Post Courier, Friday January 3, 2020

Robbery foiled

MAIN PICTURE: One of two suspects caught by security guards after they tried to get away. PICTURES: MARK TALIA.

The injured suspect gets help from St John Ambulance.

Police outside Gerehu Mart Supermarket yesterday.

BY MIRIAM ZARRIGA GEREHU Mart Supermarket manager Ridoy

Hason was stabbed to

Index

Asia.......................................58

Business.........................51-55

Classi eds .....................61-62

Comics ................................60

Highlands Post ...................17

Home news..............3-9,12,14

Islands extra .......................20

Islands Post ........................19

Mamose Post ......................18

Paci c ..................................58

Southern Post .....................16

Sport ...............................63-68

Sudoku ................................60

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

Turf Guide.......................31-38

Yu Tok .............................10-11

SOUTHERN

WWII Veteran celebrates 100th birthday with one birthday wish Billie

ON PAGES 23-30 & 39-46

Recognising customary land laws vital: Activist

RECOGNISING and embracing customary land laws is the way to address land issues in PNG.

MORE ON PAGE 8

PACIFIC/ASIA

NSW Premier declares state of emergency as thousands flee

309 1175, 309 1174, 309 1088

How to contact us

EDITORIAL

DEPUTY EDITOR

Jonathan Tannos

Ph: 309 1054

Email:jtannos@spp.com.pg

CHIEF OF STAFF

Lawrence Fong

Ph: 309 1016

Email: lfong@spp.com.pg

BUSINESS EDITOR

Mathew Vari

Ph: 309 1016

Email: mvari@spp.com.pg

SPORTS EDITOR

Dennys Iorere

Ph: 309 1068

Email: diorere@spp.com.pg

2019 at Port Moresby 2019 at Port Nature Park

THIS year the welfare accredited park launched a whole new education program, three new exhibits, including the Reptile Haus and a frog research conservation project.

MORE ON PAGE 16

MAMOSE Agriculture prospers in Morobe

THE success of Morobe smallholder farmers and agri-businesses this year continues to raise the bar for agricultural development in the province.

MORE ON PAGE 18

ISLANDS

EXTRA

Nursing director urges govt to assist Vunapope hospital

The government must continue to support the Vunapope St Mary’s Hospital in Kokopo in delivering health services to the people. This call was made by the St Mary’s Hospital director of nursing services

Sr Placidia Nohan.

MORE ON PAGE 20

ON PAGES 31-38

LAE: Franco Nebas

Ph/fax: 472 4166.

Email: fnebas@spp.com.pg

KOKOPO: Poreni Umau

Ph: 982 9186. Fax: 982 9147.

Email: poreni.umau@gmail.com

BUKA: Romulus Masiu

Ph: 973 9188 Fax: 973 9170

Email: masiuromulus@gmail.com

MT HAGEN: Mal Taime

Ph: 542 2602 fax: 542 3039

Email: mal.taime@gmail.com

Mobile: 76725260/7285445

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Betty Bona

Ph: 309 1102 Fax: 321 3284

Email: bonab@spp.com.pg

Additional profits tax is a load on shareholders

BANK South Pacific has affirmed that any plans to introduce additional profits tax into the banking sector in 2020, will directly affect shareholders, of which the national government has the largest portion with 18 per cent.

MORE ON PAGE 51

Priority at Lae’s main market given to farmers

VENDORS invloved in black marketing in Lae City’s main market will now have to go elsewhere. This is because the market will be placing their priority on garden produce vendors.

MORE ON PAGES 52

Super league could lure rugby’s best

SONNY Bill Williams’ new rugby league club believes Super League will “explode” and attract the best players from rugby union and NRL if the Toronto Wolfpack can crack the North American sporting market.

Leicester keeps pressure on Liverpool

SOCCER: The Fox hunt hasn’t been disbanded just yet. Leicester City have handed Aston Villa their biggest defeat of the season as they sounded a warning to league leaders Liverpool – the title race isn’t over.

MORE ON PAGE 63

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Ryan Morgan

Ph: 309 1044

Email: rmorgan@spp.com.pg

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Marie Oapaisa

Ph: 309 1106

Email: oapaisam@spp.com.pg

EDITORIAL ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Allan Sariman

Ph 3091032

Email: asariman@spp.com.pg

DELIVERY INQUIRIES

Ph: 309 1102

Email: bonab@spp.com.pg

Converting

Xmas meet gets funding

THE Buakap Christmas tournament committee received K13,000 funding (cash) from Huon Gulf MP Ross Seymour during the grand final over the weekend.

MORE ON PAGE 65

Wawens

THE DRUM

PENGEE: thedrum@spp.com.pg

ROADS TO DISASTER

THE appalling state of roads in ENB is not getting any better. How is business supposed to work? How is the province supposed to operate in these conditions?

Two measles cases identified

BY GLADYS KILA DWU JOURNALISM STUDENT

TWO measles cases have been identified in PNG - a three-year-old girl in Gulf Province and a 23-year-old man from New Ireland Province.

The National Emergency Operation Centre of the Department of Health, with support from UNICEF and WHO have responded and supported the provincial health authorities via the provincial operations centre.

According to Health Secretary Pasco Kase: “We are on heightened alert for measles and we are monitoring the situation.

“We have scaled up our investigation and surveillance activities and deployed people on the ground to support the response operations.

“We have the experience in man-

aging disease outbreaks and our outbreak response team has been out in the affected provinces and areas to help the provincial health authorities to contain the potential measles outbreak,” he said.

Mr Kase said measles was a serious disease but was preventable through vaccination; they had the measles vaccine available in health facilities throughout the country.

He said children needed three doses of vaccines in order to be fully protected and children at the ages of six, nine and 18 months are recommended for this vaccination.

The Health Department had supported Gulf Province with some funding, measles vaccine and vitamin supplements.

New Ireland had not submitted its micro plan that would also be supported by the department.

Kase, WHO urges parents to get their children vaccinated

BY GLADYS KILA DWU JOURNALSIM STUDENT

THE Health Department, World Health Organization and UNICEF are urging parents to have their child vaccinated as soon as possible.

Health Secretary Pascoe Kase said yesterday that prevention was more important than cure and people did not want to regret not protecting their children.

To date, the surveillance team had investigated a total of 83 suspected measles cases with acute fever and rash since last January.

The two recent samples collected from Gulf and New Ireland provinces tested positive and the rest were negative.

There were no new suspected cases reported from Gulf Province. Four additional suspected adult cases identified from New Ireland Province on Friday, December 27, were being investigated and awaiting their laboratory results. However, children were the most at risk during a measles outbreak. Although a highly infectious disease, measles could be prevented through vaccination.

The vaccine provided the safest

and the best protection against this serious disease, said Dr Gurung, the officer-in-charge of WHO representative office in PNG.

“In support of the government, the response to the outbreak and to prevent further spread of measles in both the affected provinces and across the country, UNICEF continue to provide logistical and cold chain support to ensure vaccines are available to reach children as quickly as possible and kept in the best condition,” said UNICEF country representative David McLoughlin.

“The Health Department and the provincial health authorities are strongly urging parents and guardians to take their children between six months and two years to the nearest health facilities to complete their routine immunisation.

“The vaccine is safe and effective and free,” Mr Kase said. He said severe complications could lead to death and that was something people did not want to see happening.

“Let’s all work together to protect our children and communities from measles by working together to ensure that we get our children immunised.”

MULTI-TASKING GUARDS?

SO the humble security guard in NCD is now skilled in triage assessment of patients seeking help at Gordon Clinic? Unbelievable! Guards sending patients away because staff are too busy? The assessment and referral of patients can only be done by qualified medical staff. Time for Governor to read the Riot Act to the staff at Gordon Clinic.

SOUTHS POWER?

“A NEW battlefront opens up at Sumbura near Poroma with deaths reported in 24 wards.”

It sounds like something out of WWII but it is actually a continuing conflict in the Sugu Valley of Kagua. Hopefully peace has come, but clearly the local MP has to visit and spend more time in his electorate dealing with his errant constituents.

ACT ON VIOLENCE

SO MUCH talk about gender violence yet no signs the numbers are dropping significantly. Maybe time for real action by government? How about increased minimum penalties for perpetrators? Or compulsory confidential reporting by hospitals and clinics when an offence occurs. Far too many cases are swept under the carpet or dismissed by police as “samting bilong tupela marit”!

35 New Year babies

PORT Moresby General Hospital delivered 35 New Year babies on January 1.

Twenty-four were boys and 11 girls. The heaviest was a boy who weighed 4.1kg.

The maternity section of the hospital was quiet and very busy as always. The faithful and committed staff safely delivered mothers and their babies.

Two mothers thanked the nurses and doctors for saving their lives and their babies.

Annie Koskon, 22, from Angoram, East Sepik Province, and Popondetta, Northern Province, gave birth to her first daughter about 1am.

Koskon is married to a man from Goroka, Eastern Highlands, was happy to have her first coffee princess. She thanked the staff for the safe delivery.

Esi Auri, 38, from Karama village, East Kerema, Gulf Province, was happy to give birth to

her daughter about 3am. Auri is married to man from Iokea village, Gulf Province. She plans to name her by boy after her father-

in-law because her first son was named after her father. Esi Auri thanked the staff for her safe delivery.

Above: Annie Koskon is all smiles with her first baby girl, as proud mum Esi Auri (top) shows off her baby boy. Pictures supplied

Poaching ring uncovered

‘Viagra exchanged for deer antlers and dugong bones’

BY MIRIAM ZARRIGA

AN Indonesian man is on the run after he was connected to a poaching activity that involved him traveling into the country through Western Province to pick up his illegal goods.

According to the Western Province South Fly Commander Brian Kombe, the man who had been identified by police enters the country via the border at Weam station.

Police in the district during the Christmas Operations had received assistance from the National Security Unit attached with the Special Services Division who had a 10-man team sent into the district to assist, including two drug and vice squad members.

Mr Kombe said that the items brought in were illegal and that the activity had been going on for a while. “The team of NSU and drug members was divided into two teams aided by the local taskforce team, they were sent to Morehead and Weam stations to check on what was happening,” he said.

“It was at Weam where they uncovered the huge number of deer antlers, cigarettes, dugong bones, and viagra allegedly ready to be taken away and exchanged”

“What happens is that the Indonesian man brings in viagra and cigarettes which is exchanged for deer antlers and dugong bones,” Mr Kombe said.

Police confiscated 250 deer antlers, one carton of viagra, one carton of cigarettes, and a huge amount of dugong bones. It was brought to the Daru police station to be put through the evidence with police working now to apprehend the Indonesian man, Mr Kombe said.

Suspect injured in failed robbery

FROM PAGE ONE

POST-COURIER confirmed with the Bangladesh-PNG Business Association president Mohammed Abdul Wahed that they were trying to get in touch with Hason’s relatives to inform them of the tragedy.

Gerehu Mart owner Armin Rahman said yesterday that the amount stolen was being determined internally and by police investigators.

According to guards on duty, five men dressed in security guard uniforms and vests walked into the supermarket about 11am, carrying what they said was an invoice.

They were taken to the supervisor’s office in the supermarket’s department section. It was there when their plans went astray. Scorpion Security Service supervisor Jessie Paul, whose company looks after the supermarket, said that the men did not expect a guard and the manager to be in the cash office. “The men said they were there to pick up cash, as they walked into the head office of the supermarket and headed into the main office. They removed several items and made their way into the head office, passing three doors to the office.”

“At the third door they waited outside, when the supervisor walked out, he was attacked and stabbed through the neck, he fell, an employee who was with him was also stabbed but managed to wrestle with the armed suspect while the alarm was raised. They tried to escape but guards managed to capture two, one was handed to police who had arrived at the scene, the other was nearly killed when guards at the store attacked him,” police said. According to sources outside of the shop, the suspect that was handed to police was later released.

A further three suspects managed to escape among the chaotic scenes at the Gerehu shopping complex.

A St John Ambulance team attended to the injured suspect and recommended that he be taken to the hospital for further treatment.

He was taken to the hospital by the St John Ambulance and escorted by the police.

Police were at the scene for almost an hour as detectives from the armed robbery and police CID took details of the robbery. Talks of a hostagetaking crisis were quashed by the police special services division that was called to the scene.

Police directed to explain how robbery suspect escaped custody

POLICE who first attended to the armed robbery at Gerehu Mart Supermarket yesterday have been directed to give an explanation as to how and why a suspect held by guards escaped custody.

Acting Assistant Commission of Police NCD/Central commander Anthony Wagambie Jr said that the actions of the officers were totally irresponsible and would not be tolerated by the command. Mr Wagambie said that being told an alleged suspect in a robbery was released after a citizen’s arrest by guards disrupted the hard work already done by officers so far.

According to sources outside of the shop a suspect was handed over to police but was

subsequently freed.

“We took a suspect and saw a police vehicle outside, we handed the suspect to the police. The other suspect was attacked by the guards who intervened and foiled the robbery,” a guard, who wished to remain anonymous, said. Another three men managed to escape among the chaotic scene in Gerehu.

Police are continuing their investigation into the incident. Police homicide officers are investigating the case of the dead supermarket manager while armed robbery detectives are going through the incident and footage of the crime.

RIGHT: Police outside Gerehu Mart Supermarket yesterday.

Facebook post leads to arrest of step-dad

BY MIRIAM ZARRIGA

A FACEBOOK post by a young woman has led to the arrest of her stepfather in Manus Province for physically, mentally and verbally abusing her and her two younger sisters.

The 22-year-old woman cannot be named because her younger siblings are 17 and 15 - minors. Their plight came to light when the woman posted on facebook: “All these we have done! Why find fault in us women and girls all the time? We should feel safe in our homes! Why can’t you just help with that? What is wrong with this society?

What about all the pain this guy has caused since then? He stole my innocence! My siblings’ innocence! Things we weren’t supposed to know of or experienced at a very young age, we did! Yet he roams around freely doing and plotting God knows what! He might actually do something unspeakable one of these days!”

Manus police have confirmed the arrest of a suspect, 43, from Pak Island, in the Rapatona LLG over the sexual assault of his three stepdaughters.

Provincial police commander

Chief Inspector David Yapu said police made the arrest yesterday afternoon (Jan 2) after interviewing

the girls and their mother in the morning.

“He did not say anything when he was taken in and remained silent as he was charged. I as the PPC exercised my powers and refused bail. He will be remanded in custody until next week Wednesday when he appears in court for mention.

“The seriousness of the allegations against him and his threats made to the girls has seen his bail refused so he will remain in police custody until he appears in court,” Mr Yapu said.

According to the statements by the three girls, the accused was alleged to have abused the young woman

Muthuvel aims to take back SOEs

and her two younger sisters when their biological dad died in 2011 and their mother remarried the suspect in 2013.

“The incident was never reported to police at Lorengu due to continuous threats issued by the stepfather to the three girls not to report the matter.”

Mr Yapu has appealed to Manus people to come forward to the Family Sexual Violence (FSV) unit office to report such incidents for police to investigate and take action.

He lauded the young woman’s courage to report the incident through social media and eventually led to the arrest of the perpetrator.

Moresby Northeast to undergo major upgrade programs

BY FRANK RAI

LAST year, 2019, was a year of struggle and challenges, said Moresby Northeast MP John Kaupa.

Wrapping up the year’s progress at his office in Port Moresby, Mr Kaupa told reporters that there were many challenges in the provisions of vital services.

He said the change of government and tough economic times were also contributing factor to the challenges endured in the district.

“Moresby Northeast is very challenging because it is situated in the heart of Port Moresby city which is made up of more than 1000 ethnic groups and more than 800 languages. The year 2019 was a very challenging year for us but we took it calmly and implemented some of our programs in the five-year district development plan,” Mr Kaupa said.

He noted the settlement upgrade program to suburban level included the successful acquisition of 14 land titles around the Eight-Mile

and Nine-Mile areas which will be subdivided and provided for settlers to own portion of land.

Mr Kaupa said plans were also underway to implement a mini-market roll out program this year (2020) with official opening and commissioning of the Six-Mile market and SME Incubation Centre with Wildlife market.

“Wildlife market will cater for both wholesale and retail marketing, supplementing Gordon market and other smaller markets around the city.

There are 10 mini markets indentified and ready to be rolled out when documentations are in order.”

He said that a K5 million market facility was also under way for Morobe Block, adjacent to the Nine-Mile Cemetery which will ease overloading, crowding and congestions at Wildlfe and Gordon markets.

Mr Kaupa said K4 million was allocated for water supply projects at the settlements around 8-Milel, 9-Mile, ATS, Bus Wara and Parea communities.

MINISTER

for Public

Enterprises and State Investmenets Sasindran Muthuvel aims to take back PNG’s state-owned enterprises in 2020 so as to drive growth and prosperity for all Papua New Guineans.

According to Mr Muthuvel in his New Year message, state-owned enterprises (SOE) would play a key role in allowing people to maximise the value of the opportunities that would come in the decade ahead.

“For too long our SOEs have been unable to deliver the services our people and communities deserve. Ever since the early 2000, the SOEs have been undermined by political interference and cronyism. This has resulted in chronic underperformance that has effectively deprived our people of the basic building blocks they need to prosper.

“As minister for state-owned enterprises, I am committed to driving meaningful reforms that will turn this situation around Consistent with the mantra of the Marape Government, my New Year’s resolution is to take back PNG’s SOE.

“Without access to affordable energy, businesses cannot improve their productivity and children cannot study in the evenings Without access to clean and reliable water, our investments in public health are undermined.

“And poor telecommunications services inhibit commerce and isolate our communities. We cannot leave our people to suffer isolation and poor health in the darkness any longer.”

The government had recognised the importance of SOE in delivering the basic services that Papua New Guineans need to improve their lives SOEs are responsible for delivering electricity; internet connection and clean water therefore Mr Muthuvel aims to improve this.

He alluded to that 2020 will be year of transformation for PNG in terms of opportunities and decisions that will follow.

“The changes will be challenging and sometimes controversial But they are needed to make sure we are in a position to grasp the opportunities ahead. And we must do this for our nation, our communities and our children,” he said.

FAMILIES and the community at large at Tatana Araira in the National Capital District enjoyed their New Year’s day celebration in the true spirit.

Pictured is Agnes Kala with family enjoyiing the day to open 2020.

NEW YEAR CELEBRATION AT TATANA ARAIRA

Minister for Public Enterprises and State Investmenets Sasindran Muthuvel.

lae daily lae

If you have a story to tell, call us on 472 4683 or email: fnebas.spp@global.net.pg

BY GEORGINA KOREI DWU JOURNALISM STUDENT

A LAE-based boat operator and buai buyer was killed and dumped on the beach at a boat stop in Popondetta last weekend.

Northern Province counterpart for confirmation. Mr N’Drasal said the PPC Northern confirmed that he had sent his police to the site of the incident.

‘Boat operator killed in Popondetta’ Lae gets new city manager

BY JOAN BAILEY

LAE has a new city manager after three years.

Lae city mayor James Khay made the announcement yesterday. Hesaid the appointment of Joel Kolam as new city manager was made known to Lae City Council (LCC) during New Year’s eve.

He described this appointment as New Year’s gift from the Morobe provincial government to the council.

He said city council had been without a permanent city manager after the former city manager was suspended over allegations of funds misappropriations.

“This has left the LCC malfunctioning with officers working on their own and running down the affairs of the council,” Mr Khay said.

“However, we now have a new city manager and I am happy after being informed that the candidate chosen by the provincial nominating and selection committee has fully met the qualities and experiences of being a city manager.”

He said the new manager is a Morobean but works in Port Moresby and he is looking forward to have him on board. The six ward members in Lae urban LLG are ready to work closely with him to deliver much needed basic services that have been lacking in the city for the past seven years.

He said there are many challeng-

es ahead and my message to the new city manager is that there is a breakdown of good governance, accountability and transparency within the council ranks and files which need immediate attention.

“I appeal to the new city manager to take note of three priority agendas that must be addressed when he takes office:

review the top management and middle management structure to re-organise the management team who will fearfully uphold the practices of good governance in carrying out both council decisions and normal operational duties as team leaders;

immediately implement the 2014 audit report that is in place which has identified a number of key administrative issues, especially with finance and human resource that resulted in creating total mess in the organisation; and identify all aging officers for full retrenchment and advertise all positions within the council in the open market for suitable and qualified personnel to apply and fill the positions.

“If these three key issues are not addressed, then chronic issues and problems of the council will never be rectified and solved for a better Lae,” Mr Khay said.

“I congratulate Mr Kolam on his appointment and look forward to work with him to deliver basic services to the residents, ratepayers, taxpayers and the public of Lae.”

Morobe police commander Alex N’Drasal said he received reports that the buai (betelnut) buyer was attacked by some men who were consuming alcohol and under the influence of marijuana.

Other buai buyers who returned to Lae reported the matter to Mr N’Drasal who had contacted his

The police team recovered the body of the buai seller and took it to the Popondetta General Hospital morgue.

Mr N’Drasal said the police in Northern Province are investigating the suspects in the murder case and so far they are still on the run and no arrest have been made yet.

“I have yet to confirm with the Northern Province police com-

mander whether they have captured the suspects involved in the murder,” he said.

He is calling on all the boat operators and betelnut buyers travelling into Popondetta to take extra care when travelling.

The situation is tense because the relatives of the deceased were planning to take revenge by blocking the boat stop where boats from Popondetta come in and that was giving them a hard time in deciding where they should shed their boats for safety.

Dead body found at DCA beach

THE New Year for Lae city started off on a bad note with the discovery of a dead body at the DCA area yesterday.

Lae police forensic officers have started investigations into the cause of death. Police confirmed that the body was of a male, aged between 25 and 30. The body is now at Angau Memorial General Hospital morgue.

Lae acting metropolitan superintendent Chris Kunyanban said

Man

from initial inspection, the body must have been in the water for a couple of days.

Mr Kunyanban said there has been a number of missing person’s reports and the discovery makes it four confirmed deaths just two days into the New Year.

The body was found by a woman who lives at DCA beachfront.

The woman was collection logs for firewood along the beach at about 6.30am yesterday when she sighted

the body floating in the sea a metre from the shore, said Stanley Gawi, another DCA resident.

She rushed up to the main road and asked four youths to help her retrieve the body from the sea.

The youths assisted her and pulled the corpse out of the sea to shore and covered it with a cloth. A police car being driven towards Sir Ignatius Kilage stadium was stopped and the discovery was reported to police.

arrested for degrading police on social media

A MAN in his late 30s from Wantoat in the Markham district was arrested, charged and detained by Lae police last week for posting defamatory comments about police officers in Wantoat on Facebook.

Morobe police commander, Alex N’Drasal said the man was arrested by Lae police after they received reports that he had been posting on Facebook and describing the work

Passenger urges boat owners to improve services

BY JANET KARI

A PASSENGER who was stranded at sea on the Popodentta-Lae boat route is calling on boat owners to improve their services to the customers.

Gwyneth Japara said travelling on sea is not like travelling on the road and getting stranded in the middle of the sea due to fuel shortage is not acceptable and not safe for passengers.

“When we got on the boat in Kausada (boat stop in Popondetta) the person who managers the boat told us that there were five containers of zoom (fuel) in Bosadi and that was where we’ll stop to refill.

“But we were half way past the border of Oro and Morobe when

the fuel ran out; we had to paddle to the shore in search of a village for fuel. The boat operator had no phone, and no crew to help him.”

Ms Japara was one of 18 passengers travelling from Popodentta to Lae on Christmas eve. The passengers had to push the boat along the shore while the operator walked for kilometres to look for fuel.

Ms Japara said that in order for them to get to the closest village; they had to take the boat across the mouth of a river.

They managed to get across and waited until 4pm when the operator came back with fuel that was enough to take them to the closest village where they spent the night.

She said because of the lack of proper services provided by the

boat owners they were stranded at sea.

“It was a risk being out in the sea in the middle of nowhere waiting for help and when help finally came we were told to pay another K100 to get to Lae.”

Ms Japara was lucky enough with the other 15 passengers who got on an empty boat to Lae the next day while other passengers remained in the village.

“I got on the boat not because I had enough money to pay but because I was a female, the operator allowed me to get onboard.”

She is appealing to responsible authorities to look into the matter, because boat is an affordable transport for people travelling to and from Popondetta.

Youths seeks support from authority

BY NATALIE CHOLOHEI

YOUTHS in Lae are calling on Morobe provincial government to initiate a wage-based project that they can get involved in.

These are young men from the settlements around Lae city who lived most of their lives on street involving in street vending and other activities as a means for survival.

They want to change their lifestyle and are seeking help from the authorities to help them with incentives that they can rely on

rather than the normal street life they are used to.

Spokesman Jeferry Simon, who lives at Banana Block, said with this idea, they are now hoping to talk to the officers from the provincial government to engage them in any general cleaning work around the city to at least gain something for their families.

Mr Simon said they have already started landscaping and general clean-up activities along the Independence Park area but want to be involved in a recognised arrangement where they can get

paid.

“We are involved in landscaping and beautification and can do other general clean-up as well as drainage work like what we are doing at the Independence Park,” he said.

“But what we are doing is not recognised by the authorities and we hope if the provincial government can help us and engaged us to do such work around the city so that we can get paid - a form of payment for us to help ourselves.”

He said like youths at Eriku who are getting paid for the work they do, they want something similar.

of the police officers stationed at Wantoat. Mr N’Drasal said the Cyber Crime Act is tough and it carried tough penalties for offenders.

“If you post something that has defamatory meaning on social media, be mindful that if it is offensive and spoils someone’s reputation, then you’ll be charged for two different offences, defamation of character and committing cyber

crime.”

The penalty for offenders in cyber crime is serious and if you are taken to court, the offender pays a fine of K13,000 or life imprisonment.

Mr N’Drasal is warning the general public who are on social media to use the social platform in a positive manner and not to abuse its use by creating problems with other people.

THE New Year’s police operation in Lae was a successful one after several hours of hard work where police officers patrolled the streets of Lae City.

Plans to convert settlements to suburbs

BY FRANK RAI

PLANS are well underway to convert squatter settlements to suburbs in the Moresby Northeast electorate of the National Capital District.

And to make this happen, more than 14 land titles have been secured to pave way for this project, according to local Member of Parliament John Kaupa.

Mr Kaupa told a media conference early this week that 10 land titles have been secured adjacent to Eight-Mile RH Service Station to Eight-Mile Durand Farm with four land titles at Nine-Mile, opposite Rouna Quarry.

“I am working closely with NCD Governor Powes Parkop to convert illegal settlements into suburbs and provide land titles for local people to own a piece of land. All Papua New Guineans must be given the opportunity to own properties and assets. We have 10 titles from RH Service Station at Eight-Mile way to Durand Farm and Nine-Mile, opposite Rouna Quarry,” the MP said.

He said this portion of lands would be utilised as “pilot projects” where essential utilities like water supply, electricity and roads are provided.

Moresby Northeast to roll-out second phase of mini market plan

BY FRANK RAI

MORE than 10 mini-markets are being planned for the Moresby Northeast electorate in the National Capital District this year.

This is to support women and mothers who are selling market produce at road sides, bus stops, under the shade of trees and at unauthorised public places.

Moresby Northeast MP John Kaupa made this announcement on New Year’s Eve in Port Moresby early this week.

“How best ill I serve the settlements and people who are struggling to make ends meet is a concern to me? Therefore, my District Development Authority’s (DDA) Five-Year Development Plan is focused on establishing more than 10 mini-markets to cater for vendors who are currently selling vegetables at road sides and public places to have a proper place to sell their produce,” Mr Kaupa said.

He said those mini-markets would be established at Five-Mile, Seven-Mile, Eight-Mile, Nine-Mile, Morobe Block – adjacent to the Nine-Mile Cemetery, ATS, Bus Wara and Parea settlements.

Mr Kaupa said the recentlycompleted K20 million Six-Mile Market, which comprises the Small Medium Enterprises (SME)

Incubation Centre and Open Market, would provide an avenue for local vendors to become entrepreneurs.

He also cited that the Wild Life Market would be opened this month, adding that it would provide both wholesale and retail vending to assist Gordon Market and others.

“A contractor has already been engaged and is working on the framework and structures of the 10 mini-markets. Once the paper work is completed, funds will be sources internally and from donor agencies to establish those markets,” Mr Kaupa said.

He said a K3 million funding had been made available to support the SME sector for local vendors, farmers, women and youth to be financially independent and prosper to become entrepreneurs.

“People talk about SME but when is this (SME) going to happen?

Moresby North-East electorates

first SME Roll-out program started in December 2019 with 400 mothers benefiting from the program and the second phase will roll-out on Easter,” he said.

He said this was amongst the priority areas undertaken by the DDA to assist the local population who were struggling to make ends meet at the settlements.

“Our people at the settlement want to build good houses and have decent lives but due to land problems, security is not guaranteed. Law and order problems emerge from these settlements because people are squatting at their own risks everywhere,” he said.

He said when the people owned a portion of land, section and allotment provided then law and order, including criminal activities would decrease at those settlements.

“We are trying to assist the people to own and settle on a piece of land that would allow them to have a decent home for their living. Affordable services like water supply, electricity and road networks will be provided so those services can easily penetrate,” Mr Kaupa said.

He said he was one of those living in the settlements and how best to help his people acquire land and convert into urban suburbs was a concern being addressed.

Mr Kaupa said he will work closely with Mr Parkop and Member for Moresby South Justin Tkatchenko to ensure that the program was adequately sourced to assist the local population at the settlements in NCD.

THE new Lagatoi House situated in Waigani just next to City Hall in Port Moresby.

Picture: ROBERT APALA

NEW LAGATOI HOUSE

Census consultation workshop in Hagen

BY RITA PEKI

WESTERN Highlands has become the first province to conduct the provincial consultation workshop in preparation for the 2020 national census.

The workshop was held at the Travelers Hut recently which saw 22 participants from all four districts in the province, of which 11 were local-level government (LLG) managers, the other 11 were census coordinators and officers as well as other stakeholders.

The National Population Census is one of the most important national events in the calendar of the country conducted right across the country every 10 years, said provincial administrator Joseph Neng.

The primary purpose of conducting the census is to take a head count of every man, woman and child in PNG at the time of the census, Mr Neng said.

Provincial census co-ordinator Hans Gima welcomed all participants during the opening day and asked for their co-operation to deliver the exercise.

Mr Neng said some of them have had bad experiences during the last census held in 2010, where there were a lot of errors made so he encouraged them not to repeat the same mistakes but instead learn from those experiences, be accurate and put together their efforts and make sure to deliver the exercise successfully.

“We must all be honest and take ownership as public servants and census co-ordinators by valuing and supporting this exercise as it is an important task because we will be providing reliable information,” he said.

“All of us must take ownership of the census by participating and cooperating in conducting the Census 2020 successfully.”

The conduct of the population and housing census is a universal practice and adapted by many countries including PNG as a valuable source of population count and collection of basic socio-economic data.

In a media statement the acting National Statistician, John Igitoi, stated that the success of the 2020 census relied heavily upon the participants because their support was crucial as they were the mechanisms to deliver this census.

“Census data as we all know, is the lifeblood of planning and decision making for governments at all levels including; national, provincial, districts and LLGs and for institutions and development partners and other entities which strive to contribute to the development goals of this country,” he said.

“The 2020 objective is to ensure that every person in this country is counted on the 12th of July 2020, which is the census reference night set by the National Executive Council (NEC) this year.

“What is so important is that the results of this census must precisely

reflect the exact socio-economic and demographic feature of our country which the country can rely on.”

Mr Igitoi said to achieve that there were a series of major activities to be undertaken over the next two years.

These activities include census unit register and map update, household listing, pilot census, census enumeration survey, data processing, data dissemination and publication of the 2020 census results.

He said their progress so far include; the development of the 2020 census project document, census 2020 NEC policy submission, setting

up of census office, appointment of and census director, recruitment of casual staffs, appointment of provincial census coordinators, procurement of equipment for census office, procurement of census mapping equipment, establishment of census committee and the development of the 2020 census on the 17th of August this year.

He said the census office has developed a roadmap for all the main activities from 2019-2020. Next year will be the peak of the 2020 census operations and we will eventually come to a full completion in 2022 where the census results will be launched start-

Recognising customary land laws vital: Activist

BY FRANK RAI

RECOGNISING and embracing customary land laws is the way to address land issues in PNG.

This is according to Customary Land Law Foundation of PNG (CLLF) that advocates on landownership rights of customary landowners.

The issues of land grabbing by mining industries, massive logging and commercial agricultural farming has marginalised and de-

prived customary landowners from accessing maximum benefits from their land.

And the CLLF of PNG is spearheading awareness and advocating for customary landowners from the resource sector to establish a united front that will embark on customary landownership rights among others.

Spokesperson and consultant Dr Onne Rageau told the Post-Courier yesterday that PNG was politically independent but economically de-

pendent due to many factors and one of those was the customary landownership rights of the people.

“Customary landownership is an important factor to be economically resilient and independent,” he said.

“Currently, the trend of land grabbing, deprivation of resource benefits and marginalization of business ventures are suppressing customary land laws in the country.”

He added that PNG had more than 860 customary land laws which should be revisited and incorporated into the country’s law to protect customary landownership from exploitation.

“The extractive sector, including mining and logging, are depriving rightful benefits for customary landowners. PNG’s customary land laws are unbeaten and recognized by the Underlying Law Act of 2000,” Dr Rageau said.

He said 2020 and moving forward,

the national government should set a ‘benchmark’ to ‘Take Back PNG’s customary land from land grabbers, adding that customary landownership laws and rights would revive the country from its current doldrums.

He said these unwritten laws would assist defend landowners’ birth right to landownership, noting that resource benefits for landowners were succumbed by foreign investors interest which should be addressed.

PARTICIPANTS and census trainers pose for a group photo during the opening of the census provincial consultation workshop at the Travelers Hut, Mount Hagen, Western Highlands Province.

ESPECIALLY Christmas and New Year is the time to travel. Some going for holdiays while others returning from holdiays. Pictured is a Rigo highway PMV waiting for their passingers at 6 Mile in Port Moresby. This is expected as its time to head back to work and school.

Chinese medical team visits Chimbu

BY MAL TAIME

PATIENTS at Barawagi in Kerowagi district of Chimbu Province were privileged to get free medical treatment from the China medial team this week.

The tenth medical team of Chongqing Municipal Commission in China flew into the country and based in Port Moresby to provide free medical treatment to the patients.

Chinese Embassy representative Ji Yuxi led the group of the medical team to Chimbu Province, while in October 2019, the team travelled to Goroka in Eastern Highlands Province.

The medical team comprises of six medical doctors headed by team captain Dr Yu Sheng Jieis a consultant urologist of the urology department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing medical university.

Dr Luo Yong Jin is a member of the tenth China medical team who is a cardiac surgeon in Chonqging

general hospital.

Dr Zeng Biao is the member of the tenth China medical team who is a gynecologist of obstetrics and gynecology of the second affiliated hospital, Dr Zhang Yunyun an oncologist graduated from the Chongqing medical university, awarded with master degree of oncology.

Dr Wu Gangming awarded with masters of medicine in anesthesiology from Chongqing Medical University and Ms Zhou Huan worked as English teacher in Chongqing medical pharmaceutical college.

More than 100 patients flocked and packed the Don Bosco Simbu technical college and got free medical treatment from the special China medical team.

China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (“CHEC”) based at Barawagi made possible for the China medical team to come and provide free medical treatment to the patients as part of the company public relations and effective health

treatment at their doorsteps.

Barawagi ward member Dickson Koane thanked Mr Ji to lead the team to Barawagi said because of no proper medical facilities provided at Barawagi it made difficult for the patients to travel to general hospital to seek medical treatment and it was too costly at the same time.

Mr Koane said it was fortunate for the patients to get free medical treatment at their doorsteps, while district health officer Steven Gene who made similar statement commended CHEC for building a close public relationship with the local people.

He said no medical team from overseas visited Barawagi in past and patients at Barawagi were fortunate to be the first to get free treatment.

Mr Ji said the team arrived in the country last August and based in Port Moresby currently.

Both police and defence force personnals provided effective security for the China medical team

Investing in children’s education is investing for the future, says NGO

BY JOAN NICK UPNG JOURNALISM STUDENT

IN order for change to take place, investing in the younger generation is a step forward for the nation; this was a message from LPC in their recent Kilo of Kindness program.

The founder and director of Life PNG Care, Collin Pake told Post

-Courier that children are the right generation to invest in.

“Children are the right generation to tap into.

“You see all these social issues that the country is facing, it can only be addressed if we focus on our children,” said Mr Pake.

“When we want to see Papua New Guinea change, we have to educate

this generation.

“Education is the only tool for transformation in any nation,” he added.

He said educating a child will make positive progress and change in the person’s life in the future

“Generational change is the way forward. If we change a generation now, 20-50, fifty years time, Papua

New Guinea will be a better place.

“We may not see total solution or change but, 5-10 per cent of our social problems can be solved,” Mr Pake said.

Furthermore, he added that Life

PNG Care has been working closely with children to aspire change at an earlier age.

“LPNGC is all about building rela-

tionships, educating these children (less fortunate). Life PNG Care has helped around 35 street children who are currently in school.” He said investing in children and seeing the positive change is what motivates the centre to keep on building community relationships for a better future for the less fortunate

THE China medical team treating patients at Don Bosco.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 03, 2020

Festivities are over, now it’s time for serious work

FESTIVITIES to celebrate Christmas 2019

and to bid farewell to 2019 and usher in 2020 have just been rounded off.

Celebrations and revelries have been order of the day for this two-week period, some commencing weeks in advance and continuing into the festive period.

Police have reported a generally quiet and peaceful period nationwide which is quite commendable and a welcome departure from past experiences of noisy reckless behaviour among revelers.

Police are to take equal credit for this because of their hard work and sacrifices in ensuring peace and security for fellow citizens.

Three days into the new year, 2020, and we as a people and nation should take stock of the year passed and make commitments and resolutions for the next 12 months and beyond.

The fun and enjoyment have been had and concluded. Now is the time to make a serious start to making 2020 an even better year for individuals, families, communities, for the workplace and the nation as a whole.

We all have a combined task of working towards the Prime Minister James Marape’s national agenda to take back PNG, and that means making individual commitments in our respective means and ways to support and actively participate towards achieving that common agenda. We should all work towards developing and enhancing our capacity to deliver on the agenda, in ensuring our children are sent to school promptly, in ensuring that we work well in our jobs, in ensuring that we obey and work within the law and be law-abiding citizens, in ensuring that we

test our hands in grabbing and building on business opportunities.

All of these and many more, if done correctly, should lay the foundation for a better PNG the Prime Minister envisages, one that we also should envisage and one that we all can be proud of in the not-toodistant future.

One should never lose sight of the fact that we are also citizens of a lucky country. We were born into a land of many blessings abound.

The resources and wealth are readily at our disposal and waiting to be developed and harnessed for our own benefit and progress.

Only when we are equal to the task of making full use of our resources through innovation, initiative, hard work and commitment can we rightfully celebrate the ending of another year and welcome are new year in earnest because we have earned it and have real reason to do so, to celebrate and make merry.

And one more thing, the school year is only three weeks away, and we are hoping that parents and guardians have not overcelebrated at Christmas and New Year and spent money that should have been put aside for school fees.

The Marape government has now removed the tuition fee free education policy and passed on part of the burden to parents to pay from this year on.

Any parent that has been spending recklessly for festivities is an irresponsible parent, but we are hopeful this has not been the case.

Have a Blessed 2020, and make it a worthwhile 12 months.

Protect our traditional art and design from foreigners

I AS a genuine local design and printing business owner in the SME sector, I am totally agrieved by the ignorance of the present and former government to legally protect PNG’s local and indigenous arts and traditional designs from being used by foreign textile, design and printing companies and small trading firms.

If we are dreaming about taking back PNG and making it to be the richest Christian black nation, I call on the Prime Minister to walk the talk and see the path that he is taking all the 800 million plus people of this nation to right under his very nose - see what is happening right here in Port Moresby and other centres by those foreign shop owners.

If you go in an Asian clothing shop, you won’t be surprised to see all printed shirts and laplaps and even provincial and national flags printed and sold like nobody’s business.

TFF is being misused by school managements

Letter of the day

PNG is a Christian country and to start the school operations for this year 2020, honesty, transparency and accountability must prevail in managing school funds for the benefit of the children that the funds are intended for. Here are the following indicators of the mismanagement of the Tuition Fee Free (TFF) funds that was observed in schools in the National Capital District (NCD);

1. No acquittals provided;

2. No financial reports provided during meetings with parents;

3. Most budgets of most schools were unrealistic;

4. Most times there were no meetings with parents to avoid the parents questioning the use of TFF funds;

5. There was no educational kits for teachers and students despite the TFF been paid on time;

6. Most schools borrowed money from loan sharks and paid with hefty interests leaving the school with little or no money to operate with.

These are some of the indicators of mismanagement by most school’s board of management in NCD. Because of these issues, many dedicated teachers’ interest

in helping the students and building schools were killed.

NCD education services under Sam Lora’s administration need to put managers or leaders who are capable of running schools instead of putting people who they can collaborate with to benefit from school funds.

This year parents will be paying school fees and they will want to see the full use of the money they are paying. Therefore, quality manager will deliver quality education. The ball is in your court.

JOSEPH DONGARI NCD TEACHER

PNG is shifting away from founding vision

PAPUA New Guinea is a rich and blessed nation with our own developmental challenges to address.

We have come this far to be a nation that stands united in the face of the global community despite being a nation of a thousand tribes. Among other developmental challenges our leaders, should focus on is the implementation of ‘PNG ways’ as declared by our fifth goal of our National Goals and Directive Principles to achieve development primarily through the use of the Papua New Guinean forms of social, political and economic organization.

Goals and Directive Principles: Integral Human development, Equality and Participation, National Sovereignty and Self Reliance, National Resources and Environment, and Papua New Guinean Ways. It was a dream of this nation for everyone to be dynamically involved in freeing themselves from every form of oppression and involvement in the fullest development as possible.

have made and continue to make – have distanced our nation from those ideals and our people from benefiting fully from their own resources.

Remember this: the foreigners are taking all available opportunities on the government’s weaknesses, in all kinds of investments they make here in PNG.

Wake up PMJM, start actioning by way of a legal approach to own the rights of all the local prints and designs for the good of our people - there is richness in our local art designs and we can not stand by and watch these ‘greedy foreigners’ exploit our artefacts, design them and sell them back to us - and watch us buy them in their shops with a sarcastic smile thinking; ‘tumbuna samting blong ol ya, ol longlong stap na mi salim gen long ol.’

Prime Minister, you are a smart PNG so act smart for the good of us the local design and print businessmen and women.

LEWA PAIN PORT MORESBY

For effective management of any nation-state its political and economic administrative systems must be derived from its unique social structure, ethical principles and moral values.

If not whatever the problems we as individual and as a nation facing today is only a beginning. PNG is encountering: corruption, violence, marginalization, poverty, moral degradation, under-development, and homelessness.

PNG has one of the best frameworks of development any young nation in our modern world could wish for.

It has richness of resources and a manageable population that is the dream of many nations.

It had good founding fathers who were sobered by the costly mistakes of other countries, had insight into their own multicultural, multi diverse people, and therefore forged the constitutional framework that will drive this nation forward.

On 16 of September, 1975, this Papua New Guinea was destined for greatness with the five National

Honing in on equality and participation, we envision all citizens to have an equal opportunity to participate in, and benefit from, the development of our country. Under our National Resources and Environment we want PNG’s natural resources and environment to be conserved and used for the collective benefit for us all, and be replenish for the benefit of the future generations.

The modus operandi would be Papua New Guinean way of respect, tolerance, sharing and consensus.

More than 40 years of independence, these National Goals and Directive Principles remain PNG’s heart cry.

The resonance and echo since their first utterance still grip the heart and bring national inspiration. But successive leaders including all our young and educated leaders – and the decisions they

I lift my hat, and salute our constitutional founding fathers, for their foresight in penning the preamble of our Constitution which remain current to this day. But I am sad to say, I decry and deplore the subsequent feeble minded, weak willed implementers of that embodiment of the real vision of Papua New Guinea.

I decry the greed, selfishness, and self centeredness that sought personal enrichment and ambition over the well being of our people.

The trend is set dangerously so the future of our children – which we can determine the destiny of –is bleaker than our own uncertain future when we were at their age. Therefore, we must make a difference – a real difference.

That is the catch cry with which we our leadersas well as we the citizens should embraced by laying and applying the framework of the principles in the practical and developmental manner in the life of one as an individual as well as the life of the nation.

CHARLES MAHISUBERITA PORT MORESBY

and the We are on effective in NCd and the Central command and the command will not tolerate any unlawful and Central command and the command will not tolerate any unlawful and disorderly behaviour behaviour.

Angau hospital staff strike long over due

THE recent strike action by Angau Memorial General Hospital staff is long overdue.

In his short term as acting CEO, Grant Muddle has made many decisions in breach of the public service laws of this country.

This is the problem with former government who brought in their expatriate cronies who showed total disrespect to the laws of our country.

Some of these expatriates conduct can be described as racist white supremacist and dictatorial.

A precedent has been set by Simbu PHA where revoked the appoi ntment of CEO and replaced him with a new CEO on the spot. (Post-Courier 30/12/2019)

The Morobe PHA must do the same the Angau staff and entire health force of Morobe must stop work until the current A/CEO is replaced the current must

Quick thoughts

be replaced immediately and the board chairman must also be replaced.

The board chairman has been responsible for appointment of expatriates after expatriates as CEO, showing lack of confidence in our local professionals.

All health services in Morobe Province must stop until new local CEO is appointed.

DISGUSTED

TRAIN YOUR STAFF

It’s very pleasing to hear that Kina Bank has xed their home loan rates and are now offering competitive rates to attract new customers. Good on you. Now can you start xing your staff’s level of customer service towards its existing clients?

I am a current home loan customer and I am not very happy with the level of service your home loan staff. Currently, it takes ages for your staff to respond to simple queries. For the past couple of months I have been emailing and calling almost every day just to ask a simple question regarding my current home loan. It’s gotten to the point now that it seems like the bank just doesn’t care and I’m better off going somewhere else. My colleague had the same experience and ended up cc’ing the CEO of Kina just to get his issue sorted. It just shows how incompetent the staff are. Perhaps the Kina Bank should invest more in training their staff to respond to simple queries in a more timely and appropriate manner. What’s the point in attracting new customers if you can’t retain them.

Waiting in Vain

THANK YOU RESIDENTS

Thank you Vanimo Green district under the leadership of Beldan Namah in assisting the Vanimo Urban Town Authority to keep our small town clean. It was once described as the “plastic town”, however now we can see great changes especially in keeping the town clean. Thumbs up to all the local citizens who respect the authority and help in one way or the other to keep our small and beautiful town neat and tidy.

SixOneTwoFiveFive

DON’T MESS WITH THESE LADIES

THESE ladies with uniforms provided security to ensure a trouble free Christmas and New Year was experienced in Tatana Araira village, NCD. They engaged well with the community at large and we guess they kept their men-folk in check, because the respect was returned.

THANK YOU RESIDENTS

The Minister for Communication should allow Bmobile and Huawei to trial 5G devices and internet connectivity speed in this small doestic market . We are in the new digital age and such delays will be a set back for those rms and cliental base who relay on fast and reliable connectivity for data transaction and exchanges. It was part of the APEC 2018 theme for harnessing technology to bridge the digital divide locally and globally. I hope the Government does not stall such opportunity.

LG Observer NCD

WELL DONE FAIRWEATHER

For all these years since the Manam people were placed at care centers and well over K25 million spent or missused by various appointed imminent persons, there is nothing to show where the money was spent except for a of ce block, four residences and a 10 men single quarter now covered in tick bushes at Samusamu Bay opposite Bogia Holiy Spirit High School. It is sad to see Fairweather resiging, but since he took of ce in July last year (within 6 months) he engaged AMRI Transport to open up approximately 20 kilometres of road from Ariangon junction, past Igom Catholic Mission Station to Renk Village towards the most talked about Manam Resettlement location at Andarum. Well done Ken. Let us hope that the national and provincial governments are serious about resettling the Manam people and disallow your resignation.

Pele Yabwain Samusamu Bay Bogia, Madang

Toksave Readers submitting letters and commentaries are advised that the word count per article must not exceed 400 words.

Revoke NHC housing titles PNG still bumping into brickwall of K28b debt

I READ with great sadness the story of Ms Salome Sangi a teacher at Huonville primary school in Lae on Post-Courier yesterday complaining about the illegal sale of housing properties especially in Lae and if you like elsewhere too.

Ms Sangi is a widow, lived and taught in Morobe for 36 years and must be somehow respected. The duplex house she and her family lived in was sold anf transferred overnight to a businessman.

Papua New Guinean bisinessmen and women with money must not be allowed to bribe public servants and others to illegally buy, transfer properties overnight.

We should enact a law to stop these practises and any business people found to be engaging in such corrupt practise must have his or business licences cancel.

I can recall clearly the past government NEC decision that gave away all NHC housing properties to the current occupants meaning that the current tenants

are to be given first priority in any sale of all NHC houses. If this is a NEC decision, how on earth can senior management of NHC or its board continue to be blinded by money and even be so ignorant?

I appeal to our good Prime Minister and National Housing Minister to accept Ms Sangi’s complaints and engage a good lawyer to cancel all titles of all illegal sales of NHC low costs houses and properties especially in Lae and resell them to back to long time tennants.

PNG as a country will only move forward if we start doing the rights things in avoiding corrupt practises and assisting our political leaders to build our country. Let us not sit back and watch corrupt practises anymore.

Fighting corruption and moving PNG forward is everyones business.

SAMSON NAPO

THE age of development began on Jan uary 26, 1949 - Harry Truman.

A New World Order was created, the Development Beacon was placed in its axis so as to guide all aspiring developing nations towards it - as the light house of the voyaging sailors.

Seventy years on and PNG among these sailors keeping sailing towards the lighthouse but the lighthouse keeps receding further and further away from reach.

In 44 years or so, some 79 countries have passed us in all facets in the UN HDI ratings. What could have gone wrong, we ask? So we resorted to all kinds and types of reforms both administrative and legislative but to no avail, in fact it is adding salt on the infected wound.

We remain reeled and staggering in the abyss of poverty and debt - at K28 billion today.

The virtue of our rich endowment has meant nothing but profits for them.

We remain drunkards bumping into the brick wall yet can’t see and make amends.

Manifestos (grand political statements) of Marape or Martin Luther King Jr will not save us from the

vantage point of the proclaimation.

Actually leaving the pulpit and joining the flocks will save the herd/congregation from degression and sustained misery.

Take down statecraft and rebuild it is what it now requires.

It is not an option but a choice we must take in cover of 2022 NGE through a Constitutional vote by Parliament.

We did it for Bougainville why not ourselves on the main motherland???

Our children will curse us for our inaction todayand that’d be insanity.

CYRIL GARE VIA EMAIL

We are working on promoting effective policing in NCd

Fighting bad cholesterol

THE following article was sent to Barney Orere by the University of Warwick, United Kingdom.

Enzyme DGAT1 controls how much fat is added to particles released by the liver to be delivered around the body

More fat makes bigger particles, which increase the presence of ‘bad’ cholesterol in blood

Inhibiting DGAT1 allowed scientists from University of Warwick to ‘slim down’ particles and load them with less fat

Opens potential to use changes in diet to produce the same effect

Could pave the way for new treatments for heart disease, strokes and diabetes

The enzyme that ‘loads up’ fatcarrying particles in the liver before they are transported around the body has been identified for the first time by scientists at the University of Warwick.

The discovery also reveals how to ‘slim down’ these particles to reduce the amount of the worst type of ‘bad’ cholesterol distributed throughout the body and could pave the way for new treatments to prevent heart disease and strokes.

A study published by Professor Victor Zammit from Warwick Medical School in the Journal of Lipid Research examined the effects of inhibiting the production of the enzyme diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1). This enzyme is present in the liver and is associated with the production of Very Low-Density Lipoproteins (VLDL). These contain fat in the form of triglycerides choesterylesters, cholesterol, and are surrounded by proteins and charged lipids.

VLDL particles are the body’s fat couriers, travelling all over the body

through the bloodstream to deliver fat to other tissues. They carry out the normal physiological process that allows the liver (and intestine) to distribute fat throughout the body, but when depleted of triglycerides they become carriers of ‘bad’ cholesterol which they deposit in our arteries. The amount of fat the particles carry determines their size - and the larger they are, the more ‘bad’ the cholesterol in them becomes.

The Warwick team found that inhibiting DGAT1 specifically in the liver decreased the size of VLDL particles by nearly half and reduced their triglyceride content, demonstrating that DGAT1 plays a key role in ‘loading up’ VLDL with fat. The study was funded by the Medical Research Council Professor Zammit said: “VLDL

particles themselves are not harmful but when they are depleted of triglyceride after they offload it to other tissues, they become LowDensity Lipoprotein which are the carriers of ‘bad’ cholesterol. This is the cholesterol that is associated with heart disease as the LDL deposit it within the walls of arteries, resulting in arteriosclerosis which can result in blockage of the coronary arteries with an associated increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

“Our studies show that, when DGAT1 is absent from the liver, the number of particles is not altered much but their size and triglyceride content is halved. We know that conditions that increase cardiometabolic risk (for example diabetes) are associated primarily with increased

size of the secreted particles. Size of the particles is the more important parameter in determining that risk because it prolongs the time that the particles stay in the circulation, during which time they become more ‘sticky’ in relation to the vascular lining.

“Our findings identify the enzyme (DGAT1) as the key determinant of the content of triglycerides, and therefore the size, of VLDL particles.”

The research follows detailed previous studies (funded by the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK) on the properties and distinctive distribution of this enzyme in liver cells. As well as helping in the fight against heart disease and stroke, an understanding the mechanism of changes in DGAT1 activity and

cellular distribution will also benefit those with diabetes, which is characterised by secretion of large VLDL particles.

Prof Zammit adds: “The findings will be useful for the pharma industry to work on pharmacological strategies to control the activity of DGAT1 in the liver, particularly that fraction of it that determines VLDL size. Preliminary studies suggest that this is also modifiable by nutrients in the diet, such as by altering the carbohydrate/fat ratio or saturated/unsaturated fat ratio. Therefore, the present findings may provide the basis for dietary recommendations to facilitate the decrease of VLDL size, and its propensity to give rise to dangerous levels of particles containing the worst type of cholesterol.

“We now want to find the mechanism through which the DGAT1 activity and distribution can be controlled physiologically so that we can mimic these mechanisms pharmacologically, as well as determining how changes in diet can affect this mechanism.”

‘Hepatic VLDL secretion: DGAT1 deter mines particle size but not particle number, which can be supported entirely by DGAT2’ published in Journal of Lipid Research, doi: 10.1194/jlr.M089300

For more information contact:

Media relations manager (Warwick Medical School and Department of Physics) | Press & Media Relations | University of Warwick

Email: peter.thorley@warwick. ac.uk

Pictures from Taiwan world journalists encounter.

Journalists dining in Taipei City, Taiwan. Barney, third at right. Top: Food in Taipei photographed by BARNEY ORERE

Freak weather spins Waigani vote

BY BARNEY ORERE

THE first half of the year seemed like mathematics gone crazy or the counting game lost all rules. It was the freakiest weather yet dished out by climate change.

While severe flooding was wreaking havoc in parts of India, conspiracy and suspicion shook Waigani to the core when issues of freedom and democracy severely collided.

It was a time when the infamous Waigani vote was turned on its head to spin out of control and instead of vote-of-no-confidence, it became a notion of confidence.

Peter O’Neill seemed unstoppable when he formed government following the 2017 General Election. Within a year, he had consolidated his position, emerging as a tactician and a master strategist. But it wasn’t his likely second full term in office that bothered his rivals as did his grip on what started to take shape as solid block of MPs.

The main characteristic of his leadership was; how he did not reshuffle his ministers. There were times when certain ministers were clearly mishandling issues under their watch but these were looked on in disdain. In retrospect, it would seem that this attitude in effect allowed everything to go back to the PM who appeared to be doing all the thinking and had all the answers.

This worried O’Neill’s opponents; the increasing incidence of what seemed to them like a one-man show. In stark contrast was the

over-emphasis on infrastructure which seemed to explain away the solid political bloc that was ‘overly quiet’ to the liking of the opposition.

The downside was; health and education which were the other critical elements in the policy on Medium Term Development Strategy began dipping to the extent the government was considered ‘corrupt.’ That was the point at which the vote-of-no-confidence hatched.

The decision not to reshuffle health and education ministries seemed to have backfired or the too much concentration on infrastructure. Either way, the leadership of Peter O’Neill had to go. But it was easier said than done; Peter O’Neill was not going to go down without fighting. In fact he said things that indicated otherwise. One of his early moves was to move his camp to Crown Hotel and at one stage it looked as if he might survive.

But his opponents saw that if he survived, he might last a long time and so it became a conspiracy.

O’Neill was about to meet his match in strategic numbers game.

In contrast, when James Marape took over the reins, he swiftly moved to change the ministers of education and health. He did not promise them anything to stay on but addressed the numbers game directly instead by shuffling his cards back and forth. He also changed quickly ministers he felt would undermine his leadership sending a clear signal to others to ship in or ship out. This was how

Marape set the house in order and to regain public trust.

How Marape made his way into the prime position was still simmering, however; a case of political novelty that caught many politicians by surprise and created the niche for the rise of a new leader.

In hindsight, the Finance Minister’s resignation was a calculated move because of the impenetrable firewall of O’Neill’s camp.

The opposition’s attempt with the vote-of-no-confidence did not seem to be working but with Marape’s resignation as Minister for Finance there opened a window of opportunity. But it would require a master tactician to complete the coupe d’état, and that, Marape accomplished.

What we have just outlined are supported by subsequent events - the re-nomination of O’ Neill by the very man who tried to unseat him, opposition leader, Pruaitch and in the later part, the recruitment of opposition MPs into government ranks.

The opposition wanted O’Neill out as leader of People’s National Congress so he will no longer be Prime Minister. But when he resisted and gave opposition a hard time, a clever move had to come from somewhere to surprise him.

When O’Neill saw opposition MPs crossing the floor, he thought he saw his chance but just moments before, he had changed his mind about the re-nomination. But it was a case of too little too late; the coup was already in motion. Pruaitch,

the man who seemed to be having no luck as opposition leader had the last laugh.

In the 2012 General Election, the Electoral Commissioner, a Sepik tribesman, did not declare first, the winning result of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare but chose Peter O’Neill instead and that is how Pruaitch, the leader of National Alliance (the party of the grand chief) was robbed of the opportunity to form government. The electoral commissioner was rewarded with a knighthood.

What gives credence to this notion is the move to government by the opposition leader, the last person to move from the opposition benches. He allowed the others to go first to make it look good. It was calculated or pre-determined; the beginning must justify the end they say. From start, the desire of the opposition was to get O’Neill out as leader of People’s National Congress.

The hardcore O’Neill loyalists were banished to the opposition. But they ended up in the middle benches which is the decision of the Speaker.

Belden Namah, the new opposition leader, would have had an axe to grind because of his fall-out as DPM. But it would more likely be Job Pomat who played a key role in the way events unfolded during the controversial months; reason he is still the Speaker!

He would have received good legal advice from the Private Business Committee of which he is chairman and Powes Parkop, a lawyer, was

member. But Pomat played politics by referring the matter of O’Neill’s stay application to the High Court.

This is revealed by his own statement when he said there was nothing in the Constitution or the Standing Orders that talked about how he could be removed from office. When the High Court, on Tuesday May 28, 2019 ordered stay application, Pruaitch hailed the decision ‘a victory’. Victory for whom or victory in what respect was not made clear by the media.

But the opposition did succeed in removing certain members of the Private Members Committee. They replaced Koi Trappe, Powes Parkop and Robert Atiyafa with Allan Bird, Charlie Benjamin, Johnny Alonk and James Donald. Koi Trappe was replaced as chairman of appointments committee with Hela Governor Philip Undialu. James Marape is Tar-Pori MP, a district in Hela.

The world was watching to see if PNG was going to crack. But whilst pessimists were contemplating that, James Marape announced his “bring back PNG” manifesto.

When the speaker refused to budge, he rubbed salt into the wound by saying there was nothing in the Standing Orders or the constitution to remove him.

It nearly led to a boxing match. Petroleum Minister, Dr Pok used the “F” factor to bring the tensedup legislators to understand that precedence must not be set. Parliament adjourned that day at 10am, not long after they said the Lord’s Prayer.

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2019 at Port Moresby Nature Park

THIS year the welfare accredited park launched a whole new education program, three new exhibits, including the Reptile Haus and a frog research conservation project.

The Nature Park went on to release 15 endangered pig-nosed turtles, making this the first ever fresh water turtle wildlife release of its kind in PNG.

In October 2019, the park celebrated its obtainment of International Wildlife Welfare-Accreditation from the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia, making the Nature Park the first Pacific Island facility to have passed what is considered globally as the most scientific and rigourous assessment of animal management for zoos and wildlife facilities.

This achievement comes after seven years of transformational change with more than K7 million in public-private partnership funding being spent in the redevelopment of the park.

The Nature Park is the highest visited attraction in PNG with more than 140,000 visitors annually.

In May last year, the park received the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame Award for five consecutive years of being awarded certificates of excellence, making the Nature Park the

first tourism attraction in PNG to receive such recognition.

As a charitable organisation, the Nature Park has and continues to rely heavily on the commitment of NCDC, the generosity of sponsors, partners, donors, and visitation by the community.

It is through such dedicated support and commitment that the park is able to spearhead the many wildlife conservation programs, build and maintain animal exhibits, facilities and park infrastructure.

It has also enabled the Nature Park to improve education programs and engage over one hundred thousand school children while also offering on the job training and internship opportunities to students in higher education institutions in PNG.

Port Moresby Nature Park’s general manager Michelle McGeorge acknowledged the importance of the support the Nature Park gets from all its sponsors and donors.

She said: “The support we receive has enabled the park to build vital infrastructure such as training and learning centres, playgrounds, toilet facilities in addition to enabling meaningful scientific research to be conducted into pig-nosed turtle growth rates, breeding programs for tree kangaroos, birds of para-

dise and future proofing PNG frogs in a newly launched conservation research program,” Ms McGeorge

said. “We are grateful to all that have made this year a success and look forward to building on these

relationships while also creating new ones as we move into the New Year.”

Security firm allocates K50,000 for sports

BY FRANK RAI

A SECURITY company in the National Capital District is set to pump in K50,000 next month to support sporting activities at Bus Wara settlement, Port Moresby.

Managing director and owner of Ranger Protect Limited Bill Yalu made this announcement at the Bus Wara settlement while officiating a sports tournament last week.

Mr Yalu was there to present K30,000 prize money for the Bus Wara men’s rugby 9s and women’s volleyball competitions respectively.

Rugby 9s competition received K20,000 while the volleyball competition walked away with K10,000 prize money from Ranger Protect Limited.

While presenting the prize, Mr Yalu announced another K50,000 sponsorship.

“Ranger Protect Limited will allocate K50,000 to sponsor men’s rugby league and women’s volley ball competitions for Bus Wara community by February.

“The competition is planned to help youths to refrain from the abuse of drugs and alcohol and maintain law

and order in the community,” he said.

Mr Yalu is also a resident at the Bus Wara community and the sponsorship was seen as his contribution to maintain peace and good order in the settlement.

“Being a resident, I want our youths, both male and female, to change their mindset, attitude and behaviour by becoming responsible citizens to the community, care and respect others and be agents of change,” Mr Yalu said.

He said law and order issues were rife at the settlements and the only way to keep youths busy was through sports.

Meanwhile, community leaders Graham Paul and John Yako thanked Ranger Protect Limited for the commitment and uttered that the funds would have impact once young men and women engage themselves in sports.

The leaders said this was a first of its kind for Bus Wara community to have such sponsorship despite having other community members who were also businessman and women living in the community.

RANGER Protect Limited managing director Bill Yalu (third from left) with Bus Wara community leaders Graham Paul (left) and John Yako (second left).

NATURE Park Wildlife Keeper Ryan Reuma with blue-tongued lizards (center) during an animal encounter.

Woman wins vehicle in a nationwide draw

EDDITHER Manabu from Tokarara National Capital District was the first winner to claim a Toyota SUV in a nationwide raffle ticket competition hosted by Lutheran Reform Church of PNG.

The 32-year-old was lost for words when she was contacted by the competition committee in Mount Hagen Western Highlands Province last Tuesday.

She was among four other major winners in this competition who also won prestigious prizes.

Ms Manabu flew into Mt Hagen last week to claim the coveted prize after being contacted by the committee’s that she had won the prize.

The draw was hosted by the church to complement its 30th anniversary celebration and a thanksgiving ceremony which ended on a high note last week.

Ms Manabu was lost for wards when the good news reached her.

“I was lost for words and didn’t believe that I had won the vehicle. I couldn’t believe my ears when I received the call from Mt Hagen that I was the 1st lucky winner of the draw,” she said.

Ms Manabu said she bought only one ticket for K10 when she came across a group of men selling tickets.

Raffle winners to travel overseas

BY ROBERT TIKI

TWO lucky winners of a raffle hosted by Lutheran Reform Church of PNG will trvael overseas.

Maria Norm from Lae and Laimon Pingina from Lgand in Tambul Nebilyer, Western Highlands Province, were given lifetime opportunity to travel to the Philippines and Singapore early this year.

The costs for their plane tickets, visas and accommodations would be met by the church.

Mrs Norm claimed the 2nd prize while Pingina won 3nd prize during the draw at Queens Park Oval in Mt Hagen Western Highlands Province last Tuesday.

The duo were surprised when contacted by the competition committee after the draw.

They both have confirmed their identity last Friday upon meeting with the Superintendent of

Lutheran Reform Church pastor Richard Kupi at Airport Resort Motel.

Mr Pingina, a subsistence farmer, thanked the church for providing him a golden opportunity to travel abroad.

“I’am a subsistence farmer and I’m sure that I cannot afford to travel overseas in my lifetime,” he said.

“But I’m pleased with the church and it’s executives for taking such initiative and giving me the lifetime opportunity to enjoy the luxuries in Singapore with three nights accomodation with return tickets.”

Mrs Norm expressed same sentiment saying that Lutheran Reform Church has done a good thing in giving the opportunity to the ordinary people to enjoy some luxuries. “When I was contacted as winner of the 2nd prize, I couldn’t believe my ears. I was so excited,” she said.

Mrs Norm said she would enjoy five days with her husband. “It should have cost me and my husband a huge amount of money if we were to travel at our own expense.”

“I met the ticket selling team at Waigani and decided to buy one,” she said.

“I didn’t intend to win any prize.

I thought I was just helping the church’s work since it is a fund raising drive for the church to reach out and extend God’s kingdom.”

Ms Manabu thanked God for winning the vehicle.

“I just want to thank the All Mighty God for serving my need,” she said.

“Such woman like me can’t afford such vehicle but I thank God for making me to win the vehicle.”

Superintendent for Lutheran Reform Church Richard Kupi thanked the winners of the draw.

“I just want to thank all the participants for being part of the competition.

“In any competition only one has to win and many have to lose,” Mr Kupi said.

“A classic example is in the competition that we have run.

“Many of you people have bought many tickets but didn’t win any prizes. But that doesn’t mean that your money is wasted.

“You have invested your cash in a worthy cause as you money will help the church to extend God’s kingdom.”

Student wins car in Bu drink promo

BY TONY PALME

ELIJAH Paul, a final year student at the University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE) in East New Britian was the winner of the Ranger Raptor vehicle in the Bu promotion for 2019.

The 27-year-old man from North Waghi, Jiwaka Province, was the surprise winner picked for the New Guinea Islands region.

“I had no intention to enter the draw. I just bought two can of Bu drinks at the school campus at Vudal.

“It came as a surprise to me to be told by Coca Cola Amatil in a phone call that my name was drawn in the major draw.

“I am very happy and am over the moon. I am very thankful to Coca Cola Amatil and Bu for running this promotion which gave its customers the opportunity to win cash prizes and very expensive and quality cars.

“This is a dream come true. It is a New Year gift and I am very excited.”

Mr Paul completed a Bachelor in Sustainable Agriculture and will be graduating this year.

He picked up the vehicle at the PNG Motors head office in Lae, Morobe on Dec 28.

The Bu promotion comprised of a cash draw of K100,000 and major vehicle giveaway for the four regions.

THE first winner of the raffle Eddither Manabu (left) receives the key for the new Toyota SUV from the Superintendent of the Lutheran Reform Church Pastor Richard Kupi outside Airport Resort Hotel in Mt Hagen last Friday.

When I was contacted as winner of the 2nd prize, I couldn’t believe my ears. I was so excited

MARIA NORM Western Highlands Province

Agriculture prospers in Morobe Province

(LEFT): RICE farmers and staff working in a rice eld in Lae, Morobe Province.

(RIGHT): Locals in Morobe growing rice for income.

BY JANET KARI

THE success of Morobe smallholder farmers and agri-businesses this year continues to raise the bar for agricultural development in the province. The province is blessed with a number of cash crops that continue to be developed in partnership with farmers and agri-business stakeholders, including companies, government agencies, international aid, non-governmental and communitybased organisations.

Main crops such as coffee, cocoa and rice remain major earner for the people.

Morobe became the first province to export sweet potato (kaukau) to Singapore in August and a second export, this time to include cassava, taro and yam is expected this month by PNG Eden Fertiliser, a church-based company.

These achievements continue to maintain the province’s position of being a leader in the agriculture sector.

Morobe Province is also known for producing some of the best coffee that are processed and sold at the local market and a few are directly exported overseas such as YUS coffee from Kabwum under the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program.

This year thanks to a partnership program between Productive Partnership in Agriculture (PPAP) for coffee project and Wia Trade Limited, a new coffee factory is built and is set to open before the year ends.

Partnership programs like the PPAP coffee project was a successful project in the Wain-Erap local level government of Nawaeb district as it maximises the potential of farmers in the area.

Through the project green bean coffee facilities were built, it brought door step markets for the farmers, over 740 old coffee gardens were rehabilitated, 216,000 seedlings were distributed for new gardens and it increased number of coffee farmers in the area.

Also this year, Kasuka Cooperative Society received certificates to export organic coffee to the international markets.

Cocoa work continues and with talks about setting up chocolate factories.

According to Cocoa Board of PNG figures of 20162017 Morobe earned K22.3 million at close of the cocoa year 2016 and 2017 from 86,000 bags of cocoa weighing 4000 tonnes. Figures of 2018-2019 are yet to be finalised. With combined effort in cocoa development throughout the province, the figures are likely to be higher.

Companies such as Outspan PNG and Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture continue to work directly with smallholder farmers in cocoa trees management, nurseries and bean processing.

Introduction of new technology solution Olam Farmer Information System (OFIS) from Outspan provides a platform to growing cocoa industry in the country.

Adding to Outspan’s success and cocoa farmers’ good news was the purchase of OLAM new factory in Jakarta Indonesia. This increases market accessibility of cocoa farmers in the country. Reports show that with the factory dry cocoa beans market is closer to home with a reduction of price to transport cocoa to Malaysia markets.

In late November, a local farmers group in Markham exported 240 bags of cocoa to the Netherlands which highlighted the potential of farmers moving from informal sector to formal sector. This export also records a first cash crop in Markham to be exported directly overseas.

Rice work also continued this year with Trukai Industries Limited smallholder program and Incentive Fund solar rice mill project delivered by National Agricultural Research Institute.

Morobe was selected to pilot the solar rice mill project. The K2.5 million project involved distribution of 70 mills throughout the nine districts. It started in 2017 and end in 2019 and if the project is successful it will be expanded to other provinces.

Honey bee or apiculture is still a small but blooming industry. Locals in the Wain-Erap LLG showcased their first produce of Nawaeb’s honey during the Morobe show in October. The biological relationship of honey and coffee is a bonus for farmers and from testimonies from the locals honey farming is a way forward for them after seeing an increase to the yield of coffee.

Business houses like Vitis Industries and Lae Biscuits are also going into honey farming and supporting locals in the province to grow the honey industry in Morobe

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If you have a story to tell, call us on 982 9147 or email: poreni.umau@gmail.com

Peacefully Xmas and New Year celebration in Manus

MANUS people, for the first time, celebrated Christmas and New Year peacefully in the province without any major incidents being reported to the police.

Provincial police commander Chief Inspector David Yapu commended the Manus people for behaving and taking heed of the police awareness and celebrated New Year peacefully.

“We had the liquor ban imposed in the province from December 24 to January 01, 2020 and this also attributed to peaceful New Year celebrations in the province,” Mr Yapu said.

“From our statistics in the past we know that alcohol contributed to various law and order issues but the liquor ban imposed had greatly assisted us with a peaceful new year celebrations.

“Although our policemen and women were out in force for the new year operations, no major incidents were reported, except minor offences were reported and police made several arrest.

“We dispatched some of our officers to Pobuma and Penabu Nalisopat LLG during our New Year operations and those areas were reported quiet and peaceful.

“I must thank some of the LLG presidents and ward members for supporting the police operations in their areas.

“I must also thank the Manus provincial administration and the government for supporting the police operations with funding of K30,000 for allowances and logistics for our members in the operations.”

Mr Yapu commended policemen and women and the mobile squad 10 members from Mendi, SHP, for working tirelessly during the new year period and making it quiet and peaceful.

He commended them for a job well done.

Start talks now, says concerned Bougainvillean

BY PETERSON TSERAHA

CONSULTATION between the Bougainville government and the national government needs to take place immediately after the referendum vote.

A concerned Bougainville citizen Sylvester Manako told the Post-Courier in Arawa that the Bougainvillean people have now spoken through their votes of which destiny they desire so there is no use to delay anything more particularly the consultations leading up to the ratification.

“We do not need any more unnecessary delays after we have voted. Even the voting was delayed. We don’t want delays with consultations and negotiation with the national government,” he said.

“If any more delay occurs, the people will be left with nothing but frustration all around the region because we are already tired of delays.

“It is about time now that the Bougainville government and the national government start mobilising their negotiating teams because the negotiations will take a long time.”

Mr Manako said the people’s right to vote must not be questioned especially the legality of it.

“We have fully exercised our democratic rights by voting in the referendum and it was declared a victory by the Prime Minister of PNG James Marape here in Arawa right in front of all of us,” he said.

“So I don’t see anything wrong with it is fully legal so why wait for start the consultations now? We do not want any more delay. It will just lead to frustration and the people will even lose trust on the leadership.

“The Bougainville government elections will now be on this year too and it should start straight after the elections and even the new members being sworn in need to know the Bougainville peace agreement and the Bougainville government negotiation team must be an all out elite team.”

LOCAL police with mobile squad 10 members from Mendi, Southern Highlands Province, involved in the New Year police operations in Manus Province.

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Drivers license confiscation and spot fines illegal: Stein

BY PORENI UMAU

THE public in East New Britain Province have been advised that spot fines by police at road blocks and confiscating of driving licenses at such sites by police are illegal. This was revealed by the president of East New Britain Chamber of Commerce Inc David Stein.

Mr Stein went to the media regarding licenses and spot fines following police road blocks leading up the festive season throwing the public into confusion regarding the

NEW

YEAR BIRTHDAY

WHILE people in East New Britain, the country and the world were celebrating New Year in their own way. This New Year child Christa T’Acgim celebrated her 7th birthday on New Year’s day. She celebrated her birthday and the New Year with a cake, shared with friends and family at Kaivovo Street, Kokopo, East New Britain province.

BY IAN MATHEW

different driving licenses for different vehicles.

He said the confiscation of diving licenses by police is illegal.

“The whole point of police roadblocks is to ensure that we got road worthy vehicles on the road. There is an obligation for everyone to have a road worthy vehicle on the road.

“There is no on the spot fine at police road blocks. Do not pay money at police road blocks. Police should only issue you an infringement notice which you will take to the traf-

fic office and pay. Not at road block sites,” Mr Stein said.

He said there are no on the spot fines at the roadblocks because there is no authorised officers on site at the roadblocks in the province to collect fees.

“You can’t drive with smooth tyres. You must have number plates, front and back. You must have the correct registration sticker.

“You must have the relevant heavy truck license.

“All of those things are traffic infringements and the police have

There are benefits in failure, prisoners told

THERE are benefits in failure.

every right to be serving you with infringement notice.

“But always remember, there is never ever any obligation for anyone to pay on the spot fine.

“At this point of time the only avenue for paying a fine is by paying at the traffic office.”

He also said if employees of companies are driving a company vehicle that does not have a company logo on it, it is not their fault and that they should not be charged any fee.

This was stressed by Alfred Tivinarlik of St Peter’s Catholic Teachers College at Ulapia, Kokopo- East New Britain Province.

Dr Tivinarlik is the principal of the school. He said this during a visit last year on Boxing Day to 450 inmates of Kerevat jail and 75 correctional service officers.

“The benefit in failure is that, you come down to the bottom and relook at life. I stand here as a hypocrite because I do not know the pains that you are going through.

“But from the depths of failure you are able to find life,” Dr Tivinarlik said.

He told the inmates that he did not bring any gift for them but to share to them that if ever there was a gift to present to them, he told them that in the depths of failure, they are able to find life.

He encouraged them to reflect on their past mistakes and rise up and do something good for their lives.

Dame Sandra Lau expressed similar sentiments, citing that though the inmates make mistakes in their lives and were caught on the wrong side of the law, their time in prison should help them to learn from their mistakes and plan for a better life after their term.

She urged the inmates that her visit was to share with them what was been enjoyed outside and remind them not to feel left out, or be lonely or see themselves as no use but instead pick themselves up and plan ahead for a good future for them as individually, their families and the community.

Nursing director urges government to assist Vunapope hospital

BY PORENI UMAU

THE government must continue to support the Vunapope St Mary’s Hospital in Kokopo in delivering health services to the people.

This call was made by the St Mary’s Hospital director of nursing services Sr Placidia Nohan.

Sr Nohan made these comments during the presentation of K100,000 for the Kokopo district through MP Emil Tammur, who is also Minster for Tourism, Arts and Culture on Christmas Eve.

She said the St Mary’s Vunapope hospital was established in 1930 by the German missionary sisters of the Sacred Heart as part of their evangelisation.

Sr Nohan said today the government must continue to embrace their evangelisation as a service to the people of Kokopo, East New Britain Province and the New Guinea islands region.

She also took the opportunity to commended Mr Tammur for the ongoing financial and political support during his political term as Kokopo MP.

She said the hospital needs more funding support to improve the hospital infrastructure and bring in more specialised manpower and equipment with its current location within the tourism hub of Kokopo city to be able to meet the demand of the public and the tourism health demand in a more competent manner.

Hospital administrator Albert Seri also shared similar sentiment citing that kind gesture by Mr Tammur through the Kokopo district development authority is an ongoing assistance.

Mr Seri said Mr Tammur started the initiative of financially assisting the hospital since 2017 where K150,000 was presented to the hospital.

“In 2018 he presented K100,000 and again in 2019, he presented another K100,000,” Mr Seri said.

A commitment of K200,000 by Mr Tammur for the Vunapope hospital fencing still stands and Mr Tammur indicated that Kokopo district would still fulfill that. ST

MARY’S Hospital director nursing services Sr Placidia Nohan.

MEET THE THE CARE TAKER

- READ ON PAGES 30,39

P24 FIRST FEMALE NAVY PILOT P26 MAPEX SUCCESS STORY P27 THE COLL-X-IONS BAND

Hanai Lavau (pictured) is a long serving care taker of the Sir Hubert Murray stadium in Konedobu in the Moresby South electorate. He has been working as a care taker for 50 years (read story on page 28) coinciding with this paper’s anniversary (Post-Courier) which also had celebrated its 50th anniversary this year respectively.

million people estimated to be living in rural areas rely on unimproved sources for drinking water, compared to 141 million in urban areas.

- www.unwomen.org

- GOLDA MEIR

HEALTH TIP

She made history!

WWII Veteran celebrates 100th birthday with one birthday wish

BY KATHLEEN CAIRNS

BALTIMORE (WBFF): Millie Bailey grew up in the Deep South. During World War II she joined the Army. She ended up the Commander of a women’s unit. Now she lives in a Senior Apartment complex in Columbia, Howard County. It’s been a memorable journey for this accomplished Senior Citizen. Millie explained, “I haven’t had a paying

young friends say I shouldn’t say I’m retired, just say I work without pay.” She has volunteered in different capacities during the past few decades.

She has worked with children in Howard County Schools. She has packed care packages for soldiers overseas. She has been on advisory boards from police to education. She remembers the impact segregation and discrimination had

true equality, “I would like for everybody to see what they can do to help somebody else, like when you go to buy groceries buy some extra cans and bring it to the food bank. Yes, live every day thinking what can I do to make it a better world”. Millie was recognised Monday Night by the Howard County Council, for her volunteer efforts, as she celebrated her 100th birthday.

BY CAROLINE HURLEY

HOME REMEDY

When you suffer from a hangover, a banana milkshake with honey can give you immense relief. Bananas with honey build up depleted blood sugar levels.

After receiving her commission at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, she was stationed around Georgia and Alabama. She is proud of her role,

memories stand out.

The first occurred during an outing while off her base in Alabama.

“The first time that I went in town off the post at Fort McClellan by myself, and the people there had not seen any (black) officers, female. And this white lady looked toward me and spit at me and said, ‘Look at that black bitch.’ And I never reacted for two reasons: back in those days, they were still lynching (blacks), so it would have been stupid to react. I never even let her know, and fortunately the spit never hit me, so I never let her know that I knew she

Not all of Bailey’s experiences in the Army went this way, though. Her second memory stands in stark contrast to the racism of the South, and is perhaps “the nicest experience I ever had,” she said.

Bailey was at a training camp in San Antonio when she realized that her commanding general was on the same train. She recalls, “When we got ready to get off the train, he was in the front, and I was about the fourth person back. All of his top brass was out to greet him, and he looked back and saw me and said, ‘After you, lieutenant.’ The shock on their faces! That was something! …

“But that was one of the nicest things – he was a gentleman before he was a general.

They were looking for a four-star general and here was this little lady about 109 pounds. I had to salute them because they out-ranked me. But that was my most memorable on the positive side.”

Bailey had to run after the ceremony at the National WWII Memorial; she was off to the Washington Nationals game to be honored on the field.

Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into ames of achievement.

It has been recorded that disease is the leading cause of death among women, but exercising 30 minutes a day can help keep your heart healthy.

A cry I long to hear

THE Rumginae Hospital and the Community Health Worker (CHW) Training School are operated by Evangelical Church of Papua New Guinea Health Services, North Fly.

The 60-bed hospital, along with 15 associated aid posts and the support of MAF, serves much of Western Province.

It is staffed by doctors and health workers from throughout Papua New Guinea, and sometimes one or two expatriate doctors.

Dr Kevin Pondikou is currently the only doctor present at the hospital and goes above and beyond to help the people he serves.

The following story is an account of his dedication and love for his job, despite and because of his placement in a rural area such as Rumginae, which he calls “Rughaz.”

Last night, the power came on late so I boiled some hot water on the gas stove to make some Indomie Noodles for myself. Sabco, who you can call my house keeper but actually is my good friend here at Rughaz, told me later in the evening that we had run out of gas, so my plan was to use the ambulance to take my gas cylinder to Kiunga for a refill. He does an excellent job of keeping my house in order, plus cooking me meals so all I do is concentrate on work. I told Sabco to wake me up early (8am) because I usually sleep until 10am on my day o. Sabco woke me up and I fell out of bed and into the forest for a shower. Prior to waking up I received several

missed calls on my phone. I answered the last one and it was Sally Lloyd from Mougulu on the line wanting me to talk to Mougulu’s CHW about a young woman with an obstructed labour which the baby had died.

As they were not able to do a vacuum extraction at Mougulu she was to be flown to Rumginae via MAF.

On my way to the ward, our rural health coordinator stopped me to say the MAF plane was coming and would stop at Rughaz before going to Kiunga, Yehebi, Fuma and then Mougulu to bring the patient back to Rughaz.

When I got to the ward I was informed that a woman with breech presentation was expected to be in labour.

I wasn’t needed and continued with my plan to go to Kiunga, trusting my staff to help this woman. But there was another small but important task to complete first.

With the MAF plane coming to Rhugaz and then continuing to Mugoulu I quickly packed some antivenom and shortly after dropped it directly into the hands of the MAF pilot to take it all the way to Rumginae station with the airstrip, the hospital and CHW school campus on the upper end towards the river (MB) Mougulu together with the Snake Bite Report Book. Now I could rest and be at ease that Mougulu and its citizens would soon have anti-venom, a total of 4 vials of death adder and polyvalent anti-venom for the coming months.

I then hopped on the ambulance with a couple of others and we went to Kiunga.

After doing all my shopping and marketing plus getting the gas, I received the call that the woman with breech presentation had a cord prolapse.

We drove back to Rughaz with the pedal to the metal. As soon as we arrived, I rushed out of the ambulance and went to midwifery ward.

The mother being in labour turned out to be complicated and needed a caesarian section as the baby’s cord had come before the baby. The baby had been delivered but was not breathing and needed resuscitation. Sadly, the baby passed away despite resuscitation.

I was upset, but one of my staff firmly reminded me that I was the only doctor here. I’m only one… I then went home to unpack the shopping and whilst there I got a visit from our Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery students to update me about another woman who was having recurrent fitting episodes which would compromise her airway.

Following this, we heard the MAF plane returning with the woman from Mougulu. I quickly had another shower in the forest and then went to review the woman. I did a scan. Whilst doing the scan, I was hoping to see a foetal heartbeat.

I truly wished for even a flicker of a heartbeat to tell me the baby was

alive and that I could do a caesarian delivery to save the baby.

The mother was only 15-years old. I couldn’t see the foetal heart and confirmed that the baby was dead. Since a caesarian delivery is not done for dead babies, my next option was for a destructive delivery. One of the most awful procedures known to man.

A destructive delivery is when the baby’s skull is broken and the brain removed so that the skull can be delivered vaginally with the body.

This is to ensure that a caesarian section is not done because in Papua New Guinea, in this day and age, women continue to die from limited obstetric care.

I called my Obstetrician doctor friends in Tabubil and in Popondetta and came up with a plan of action.

Thankfully, two of our nursing staff and the two medical students were able to come to the theatre and assist me for the procedure.

It was very sad that the baby died.

On this sad occasion, I didn’t hear the cry of a new born child - a cry I always long to hear. Instead, there was silence and sadness, punctuated by the sad tones of the cello music which was playing in the background.

That day, those two babies didn’t cry, and never saw the light of day.

If I could be a machine and be present at the hospital 24-7-365, believe me I would.

I console myself with the fact that maybe one day in heaven, I will see them again. I wonder if these

two babies would know who I am and what they would look like in heaven.

That moment, there was another sad song playing, an instrumental pan flute cover version of Eric Clapton’s “will I see you in heaven”… the lyrics of the original song go: “Would you know my name If I saw you in heaven? Would it be the same If I saw you in heaven? I must be strong and carry on ‘Cause I know I don’t belong here in heaven.”

Across remote Papua New Guinea, there are many untold stories of human suffering and death.

With the advent of modern technology and the desire for specialization, there is a void left for doctors in remote Papua New Guinea.

I forlornly hope that I will find someone to take over as a doctor for me here in Rughaz when the good Lord decides that its time for me to leave the green, green pastures of Rughaz. Mayday! Mayday! North Fly District is in disaster mode.

I hope there‘s a doctor out there who will one day take over from me here in Rughaz.

In the meantime, I must be strong and carry on, and, though the parents are shedding tears, silent ones they may be, I hope that for the babies, there will be no more tears in heaven.

The landscape is desolate with the loss of these two babies. And we are all less, for the loss of these babies. In heaven, there will be no more tears.

Rumginae hospital as viewed from the aircraft’s parking bay (LA).

The hospital’s ambulance came to get the young woman brought in from Mougulu to the theatre as quickly as possible (LA).

MAF pilot Mathias Glass with the medical supplies including the anti-venom for Mougulu (DKP).

Rumginae station with the airstrip, the hospital and CHW school campus on the upper end towards the river (MB)

From humble beginnings to prosperity

MOST often we talk about the future, but we don’t realize that the future is now and it starts with our children. If we educate and direct them right today, then we have a better future!”

Speaking as the guest speaker of Mapex Training Institute graduation recently, Samarai Murua MP Isi Henry Leonard said education is the key and way to developing a nation.

“Future doesn’t mean you have to wait to do something later, no it means to start now so that the future is bright. Since becoming an MP, I have worked closely with Mapex Trainng Institute to support students from my area who could not make it through the proper education system.

“I believe in giving them the opportunity to realize their full potential and to achieve their dreams and in doing so it empowers them to build the nation and its starts with them now.”

Mapex training institute is a locally owned institute that started off from a humble beginning with a primary focus to provide an alternative education system for children who have been rejected or pushed out by the public education system in PNG.

Owner and director Marcus Palem Kara said seeing more children coming out from the formal education system; he asked what he could do to help them be equipped with certain skills and know how to enable them to make a living.

“If our government can’t do it, we must do it. We must not sit back and complain about the public system because we get nothing and we must be pro active and focus on positive side of things.

“Try to look at things from different perspectives because there will always be a solution to every problem created by man. For that and many other reasons, I decide to do something worthwhile to help myself, my family and my country. I registered a community based consultancy company in 2004, and started to train people in project planning & proposal writing,

project management, small business planning and startup skills, small business management skills and project report writing skills.

“I moved around in all centres of PNG and rural communities to conduct these trainings. My aim was to train people on how to write proposals so that they can be able to write and secure funds to develop their communities.

“My humble undertakings began to fruition and demand for different training programs began to arise, and from there Mapex Training Institute came into existence in 2015.

Since its inception in 2015, Mapex training institute began running training programs in both Business and Plant/Operator courses on full time basis.

“As a young institute, we have made a very steady progress in the last four years of our operation:

In 2015 MTI graduated more than 1000 students in both Business and Pant/Operator course;

2016 more than 2000 graduated in both trades;

2017 more than 2500 graduated in both trades;

2018 more than 3000 graduated in both trades; and

2019 we have gone beyond 3000 students

“One of our goals is to reach out to the people and we want to bring our training to the door steps of our people so that they can be able to access quality training right at their doorsteps at an affordable cost.

“Our goal in 2018 was to build regional and provincial centre’s and we are happy to announce that Mapex Training Institute has seven campuses around the country.

Apart from Port Moresby campus they have fully fledged campuses in Lae and Kokopo, Wewak, Vanimo, Kimbe and more recently in Goroka. The next locations we are looking at going into 2020, includes Alotau, Madang, and Manus, Kavieng, Western province and AROB.

“We have done this to help support our students as we believe in an educated population going forward.”

Mapex Training Institue graduands in certificate in diploma in IT at the graduation at Sports Inn.

PICTURES: MARK TALIA

Certificate in flight cabinet crew. From left Michelle Siming, Lilly Pewo, Mapex Training Institute director Marcus Palem Kara, Steven Vela Kila and Brooke Korimbo at the graduation last week

‘Our goals is to reach out to the people and we want to bring our training to the door steps of our people’

Mapex Lae campus officially opened by Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu.

(L-R) Kokopo Vunamami Urban town Lord Mayor Benjamin Mesmin Murliu, East New Britain Deputy Governor and chairman of inter-government relations Cosmas Bauk ready to cut the ribbons.

Samarai Murua MP Isi Henry Leonard.

Coll-X-ions Band of Tubusereia

This new young outfit be the next kings of Central hit ballads

BY ANDREW SOLIEN

MUSIC resonates well amongst the motuans of central province who have for centuries practiced the art to rejuvenate a culture that at times seem to fade into oblivion given the exploitation of the modern 21st century of technology and digital age that has also destroyed the significance of music its meaning and essence for all the tribes living along the motuan coastline from Gabagaba to Manumanu, Porebada, Lealea, Boera, Kido, Tatana, Hanuabada, Vabukori, Pari, Barakau and others as well.

The explosion of talent in the late 1990’s of the most famous Dee Jays band created an aura of expectation that set the stage for PNG music to be given accolade with Band founders, David Manoka, Dokona Manoka, Dika Dai, and John Airi who spun a weave of musical frenzy hard to replace.

With due respect to the former, I had much recollections of my younger teenage high school days at De La Salle Bomana where I had the chance to be best friends, more like brother(s) as in the likes of Francis Lamond, Chris Nana, Willie Hindom, Dino Norris to name a few; 1988 was the year that I remember listening to DEE JAYS band of Tubusereia, enjoying their motuan style of music, they were phenomenal! Until 1991 when we all left and went our own separate ways.

Well fast forward to 2019 after a long while and here I was being invited by the Coll-x-ions band manager, Mr.Willie Hindom whose hyperactive and cool dude personality seemed a bonus for the young guns whose abundance of talent and skill in music could never be undermined I suppose.

Could this new young outfit be the next kings of music to continue the traits of DEEJAYS and others? Probably not! But the fact remains that legends are made from hard work and commitment could be applied to these youngsters namely; Bradley Henao Jnr aged 22 years old, Patrick Rarua 16 years old– lead singer, Baroa Lea aged 32 years old and plays Bass and lead guitar, Lesley Hebou 36 years old, Samuel Biale aged 22 years old and plays the Keyboard and vocals, Benjamin

Airi aged 25 years old – lead vocals, Airi Hanua Airi aged 19 years old and plays drums with Lesta Raka, 19 years old – vocals.

Bradley Henao Jnr – son of popular BJACS band member Bradley Henao Snr when asked of his views about music and what to expect in this challenging industry said that he was very fortunate to come from a music oriented family where his dad has been his icon of strength; following in his dad’s footsteps has paid off big time for him especially in music as he reckons he has the stamina to go the distance and make a name for himself – much thanks to Coll-X-ions band that is owned by Franko and Rachael both hailing from the popular village Tubusereia.

“Colle-x-ions band started with top PNG musicians in the likes of Niukam, Bill Griffin, Kila Frank, Bradley Henao, Lulu, and other stand in artists who have inspired us young

musicians to play to the best of our abilities and discipline ourselves in the art of music,” he said. Well despite the lack of funding by the Government in promoting the music industry, the young Coll-xions band members see themselves doing an album early next year 2020 and aiming to participate in Cosmopolitan Battle of the Bands Competition that should set the stage for them to reflect and take serious accountability of their future ambitions as a new upcoming music band hailing from the Tubusereia village of Central Province.

Maybe…. Maybe not! But the young guns are adamant in making a name for themselves and by the grace of god – If You believe than you will archieve!

I am keeping watch over them in the coming years and am taking a peek that probably a new dawn is coming of age for the Coll-X-ions band come 2020 and beyond.

Much said – I can never imagine a scenario much extravagant and the stage alive and hot on fire as in the grand entrance of late Moses Tau, Dee Jays, Helgas, Clock Work Orange, Gwadu, Buria, Makali, Steve Lahui, Simon Tazzi, Don Sebea, Koboka band, Froggies, Murphy, Jessie Joe, Taita Maraga and many many more past and present – who have contributed to the music industry in Central Province, PNG and abroad as well.

It would be a miracle of the century to see the music industry in PNG as a whole be given full support by the Government in providing full funding scholarships and special grants for musicians and see to it that musicians are recognized for their services to the community; and maybe seriously look at copyright laws, intellectual laws and digestive rights including bilingual rights to set the pace for them to gradually go international and be in par with

the digital platforms available in the country and abroad.

Well maybe that can be our next course of discussion on music as an art – And How can it be promoted to generate revenue for the country’s GDP come 2020?

A lot has been done by certain dedicated professionals in voicing out the rights of musicians and other artist(s) concerning their future in the music industry; there are many passionate artist(s) who have passed on in the likes of late Tony Subam of Sanguma band; late Moses Tau, late David Kuni, late Musa Roge, John Kali and many more.

Concluding, the young guns from coll-x-ions band sure have their heads screwed on in the right direction. I do hope to see them excelling in their faith in music that should earn themselves recognition in the country and abroad.

You rock boys!

Standing Left to right - Junior Baroa, Ben Airi, Lesta Raka, Junior Bradley, Henao, Junior Airi, Samuel Ranu and Patrick Rarua (kneeling).Front - Band Rode - Harold Parker. Band Manager - Willie Hindom. Band sound engineer - John Airi)

50 years on the job 50 years on the job

BY JASON PAISOI DWU journalism student

HOW many of you have come to know somebody who has taken care of a colonial building or legacy particularly with great passion and commitment?

Well let me introduce you to Hanai Lavau, a long serving care taker of the Sir Hubert Murray stadium in Konedobu in the Moresby South electorate.

He has been working as a care taker for 50 years coinciding with this paper’s anniversary (PostCourier) which also celebrated its 50th anniversary this year respectively.

He came to Port Moresby as a teen in 1959 to find a job after completing standard 6 at Orokolo Catholic Mission in Kerema. “Standard 6 em bikpla long taim bipo (standard 6 is a big qualification in the past)”, Lavau said with a squeaky giggle.

He had a good day catch in his pursuit for employment as he got his first job with the Boroko Motors at the Badili branch in 1960 as an oxy gas cylinder welder.

Mr Lavau’s luck gradually extended each year from his first job experience. The following year in 1961, he left Boroko Motors and started working with Toba Motors, located at Badili area in Moresby South Electorate.

In 1962, he joined the Remington Company and worked as a technician until 1969.

He was sent to Brisbane in 1964 by Remington for a 9-months course on how to fix different types of metal type writers, such as gig jag type writer, duplicating machine, schedule cutter and adding machine, as described by him.

Until on June 15 of 1969, when he finally found this job that had taken him on an expedition down the memory lane that he seemed to treasure the most.

He was offered a shelter amidst the vicinity of the Hubert Murray stadium and nourished his passion for the job ever since

He had now grown old but still having with him that commitment and passion he had on his very first day as the care taker of the Mr Lavau had barely watched from a TV screen but right at his back yard

by walking with his pass into the arena.

He expressed some of his greatest experience and memory as in the 2015 Pacific Games when he had the chance to mingle with people all over the pacific.

“Oh mi tingim yet ya, South Pacific Games na olgeta. Mi gat pass na mi save raun wantaim ol, na sumpla kisim piksa blong mi tasol ol ino givim mi (I still remember South Pacific Games and other events. I have a pass and hang around with them, and some took pictures of me but never return one)”.

It’s obvious the stadium has undergone major transformation over the past 5 years and erasing so much of his good old memories of the past the environment embraces. He said it is a heart ache to see those mangoes fruit trees being cut. Those mangos fruit trees and rain-tree aligning the brick wall of the stadium indicates the maturity of his occupation of that yard.

He had his portrait on the brick fence of the stadium that was painted by Sign Writers in 2018 to commemorate his loyal service with the Motu Koitabu Local Level Government.

As the stadium is going through a major facelift and getting younger and smarter, the father gets older.

He celebrated his 76th birthday recently at his well-known yard at Konedobu yesterday (11 December 2019). Mr Hanai Lavau was born on 11 December 1942 in his little clan of Oro Mako in Baimuru District of Gulf province.

He has the fourth generation of grandchildren from his five children, who he says always turn up to present him with clothes and food at his birthdays.

As a great grandfather, he advised the youth’s population of Moresby South to be proud of the stadium that they have and to always take care of it with pride.

“When you compare all the stadium, this is the best, for maybe another 100 years. Motuans - you people should be proud; this is the best stadium.”

Currently, he is working in collaboration as the care taker with the Curtain Bros (current developer of the stadium). And just a general reminder and that was a hilarious one, but filled with truth I’d say. He urged all of us, especially the youths not to see girlfriends at the daytime but only at night.

“You won’t go far from her because your state of mind is filled with her image, and that’s the cause of jealousy and violence.”

Hanai Lavau has been care taker at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium since 1969 . . .

76-year-old Hannai Lavau in front of his home.

My village Bulakwau

GEORGINA KENNEDY tells of her journey when as a child she went for holidays in the famous Trobriand Islands of Papua New Guinea. Time had passed and it has been a long long time since her last visit as a child. She now reflects back in time within her childhood memories to recapture that moment.

THIS is my story about my beautiful island called “Bulakwau.”

It is located in the south sea of Trobriand island in the Milne Bay Province. I recall the time I went to the island with my mother, father and brother; and watched the horizon beyond the never ending ocean. I was little (8 years old) at that time and the memories have never faded but remain solid in my mind ever since.

Anyway, the journey from the wharf to the village on the other side of the main island Losuia was amazing. My uncles had come to get us on an outrigger canoe with a sail. The weather was fine because the wind was blowing and the sea was smooth and calm. Looking down the crystal blue sea I could see my own reflection but realized that beyond my reflection was the most breathtaking view as I saw the big round black stones change colour time after time as the seaweeds swayed from side to side dancing so majestically. We were now sailing straight to Bulakwau.

During this journey I could see from a distance villages scattered along the beach, there was smoke blowing out from their kitchens up into the clear blue sky. A young mind can only imagine what smoke means when they see a house. I was already thinking of food and wondered what was for dinner – maybe a nice big reef fish.

The beautiful coastline of the Trobriand Islands was mesmerizing; there can never be any other place I can imagine with so much life both on the land and in the sea. The village people were very hospitable with a smile up on their faces that gave you have a feeling of belonging.

We eventually reached Bulakwau where my mother grew up with her family. There are two tribes Sakapu and Mulabwama. From this tribes are four (4) clans. My mother is from the Sakapu tribe and they have birth rights to that part of the village. At a young age I did not know much about it but as time passed I was learning what all those things meant.

I remember eating MONA which was very sweet and to this day I can vouch that it is what makes the island life so different and cultured. Our uncles had built a hut for us prior to our arrival and that was where we went to put our cargo for the remaining of our holidays there.

The staple food in the village is yam and it goes well with fresh fish that is caught by the men. The men always shared their catch with everyone.

This is a practise which is unique in a sense that it brings peace and harmony to the village.

Another thing that fascinated me was the different patterns of designs on each yam house; I was later told that the different patterns and de-

signs represented different clans. No other clans in the village would do the same style and design because this would cause disputes among themselves. The men would harvest the yams and store them in the yam house for eating and also for the visitors or guest. There were two types of yam houses - 1) An ordinary one and 2) a long yam house.

The difference between the two yam houses is that the ordinary yam house was for the household whereas the long yam house was for the long yams that were planted and harvested to be stored and given or exchanged to guest who came with money or gifts.

I discovered that the long yams were planted by men only and not women. Men would usually sleep in a separate house from the women. The men would wake up in the early hours of the morning to go gardening. They burn the area then they say chants before they plant the yams. During this planting season men are not allowed to sleep with their wives and also women were not allowed to go near the garden when the men were planting because they believe that the yams would not harvest well.

Anyway, one day father joined the men from the village to go in the jungle to cut the branches to build a new yam garden fence. When they arrived there, they started to cut as many sticks and branches from the trees as possible. Somehow father lost track of everyone and got lost in the jungle.

Off course the experience of being lost in a jungle especially a foreign one far from your homeland meant disaster.

“I got lost in the jungle while looking for trees to cut; the jungle was talking to me because I was new to the place but all the same I understood the challenge and I played along to what the calling meant for me,” said father recalling the time.

“I became disoriented and thought that my mind was just playing games with me; the path I followed became confusing and I found myself circling the same area over and over. There were instances where i thought I saw a village but at the end there was none. I could have stayed forever in the jungle if not for the parrot that answered my prayer.”

And so after saying a prayer, he saw a parrot flapping its wings up on the trees and without hesitation he set off after the bird. The parrot would fly from tree to tree leading the direction, time after time father would follow until he came out to the village.

My mother was worried as the sun set over the horizon painting the entire sky in orange and yellow colours. Her mood changed when she heard the village children shouting and pointing to the track where my father was coming with

the yam sticks in his hand. Mother was overjoyed and quickly prepared him a hot cup of tea and something to eat.

Anyway our stay on the beautiful island had to come to an end. Finally the day arrived for our departure and everyone brought us gifts to take back with us to Port Moresby.

They brought us gifts like mat, baskets, bagi, shells and smoked fish with yams. Mother gave all our

clothes and other stuff to those who brought gifts to farewell us.

As we were sailing away from the village tears rolled down my eyes as I saw my relatives still standing on the beach and waving at us until we were faraway.

I was leaving behind my cousins and loved ones who were so dear and kind to me and my family.

The little hut that accommodated us was now a small figure from the

distance.

As we were reaching the point I turned for the last time to see Bulakwau; my heart sank with sadness to see the sun setting beyond the endless horizon because I was not going to see the beautiful colours it painted until such time. The journey to Losuia was quiet and sad for us. So long beautiful island – beautiful people; Aioni!.... See you next time!... Kapore.

eyamsticksinhishandMother clothesandotherstufftothosewho distance

RANDWICK KENSINGTON races Saturday

TRACK: Good (4) RAIL: True.

LEGEND

t won at track. c won this distance at the track. d won this distance another track. w won in wet. b beaten favourite. o not in first nine. s spell at least three months. h home track. p pulled up.l lost rider. n won at night.

RACE 1 12.15 (1150m)

1. HINCHBEAST (Bjorn Baker) 2c By Hinchinbrook - Shamrock Slipper (3:1-0-2): Gave all for ½ nk, nose 3rd of 6 (1) $2.15F 56.0 Sancy, Centimental 1100m R’hill 2yo Plate Good(4) Dec 7. Began awkwardly when 4 len, 3 len 3rd of 11 (3) $4.40F 58.0 Aim, Stellar Pauline 1200m R’wick 2yo Hcp Good(4) Dec 21. Ready to win. No match but whacked away to place at Randwick at latest. Free-running. Right in this.

2. ANDERS (C Maher & D Eustace) 2c By Not A Single Doubt - Madame Andree (2:0-0-1): Battled away for 2½ len 4th of 6 (2) $2.90 56.5 See You Soon 1000m R’wick 2yo Plate Good(4) Oct 26. Found the line intently for sht nk, 1½ len 3rd of 10 (7) $4.60 57.0 Gotta Kiss, Lady Banff 1000m E Farm 2yo Plate Good(4) Dec 21. Closed from well back to fill the minors at Eagle Farm last start. Rates highly.

3. FORMENTERA (G Waterhouse & A Bott) 2c By I Am Invincible - Eimhis (0:0-0-0): First start. Prepared for debut with nose win Able Hill, Mr Cruise 742m R’wick barrier trial Good(4) Dec 20. Trials: (2:1-0-0). Dam was unraced but is a half-sister to G1 winner County Tyrone. This is her first foal to race. Has shown ability at the trials. Drawn well. Use betting as a further guide.

4. OSAMU (C J Waller) 2c By Exceed And ExcelWritten Dash (0:0-0-0): First start. Makes debut here after 4½ len 6th Mr Cruise 900m R’hill barrier trial Good(4) Dec 30. Trials: (3:1-0-1). Dam won three races from 1100m to 1200m, including the Typhoon Tracy Stakes (G3). This is her first foal to race. From leading stable. Market holds the key.

5. REMORSELESS (P & P Snowden) 2c By Written Tycoon - Killcareless (2:0-0-1): Began awkwardly, raced three wide, laid out in straight when 4¼ len 6th of 10 (6) $2.80F 56.5 Kavak 1000m E Farm

2yo C&G Plate Good(4) Oct 5. Tried hard but no match for winner len, 3 len 3rd of 6 (5) $13.00

56.5 Farnan, Every Rose 1100m Wyong Mm 2yo Good(4) Dec 12. Freshened. Kept working to line at Wyong last outing. Can’t be taken lightly.

6. UNTAMED: SCRATCHED

7. THE BIG EASY (C Maher & D Eustace) 2c By

Written Tycoon - Sunday Chill (2:0-0-0): Slowly away when 3½ len 5th of 8 (1) $5.00 57.0 Tagaloa 1000m M Valley 2yo Plate Good(4) Nov 30. Settled midfield when 8½ len 5th of 11 (4) $15.00 53.5 Aim 1200m R’wick 2yo Hcp Good(4) Dec 21. Drawn poorly. Faces a task.

8. BRASH SAMMY (J G Sargent) 2c By Statue Of Liberty (US) - Repour (2:1-0-0): Laid in near 600m, awkwardly placed near turn when 2½ len win of 6 (3) $2.10F 56.5 Sole Heir, Endorse 1000m Canberra 2yo Hcp Good(4) Nov 29. Checked near 800m, raced greenly when 11¾ len 9th of 11 (11) $13.00 55.5 Aim 1200m R’wick 2yo Hcp Good(4) Dec 21. Failed to make an impression at Randwick last time out. Not fancied.

9. COSMIC MISS (Mark De Montfort) 2f By Exosphere - Ludka (0:0-0-0): First start. Kicks off here after 1¼ len 2nd Cellsabeel 902m C’bury barrier trial Good(4) Dec 23. Trials: (1:0-1-0). Dam won three races from 1780m to 2100m. Her only foal to race is a maiden. Showed ability in her trial. Keep in mind.

RACE 1: (1) Hinchbeast (8) Brash Sammy tongue-tie on first time; (3) Formentera blinkers on first time; (4) Osamu, (9) Cosmic Miss, (10) Hungry Heart lugging bit on first time; (6) Untamed blinkers on first time, lugging bit on first time; (7) The Big Easy blinkers on first time, winkers off first time

RACE 2: (6) Jawwaal gelded; (12) Yu Long Sheng Hui blinkers on again, visors off first time

RACE 3: (5) Thanks To You ear muffs pre-race only on first time; (7) Run For Glory blinkers on first time, winkers off first time; (8) Howra blinkers on first time, winkers off first time; (10) Trengganu blinkers on first time

RACE 4: (1) Spiritual Pursuit (7) Lashes synthetic hoof filler off first time

RACE 5: (2) House Of Cartier winkers on first time

RACE 6: (7) Coterie blinkers off again, tongue-tie on first time

RACE 7: (2) Sir Plush winkers on again; (9) Mushaireb lugging bit off first time, norton bit on first time

RACE 8: (11) Destiny’s Hero blinkers off first time

RACE 9: (5) Spiritual Pursuit synthetic hoof filler off first time

10. HUNGRY HEART (C J Waller) 2f By Frankel (GB) - Harlech (GB) (0:0-0-0): First start. Launching career here after len win Desert Flame, Heavy Rotation 900m R’hill barrier trial Good(4) Dec 30. Trials: (1:1-0-0). Dam retired as a maiden. This is her first foal to race. Indicated talent at the trials. Big watch.

11. PHILIZZY (A J Cummings) 2f By Snitzel - Sovereign Duchess (0:0-0-0): First start. Prepared for debut with 2¼ len 5th Hungry Heart 900m R’hill barrier trial Good(4) Dec 30. Trials: (1:0-0-0). Dam was a winner over 1400m and is a half-sister to G1 winner Princess Coup. Eight of her ten foals to race are winners, including G2 winner Sovereign Nation. Liked the way she found the line in her trial. Key player.

12. TUDOR MUSIC (G D Hickman) 2f By Your Song - Tudor Magic (2:1-1-0): Tried hard when first-up nk 2nd of 7 (6) $4.80 55.5 Sunborn 900m

Newcastle 2yo Mdn Good(4) Dec 1. Came from second half of field for 2 len win of 10 (9) $3.40 55.5 Strategist, Queen Dee 900m Scone 2yo Mdn Good(3) Dec 13. Freshened. Swept to lead and raced clear to salute in superb fashion at Scone at latest. Place appeal only.

RACE 2 12.50 (1400m)

1. GREENSPAN (John Bateman) 5g By Reliable Man (GB) - Cross Rate (IR) (17:3-2-2): Took up a midfield position when sht ½ hd, 1½ len 3rd of 14 (4) $51.00 57.5 Run Like A Rebel, Eurosay 1200m R’hill Tab H’way-C2 Good(4) Nov 30. Shifted out near 100m when lg hd win of 12 (4) $26.00 57.5 Congregate, Hiroko 1300m R’wick 3yo+ H’way-C2 Good(4) Dec 21. Honest customer. Good, determined win from off the pace last start. Good draw. Worth some thought.

2. IRISH SONGS (Kurt Goldman) 4g By Shamus Award - Lucky Songs (NZ) (16:3-0-4): Slowly away when 5¼ len 9th of 11 (5) $21.00 58.5 Embracer 1100m W Farm 3yo+ E&G (Bm70) Good(4) Nov 27. Overraced early, middle stages when 1¼ len, sht hd 3rd of 9 (5) $4.60 57.5 Nordic Lover, Magic Choir 1250m C’bury 3yo+ (Bm70) Good(4) Dec 13. Freshened. Handy galloper. Finished solidly to place at Canterbury last outing. Worth including.

3. PEYTON PLACE (Greg Stephens) 4g By Carlton House (US) - Doubtful Choice (14:3-4-2): Took up a handy position in 1¼ len 2nd of 11 (6) $4.40 61.0 Balonne 1300m Canberra (Bm70) Good(4) Nov 5. Safely held in 4¼ len 4th of 14 (8) $8.50 56.5 Sneak Preview 1600m Kembla Grange (Metro) Tab Highway-C3 Good(4) Nov 23. Freshened. Went to line only fairly at Kembla Grange last time out. Usually prominent. Proven performer over this trip. One of the major players.

4. PAULDRON (W A Hudd) 4g By Epaulette - Orcym (10:3-1-0): Beaten but not disgraced when 3½ len 9th of 12 (12) $11.00 61.0 Ashton Blair 1400m Kembla Grange (Bm64) Good(4) Nov 16. Inquiry into performance, vetted - no abnormalities when 5½ len 4th of 9 (7) $3.00F 61.0 Nicconita 1608m Sapphire Coast Hcp (C3) Good(4) Dec 2. Freshened. Average effort at Sapphire Coast at latest. Each-way chance.

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

ALBURY races Friday

TRACK: Good (4) RAIL: True.

GEAR CHANGES

RACE 1: (1) Smart Ain’t He near-side blinkers on first time, tongue-tie on again; (2)

Fionnlagh blinkers on again, cross-over noseband off first time, nasal strip off first time; (4)

Equally Wild tongue-control bit on again, tongue-tie off first time; (5) Tasman’s Reward cross-over noseband on first time; (6) Kurossima off-side bubble cheeker off first time; (8) Equishim near-side bubble cheeker on again, lugging bit off first time

RACE 2: (3) Tarazal tongue-tie on first time; (7) Falling Waters blinkers on again, lugging bit on first time, tongue-control bit on first time

RACE 3: (3) Cyborg, (5) Feisty Flame, (11) Spooky Charm blinkers on first time; (8) Mythical Goddess lugging bit on first time, standard bit off first time

RACE 6: (2) Suburbia visors off first time; (4) Breaking Cover front concussion plates on first time, ear muffs pre-race only on first time, tongue-tie off first time; (5) Falcon Heavy lugging bit on first time; (9) Shadow Company blinkers off first time, tongue-tie on first time; (10) Wyandra Ruby tongue-tie on first time; (12) Murt In A Skirt blinkers off first time, front concussion plates on first time, tongue-tie off first time; (13) Reset All blinkers off first time; (15) I’ll Tell You Miss blinkers off first time, tongue-tie off first time

RACE 7: (2) Booradley tongue-tie on again

RACE 8: (3) Ilovesaki blinkers on first time

RACE 4 2.15 (1400m)

1. ACQUITTAL (D A Williams) 5g By Nicconi - Familial (19:1-4-5): Held up near turn when ½ len, 2¾ len 3rd of 14 (2) $8.50 55.5 Sneak Preview, Clergyman 1600m Kembla Grange (Metro) Tab Highway-C3 Good(4) Nov 23. Inquiry into performance, over-raced during race, poor recovery when 14¾ len 12th of 13 (12) $7.00 56.0 Gunga Din 1800m R’hill 3yo+ Hcp (C3) Good(4) Dec 7. Freshened. Commands respect.

2. HELCOLORE (Ms D Scott) 5g By Helmet - Tricolore (13:1-2-1): Wide early stages, hung out near 300m when 9¾ len 11th of 12 (11) $13.00 60.0 Soviet 1300m Wodonga Hcp (58) Good(4) May 18. On return from break finished 1¼ len 2nd of 11 (9) $4.20 57.5 Destination Rocks 1175m Albury Hcp-C1 Good(3) Dec 14. On pace and boxed on to fill the minors here first-up. Fitter. Keep safe.

3. WE WANT FRANKIE (Mark C Webb) 5g By Equiano (FR) - Sayangku (NZ) (16:1-3-0): Pre race incident, passed fit at barrier when hd win of 10 (2) $4.80F 58.5 French Heiress, Judge Jeanine 1406m Benalla 3yo+ Mdn Good(4) Nov 11. Raced below expectations, vetted - no abnormalities when 10¾ len 13th of 14 (8) $10.00 59.5 Mystical Rose 1590m Wangaratta 3yo+ (Bm58) Good(3) Nov 25. Among the main chances.

4. RAP GOD (Mark C Webb) 5g By Rebel RaiderBenbara Rossa (7:1-0-0): Checked at start when 4½ len 4th of 10 (1) $7.50 57.5 Zouy’s Comet 1500m Cranbourne 3yo+ (Bm64) Good(3) April 5. Safely held in 5¼ len 9th of 11 (4) $13.00 57.0 Notable Choice 1611m Sale 3yo+ (Bm64) Good(4) May 14. Resuming. Tough alley. Only a place chance.

5. IT’S CHRISTMAS (C D Widdison) 5m By ResetAlainn (6:1-2-0): Began awkwardly, over-raced early stages, weakened near 500m when 20¼ len last of 14 (9) $18.00 56.5 Flag Edition 1606m Benalla 3yo+ Mdn Good(3) Sept 27. Overraced early, middle stages, blundered near 200m when ½ nk win of 14 (3) $7.00 56.0 Highly Decorated, Zarsnip 1200m Wagga Mdn Good(4) Dec 10. Freshened. Right in this.

6. CIRCULATE (D J O’Prey) 5m By Strategic - Lady Nikolay (20:1-2-3): Laid out on straightening when 2¾ len 4th of 10 (1) $9.50 54.0 Reine Happy 1100m Wodonga (Bm64) Good(3) Nov 29. Wide throughout when 3¼ len 7th of 12 (12) $7.50 54.0 Blazing Ash 1300m Wangaratta 3yo+ (Bm58) Good(3) Dec 14. Can figure.

7. HAPPY LAD (P A Sweeney) 3g By EpauletteMontreal Gold (NZ) (5:1-1-1): Hampered at start, wide throughout when hd 2nd of 6 (5) $3.30 56.5

Zaberfeldie 1400m Albury Hcp (C1) Good(4) Dec

7. Checked early stages when 5½ len 7th of 12 (3) $11.00 55.0 La Magnat 1400m Wagga (Bm58) Good(4) Dec 24. Place makes best appeal.

8. TYCOON DREAMING (K A Davison) 6g By

Written Tycoon - Cosima’s Dream (24:1-4-3): Settled midfield when 3¼ len 4th of 11 (1) $2.80F 56.5

Lady Conjurer 1500m Albury Hcp (C1) Good(4) Mar

21. Resumed with 6¾ len 10th of 11 (3) $19.00 55.5 Destination Rocks 1175m Albury Hcp-C1 Good(3) Dec 14. Coming off a modest run in same company here first-up. Unplaced second-up. Doesn’t look likely.

9. HAYLIN ROUGE (Mitchell Beer) 5m By Redwood (GB) - Haylin (22:1-3-6): Overraced middle stages when len, ¾ len 3rd of 10 (3) $4.60 66.5 Counterfire, Replay 2050m Mornington 3yo+ (Bm58) Soft(6) May 20. Failed to handle going, vetted - no abnormalities when 12½ len last of 10 (7) $11.00 56.5 Freedoms 1600m Racing.Com Park Syn (Bm58) Synthetic June 11. Fitter for 7¾ len last Lord Von Costa 900m Albury barrier trial Good(4) Dec 7. First-up. Formerly with M Ellerton & S Zahra. Decent alley. Should be competitive.

10. STRIKEMAN (Sylvia Thompson) 5g By Hillman - Shadow Striker (18:1-1-2): Overraced early, middle stages when 2¼ len 5th of 14 (6) $15.00 54.5 Booradley 1200m Wagga Hcp (C2) Good(4) Dec 10. Slowly away, crowded early on, inconvenienced near 1000m when 5¾ len 8th of 12 (6) $31.00 54.0 Kathaire 1200m Wagga Hcp (C2) Good(4) Dec 24. A win would surprise.

Note: © 2020 Racing NSW (and other parties working with it). NSW racing fields and form are subject to copyright which is owned by Racing NSW and other parties working with it.

11. IDLE FANCY (Mervyn Norman) 3g By KruptSavannah Tales (NZ) (13:1-2-1): Slowly away when ½ len 2nd of 8 (7) $51.00 54.0 Refire 1500m Albury Hcp-C1 Good(3) Dec 14. Fair effort in 1½ len 5th of 9 (5) $8.50 57.5 Coves 1600m Corowa Plate (C1) Good(3) Dec 29. Looks tested.

RACE 5 2.55 (1600m)

1. BERTONE (Mitchell Beer) 4g By Testa Rossa - Deliver The Dream (5:0-1-0): Settled handy when 3¾ len 2nd of 9 (2) $14.00 59.0 Only A Dream 1600m Wagga Mdn Plate Good(3) Nov 30. Began awkwardly, hung out throughout when 6½ len 8th of 12 (4) $11.00 58.5 Kuro Bella 1590m Wangaratta 3yo+ Mdn Good(3) Dec 14. Average effort this grade at Wangaratta at latest. Not the roughest.

2. COURT PAINTER (D S Archard) 4g By Lucas Cranach (GE) - Street Goddess (9:0-0-0): Handily placed when 2½ len 6th of 12 (11) $13.00 58.5 Eliabella 2400m Bendigo (Metro) 3yo+ Mdn Good(4) Sept 11. First-up finished 2¼ len 6th of 9 (8) $17.00 58.5 Jeune Astre 1400m Kerang 3yo+ Mdn Good(4) Dec 26. Far from disgraced at Kerang first-up. Will only be fitter. Wide alley is a concern. Could sneak a place at odds.

3. JOHNNY REB (Ms P Reeve) 4g By Rebel RaiderAmodini (5:0-0-0): Overraced early, middle stages when 8¼ len 9th of 11 (7) $101.00 55.0 Taygeta 1206m Benalla 3yo+ Hcp (C1) Good(4) Nov 11. Keen when 7¼ len 9th of 10 (9) $101.00 58.5 Refreshed 1400m Wodonga 3yo+ Mdn Good(4) Nov 29. Freshened. Needs to improve sharply. Not likely.

4. LENNY (Lesia Masnyj) 4g By Elvstroem - Pretty Maid (8:0-0-0): Slowly away when 14¼ len 5th of 7 (4) $31.00 58.0 Legenda 1600m Colac 3yo+ Mdn

Soft(7) Feb 10. On return from break finished 7½ len 6th of 8 (6) $91.00 58.5 La Mer Celtique 1200m Yarra Glen 4yo+ Mdn Good(4) Dec 20. Failed to make an impression this level at Yarra Glen first-up. Easier here but needs to find a few lengths. Hard to make a case for.

5. TERRE DI BACCIO (Danielle Seib) 4g By Fiorente (IR) - Vonharp (6:0-0-2): Took up a handy position in 11¼ len 7th of 10 (10) $12.00 57.0 Money Heist 1300m Canberra Mdn Good(4) Dec 15. Settled handy when 3¾ len 4th of 11 (2) $10.00 59.0 Colonnade 1650m Moruya Mdn Plate Good(4) Dec 22. Wasn’t all that far away at Moruya last start Good gate. Keep in mind.

6. VISAVIS (G G Kirkup) 5g By Domesday - Love And Emotion (22:0-2-2): No match when 4¾ len 4th of 7 (6) $13.00 57.0 Exclusively Ours 2100m Launceston Plate (C1) Good(4) Oct 25. Wide throughout, checked early stages when 3½ len 6th of 10 (5) $19.00 55.0 Money Heist 1300m Canberra Mdn Good(4) Dec 15. Fair effort without threatening at Canberra last outing. Each-way chance.

7. WARDY BOY (Lesia Masnyj) 4g By Reward For Effort - Invincible Belle (12:0-0-0): Resumed with 10½ len 8th of 9 (8) $151.00 58.5 Neneka 1100m Kyneton 3yo+ Mdn Good(4) Dec 5. Raced three wide when 11¼ len last of 8 (7) $101.00 58.5 La Mer Celtique 1200m Yarra Glen 4yo+ Mdn Good(4) Dec 20. Was safely held at Yarra Glen last time out. Has come up with a horror draw. Drops in grade but sharp improvement required. Unlikely to trouble these.

8. FRENCH HEIRESS (G W Egan) 4m By Ustinov - Bettencourt (7:0-1-2): Raced below expectations vetted - no abnormalities when 7¾ len 7th of 13 (11) $4.80 58.0 Blossom On Snow 1400m Wangaratta 3yo+ F&M Mdn Good(4) Nov 25. Laid in near 300m, became unbalanced when 4¾ len 4th of 10 (5) $14.00 58.0 Annuello 1600m Echuca 3yo+ F&M Mdn Good(4) Dec 12. Freshened. Just battled home in same class at Echuca at latest. Can play a role.

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

Israel’s success is PNG’s dream

BY ANDREW SOLIEN

GOD chose Moses to lead his people out from slavery in search of the Promised Land – AND likewise, PNG unlike the JEWS despite being discovered sometime in the early 18th century have taken the leap into the 21st century, from stone age to digital age; to design a formula that will lead the country out from hardship to self sustenance, and to be a rich black nation as stated by its eight Prime Minister Hon. James Marape when he ousted former PM, Peter O’Neil in May of 2019 to form Government.

The success story of Israel is a great example for many developing nations all throughout the world given the fact that the people of Israel have created their own nation with their bare hands and god given brains into thinking logic and common sense to invest in their manpower and their land.

Israel as a nation is over 3,000 years old. It was destined to be a nation; furthermore- It was destined to be a blessing to all nations.

Israel–Papua New Guinea relations are diplomatic and other relations between the State of Israel and Papua New Guinea. Israel and Papua New Guinea established diplomatic relations in 1978, about three years after Papua New Guinea was granted independence.

Israel's ambassador to Australia acts as non-resident ambassador to Papua New Guinea. While Papua New Guinea does not have an embassy in Israel, it has a consulate in Ramat HaSharon, with jurisdiction over the Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area.

In a news coverage dated December 6, 2017; Governor General Sir Bob Dadae said that Papua New Guinea recognizes Israel’s assistance and support, notably in agriculture. He was optimistic about the Innovative Agro Industry (IAI) of the Israeli LR Group

of Companies which is a leading project development company in PNG.

Israel indeed has been looking forward to establishing long term agriculture projects in Papua New Guinea saying that there is potential to develop projects that are beneficial to both countries.

Sir Bob in welcoming Israeli Ambassador to PNG Tibor Shalve Schlosser said that PNG is very grateful and looks forward to enhancing and furthering the already good bilateral and friendly relations that exist between both nations.

And so from the outset – Is PNG ready to dirty its hands in agriculture with help from Israel that will train our farmers, our unemployed youths and our schools too?

Well the answer is simple. Yes!

Our people will benefit from these projects given the update since 2017 when the fi rst dairy farm was established at seventeen mile, in the outskirts of NCD.

The dairy industry is an unfamiliar territory for Papua New Guinea and this is where the LR group of companies has come into Partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea to create employment opportunities for our people, our farmers and supply dairy products in the country and abroad.

A key element in this project will see to it that a transfer of knowledge about cow farming, dairy product manufacturing and its distribution throughout the local community is long term and sustainable.

The dairy farm is said to save the country K400 million in dairy imports therefore is the best investment for PNG with an expectation of five million litres of dairy products to be produced annually including fresh milk, fl avored milk, yogurts, ice cream and other more products.

The government is looking at setting up another three to four farms of the same size as Ilimo to

produce enough volumes to meet customer demand.

Apart from dairy products, Israel is now in the forefront of doing the same in producing quality agriculture produce in PNG starting at their nine mile hydroponic farm. The 11-hectare farm, developed in partnership with the Jesus Christ Halfway House and Western Highlands Development Corporation at Nine Mile since October 2012, is aiming to establish itself as a leading player in the PNG fruit and vegetable market by providing consumers with high quality, import replacement produce.

While the K28 million operations was officially launched in 2012, seed planting started in September 2013, and the farm is now producing large quantities of affordable fruit and vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicums and lettuces.

Eran Gal-Or, Innovative Agro’s PNG country manager said that the company was focused on rapidly advancing the project according to its interview with Business Advantage PNG.

The hydroponic farm uses direct irrigation system where the fruit and vegetables are grown in materials which feed the roots system in a controlled environment generally.

Overall, in concluding, it is in my opinion that much greater participation with farmers throughout the country is encouraged to empower PNG farmers in developing their knowledge, skills and management levels to develop the country’s agriculture sector so that it is not monopolized and at the same time beneficial to the rural communities who will improve their way of living and at the same time sustain the agriculture sector entirely.

We look forward in 2020 to keep on writing about agriculture and similar projects that will benefit Papua New Guineans to encourage them to toil the land – the land is yours and it is free.

The city of Haifa. It is the third-largest city in Israel – after Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Joy is like the rain

party balloons in the same way. But the trick only worked if the water swelled which meant the present hanging on the waterfall face was fatally attractive.

To induce rain, which originates from water, the Southern Highlanders got it right when their focus was in fi lling rivers, streams and creeks and not so much in the heavens. In a strange twist of irony, however, the present was coloured deep blue; the link between heaven and water, where rain revealed itself, after having left the water source. This passive connection between sky and land was turned around to invite sunshine back. Clever!

BY BARNEY ORERE

JOY? That’s a girl’s name isn’t it? Or what comes around at Christmas and special moments. Joy can come quickly and leave as quickly as it arrives; which can be disappointing. But if you want permanent joy, try this: ‘J’ for Jesus, ‘O’ for others and ‘Y’ for yourself. That is, put Jesus first, others second and yourself last. Sometimes silver, sometimes grey but not always faraway. Yeah, like the rain! But the silver type can be ‘uploaded’ so to speak, if you use the JOY formula.

Speaking of joy and rain, we could do with essential irrigation from heaven. We’re praying for our food and crops that they may grow well and for the industries of our nation. They all need water. And sometimes when the dry spell is decidedly cruel, water gets rationed and there is no joy in that. When power or water goes off and when restored, joy is experienced in fleeting seconds. But when things are running on ‘normal’ mode joy is never a factor to be considered.

Right now, we need joy and we need rain. Not too much of it boss please; just enough to meet our needs. Fill the dams and keep those turbines running. And you know what? The leaves are getting stringy because they have to react to the climate. But rain not coming means the costs go up and that’s right; there’s no joy there. Give us joy at this time please; we want to dance in the rain.

And the calm period has begun as we descend into Christmas. We know that cyclone loves this

calm season but please don’t spoil our Christmas plans. It’s a long time since some of us had a good Christmas so as you can see the decorations have just started appearing in our supermarkets with all the specials that make the season sweet.

The other day, in our feature we talked about a personal faith encounter in Japan. Here’s a story about faith and rain from the Southern Highlands. Many such practices were discontinued on the insistence of early missionaries but if you look beyond the grey, the silver linings are the ‘god’ of Israel which we lost and regaining the belief is proving to

The attraction Southern Highlanders used to call rain was the wings of a tiny bird, blue in colour, called Mengir. This bird made its home in caves. The people caught the bird, cut off its wings and took it to the waterfall where they hung it on the rock face. To take the beautiful wing, the trickling water had to swell and come in full force and that was how the people called rain.

When there was too much rain

Now let’s see what happens here. The people reversed their belief in calling rain by sending lots of smoke into the sky; possibly to burn up and clear the skies for sun to show itself. This was achieved by taking the bark of Ugur, the strong wood and building a huge bonfi re. Ugur bark, incidentally, was also used to line the wall of huts. Did the Ugur have sweet-smelling scent to please the gods? Yari Tebo of Mendi (the tribe), living at Tubiri did not say so; he only said Ugur was a special wood as it was hardy.

be quite a challenge.

Mendi way of calling rain

Sunshine supports all lifeforms. But when there’s too much drought it wreaks havoc and humans, plants and animals long for rain. In Southern Highlands, the people had a way of calling rain. They hung something colourful at the waterfall to tease the trickling water to leap in order to reach it. A child is attracted by

When white missionaries of the Anglican and Catholic faith introduced incense as part of their worship ritual, the sweetsmelling smoke was intended to drive away the presence of evil. Over time, in the Anglican Church, the natives introduced the dried sap of a tree in the forest to achieve the same end when the white man’s incense ran out and future supplies could not be sustained.

Smoke from bush fi res and slash and burn agriculture build clouds in the sky. So for the Southern Highlanders it was more a case of pleasing the gods; they made the walls of their huts with strong wood – Ugur - and used the same tree to produce the sacred kundu – the Kewin.

BARNE Y lbtld’t

Mengir.

How Billie Eilish went from musician to

Billie Eilish has gone from tinkering in her bedroom to racking up billions of streams worldwide, setting a new path to fame in a post-genre landscape.

BY LAURA STAVROPOULOS

POP wunderkind Billie Eilish has already passed the litmus test of being the next big thing: young people hang on her every word and their parents have no clue who she is. But all of that changed in 2019. Since releasing her viral hit ‘Ocean Eyes’ in 2015, Billie Eilish has become one of the biggest pop stars in the world following her debut album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?. After becoming the voice of her generation, Eilish has been embraced by the old guard as well, as her numerous Grammy nominations can attest to. Eilish has signalled a new path to fame in a post-genre landscape.

So how does one go from tinkering in your bedroom to racking up billions upon billions of music streams and over 45 million fans on Instagram? To celebrate her 18th birthday, we look back on Billie Eilish’s eight steps to fame…

Not since Lorde’s arrival has the music world been whipped into such a frenzy over a preternaturally gifted pop star. While much of the press around Eilish’s ascent has focused on her age, it’s hard not be impressed by her accomplishments and lyrical maturity. At age eight, Eilish was singing in the prestigious Los Angeles Children’s Chorus and writing songs with her brother Finneas while the two were homeschooled. When Eilish turned 13, the duo uploaded their dreamy song ‘Ocean Eyes’ to SoundCloud and the track exploded overnight, eventually racking up over 200 mil-

lion Spotify plays.

Do it yourself

‘Ocean Eyes’ was a game-changer for Eilish, but it wasn’t the only song the sibling duo self-released before signing to the UK-based A&R company Platoon, and, later, Interscope in 2016. Even with major-label backing, however, Eilish continues to write and record with her brother in his bedroom studio, where they create her debut album, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? She’s involved in all aspects of her career, from tour visuals to album cover and merch design, and maintaining her massive socialmedia presence.

Defy labels

Billie Eilish’s success is very much predicated on how streaming has influenced music tastes. It’s the reason she’s able to notch over a billon streams before even releasing her first album. From her first single to her 2017 EP Don’t Smile at Me, Eilish continues to defy convention and genre. She’s been painted a pop star, but what is pop nowadays and do her fans even care? From the macabre dance hit ‘bury a friend’ to the cowboy twang of ‘bellyache’ and the fragile ballad ‘lovely’, featuring R&B star Khalid, Eilish has found success delivering a new sound with each release while avoiding being pigeonholed. The beauty of Eilish is there is no Svengali-type manager or label executive trying to mould her image or sound to fit some preconceived idea of what a pop star should look or sound like.

Be an open book

Social media and a 24/7 news cycle have required all musicians to be more transparent with their lives than ever before. As Cardi B and Ariana Grande have proven, fans connect to an artist’s personality just as much as their musical output. In Eilish’s case, this is especially true due to her age. Her teenage fans see her more as a peer than an enigmatic idol. She talks about her struggles with Tourette syndrome, her increasing fame and losing friends like the late rapper XXXTentacion. Eilish has the aloofness and self-

Lewis Capaldi named the UK’s biggest-selling musician of 2019

LEWIS Capaldi was the UK's best-selling artist of 2019, as music consumption grew for the fifth year in a row.

The Scottish star had both the top album and single of the year, with his ballad Someone You Loved racking up 228 million streams.

The industry is now dominated by streaming - with fans cueing up 114 billion songs last year, a new record.

Vinyl sales also rose again. Liam Gallagher's Why Me? Why Not was the most popular LP, selling 29,000 copies.

According to trade body the BPI, streaming is now responsible for three-quarters of “album equivalent sales” - the metric used by

the industry to convert consumption on services like Spotify and Amazon Music into album sales (generally speaking, 1,000 streams generate one “sale”).

Just three years ago, the technology was only responsible for 36% of album sales.

The explosion in popularity of on-demand music has turned the fortunes of the industry around, with album sales up 13% since 2010. Revenues, however, have not grown at a similar pace, as streaming pays less than realworld sales.

The year’s biggest hit singles included Lil Nas X’s country-rap crossover Old Town Road and Ava Max’s pop smash Sweet But Psycho.

assurance of a SoundCloud rapper more than a groomed pop starlet. She often talks about letting her music speak for itself and allowing art to be open to interpretation.

“One of my favourite parts about making music is that people take it in the way that they take it, and I have no control over that,” she told Hot Ones host Sean Evans.

Stay grounded

SoundCloud rapper oomed pop starlet. about letting her r itself and allown to interpretation. vourite is that people take at over that,” she told ean g rounded tar and rutiny of the press, s From talking about s to in friends to Panic! At h retains some semage life. That’s also into her unbrion and write songs ces she’s never had ttle, as a game. ever

Even with the gruelling schedule of a global pop star and living under the constant scrutiny of the press, Billie maintains the silliness of being a teenager. From talking about her orthodontics to singing along in the car with her friends to Panic! At The Disco, Eilish retains some semblance of teenage life. That’s also allowed her to tap into her unbridled imagination and write songs about experiences she’s never had. “When you’re little, songwriting is the same thing as playing a game. You can be whatever you want,” she told Fader.

perform ‘Happiness Is A Warm Gun’ at her homeschool talent show. As she g rew up and developed her own musical tastes, she fell in love with hip-hop and other genredefying artists like Earl Sweatshirt and Childish Gambino. Keep creating

original

Be original

ces like Tyler, The YNEXTDOOR and lear that Billie Eilarve out a sician and creative fashionhe sense that she’s s –er style Japanese 90s rave culture. nd musically, Eilish om her What ds are singing about and their d by her love of horightmares, p blurs the lines bend a dream state

Citing influences like Tyler, The Creator, PARTYNEXTDOOR and 21 Savage, it’s clear that Billie Eilish aspires to carve out a singular career as a musician and creative at large. She’s extremely fashionconscious in the sense that she’s aware of trends – and then does the opposite. Her expressive style reflects her love of Japanese anime, streetwear and 90s rave culture. Both visually and musically, Eilish stands apart from her peers. What other 18 year olds are singing about napalm skies and burying their friends? Inspired by her love of horror and actual nightmares, Eilish’s melancholic pop blurs the lines between reality and a dream state.

Absorb everything

From a young age the homeschooled Eilish had a lot of freedom to explore every creative impulse and was encouraged to consume all kinds of art. Her father would make her mixtapes featuring everything from Green Day to The Beatles, and, aged nine, Eilish would later

ng homehad a lot of freedom y creative impulse aged to consume all r father would make aturing ay to The Beatles, Eilish would later

L ik e man y of her p eers, Eili s h is of t h e generat i on w h o fi n d s her voice in real time. Instead of keeping everything confined to a journal, her artistic progression is chronicled online. Eilish is very much a product of the internet, both in what she has been exposed to and how she interacts with fans In an era when artists are expected to be multi-hyphenate, Eilish is poised to conquer more than just the music world. She talks about starting her own fashion line and even directing her own music videos in the near future. Her collaboration with famed Japanese artist Takashi Murakami for the animated video ‘you should see me in a crown’ reveals an artist who likes to push buttons and has a whole career ahead of her to do so.

Yondu won’t return in Guardians of the Galaxy movies

alaxy movies

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Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn reveals Yondu will stay dead in future films. Since the first film was released in 2014, the Guardians of the Galaxy films have become a key part of the MCU. Featuring a ragtag band of heroes including Peter “Star-Lord” Quill, Gamora, and Rocket Raccoon, among others, many fans and critics continue to feel the movies are a breath of fresh air in the Marvel universe. Though the first film took a mostly irreverent approach, its sequel, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.

was slightly more erious, focusing on Peter reuniting with his biological father A bandit and eader of the Ravags, Yondu was a big acter in both of the first two Guardians of the Galaxy films. He’s neither a straight hero or villain but is instead a sort of frenemy to the Guardians

PUZZLE #876

BY ANDREW V.SOLIEN

HE appeared from his shelter by the sea side at Porebada and shook my hand with acknowledgement. The 69 year old man was no other than the popular Mr.Ernest Camilo Awo, the first ever indigenous government printer of Papua New Guinea; being just 22 years old to take the post on the 3rd of August, 1973 following the retirement of Mr.G.W.Reid.

Mr.Awo was a 6ft man whom during his hay days was a towering fi gure that instilled respect amongst his friends and family. A man who hailed from KOKO village located on the beautiful shores of Yule Island. Ernest could have possibly being a pilot which was his dream job when he was younger and attending school on the island where he was taught by the Australian missionaries.

“Originally, I was supposed to be trained on the technical aspects of printing however destiny paved a new pathway for me – a calling from within to be the fi rst indigenous government printer which was a far off call for me, “he said.

Tick tock to midnight on 16th of September 1975 may mean nothing to the nation or the world but nevertheless this was the last printing job that meant the whole universe to him and his staff at that special time. The minute hand was ticking and so were the seconds counting down to the zero hour.

“It was an awkward experience when we had to adjust our printing plates about 3 times before the clock ticked to midnight of September 16th 1975 – PNG gained independence with the swearing-in of our new Governor General, Sir John Guise at independence hill at Konedobu.”

Sir John Guise GCMG KBE (29 August 1914 – 7 February 1991)

was a Papua New Guinean politician who served as the fi rst

Tick Tock to Tock to midnight

Governor-General of Papua New Guinea after the country's independence from Australia in 1975. Prior to the independence itself, Guise was a vocal advocate for a peaceful secession from Australia.

Anyhow, the events leading up to the ‘D’day was cumbersome when our dearest Governor General at fi rst refused to swear his allegiance on the bible therefore complicating the whole issue that impeded the Government Printing house to re-do the offset plates to exclude and then include the wordings of ‘with Bible’ on the program for the occasion.

The task was tedious as the clock winded down to tick tock to midnight. Nothing would have been worse for Ernest given a round of incorrect instructions during that time.

By about 4:00pm Saturday afternoon, the copy of ‘No bible’was brought down. Mr.Marsh then instructed that all the copies of the earlier program be destroyed under strict supervision as none of the copies were to be sighted by any media personnel.

And so all the copies of the previous program went under the guillotine as was the instruction.

“We had the lithographic negatives shot on the camera, offset plates made, the program (with no bible) printed, folded,collated,stitched and trimmed to size was ready for delivery by Sunday 4.00 pm. This was on the 14th of September 1975. Mr.Marsh picked up the reprinted program at about 6.00pm that same evening.

All seemed well and so on Monday 15th September 1975 at about 9:00am was a disaster when Mr Marsh walked into the office looking very red faced, and shaking his head slowly… left to right then right to left. He ignored my morning greetings.

“What’s wrong, old chap?”I enquired.

Mr.Marsh looked me direct in

the eyes and said quietly and clearly; “He changed his mind.”

“Who changed whose mind?”I asked confused.

“Sir John Guise, the governor general to be,wishes to swear the oath of allegiance on a bible.”

I stared at Mr.David Marsh,our eyes locked dreading the worst case scenario.

He spoke fi rst, “Did you destroy them?”

I replied slowly and as calmly as possible said, “I did as per your instruction, Sir”

And again the same tiring process was repeated as the boys in urgent response hurried to prepare the offset plates again since we had no access to fl ash drives or computers as such. The sorry state of affairs was a total waste of our energy but nevertheless the job was done anyway.

Copy was delivered to the government printing office,about 8pm Monday 15th September,1975.

Sir John Guise had fi nally decided to swear the oath of allegiance on a bible. Bravo!

At last all the pages were pasted up into 4 page sections. It was about 11:00pm. Then Lithographic negatives were shot – about 6or 8 all told. It took about 60 minutes for all this to be done. Yet the clock tick tocked… our hearts were pumping and adrenaline was rushing as if we were going to win a gold medal.

On the third boom, all presses had been stopped. Our guy who was inside yelled out –“Developing,”meaning that the plates were printing.

Anyhow, at last, they printed the National Gazette No.1 of 1975 on Tuesday 16th September 1975, which proclaimed the independence and full sovereignty of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

And so the story of the swearing-in program had much trouble printing it at the very last minute to zero hours.

“Finally fi nished. We all got in

my car and drove to town via the bottom road,past the naval base then up Airvos Avenue (Touaguba) to Lawes road. We observed the night with mellowed minds, our sense of archievement as a team on this special day was patriotic.”

Reflecting back now in 2019 over into the year 2020; we can only be thankful for the likes of Sir John Guise, our fi rst Governor General who believed the path for independence for the young nation had to proceed nevertheless.

Sir John Guise was born in Gedulalara village, near Dogura,and was educated there at the mission school of a church[Milne Bay Province|Milne Bay District]]. His grandfather was Reginald Guise, an English adventurer who reached Papua in the 1880s, settled as a trader and married locally.[1]

He served in the Department of Native Affairs during the 1950s, and became the president of the Port Moresby Mixed Race Association in 1958. In the 1961 elections for the Legislative Council, he was elected in the Eastern Papua constituency. In 1964 he was elected to the new House of Assembly, and went on to serve as Speaker from 1968 to 1972.

Guise served as GovernorGeneral of Papua New Guinea for two years. He resigned as Governor-General to contest the 1977 election against Michael Somare, where he was defeated. He remained politically active and considered as a potential leader during the civil unrest after his term in office. Guise died on 7 February 1991. After his death, a sports stadium was named in his honour.

He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1972, made a Knight Commander of the order (KBE) on 6 June 1975, and appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) on 16 September 1975.

It was an awkward experience when we had to adjust our printing plates about 3 times before the clock ticked to midnight of September 16th 1975 – PNG gained independence with the swearing-in of our new Governor General, Sir John Guise at independence hill at Konedobu

ERNEST CAMILA AWO First indigenous printer

SIR John Guise receiving the flag on 16th September 1975.

their festive season celebrations in Gouloka

families back

a happy new year.

If you want your picture raunraun, email your snapshots to gkome@spp.com.pg

PORT MORESBY: Boys from Konedobu, Port Moresby taking a break from watching the off-season games at the field. PICTURE: SIMON KESLEP

GOROKA: Little Moka relaxing on a tree trunk chopped down by his father Cocoso that morning at Gouloka village in Goroka District, EHP.

ENB: Richard Tapil Jnr and family waiting to board their flight at Tokua Airport.

PORT MORESBY: These boys have style. PICTURE: ROBERT APALA

PORT MORESBY: Family catching up. Edmond, Brandon and Kadara wish you all

happy new years.

HAGEN: Friends catching up during the festive period in Damne village, SHP. PICTURE: MAL TAIME

ORO: Solyntha Solo and Ismael Tawa posing with their styles at Girua Airport.

GOROKA: Brothers enjoying

village, Eastern Highlands Province.

KIMBE: Graham and Jonah would like to wish their

home in Suau, Milne Bay Province and Lae

Local following grows for Storm’s Olam

BY LAINE CLARK

GROWING up in PNG, Justin Olam would walk almost two hours to get to the nearest village with a TV to watch his beloved NRL footy.

Fast forward almost 20 years and hundreds near his home in rural PNG did the same when Olam featured in Melbourne's NRL preliminary fi nal with Sydney Roosters last year.

As a kid, Olam fi rst became starry eyed when he caught a chance glimpse of Storm great and PNG hero Marcus Bai on TV while visiting a village for a wedding.

Bai may still be a household name in PNG 16 years since his last NRL game but it seems Olam is rivalling his popularity after earning a Storm jersey of his own.

Certainly the 25-year-old centre is the name on everyone's lips at his home, Gon village in PNG's Highlands Region.

"Everyone back at home are excited about what is happening with the Storm," Olam told AAP.

"Hundreds of people still gather around the TV to watch the games.

"There are people who are starting to follow me (in PNG).

"But Marcus (Bai) is a legend over there. Everyone knows his name from my village to everywhere."

Olam had to cross three rivers just to watch footy on TV as a kid.

But Olam's path to the Storm was arguably just as unorthodox.

While he grew up loving Brisbane Broncos and Billy Slater, Olam never played junior rugby league because his mum wanted him to focus on school.

Ironically he got his fi rst taste of footy at a PNG university studying applied physics.

A PNGRL stint followed before becoming a member of the inaugural 2013 PNG Hunters' Queensland Cup squad.

Remarkably he played a Test for PNG in 2016 before he got his fi rst game for the Hunters.

Melbourne came calling in 2016, realising a dream by making his NRL debut in 2018.

PNG fans began to sit up and take notice after Olam secured a starting spot last year, playing every game since round 15.

His cult status was secured with a try scoring hat-trick in round 24 that sealed the minor premiership for Melbourne.

His PNG following may now be nearing fever pitch ahead of the preliminary fi nal but a humble Olam was keeping a level head.

"It doesn't take much for people to get excited about rugby league back at home," Olam said.

"Everyone wants to watch it and play it.

"But I am trying not to get too excited. I am just grateful to have been given this opportunity."

-Australian Associated Press

If you have a business story to tell, call us on 309 1016 or email

Market Snapshot

BSP, the only bank in every province: Fleming

BSP prides itself in being the only bank in the country with a presence in every province and most districts in the country.

That was the testament and response BSP had in reference to comments made by Treasury Secretary Dairi Vele, in relation to comparison of banks announcing record profits against a backdrop of a large unbanked population.

BSP CEO Robin Fleming said this, stating its rollout throughout the country was not one supported by any other institution or multilateral for its customer outreach programs.

“There were comments attributed to Treasury during the budget briefs that banks are reporting increased profits despite large numbers of the population remaining unbanked. BSP is the only bank that has bank branches or sub branches in every province of PNG and in most districts.

“We do not rely on arrangements with other financial institutions to deliver this service nor do we outsource our responsibility to other financial institutions to open bank accounts for as many potential customers as possible.

“BSP does not abrogate its responsibilities by focusing on one particular sector or segment of PNG, but we try as much as possible to provide services to as many people as possible in PNG,” Mr Fleming said.

Fleming is not new to the call for banks and other financial institutions expanding beyond their comfort zones of operation. He pointed out that BSP’s success has been on the back of its increased presence and activities in the fringes of the country.

“Our increased profit has not been achieved by reducing our branches or our staff. Over the past 2 years BSP has increased its staff in PNG by over 200, with more than half of these staff in our branch network.

Additional profits tax, is a load on shareholders

REPORTS BY MATTHEW VARI

country.”

EMERGING MARKETSStocks start 2020 with gains as China eases policy

(Reuters) - Stocks across emerging markets began the new year with gains after China’s central bank eased monetary policy to prop up the country’s slowing economy.

Markets were also encouraged by U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement on Tuesday that Phase 1 of trade deal with China would be signed on Jan. 15 at the White House.

The People’s Bank of China said it was reducing the cash banks must hold as reserves. The central bank has now cut reserve ratios eight times since early 2018 to give banks more money to lend, with economic growth slowing to its weakest pace in nearly 30 years.

As trade tensions between the world’s top two largest economies relaxed in December, demand for riskier assets grew.

The MSCI’s index for emerging-market stocks finished 2019 with its biggest monthly rise since January. The index was up 0.5% on Thursday.

“Even though the US-China P1 trade deal is likely to be signed early this month, China has stepped in with additional liquidity measures to ensure the economy is given an adequate boost,” Stephen Innes, chief Asia market strategist at AxiTrader, wrote in a note.

Chinese shares jumped on the first trading day of the new decade.

Currencies, on the other hand, traded in tight ranges. MSCI’s index for emerging market currencies was flat.

Turkey’s lira was weakened after Turkish manufacturing slowed for a third straight month in December.

The South African rand gained against the dollar.

“We have opened more than 200,000 accounts in PNG and continue to be the only bank that offers fee free savings products for kids, youth and other customers with our Plus Saver account.

“More than 20,000 people all around PNG have benefited from our financial literacy training which we see as an important obligation for any bank.

“Our fixed rate 4 per cent FHOS has been in place since 2015 and BSP also is the only bank that provides direct lending to SME’s with a portfolio of over K100m for our small business customers.”

In response to government plans to tax additional profits by any banks making extraordinary profits, he added all banks should be put with a mechanism accompanying the additional tax.

“If there is to be a review of taxes for banks perhaps the tax rate should include a mechanism for upward adjustment if a bank does not have branches in every province nor provide full service retail banking to every customer segment,” he suggested.

BANK South Pacific has affirmed that any plans to introduce additional profits tax into the banking sector in 2020, will directly affect shareholders, of which the national government has the largest portion with 18 per cent.

The bank said this when asked in relation to plans revealed by government when presenting the money plan in late November last year on its intentions to introduce an additional profits tax to the banking sector.

Treasury Secretary Dairi Vele, in announcing key plans into 2020 during the budget press lockup for this year, referred to some announcements mainly from the financial sector coming from a Financial Sector Services Review that was carried out.

“We are very interested as well and that is a review of the banking license fees, and potentially an additional profits tax,” he said.

“It is all well and good to say your earning record profits in Papua New Guinea because the vast majority of our people are still unbanked.

“Obviously those profits that you are generating aren’t going out into the rest of the country, loan books are still small.

“So we will help you do that by taking a little bit more tax and redistributing that out to the rest of the

Mr Vele said this in November 2019 budget press lockup. Comments clearly qualifying the bank, which has recorded sustained growth in profits in over the last 6 years since 2014.

“It needs to be recognised at the outset that an increase in the company tax rate for banks is a tax on shareholders, not the business,” he said.

“It needs to be recognised firstly that the more profitable a business is, the more tax it contributes to government’s consolidated revenue by virtue of the fact that the percentage of tax that is paid is based off a higher before tax profit.

“BSP has increased its profit over the past 6 years, but equally the amount of company tax it pays has increased from K155 million in 2013 to K355 million in 2018.”

He pointed out that the resource sector, aside from an equity perspective, all businesses regardless of which sector they are in, should be taxed at the same rate.

“Introducing a tax regime that is biased against more profitable

industries does not provide any incentive for a business to strive to achieve higher profitability if the more successful it becomes in regard to profit before tax, its net profit after tax increases disproportionately at a lower rate.

“Every business has a responsibility to pay its taxes in a timely manner and to ensure that its tax calculations can stand the text of scrutiny from IRC but an industry should not be taxed a higher rate because it is more profitable,” Mr Fleming said.

He said that unlike excise duties or import duties, increases in company taxes for banks cannot be passed on to the consumer and are a tax on the shareholders, not the business.

“In the case of BSP any increases in the tax rates for banks would mean that our shareholders would receive a lower amount in dividends than would be the case under the current tax rates,” he said.

“BSP is the only predominantly owned PNG bank and its ownership is almost 90 per cent Papua New Guinean.

“Its shareholders include Kumul Consolidated Holdings, Nambawan Super, Nasfund, MVIL, Petroleum Resources Kutubu and many other PNG shareholders. Each of these shareholders would receive lower dividends if an additional profit tax was introduced, which does not appear equitable.”

Additional profit tax should be across the industry

ANY additional profit tax administered during 2020 should be applied across the entire banking sector and not just targeting performing banks, said BSP CEO Robin Fleming.

He was commenting on plans by the State to introduce an additional profits tax in 2020 on banks

announcing record profit increases year on year. Mr Fleming pointed out that if such a tax is to be introduced, very serious analysis would also have to be given to how an additional profits tax on banks is calculated. “If it was introduced, it would

have applied equally across the industry and not applied only to the most profitable banks.

“Failure to apply any such tax at a common rate across the industry would not only be inequitable but also disincentivise the more profitable banks from continuing to

become more efficient and productive.

“It would be incongruous if the bank that attracts an additional profit tax is the only predominantly owned PNG bank and that their PNG shareholders would be disadvantaged by such a tax,” he said.

The BSP board visiting one of its far-flung branches in Banz, Jiwaka. The board visited in May, 2018.

BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming

Priority at Lae’s main market given to farmers

BY JANET KARI

VENDORS invloved in black marketing in Lae City’s main market will now have to go elsewhere.

This is because the market will be placing their priority on garden produce vendors.

The Lae City market committee started removing black market vendors including others who sell bags and herbs to create more space for garden produce farmers.

Lae market acting coordinator

Rocky Pari said the removal follows an ongoing assessment of the increasing number of black market vendors (people who buy and sell) that are dominating the market space for farmers who come in to sell their garden produce.

“The entire market seems to be occupied by black market vendors.”

He said space is the committee’s concern and they now realise that it is important for them to allocate space primarily for those who have come to sell garden produce.

He added that the changes needed to happen as they want to give mothers or farmers in general who grow their produce and have to travel a long distance to the market first priority.

The changes yesterday did cause some chaos with the market authority, as affected groups vacated their

spots to have small group discussions on the situation.

“The situation is to do with the removal of black market vendors as they don’t grow their own food.

“They buy and sell so we want to change that by giving priority to those who worked their gardens to come and sell in the market not for a bargain price but the price they choose to sell at,” Mr Pari said.

He also said that with more space created it would be free flowing for the public and especially for the hard working mothers to get their produce directly to the market and sell them.

“The black market vendors are secondary as we are now giving priority to allocating spaces to those who come with fresh produce from their gardens. After that we then look at providing space for the black market vendors and for others who sell things like bags (market bags) and herbs,” Mr Pari said.

Trukai’s school fee promotion

BY JOAN BAILEY

TRUKAI Industries Limited (TIL) has put up K500,000 for a school fee promotion for its customers this year.

The company launched the ‘winim school fee promotion’ which gives customers of its products the chance to win K2, 500 school fees weekly.

Lae company district sales manager Yaxs Tugula said the nationwide promotion gives 200 people a chance to win over a period of five weeks and the first draw for first 40 winners will take place on January, 15, 2020.

Mr Tugula said the promotion is for Trukai’s Roots brand and to enter the competition, customers can simply write their name on any packet of 500g or 1kg plastic roots rice, any

Authority allocates space for local mothers

10kg or 20kg bag of medium grain Roots rice and place it in the entry bins provided at any participating outlets nationwide.

He said it is a nationwide promotion, of which they have managed to have their customers from the outstations of Ramu, Wau, Bulolo and several outlets along the Highlands Highway participate in the promotion.

“This promotion is to help subsidise school fees for lucky parents because the government has made their stand to have the school fee burden shared. This is one way of helping our customers.

“We are also doing our best to inform customers of the promotion because it started on December 23, 2019 and will end on February 8, 2020,” Mr Tugula said.

Participating shopping outlets thanked Trukai for the winim school fee promotion adding that this will increase customer demand for Roots rice. Bulolo’s Jarbanadi supermarket manager Rex Ali said their main customers are from Bulolo and Menyamya. This promotion is an appreciation for their loyalty in buying Trukai products.

Mr Ali said the promotion was timely to reward unfortunate parents who earn a little income. “So the initiative is to buy more Roots rice to be in the running to be a lucky winner of the cash incentive. Ahi local level government ward 10 councilor Wenti Mineva thanked Trukai for the promotion because it will grately help parents to pay the subsidy for their children’s school fee this year.

BY JANET KARI

A SPECIFIC market space at the Lae main market has been earmarked for women from Morobe province to sell their garden produce.

The space was allocated yesterday for specifically for Morobe women by the Lae market committee.

Lae market acting coordinator

Rocky Pari said the aim of the allocation was to give priority to the Morobe women, so they get a good a chance of having their produce properly sold.

“Many times they tend to sit out of the market (outside the fence) and try their best to sell their garden food.

“But as of this year we are giving them the priority,” Mr Pari said.

“Most times the black market vendors buy their goods for a low price and leaving them with less money from what they expected. So the allocation of space is one way to give the Morobean mothers a better chance of selling their goods.”

There were past experiences where the committee allocated space in the market buildings for the mothers with an attachment of tags, however many preferred to sit from where they feel comfortable to do their selling.

“This year we are allocating the space as per their request or where

they feel comfortable. The reason is the Lae market is in Morobe and as mothers they should not travel out to look for a market place conducive for them, when we have a market here, so we have to provide them space,” Mr Pari added. He said there are two management bodies, Lae urban local level government and Lae city authority coordinating the affairs of the market and there is a need for them to work collaboratively to serve the interest of the public. The space allocation is one of the many changes to the Lae main market following the New Year and many more changes are expected follow as well, confirmed Mr Pari.

My NET Bus

Selfie promotion a success

THE My NET Bus selfie promotion was a huge success attracting overwhelming entries.

My Net reseller coordinator Adrian Wan said the promotion was introduced by the company where users of the Meri Seif buses in Lae and a PMV bus with the company’s free internet service onboard, to

take a selfie with the Free Wifi logo on the buses and upload it on the My Net’s facebook page.

The winners were selected based on the number of likes and shares of the selfie.

Hannah Kalua is the December lucky winner taking home the prize.

TRUKAI Industries Ltd Lae district sales manager Yaxs Tugula, left, and Yida Investment Ltd manager Chen Kehua at Gusap in Ramu after an agreement for Yida Investment Ltd to be a participating outlet that will provide entry bins.

MOROBE mothers taking their place in a preferred location set aside for them by the Lae market authority.

Selfie winner Hannah Kalua and My Net reseller coordinator Mr Wan

The entire market seems to be occupied by black market vendors.

ROCKY PARI Lae

BY NAEVETTONIA LUMBA and JANET KARI

JULIE and Joel Waramboi started as entrepreneurs venturing in a buy and sell business.

They sold water bottles in a kaibar and today they own one of the four coffee factories in the Morobe Province.

Hailing from Kubalia in East Sepik province, the couple started their business in 2005 and little did they know that they would venture into a company doing various businesses.

The couple started operating their buy and sell business at Kamkumung in Lae as a mobile operator. They give quotations to customers and supplied the items upon the customer’s order.

“We had a small place in Kamkumung, a fax machine and a telephone line and we operated every day,” Mrs Waramboi said.

“I used to carry the fax machine everyday back and forth to the house because of security reasons,”

The idea of the kaibar was initiated by Mrs Waramboi because their buy and sell business needed financial support and for the next 14 years, the kaibar operation supported their company.

“The first taking we made from selling water that day was K50,” Mrs Waramboi recalled.

She saw potential in the kai-

Company built built from a kaibar a kaibar

ABOVE: The kaibar that started it off for Julie and husband Joel Waramboi, in the Lae market.

LEFT: Mrs Waramboi in front of one of her businesses she and her husband built out from the kaibar shop.

bar as cooked food was in great demand by many customers in the market. She engaged trained cooks to help her make flour balls and started selling flour balls and other cooked food in the kaibar.

The couple was operating under a family business name when they started in 2005 and in August of 2006 they registered their own company Wia Trade Limited.

When they started the business, Mr Waramboi was doing his master’s in food technology at Greenwich University in the United Kingdom.

Mrs Waramboi was working with the National Agriculture Research Institution (NARI) and for her to manage work, home and the new kaibar and the buy and sell business was a struggle she had to go through daily.

However, her husband’s studies and the daily struggles were no hindrance to the business but eventually she had to resign from her job with NARI to concentrate on growing the business.

The business grew slowly but gradually.

In 2014, the company invested in plastic bag manufacturing and it was the money from the kaibar that supported the company into purchasing machinery for the plastic factory at Nadzab.

The plastic manufacturing

business picked up slowly initially but grew until the government’s recent policy shift on imposing a ban on plastic bags which forced them to lay off employees.

“The ban greatly affected the business because from an annual income of K1.3 million, we dropped to K700,000 annually,” Mr Waramboi said.

Fortunately Wia Trade was involved in various business; the buy and sell business had grown into an import based business where the company imported packaging items, chemicals, agriculture tools, disposables and cleaning materials.

The company was heavily involved in getting imported materials like chemicals and formulating their own brands in the country.

They had also gone from having one employee from 2006 to more than 20 in 2014.

In 2015, they also went into coffee buying and finding export markets for coffee.

The following year Wia Trade bade for an advertisement to be the lead partner in implementing a coffee project funded by the World Bank in Erap and was awarded the project. The project was implemented successfully in the Wain-Erap LLG with three coffee wet mills and storage centers established, plus a seedling distributribution point and they also rehabilitated old coffee farms.

As a lead partner to the project and with an eye to grow the business, Wia Trade invested in building a K750,000 coffee factory in the province, an addition to three existing coffee factories.

Wia Trade also received financial assistance of K300,000 from Productive Partnership Agriculture Project (PPAP) to build the factory.

“The factory is an investment into the marketing end of coffee that is produced in the province.

“We as the lead partner saw that while the project was focused on improving productivity, we had to invest in the marketing end, so the cherries produced can be sold,” Mr Waramboi said.

He also said the business is built on their good relationship that the company has with its customers, as they beleive firmly that there is more potential for business growth when the company maintains an established relationship.

He further added that like all businesses, foreign exchange remains the greatest challenge for the company, but they still remain hopeful. The new coffee factory is expected to open in the first quarter of 2020 and already networks of potential buyers overseas have been established, with talks of exporting quality organic coffee on the overseas market.

Converting a mining town a mining town into an eco-tourism hub an

BY MELISHA YAFOI

IT’S BEEN a decade since the first bamboo town in China became a eco tourism hub after being a mining township for gold and silver in the early days.

The Anji county in Zhejiang province was once a mining town, however, after realising that mining cannot sustain the livelihood of the people for a long time, eco tourism was introduced to them by Chinese president Xi Jinping in 2005.

It is called the home town of white tea and chair industry in China.

In August 2005, Chinese president Xi offered the practice of the Yu Village at which the mine was operating in at the Anji County.

The people of Yu village were promoting democratic elections, decision making, democratic management and democratic supervision and the biggest decision to shut down the mine through democratic decision making and taking the road of green development.

After seeing them taking the lead, the president then suggested for them to create a harmonious community for themselves and for the county.

According to a local guide, The Yu village experience for eco tourism is a sample of Xi’s ecological civilisation thought, “agriculture, rural area and farmers”.

This is to ensure that those at the grassroots level can benefit with significant theoretical values, far reaching practical significance and replicable and innovative mode of operation.

When taking all this into consideration, the mine was closed so the people thought what will we do?

But with Xi’s vision, the Yu village has changed from chaos to beauty with stronger agriculture and richer farmers have continuously improved the quality of villages.

The level of civility to build new social ecological relationships between people and the society.

It is also believed that the emergence of Yu experience is the product of the development of the new era, the practice of new ideas and explained theories.

The village has also creatively established a rural social governance system similar to its ecosystem which has formed a series of ecological products such as village regulations to offer civil services, judicial services, public welfare and market services and has also built a new social relationship with multiple interactions and coordination.

Farmers who use to be miners or family of past miners have together turned the Yu village into a beautiful rural construction forming more than 700 rural constructions.

This includes beautiful villages, household entrepreneurship and harmonious villages.

Yu village was also the first to publish the country’s first regulations on villages, strong villages l, democratic villages ruled by law l which are moral, ecological safe and clean.

The village took on the development strategy called the Double Ten Village demonstration and Double Ten village renovation because they wanted to tackle outstanding problems such as polution control, illegal construction, domestic garbage and sewage treatment to effectively improve the rural environment.

With the guidance of another

A villager selling his handmade bamboo toys at the roadside market. concept called the two mountains concept, Yu village changed its development ideas and completely shut down high pollution and high energy consuming enterprises. It then implemented a positive entry list system for enterprises promoted the transformation of village scenic areas and reformed resources as shares.

In order for them to realise the

transformation from counting on mountains to raise mountains, the local government let villagers earn wages, take rents, split shares and transfer profits to open up the channels of lucid water and lush mountain an invaluable asset.

This completed the process of selling stones to selling scenery and from one rich to everyone rich to achieve a win-win situation for

economic development and ecological protection.

The collective economic income of Yu village has increased from 0.91 million yuan (K445,000) in 2005 to 4.1 million (K2 million) in 2017, while the per capita income of villagers has increased from 8732 yuan (K4271) in 2005 to 41358 yuan (K20,231) in 2017.

To date, such industries as leisure

vacation, sports adventure, health and wellness, cultural creativity, ecommerce sales and forest economy are booming with the constantly expanding industrial chain. In 2017, Yu village’s annual income was RMB280 million (K137m) and it received more than 0.6 million visitors a year.

The reconstructed rural housing setting for villagers.

A guide taking tourists around the village sights.

Garden fields turned into exibits for tourists to pay and see.

Aerial view of Yu village in Anji County Aerial view of Yu in County.

Second chance education gives hope to rural students

JOYCE from Launumu village in Central Province, arrives at the campus of the Kokoda College adjacent to the small village of Kou Kou in Oro Province, PNG.

This year, Joyce has made four trips to the Kokoda College from her village in the middle of the Kokoda Track, crossing high rivers during the rainy season and trekking 50 kms each way via one of the country’s most arduous and gruelling tracks.

Over on the other side of the country, Jason from Togoa village in Western Province, travels 4 hours each day to get to the Balimo College, paddling 40 kms in a dinghy, followed by a one hour thirty minute walk to reach the campus. He doesn’t have relatives in Balimo and therefore must commute each day.

Joyce and Jason are enrolled in the FODE program, delivered by international NGO, the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF).

FODE, or Flexible Open Distance Education, is a second chance education pathway for students who have dropped out of school early; or for students who need to upgrade their marks to gain entry into tertiary level courses.

With the new minimum entry requirements now in place for teaching, Grade 12 with a minimum GPA of 2.3, many people now find themselves in positions where they must urgently upgrade their marks. This is especially the case for people in remote and rural parts of PNG, where teachers are urgently needed and where access to FODE pathways are scarce.

The Principal of the Kokoda College, Mr Enosh Ben, reflects on the commitment of the students enrolled: “The students who come to the Kokoda College have to overcome extreme and extraordinary challenges. More than 50 perent of our students come from families of single parents, or have lost both parents. We have single mothers, new mothers, and people who travel very long distances.

Some students from Kanga have to walk about 6 – 7 hours then hold

their tablets up above their heads and swim across raging rivers. Others cross the Owen Stanley Ranges, sleeping in tree roots along the way, just so they can access an education.”

During their visits to the two College campuses, Joyce, Jason and their peers participate in lectures and tutorials, one-on-one supervision sessions, and turn in assignments that they have completed at home over the term. They collect new assignments and stay on campus for 2 – 3 weeks, before returning home where they participate in self-directed study for the next couple of months. This cycle repeats 3 times throughout the year until students are ready to sit for their national exams in Term 4.

Last week, both Joyce and Jason arrived at the Kokoda and Balimo Colleges to sit for the national Grade 10 examinations. They had both once again made the arduous journey to the campus and brought with them a few nerves to help them through the exams. “I am nervous but excited to finally be sitting my first lot of FODE exams” said Joyce.

“I have been teaching for 8 years, but now with the new Government requirements, it is important that I upgrade my schooling so that I can upgrade my teaching qualifications. I am excited to be sitting my exams as it’s the first formal step I need to take for my upgrading journey.”

In 2019, KTF have enrolled 125 students at the Kokoda College and 105 students at the Balimo College. With generous funding and support from PNGSDP, the Australian Government’s ANCP and Kokoda Initiative, Bank South Pacific and the Australian public, KTF have been able to expand its intake at its Colleges.

“We are indebted to our supporters who understand and are willing to support these critical second chance education pathways” said Dr Gen Nelson, KTF’s CEO. “Our consultations with communities and Governments show that there is an urgent need for more FODE spaces to be opened up across the country. With the new minimum entry requirements for teachers, and the low number of grade 12 school graduates particularly in remote areas, second chance education is becoming more and more important.”

Together for Education in Central province

PARENTS, teachers and government officials in the Rigo District came together to mark the end of their children’s academic year with the launch of new commitments and plans to improve the literacy and numeracy outcomes of elementary students.

Rigo District celebrated the launch of new School Learning Improvement Plans (SLIP) and a Central Province Elementary School Service Charter last month.

This is the second launch in Central Province, following a similar event in Kairuku District in September 2019.

SLIPs are a key component of the National Department of Education’s Planning framework.

The SLIP and Service charters go hand-in-hand to support priorities identified by each school, including continuous teacher development, resource generation opportunities, school infrastructure needs, and commitments to gender and disability inclusive teaching

strategies.

Speaking at the launch Dr Michael Quinn from the Australian High Commission said, “The SLIPs outline the vision for your individual schools and may support you in generating additional resources to improve your children’s education”.

‘Your schools are role models and I hope you share your successes and experiences with other schools in the District and the province to help them develop their SLIPs.”

Head Teacher of Babagarubu Elementary School Renagi Kilagi has seen improvement in his school.

“The program has brought changes and is impacting the children and the communities. Their reading skills continue to improve as they continue to access more reading books through reading clubs”.

Country Director of CFPNG Bridgette Thorold who was also at the launch emphasised the importance of having clear plans in place to guide elementary education and the need for the

The Kokoda and Balimo Colleges only enrol students who are committed to long-term study and career pathways in teaching and health work.

All prospective students must commit to studying early childhood, primary or secondary teaching or community health work or nursing after they grade from KTF’s FODE.

They must also have the support of their community leaders and must be from a remote area in Western, Oro or Central Provinces where there is a shortage of qualified teacher or health workers.

“There are major shortages of teachers and health workers across the regions that our Colleges service, especially in parts of Middle and Lower Fly Districts, and the Tufi region in Oro Province” said Petra Arifeae, KTF Education Manager. “With the support of our donors, KTF fully subsidises the tuition fees of students studying at the Colleges in an attempt to support pathways in teaching and health work for those who need them the most.”

Registration for KTF’s Kokoda and Balimo Colleges will open this month (January 2020).

community to play a role in ensuring a conducive environment for learning.

“The school environment that children grow up in affects their learning, and everyone in the community has a role to play in supporting girls and boys to access a quality elementary education”, she said.

CFPNG is an NGO that works alongside World Vision and a consortium of partners comprising of Library for All Australia, the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) and the University of Canberra – to implement the SLIP and Service Charter plans and deliver other educational projects under the Together for Education program.

Through the project, Child Fund PNG and CIMC worked with 50 schools in Rigo District over a two-year period to strengthen school planning, increase parental awareness and improve community accountability.

Together for Education is supported through the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership.

Balimo college Principal Nauli Duwaba and his students.

Palau bans toxic sunscreens

PALAU became the first nation in the world on January 1, 2020, to ban common commercial sunscreen products for containing chemical sunscreen ingredients that are harmful to the coral reefs.

Palau, known as an underwater wonder is also home to healthy reefs.

The ban are for sunscreens that contain chemicals including oxybenzone, octocylene, 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor and parabens and triclosan which is found in most common sunscreen products in the market.

In a press statement, Palau’s President Tommy Remengesau said “the harmful effects of chemical sunscreen are well-documented by scientists around the world, and that includes our local experts.”

Toxic sunscreen chemicals have been found throughout Palau’s

critical habitats and in the tissues of our most famous creatures.

“When divers, snorkelers, fishermen, naturalists... all the people from around the world who love Palau, when these people hear about our sunscreen ban they understand. Our reefs, our fish, and our ecosystems are their priority as well,” he said.

In a 2016 paper, Craig Downs, executive director of the Virginiabased non-profit Haereticus Environmental Laboratory and fellow researchers found oxybenzone, “poses a hazard to coral reef conservation and threatens the resiliency of coral reefs to climate change” by deforming young coral and damaging coral DNA.”

Palau, meanwhile said it was influenced by a 2017 UNESCO report from the Coral Reef Research Foundation, which found sunscreen

chemicals including oxybenzone in the golden jellies of world-famous Jellyfish Lake.

That report identified 11 specific sunscreen chemicals, with a recommendation that they are banned from use in or near the iconic marine lake.

This recommendation formed the core of Palau’s legislation, which prohibited all 11 chemicals and empowered the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Environment, and Tourism to add other ingredients as identified by future research,” the statement said.

President Remengesau said it’s exciting for Palau to be a pioneer in taking strong action against harmful chemicals that could damage the corals.

Palau Visitors Authority (PVA) is part of the education awareness campaign to ensure that visitors coming

to Palau who will be diving, snorkelling, going to the beach are abreast of this new law.

Stephanie Nakamura Managing Director of PVA said that signs will be put up at the airport to ensure that tourists know that possession and use of the “reef toxic” sunscreen is prohibited and will be confiscated.

Tours companies were also informed of the new law and with brochures, flyers, and stickers to be disseminated to also educate tourists that there are alternative products in stores in Palau.

Stores in Palau have already cleared its shelves of sunscreens that contain the prohibited chemicals. It is now offering “reef safe “ sunscreens.

Under the law, imports of sunscreens containing the chemicals will also be prohibited. Importers that will violate the law will get a fine of US$1,000 fine.

NSW Premier declares state of emergency as thousands flee

Jakarta floods: ‘Not ordinary rain’, say officials

AT least 21 people have died in flooding in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, after the city had its most intense rainfall for at least 24 years.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) measured 377 millimetres of rainfall in a day at an airport in East Jakarta.

That's the most rain in a single day since at least 1996, when records supplied by the agency began.

"The rain falling on New Year's Eve... is not ordinary rain," said the agency.

The agency said the intensity of the rain was due to several factors including the monsoon season as well as a high amount of water vapour in the air affecting cloud formations over Java island.

The heavy rainfall is expected to continue until the weekend.

Elsewhere in East Jakarta, 335mm was recorded, while in Bekasi, further east, 259mm fell.

Rainfall above 150mm per day is considered extreme by the agency.

Taiwan army chief dead in heli crash

TAIWAN’S top military official is among eight people killed when a military helicopter made an emergency landing in mountainous terrain, officials say.

General Shen Yi-ming and 12 others were on the Black Hawk helicopter when it was forced to land in poor weather near the capital, Taipei.

Earlier reports said some people had been found alive, with others “trapped under fragments of the helicopter”.

The general was flying to an army base in the north-east of Taiwan. Several other top military officials were also on the helicopter, reports said.

Taiwan’s air force sent two more Black Hawk helicopters and about 80 soldiers to the scene near Tonghou Creek in Wulai, the official Central News Agency reported.

The helicopter took off from Songshan air base in Taipei at 07:54 local time (23:54 GMT), bound for a military base at Dong’ao in Yilan county for an inspection, Focus Taiwan said.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has declared a seven-day state of emergency starting on Friday at 9am (local time) due to the ongoing bushfire crisis.

It will mean forced evacuations and road closures for people in bushfire zones ahead of Saturday’s forecast “horrible” fire conditions.

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS)

the

Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said Saturday is likely to bring conditions more dangerous than New Year’s Eve, when bushfires left seven dead and thousands in peril.

“There’ll be real challenges and very real risks associated with what’s being forecast and predicted for fire spread under the sorts of weather conditions we’re expecting

as we head into Saturday,” he said.

“The conditions on Saturday are likely to be worse than New Year’s Eve and a lot of those areas in the south-east quadrant of the state have the potential to be impactedand impacted very heavily.”

A “tourist leave zone” has been declared for a 14,000-square-kilometre area between Nowra and the edge of

Victoria’s northern border.

The NSW RFS initially declared a leave zone between Batemans Bay down to the border and extended that zone to the area between Nowra and Ulladulla late on Thursday.

It is the “largest mass relocation of people out of the region that we’ve ever seen,” NSW Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said.

It made the emergency landing after aviation authorities lost contact with it at 08:22, the defence ministry said. A search and rescue team tried to get to the scene as quickly as possible but efforts were complicated by the terrain, an official told the BBC

The US sold 60 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters in 2010. It was not immediately clear whether the helicopter in Thursday’s incident was one of them.

-BBC

Asia’s richest man takes on retail giant Amazon

A CONGLOMERATE run by Asia’s richest man has started a service that aims to compete with Amazon in India.

Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries said it had been inviting people to sign up to its grocery delivery service.

The company is aiming to use its massive mobile phone customer base as a springboard for the business.

The new e-commerce venture could become a major challenger to India’s existing online retail giants.

Two subsidiaries of Mr Ambani’s business empire, Reliance Retail and Reliance Jio, said they had soft-launched the venture, called JioMart.

JioMart says it offers “free and express delivery” for a list of grocery goods, which currently numbers some 50,000 items.

Unlike its rivals, JioMart will connect local stores to customers

via an app rather than providing and delivering the goods itself.

India’s online grocery market is in its infancy - currently estimated to be worth around $870m a year, with just 0.15% of the population using such services.

However, analysts predict the sector could see annual sales of

around $14.5bn by 2023.

India’s e-commerce market is currently dominated by Amazon and Flipkart, which is owned by Walmart.

Both companies suffered a setback last year when the Indian government introduced new laws that restrict foreign-owned online retailers from selling goods from their own subsidiaries.

This helped give Indian companies, which are not affected by the new rules, an edge over their foreign rivals.

Mr Ambani, who is the chairman

of Reliance Industries, has an estimated fortune of more than $60bn (£45bn).

The group’s core business is oil refining but it also has major investments in other sectors including retail and telecoms.

Reliance Retail owns grocery stores in India, runs outlets for global brands, including Hugo Boss and Burberry, and in 2019 bought the British toy shop Hamleys. Reliance Jio is India’s secondlargest telecom operator, with more than 360 million subscribers.

-BBC

SMOKE and flames rise from burning trees as bushfires hit

area around the town of Nowra in New South Wales on December 31, 2019. Photo: Saeed Khan / AFP

Protesters withdraw after standoff in Iraq

PROTESTERS who have been demonstrating outside the US embassy in Iraq for a second day have withdrawn from the area after a tense standoff.

On Tuesday, the embassy was attacked by a crowd angered by US air strikes targeting an Iran-backed militia.

Clashes continued on Wednesday as demonstrators hurled stones while US forces fired tear gas. The hostilities came amid escalating tension between the US and Iran - the two main Iraqi government sponsors.

Tuesday’s attack - which sparked a war of words between US President Donald Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneihad threatened to escalate, with the US defence secretary announcing the deployment of additional

troops to the region.

But by Wednesday evening, the Iraqi government announced that all groups had withdrawn from the perimeter of the US embassy in Baghdad following an appeal for calm.

A small group of protesters however began to set up a camp in front of a nearby hotel.

President Trump has threatened Iran after blaming it for Tuesday’s attack, in which no US personnel were injured. Mr Trump tweeted that Iran “will pay a very big price” for any damage or loss of life. “This is not a warning, it is a threat,” he said.

But Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded by saying the US “can’t do a damn thing”. Anti-American sentiment was widespread in Iraq, he added. SOME demonstrators

Picasso painting attacked at Tate Modern

TikTok app banned by US Army on work mobile phones

A MAN has been charged with criminal damage after a £20m Picasso painting was attacked at the Tate Modern art gallery in London on Saturday. The venue has taken the artist's 1944 painting Bust of a Woman off display while the damage is assessed. It was reported to have been ripped. Shakeel Massey, 20, from north London, appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court. He has been remanded in custody until a pre-trial hearing on 30 January. According to Tate, the artwork depicts Picasso's lover Dora Maar and was painted in Paris in May 1944, during the final months of the Nazi occupation. The gallery gave no details about its condition. A spokesperson said: “The work of art is with our conservation team for expert assessment. Tate Modern remains open.” A statement from the Metropolitan Police said: “Detectives investigating an incident of criminal damage at the Tate Modern, Bankside, on Saturday, 28 December have charged a man.” Mr Massey, of High Road, NW10, was denied bail at Monday’s hearing and is due to attend the pre-trial hearing at Inner London Crown Court on 30 January.

THE US Army has banned the use of the increasingly popular TikTok app on work mobile phones for security reasons.

The app, owned by the Chinese company, ByteDance, has come under close scrutiny recently in the US and other countries.

US Army spokeswoman, Lt Col Robin Ochoa, told US media it was considered “a cyber threat”.

The app allows its more than half a billion users worldwide to post short, often quirky, self-edited videos.

TikTok is a draw for its mainly young users attracted by the ability to make and share 15-second videos, such as lip-synching to songs and comedy skits.

All accounts are by default public, though subscribers have the ability to restrict this.

Col Ochoa told Military.Com that the Army had advised its personnel to stop using the app on governmentowned phones from the middle of December. It follows a similar move by the US Navy.

The military cannot prevent its use on private phones but the Department of Defence recently issued guidance for employees “to be wary of applications you download”.

Lawmakers have voiced concerns that the app can be used to collect US citizens’ data and poses a risk to national security because it could be forced to co-operate in Chinese intelligence gathering.

Democratic and Republican senators called in October for an investigation by intelligence agencies into the national security risks posed by TikTok.

Riot leaves at least 16 dead

AT least 16 inmates have been killed after a riot broke out at a prison in central Mexico, authorities say.

Five others were wounded in clashes at the prison facility in the town of Cieneguillas, Zacatecas state.

During the riot, which lasted for about two-and-a-half hours, officials say prisoners fought each other using handguns and knives. Violence is often reported at Mexico’s prisons, many of which are overcrowded and dominated by drug gangs.

The state security agency said the fight broke out at Cieneguillas’ Regional Center for Social Reintegration at about 14:30 (20:30 GMT) on Tuesday and was under control by 17:00.

One prisoner was arrested with a gun still in his possession, and three other handguns and knives

were later found inside the prison. Fifteen of the victims died at the prison and one died later at hospital. Zacatecas state security secretary Ismael Camberos Hernandez told local reporters that some victims had suffered gunshot wounds, while others were stabbed or beaten with objects.

No guards or police were wounded into the riot. Details of how it started were not immediately clear, but the state government said it had launched an investigation to find out who was responsible and how the weapons got into the prison.

The incident is just the latest deadly clash to break out among inmates in Mexico, where prisons are notoriously overcrowded and corrupt. In October, six people were killed in a riot in a facility in the central state of Morelos.

regrouped outside the embassy on Wednesday.

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

crossword: 11999

Aries March 20 – April 19

The Full Moon may have been last Friday, but you’re still debating certain of the ideas, plans and issues it accented. This is no surprise, since the actual situations in question are still in transition. Once you recognise that, you’ll stop worrying and regard recent plans and agreements as a bit of an experiment.

Taurus April 20 – May 20

Although your ruler Venus ended its period of retrograde, or reverse, movement in the heavens on 16 November, you’re still wrestling with numerous unanswered questions. This is no surprise. With so much in transition, even what would ordinarily be simple arrangements are bound to be confused, if not actually unexpectedly complicated.

Gemini May 21 – June 20

Tempting as it is to avoid even discussing tricky issues, your silence would only make things worse. True, talking things over in depth will take time and mean explaining complicated details. Put this off, however, and others will assume things are as they were before. The fact is, they’re still very much in transition.

June 21 - July 21

By no means are you secretive. Yet despite that, you’ve given certain individuals the wrong impression about pivotal arrangements and both what, and who, you’re putting first. Sidestep the issue entirely and make it clear you feel you’re not ready to commit, and still less make decisions of a lasting nature.

July 22 - August 22

Differences with others have never bothered you. If something needs saying, you’d rather clear the air than wonder what when wrong and have to be needlessly diplomatic. But not everybody is ready for such forthright exchanges. Take it slowly, talk issues through with others, and within days you’ll have restored near-normal relations.

August 23 - September 22

Long ago, you realised that instead of expressing their anger, certain individuals air their frustration by complaining about one particular situation or those in charge. This is the case now, and you’re being blamed. Ignoring such matters isn’t easy but it’s better than attempting to defend yourself from their critical remarks.

September 23- October 22

The communication planet Mercury may be retrograde, but even that couldn’t undermine the relief you’re experiencing now that you realise worrying issues were mere misunderstandings. These are typical of this cycle. But, also, what you’ve learnt in the process of untangling them makes up for dealing with the twists and turns.

October 23 - November 21

Usually you’ve a knack for both responding to, and silencing, those who seem to enjoy finding fault in existing arrangements or future plans. This once, however, you’re urged to ask them to explain more about their concern. Yet, they may be right. If so, their insights could save you time, money or effort.

November 22 - December 20

Values such as truth and honouring commitments are of crucial importance to you. However, those who debate such matters at length and publically, aren’t just irritating, their antics make you wonder if they’re hiding something. They may be. Still, it’s not your problem, so for now, ignore them and their pronouncements.

December 21 - January 19

Few things annoy you more than those who behave as if they’re expert on pivotal matters, when they’re doing no more than expressing their opinion. While your irritation is understandable, you’re not directly influenced by the actual situation. That being the case, back off, and focus on certain pivotal matters of your own.

January 20 - February 17

There’s a fine line between simply chatting and discussions being about giving or receiving advice. With so much in transition, everyday conversations can veer into an exchange of ideas about worrying matters. Still, others are in a tricky mood, and you’re urged to avoid offering advice, however much it’s needed.

February 18 - March 19

Somebody seems to be blaming you for a problem that you had nothing to do with. This is all about their mood, and inability to take responsibility for their own mistakes. If you can, discreetly vanish. Within days the individual in question will deal with these matters, and may even apologise to you.

I, Bygonnes Peter NAE, of Lae City, Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea person authorized by the committee of the association known as

give notice that I intend to apply for the incorporation of the association under the Associations Incorporation Act.

The following are the details of the prescribed qualifications for incorporation as specified in Section 2 of the Act:

1.The association is formed (or is being formed) (or is operating) for the purpose of -

i. To assist in identifying and evaluation of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of Papua New Guinean’s rural and ordinary communal society’s everyday basic needs, then strategically plan or employ biblical remedial solutions as a way forward for implementation.

ii. To fund proficient organizations for feasibility studies and construction of all impact projects in all the untouched and under developed communities all across the perimeters of this nation.

iii. To assist consultation and formulation of strategic frameworks to support decentralization empowerment programs and the aspirations of the government of the day.

iv. To assist primarily and focus on the first institution that matters most i.e. “The Family Unit “as created and ordained by God Yahweh through Spiritual and Physical development, transformation and revolutionary biblical education enhancement.

v. To assist projects and ensure that separation and decentralization of powers and functions be ultimately transferred to provinces, districts, LLGs, Wards, Clans,Tribes and family units/households as instituted in the first family and governmental structured regime.

vi. To fund designs and build Model Village Concepts to unveil, align, embrace, unfold and access the mystery of the Abrahamic Covenant or the 5 fold blessings of Abraham for empowerment Programs.

vii.To fund the kingdom missions throughout PNG and Overseas.

2. That-the association will apply its profits (if any) or other income in promoting its objects; and

3.That the association will prohibit the payment of any dividend or payment in the nature of a dividend to its members.

Super league could lure rugby’s best

RUGBY UNION

SONNY Bill Williams’ new rugby league club believes Super League will “explode” and attract the best players from rugby union and NRL if the Toronto Wolfpack can crack the North American sporting market.

The newly-promoted Super League franchise in Canada’s biggest city lured Williams from the All Blacks on a two-year contract reportedly worth $10 million.

Toronto’s three-year rise to Super League status has been captured in the Destination Super League documentary in which the club’s director of rugby, former Great Britain head coach Brian Noble talked up the team’s potential.

“If we get half of a half of one per cent of the market in Toronto, you watch the Super League explode,” he said.

Noble pointed out Toronto Blue Jays baseball pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu - signed to a $US80 million, four-year contract - “is on more money than the entire Super League”.

“If we can just capture some of that enthusiasm and bring that across to the UK – that kind of money – then we go to the NRL and say ‘I’d like someone from the top shelf, not the bottom shelf’ and we can go back into rugby union like we used to do and say ‘I’ll have him, him and him’. All of a sudden you watch the bums on seats go up.”

Toronto’s majority owner David Argyle said in the documentary

that Toronto and rugby were global brands and the city had three of the biggest sporting franchises in North America in the Blue Jays, the Raptors (NBA basketball) and the Maple Leafs (NHL ice hockey).

The Australia-born mining magnate said the Wolfpack were “in the same group. Of course, we are a little brother, but we are sitting at the table.

“The product is world class, it is

LA Lakers LeBron James turns 35

quality, and people have already got behind it. Who would have thought three years ago that you would now have ticket touts selling our $20 tickets for $200 outside the stadium to people who want to get in.”

Williams signed for Toronto after the club’s head coach Brian McDermott, a former Super League title winning coach with Leeds, convinced him that the Wolfpack would be serious championship contenders.

The 34-year-old could be less than three weeks away from his first rugby league game since the Roosters’ 2013 NRL grand final triumph.

Toronto officials told League Express that they plan to field most of their top players in a pre-season game against Castleford Tigers on January 19.

The match - a testimonial for longserving Tigers captain Michael Shenton - will be played in Castleford two weeks before the Wolfpack open their Super League campaign against the Tigers in a curtain-raising doubleheader at Leeds’ Headingley home ground.

BASKETBALL LeBron James was to celebrate his 35th birthday on Tuesday with a party he would pay for himself. He pretended to grumble about having to pick up the tab for his own bash, but he didn’t mind in the least. To him it’s a momentous occasion for reasons that go well beyond athletic longevity.

“The milestone of it is when you grow up in the inner city, around a lot of things you don’t want your kids to see, to be able to get to this point in age where the statistics are stacked up against you because of obvious reasons, that’s a blessing,” James, a native of Akron, Ohio, said Sunday in a reflective moment.

“And it’s more of a blessing for me to be able to do what I love every day and be able to let my family reap the benefits of that and they allow me to be an inspiration to them.”

The fourth of his 13 assists in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 108-95 victory over Dallas on Sunday was the 9000th assist of his career, making him the only player in NBA history to dish out 9000 assists and pull down 9000 rebounds. He’s only the ninth NBA player to earn that many assists, a level he reached in an impressive push over the weekend by collecting 29 assists (with only three turnovers) in back-to-back victories at Portland and over the Mavericks at Staples Center.

“Hell of a two-game stretch,” coach Frank Vogel said. “His pace the last two nights has just been outstanding. In the open court but also in the half court, and not looking to settle.”

James has no intention of settling.

“My teammates and the coaching staff trust me to play the point and run the show. It’s my job to take care of the ball and just try to put guys in position to be successful, put the ball on time and on target for threes, for lobs, for dunks, for transition. Whatever the case may be,” he said.

“Use my ability, my vision that I’ve had all my life, I just try to see the floor. And I’ve been able to do that the last few games.”

Kyrgios enjoys ‘a couple of frothies’

Leicester keeps pressure on Liverpool

SOCCER: The Fox hunt hasn’t been disbanded just yet.

Leicester City have handed Aston Villa their biggest defeat of the season as they sounded a warning to league leaders Liverpool – the title race isn’t over.

Leicester registered its eighth successive Premier League victory – a club record – with Jamie Vardy netting twice in its 4-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday.

The problem for Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers is that Liverpool are eight points in front. There is still more than half the season remaining and a meeting between the top two on December 26.

“I don’t think anyone expects us to be near the top,” former Reds boss Rodgers said.

“After Manchester United won at Manchester City on Saturday, the caption came up about how far City are away from Liverpool (14 points).

“We respect that, we get on with our work and keep developing as a team.”

Rodgers knows all about title challenges, winning the Scottish top flight twice with Celtic after falling just short of City in the 2014 title race while managing Liverpool.

He watched from afar as Claudio Ranieri defied 5000-1 odds to win the Premier League for Leicester in 2016.

“We have finished ninth in the last two seasons but today we looked like a top team,” Rodgers said.

“It was a real historic day, to surpass the club record of straight

wins in the top flight was fantastic for us.”

Vardy opened the scoring in the 20th minute and Kelechi Iheanacho doubled the lead four minutes before halftime.

Jack Grealish pulled a goal back in first-half stoppage time but Jonny Evans’ header after the break restored Leicester’s two-goal advantage before Vardy wrapped the game up with 15 minutes left with his 16th of the campaign.

“Jamie is such a top-level player, he is always ready when the chances come,” Rodgers said.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt he isn’t going to score.”

Elsewhere, Socceroos goalkeeper

Mat Ryan has now made the second-most saves this season with 62 after his performance in Brighton

& Hove Albion’s 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The results saw Wolves match a 57-year-old club record by going an 11th top-flight game unbeaten.

Diogo Jota got the opener for Wolves and the leveller on 44 minutes.

Neal Maupay and Davy Propper struck in quick succession to give Brighton a 2-1 lead.

Meanwhile, Southampton and Norwich City are in the bottom three after both lost 2-1 on Sunday.

Sheffield United came from behind to overcome Norwich courtesy of a George Baldock winner to move into eighth place while Newcastle jumped to 10th thanks to Federico Fernandez’s 87th-minute strike at home to the Saints.

AAP

TENNIS:New year. Same old Nick Kyrgios, it seems.

The Australian was in vintage form on Wednesday, saying he’d kept fit so far in 2020 while also enjoying a few “frothies” in the leadup to the ATP Cup.

Fronting the media ahead of Australia’s Group F battle in Brisbane against Germany, Greece and Canada, the 24-year-old seemingly had few concerns about injuries - or the huge suspended ban hanging over him this year. “I have had no injuries of yet this year,” quipped the world No.30, whose recurring collarbone problem forced him out of Australia’s Davis Cup quarterfinal rubber against Canada in November.

“I have had one session; the body held up well.” Having raised eyebrows when he was seen drinking until 11.30pm the night before he lost last year’s second round Wimbledon clash to Rafael Nadal, Kyrgios could have been forgiven for keeping quiet his New Year’s celebrations.

SONNY Bill Williams will be the Toronto Wolfpack’s marquee signing in their first Super League season under head coach Brian McDermott (R).

LEBRON James has just turned 35.

JAMIE Vardy slots Leicester’s fourth goal against Aston Villa. PICTURE: Getty

Ipatas Cup returns with Enga and Jiwaka challenge in Minj today

THE Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup (CCIC) completed the Eastern Highlands challenge successfully in Goroka and Kainantu respectively.

CCIC Competition Manager Sam Koi said following the success in the Eastern Highlands, the biggest nationwide offseason rugby league competition heads to Minj, Jiwaka Province.

Starting today in Minj, the Jiwaka and Enga challenge will be staged. Koi said as the competition this season has reached an all time high in the number of teams taking part, they want to ensure all teams have fully registered to compete. Teams that have not fully completed their registration should not expect to play and to pay their outstanding payments midway through the competition.

WAITING anxiously.

11 Hunters players dropped; training resumes on Monday

RUGBY LEAGUE: ELEVEN more players – Jerry Teme, Woods Kawage, Tom Moide, Israel Steven, Gilmo Paul, Solomon Pukari, Allan Simbiri, Messac Wallen, Stanley Olo, Benji Kot and Saki Peter – have been released from the SP Hunters pre-season training squad while one, Dilbert Isaac still nursing an injury, will undergo further medical

tests to prove his fitness.

SP PNG Hunters Coach Mathew

Church said he had spoken to the 11 players to just keep working hard and take their opportunity when it comes along.

He said the four Test players –Stanton Albert, Terry Wapi, Enock Maki and Stanford Talita – will join the squad when training resumes

next Monday (January 6).

The 30 players to resume training next Monday are; Junior Rau, Stanton Albert, Baundo Aba, Illa Alu, Enock Maki, Patrick Morea, Ase Boas, Gairo Kapana, Epel Kapinias, Shane Haro, Kevin Appo, Junior Rop, Joe Frank, Brendan Nima, Nick Hasu, Justin Yoka, Roy Ellison, Terry Wapi, Smith Siviri, Sailas Ga-

huna, Steven Bruno, Emmanuel Waine, Francis Takai, Stanford Talita, Mark Piti, Charlie Simon, Joe Joshua, Rhadley Brawa, Casey Dickson and Brendon Gotuno.

The Hunters have two trial matches scheduled for next month. The first is against Central Queensland Capras in Port Moresby on February 22.

This game will be followed by the NRL ‘trial’ between Cronulla Sharks and Canterbury Bulldogs.

The second SP Hunters ‘trial’ will be against Northern Pride in Cairns the following week on February 29.

The Hunters take on South Logan Magpies in Brisbane in the opening round of the 2020 Intrust Super Cup season on Sunday (March 15).

RUGBY LEAGUE

WRAPPED up in a tackle.

SMASHED to the ground in a tackle.

DANGEROUS tackle.

Xmas meet gets funding

COMMUNITY SPORT

BY JOAN BAILEY

THE Buakap Christmas tournament committee received K13,000 funding (cash) from Huon Gulf MP Ross Seymour during the grand final over the weekend.

The MP presented the funds at Buakap village, Salamaua Local Level Government.

Seymour said the funding was to help the tournament committee buy awards and consolation prizes for the winning teams and outstanding performances.

Seymour thanked the committee for hosting the tournament for two weeks using registration fees paid by the teams participating.

It also helped the progress of the games until the grand final on Wednesday (January 1).

He said the tournament is part of other games played at West Taraka, Morobe, Watut, Munum and Gabsongkec.

The funding for the tournament was a part of the support of K100,000 funding allocation approved by the Huon Gulf district development authority for sporting activities in the district.

“All the local level governments of Salamaua, Wampar and Morobe benefitted because organizing sporting activities on eve of Christmas, New Year, Easter and Independence kept the youths occupied rather than getting themselves involved in illegal activities such as drugs,” Seymour said.

“This year, I will sponsor games in

all LLGs and I want to see all wards in those LLGs have teams participating.”

He said for Salamaua, he has plans to fund sports with the games hosted in the four zones of Bong, Iwal, Yamap and Gawac.

The best teams can participate in major competitions during Easter, Independence, New Year and Christmas games.

He said churches can organize

their activities and coincide with sporting activities

The Buakap tournament committee thanked Seymour for the support.

The committee will upgrade the Buakap sporting facilities which will be ready to host bigger tournaments.

The committee said there are rural talents in sporting codes of soccer, basketball and volleyball

ID 24 Eastern Highlands off-season league resumes

RUGBY LEAGUE: THE ID 24 Eastern Highlands Off-season Rugby League competition will resume for round six today.

After going on a three-week recess for the festive season, the league will host start with the B grade matches at the Taurama rugby league oval in Port Moresby.

The other half of the B and A Grade matches will be held tomorrow and Sunday respectively.

League chairman Benny Kene has also advised those clubs who have failed to pay their registration in full that their matches would be forfeited.

“If you want to enjoy rugby league, there is no free ride. You have to be fully affiliated to participate in the competition,” he said.

He added that there was enough time given to the clubs to organize themselves and settle their fees. The league will not take further measures but to forfeit matches for those clubs who are yet to affiliate in full.

but lack of funding has handicapped them from hosting the games.

“With the support from Seymour, we are looking forward to work with him and improve sports at the village level and take to another level.”

The 2019 Christmas tournament had 33 teams participating in volleyball and soccer in both the male and female divisions.

“This is a stern warning and the message is clear. Those teams who have not fully affiliated will be forfeited,” he said.

He also welcomed the clubs, their sponsors and the supporters back to the competition.

“I warmly welcome all the clubs, the sponsors and the supporters of the league and, at the same time, wish them a blessed and prosperous 2020,” Kene said.

HUON Gulf MP Ross Seymour (left) presenting the K13,000 sponsorship money to Buakap tournament executives Mark Tom and ward 14 councillor Rueben Elaing.

Wawens Cup meet makes huge progress

COMMUNITY SPORTS

BY MARCHELLA KENNY DWU JOURNALISM STUDENT

THE 2019 Wawens Cup tournament was a major improvement from the past six years of the soccer tournament.

Competition coordinator Alex Toki said the previous tournaments were all right but this tournament which is the sixth was a big improvement because it attracted teams from other provinces.

Bumneng men’s team won the Wawens Cup after beating Tent City 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out while Wawens defeated Bumneng 5-4 in the women’s division.

“I see that this Wawens Cup tournament has brought teams from other provinces and places within Morobe province to come and compete and gain exposure,” Toki said.

“This Wawens Cup tournament from December 2019 to 2020 has made a great impact among the people. This tournament has shown that soccer is not only played in cities and towns but also in the rural villages of Morobe and other provinces that have joined us.”

Through the tournament potential teams around Morobe, Madang, Eastern Highlands and East Sepik exposed their talents and interest in the game.

Company and sponsor of the tournament Zilu Scientific team leader Jason Peter said Zilu Scientific has always supported soccer since the company was established.

“Wawens Cup tournament is played at the grassroots level and it is part of our company’s goal to help improve the grassroots level.

“We are interested to support grassroots level tournaments within our city and province and also to make this festive and New Year season a great one,” Peter said.

Appreciation trophies were also given to the teams from outside Lae city and teams from other provinces.

The Wawens Cup trophy was designed by the Trobriand Islanders in Milne Bay province. It was airlifted by the Manalos Aviation to the Lae Football Association field at Eriku, Morobe province.

MANALOS Helicopter airlifted the Wawens Cup Trophy to LFA field.

NUMBER 11 from Wawens team, Ruth Giada in action.

The Wawens women team (red) triumph over the Bumneng (pink).

Winners of the mens division, Bumneng FC with Roy Kamen president of LFA.

Kyokushin karate experts need funding support

Road Runners kick off a big year tomorrow

ROAD RUNNING: Port Moresby

Road Runners kick off 2020 with new courses, starting at Apec Haus, Ela Beach tomorrow at 5pm.

Both the long and short courses will head to and around the Big Fish at Koki and come back to the start, a total distance of 3.8-km.

The long course runners will continue along the footpath to the fi rst traffic light at Stanley Esplanade and return home by the same route. Strict rules apply to this event: it’s a footpath course only and you are not allowed to run on the road.

Other venues for January will be Murray Barracks on the 11th, UPNG on the 18th and POM Grammar on the 25th.

Road Runners will do in 2020 what they have been doing for the last 40 years: conduct events Saturday at 5pm with special events, from time to time, early on Sunday mornings.

The annual Endurance Challenge point-score series will start at 5.30am on Sunday (March 29) at the National Library, Waigani.

The highlight of the year will be the inaugural Port Moresby International Marathon on the weekend of July 25-26. This will be the fi rst marathon, over an accurately measured Olympic distance course of 42.195 kilometres, held in PNG since 1998.

KARATE

BY JOHN PANGKATANA

MARTIAL arts experts Sailas Piskaut and Brian Sammy are set to take part in the 2nd So-Kyokushin International Karate Organisation (IKO) World Tournament slated for Shizuoka, Japan from April 18-19.

But in order to do so, the duo needs to team up with the Director for IKO Kyokushin Karate South Pacific Shihan Cameron Quinn at the regional headquarters at the Gold Coast Dojo in Queensland, Australia.

The duo have been invited to join the Australian members to form the Oceania team to take part in this prestigious world event on the IKO calendar.

Whilst the duo is already in

training in Port Moresby for over a month, they need to fi rm up their preparation over the next three months under the supervision of Shihan Cameron Quinn.

Both have been the green light to attend the tournament by the head of kyokushin karate in PNG, in Namatanai MP Sensei Walter Schnaubelt, who is the head of PNG Mas Oyama Kyokushin Karate Association (MOKKA).

The duo however need additional fi nancial support to add weight to their preparation on the Gold Coast.

Sempai Sailas Piskaut did well at his last outing in Japan where he

was awarded the Most Spirited Fighter during the All Japan IKO Fukushima Open Championships in 2018. The full-contact knockdown stand-up fighting event got the best out of the New Irelander and he is hopefully of carrying Papua New Guinea’s colours with pride again in this world tournament.

Piskaut will take part in the traditional kata category and then with Sempai Brian Sammy they will take part in the kumite, the full contact knockdown stand-up fighting event.

Piskaut and Sammy are remnants

of Sensei Walter Schnaubelt’s live in student program or uchi-deshi students that are still actively practicing the art.

Sensei Walter Schnaubelt who holds 3rd Dan black belt is still unmatched as a former five time Australian heavyweight champion that was ranked seventh in the world at one stage and was the world board breaking champion.

Piskaut is a 2nd Dan black belt holder, while Sammy who is from Morobe and East New Britain is a brown tip belt holder.

For their benefit, they plan to go this month to join their Australian counterparts.

If you can support the duo please contact Sempai Sailas Piskaut on Ph.74817085 for further information.

Members of the Marathon Globetrotters group will be making their way from their homelands all around the globe to Amazing Port Moresby for this amazing event. There will also be a hal f marathon and a 10-km event on the program.

Road Runners cater for all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities. No one is too fast or too slow. You don’t have to be fit to take part. If you take part you will get fit and fitter. You don’t have to run. Walkers are aplenty. People with disabilities are especially welcome.

The other thing that hasn’t changed in 40 years is the entry fee: 20 toea, inclusive of GST (except for the Marathon events). New participants are forever welcome.

MARTIAL arts experts Sailas Piskaut (right) and Brian Sammy.