank’s 2,000 employees provide retail, commercial and institutional banking services via 53 branches, 253 ATMs and 4,456 EFTPOS terminals.

To date, 9,000 people in the Pacific have completed ANZ’s MoneyMinded financial literacy training course. This complements ANZ’s rural banking and microfinance initiatives in remote areas using mobile banking centres - part of the ‘Banking the Unbanked’ program, which has reached 80,000 people since 2004. Close to 2.5 million ANZ goMoney mobile banking transactions have been supported for 115,000 customers in the Pacific since 2013.

ited (NGE) has advised its shareholders that its wholly owned subsidiary Kirkland Limited (Kirkland) yesterday received notification that the final condition precedent for the sale of its 50% interest in Petroleum Prospecting Licence (PPL) 269 to Barracuda Limited - a subsidiary of Santos Limited (STO), has been met.

In a statement released by NGE, the Minister for Petroleum and Energy Nixon Duban has advised his approval of the Instrument of Transfer of the 50% from Kirkland to STO.

The statement said under the terms of the sale and purchase agreement, once completion has taken place, STO will acquire Kirkland’s 50% participating interest in PPL 269 in exchange for a total consideration of: payment of $US32 million (K86.02 milion) cash on Completion; payment of $US2 million (K5.38m) cash if a Petroleum Retention Licence (PRL) is granted over any area of PPL269; and payment of a further $US6 million (K16.13m) cash if a Petroleum Development Licence (PDL) is granted over any area of PPL269.

The company however indicated that if a PDL is granted prior to a PRL, a one off payment of $US8 million (K21.50m) cash will be payable instead.

NGE said to advise its shareholders when completion of the sale of Kirkland’s 50% interest has been occurred.

The company also stated that it has received notification that the Minister for Petroleum and Energy has not granted NGE the extension of its PPL 265 licence, which was applied for in August 2012.

BSP starts work on acquisition in Pacific

MR KAPITA & wife Rose in front of their house at Gerehu Stage 2. Inset: The new self contained 3 bedroom unit

Family benefits from housing scheme

MORE and more Papua New Guineans are giving their testimony on the benefits from their financial contributions to Nambawan Super Ltd.

There are various products by the superfund that members are reaping rewards from and one of these is its Nambawan Housing Advance Scheme and Voluntary Contribution.

Recently, contributing member Tapas Kapita who is employed by NICTA as principal radio communication officer was featured by Nambawan Super as one of the many lat-

est success stories. Mr Kapita resides in the back streets of Gerehu Stage 2 in Port Moresby.

He bought his house through the NICTA home ownership scheme but when he realised later that it would not cater for his growing family, he saw a need for an extension to his house.

Since he had no finance available to carry out the extension, Mr Kapita then approached Nambawan Super to obtain a housing advance loan through the Nambawan Housing Advance Scheme. He

was granted a K30,000 housing advance as per his housing advance eligibility and used it as equity for a bank loan, finally he had enough money to do extension on his property.

Upon realising the benefits of the Housing Advance Scheme, Mr Kapita increased his contributions through voluntary contribution from the normal 6 percent employee component to 15 percent and also increased his housing advance deductions from 2 percent to 15 percent to quickly offset his loan.

Upon completely offsetting his loan, Kapita applied for another housing advance for white goods.

The new additions to Kapita’s existing home included a large lounge area and dining room, spacious Kitchen, a bigger master bedroom and bedrooms, with the inclusion of a self contained three bedroom unit under the main house.

Mr Kapita is proud of his efforts of making his dreams come true.

“I now have two houses in one and personally, this for me is a big achievement

that my family finally has a home that they have always wanted.”

Mr Kapita thanked Nambawan Super for making available such beneficial products as the Nambawan Housing Advance Scheme and Voluntary Contribution.

Meanwhile, Nambawan Super CEO, Garry Tunstall said the Housing Advance Scheme is an excellent product for members of the Fund as it can help members to own their own home and give them piece of mind after retirement.

BANK South Pacific (BSP) has started work on its acquisition of Westpac operations in Samoa, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Tonga.

BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming and chairman Kostas Constantinou have been visiting the operations in those countries to ensure a smooth transition of services.

Fleming says a green occupation of the Pacific should be expected in four months time, when BSP’s acquisition of Westpac in the five island nations is completed.

“Across the region we will continue to look at other opportunities that may present itself. But first and foremost is our activities over the next few months will be the transition and integration of Westpac into BSP. The full rebranding of that operation as people will now see a lot more green across the Pacific’’.FBC NEWS/PACNEWS

and was used in Europe to denote a unit of weight (the “arroba”) equivalent to 25 lbs.

downstairs.

Advertising: 309 1115 or email ksibona@spp.com.pg

Editorial: 309 1046 or email kialaw@spp.com.pg

When location matters matters

NOW available for immediate lease on Valvai Avenue is a large 3 bedroom unit. The property is located within walking distance from St. Joseph’s International Catholic College, Port Moresby Medical Clinic, Boroko Market and Four Mile. The unit is fully furnished with back up water, genset and 24hr security. Asking: K 3,000.00 per week.

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

Colour of the year

AS THE largest colour and coatings manufacturer in the world, AkzoNobel ensures it is always one step ahead of our customers’ needs by constantly monitoring emerging social, economic and design trends around the world and inviting a select panel of independent design experts to forecast the colour developments two years ahead of time. Because our research and forecasting is always rooted in the real world and informed by both the design industry and consumer behaviour, we are able to provide vital information for our global coatings market. So whether you are an architect or interior designer, work within the colours and coatings industry or are an informed customer, our trend and colour forecasting is a vital part of your business.

As part of our trend research

AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Centre invites a group of respected independent design and trend experts to discuss emerging worldwide trends, resulting in a ColourFutures workshop, where our senior internal colour experts develop the trend stories and colour palettes for CF15.

Every year, ColourFutures presents five colour trends, inspired by one larger idea: the driving influence that holds all of the trends together and influences what our colour of the year will be.

For 2015, the overriding mood is one of both searching for and finding that extra which makes the difference to our lives. After years of pro-actively looking for, connecting and unlocking our potential, 2015 is about that added refinement: putting the + into the everyday. By exploring under-utilised spaces, as well as our relationships both with each other and with our environment as a whole, we are learning to look at the world around us in new and unique ways. We are finding new, subtle ways to add colour to our lives, with a renewed emphasis on developing a more caring, sharing environment for all. Sustainability is now a requirement rather than a preference; and it needs to be backed up by genuine commitment. It’s a reaction against consumerism; a celebration of difference and the wisdom to be found

in unique, individual stories. It’s about finding the wonderful in the normal: the magic in the everyday driving influence for 2015 ‘I used to dream about escaping my ordinary life, but my life was never ordinary. I had simply failed to notice how extraordinary it was.’ Ransom Riggs Finding the wonderful in the normal. As a paint translation of this trend, our research all points to this orangey copper tone. Great on its own, the colour also combines perfectly with pinks,

neutrals, whites and other orange hues, as well as metallic colours such as gold. It reflects and complements all of the major trends that we have identified for 2015: A warmth in attitude and a renewed emphasis on sharing; the natural palette of the earth, from clay tones to sunlit highlights of yellow; the skin tones that reflect human interaction and the sepia hues of the past. Colour of the year 2015 - Copper Orange It really comes alive combined with flesh pink, clay toned neutrals, a tiny touch of bright yellow, crisp whites, wood tones and of course copper. It is surprising warm beautiful and breathes warmth into interiors. All our Taubmans Sales branches are equipped with modern tinting system that can give you any colours you like and our counter sales reps can help you choose from the various colour collaterals (colour cards, fandecks) basing on your requirements and needs.

Wood complements the colour “Copper Orange”

Walls of a dinning and kitchen area in the colour “Copper Orange”.

GABUTU

Renovate home

SET amongst some of Gabutu’s finest character homes and is now offered to you for sale. A Split level, four bedroom home that features an ensuite in the master bedroom. Ideal for the growing family - a great property to personalise to your taste and keep as a family home. Securely fenced with back up water and power facilities, you won’ have the hassle of adding back ups onto your list of things to do here!

POA, No reasonable offer will be rejected. Enquire now!!!!

PORT MORESBY

WITH two units now available for immediate lease in this property why not make use of the opportunity, NOW! Centrally located and close to all amenities.

apply. Call now for immediate and exclusive inspections. Contact; Mutien Mays of Strickland Real Estate on Phone: 320 0944, Mobile: 7005 3289 or email: mmays@sre.com.pg

For Lease

Investment offer

AVAILABLE for immediate sale in one of Port Moresby’s prime residential suburbs is Vacant Land. Ideal for executive residential development, a do not miss opportunity for astute developers. With extensive views from Koki to Ela Beach any rental return from your residential development here would be significant. The land area size is 1294 square meters and has foundation work from a home that was previously domiciled on it.

Asking K 1,500,000.00

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

Plenty of space

A SPACIOUS, fully furnished, and newly renovated semi-detached unit is available for lease in Gordons 5, Port Moresby. It is located in the corner of Ugava and Kitogara Street, just five minutes drive away from shopping malls, POM airport, and city restaurants. This 3 bedrooms unit has split level with 3 toilets and 2 shower rooms including an En-suite in the masters’ bedroom. It has ample and partly covered vehicle parking spaces. Gate is electric operated. We provide 24 hours security, back-up water & power. Furniture are new. A 42” LCD TV and microwave are included. Rate is K2,800/wk plus GST. Please contact CHM Group on 3010500 and look for Joselito (mobile: 72493404) or Ham (mobile: 70903033). Or email joselito@chm.com.pg or chi@chm.com.pg.

Enjoy peace & quiet

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

Asking K 2,400.00 per week

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

home & gardening

Cassowary Park craft market on

THE Holiday Inn craft market returns this Saturday, February 21, creating a venue to support and encourage independent and creative local artists, carvers, jewellers, potters, weavers and herbalists to showcase their quality affordable handmade arts and crafts.

The Craft Market is set in the serene and spacious Cassowary Park ( picture above ) which creates a safe getaway right in the

FOR GIFTS & DECOR

Visit the Moresby Arts Theatre arts show

BY DIANNE WAKETSI

THE CROWD drawing Moresby Arts Theatre’s Arts and Craft Market open its gates next week Saturday, February 28 to allow local artists to display and sell their beautifully hand crafted products.

Local artists will also be selling carvings, paintings, billums, baskets and flowers and this is one way of generating income for them.

MAT aims to win recognition of the arts as a key element in Papua New Guinea’s cultural, social and economic development; increase community engagement with the arts and to promote individual participation in them; and maximize the organisation’s capability to achieve its

goals through sound people and resource management and planning processes.

MAT plays a crucial role in initiating, implementing and maintaining projects which support the vitality and viability of the arts, thereby expanding employment opportunities and promoting the appreciation of the value and role of the arts in the Papua New Guinea community.

Moresby Arts Theatre is a non profitable NGO that survives mainly on sponsors, monthly craft market held every second Saturday of every month, hiring out the theatre or gardens, hiring out the facilities or services, direct funding from various international donor agencies, operation of the café and membership fees.

heart of the city, providing convenience to local residents, visiting tourists, foreign travellers and in-house guests.

Come and take in the colourful array of local talent and even purchase a gift, souvenir or a little something for yourself.

The craft market hosts a sausage sizzle as all proceeds are donated to City Mission. Why not enjoy a refreshing drink by the poolside or retreat to the re-

cently refurbished Gekko Bar and sample a dish from the new menu.

You could also escape from the fun in the sun and escape to the air conditioned Kopi Haus restaurant which serves an extensive array of ala carte, buffet and light meals. Why not make a weekend of it and take advantage of our weekend specials on offer and just RELAX its HOLIDAY INN!

NANCY is one of the florists at Linden Blossom and is seen here displaying some of the flowers that are wrapped and ready for delivery to various customers.

For advertising, call 309 1122 or email asibona@spp.com.pg

For editorial, call 309 1107 or email kialaw@spp.com.pg

NRSC awareness for schools

BY DIANNE WAKETSI

AS the school year opens, National Road Safety Council has kicked off its Road Safety Awareness programs in primary schools in the Capital city.

Chief Executive Officer Nelson Terema says that the awareness programs are important as they teach children the basics of traffic rules.

He added that many accidents involving children were due to children

not knowing the traffic rules and regulations such as pedestrian crossings, reading traffic signs and the do’s and don’ts of traffic rules. However education usually starts at home so parents must also play a part

in also educating their children on road safety at home.

Terema added that the program has been running for a couple of years and has had a lot of positive feed back not only from the students

but also the parents and teachers.

“At the end of the awareness program schools are presented with vests, signs and cones to help the school,” said Terema.

He said, “Plans are also underway to have road

safety taught as a subject in schools but talks are still on going with the Department of Education.”

Terema added that education on traffic rules and regulations was important for the growth of the nation.

Film institute to be rehabilitated soon

BY DIANNE WAKETSI

THE PNG National Film Institute in Goroka Eastern Highlands Province will soon be rehabilitated as one of the projects under the Tourism grant that the Australian Government through Australian High Commissioner Deborah Stokes presented to Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Boka Kondra.

Kondra added that over the years the institute was left to decay and rot with no or little funding from the government.

He added that with this new concept to allow foreign movie makers to come into the country and explore and find new talent for their films, Papua New Guinean’s will have the opportunity to take part in these films.

Kondra added that this institute

will be that focal point where all young men and women who are interested in an acting career can come to get a an education in acting.

Kondra is excited about this new concept as not only will it create more employment, generate income but it will also be a good learning ground for Papua New Guinea up and coming actors.

AUSTRALIAN High Commissioner Deborah Stokes and Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture Boka Kondra during presentation of grant for the rehabilitation of the PNG National Film Institute in Goroka.

CHILDREN from Wards Strip Primary School walking home in the rain after school on Friday.

Bali drug accused trial delayed

THE trial of New Zealander Antony de Malmanche, facing a potential death sentence on drug charges in Bali, has been postponed.

The trial of the 52-yearold Whanganui man was due to start yesterday, but was postponed because the prosecutor failed to provide a licensed translator, de Malmanche’s New Zealand lawyer Craig Tuck said.

De Malmanche is facing the death penalty after being accused of bringing 1.7 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine into Bali last year. The lack of a translator was just one of many ongoing issues with the trail, Tuck said.

Queensland cyclone forecast

A TROPICAL low in the Coral Sea off Queensland’s coast could intensify and make landfall as a category two cyclone early on Friday. The low is expected to slowly intensify, with a high chance of becoming a tropical cyclone overnight into Thursday morning, and reaching category two intensity at landfall.

The Bureau of Meteorology warned it had the potential to be the state’s biggest weather event since ex-tropical cyclone Oswald in January 2013, in which Bundaberg was inundated and three people died in floodwaters.

Between 200 millimetres and 500 millimetres of rain is expected to be dumped between Thursday and

Saturday on a massive stretch of Queensland’s coast, from St Lawrence to the southern border.

About 200 swift water staff have been prepositioned for the event.

Winds up to 90 kilometres an hour, flash floods, high tides, beach erosion, possible tornadoes and powerful surf are expected from tomorrow

to Saturday. On Thursday afternoon, the tropical low was hovering off the coast about 900 kilometres north north-east of Bundaberg. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the state coordination centre in Brisbane was now fully staffed and would be operational by 6:00am on Thursday.

The disaster management cabinet committee will also meet at 9:00am on Thursday.

“Our message to Queenslanders is start getting ready now,” she said.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service Acting Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the dams would have the capacity to take the intense falls. -ABC

“Once this trial starts it will be an avalanche of material,” he said.

“We are briefing expert witnesses who require all the information, not just what we get served up by the prosecution.”

Delays were part of the process and de Malmanche would get the best possible defence, Tuck said. Although much of the legal work was being done at no charge, costs were mounting, prompting family and friends to continue fundraising efforts for the sickness beneficiary. -Stuff news

A SATELLITE look at the tropical low in the Coral Sea about 1,000km off the Queensland Coast at 7.30am today. Picture: ABC

Drugs hidden in threadmills

TWO men have been accused of trying to smuggle 16 kilograms of methamphetamine into Adelaide by hiding the drugs inside two treadmills on a shipment from China.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) have alleged the drugs, which have a wholesale value of $3.5 million, were transported from China to Sydney where they were detected by customs officials during a routine freight-inspection in December.

Matthew Varley from the AFP said members of the drug-syndicate then con-

tacted a freight company 10 days ago to get the shipment sent to Adelaide.

“We set up a covert operation if you like to entice the recipients here in South Australia to accept delivery of that consignment,” Commander Varley said.

“What they didn’t realise is that they were talking to the police.”

A 27-year-old Adelaide man and a 37-year-old Perth man have been charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.

Following the Adelaide

man’s arrest, police searched his Valley View home and seized a number of items including $14,500 in cash.

Commander Varley said investigations were continuing to identify other members in the syndicate.

“Preventing 16kg of a dangerous and addictive drug from reaching the community is a positive result, and we will be liaising with our colleagues interstate and internationally to further investigate and disrupt the organisers of this importation,” Commander Varley said. -BBC news

Quick news

JAP GRAVES EMERGE

THE INDEPENDENT STATE OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA Environment Act 2000 Act. Sec.63 (1) (f) Reg., Sec.10 (2)

PUBLIC NOTICE OF ACCEPTANCE OF AN APPLICATION FOR AN ENVIRONMENT PERMIT

Pursuant to Section 63 (1) (f) of the Environment Act 2000, an application for an “Environment Permit” is hereby published to advertise its availability for public review.

WAFI GOLPU ADVANCED EXPLORATION AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

Take note that Wafi Golpu Services Limited proposes to carry out Advanced Exploration and Feasibility Studies Support Activities at their Wafi- Golpu gold-copper deposit within ELs 440 and 1105 in the Morobe Province. The activity would involve;

• Development of twin underground declines to access underground exploration drilling platforms and the upper extent of the ore body

• Ancillary surface infrastructure including a waste rock dump, administration buildings, maintenance workshops, power supply, logistics facilities, anaccess road, wastewater treatment, a concrete batch plant, and an explosive magazine

• Upgrade to the exiting exploration road and access track network

• Hard rock supplies from borrow pits and gravel extraction activities from the Waime River.

The feasibility investigations and advanced exploration activities will optimize the potential for future underground development of the Wafi-Golpu Project.

The Director of Environment has accepted an application for an Environment Permit for this project. The Application is now available for viewing by interested parties for 21 days from the 18th of February to 18th of March, 2015.

The application may be viewed at the at following locations-

Submissions in writing are invited from the public and interested parties regarding the application. Submissions will close on 4:00 pm on 20th March, 2015. All submissions lodged will be regarded as a public document and any relevant comments will be considered in the assessment of the Environment Permit Application.

All submissions must be forwarded to the following address-

The Director of Environment

Department of Environment& Conservation P.O Box 6601, BOROKO, National Capital District.

DOCUMENTS showing the existence of a mass grave in Palau for Japanese soldiers have been found at the US Navy Seabee Museum in California, The Chicago Tribune reports. The cemetery for Japanese is highly likely to have been established by the US military on the island of Peleliu, where about 10,200 Japanese soldiers died in a fierce battle with US troops during World War II. The Tribune reports that discovery of the documents may facilitate efforts to collect the remains of around 2,600 Japanese soldiers yet to be found in Palau. While some bereaved families of the Japanese war dead have referred to the possibility of the cemetery’s existence, this is the first confirmation of documents indicating the cemetery’s location. The Japanese government intends to seek the Palau government’s cooperation in locating the cemetery, the newspaper reports.

JOKOWI PRESSED

PACIFIC churches have urged Indonesia’s president, Joko Widodo, to honour an election promise to address human rights abuses in West Papua, Radio New Zealand International reports. The moderator of the Pacific conference of churches, Reverend Dr Tevita Havea, says despite Mr Widodo’s assurances last year, security forces have continued to torture and kill West Papuans. The Rev Havea says there is no place in the Pacific for wanton violence and the region’s leaders must act decisively to stop police and military officers from taking power into their own hands.

PROBE INTENSIFIES

INDONESIA’S national commission on human rights, Komnas HAM, is intensifying its investigation into alleged human rights violations in last year’s Paniai incident in Papua, the Jakarta Globe reports. Five protestors were killed and at least 17 injured in the December incident in which security forces opened fire on 800 protestors. They were demonstrating against alleged abuse by authorities in a previous altercation between police and teenagers. The Globe reports the human rights group says it will interview locals, victims, Papuan public figures and security forces.

COOKS MOURNING

THE Cook Islands Democratic Party president says the death of its candidate for an upcoming by-election on Aitutaki has left the community, and the party, shocked, RNZI reports. Kete Ioane, who the opposition hoped would gain it an extra seat so it could form a coalition government, died in New Zealand last Friday, five days before the scheduled by-election on Aitutaki. The chief electoral officer says the Vaipae-Tautu by-election has been cancelled, and a new date of no later than April 17 will be announced soon.

EYING A CURE

AN 18-year-old New Zealand university student says she’s hoping sales of an organic mascara will help fund cataract surgery and restore people’s eyesight in Pacific region, RNZI reports. Bonnie Howland says the mascara uses coconut oil from Samoa and she’s hoping each mascara sold will finance one person’s surgery through the Fred Hollows Foundation. Ms Howland says she was inspired by a visit to Vanuatu where she witnessed the social cost of blindness on families.

SCHOOL FOR JUDGES

LAY judges from Tokelau have returned home better equipped to deliver justice after completing a recent law school training course in Apia. Supported by the Pacific Judicial Development Programme, the training was administered by Samoan judges and aimed at developing competence, judicial knowledge, and fostering the values of being a good judge, RNZI reports. The programme team leader, Livingston Armytage, says the majority of Tokelau’s judiciary has no formal legal training despite being placed in positions of considerable authority.

POLICE found 16kg of methamphetamine hidden inside two treadmills in December. -ABC

1. Wafi Golpu Services Limited Office Awilunga Estate, Lae, Morobe Province

2. Morobe Provincial Administration Office of the Administrator, Lae, Morobe Province

3. Department of Environment & Conservation Level 1, B Mobile Building, Waigani Drive Port Moresby.

Quick news

CASUALTIES SOARS

THE number of civilian deaths rose 25 per cent to 3699 while the number of injured was up 21 per cent to 6849, and the total casualty figure is the highest recorded in a single year since the UN began compiling its reports in 2009. The total number of civilian casualties since 2009 now stands at 17,774 killed and 29,971 injured. UNAMA had previously noted a leap in civilian casualties linked to the intensification in ground fighting between government and insurgent forces, in its last report published in July 2014.

THREATS SPOKESMAN Arrmanatha

Nasir told reporters in Jakarta he hadn’t studied Mr Abbott’s comments on tsunami aid but understood he had made a linkage to “the issue now in Indonesia”. “There’s a saying in Indonesia, ‘orang akan terlihat warna sebenarnya,’ (people will be shown its true colours),” he said. “So I hope this does not reflect, the statements made, the true colours of Australians.” Mr Nasir said he didn’t want to speculate on Australia’s next moves. “But what I know is this, threats are not part of diplomatic language ... Threats are not part of diplomatic language and from what I know, no one responds well to threats.”

DELAY WELCOME

Malaysian commando ponders Aust tell-all

KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian police commando sentenced to death over the 2006 murder of a politically linked Mongolian woman, who is currently detained in Australia, has reportedly claimed he acted on instructions from above and is considering revealing who gave the order.

“I was under orders. The important people with motive (to commit murder) are still free,” Sirul said in a phone interview published on Wednesday by Malaysian news website Malaysiakini. Sirul Azhar Umar, who fled

abroad to avoid being hanged and is now in Australian custody, is a key figure in the scandal which is entwined with Malaysia’s multimilliondollar 2002 purchase of submarines from France.

The deal has long been clouded by accusations of huge kickbacks to Malaysian officials and the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu, who acted as a translator in the negotiations.

Prime Minister Najib Razak has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in the deal which is being investigated by France, or even knowing Altantuya, the lover of a Najib associate who was in charge of the submarine purchase.

The Malaysiakini report says Sirul declined to elaborate, but that he was consider-

ing Australian media requests for a tell-all interview.

“Yes, I am seriously considering the possibility,” the 43year-old said.

Sirul and his convicted accomplice, Azilah Hadri, were members of an elite unit that guards top Malaysian ministers.

They were convicted of the killing in 2009 and sentenced to death, a verdict upheld by Malaysia’s highest court last month.

The scandal is one of Malaysia’s most sensitive topics.

It centres on allegations that

French submarine maker DCNS paid “commissions” of more than 114 million euros ($A166.36 million) for two Scorpene submarines, which Malaysia’s opposition alleges were kickbacks.

Altantuya was the lover of Abdul Razak Baginda, the Najib associate tasked with executing the deal. Najib was defence minister at the time.

The 28-year-old was shot dead and her body blown up with military-grade plastic explosives outside Kuala Lumpur.

-AAP news

T Lawyer Julian McMahon says the delay in the transfer of Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan for execution will give much-needed breathing room to the legal team and Australian government trying to save the men. Mr McMahon says he doesn’t know how long the process has been delayed, but it’s welcome news for the families and his team, who take a case to Indonesia’s administrative court next week. The pair’s scheduled transfer to Nusakambangan island for their execution this week was delayed on Tuesday because the isolation cells on the island are full and more need to be built. But Indonesian government spokesman Tony Spontana insists there’s no alteration or delay in the plan to execute the drug smugglers. However, Mr McMahon says the delay should also take some pressure off the Indonesian and Australian governments. “It enables the government to be able to talk about these things without the same sort of pressure that’s been on in the last week or two, or three,” he told reporters.

Safety fears prompt change to Everest climbing route

THE route used by mountaineers to scale Mount Everest is to be changed amid fears of an increased avalanche risk.

Nepal will change the path next month after a deadly collapse in 2014 killed 16 climbers - the worst single loss of life in expedition history.

The current route up the mountain has been in use since the 1990s.

Mountaineers will now take a more central route after Base Camp, avoiding the left side of the Khumbu Icefall, where last year’s accident occurred.

The fatal avalanche last year triggered a boycott by Sherpa climbers who demanded better wages and conditions.

Their protest at Base Camp led to the cancellation of all expeditions to Everest.

The Nepali government is seeking to improve safety at the start of the 2015 spring climbing season.

“We think the risk of avalanche in the left part of the Khumbu Icefall is growing and we are moving the route to the centre where there is almost no such danger,” said Ang Dorji Sherpa, chairman

of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, an organisation authorised to set the route of Everest expeditions.

Ropes and ladders had already been imported from countries including the UK and will be fixed into position along the new route, he added.

The central route up the mountain immediately after Base Camp is not actually new. It was the path used by mountaineers more than two decades ago.

But in the 1990s, the route

was changed to run up what is known as the “west shoulder” because it was shorter and easier to climb, even for inexperienced mountaineers. The downside was that the avalanche risk there was greater.

“The route through the centre part will be difficult and time consuming but it will be relatively free from the risk of avalanche, as the ice cliffs and hanging glaciers [along the west shoulder] are comparatively far away from it,” said Mr Sherpa. -BBC news SOME

Very important people are sometimes behind the scene of drastic events to suit their own interest.

THE red carpet at the presidential palace in Delhi gets a last-minute dusting before the arrival of Sri Lanka’s President Mithripala Sirisena on a state visit to India. Picture: BBC

RED CARPET WELCOME

The important people with motive are still free ...

SIRUL AZHAR UMAR AUSTRALIA

China’s new year gateaway begins

HUNDREDS of millions of people in China are making their annual journey home to celebrate the Lunar New Year, in what is considered the world’s biggest annual human migration.

About three billion passenger trips will be made over the 40-day travel period, reported Xinhua news agency.

China celebrates with an extended public holiday known as Golden Week that officially ends on 24 February.

But many people continue to travel before and after the holiday.

Also known as the Spring Festival, it kicks off with a large meal, known as the reunion dinner, on Wednesday, New Year’s Eve.

Families are then expected to visit relatives’ homes.

The festival is also celebrated in other places with ethnic Chinese populations, such as Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia.

The Lunar New Year is celebrated in Vietnam, where it is called Tet, and South Korea where it is known as Seollal.

-BBC news

Myanmar declares martial law in troubled Kokang

A STATE of emergency has been declared in the Kokang region of Myanmar, following intense fighting between ethnic-minority rebels and the army.

President Thein Sein has handed power in the area over to the military and imposed a three-month period of martial law.

Fighting was triggered by the return of rebel leader Phone Kya Shin after five years of exile in China.

Tens of thousands of refugees have been forced to flee their homes.

Chinese state media said there had been 30,000 border

DOUBLE POWERS: It is the first time President Thein Sein’s government has instituted military administration since coming to power in 2011, giving the army executive and judicial powers in the designated region.

IMPACT: The Kokang is dominated by ethnic Han Chinese, and the MNDAA general secretary, Htun Myat Lin, said the military administration “would only make the lives of the Kokang people difficult”

crossings by Myanmar nationals over the past week.

Violent clashes between the military and rebel fighters known as the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) have inten-

sified since 9 February.

More than 50 government troops have been killed since then, according to officials, and 26 rebels have died.

Two people were shot and wounded on Tuesday when

unidentified gunmen opened fire on a convoy of vehicles marked with the emblem of the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS).

It was attempting to transport civilians displaced by fighting in the Kokang capital of Laukkai to the Chinese border.

The Kokang are ethnically Han Chinese and at least 30,000 of them have moved straight across the border into China.

Those from other ethnic groups have retreated inside Myanmar and every few hours another truckload of tired people arrives here

Japan sees 25 billion cyberattacks in 2014

in Lashio seeking food and sanctuary at one of the monasteries.

They bring with them terrifying stories from days of fighting between the Kokang rebels and Burmese soldiers.

Five years ago Phone Kya Shin, a rebel leader and drug lord, was forced into China and a more compliant administration put in place.

He’s now determined to regain control - and returned to Kokang late last year with a small but well equipped army.

-BBC news

Chinese traditions mark start of Lunar Year

ALL 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac have their flaws and virtues.

In mainland China a particular interpretation about the characteristics associated with the Year of the Goat - which is also referred to as the Year of the Sheep - had state media alarmed.

They were forced to debunk myths that people belonging to that star sign were destined for a bad life, and that they were not cut out for competi-

tion because they were seen as followers not leaders.

Local media reports claimed these beliefs drove some couples to deliberately plan the birth of their child around that horoscope.

The Year of the Goat begins on February 19 this year.

“According to tradition, I think girls born in the Year of the Goat may have a harder life but I don’t believe it,” said He Tianqiong, who has been selling prayer beads and oth-

er religious ornaments across the road from Beijing’s Lama Temple for the past 20 years. “What matters the most is a healthy child,” another woman said.

As happens with every zodiac animal, the Year of the Goat is seen by practitioners of Chinese astrology or feng shui as a good year for some and a bad year for others.

These individuals say it is possible to fend off bad luck and maximise opportunities

during the year by making changes such as repositioning furniture or adding strategically placed ornaments to your home or work space.

Feng shui practitioners are extremely popular in places like Malaysia and the Chinese territory of Hong Kong where they are hired for private speaking engagements and have a slew of media appearances especially over the Lunar New Year.

-ABC news

TOKYO: More than 25 billion cyberattacks on the Japanese government and other bodies were logged in 2014, an agency says, with 40 per cent of them traced to China.

The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, which has a network of a quarter of a million sensors, said there were 25.66 billion attempts to compromise systems, according to a report by Kyodo News.

The figure includes attacks aimed at testing the vulnerability of software used in servers.

The survey was first carried out in 2005, when it recorded just 310 million attempts to breach security.

NICT said an increasing number of the attacks it was seeing involve attempts to take over routers, security cameras and other systems connected to the internet.

Of the cyberattacks the agency was able to trace, 40 per cent originated in China, while South Korea, Russia and the US also figured prominently.

Compromised internet security is an increasing risk for firms around the world and in all sectors.

A Russian report released on Monday said cyberattacks since 2013 have cost banks around the globe up to $US1 billion ($A1.29 billion).

-AAP news

AN estimated three billion passenger trips will be made during the new year rush. Picture: BBC

US warns Russia on Ukraine violence

THE US has accused Russia of violating the Minsk agreement on Ukraine, as the UN Security Council voted unanimously to approve the ceasefire deal.

Vice-President Joe Biden said, “the costs to Russia will rise” if it continued to violate the accord.

Fighting is continuing around the strategic town of Debaltseve, with pro-Russian rebels saying they now control most areas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Ukraine’s troops there to surrender.

Although the Security Council unanimously approved a Russian-drafted resolution to endorse the Minsk ceasefire deal agreed in Belarus last week, angry words were exchanged among ambassadors.

US Ambassador Samantha Power welcomed the agreement but said that Russia had to prove its commitment to peace. She said: “Stop arming the separatists. Stop sending hundreds of heavy weapons across the border in addition to your troops. Stop pretending you are not doing what you are doing.”

She added: “Russia signs agreements then does everything within its power to undermine them. Russia champions the sovereignty of nations and then acts as if a neighbour’s borders do not exist.”

Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin called her comments “offensive”.

“Since the very start of the crisis, Russia has actively

Suicide attacks kill dozens

DOZENS of people have been killed in suicide attacks in Nigeria.

Twenty people died following explosions at a military checkpoint outside the north-eastern town of Biu. Troops present at the checkpoint fired back, killing 17 of the insurgents. It is believed they were from Boko Haram.

At a glance

ACCUSATION: THE US has accused Russia of violating the Minsk agreement on Ukraine, as the UN Security Council voted unanimously to approve the ceasefire deal.

VICE-PRESIDENT:Joe Biden said, “the costs to Russia will rise” if it continued to violate the accord.

US AMBASSADOR: Welcomed the agreement but said that Russia had to prove its commitment to peace.

called for a peaceful settlement through inclusive, transparent dialogue between all sides in the internal Ukrainian conflict,” he said.

After speaking to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, Mr Biden said he “strongly condemned the violation of the ceasefire by separatist forces acting in concert with Russian forces, in and around the town of Debaltseve”.

He added: “If Russia continues to violate the Minsk agreements... the costs to Russia will rise.”

Mr Poroshenko described rebel attempts to take the town as a “cynical attack” on the ceasefire.

International observers monitoring the truce have been unable to enter Debaltseve.

The town has become a key prize for rebels and government forces, as it sits on a strategic railway line linking rebel-held Donetsk and Luhansk. -BBC news

Mum defends Hewitt over rape claim

THE mother of one of the women accusing Bob Hewitt of rape has testified that her daughter is lying and was not abused as a minor by the former tennis star.

Judy Sheehan was called to testify in a South African court on Tuesday by Hewitt’s defence lawyer. She said her daughter, Suellen Sheehan, was never in a position where she could have been raped by Hewitt, a former Grand Slam doubles champion and Tennis Hall of Fame member who is on trial charged for sexually abusing three girls he coached in the 1980s and 1990s.

“Mr Hewitt never took my child anywhere,” Judy Sheehan testified, according to the South African Press

A RESULT OF WAR

Association. “He never picked her up anywhere I would have known about it.”

Judy Sheehan’s testimony contradicted her daughter, who testified at the start of the trial last week that Hewitt raped her in his car in 1982 when she was 12.

Suellen Sheehan testified that the rape took place after Hewitt picked her up from school to take her to tennis practice. “If this had happened, this case would have taken place some 30-odd years ago,” Judy Sheehan said. She said her daughter never told her at the time that she had been raped. Suellen Sheehan sat in the courtroom in Johannesburg while her mother testified.

On Tuesday the group released a video in which Boko Haram’s leader, Abubakar Shekau vowed to disrupt Nigeria’s elections at any cost.

The 15-minute film was released via the group’s newly created Twitter account, prompting some analysts to question whether they had been influenced by Islamic State.

Previous Boko Haram videos were of a lower quality and distributed to journalists on DVD.

Also on Tuesday, a suicide bomber killed four and injured five at a restaurant near a military checkpoint in Potiskum, north-eastern Nigeria.

Meanwhile an attack at an opposition rally in the south of the country killed one police officer and injured four others, while a reporter covering the event was stabbed, according to news agency AFP.

The attack targeted a rally by the All Progressives Congress (APC) - Nigeria’s main opposition - in Okrika, a small port town south of Port Harcourt in the heart of Nigeria’s oil-producing region. APC members were waiting for the rally to begin, witnesses said, when there was several explosions and gunfire.

It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the attack. Boko Haram is not known to operate in the region. There are fears that Nigeria is becoming increasingly unstable ahead of its delayed general election. – BBC

Mexico tackles pipeline fuel thefts

MEXICO’S state-owned oil company Pemex has announced it will stop shipping ready-to-use petrol and diesel through its pipelines, in an effort to curb fuel thefts.

Pemex says it will use its pipelines across Mexico only for unfinished fuel.

That fuel will go through a last phase of mixing when it reaches the company’s storage plants. More than $1bn (£650,000) worth of fuel was stolen by Mexican gangs in 2014, an increase of 70% over the previous year.

In a statement, the company warned consumers not to buy illegal fuel tapped from its pipelines as it was likely to damage car engines.

Last year, Pemex discovered more than 2,600 illegal

taps along its network of ducts. Many criminal organisations, including Mexico’s notorious drugs gangs, are involved in the illegal activities.

Mexican oil production has declined from 3.6 million barrels a day in 2004 to just 2.5 million.

Pemex, known officially as Petroleos Mexicanos, has been in the red since 2013.

Last year, the Mexican Congress approved President Enrique Pena Nieto’s energy reform, one of the priorities of his administration.

Constitutional changes have allowed foreign companies to be awarded oil contracts for the first time since the industry was nationalised in 1938. -BBC news

A MILITARY boot on a road near Debaltseve in eastern Ukraine where fighting between government forces and rebels continued despite a ceasefire. Picture: BBC

We are having

Open

on Thursday 19th February, in conjunction with Luxury Paints.

Come along and meet Brent Tate from the North Queensland Cowboys, he will be onsite from 9am.

We will have a traditional Lihirian Dance group performing during the day. All day BBQ and door prizes to win!

Solution to puzzle SL0855

stars

March 20 - April 19

Frustrating as the setbacks you’ve encountered since early 2015 have been, you’re about to realise they were actually in your best interests. Once thrilling offers come your way, next week, you’ll actually be thankful the events of the past month or so have prevented you getting involved in certain ventures.

April 20 - May 19

The move by your ruler Venus into the most strategic portion of your chart begins a cycle that will be both complex and, ultimately, informative. That’s because it touches on issues you thought you’d just have to live with. Once that might have been the case. What surfaces now will change everything.

May 21 - June 20

Don’t allow those who’ve absolutely no enthusiasm to get you down. Recently you’ve had to deal with somebody who would happily keep everything as it is, from month to month and even, year to year. Obviously this is frustrating. Still, once you understand their nature, you’ll stop struggling and accept them as they are.

June 21 - July 21

There’s talk of changes in plan that would throw what you’ve organised into disarray. Annoying as this may be, you’ll soon be thankful for those changes. They’re diverting you from a path that would be increasingly uphill and decreasingly rewarding. Rethink your plans now and things will go more smoothly.

July 22 - August 22

Although the New Moon was a few days ago, it would be no surprise if you weren’t still reviewing the insights it triggered, especially about arrangements you’re questioning. At one point these excited and inspired you. Now they don’t. There’s no better time than the present to give these serious thought.

August 23 - September 22

It’s been a week since your ruler Mercury ended its period of retrograde movement. While this concluded on a specific day, the 11th, you’re still dealing with fallout, in the form of confusion. Annoying as this seems, it’s giving you a chance to catch and deal with errors that were bypassed then.

September 23 - October 22

In late January your ruler Venus joined the impatient Mars in accenting various practical matters. While you’ve accomplished a great deal since then, you’ll be relieved to learn both planets are departing this portion of your chart. Better yet, they’re moving to accent the all important subject of close relationships.

October 23 - November 22

It’s not that one particular issue is so complicated. Rather, you’re trying to get others to agree to your plans beforehand. You’re far better off plunging in, then allowing each day’s events to guide you to the next. Out of character as this may be, this approach avoids lengthy yet futile debates.

November 23 - December 22

Long ago you learned that, as valuable as somebody’s wisdom and experience may be, that doesn’t mean they’re right. This is especially the case in certain new, but complex, arrangements. Seek the advice of those you respect. But when it comes to decisions, weigh them up against your own views.

December 21 - January 19

You’ve been so caught up in what you’re doing that you forgot about the past, future or wider world around you. Now, however, events are encouraging you to make up for lost time. Distracting as certain developments seem, their objective is to get you to broaden your horizons.

January 20 - February 17

While your reputation for being both charming and easygoing is well earned, it also obscures a stubborn streak. Even those who know you best are unaware how skilfully you avoid clashes over changes you don’t want to make. Now, however, destiny is forcing your hand. You have no choice.

February 18 - March

Sooner or later you’ll need to let go of certain arrangements that were once rewarding but are now more of a nuisance than a pleasure. You’ve been hoping that with a little creative thinking, they’d be less of a problem. That’s possible. Still, eventually they’ll need to come to an end.

NATIONAL JUDICIAL STAFF SERVICE

DEATH NOTICE &

Late Caroline Yambe

On behalf of the Chief Justice, Judges, Registrar, Management & Staff of the National Judicial Staff Service, it is with great sadness that we inform all immediate relatives, friends and colleagues of the passing of Late Caroline Yambe on Sunday 15 February, 2015.

Late Caroline commenced work in 2006, initially in the Library until her appointment as Judge’s Secretary in 2008. She has served the Judiciary and the NJSS, with commitment, dedication and loyalty for a total of 9 years.

She is survived by her only daughter Ms Ryscha Yambe.

We take this opportunity to convey our sincere, heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to her daughter, and the immediate family members.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this time of great loss and sadness.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

JOHN 14:27

Rest in Eternal Peace.

JACK KARIKO Secretary

TOUCH

RUGBY LEAGUE

Meet Afghan’s Lillie and Thommo

Gayle a law unto himself

CRICKET

CHRIS Gayle may be the most important individual at the World Cup in the sense that no team needs their main man to fire as desperately as the West Indies do. Without the charismatic lefthander bringing his explosive talent, vast experience and intimidating matchwinning potential to bear, it is difficult to see the troubled islanders making any meaningful impact.

But already it’s not happening. Against Ireland, Gayle wasn’t quite the dead loss he had been during the warm-up games and before that during a one-day series against South Africa, but his 36 off 65 balls was a non-event that did nothing to avert the ensuing embarrassment.

It’s not in the scorebook but just before the Irishmen hit the winning runs he misfielded a simple ground ball, giving the impression – fairly or not – that his head was already back in the bar.

Even the best cricketers can’t be expected to dominate day in and day out on demand – witness England captain Eoin Morgan’s two runs in his last five knocks – but Gayle seems to be in a permanent state of rebellion, boredom and disrespect for the game that has made him rich and famous.

CRICKET

IF Shapoor doesn’t get you, Hassan must.

It doesn’t quite roll off the tongue like Lillee and Thommo but Afghanistan’s pair of fiery opening bowlers look like they’ve been reading right from the playbook of Australian heroes Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson.

Hamid Hassan. He may not rock oversized sunglasses and we’re not sure

if he owns a bar, but Hassan might just outdo West Indies batsman Chris Gayle when it comes to being the coolest cat on the cricket field.

Who else can don a multicoloured headband and still perform the task at hand with a level of intensity that matches the best in the sport?

How many professional athletes paint their country’s flag on both cheeks and still get taken seriously?

The answer is not many.

Hassan has fire in the belly, sending down 145km/h thunderbolts with aggression and accuracy.

In many ways he’s a throwback to the golden age of pace bowling, when Dennis Lillee held back his wild locks with a headband as he charged in to the crease to intimidate the opposition batsman.

But even Dennis had his limitations – we can’t imagine him ever bowling while wearing face paint.

Hamid Hassan, we salute you. Shapoor Zadran. The giant left-armer was generating plenty of Twitter buzz after a devastating burst against Bangladesh yielded two wickets of the highest quality on Wednesday. Shapoor - or Shahpur, as his name is written on the back of his shirt - is like a more accurate version of Pakistan’s Mohammad Irfan, steaming in off a long run and using his height to great effect.

Don’t be fooled by his luscious flowing hair eitherit’s not all about peace and love for Shapoor. He is full of rage. “I am angry every time I bowl,” he once said in an interview.

“A bowler has to be angry, so that his reaction can carry over to the batsmen, who get unsettled and end up making a mistake.”

His pace-bowling idol is Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar.

HAMID Hassan has a piercing stare ideal for a fast bowler.

SHAPOOR Zadran of Afghanistan celebrates dismissing Bangladesh’s Soumya Sarkar.

CHRIS Gayle picked up a wicket against Ireland.

New Hunters to cement positions

Waula sets an example

RUGBY LEAGUE

POLICE Probational Constable

Waula

BY MICHAEL WARTOVO RUGBY LEAGUE

TIME to step up and show cause.

That’s the blunt message SP Hunters coach Michael Marum has drilled into the minds of his hungry to please entourage of young Hunters in camp Kokopo.

The Hunters leave camp for the first time this week to head down to Brisbane for their only Queensland Intrust Super Cup pre-season trial clash with the Ipswich Jets on Saturday.

With only one match to please…the pressure cooker will be on mainly for the newcomers to impress Marum enough to fit into his game plan this season.

It took Hunters coaching staff almost seven weeks to prepare for this match and knows his young guns are eager to get out and prove a point, Marum said after training at the Kalabond Stadium yesterday.

As it is expected to be cracker of a season ahead, Marum wants to start on a positive note to ensure the systems he implanted last season has a follow-on effect.

Throughout the week the Hunters coaching staff concentrated on their structural game patterns, defensive drills and speed work.

“All 19 players will be given a go,” he said.

“Saturday’s trial match will be primarily used to see how our new play-

ers perform at this level,” he said.

“The match will give me an idea of the potential make-up of the 18 man squad to open the season against the South Logan Magpies next month,” Marum added.

He also explained that seasoned players in Timothy Lomai, Sebastian Pandia, Noel Zemming and Edward Goma are recovering from treatment to injuries incurred last season and will not travel.

Whilst Marum would not go into detail as to who will start the match, it is most likely that Kumul prop Enoch Maki will get more playing time in the absence of Lomai alongside Essau Siune, as the only two recognised props. While Lae Tigers workaholic Henry Wan gets his chance to serve his apprenticeship out in a similar role as Pandia.

For Zemming and Goma, Marum is certainly in no short supply of gun backs to look at with the most obvious Kato Ottio certain to make a statement.

Marum further said that discipline is one of the paramount strategies that the management of Hunters is emphasising on, basically to ensure players reach their maximum playing capability.

“We also have zero tolerance on alcohol. This has seen the demise of a few players,” he added.

The Hunters leave tomorrow via Port Moresby onto Brisbane.

PLAYER PROFILE

Name : Ashley Waula

Age : 23

Province of origin: Chimbu and West New Britain

Village: Dulai, Salt Nomane

Works: Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary

Joined: 2013

Position: Probational Constable

Sport: Rugby league Club : Royals, Port Moresby

Off-season club: Bang 36 North East Digicel Cup: TNA Lions (2013)

Representative career : Rugby league – Junior Kundus (U16 -2008)

Rugby union – Junior Pukpuks (U19 – 2010)

Ipatas Cup Southern leg kicks off

BY JOE GURINA RUGBY LEAGUE

THERE will be two days of exciting rugby league being played outside the city limits of the nation’s capital this weekend.

Twenty-four teams will be vying for two gold passes in the southern leg of the nationwide Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup (CCIC) tournament.

From these include some of the leading off-season clubs from all the suburbs in the city.

CCIC CEO Timothy Lepa said this is the first time the competition has accommodated a record number of teams participating in this year’s tournament for this region.

He said the matches will be played over the next two weekends at the McGreggor Police Barracks and Laloki High

Ashley Waula is a shining example for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

Waula, based at Boroko Police Station in Port Moresby, says playing his favoured sport rugby league keeps him fit and alert on the job.

The young man interacts with the people from all walks of life through sport and plays his part in community policing.

Waula is currently preparing to lead his off-season club Bang 36 North East into the Ipatas Cup southern region leg of matches that will be played at Laloki High School and the McGreggor Police Barracks this weekend.

“I want to go to the next level like all rugby players, the Digicel Cup and the SP Hunters is what we aspire for,” he said.

Royals club mentor and team manager Simon Maima said Waula is one of those many sons of policemen at Gordons Barracks that are excelling in the game, but don’t get much recognition.

“There are countless young people like Ashley (Waula) that join the constabulary but have not taken the initiative to involve themselves in sporting activity,” he said.

“The young man is a role model to his juniors and to his peers,” he added.

Maima said this a powerful message to other new recruits to follow suit.

He further made special mention club sponsor Black Swan International Security company for their continued support of the Royals club.

School. “It will be entertaining as some of these clubs will be fielding players from the Digicel Cup level, Port Moresby, Suburban and Moresby South recognised competitions.

Teams like Bige Petroleum will have players from Gulf Isapeas while Waigani Iralais will be fielding players from Hela Wigmen and several Port Moresby Vipers players for Bomai Yal. Lepa said the CCIC competition since its establishment 18 years ago has produced some the finest players that have reached the inter-city and Kumul level.

The CCIC is a sanctioned competition registered with the PNGRFL.

He further made the point that the PNGRFL should have respected their competition calendar before proceeding with their national competitions.

THE team captains from 17 of the clubs gather for a photo shoot at the Sports Inn yesterday. Picture: MARK TALIA

PROBATION Constable Ashley

SP Hunters players (from left) Ate Bina Wabo, Willie Minoga, Lawrence Tu’u, Stargroth Amean and David Lapua in Rabaul recently.

Elite athletes on track on track

Games venues covered

FROM BACKPAGE

“WE understand that the senior editors at the newspaper have a readership they want to keep with this kind of news, but not at the expense of the image of our great country and what we want to show case at the Games, by driving bad publicity,” he added.

Tkatchenko shot down any report that the Games committee would reject assuming liability, health and safety responsibilities as reported in the article. “We will not allow for facilities used for the Pacific Games not to be covered because there will be huge burdens for the Government in providing compensation,” he said.

The Physical Planning board and the Building board will have the clearances for all infrastructures and venues for the Games,” he clarified.

“They are both the approval authority and will ensure all necessary permits and approval is given for venues and infrastructure for the running of the Games,” Tkatchenko added.

Tkatchenko said that Sir Hubert Murray Stadium is the only venue that will be built in stages. “This will ensure that the venue is ready to host the rugby league and rugby seven’s,” he said.

“The second stage of the venue will be completed after the Games towards 2016 in preparation to be the home to weightlifting and other sports,” he confirmed.

ATHLETES

SHARON Kwarula is hitting top form as the Indoor track and field season heads towards its climax early in March, setting a personal best and Lone Star Conference record of 8.48 seconds in the 60m hurdles at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque last weekend. Other PNG athletes in action at this meet were Pomio middle-distance champ Cecilia Kumalalamene, Poro Gahekave and Richard Dotaona in the 800m, Shirley Vunatup in the 200m and Andipas Georasi in the 3000m.

Meanwhile over in the mid west, Adrine Monagi, Rellie Kaputin and Sharon Toako all continued their recent good form at the University of Platteville, Wisconsin.

Monagi set an indoor personal best of 26.15secs for the 200m whilst Kaputin cleared 1.65m in the high jump and Toako set a personal best 11.71m in the weight throw.

Several athletes were also in action in Brisbane, Peniel Richard setting a personal best of 14.31m in the triple jump and clearing 1.90m in the high jump.

Nelson Stone won the 400m in 48.94secs and Toea Wisil the 100m in 11.87 secs.

Wisil and Betty Burua now head to Adelaide this weekend for the Australian Relay Championships where they will represent Queensland in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays respectively.

“Venues that are completed will have completion reports, venues that have certain parts of it completed for the games (stages) will have completion reports because they are the areas the Games need to run the games,” Tkatchenko added. Tkatchenko was adamant that any talk of deferring the games is not an option.

“We have a team in VIEC (Venues Infrastructure Equipment Committee) that will ensure there are ticks in the boxes when it comes to infrastructure…nothing will be done second rated.

“International companies are working on facilities that will do it professionally we will not allow for any second rate equipment to be used on the facilities,” Tkatchenko added.

Hekari edge out Oro in NSL

BY JOE GURINA SOCCER

HEKARI United bounced back to the Telikom National Soccer League (NSL) winning circle after edging out a determined Oro with a 1-0 win at Bomana yesterday.

Hekari aroused themselves from their blunder of a performance on Saturday to

end Oro’s new-found form in recent weeks with a grinding win. Whilst the first-half proved to be a scoreless affair, the openings slowly began to expose themselves for the champs to at least take one good bite of the cherry to push for their resolve.

Hekari managed to score at least one goal through talented mid-

As of August 2008, Ronaldo holds 15 World Cup goals in soccer.

fielder Emmanuel Simon, who was attributed the own goal from the latter to keep coach Jerry Alan relieved in his seat, as he ponders their O-League campaign slated for Fiji in April.

The eight-time champions of the NSL have been slotted in Group C with Tafea of Vanuatu, Wellington of

New Zealand and AS Tefana of Tahiti.

Goal-scoring was a huge issue in their last campaign, something Alan will now be worrying about.

Oro coach Joe Turia said he was pretty sure Hekari would give them a good run for their money and they did just that.

Turia wouldn’t dwell on the loss but

rather had praise for the performance of his 21 year old gold keeper Enoch Maniwolo, who performed outstandingly to keep out certain goals in a strong performance. He said Maniwolo should be a prospect for the PNG Under23 squad for the Pacific Games and urged national selectors to take note.

SOUTH Pacific and PNG champion hurdler Sharon Kwarula (right) in action in the USA.

Damage control

All venues will be covered by insurance including public liability, says Tkatchenko

BY MIRIAM ZARRIGA

JUSTIN Tkatchenko

couldn’t wait to fi re a broadside at one of the daily newspapers for misreporting on their back page yesterday.

The Minister for Sports and Pacific Games came out fi ring with allegations on

individuals that were using the media to initiate their own agendas.

The Minister was not his jolly self, the article caught his ire and minus the daggers he was on the warpath.

A dour-faced Sports and Pacific Games Minister, re-

sponding to the article, said the information given for the story was never pictured and only served to invigorate certain individual’s personal agendas.

“We asked the senior editors who hatched this to come with all their questions, and they send a re-

porter with questions on the medal incentives...it does demonstrate something else besides real concern if what they print is true or not,” Tkatchenko said.

CONTINUED PAGE 47