Post Courier, Monday January 6, 2020

Pray for for Australia

A NATIONWIDE appeal has been launched to help victims of wild fires in Australia.

As thousands of hectares of bush land burn, with at least 24 lives lost, and homes and property in southern states destroyed in the raging fires since the beginning of New Year, Prime Minister James Marape announced yesterday that Papua New Guinea was ready to provide more than 1000 volunteers to help fight the fire. - CONTINUE ON PAGE 4

ABG/PARLT SITTING

ROBBERY SUSPECT

A helicopter fights a bushfire near Bairnsdale in Victoria’s East Gippsland region.

Photo: AFP / State Government of Victoria - ABC

Families evacuated. Homes destroyed. Wildlife & livestock lost.

Prime Minister James Marape.

PM Scott Morrison

INSIDE TODAY

Index Asia.......................................44

Bougainville.........................21 Business..........22,39-40,42-43

Classi eds .....................56-63

Comics ................................55

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

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

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

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

Paci c ..................................44

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

Sport ...............................53-60

Sudoku ................................46

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

Turf Guide.......................49-52

World ..................................45

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

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

Morobe Province beckons

UNICEF commends PNG govt

THE UNICEF has commended the Government with the National Department of Health, provincial health authorities of New Ireland and Gulf. These includes frontline workers such as doctors, lab technicians and drivers who played a part in conducting vaccinations.

MORE ON PAGE 9

ABG expected to amend constitution

THE Bougainville executive council is expected to sit today and parliament tomorrow to make major constitutional amendments in preparation for the postreferendum era.

MORE ON PAGE 7

PACIFIC/ASIA

SOUTHERN

A RESOURCE owner group from Abau district in Central province is calling on the National Government to lessen its newly introduced export tax rate on logging for the benefit of local communities around the country.

MORE ON PAGE 15

HIGHLANDS

Truckers wary of harassment

ALL trucking companies operating the Highlands Highway stopped their trucks from travelling the highway between midnight and 4pm on New Year in fear of harassment and unprecedented roadblocks by opportunists.

MORE ON PAGE 16

BUSINESS

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

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

SPORTS

FARMERS need to know their supply and value chain issues says Ivan Pomaleu. Ivan Pomaleu said this while representing Grow Asia, an entity created with an aim to assist challenges faced by farmers in the region.

MORE ON PAGE 21

Local SME taps into fertiliser market

IN a country that relies heavily on imported fertilisers products to develop its agriculture industry, the development and production of locally produced organic fertiliser is always a plus.

STORIES ON PAGE 26

Australian Bushfires updates

MORE ON PAGE 22

Storm are NCD Governors Cup champs

MORE ON PAGE 38

THE DRUM

PENGEE: thedrum@spp.com.pg

NAC PARKING A DISASTER

IT CAN be said somebody is so inefficient they could not organise a drink in a brewery. That would be a charitable way to describe NAC’s attempt at paid parking at Jacksons domestic. It is an unmitigated disaster and tourism operators are bracing themselves for when it gets introduced at the international terminal so we can show our visitors just how disorganised we are.

AD NOT SANCTIONED?

Prime Minister did not sanction the full page 19 advertisement yesterday on Ministers travel. He is confused on who authorised the public statement. Some Ministers are not happy.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM PPL

LESS than auspicious start to the New Year in Alotau . At 7am sharp on the 1st the power went off . Power station ran out of fuel so the usual blame game between PPL and Puma ensued until power was restored mid afternoon . PPL wishes you a Happy New Year.

Police apprehend duo suspected of kidnapping

BY MICHAEL KOMA

POLICE have picked-up two of the main suspects reportedly involved in the abduction and enslavement of a 12-year-old girl, identified as Tania George, in a house outside Kundiawa town on Thursday night.

John Wariman Nari and his sister Soti, who allegedly abducted Tania from Ramu and enslaved her for three years in a village in Chimbu Province in 2016, are currently detained at the Kundiawa police lockup.

Members of the Kundiawa police task force closed in on a house in Wandi, 4km west of the Chimbu capital, and nabbed the duo at around midnight on Thursday upon a tipoff.

A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the duo will be charged today (Monday) and appear before the Kundiawa district court when the detectives accomplish their task.

Mr Nari’s wife and his parents would also be taken in for interrogation, according to police.

Nari and Soti will be taken to the Sir Joseph Nombri Memorial Kundiawa hospital’s family support centre today for Tania to identify them before police detectives.

Police insiders in Kundiawa said it was the first time for them to deal with such a case.

Reports from Kaulan village, 4km east of Kundiawa where the girl was kept under captivity until rescued, indicated that Tania was forced to

work every day in Mr Nari’s garden for 3 years (2016-19).

It was also noted that Mr Nari opened a Facebook account under the name “K-land Cult”.

In the meantime, health officer-incharge of the family support centre at the Kundiawa hospital, Jean Kupo, said none of Tania’s family had made contact with her since the Post-Courier took up the story on its front page on Friday December 27.

Mrs Kupo said the hospital would take the girl to Ramu where she will identify the place where she reportedly lived with her late mother’s relative.

According to Tania, her late mother was from Tairora in the Eastern Highlands Provinces’ Obura-Wonenara district, and her father is from

Bomai in Chimbu province.

She said her father George, was working with a company in Lae when she was abducted by Soti in 2016. Tania said she was living with her late mother’s relative in Ramu when she was kidnapped.

Many leaders in Sinasina-Yonggomugl and Kundiawa condemned the alleged abductors and individually admitted that the case was “a first of its kind” in the highlands province. The girl said she was abducted in 2016 and taken to Kaulan village in the Sinasina-Yongomugl electorate where she was mistreated and enslaved for three years before village youths rescued her in December last year. She is recovering at the Kundiawa hospital’s family support centre.

LAST THING ON THEIR MINDS CLEARLY somebody had taken their eye off the ball. Maybe the staff were partying with the apprentices at their barracks at Toudikwa? Power supply to the people was the last thing on their minds as they partied till malana!

Ravu thanks city residents for peaceful celebrations

ACTING Port Moresby City manager

Ravu Frank has thanked residents for a generally peaceful celebration of Christmas and the New Year.

Mr Frank attributed the peaceful celebrations to the positive attitude of the majority of the residents, and made special mention of the tireless efforts of the police under the leadership of the acting commander for NCD and Central, Anthony Wagambie Jr and the metropolitan commander Chief Superintendent, Perou N’Dranou.

“I highly commend the majority of the city residents for the peaceful celebration of Christmas and New Year in the city,” Mr Frank said.

“Christmas and New Year were relatively quiet and peaceful in the city, and I am very grateful and appreciative of the positiveness of the residents.”

Many residents opted to celebrate within the confines of their homes and communities, and apart from minor disturbances, Port Moresby was generally quiet.

Mr Frank said police operations over the festive period contributed significantly to the peace and quiet of the city and potential disturbances were prevented from escalating to serious levels.

The physical presence of policemen and women on the streets prevented any thoughts of misbehaviour in the minds of residents who cooperated and supported the cause for a safe and peaceful celebration in the city.

“I applaud the efforts of the policemen and women of the city under the strong leadership of the Acting Commander NCD/Central Anthony Wagambie Jr and the metropolitan commander Chief Superintendent Perou N’Dranou,” he said.

“The police did a tremendous job and I commend their tireless efforts for the safety and wellbeing of the city residents over the Christmas and New Year period.”

He urged city residents to maintain this attitude for a peaceful and a positive New Year in the city.

Angau hospital redevelopment to be completed this year

BY NATALIE CHOLOHEI

A MAJOR redevelopment at Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae is expected to be completed this year.

Construction work is on track and the hospital management are focused on developing Angau as a level six hospital.

The development which comes under the Australia and Papua New Guinea governments’ investment for better health care services in

Morobe, began early last year.

Hospital chief executive officer Grant Muddle said it was an exciting time for the hospital staff to see changes done.

“The development is on track, the development is very exciting for the hospital as we are very much focused on developing a true level six facility in Angau,” Mr Muddle said.

As the physical structures of the hospital is taking transition, the

hospital board of management is also looking at improving health care services to the people by revising its manpower strength in taking new staff to meet the demand.

Mr Muddle said this was by revising the health care requirements for the nurses and doctors to improve the health service at the hospital in line with the level the hospital would be operating in.

Skills training is one area the hospital board is looking at providing.

The plan is to get assistance from medical teams from the Australian College of physicians and surgeons.

Other developments include putting up an information communication technology strategy for the province. This is where information could be shared through a network with all facilities hooked to the system throughout the province.

All the districts in Morobe can access the data uploaded on the sys-

tem to help treat patients, especially in cases of special needs.

“Ideally we should have medical records in all the facilities, so based on the data, we can know what service we offer in Morobe, know what medical cases are high and focus on primary health care, prioritising on specific cases,” Mr Muddle said.

The redevelopment is part of the A$207million joint investment by the PNG and Australian governments.

I highly commend the majority of the city residents for the peaceful celebration

Tania George, 12, in the Kundiawa hospital’s family support centre with Mrs Jean Kupo’s children. Picure: MICHAEL KOMA

‘Keep Australia in your prayers’

NATIONAL Capital District

Governor Powes Parkop is calling on churches and their members to pray for rain over Australia starting as the raging bushfire is devouring lives, homes, businesses, animals, environment and ecology, and other properties.

His call yesterday comes amid collaborative efforts to extinguish the fire across the country had helped little or not fully abated it. He said the weather pattern in Australia expected rainy seasons to set in between December and March.

He said they could not stand and watch helplessly as their longtime

friend Australia being devastated by bushfire.

“I call on our people of all faith and belief to pray and chant for rain. This includes our traditional rain makers of PNG,” he said while conveying his sympathy to the people of Australia who have been its victims.

Mr Parkop continued that he would mobilise the city for disaster appeal initiated by Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Minister Wera Mori, Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta and others to help the victims.

He said in the long run the PNG Government should secure an

agreement with the Australian government as soon as possible to pipe water from PNG to Australia to ensure that during the dry season, they can still keep the areas within their houses and farms wet so they are safe from such wildfire.

“On a global scale, Australia must join as soon as possible the global effort against Climatic Change. They have been dragging their feet for too long and have been climatic change skeptics for no good reasons,” he said.

New Zealand, the United States of America and Canada have already deployed firefighters to Australia to help stop the wildfire.

NSW bushfires burn an area greater than Wales, the result of an exceptional spring

BY KATE DOYLE ABC WEATHER

NEW SOUTH WALES: Bushfires this season have officially burnt the most land on modern record across eastern New South Wales.

In a special climate statement released last week, the Bureau of Meteorology said spring 2019 saw Australia’s highest fire weather danger on record.

Even by the end of spring, the extent of the fires this season was exceptional; more than 1.65 million hectares had been burnt in New South Wales.

On December 9, NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons tweeted that fires had burnt about 2.7 million hectares — an area greater than Wales.

Yes, Wales, the country. Or if sport is more your thing, one hectare is approximately the size of a soccer pitch.

Between early September and the end of November, 220,000 hectares had been burnt in Queensland and still the fires rage on.

Fires have already occurred in every state and territory this season.

Normally, it would now only be the beginning of the fire season in the southern states, and traditionally the northern fire season would be

winding down as summer rains arrived, but there is no indication that rain is coming any time soon.

FIRE DANGER UNPRECEDENTED

The fire danger wasn’t just restricted to the east coast, with the rating for the country as a whole far and away the highest on record for spring since 1950.

“Spring 2019 saw the highest fire weather danger as measured by the Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI), with record-high values observed in areas of all states and territories,” the report stated.

The FFDI takes into account recent rainfall, a drought index, relative

1994

800,000 HECTARES

January 1994, when 800,000 hectares burnt around Sydney and the state’s north-east

humidity, air temperature and wind speed to give a value that reflects how dangerous a fire is expected to be once it gets going.

It’s what you see represented on the roadside fire danger signs: low, high, very high, extreme, catastrophic (code red in Victoria).

“More than 95 per cent of Australia by area had spring-accumulated FFDI values that were very much above average (highest 10 per cent of years), including almost 60 per cent of the country that was highest on record for spring,” the report stated.

Other big fire years for NSW

It is important to note there is a

Towns decimated after firestorm blazes through

2001 750,000 HECTARES

Christmas 2001, when 750,000 hectares burnt on the southern fringes of Sydney and around the ACT, bringing signi cant smoke

big difference in fires depending on where they are in New South Wales.

As a general rule, fires west of the Great Dividing Range are often more widespread, but because of lower fuel loads they burn with a lower intensity.

Fires on or east of the range, in more densely forested areas, burn with a greater intensity; when that intensity is combined with higher population density, there is greater risk.

According to the report, the closest season compared to 2019 was 1968, but even it was less extensive than this year. Those fires also took place under severe drought conditions

2013 RECORD HOMES LOST

October 2013, most remembered for its rapid onset and signi cant loss of homes in the Blue Mountains

and were limited to the Hunter and Illawarra regions.

The 1968 season had a number of major fires, including one in the Blue Mountains that burnt for more than a month — the Australian Disaster Resilience Knowledge Hub attributes the Blue Mountains and Illawarra bushfire with burning through 1.5 million hectares.

With the current heat event, South Australia is bracing for dangerous fire conditions until a cool change late Friday. The worst of the fire danger is then expected to return to New South Wales on Saturday ahead of the change, with continued elevated fire danger in Queensland.

CONDITIONS

calmed significantly late yesterday with firefighters in New South Wales and Victoria looking to use the changes to their advantage and adequately prepare themselves for later in the week when temperatures are again predicted to soar.

It was not all good news yesterday though — the NSW towns of Eden and Batlow were decimated overnight with Kangaroo Valley in NSW also bearing the brunt of a large firestorm.

As Prime Minister Scott Morrison

again fended off criticism, former prime minister John Howard described the smoke haze from the fires as longer than he could remember in his 80 years.

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS’ MORTON BUSHFIRE DEVASTATES WINGELLO, BUNDANOON AND KANGAROO VALLEY

SOME stayed and defended their properties, while others could only watch on as their homes burned to the ground as a mega fire front swept

through the Southern Highlands overnight. The Morton fire blaze tore through Wingello, Bundanoon and the Kangaroo Valley threatening prime agricultural land and reducing more than a dozen homes to ash.

The RFS said five homes have been destroyed in Kangaroo Valley, the idyllic farming and tourism region south-west of Sydney, and it has warned that figure could yet climb NSW RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers confirmed 60 homes have been lost in a devastating start to 2020, but he expects that number to climb. “We won’t know the true cost of what we have lost yesterday until another couple of days.”

House destroyed in Wingello. - PICTURE: JAKE LAPHAM

Aussie comic raises $25 million on social media

WHERE

QUICK OVERVIEW No sunlight

ARE THE NEW SOUTH WALES BUSHFIRES?

Some 143 fires were burning across NSW as of last night with 3600 firefighters on the ground. There are currently two emergency warnings in place for out of control fires. One is in Bega Valley and the other is the town of Bundanoon, both of which are in southern NSW.

HOW MANY HAVE DIED?

A man from Batlow, NSW, died last night. The 47-year-old man died of a cardiac arrest on Saturday night while defending a friend’s rural property near Batlow, southwest of Canberra. That brings the total NSW bushfire death toll since July to 17.

VICTIMS THIS WEEK:

Unnamed 47-year-old man had a heart attack night while defending a friend’s rural property near Batlow, southwest of Canberra.

NSW RFS volunteer firefighter

Samuel McPaul, 28, while fighting a fire in Jingellic

Father and son Robert Salway, 63, and Patrick Salway, 29, found dead in Wandella, west of Cobargo

Body of 70-year-old man found outside Yatte Yattah home, west of Lake Conjola

Man’s body found in burnt out car on road off the Princes Highway at Yatte Yattah

Man’s body, yet to be formally identified, found in vehicle on Wandra Rd at Sussex Inlet

Body found outside a home at Coolagolite, east of Cobargo

Body, believed to be of missing 72-year-old man, found in vehicle on Belowra Rd, west of Cobargo

OTHER VICTIMS THIS BUSHFIRE

SEASON:

NSW RFS volunteer firefighters

Geoffrey Keaton, 32, and Andrew O’Dwyer, 26, killed when a fallen tree caused their truck to roll near Buxton in the Southern Highlands (December)

Barry Parsons, 58, found dead in bushland at Willawarrin, northwest of Kempsey (November)

Julie Fletcher, 63, found in a burnt out building in Johns River (November)

The remains of George Nole, 85, were found in a burnt out car near Glen Innes (November)

Vivian Chaplain, 69, found unconscious with burns in Wytaliba and later died (November)

Couple Bob Lindsey, 77, and Gwen Hyde, 68, were found dead in their home after the Long Gull fire in Coongbar (October)

HOW MANY HOMES HAVE BEEN LOST?

Town residents haven’t seen daylight since yesterday

BY ALEX TURNER-COHEN www.news.com.au

THE skies above a town deep within the bushfire zone are so clogged with smoke locals haven’t seen sunlight “for 14 hours”.

Eden, which lies on the far south coast of New South Wales, is close to a huge 140,000-hectare blaze which crossed the Victorian border from East Gippsland.

The smoke is so thick the town hadn’t seen sunlight for 14 hours. Residents woke this morning to an ominous, dark, deep red dawn. The RFS has been unable to get aerial reconnaissance aircraft into the sky. There are reports people sheltering in the town have now been told to leave immediately if they are not able to defend themselves.

“Welcome to a vision of hell. Here we are at this hour of the morning and it is still darkened with orange glow in the sky,” ABC Reporter Phil Williams said this morning, who is currently in the town.

“Extraordinary, apocalyptic sort of scenes. It is like you imagine about

horror movie, when the bomb goes off,” he said. Many people evacuated from the town last night.

NSW Rural Fire Service spokesman Greg Potts says the border fire, which is burning at an emergency level, is moving towards the small communities of Burragate and Towamba close to Eden.

The fire was spreading quickly and “blew up” on Saturday night when a southerly wind change swept through NSW, Mr Potts said.

“We saw extraordinary fire behaviour last night. The border fire blew up and there were extraordinary changes where the sky went red.

“The fire basically created its own weather and ran at an extraordinary speed from the NSW border.” Mr Potts said there was “no margin for safety” as crews battled the blaze.

“At one stage the border fire was moving at 6km/h.

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said “lots of people” had evacuated the town of Eden as the fire approached on Saturday night.

“It’s moving a bit further north and towards rural and isolated property just to the west of Eden,” he told reporters on Sunday.

“It’s still pretty active down there, and there is lots of attention from local firefighters.” Containment efforts were hampered overnight after firefighters lost power at an important water pump.

“The border fire that was driven north by a strong southerly change yesterday remains at emergency level, with Eden and the surrounding communities facing dynamic and dangerous bushfire conditions,” the Bega Valley Shire Council said at 3.00am on Sunday.

“In a disappointing development, we have lost power to the pump at Ben Boyd Dam and the Kiah borefields.

“We are working to supply water from Pambula to Eden – this will be at a much reduced volume however.

“If you are still in Eden, only use water for personal safety purposes so the firefighters, who are doing such an outstanding job, have water.”

AUSSIES are calling for comic Celeste Barber to be our next PM after raising more than $25 million for the fireys, as her mum lets rip on Instagram.

People are calling for Celeste Barber to run the country after raising a staggering $25 million in just three days. The comedian set up a Facebook fundraiser on Friday and by late that afternoon she had received an extraordinary amount of donations from around Australia and overseas.

Last night she shared a new video of her mother-in-law Joy Robin at the Eden Wharf after they were told to evacuate. “This is our war,” Ms Robin said.

“This fire is Australia’s war at the moment. It’s been right down the Great Dividing Range and now it’s going right to the coast. And there isn’t one ADF on the ground.”

Ms Robin said she was too upset to consider leaving.

“They’ve (the government) left us high and dry so many times,” she said. “We pay our taxes. We’ve been abandoned.” Thousands of people have been sharing Barber’s page and posting on social media about the incredible response she has received, calling her a national treasure. “Make this woman PM, such a legend,” wrote another on Facebook.

Sydney homes safe

WATER-BOMBING helicopters have operated over suburbs in Sydney’s southwest to quell a bushfire threatening nearby homes. The fire burned more than 60 hectares between Voyager Point and Hammondville, causing the temporary closure of the M5 motorway due to thick black smoke. NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Fire and Rescue crews were able to slow its run towards the motorway and were on Sunday trying to contain the blaze. “There is no threat to homes in the area,” the RFS said yesterday.

Insurance claims estimated at $375m

At least 464 homes have been destroyed on the south coast this year, with another 15 destroyed yesterday. The number will increase as damage assessment teams access hard-to-reach areas. Some 1365 homes, 100 facilities and 2339 outbuildings such as sheds have been confirmed destroyed across NSW since July 2019.

IMAGES of fleeing kangaroos and dehydrated koalas have captured the world’s attention during Australia’s bushfire crisis — but heartbreaking photos of perished livestock paint an equally devastating picture. In fire-scorched Batlow, New South Wales, animal carcasses line the sides of the road, with farmers beginning the slow, difficult and grim work of loading the bodies onto the trays of utes.

Most are sheep and cattle held on surrounding properties. Most are clumped together, their bodies blackened.

Farmers said they were as prepared for the fire as they could be, and while some animals had survived, they could not save them all.

With stock losses likely to reach into tens of thousands, and public health and biosecurity risks to consider, logistical arrangements for the removal of carcasses are being factored into recovery efforts.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison yesterday announced the establishment of a national bushfire recovery agency led by former AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin.

INSURANCE claims from Australia’s worsening bushfire crisis are estimated at $375 million.

The Insurance Council of Australia says insurers have received 5850 bushfire-related claims in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland since it declared a bushfire catastrophe on November 8.But the council says the figures don’t include properties lost over the past 24 to 36 hours in areas such as the NSW Southern Highlands and south coast.

Losses are estimated at $375 million, with a further $56 million in insured property losses in September and October.

Dead livestock paint grim picture of fire devastation

lae daily lae

If you have a story to tell, call us on 472 4166 or email: fnebas@spp.com.pg

Residents commended

BY JOAN BAILEY

LOCAL residents have been commended for celebrating the festive season peacefully.

Lae mayor James Khay said for the first time the city experienced a peaceful celebration.

“People celebrated and observed in a responsible manner with no major problems, killings and inconveniencies caused.”

Mr Khay said such an outcome has

illustrates an existing collaborative effort between responsible leaders, authorities and stakeholders to ensure the celebrations were safe and trouble-free.

He said people showed change in attitude and this is the way forward for the city.

“I want to thank the Lae MP and Minister for Lands and Physical Planning John Rosso, Governor Ginson Saonu, police personnel and other responsible stakeholders who

have contributed in one way or the other to make the 2019 Christmas and New Year peaceful for everyone,” he said.

Minister Rosso expressed similar sentiments, saying that 2019 Christmas and New Year ended on a very high note with no major crimes reported.

Mr Rosso said there may have been one or two incidents reported but from the general perspective, he appreciated that most people celebrat-

ed indoors with a positive attitude and behaved very well.

“I want to thank the tireless hospital workers for committing their time to attend to patients during this holiday season as well.

“I also want to thank acting metropolitan commander Superintendent Chris Kunyanban with our very hardworking and determined policemen and women for working through the holiday to keep us safe.

“I remain committed to fund and

support Lae police with whatever I can as the safety of my people is very important.”

Mr Rosso said he was once a police chief sergeant years ago and made the point that he never spent Christmas and observed the New Year with his family. So he understands the selfless work the police and hospital workers do. “We are proud of our police personnel and health workers for their tireless efforts and I wish everyone a prosperous 2020.”

Elementary teachers need full graduating certificates

BY ABBEGAIL WAFI UPNG journalism student

ELEMENTARY teachers in WauBulolo are not recognised as registered teachers by the Department of Education, claims a teacher.

Dapi Apamai said these teachers want the Papua New Guinea Education Institute (PNGEI) to issue them their teaching certificates to meet the education reform requirement.

Mr Apamai has been teaching in Bulolo, Morobe province, for almost 10 years and raised the teachers’ collective concern.

He said the teachers are concerned that since the education reform 1, 6, 6 structure is to be implemented in Morobe, it will be a challenge to the teaching capabilities of elementary

These teachers also want to uplift their standards to meet the 1, 6, 6

“We studied under the PNGEI to be elementary teachers and up until now we have not been graduated and given our certificates to be recognised as fully registered teachers by the department of education so that we can raise our standards as well towards the new system.

Seymour to honor commitment to develop Salamaua

BY JOAN BAILEY

HUON Gulf MP Ross Seymour has dedicated this year as the year to develop the Salamaua local level government in Morobe Province.

Mr Seymour made his intention known at Buakap village on New Year’s eve when presenting K13,000 to the Buakap Christmas tournament committee.

He told the people that he has spent time in the Morobe LLG and Wampar LLG delivering basic services such as education, infrastructure, health, law and order, churches and other vital services.

“I have done my part with them and this year I will spend my time

here in the Salamaua LLG and will honour my commitments made in the past years so you can get your share of funding for needs identified, highlighted and requested.

“If I have made any commitments when visiting the 17 wards in my term as your parliamentarian leader, please write a letter to remind me through your ward councilors and president so approval for payments can be made,” Mr Seymour said.

Development plans for the Salamaua LLG this year will focus on infrastructure as it is the backbone for other development agendas.

Two new roadwork machineries

for Salamaua are ready to make road accessible to Yamap zone in the Salamaua hinterlands.

“These are our people who despite walking long distances with their heavy load for the past many years, they continue in patience to access goods and services by walking because this is the only means of survival.

“I want to appeal to you all to allow road access to our Yamap zone people as I tried by initiating a new cut road project from Asini to Popdubi for the Iwal zone but politics has disrupted this project which was left incomplete,” Mr Seymour said.

He urged the Salamaua LLG people to leave out politics when it

comes to service delivery as politics only disturbs, destroys and ends vital development that are aimed to benefit the rural population. He said there are also plans to build jetties for the LLG including other vital services. So the people must be ready and united to work with him, district development authority, LLG officers, LLG political leaders and community leaders will implement the projects in the LLG. Salamaua LLG manager Clive Wembiong told the people that as the new LLG manager and he is ready with his administration to achieve the visions for the LLG. He also wants cooperation from the Salamaua people to develop the LLG.

“The new system will be in place and will remove some of us, elementary teachers from teaching because we have not upgraded our teaching technique.”

Mr Apamai said some of the teachers are still teaching using the old teaching concept and have not been inspected by education inspectors.

“Most of us need to fix little areas in our career and brush up on the knowledge we have gained to prepare us to go on to the next level which the education department is bringing forward.”

Elementary teachers in Bulolo district cannot afford to advance to that level because there is no financial support.

“The courses offered by PNGEI is the only thing we can afford otherwise we cannot pay for other advanced courses because they are expensive.”

Mr Apamai urged the PNGEI to fix the issue of graduating teachers certificates before the reform.

BUAKAP villagers welcoming Huon Gulf MP Ross Seymour (with beard and cap) with his delegates onto the Buakap oval to witness the Christmas tournament finals during New Year’s eve.

ABG expected to amend constitution

BY GORETHY KENNETH

THE Bougainville executive council is expected to sit today and parliament tomorrow to make major constitutional amendments in preparation for the post-referendum era.

Moves are afoot to introduce the proposed constitutional amendments to the ABG Constitution to amend the provisions limiting the office of the president to two terms and opening it up to unlimited periods to enable the incumbent to re-contest the president’s post.

The proposed amendments once

passed by the Bougainville House of Representatives will allow President John Momis to re-contest the presidential seat in May.

When the Bougainville Parliament convenes tomorrow they will also address these proposed amendments that may see a change in the Autonomous Bougainville Government to a transitional phase and abolish ex-combatant seats with more restructure to its political and administrative policies.

The proposed amendments are already causing a rift in factions on the island.

Leaders of the ABG already

voiced their opposing to changes while some were looking at Supreme Court references to stop the amendments.

Former head of the ABG legislative arm and peace negotiator, Andrew Miriki questioned the ABG on the proposed election deferral with stern warning last week in Buka.

“As a leader, a negotiator together with my former leader, late Joseph Kabui and the man who led the legislative arm of the ABG for seven years, the arm that makes laws; I heard that the ABG is thinking of making a constitutional amendment to defer the 2020 ABG election.

Kaupa: 2019 fiscal year was challenging

BY FRANK RAI

What is the reason? What is the root cause of this? That there will be a constitutional amendment, where in the constitution will they update,”? Mr Miriki questioned. “If the government thinks that it can amend the constitution, the section of the election, I want to sound a warning to the government.

The ABG must act within the context of the peace agreement, this is important because I heard in two occasions, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, in Arawa said I am happy that we will resolve the Bougainville issue once and for all.

Basil to trial ward accounts opening in Bulolo

BY GORETHY KENNETH

THE National Government is embarking on a new project – the wards nationwide bank accounts to be started from a K65 million funding set aside in 2019.

Minister for National Planning Sam Basil announced that all wards nationwide will need to have bank accounts to benefit from the K65 million set aside by the MarapeSteven Government.

And Minister Basil who is Member for Bulolo said he has invited Bank South Pacific retail banking to help roll out the opening of the first 20 wards as pilot project in his district from 6th to 13th of January 2020.

“I have also invited relevant government agencies to observe this and take advantage of the opportunity to study the wards with a view to work out what’s on the ground in terms of government services and how to collaborate to ensure sustained and least-cost ward services delivery including vital statistics/

data collections,” he said.

“As Member for National Planning, I have asked the National Census 2020 team led by acting national statistician John Igibi, together with the PNG CIR/NID project team led by acting registrar General Noel Mobiha and the DNPM led by deputy secretary (Policy) Michael Kumung to partner with my Bulolo district development authority to trial LLG wards banks accounts opening in 20 wards in Buang LLG from 6th to 13th January 2020,” he said.

The initiative is vital to assist in working through practical issues on how to:

Mobilise ward development committees to meet so they can formalise and resolve matters on opening and managing bank accounts including guidelines for use of these funds and challenges of own revenue raising measures. This pilot project will help provide important documentation to assist in other wards in other LLGs in districts, provinces and nationwide Expedite NID project roll-out

making use of ward development committee members like the village recorder and the ward councilor Inform preparations, and how to involve and engage with ward development committee officials for upcoming 2020 National Census reference night given the limited funding allocation Appreciate what’s on the ground in wards and how government agencies can collaborate to intiate and or ensure sustained ward service delivery through resource-sharing in a least cost way.

The initiative is in line with the Minimum Services Standards required under the National Planning and Monitoring Responsibility Act and also complements the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Act Minimum Service Delivery Programs in districts.

Mr Basil said the ward development committee (WDC) led by the ward councilor is the government that lives, eats, sleeps and wakes up with the people.

It is therefore important that the

WDC must be financially empowered at this sub-national level to deliver basic services in a sustainable way.

Mr Basil said the Marape –Steven Government has already taken the first step with the allocation of K65 million to be shared K10,000 each to every ward once their back accounts are opened and necessary documentations are in order.

“The various government agencies whose reach extends to the wards must not only engage with the wards now, but they must also collaborate with each other to ensure least-cost and sustainable delivery,” he said.

“Given the urgent need to rollout the PNG Civil Registry/National Identification project and the dast coming reference night for the 2020 National Census, with limited funding available, all government agencies need to ascertain how they can collaborate on vital statistics/ data collection as a first step towards effective sustained services in wards.

THE 2019 fiscal year was a year of struggle and challenges, says 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 factors to the challenges endured in the district.

“Moresby Northeast electorate 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 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 identified and ready to be rolled out when documentations are in order,” Mr Kaupa said.

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

Mr Kaupa said K4million was allocated for water supply projects at the settlements around 8-Mile, 9-Mile, ATS, Bus Wara and Parea communities.

ABG warned not to amend current constitution

BY ALEX MUNME

THE Autonomous Bougainville Government has been questioned and warned not to amend the current constitution under which the referendum was held to allow for the deferral of the 2020 ABG election.

Former head of the ABG legislative arm and peace negotiator, Andrew Miriki questioned the ABG on the proposed election deferral with a stern warning last week in Buka.

“As a leader, a negotiator together with my former leader, late Joseph

Kabui and the man who led the legislative arm of the ABG for seven years, the arm that makes laws; I heard that the ABG is thinking of making a constitutional amendment to defer the 2020 ABG election. What is the reason? What is the root cause of this, that there will be a constitutional amendment,” Mr Miriki questioned.

“If the government thinks that it can amend the constitution, the section of the election, I want to sound a warning to the government.

The ABG must act within the context of the peace agreement. This

is important because I heard in two occasions, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, in Arawa said he is happy that we will resolve the Bougainville issue once and for all.

“If we want to resolve this conflict once and for all, we must do everything within the context of the peace agreement, not outside. “Therefore, I want to sound this warning to the government not to make a constitutional amendment to the section of the election,” Mr Miriki said.

He further questioned the government by saying that the constitution

which is the supreme authority is very clear. The work of changing the law is not a work of one week or one month, it will take time.” He said the issue of writs for the 2020 ABG Election is on March 27th, 2020 which is two and half months away. For any amendments to take place, parliament must first give a notice to the members of the House in writing about the constitution amendment. “The members then do a wider consultation, then, the Bill is introduced in parliament. At least two months must separate the first and second reading.

ANDREW MIRIKI

Recruitment of immature school leavers is the problem, says Tokam

I suggest the Commissioner and his senior management look at the entry level at maturity age between 25 and 30 years before recruitment into the force.

BY JOHNNY POIYA

THE entry for police recruitment should be between 25 and 30 years of age to lift morale and discipline, a former police commissioner said.

Henry Tokam, a two-time police and correctional services commissioner said in his New Year message that the constabulary was “critically ill and on life support”.

He said the recruitment of young and immature school leavers in the police force had a role to play in the damage done to the image of the constabulary.

Mr Tokam said the appointment of David Manning as Police Commissioner was timely and was what the force desperately needed.

He said Manning was a career officer and a professional man who would lead the constabulary well into the future, but he needs the support from all citizens.

Police nab prime suspect in stabbing of store manager

ONE of the said five Gerehu Mart Supermarket robbery suspects was caught last Friday night by Hohola police unit in Port Moresby.

The suspect who is believed be a teenager, escaped custody at Gerehu Police station and was linked to the death of the supermarket’s Bangladeshi manager Ridoy Hason.

Hohola police station commander Senior Inspector Benjamin Kua told the Post-Courier on Saturday that the suspect was arrested about 11.45pm on Friday at his (suspect) residence at Gerehu 6 and locked up overnight at the Hohola police cell.

Mr Kua said they received a tip off call from informants that the suspect was present at home and was taken by surprise when police arrived, surrounded the residence and leaving no room for the suspect to escape.

“It is the good work of the community, especially informants and this suspect’s family for abiding to be good citizens, not wanting to associate with such crimes,” said Mr Kua.

Mr Kua said people must always seek police assistance through calling the police toll free hotline number and report such cases.

Last Saturday, the suspect was taken to Boroko police station for further questioning and processing.

“The suspect will be questioned including further investigation as we are yet to establish facts. After further investigation the suspect’s real name will be revealed because at this point of time some give false names,” said Mr Kua.

The nature of the suspect’s escape at Gerehu police station would be made by police upon further investigation.

“Good follow-up work by PSC Hohola and Zone Response 302 in conducting a raid tonight (last Friday) led to his capture at about 11pm at Gerehu Stage 6. He is alleged to be the prime suspect who stabbed the expatriate store manager. He is now detained and will be formally arrested and charged by Boroko CID,” said Acting Assistant Commission of Police NCD/Central commander

Anthony Wagambie Jr.

“The force has been politicised over the years and has not been able to do its job independently. The morale and discipline of its members have been at a record low and it needs a fresh start, to reignite itself to perform its duty in serving the law-abiding citizens.

“It is very important all officers down the line support their commissioner, who I am confident has the experience and ability to take the force forward,” Mr Tokam said.

He said the widespread bad publicity by the police needed to be wiped out, adding that the recruitment of young immature school leavers on the street contributed to this.

“I suggest the Commissioner and his senior management look at the entry level at maturity age between 25 and 30 years before recruitment into the force.”

Mr Tokam said this would help reduce the bad publicities like police officers raping women in custody, failing to turn up in court, brutality, murders and drunkenness in uniform both on and off duty.

The former commissioner commended the Marape Government for appointing Manning as Commissioner, saying the government should support police implement its plan in operational requirements to achieve maximum results for a safe, peaceful and stable country.

“Only then we will we see and influx of international tourists and investment boom, hence job opportunities. The credit obviously will go back to the government.”

Two Indon men were part of group to escape from Moorehead police

TWO Indonesian men have escaped from a rural police cell at Morehead.

This is after they were arrested and charged for illegal fishing in Western province. Along with the two Indonesian

men, four nationals, including a known drug dealer, escaped from the police cell at the Morehead rural police post.

South Fly district commander Brian Kombe said the five men were captured during a special operation

during the Christmas period with a team from the local taskforce, national security unit and drug and vice squad.

“The team confiscated two boats, a motor, 13 fishing nets, and one shotgun from the five men.

“They were charged with a count each on illegal fishing and held in custody at the Morehead rural station.

“However, the station has been condemned and the cell is having issues of being locked.

“So the five men, including a known drug dealer, escaped from the cells this week and they are now on the run.”

Police are investigating the incident and also following up on reports of sightings of the men.

The murder suspect at Gerehu Mart escorted by police officers to a waiting vehicle at Hohola police station in Port Moresby.

Hohola station commander Senior Inspector Benjamin Kua explaining how they caught the murder suspect at Gerehu stage 6.

Youths need support, says entrepreneur

BY FRANK RAI

PORT MORESBY urban settlement

youths need community support to succeed in their respective endeavors.

The community has the responsibility to encourage youths in sports, education, skills training and job opportunities while others on business opportunities that arise.

These are the sentiments expressed by Bus Wara settlement community leader and entrepreneur Billy Yalu when he addressed a New Year gathering at the settlement over the weekend.

“We are seeing and judging youths as trouble makers, steam bodies (illicit home brew alcohol), drug addicts and rascals but we fail to see beyond and recognize their true potentials that makes them human beings,” Mr Yalu said.

He said youths have the potential, energy and enthusiasm to drive anything that comes their way whether it is positive or negative, adding that they should be encouraged and pointed in the right direction by the community around them.

Mr Yalu said he had supported youths in the Moresby Northeast electorate through sports, spending close to K100,000 sponsoring various sporting codes including a men’s rugby nines and women’s volleyball competition at the Bus Wara settlement.

“The sports competitions that I have been sponsoring during the

Christmas and New Year period is basically to scout raw talents in rugby, soccer, volleyball and provide them an opportunity to advance into the city’s inner competitions,” the entrepreneur said.

He said community support should be provided where it is due and that is where youths in the settlements are fending for their survival.

Meanwhile, community leaders from Bus Wara and Morobe Block

UNICEF commends PNG govt

BY GLADYS KILA DWU Journalism student

THE UNICEF has commended the Government with the National Department of Health, provincial health authorities of New Ireland and Gulf. These includes frontline workers such as doctors, lab technicians and drivers who played a part in conducting vaccinations.

UNICEF health officer Philomena Tatireta, said they are praying for the measles outbreak to be contained across the Pacific and globally.

“We must first acknowledge the fact that measles has never left the shores of our country, Papua New Guinea, due to generally low immunisation coverage of measles and other vaccines. UNICEF joins WHO and the (Health) department and calls for everyone to be vigilant,” Mrs Tatireta. She said the government has successfully completed the measles rubella campaign which has now been stopped in PNG and urged all parents and care givers to take up the routine immunisation services that are offered at all health facilities.

She said measles remains one of the

Farmer urges govt to help SMEs

BY FRANK RAI

A LOCAL farmer from the Western Highlands Province is calling for the government to support farmers engaged in the small and medium enterprises to prosper.

Gibson Kont of Kagamuga village in the Hagen Central electorate made the call while commenting on the recent budget allocation of K200 million by the National Government for the SME sector.

“I thank the government for seeing the potential and need for the SME sector, especially the agriculture sector to advance and address issues like food security, poverty and increase rural economy,” Mr Kont said.

He said currently those engaged in farming were ‘digging deep’ into their pockets to sustain the business and feed the demanding population in Port Moresby and other urban centres in the country. However, Mr Kont is one of the few farmers who are supplying food and vegetables from the Highlands down to NCD.

settlements commended Mr Yalu and his company Ranger Protect Limited for the timely sponsorship that has seen a decrease in law and order issues in the respective settlements over the festive and New Year period.

“We have celebrated a peaceful Christmas and New Year period over the last few weeks. And our youths have been busy in their respective competitions including men’s and women’s soccer tourna-

ment at Morobe Block and rugby nine’s and volleyball competitions at Bus Wara,” the leader said.

The leaders said sports had minimised and deceased law and order problems when youths were celebrating the festive season through respective competitions.

They urged other like minded entrepreneurs and business houses to support the settlements in their activities to shape youths for a better tomorrow.

He started the business in 2013 and has been providing opportunities to vendors, farmers, youths, mothers and truck owners for the last seven years, both in Port Moresby and in Western Highlands. He said such business ventures needed support from commercial banks and the SME allocation of K200m was a timely boost for them.

Mr Kont urged those disbursing the funds to be wary of ‘paper farmers’ and assist genuine farmers and suppliers who struggle to serve the country.

world’s most contagious childhood killer diseases and is spread by virus transmitted from an infected person to a non-infected person through air droplets that passes through sneezing and coughing.

Mrs Tatireta said UNICEF is also supporting advocacy and social mobilisation activities from the highest level down to the grassroots level through working with communities, political and religious leaders.

“With the existing support system already in place, various information, education and communication materials and activities have been disseminated to sensitised communities in all 22 provinces and we will continue to support the Health Department where the need arises,” she said.

She reiterated that all health workers must continue to conduct routine vaccination in their health facility catchments to ensure children are protected.

She also added that parents and guardians must take that responsibility seriously and take their children to the nearest health facility to receive vaccines they are due for.

Bus Wara community leader and entrepreneur Bill Yalu (right) presenting prize money to a mother who sponsored a team to take part in the Bus Wara sports competition over the weekend.

MONDAY, JANUARY 06, 2020

Time is now for PM Morrison to join the carbon emission war

WEjoin Prime Minister, James Marape, other national leaders and the PNG public in conveying our heartfelt sympathies and prayers for the tragedy that is unfolding in Australia where raging wildfires have torched a third of the country claiming lives and destroying homes and properties. Almost 30 people have been killed with the toll rising by the day and homes and property worth hundreds of millions of kina being destroyed. The final death toll and damage bill will be costly to a country that is our closest neighbor, friend and ally.

Australia is, indeed, a friend which has always risen to the task and responded fast to our needs in times of tragedy and emergency, and for that we have shown tremendous goodwill by offering prayers and sympathy and also support through the Government and through individual efforts.

We, dearly, hope and prayer that this tragedy ends sooner rather than later so that the unfortunate victims caught up in the disaster are given relief at a time they need it most.

Bushfires are annual occurrences in Australia but the extent of the damage by the current ones have been described as “unprecedented”. Deadly fires fuelled by a combination of extreme heat, prolonged drought and strong winds have already destroyed up to 5.5 million hectares of land and 1,200 homes. It is estimated that up to a third of Australia’s 25 million people are affected by the disaster. The magnitude of the disaster is most telling, and we implore on Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his Government to have a serious rethink on its policies on climate change. Australia, the world’s largest exporter of coal, an industry with

an estimated value of $A54 billion (K127 billion) providing 200,000 jobs, has been a reluctant participant on the international stage in addressing climate change issues and in joining the campaign to reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere which causes global warming and the greenhouse effect. Morrison and his successors have been more protective of the lucrative coal industry purely for economic reasons and virtually ignored scientific proof and international warnings about the dangers and destruction coal does to the atmosphere, the environment, climate and people. With a little reading one can learn that it is scientifically proven that when coal is burned, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is greenhouse gas. The higher the concentration of greenhouse gas, the more energy is trapped in the atmosphere. With more energy trapped, the planet warms, contributing to climate change. Coal, the dirtiest of fossil fuels, causes global warming, which is linked to extreme weather and wildfires. Climate change is coal’s most serious, long-term global impact. Morrison has a handful to deal with now, and if international forums and international climate change pacts have not been convincing enough for him and his government to participate, perhaps the current destruction by the bushfires on his people can serve as a reminder and justification for him to become a willing partner in the campaign to cut back on carbon emissions. In Morrison’s own words at a recent Pacific Islands Forum negotiation on climate change, he is “accountable to the people of Australia”. We say now is the time to make that accountability count.

Bougainville’s future in Bougainvilleans hands

Letter of the day

SEEING from an independent specpertive Bougainvilleans need to work together to achieve what we have being fighting for and now that all our votes have being passed it has proved to the world that we are capable of taking care of ourselves

There are so many issues and critics that may come from poster Artist trying their best to use social media and other means to try disrupt what we have achieved but it’s time we look at it as challenges and face it head on,

Through the long 10 years civil war we have long been independent without even basic services we survived innovation came in place

we rode our vehicles with coconut fuel and made a lot of progress throughout the crisis period it’s time we refrain from the past and look at what we could give back to bougainville for the better, Taking responsibility of ourselves, our families our communities and bougainville as a new nation in the Pacific, think innovatively and creatively and start from what we have.

Forget the mining mentality as some say only the mining can help Bougainville sustain its economy and bring development to Bougainville,its time we think innovatively, tourism and other areas need to be defined it’s time we all Bougainvillians work together and create sustainable and reliable solutions to the economy instead of the mining ,its time we

invest in human resources and create job opportunities for our own people it’s all about critical thinking,sustainability and taking care of our precious island.

We don’t want to end up like our small Pacific nations being manipulated by the Chinese. As seen on the ground most bougainvillians are talented lukim na lainim as they say, A grade 5 can even fix a car without even going to school that’s innovation in disguise,we are a blessed nation and from scratch we may surely surprise the world with what we may offer.

To all the Bougainvilleans out there peace.... BOUGAINVILLE FLOWER

Investigate alleged misuse in Goroka

DEAR Minister for Housing, Minister for Lands and Minister for State Enterprises:

This is an open letter of concern to you all to view, digest,investigate and act over abusive and illegal activities taking place with state properties here at Goroka.

ago and went back to his province in the coastal area.

AGRICULTURE must first begin as a selfsustaining, self-reliance model for each families.

Each family must first be able to feed themselves, in turn reaching the government’s food policy goals.

This begins with supply of seeds and animal stocks. National Agriculture Research Imstitute (NARI) has certified samples of both.

Government through DSIP and National Development Bank (NDB) financing can support individual family units to grow in farming and animal husbandry until they reach a take off point.

Only then, PNG can become a self-reliant agriculture oriented nation.

Our surplus can now get on jet liner freezer planes for overseas markets.

The trend taken over 44 years ago was large scale commercial agriculture. It failed miserably.

Thirty-seven countries bypassed PNG on UN Human Development Index (HDI). Landowners remain spectators as commercial farms, commercial fishing, commercial logging rage through their land and sea

abetted by draconian State laws.

True and real agriculture for poverty alleviation must be designed and implemented at the family unit level at the rural masses.

The government should support this scheme through DSIP, PSIP, NDB financing, etc.

See the Domil model in Jiwaka. Every family unit has a rabbit farm, pig farm, fish farm, coffee garden, vegetable garden, through which they integrated into cooperatives to fund housing, electricity, water supply, and holding healthy bank accounts.

This is the model to take back PNG.

Toksave

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

Your ministries had been losing out on essential revenue collection towards the states coffers in Goroka for decades i beleive through illegal activities taking place on from State owned properties going unchecked for so long and I think its about time you should have this sensitive issue put on as a high priority in your 2020 new year resolution

‘To Do list’ for investigation and action where necessary.

Be informed and please investigate a particular State property up at North Goroka near the UOG in EHP that has been conducting Illegal activities for more than 20 years now since the then retired tenant, a former Police officer f left many years

Currently the house is supposed to be vacant technically and NHC allocating the property to Public servants seeking housing, but NHC officials here at Goroka have failed to allocate this property to a PS in urgent need of housing.

Meanwhile, some non public servants (outsiders) have been occupping this State property illegally and avoiding paying bills over many years to the NHC and other State entity service providers as well.

Wthout the knowledge of the authorities here at Goroka.

NHC housing in Goroka is in high demand sought out by current Government PS who had to live in settlements or with wantoks to go to work so it is not fair when corrupt staffs at NHC as well as other Government entities such as PNG Power and lands Dept ‘look the other way ‘ instead of doing their jobs properly and enforcing Govt policies

by checking on tenants occupying State properties wheather legal or not.

Abuse of State properties has been the norm of the day for donkey years here in Goroka where everyone knows about it but nothing gets done by authorities.

Meanwhile, the illegal occupants at the house at North Goroka at section 9, lot 15, near UOG gate have been involved in a lot of illegal activities starting with NHC - massive unpaid rental errors and have no new ‘Tenancy Agreement’ with NHC and selling and profiting from a portion of state land(@Sect 9 lot 15) to a nearby neighbouring tenant at the back...and illegally connecting power to houses within the property sourcing from a store operating there also without a trading licence. And the list goes on.

FRUSTRATED TRUAVE APO

Sad to see Fairweather resign from authority

FOR all the years that 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 office 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 resign, but since he took office in July last year (within six 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.

CYRIL GARE VIA EMAIL

PELE YABWAIN @ SAMUSAMU BAY BOGIA, MADANG

Grow first, sell later agriculture is the way go

of the basic building blocks they need to prosper of the basic blocks need to prosper

Is toothless tiger really concerned about welfare?

DIDN’T the Independent Consumer Competition Commission just complete an investigation into higher airfares ?

Perhaps that was just the headlines to make it look like to toothless tiger is really concerned about our welfare.

The price that airline tickets are so high is because of the taxes associated with each purchase - have these been received by our broke government or do they not ever leave the NAC coffers ?

The NAC have hijacked the roads around POMIA and demanding ludicrous payments (cash sales) for simple infrastructure access. If they don’t already receive enough through the ticket taxes.

This cost gouging just has to stop - the access charges to the state owner infrastructure in a country whereby air travel is the ONLY form of transport is almost criminal. Why is it allowed to continue ?

The needless queues, parking chaos and traffic flow through POMIA domestic terminal is idiotic and the disease is spreading to the International terminal.

NAC restrictions to PMV’s, Taxi’s and now private motor vehicles is only making air travel less available to the us.

Other countries may make money through privately owned airports- but they have choice - we do not. Our roads do not connect, our shipping is poor and slow and

Quick thoughts

the ‘Tardis’ is usually out of action - oh sorry I though I was in the NAC imaginary land of make belief for a minute.

The NAC falls under the Department of Transport ? So all their collected funds go to them - right ? So why are our transport so poorly regulated - the PMV’s are crap, the Taxi’s are out of control the road rules are a farce and enforcement invisible...

All that money with nothing to show. I know, lets just keep crying poor and wait another (CADIP foreign) aid project for ’cash cow’ milking.

DROWNING CITIZEN

Kundiawa, civilisation and development

WITH the advance of civilization onto our land many years ago, Chimbu people have done their share of contribution to our country’s development.

For the good and for the bad. As a senior citizen of Chimbu. I have not seen or heard of a single time in the past when our six elected members of parliament sit together and hold round table discussions on the development aspects of our provincial headquarters, Kundiawa.

Over many terms of parliament, leaders

of varying qualities came and went. Of those, only two stick out: Okuk and Mai. Had our leaders swallowed their pride and given back to Chimbu since after 1975, Kundiawa would be a city by now.

I challenge Mori. Kama, Kuman, Palma, Onglo, Kua and Dua to put their heads and hearts together and cooperatively develop little Kundiawa for the Chimbu yomba. Each of you have your plates full with your respective people’s development plans but just a small fraction of your time

and efforts can be allocated to a just cause: the development of Chimbu’s only town. JFN

Is Papua New Guinea broke or broken?

AS WE start the new financial year I wonder if our Papua New Guinea leaders will start to live up to the electoral promises and deliver much meed solutions to the many woes we all face.

We hear that the PMGH was running on skeleton staff because doctors were on their holidays, police stations unattended, various government business enterprises service not functioning due to staff holidays or specific branch closures because of budget cuts.

Constant political rhetoric is used when we don’t have services along the line that there is no money in the Vulipindi Haus coffers to support the governments projects. This Beggars belief, if the treasurer or finance minister cannot follow

the money trail from the point of sale or counter services into the various government agency operating funds they need to be sacked. Instead of relying on the reports from the senior executives - perhaps they should step into the shoes of the normal citizens and follow the money from the grass roots up.

Then perhaps the money that is hidden away from the central revenue can be found and then used for the governments initiatives - not the various department secretaries (public servants) who operate their own Ponzi money schemes. If every government department consolidate all monies into Vulipindi then submit budget allocations then perhaps the real financial picture of Papua New Guinea could be

ANOTHER YEAR

IT is January 2020 now with school year approaching. The government has slashed TFF policy with parents to pay 37 per cent or 50 per cent of the approved school fees structures. It is unclear whether the government will set the approved school fees structure or will they be set by the respective school boards of provincial education boards. This needs to be made clear by now so that parents start preparing. Parents have no issue paying school fees with the sustenance expenses to keep their children thru the school years. No issues but think again, imagine a family unit with 5 or 7 children to support, from elementary grade to high school to secondary schools. Is there any relief formula for such category of parents. Educating

a nation is a national calling because at the end, one will pay taxes to the state from craddle to the grave. For example, during my time, my parents paid my school fees and when I started working in the formal sector, I think I may have paid nearly K700,000 in taxes over the 35 years of my working life, with clear IRC records indicate I have paid nearly K650,000 over 17 years with Oil Search Limited. So, my friend’s, educating a nation is a state responsibility, however, if the state is unable, ok let’s share the burden but then is there any relief policy for burdened parents with more than 1 child. Let’s be realistic and put on our thinking caps. Looking forward to 2020 school year?.

Yapi Akore, Kagua-Erave

MP is Yopyyopy not any other

THE STORY, “Call for member for Wosera Gawi to fix roads in Kwosingwa” (Post-Courier, Monday, December 30, 2019 at page 18) brought a barrage of criticism against all and sundry.

transparent for ALL to see. Does departmental budget allocation allow for self administered operating accounts ? or is ‘double dipping’ just another name for corruption.

I see a call for PNG to take back SOE control - great ! jobs for suitable Papua New Guineans of which there are many and if realistically remunerated may provide a genuine pay structure for all to break the perpetual poverty that has stifled economic growth in the grass roots people ever since our colonial master were removed.

Come on Papua New Guinea - lets take back what is ours - for all of us to prosper.

SILENT MAJORITY TRIBE PNG

I was not aware until a relative mentioned that he had commented on Facebook discussions to put to rest the misnomer that candidates were mandated leaders.

Unfortunately, those commenting are educated but not so on government and governance. Election is truly gone. It was not difficult to know who the leader of Wosera Gawi is in the National Parliament.

He is Hon. Joseph Jerry Yopyyopy who is also the Minister for Education in the Marape - Davis Government. It means the news item in the Post-Courier was a call to MP Yopyyopy. I am not MP so please get your

facts right when commenting. Roads and bridges have always been issues in Wosera Gawi since 1997 National General Elections. For 10 years the leadership was with Kwosingwa via Galus Yumbui. In 2007 it was Ronald Asik. From 2012 it is.Joseph Jerry Yopyyopy.

These leaders can be asked historical and present leadership and governance questions. Candidates were only presenting themselves for consideration by the voters. They had no mandate of voters to have been responsible or accountable for leadership they never had.

I hope we the educated elites of Wosera Gawi can see our viewpoints from perspective of truth and reality.

God bless you all.

JAMES WANJIK PORT MORESBY

10 years ago People of Pomio in East New Britain get a new shipping vessel, the MV Marunga, bought in Indonesia, through the support of their local MP

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

Minister for Public Enterprises and State Investmenets Sasindran Muthuvel aims to take back PNG s state-

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

Morobe Province beckons

BY BARNEY ORERE borere@spp.com.pg

WHY not look up Morobe Province?

It’s waiting. Find out how Nadzab the gateway got its name! It’s not Morobean even!

First thing that strikes you when you set foot at Nadzab is the wall of mountains rising to the south-west and curving eastward to form a gigantic basin. It’s called Markham Valley. This scene changes when you get up in the air as mountains spread out.

On the ground in Nadzab, you’re surrounded by this wall of mountains. You get the feeling that you’ve arrived somewhere because you feel trapped. Inside the bowl, there are no hills or high ground; it is just flat as far as the eye can see and it runs all the way down to the coast and the City of Lae, some 60 minutes away.

This was perhaps the beginning of the Huon Gulf; mountains closing in and creating a wide flat space pointing to the sea. It’s interesting that roughly on the other side of the ocean across the ranges is the Gulf of Papua. And there’s a massive valley there too with its back to the north stretching out toward the coast where they’ve started oil palm.

Meanwhile, from Nadzab, if you look north, what’s in front are mountains that guard the entrance to Nawaeb. The look of these mountains give you your first taste of the highlands because they are not the sort of mountains you’re used to seeing; they are work of art. Drive up the road to Erap Boy’s Town and the vastness of the Markham Valley blows you away.

Many of us come from places where there are no valleys as big as this; at least not that flat to start off with. The only other valley that commands respect is the Lai Valley in Enga which catches your attention from the air as your aircraft turns its back on Western Highlands to find Wapenamanda. But when you actually get into the valley, you can’t really tell the difference. And that’s what makes the Markham Valley and the flat leading down to Lae so different from others.

It’s a long straight to Erap River and when you turn west, rich agricultural land greets you all the way to 40 Mile. One of the biggest oil palm estates is to be found here. If you are a green finger, you’ll be watering at the mouth to see such fertile land.

Forty mile is a point along the Highlands Highway starting from Lae. The highway crawls up to Kainantu, Goroka, Kundiawa, to Mt Hagen, and then it splits to go south to Mendi and to Porgera or north to Wabag. From Porgera you can come in a loop down to Wabag and back to Hagen. Wabag is one place I could not get my bearing straight because the sun was coming up looking north. But that was actually east; the sun always comes up from the east and I could not understand that I was looking in the direction of Hagen which was east!

There are PMVs coming down

Promote your place, Promote investment

from Goroka all the time. You can also go from Lae to Madang by PMV. Despite the bad press we get sometimes about these places, it is truly amazing to see the landscape and lifestyle of the people because there’s just so much contrast.

About 15 minutes out of Lae, you leave the Highlands Highway and turn into Klinki Highway, also called the Bulolo-Menyamya Highway. First sight to behold is the Markham River bridge; one of the longest in PNG. It’s one way traffic so you have to wait for the vehicle on the other side to clear.

This river spreads like butter and although it looks harmless, its power is tremendous when in flood. You’ll see why as you climb those mountains mentioned at the outset. Steep, they slice the air creating gorges in which different creeks meander to link and end up as the Markham to give its devastating force of gravity to invade the Huon Gulf.

The headwaters are host to half dozen gold operations.

About an hour before Bulolo is Mumeng. Beyond the Government station is a tableland with mountains on both sides. A tiny creek from the right flank is notorious for creating havoc, the scenery resembling a lunar wasteland.

Five minutes out of Bulolo, the road splits into Wau and Menyamya. Wau, Bulolo and Eddie Creek are famous gold dredging places whose history goes back before WWII. But for the intrepid traveler, maybe Menyamya might be more adventurous. You can visit the smoked corpses at Angapena and go on to Menyamya if you want to meet Kukukuku tribesmen who are shy of modernization and still wear primitive gear.

These people only venture out as far as Menyamya station. From Kapao it’s quite a long drive; maybe four hours. You’ll find a bloke by the name of Jackty Yotipo at Kapao.

He can drive you to climb the Angapena Mountain to visit the smoked corpses. The drive takes about an hour and the climb, 90 minutes – fifty minutes up and 40 minutes down. Video shots are charged at K300 and stills, half that.

On my first morning in Kapao, Mr Yotipo who is LLG president took me in one of his short wheel base land cruisers to look for fuel and because the exhaust had a hole it sounded like a rocket. It was terrifying as Jackty hurtled down the dusty track, twisting and turning with explosion of sound. I felt trapped by the safety net on the windscreen.

The family was hospitable (pictured at top). They prepared a room for me to sleep and I bought some rice from their little trade store. For meals we sat in the kitchen which had a big fire place. The temperature in Kapao drops at midday when the wind picks up.

There’s plenty to see along the long highway. One big road-side market about one hour after the Markham crossing is the usual break. But to get to Kapao or Menyamya, you’d be best advised to hire a four wheel drive in Lae.

Back in Lae, my favourite place is the market. There’s a whole lot of discovery waiting there apart from the different mouth-watering kaikai. We build markets like supermarkets. But the adventurer’s idea of a market in a place like Lae is to build on land the size of six football fields.

My next adventure is to Salamaua.

The plane finds the Morobe coast here and you can see some islands. You follow the coast up to the mouth of the Markham and the highway to Nadzab. Then I want to go to Siassi Island to witness some of their ancient cultures to do with initiation when the tubuans come out in December, or perhaps harvest galip nuts with the locals.

Before we split here’s a ge. NADZAB is acronym for North American Demilitarized Zone Airforce Base.

Markham

Pictures – CLOCKWISE: One of the guides at Kapao looking south toward Kerema, Donna Wanga of Siassi with the island’s famous export- the galip nut and the mighty

caught meandering. It was the first time for Zacharias and Roslyn to be photographed and when Zacharias saw his wife’s face in the digi cam, he exclaimed: “Ah, meri bilong me!” (Ah, my wife). And he grinned from ear to ear. Rosalyn was ecstatic.

Development still lacking in WHP

still managed to came this far to complete the year on a high note.

In Mt Hagen, capital of Western Highlands Province, it is the central hub for all highlands provinces but no major development took shape to benefit the people of the province, including the other parts of the highlands region.

The province witnessed the opening of the new Kagamuga international airport and launching of the Hides Gas power grid that is now undergoing construction.

The four lane road from Kagamuga international to Keltiga outside Mt Hagen is slowly taking shape under the China Harbour Railway construction.

Most of the people predicted that the four-lane road construction will be completed at the end of October 2019, but the work is still continuing and it is believed that the work will be completed by mid June or October 2020.

Another project now taking shape is the redevelopment of the Kagamuga international airport that may be completed mid June next year.

After the completion of these two projects, it will add colour to the province and the task is with the people to take ownership.

Law and order was not stable in all highlands provinces, despite the efforts of the policemen and women who tried all their best to restore law and order with little resources and logistical support provided.

There were reports of killings in Southern Highlands Province, Hela, Enga, Western Highlands, Jiwaka and Chimbu.

The worst occurred in Hela following the shooting of a mobile squad policeman and 26 people killed in an ambush, while in Enga there killing of people in alcohol-related issues.

In Western Highlands and Jiwaka there were also reports of killings in the respective provinces from drinking brawls.

With the new year 2020, it is about time people change their mindset and help contribute towards the development of this country and do away with illegal social activities that paint a bad picture.

In the past four decades there were no major developments that took place and the country is still struggling to develop.

The onus is now with the politicians that were elected to represent their people on the floor of the national Parliament.

During the election period they come back to their people and ask for votes, and when they collect the votes they turn a blind eye on their people and live their own lives in luxury.

Some main centres and most rural parts of the country do not see major developments take place because of corruption.

The leaders are rooted in corruption and find it hard to deliver essential services to their people.

BY MAL TAIME

2019 was a very challenging year for everyone, especially from government and private sector,

because of the financial constraints that hit them hard. Amid the financial crisis, the private and government sectors struggled to face challenges but

On the other side, the MPs are shifting the blame on the country’s cash flow and there is no funds allocated to deliver goods and services to the people.

And yet no one seems to spend time in the provinces or electorates, only a handful of members do so.

And when back home the people confront them with yellow envelopes containing ghost claims, and this is how they chase their members away from their doorsteps.

The members have been elected to deliver services to the people and not to accept and entertain unnecessary claims.

This year will be the beginning of the new era, and the people must change their mindset for change to take place for the benefit of them and their children in the future.

For infrastructure, there was no maintenance carried out on the Highlands Highway and that has affected the people’s lives.

The Highlands Highway is the lifeline of the country that links the mineral and natural resource projects that generate income and contribute towards the national purse, but the government continue to turn a blind eye on upgrading of the Highlands Highway.

If the government really wants to take back PNG, it must start to take some action now and not only preach to take back PNG.

There are no developments taking place in the country because of corruption that is already rooted all government and private sector systems.

The government must come up with a solution to fighting corruption before taking back PNG. The people have been waiting patiently to see the new government do something that will take back PNG.

It has been almost nine months since the new government took over and it must be serious in its agendato take back PNG.

Above: A local pointing to a bad section of the Highlands Highway early last year. Below: The den for homebrew production in Mt Hagen that was raided by police. File pictures

The residents of Mt Hagen complained about the lack of rubbish bins in the city to dispose of rubbish properly.

Call on govt to reduce tax rates

BY JILL MIRR DWU JOURNALISM STUDENT

A RESOURCE owner group from Abau district in Central province is calling on the National Government to lessen its newly introduced export tax rate on logging for the benefit of local communities around the country.

They are claiming that the recently imposed 70 per cent increase on log export levy will drastically affect logging companies and chase away investors.

The Masiu Trust company limited (MTCL) of Abau is among many recourse owners who have raised concerns on the export tax increase which was recently announced this year.

The group said essential services provided by investors should be considered before imposing such inflated increase for the good of all parties involved including local communities.

MTCL is a member of the PNG Forest Industries Association and it has expressed dissatisfaction, claiming there were no proper con-

sultation, dialogue and input from resource owners before handing down the increase.

Maisu Trust company chairman Jack Araua told Post-Courier that benefits like employment, business spin-offs, roads, health and educa-

tion among others provided by logging companies would be affected.

Mr Araua said the tax increase will sink those opportunities currently being delivered by investors at the doorsteps of local communities.

He said resource owners will be greatly affected if investors shutdown operations and leave.

“Before it was very hard to travel to Moresby, we walked long distances with our goods, sometimes we get them to town in time but most time we do not.

“All this have changed when the investors came in and now we have access to improved roads, electricity, aid posts and medicine and a more improved lifestyle,” he said.

Mr Araua said they were calling on the government to reconsider the decision and consult affected communities for a better and consolidated tax regime that would benefit all parties.

He also appealed to the other 22 resource landowner companies to support their call respectively for the good of the people around the country.

PNG Paediatric society receives new vehicle

THE PNG Pediatric or Children Society can now follow up on children with TB, HIV and TB malnutrition for treatment completion using a donated vehicle.

The vehicle was donated through the generous support of the Australian department of foreign affairs and trade (DFAT) and Ela Motors.

Pediatrician Dr Henry Welch thanked the sponsors for a “very beautiful Christmas gift” presented on Christmas Eve.

Dr Welch said the vehicle has been donated to PNG Paediatric Society and will be used to carry out work in the community.

The society has found that many children with TB and HIV and malnutrition did not complete their TB treatment, while some got lost in follow up, and did not come back to the clinic for many reasons.

“This vehicle will allow healthcare workers to go out and give better treatment to these families, keep them in care, and find more TB cases in the community.

“Most importantly it will help families affected by TB and HIV,” Dr Welch said.

These vehicle will allow health care workers to go out and give better treatment.

Catholic Bishops conference supports theme green 2020

THIS year is all about plant health as the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) of Papua New Guinea will be adopting a go green keep it clean approach in their Media Education Seminars and the International Film Festival this year.

According to Fr Ambrose Pereira, CBC Secretary for communications and youth, their approach is aligned with the United Nations which has declared 2020, as the international year of plant health (IYPH).

VILLAGE CHILDREN HAVING FUN

postcards. Pictured are some of their young cheerful children at the Mailu beachfront in this Reuben Pokanau picture.

The objective of the IYPH is to raise awareness on the importance and impacts of plant health in addressing global issues, including hunger, poverty, threats to the environment and economic development.

Fr Ambrose shared that it is in giving that you will receive.

With that the Catholic Bishop Conference plans on reaching out to the marginalised, the poor, those in prisons, the refugees, the drug addicts and the street kids.

Not only that but he also extended an encouragement to Catholics

FR AMBROSE Pereira, CBC Secretary for communications and youth

throughout the country to try to understand the Catholic faith, what the Sacraments mean and how they can be translated into life and living. He concluded by wishing everyone blessed and prosperous 2020.

MAILU Island is located on the border of Milne Bay and Central Provinces. These islanders are great seafarers and survive using their navigating skills to sail long distances along the Eastern Papua coast to trade and conquer new land for hundreds of years. They now regularly travel to the mainland to trade their fish in exchange for garden produce or using modern currency to buy store goods. One of the most untouched tourism destinations in the world with its amazingly beautiful setting and natural environment which is something you only see on

JACK Araua chairman of Maisi Trust Company Limited.

FROM L-R: IRUNA Laha, fleet coordinator Abt Associates, Pediatricians; Dr Henry Welch, Dr Kone Sobi and Warwick Age.

DR HENRY WELCH Port Moresby

Gumini launches first SME

BY FRANK RAI

GUMINI district in Chimbu Province recently launched its first ever funding grant for small and medium enterprise (SME) projects to boost and compliment the agriculture sector in the district.

A funding allocation of K2.23 million was allocated by Gumini district development authority (DDA) to support district farmers in the agriculture sector to engage in SME projects.

In the program, close to a million cocoa seedlings will be provided to farmers and this will be the second district in the highlands region apart from neighbouring KarimuiNomane district to grow cocoa.

The Karamui-Nomane district won the World Prestigious Award in Paris, France, last year for its high grade organic cocoa, edging out fellow competitors in Morobe and East New Britain provinces.

This has prompted local MP and Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology

Nick Kuman to introduce cocoa farming in the district due to its similarity in climate and topography.

At the launching in Tekla village in Gumini district, Mr Kuman told a capacity crowd that the K2.23 million will support SME projects in the agriculture sector for locals to cultivate their land and to boost the rural economy.

He said amongst other agricultural cash crops like coffee, bulb onion, vegetables, potato including cattle farming, piggery and poultry, the district was prepared to introduce cocoa farming to local farmers.

“Gumini district is the neighbor of Kaiamui-Salt Nomane and have

Truckers wary of harrassment

the same type of environment and climate. We (Gumini) can produce high grade organic cocoa and close to a million seedlings will be made available for farmers,” Mr Kuman said.

He added that villages that would trial out the project include Nondi, Kore, Amea, Kalwari with the inclusion of Omegulg, Emari, Sinabomami, Oldaim, Gelpag and Gebawalma.

The minister said those villages will trial out cocoa cultivation together with vanilla, adding that the first harvest should be expected around June or July this year.

“I urge Gumini people to come back to the village because this is where the government will put money for people to start SME projects to sustain their livelihood.

“We (Gumini DDA) want the people to embrace the new cash crop as in return, it will boost the rural economy back in the communities and district,” Mr Kuman said.

He said the SME launching also paves way for the district to become a food basket to the upcoming National Polytechnic College that will be established in the district this year.

Mr Kuman said farmers would be supported through the SME for cattle farming, piggery, poultry, potato, vegetables and other agricultural produce to become the food basket for the college. He said this project will encourage landowners to become direct beneficiaries from the college, adding that spin-off benefits would support the local population. Mr Kuman also made a commitment to park another K5 million in this year’s budget for next year (2021) and onwards to support SME through agriculture.

BLIND MAN’S TUNES A HIT IN BANZ TOWN

Despite being a blind man, Simon Emil has been singing and strumming his guitar at Banz town in Jiwaka for the last 18 years. He likes to imitate local artists with their songs but also composes his own lyrics in both Tok Pisin and the Jiwaka language. He captivates and entertains the towns folks with his unique talent. Sometimes they give him money which helps him to buy food for the night. He comes from Kendu village in the North Waghi district and is from the Tsenglap tribe. Currently, he lives with friends at Waghi Valley and takes the bus every morning to Banz town and returns in the afternoon. He said both his biological parents are gone. He first began to play using a ukulele, then to guitar and at one occasion, he said he had a touch of an electric guitar with popular Jiwaka artist Pat Siwi.

BY MICHAEL KOMA

ALL trucking companies operating the Highlands Highway stopped their trucks from travelling the highway between midnight and 4pm on New Year in fear of harassment and unprecedented roadblocks by opportunists.

PMV buses and trucks have ceased using the highway within the same time period due to the same reasons.

Rural PMV operators held back their vehicles and had refused to transport passengers and food/ cash crops from the rural areas like Gumine, Elimbari, Gembogl, Koge, Jimi, Nondugl, Mul-Bayier and Solnomane into Kundiawa, Banz and My Hagen for sale.

All shops and the public market in Kundiawa, Minj and Banz were closed on January 1 and were expected to resume normal operations on January 2.

Masul Highway Patrol 5 had reported that no major accidents apart from drunken youths causing nuisance along the highway. Police reports coming in from Kerowagi also indicated that drunkenness and unruly behavior were the order of the day in the township.

Repeated attempts to contact the provincial police commander Jacob Singura for comments were unsuccessful.

Several policemen in Kundiawa told the Post-Courier that the station did not have enough vehicles for police operations during the festive period.

They said most of the police fleet was put on tender recently without any replacement.

New priest ordained into Wabag diocese

BY ALE ASA

CATHOLIC faithfuls in Wabag gave thanks to God for their new priest ordained at the Sari Holy Family Parish, a few minutes east of Wabag town last Friday. More than 3000 faithfuls came together last month to witness Wabag Diocese Bishop Arnold Orowae ordain young Reverend Deacon Newman Kingi.

Bishop Orowe, in his ordination sermon, said being a priest is not as easy as many think. He said priests are servants of God who have answered His call.

“The call as priest or other consecrated clergy are not easy and it is not you who chooses but God chooses you for the job. And it is God’s special call to be His witness,

be His servant, representative of His Gospel and the ministry. It is God who chooses you to be His tool and instrument to witness His peace, humbleness, justice, mercy and kindness.

“And when you follow this call, you must be prepared to leave all you have and where you are and go closer to God like Peter and James who left the fishing boat and followed Jesus with the inspiration of God’s power.

“You must also be prepared to possess Him, follow Him and always give Him all your heart for whatever missions he calls you.

“To possess Him, you must get rid of many things in your life, make room for Him to work in you and make Him Lord and Saviour in your life.”

Deacon Newman Kingi receiving the Sacrament of Priesthood ordination from Bishop Arnold Orowae from Wabag Diocese at Sari Holy Family Parish last month. He was assisted by Rev Deacon James Kambo (left) who will be ordained on January 13 at Pumakos Parish in Tsak Valley in Wapenamanda district. - PTCTURE BY ALE ASA.

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

Youths stage neighbourhood watch program

Access for Wain-Erap and Nabak LLG people

BY NATALIE CHOLOHEI

THE construction of the Yanem footbridge in Bambok village will provide accessibility to people of Wain-Erap and Nabak LLGs in the Nawaeb district for the first time in many years.

It has always been difficult for the people to get across from one LLG to the other as there was no bridge or road linking the two LLGs.

There were talks on the construction of a permanent bridge and a ring-road system from the area under previous governments, however actual work never happened.

With the construction of a footbridge currently underway, the people are hopeful it is the start of

many good things to come.

Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu said the construction of the footbridge came about with the urgency of the ELCPNG 32nd national synod that will take place at Boana ELC district on January 12-17.

Mr Saonu said he understands this part of the district lacks major infrastructure development in terms of road and bridges.

He said the footbridge is a temporary link to allow the people access to attend the church event rather than taking the long way to the synod ground or risking their lives crossing the Yanem River.

“With the urgency of the synod which is a national event for the church, this is a temporary link

for the people to easily bring their food and other necessities across to attend the synod and also to ensure there is no casualties during the church gathering,” Mr Saonu said.

With K500,000 funding from the provincial services improvement program funds, construction began last week with foundations laid and actual structure soon to be made. Project coordinator Israel Isan said they were optimistic the footbridge would be completed in time for the synod to start. He said after the synod, they will be looking at sourcing funds to construct a permanent Yanem bridge and work on the ring-road through the district.

Christians urged to see Christ as their way to Heaven

THE Papua New Guinea Revival Fellowship successfully concluded a weeklong Christmas camp at Nadzab, Morobe province last Sunday.

BY MAXINE KAMUS DWU Journalism student

WITH the recent increase of law and order issues in Madang Province, youths from Ward seven in the Newtown area have formed a neighborhood watch program in the area to make sure residents move freely to the bus stops, shops and markets and back to their homes.

The program was an initiative of Madang Town Mayor Ishmael Yama, who asked the youths of Ward seven to stand in front of the Newtown Plaza supermarket and main bus stop to remove drunkards and anyone who is disturbing the peace.

Youth representative Daniel Buka said the youths of Newtown were

really excited with the initiative in making sure the community is free to move around, especially young ladies and mothers.

“With the increase of law and order issues in Madang, there has been a lot of petty thief and drunkards’ harassing young ladies and mothers in our area. So we are happy to give back to our community by making sure everyone feels safe to move around and also we are happy with the mayor for his support in this.” said Mr Buka.

The program was successfully carried out during the New year’s period where the community in the Ward seven area in Madang, moved around freely to the bus stops, shops and markets without any petty thief or harassment problems from drunkards.

Next decade will be good for Sepik peole: Bird

EAST Sepik Governor Allan Bird predicts that the next decade from this year on will be much better for his Sepik people.

“2020 to 2030 is a very exciting decade for us. I expect this to be the decade of exceptional growth and prosperity in the greater Sepik region,” he said on social media.

He added that it required the people to broaden their mind to see new opportunities.

“For instance, in 2017, I told our people that cocoa prices will improve in 2019: plant cocoa, rehabilitate your blocks. Don’t wait for free handouts from Government. Invest in yourself, trust yourself. Well, cocoa prices did improve and those who took the opportunity are now reaping the benefits. And they are going to get better in the near term,” Mr Bird said. He said the world cocoa market was worth K600 billion as opposed to K2.4 billion for vanilla.

“This is why I am confident the cocoa market can accommodate many of our people,” Mr Bird said.

Seeing thriving business opportunities in the Maprik and Angoram district headquarters, he has requested Bank South Pacific and Kina Bank to open branches there.

“An enterprising foreign business invested in a hardware and retail business in Angoram recently and they

are reaping the benefits. Angoram is the next Maprik,” Mr Bird said.

“Today the Sepik economy is worth around K800 million annually. In another 2 years I am expecting this figure to at least double. That means 100 per cent increase in opportunities.

“In January, 2020, we expect UNFAO to setup office to begin the rollout of the EU STREIT Program. This will be the largest single investment in agriculture in the South Pacific and certainly the Sepik region.

“There are no free handouts. This is a program that will support those who are already here and working hard.

“By June, 2020, we expect to announce the Sepik Agriculture Blueprint,” he said.

“This is a good time to start planning an investment in Sepik, especially if you call this home. The work of Government is to facilitate for the private sector.

“The biggest private sector is our own people. We are doing that. We are creating the environment for opportunities to grow. We are living in a time of great promise. I encourage you to study the opportunities in Sepik and figure out how you can participate.

“The playing field is open to everyone. Only those with the discipline, commitment and the desire to work hard will succeed. Time to get in on the ground floor,” Mr Bird said.

Appointment of new church pastors and leaders was also done at the conclusion of the workshop. The Christmas camp was held with the theme: I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Nobody comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6)

Host Pastor of Lae Assembly, and chairperson of PNG Revival Fellowship Titus Molo urged the Christians who were present at the camp to see Jesus Christ as their way to heaven.

“We need to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith who for joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and sat at the right hand of God.

“People do not walk in the spirit

and therefore they do not grow in the spirit, just like a baby who lays crying in a cot all its life, it will not learn how to walk, eat, or even talk, and become mature,” Pr Molo said.

He said that Christians needed to learn how to live in the spirit and not after the flesh.

The next Christmas camp and thanks giving will be held at Mount Kuta in Western Highlands Province in December this year.

WARD seven youths standing outside Newtown Plaza in Madang Province.

Landowners question mining law changes

THE Panguna landowners have called for consultation ahead of renewed push to amend Bougainville’s Mining Laws.

In a recent interview with Reuters , Bougainville vice-president and Mining Minister Raymond Masono said, in reference to his determination to push through with highly controversial amendment of mining legislation at all costs, that “the revolution is ongoing”.

Philip Miriori, the chairman of the Special Mining Lease Osikaiyang Landowners Association (“SMLOLA”) said; “There has been no consultation by the Mining Department with landowners post the rejection of amending legislation by the Bougainville Parliamentary legislative committee - none.”

“This legislation is opposed by each and every Panguna Landowner Association, local government bodies and all sections of the community. It will be a disaster for the mining industry in Bougainville and will ensure Panguna is never reopened.”

“Both the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the national government want Panguna to be reopened, so that it can reduce the dependency of Bougainville on the PNG national budget and enable us to deliver fiscal self-reliance for all Bougainvilleans,”Lawrence Daveona said,

“The Panguna landowners have written to Prime Minister James Marape, drawing his attention to

this offensive and destructive attack on all Bougainville landowner’s hard-won legal rights being removed with the stroke of the pen, to allow the illegal transfer of the Panguna mine together with a near monopoly over all future large scale mining on Bougainville, to an unknown shelf company in the British Virgin Islands, based on a plan which can never work. PNG knows better than we do that, we must attract high quality foreign investment to grow and that means bringing in reputable development partners and allowing them to work with us to make Panguna and Bougainville a success.”

“This is the time for us all to pull together on the back of a very successful and peaceful Referendum. The revolution is done – a proposal like this will only create disharmony again and pit customary landowners against the mining department which is not necessary – we are here to work together co-operatively, to find a fair and equitable solution for everyone.”

The SMLOLA was established by the Autonomous Bougainville Government September 7 2011 with its Constitution being drafted by the ABG Mining Department.

The SMLOLA was established uniquely for and on behalf of all the customary landowners who own land contained within the area covered by the special mining lease at Panguna and now the subject of the expired EL 01,

Bishop laid to rest in Kavieng

including the land used for the Panguna gold and copper mine pit, industrial processing areas, Panguna township and the areas around the mine within the area contained in EL 01.

The stated purposes of the SMLOLA pursuant to its Constitution is set out in detail in clauses 1.2 (a) – (h), and includes amongst other things, the duty to maximise the commercial benefits of their members in the Panguna Mine and promote peace, unity and cooperation amongst landowners in a sustainable manner.

The customary landowners and their families are members of the SMLOLA by right of birth within the 7 named villages, in accordance with the Naisoi custom, and as set out in clause 2.1.1(a) of the SMLOLA constitution.

The SMLOLA has in excess of 3,500 members.

The governing body of the SMLOLA is democratically elected every three years as required by clause 4.3.3 of the constitution, by the members so that its structure and board is truly representative of the owners. The current board was elected on 21 December 2018.

Section 8 of the Bougainville Mining Act states that “all minerals existing on, in or below the surface of customary land in Bougainville are the property of the owners of the customary land. This is exactly the same as our unwritten customary law on minerals ownership that has been in effect for millennia.

PAPUA New Guinea’s longest serving Catholic Bishop, Ambrose Kiapseni, was laid to rest late last month in Kavieng, New Ireland Province.

He passed away on December 20, and has been a bishop of the church from 1991 to 2018, when he resigned, making him the longest serving Papua New Guinean bishop of the church.

Bishop Kiapseni was born on October 16, 1945. He was ordained a priest of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the January 7, 1975. On May 12, 1991, he was ordained Bishop of Kavieng.

Cardinal Sir John Ribat, Archbishop of Port Moresby, presided at the requiem mass for bishop Kiapseni. Archbishop Francesco Panfilo of the Archdiocese of Rabaul and Bishop Rochus Josef Tatamai Bishop of Kavieng diocese, were co-celebrants together with Fr Siby and Gianni OFM, Vicar General of Vanimo and Aitape dioceses and several other priests from the three deaneries of Manus, Kavieng and Namatanai.

New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan, a long-time friend and colleague in the leadership of Bishop Kiapseni, represented the government together with several others. Robin Brown, first secretary, delivered the governor’s condolence message marking their long years and terms of collaboration throughout the state- church partnership program in New Ireland Province.

Despite the rain on the previous day, the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Kavieng was

packed to capacity as the people paid their last respects.

Bishop Rochus Josef Tatamai delivered the homily and conducted the burial rites at Kopkop the MSC centre cemetery, while Archbishop Francesco Panfilo did the final commendation at the cathedral.

Fr Clement Taulam, dean of Manus, delivered the eulogy that was prepared by Fr Gerard Savian. The vicar general Fr Vincent Takin delivered the condolences messages from Cardinal Pietro Parolin on behalf of Pope Francis and from Archbishop Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal, Apostolic Nuncio PNGSI, as well as the message of condolence from Fernando Cardinal Filoni, prefect of the congregation of the evangelisation of peoples.

The diocesan choir led the solemn liturgy and sang Bishop Kiapseni’s favourite Latin mass, liturgical and eucharistic hymns.

The entire eucharistic celebration captured the joyful Christmas as well as the Easter joy that Christ has risen and lives forever.

ENB farmers urged to produce quality copra

BY GRACE LIMA

Farmers in East New Britain have been urged to produce good quality copra before selling to local buyers.

Kokonas Indastri Koporesen (KIK)

trainer New Guinea Islands and senior compliance and quality inspector Michael Sovek said it is important for farmers to produce quality copra because the impact of poor

quality would also affect the quality of its oil.

“On the larger scale, what we export from here is what exactly that we get in terms of copra products.

“Very limited products will come out from the copra that we export which will be only used for industrial cosmetic products for women”.

Mr Sovek said many women and girls today get diseases like breast cancer because of the low quality

copra that is in the country’s exports. He said the quality of copra is affected by mold.

“Quality copra starts from the farm to the preparation and how long the coconut is being kept in the open before processing to copra dryers.

“Coconut has water content and before farmers prepare for selling, they must test their copra produce.

If there is no moisture machine there are other techniques such as burn test and if the flame turns blue, it is quality copra,” Mr Sovek said.

He said currently the province and country is exporting poor and low quality copra which results in the products that the exporters import back. He reminded the farmers not to be lazy, or be price driven with the intention to get quick money but

consider their life and their future generations and work with patience to produce better copra.

KIK has already started training to assist in producing, buying, assessing and inspecting copra for local milling and overseas export. The industry is currently running training for copra assessors, inspectors, producers, buyers, exporter, agriculture officers, plantation managers and stakeholders.

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

OTHER priests led by Cardinal Sir John Ribat carry the late bishop’s body to the grave.

LATE Bishop Ambrose Kiapsen.

extra

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

St Mary’s Vunapope gets district hospital status

BY AHISHA MANGOT

DWU

Journalism student

SAINT Mary’s Vunapope Hospital has been elevated to a district hospital status.

This was revealed by the hospital administrator Albert Seri.

The St Mary’s Vunapope Hospital was established in 1930 by the German missionary sisters of the Sacred Heart as part of their evangelisation program.

Initially it was an aidpost and then was developed to health centre status until late August 2019 when the hospital was granted a district hospital status.

Mr Seri said the hospital has set up a committee in place and would officially launch its change of status in June this year.

“We are a privately run hospital founded by the nuns and we have been here for the people of this province”.

He said that St Mary’s hospital was elevated to a district hospital level simply because of performance.

He said that the hospital is in the heart of the Kokopo, the fourth declared city and the tourism hub and has always been attending to patients from the New Guinea Island region as well.

He said that with the province as a tourism hub, it means that the hospital would have to extend its services to accommodate for tourists as well.

“We are in the heart of Kokopo and it is a city so the services we provide and will continue to pro-

vide must also match the status of the province and it is only for the common good of the people.

“The fact that East New Britain is a tourism hub, is only right that achieving this status means we can also provide for tourists coming in with the services as expected.

“Nonga is also another hospital but it is far from the town so this change of status will be of advantage to everyone so basically it is accessible”.

“So far so good as we are not only providing to our own catchment areas, we have also provided people outside of our reach that have been coming in so basically it is about the performance of this hospital”.

Mr Seri said the status has changed but nothing has

changed in term of provision of services because they continuing to provide the services as always despite infrastructure and funding challenges.

He said that like other hospitals in the country they have had challenges in terms of infrastructure and funding.

“We do get government grants but because of the current economic state our grant does not usually come on time,” said Mr Seri.

Mr Seri said apart from the National Government grant the hospital gets their source of income from the fees charged. He said that the fees are usually used to step in when the hospital runs out of supplies from the area medical store because it is free.

Man murdered after villagers reach reconciliation

BY IAN MATHEW

A MAN in East New Britain Province was murdered in late November 2019 after two villages involved in a fight went into reconciliation.

According to provincial police commander Chief Inspector Joseph Tabali, the man died following a fight between Kunakunai and Turagunan villagers in the Raluana LLG, Kokopo district.

He said that the fight resulted from Kunakunai youths stoning PMV trucks belonging to Turagunan villagers which were passing through.

He said after fight, both villages came together for a reconciliation ceremony after having talks with the police and ended the day with a feast which was attended by PPC Tabali himself.

Chief Insp Tabali said that all the advice given by police and food shared among the villagers went to waste when the murder of Henry Bilituke, a 26 year old from Kunakunai village took place before the New Year at Turagunan.

He said that the Kunakunai villagers went up to Turagunan one night before the New Year and trespassed through the village area when the incident occurred.

He also said that the victim sustained two deep cuts on his left leg, one on his right le g and head and may have died from loss of blood.

Mr Tabali said seven suspects have been arrested, three from Kunakunai and four from Turagunan and would be charged for fighting as police investigations were still underway to find out the prime suspect behind the killing of late Bilituke.

He said that if investigations can prove that one person killed the victim then the suspect would be charged. “But if investigations can prove that all were involved in the killing then all will receive the same charge,” Chief Insp Tabali said.

Six New Year babies at Vunapope

BY AHISHA MANGOT DWU journalism student

THE birth of a new child brings joy to families who receive such blessing.

Such was the case in the New Year in Kokopo where couples received their bundle of joy, through the birth of a new child.

The St Mary’s Vunapope Hospital in Kokopo recorded the birth of six New Year babies, born on

January 01, 2020. The new born babies were four boys and two girls.

Four babies were born normally without any complications while the other two encountered complications during the process of labour.

One of the babies who went through complications during birth had a caesarian section resulting from mal-presentation and was born at 11:45 pm weighing 3.6kg to parents from Livuan,

Kokopo Vunamami LLG in the Kokopo district.

The other baby was born at 8.16am weighing 3.5kg and her parents are from Korere/Gelagela, Rabaul district. She had a destructive delivery for congenital fetal abnormality and she was a fresh still birth.

It remains a blessing that babies born during the New Year’s Eve were all well and healthy despite the complications some of them went through.

The heaviest baby is a girl weighing 3.7kg, born at 2.27am to parents from Milne Bay Province.

Albert Seri, the Hospital administrator for Vunapope General Hospital, has commended the hard working mid wives of the hospital for doing a splendid job delivering the New Year babies, citing that the staff have families at home, but were at work to ensure there were safe births during the festive season.

Albert Seri, Vunapope Hospital administrator

ENB PPC Joseph Tabali

The Karavi road along Kokopo road last week flooded following heavy downpour which left thick mud and debris causing hazard to traffic.

Picture: PORENI UMAU

DEBRIS AT KARAVI BRIDGE

If you have a business story to tell, call us on 309 1016 or email mvari@spp.com.pg and myafoi@spp.com.pg

Market Snapshot

Farmers need right tools

BY MELISHA YAFOI

FARMERS need to know their supply and value chain issues.

The Papua New Guinea representative for Grow Asia, Ivan Pomaleu said this.

Grow Asia is an entity created with an aim to assist challenges faced by farmers in the region.

He said since PNG became a member, amongst five other countries, they have been trying to assist farmers in Markham to have the right mechanisms in place in order to sell their crops well. Mr Pomaleu said they have been trying to deal with farmers and talk about the value chains including talking to agro businesses in Lae about the needs of the farmers. He said though there are distinctive partnerships there through cooperatives farmers are still not getting the real economic value of their crops hence there has to be a strategic plan in place to help them achieve that.

“The security of the land is not very clear as long as they are a registered cooperate society they are able to have that important partnership with agriculture.

(January 3)

“They have absolutely no ability to put finance inputs into the farming… ILG arrangement for farmers for transparent people to be able to finance that type of project (rice

US shale producer shares spike with oil prices but pare gains

HOUSTON - DENVER (Reuters) - Shares

of US shale producers spiked briefly on Friday as Middle East tensions boosted oil prices to an eight-month high, but the bump is likely to prove temporary and the companies will stay focused on costcutting in 2020.

Oil prices jumped as producers and service companies were evacuating foreign staff from Iraq for safety reasons after a US air strike killed a top Iranian commander in Iraq. Shares of Centennial Resource Development initially jumped as much as 8 per cent, Whiting Petroleum gained 9 per ent, WPX Energy and Continental Resources rose more than 3 per cent. Shares pared gains as investors ruled out major impacts on world oil supplies.

SE Asia Stocks-Most markets trim early gains as Mideast airstrikes hit sentiment

SHANGHAI (Reuters) -Most Southeast Asian stock markets trimmed early gains on Friday as mounting Middle Eastern tensions dented sentiment, while the Philippine index closed 1.3 per cent firmer after investors picked up beaten-down stocks. Risk appetite across global markets faltered after US airstrikes at Baghdad airport killed Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, heightening geopolitical tensions. Most regional markets pulled back from session highs yet ended in the black, with most of them posting solid weekly gains, as a steady growth in China’s production activity and its central bank announcing a cut in banks’ reserve ratio supported the mood.

Ivan

“I am not a farmer but my value in the process is so that we are able to connect with the different stakeholders to deal with important issues affecting farmers.

“We talk about supply and value chain, how we would like to see more land opening up for instance, what are their requirements, how can we make sure that the connectivity exist between the different stakeholders,” Pomaleu added.

Mr Pomaleu said they are doing this to provide more opportunities

Culture wants in on economic sector

BY ISAAC LIRI

THE National Performing Arts Theatre, more commonly known as the Raun Raun Theatre in Goroka, Eastern Highlands is calling on the national government to consider culture theatre as a way to generate the economy in the future.

Director Mr John Doa made these comments in the presence of the Finance Minister Rainbo Paita and the Prime Minister James Marape during their visit to Goroka last month.

“We understand that culture comes under the social sector

the Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association in December last year, in Port Moresby. farming),” he said. He said their job is to clear issues such as land so that actions could be taken.

right now but I think we should work to see that it comes under the economy sector because it is connected with tourism and has potential to generate revenue,” Mr Doa said.

“We get our share in the basket but the share we get is smaller than those in the economy sector, so I would like to bring to the attention of the government, if there is something to be done, then we should do it because after all our culture can make money.

Mr Doa said the iconic Raun Raun Theatre was reopened in September last year and since then has brought back the

cultural spirit of the national institution that brings tourists from far and wide.

He added that the Chinese investors coming into the Eastern Highlands province recently have also spoken about the potential of the Raun Raun theatre and challenged the PNG and EHP governments to take care of it as it can be seen as a treasure.

Since the theatre’s re-opening after falling into a deteriorating state, the Raun Raun Theatre programs continues to target unemployed persons on the streets that have talent in theatre arts.

to the landowners because many of them do not understand the policies.

“For me either we bring a drastic approach to the growers on the ground or we just spend time attracting educated Papua New Guineans back to the land to develop these policies,” he added.

supports call by Mining minister

BY MELISHA YAFOI

PRESIDENT of the Porgera Young Generation Association Jonah Kipu has joined in the call by Mining Minister Johnson Tuke for the Mining and Safety review to be pushed through.

Mr Kipu said its time the industry adheres to the call by the state and accept changes made in the revised mining Act, as for far too long the landowners have not been getting their appropriate benefits.

He said many of the decisions done by previous government and the ministers responsible has not made good arrangements in the past and as a result landowners did not get their actual benefits.

“Therefore I support the call by the Mining Minister Johnson Tuke to have the Mining Law reviewed to suit the needs of the state and us landowners and the common interest of the 8.5million people.

“This review will greatly assist those resource owners who have been denied their free equity,” he said.

He said the review act must include free equity for landowners.

“The Marape government and Johnson Tuke and attorney General should agree to a new provision which is free equity sharing for landowners and establishment of the future generation trust fund.

“That provision must be included in our new amendment of the Mining Act 1992,” he said.

Mr Kipu said industry players must not interfere but come to an agreement during the final consultation which will be held this year before its being tabled on the floor of Parliament.

“I dont want industry players to do the disturb the state with their concerns and give this chance to us resouse owners.

There are no excuses, the final consultation is this year and government will change the Act so landowners need to get our rightful benefits,” he said.Mr Kipu said they are now ready to work with government and see that the Mining review is being tabled this year.

Pomaleu speaking at the Agriculture cafe hosted by

The Raun Raun theatre in Goroka.

Local Local SME taps into fertiliser market

story behind Grow Hariap is a 10 year one that begun under the guidance of Caltep Holdings managing director Christopher Tep.

“We started this little project about 10 years ago. We put this project together and we have been working on this project up until 2017, two years ago, we actually came up with the exact product and we brought it out to the farming community for trials.

BY MATTHEW VARI

IN a country that relies heavily on imported fertilisers products to develop its agriculture industry, the development and production of locally produced organic fertiliser is always a plus.

This is in terms of cost and productivity in a nation richly blessed with agricultural lands.

This is especially so for Caltep Holdings Limited, who have developed their own 100 per cent pure organic Grow Hariap Fertiliser product and is already making waves in the agriculture sector.

While its fertiliser product was on show for the first time at the StartUp PNG 2019 Convention, last month in Port Moresby, the

“We have been observing that for two years and our two main observation areas were PAU for the coastal areas and in farmer plots in Western Highlands for Highlands vegetables, fruits, and nuts.

“This year (2019) we have come out to the market. We have not officially launched, but in the last 6 months we took the product out to the market and we wanted to get a feel and the response,” Mr Tep said. And a feel they did get with multiple farmers all testifying to the fertiliser’s positive effect on their crops around the country on the Grow Hariap Fertiliser social media page on Facebook.

“It has been very good. We are getting very positive feedback

from the market, especially the farming community, so definitely we are working towards next year (2020) we should formally launch our product.

Christopher explained the difference between their product and that of chemical fertilisers that have dominated the market.

“Chemical fertiliser comes in two forms, the first is reacted chemically and second it comes in a rock form, which are then crushed into granules and that is how the fertiliser is made.

“The top quality one is the organic one. The difference between them is one is organic and one is chemically made. Chemically made resembles the organic one.

“Ours is 100 per cent organic and it is compound fertilizer. Compound meaning that the other fertilisers chemical ones you have a single fertiliser, but the organic one we have a total of 16 different plant food all packed together in one making it a fertiliser that contains almost everything that a plant needs for growth development, flower production, and fruit production.

“So we have a full fertiliser that will be able to take care of

the plant from the seed stage all the way to maturity and fruit and vegetable production,” Mr Tep explained.

He pointed out that farming requires sustainability, and farmers need to have something that is cost effective, that is reliable and can be able to give the quantity and quality and consistency of food supply.

“So it is all about sustainability and if we continue to depend on imported fertiliser it is not only the cost, it also come with side effects as a chemical product to the environment and also to animals and plants.

“Whilst we have a sustainable source and it is very healthy. It is already local and it is sold at a reasonable price affordable and sustainable to our farmers.

These are 500mls (K60) and then we have the 1 litre (K100), and 20L, and the larger 200L for larger industrial use. Larger customers linked to Caltep Holdings include the Pacific Adventist University (PAU).The fertiliser is available in Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Wewak, Mount Hagen, and Rabaul.“We are a Family SME, we are new in the market but slowly we are getting there. We will get there,” Mr Tep added.

Mine employees bring cheer to hospital

CHRISTMAS is a time of sharing and happiness, so to extend the spirit of Christmas, some employees from the Porgera Mine, in Enga Province, visited the Paiam Hospital on Christmas Day.

An initiative of the employees to share in gifts and singing of Christmas carols with patients, over 20 employees took time out to be at the hospital.

Barrick (Niugini) Limited (BNL) operates the Porgera Mine on behalf of the joint venture partners.

As is a work culture on project sites within the extractive industry, many employees of the Mine were at work during the festive period, away from their loved ones, so the visit to the hospital was fitting.

The visit started at the general ward and then to the obstetrics and the gynaecology Ward.

The mine’s maintenance envi-

ronment management system officer Gloria Kensary, said the visit was to briefly share the day with the patients, who also had to be away from their loved ones, due to illness.

“We do not have big gifts to present but as a gesture to show that we remember you on this festive season,” Ms Kensary told patients and staff at the hospital.

The employees presented gift bags to patients containing basic toiletry items for both adults and children, as well as food stuff, among others.

In support of a good cause, BNL also donated cartons of toilet tissues and bath soaps.

Asset management and infrastructure manager Donald Nurthen, sympathised with patients that they had to spend the festive period in the hospital.

“Merry Christmas to the patients and their families. Sorry

that you must spend the day in the hospital but you are very lucky to have such good staff looking after you...the doctors, the nurses, all the teams who work so hard to keep this great hospital open.

Representing the hospital administration, director for nursing services, Elizah Parapu thanked the visitors for the gifts and also for taking the time to spend the day with everyone at the hospital.

CWA PNG guest house gets TPA accreditation

THE Country Women’s Association (CWA) of PNG was the proud recipient of Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) certification for their guest house facility.

The Boroko CWA Cottage has played a pinnacle role for women’s progress in society that goes back to pre-independence period starting in Sogeri during the 1950’s.

In an interview with guesthouse supervisor, Gemo Johns, she said the accreditation with the country’s tourism authority is a major plus for the small establishment when it comes to

visibility of potential lodgers from abroad.

CWA was first set up in Sogeri in the 1950’s by the wives of kiaps. Kiaps were patrol officers during colonial administration.

The CWA set-up was to assist local women in Port Moresby.

CWA was officially registered in 1971.

The organisation then moved down to Port Moresby from Sogeri, setting up its current location in Boroko.

“The guesthouse rents out six rooms and has a community hall for hire. We charge basic

room rent K150 twin share and rooms at K250 per night, said Mrs Johns.

“All rooms have toilets and shower, but with a common kitchen facility. The hire for the Hall is charged at K250 per hour.

“TPA Certificate of Accreditation means, we operate within NCDC and TPA accommodation guidelines and recommended to overseas markets,” Mrs Johns said. She said all proceeds from the guesthouse are to maintain the association’s overhead costs and support donations to its core objections to assist women as a non-profit charity organisation.

With plans by the association to expand throughout the country covering the 22 provinces, CWA PNG will be driving membership and branches establishment and the re-affiliation with the Associated Country Women of the World which has over 78 countries and 900 million members worldwide.

With current numbers in the country set at 500-plus registered members and increasing, the guesthouse is an assett of the National Council of CWA of PNG.

The TPA accreditation was granted on November 19, 2018.

Mr Tep displaying his Grow Hariap Fertilizer product that is now being taken up by farmers.

Maintenance planning specialist Rita Wakam meets a young family as she hands over a gift bag.

Home grown businesses optimistic

BY PATRICK TOM

HOME grown local businesses in the Southern Highlands province are optimistic about what the New Year 2020 will bring to the province and its economy.

Pisgah Trading Limited managing director David Kelei said the year 2019 was a challenging year for small home grown businesses and the people of Southern Highlands which saw the province struggle after being crippled by both manmade and natural disasters.

Mr Kelei said the last few years was a real struggle going back to the years 2017-2019. These coupled with the disastrous mega 7.5 magnitude earthquake and election related issues that crippled the province for the past three years.

“We are optimistic that this new year will bring some glimpse of hope for the small home grown businesses, farmers and the people of Southern Highlands,” he said.

“With the hosting of the Hope Cup and the scheduled PNG Games should open up opportunities as well as restore, rebuild and bringing in some lost pride back into the disaster torn province,” he said. He added that the province has been slowly recovering and this year 2020 is predicted to be the year of hope for small businesses and the people of Southern Highlands and they are confident that there will their economy will stabilise.

Mauberoma eyes self sustaining project

BY BENJAMIN TABIE

THE Mauberoma community in the Sinasina-Yonggamugl district of Chimbu province are appealing to the people of Tabare Mileku and Sinasina generally living and working both in the country and overseas to support their only community initiative project, the Mauberoma Ecotourism and Nature Conservation (MENC).

On behalf of the community, Jebu Dinoge, said MENC is a community initiative project purposely to conserve and preserve environment, culture and changing people’s lifestyle through community basic services.

Services like water and sanitation, improve community health and hygiene, promote education.

“The project is not for the benefit of a single community or a person but for the advantage of the entire people and the future generation of SinasinaYongamugl,” he said.

He said the project has the potential to bring in services that can improve the standard of living in the community therefor he appealed to district elites and governments to support them.

Founder and director of MENC Moses Kerry said the community initiative project is a significant project benefiting the Mauberome community, Chimbu province and the country through its conservation area.

“To this date we have not receive any support from the district nor the Chimbu provincial government therefore our people are appealing to the elites of Sinasina-Yongamugl to support the project with anything beneficial,” he said.

He said they are currently partnering with National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) and Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) who supported them through farming.

“Under NARI we set up a food multiplication plot to supply seedlings to entire Chimbu province and we already harvest our first potato plot, therefor we need support from our own district and province to boost our community project to the next level”, he said.

He said since the project establishment in 2016 they didn’t get any support from the district and provincial government and now they appeal to their elites in the district for support.

Trans-highway to create opportunities for villages

PHYSICAL and social developments with economic opportunities are expected for rural people living along the Trans-Island Highway that will link the provinces of Gulf and Southern Highlands.

Bereina local village elder Allan Ulua told the Post Courier at Bereina station in Central that the yet to be linked Trans-Island Highway will be a vital link for the people in the two provinces.

This is because it will ease access to the capital city of Port Moresby.

Mr Ulua said he was excited about

the prospects to be opened up by the highway once completed.

“I am looking forward to it like everyone else along the entire length of the road.

“It will enable us villagers to sell fresh produces at roadside markets and also venture into other services like fuel stations, tyre services, trade stores and other economic activities.

“We must take ownership of this important project.

“We must embrace the developments that are coming and not to disrupt it,” Mr Ulua said.

Pictured left is an aerial view of Mendi township, Southern Highlands province. Pic supplied

HIV-AIDS poses a great risk for business operations in PNG

BY BENNY GETENG

HIV-AIDS poses a real threat to businesses and companies operating in Papua New Guinea.

There are many reasons to back this statement but the most obvious is that workforces infected by the disease will cripple commercial and business activities.

Man in charge of Lae Business Coalition against HIV-AIDS (Lae BAHA) an active HIV-AIDS advocate as well as being Lae-based, Rodney Mukinere said having HIV-AIDS in the workplace will lead to increased absenteeism, lower staff turnover, loss of skills and decline in morale.

He said this will increase demand for training and recruitment, with increased costs and expenses such as funeral then eventually declining reliability, declining reinvestment, declining productivity and inevitably, loss of greater profit.

He said companies stand to lose reduced supply and productivity of labour, increased recruitment and training costs and eventually differentiation according to labour intensity.

“Lower domestic savings, lower investment in human capital, increased skill shortages whilst even the government will have Increased public spending on health with impact on other spending and deficit then Changing production structure impacts on tax revenues,” he said.

Mr Mukinere said in Lae companies that have active participation partnership with the Lae Business Coalition against HIV-AIDS include Express Freight Management (EMF), Dulux Group, China Habour Engineering, KK Kingston, Trukai Industries Limited, Colgate Palmolive, Chemcare Group, Morobe Provincial Health Division, and Anua Moriri Day Care Centre.

“Although Lae City is the industrial hub of growing businesses, with more than 200 business houses and organizations, not many have shown interest to fight HIV/AIDS in their work places. HIV/AIDS is a silent killer disease and LAE BAHA is ready to help eliminate fears of increased HIV infections in work places. LAE BAHA is ready to helps reduce the impact HIV/AIDS have on business houses,” he exclaimed.

In recent years his partner in advocacy Mr Rodney Bafeo Jnr explained that they have covered HIV/AIDS awareness at KK Kingston’s Oil Factory along Marshina Street & their Plastic Factory and storage yard along Erica Street.

He said Lae BAHA had the chances to visit the five (5) locations along Milford Haven Road, Erica Street, Marshina Street, Laurabada Avenue and Independence Road near Lae Biscuit factory.

“From the awareness we picked up a lot of questions, which we explained clearly to the employees, and believe that the awareness has influenced a lot of workers to really understand what HIV and AIDS are,” he said.

Mr Mukinere added that Lae BAHA plays a vital role in reduction of HIV by partnering with stakeholders and partners in disseminating information to reduce and minimize the impact HIV/AIDS have on business houses and organizations.

He said they have been invited by many organizations in Lae and extended its services to the remote villages in Morobe Province as a major partner in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

He explained that at one stage they conducted LPV Training Programs in remote Nawaeb village and Lae BAHA’s engagement by Rural Primary Health Services Delivery Programs to run Sex Education Programs into remote Garasa village in Bulolo District as well.

“We are also working in partnership with Morobe Network of Positive Living, the association of PLHIV in Lae, broke through a lot of stigma & discrimination in forming the two (2) District Associations ( Markham & Fincshaffen) in Morobe Province. “

He said this is a milestone in the history of People living with HIV in Morobe Province. Morobe Network of Positive Living (MNOPL) was established in 2008 and the above two networks were established in 2016 with funds allocated by the Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) based in Madang.

He said companies must understand that the BIGGEST impact of HIV-AIDS on workers is that it will directly affect the immediate family members due to death of a worker:

I. Family food shortages

II. Affects children’s educations

III. Affects the household items

IV. Children missing parental guidance

V. Children missing physical parental facial appearance

VI. Could provoke changes in children’s attitudes and behavior

These he said are long term effects that the disease has impact on the family unit as well.

Mr Mukinere explained that although great improvements have been made over the past years, a scale of the response is required to guarantee access to HIV education, testing and treatment to every person in Business Houses in Morobe Province and PNG at large.

“The big jump made by the Health facilities in going rural, has to match up with the rollout of ART treatment, prevention interventions and education into Business Houses in Lae and rural areas. Morobe Provincial Health Department (MPDOH), with partners and stakeholders has worked towards; extending services to Business Houses in Lae and rural areas, for access to testing and treatments centers and look deeply into HIV & AIDS prevention messages.”

He said The HIV/AIDS and Management Prevention (HAMP) Act must be made known to the Business Houses in Lae and across PNG as well, including their human resources, the communities and rural population in order to reduce stigma and discriminations of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Ensuring sustainability of Business Houses in Lae/PNG and rural areas to response Coordination and management by building the capacity of business and rural base Coordination.

Focus on Most At Risk Populations (MARPs) and Key Affected Populations (KAPs), mobile men and women with money, female sex workers, (FSW), Man who have Sex with other Man (MSM), Transgender, Orphans and vulnerable children, street youths and even in to the private sectors and family homes.

Achieve 100 per cent HIV testing in: STI/VCCT clinics. Antenatal Clinics (ANC) or labour wards, TB Dots clinics and Blood banks.

“We at Lae BAHA do not have much resources and manpower but we are open to any form of assistance that can strengthen our work that is very paramount to the greater development of this country.”

2018 World AIDS DAY Awareness at Dulux Group Limited premises in Lae

Lae BAHA Programs Coordinator Rodney Mukinere during an awareness to Chemcare Group of Companies in Lae

Lae BAHA programs coordinator Rodney Mukinere explains the company chart for HIV/ AIDS workplace policy to colleague Rodney Bafeo Jnr in Lae at their of ce.

Lae BAHA Programs Coordinator Rodney Mukinere during an awareness to Chemcare Group of Companies in Lae

Lives lost, hundreds of properties destroyed as towns burn across Aust

SYDNEY: Authorities fear there’s been “significant damage and destruction” across New South Wales and Victoria with hundreds of buildings potentially lost.

One man died after going into cardiac arrest while trying to protect his friend’s place in the “undefendable” NSW town of Batlow, while a

number of people remain missing in Victoria.

Cooler conditions and light rain in NSW and Victoria has provided some relief after a day of intense bushfire activity but dangerous conditions are expected to return next week.

Overnight “fires were spreading

quickly” particularly in southern New South Wales around Bega, Shoalhaven and the Southern Highlands close to Sydney.

Property losses in NSW are “likely to be numbering in the hundreds” as a result of Saturday’s fire activity. Yesterday more than a dozen blazes reached emergency

Firefighters leave Narooma leave Narooma station headed to help fight the station headed to the blazes threatening the area blazes the area.

ABC News: Tim Swanston

NSW fire boss scolds PM PM

SYDNEY: NSW’s fire boss has criticised the Prime Minister, saying he was blindsided by yesterday’s announcement 3000 army reservists would be sent to help recovery efforts.

Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said Scott Morrison’s office had not told him about the extra resources, which he found out about via media reports.

Mr Fitzsimons said while he was thankful for the support, logistics would be complicated.

“I was disappointed and frustrated in the middle of one of our worst days with massive dislocation and movement of people,” he said.

“I had my conversations with the Prime Minister’s office.”

Mr Morrison announced on Saturday afternoon that 3000 ADF reservists would be brought in to help with bushfire recovery efforts as well as $20 million for leasing four firefighting aircraft.

Federal Defence Minister Linda Reynolds defended the move to leave the RFS out of the decision to deploy personnel, saying the information had been passed to the Premier.

Speaking on Sunday morning, Mr Morrison admitted there had been a “breakdown in communications” but any issues arising from that had been addressed.

Asked whether Australians could have faith in his leadership following a series of negative events, Mr Morrison said he was aware there has been “plenty of criticism”.

“But I can’t be distracted by that and the public, I know, are not

HORROR VISION

IT’S the vision that painfully illustrates the level of destruction of wildlife populations in fire-ravaged areas of Australia. ABC cameraman Matt Roberts shared a short but harrowing clip of the drive into Batlow in southwest New South Wales this morning, showing the roadside littered with dead animals. Dozens of charred kangaroos and livestock lay on either side of the lone stretch, having failed to flee the raging bushfire that tore through the area yesterday. Extremely high temperatures and ferocious winds fanned flames in Batlow.

distracted by that. What they need us to focus on, all of us actually, (is) focusing on the needs in the communities and getting the support where it needs to go,” he said.

Mr Fitzsimmons did not mince his words yesterday morning. -AAP

He added that there had been a “lot of blame being thrown around”.

“Now is a time to focus on the response that is being made. Plenty of people have blamed me, people have blamed the Greens,” he said.

“Blame doesn’t help anybody at this time and over-analysis of those things is not a productive issue.

The RFS said hundreds of properties had been damaged by blazes around the state yesterday, as Sydney and Canberra set new temperature records.

Predictions of a bushfire nightmare came true and more than a dozen emergency warnings were issued as flames tore through several areas.

Mr Fitzsimmons said there was widespread destruction and “we can expect to see property damage probably number in the the hundreds”.

The Southern Highlands, Snowy Mountains and South Coast were the worst-affected areas, while the mercury at Penrith reached 48.9 degrees Celsius — a new record for the Sydney basin.

A new temperature benchmark was also set in Canberra (44C).

Mr Fitzsimmons said a 47-year-old man had died after suffering a cardiac arrest in Batlow.

Four firefighters were also injured on Saturday and taken to hospital, but have since been released.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the state was in “uncharted territory”.

“The extent of this bushfire season in living memory, and many experts have been around much longer, who fought fires and observed circumstances, all agree, we’re in uncharted territory,” she said.

“How people interpret that is to them. As the Premier of this state, our state is facing a difficult time ahead.”

NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean urged people to cut their power use after bushfires destroyed two electricity substations, sparking supply issues.

A statewide total fire ban is in place in NSW today and while conditions have eased, moderate winds are expected to fan more than 160 blazes around the state.

RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers said firefighters would take advantage of favourable weather.

“We have to start the process of getting some sort of containment on these fires,” he said.

Celebrities took to social media to raise money, with pop star Pink — who said she was “devastated” by the fires — chipping in $500,000.

A Facebook post by comedian Celeste Barber sparked millions of dollars in donations. - ABC

FIRE DONATIONS

NICOLE Kidman has become the latest celebrity to dig deep to aid in the bushfire fight. The Hollywood superstar has said she and husband Keith Urban would donate $500,000 to volunteer firefighters. The donation was revealed by Channel 10 entertainment correspondent and Studio 10 host Angela Bishop. Actor Selena Gomez has also said she will send money to aid in the recovery. They join a host of celebrities who have been sharing their heartbreak amid Australia’s bushfire crisis, flocking to social media to express their devastation.

warning levels but these had been downgraded by 3pm, including in Eden where people have been urged to find a “safe place”.

In Victoria, three emergency warning alert level fires remain in the northeast/Alpine and East Gippsland regions, and one evacuation order remains in the

Mt Hotham area in the state’s far northeast.

In South Australia, Kangaroo Island has been devastated with two people – a son and father – killed. A large number of koalas are believed to have died in the blazes there. - news.com.au

Scott Morrison denies fires Facebook post an advertisement

CANBERRA: Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended his office’s use of taxpayer resources to produce and distribute a social media message about Defence deployments to assist during the bushfire crisis.

In a media conference in Canberra as thousands remain in evacuation zones and communities face ongoing fire threats, Mr Morrison denied the 50-second video was an advertisement.

“It wasn’t a Liberal Party-sponsored ad, it was authorised by me

— I’m the leader of the Liberal Party — that’s the only authorisation I

can post on something that is posted on my [Facebook] page,” he said.

“The same thing that applies to other politicians in Australia … it is simply complying with requirements of Australian law.

“To infer from that that there was some other purpose in these communications — I reject absolutely — absolutely — and the commentary on that along those lines, I think, is false.”

Labor leader Anthony Albanese said “everyone knows” Mr Morrison has an advertising background, but he was stunned by the post. - ABC

Truckies respond to East Gippsland bushfire crisis with huge ‘army of angels’ convoy

VICTORIA: The ‘army of angels’ truck convoy delivering essential supplies to communities in fireravaged Victoria has received an emotional welcome from farmers in East Gippsland.

One hundred and fifty trucks driven by volunteers left Bairnsdale this morning, loaded with provisions of all kinds, including animal feed.

For Omeo farmer Russell Foster, who spent Saturday defending his large property of 2,000 sheep and 200 cattle, the convoy was a sight for sore eyes to say the least.

“When a fire hits, you’re not thinking straight,” Mr Foster said.

“You’re racing around to try to put it out.

“My property’s been burned.

“Some farmers to be north of town got hit real bad, lost all their grass.

“We just [lost] 500 acres of grass and fences and machinery.”

In addition to the convoy of 150, more than two dozen trucks from the Ballarat region have formed a convoy to deliver hay to farmers in East Gippsland.

Mr Foster fought back tears as help arrived in the form of a truck of hay driven by volunteer diesel mechanic Damien Britt.

“The generosity of people like Damien, to come up with the hay, is something else,” Mr Foster said.

“It’s just fantastic. - ABC

Volunteers are hauling supplies to some of Victoria’s most devastated areas. ABC News: Pat Rocca

THUNBERG SWIPE

CLIMATE change activist Greta

Thunberg has taken a swipe at Australia’s leaders as the bushfire disaster rages on. The teen took to Facebook to share a horrific image of a kangaroo fleeing flames as a fire engulfs a home. In her caption, she offered words of support to bushfire victims and also took aim at the government’s lack of action on climate change.

“Australia is on fire. And the summer there has only just begun. 2019 was a year of record heat and record drought. Today the temperature outside Sydney was 48.9°C,” she wrote.

CRITICS SLAMMED

FORMER AFL star Sam Newman has taken a swipe at “miserable pr***s” refusing to shake Scott Morrison’s hand as the prime minister fends off criticism over his handling of Australia’s bushfire crisis. The PM has endured some awkward moments as he visited areas affected by the fires, turning away from a pregnant woman in Cobargo in the south-east of NSW and also being snubbed by a firefighter. Footage of Mr Morrison reaching down to grab Zoey Salucci-McDermott’s hand, before leaving her when she started questioning him, went viral.

crossword: 12021

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

ARIES

Aries March 20 – April 19

When it comes to exciting plans, especially those that would allow you to escape from tedious, and seemingly inescapable tasks you’ll need to be patient. These situations in question are pressing and, even more, having begun, you can’t take a break. Happily, once they’re finally done, that will be that.

TAURUS

Taurus April 20 – May 20

As a Taurus and somebody ruled by the gracious Venus, you’d always rather find a peaceable way to resolve differences. But one or two tricky issues are likely to lead to a confrontation. Knowing that, gather your facts and learn whatever you can about others’ views. This ensures you’ll be prepared.

Gemini May 21 – June 20

While you really enjoy the company of others, you’ll often tackle challenging tasks on your own, mostly because certain individuals can be distracting. However, judging by your chart, if ever it was a time for teamwork, it’s now. Discuss both the actual situation and potential solutions.You’ll be glad you did.

June 21 - July 21

It would be wonderful if you could discuss your options with others, make a single plan and be done with it. But with so much intense planetary activity between now and the end of the month, indicating the need to rethink things, probably several times, the more flexible arrangements are, the better.

July 22 - August 22

During the coming week or so, your ruler the Sun powerfully aspects several of the planetary heavyweights, including Pluto and the inventive Uranus. Since those encounters could lead to life-changing discussions or even events, you’re urged to ensure any existing plans are flexible and, equally, be willing to explore everything.

August 23 - September 22

The time has come to take a break. This isn’t easy for you, simply because you regard that as a reward for having dealt with all your tasks, especially those that involve others, and you haven’t. Still, not only is that break well deserved, you’ll return from it refreshed and renewed. Take it.

September 23- October 22

Appealing as the idea of an offer that comes from out of the blue seems, sudden and appealing ideas or opportunities could add to the already confused state of affairs. The trick is to explore these, and make it clear that you’re considering every option but, at the moment, making no commitments.

October 23 - November 21

This is one of those strange periods during which what seems the best possible plan won’t work, while something you put together at the last minute absolutely thrills everybody. That’s no surprise, since with both circumstances and your requirements as well as those of others changing, whatever is spontaneous is bound to work better.

November 22 - December 20

When you look back on the coming week, you’ll be amazed how much you discussed, learnt and dealt with. As you’re living out its days, however, you’ll be astonished how complicated and time consuming everything seems. The trick is to take it minute by minute. Do that, and it will soon be done.

December 21 - January 19

Tempting as it is to say a firm ‘no’ to certain requests for help from those who have a talent for turning a problem into a drama, they need your support. What’s more, what you learn in the process will offer insights about certain other matters you’ve been wrestling with, and achieving nothing.

January 20 - February 17

It would be easy to make the mistake of assuming recent discussions about already tricky issues were enough. While it seemed you’d reached an accord, talk things over with others and you’ll soon realise how much you still differ. True, total agreement is unlikely. Despite that, there’s lots yet to explore and discover.

February 18 - March 19

There are many varieties of offers. Some are spontaneous, genuine and have no strings attached. But several of those you’re currently facing are more complex. Worse, you suspect that in saying yes, you’d be obliging yourself to certain rather demanding individuals. While you could ask, you’re better off avoiding them entirely.

PHARMACISTS

Chemcare Group Ltd is an expanding business comprised of pharmaceutical and supermarket outlets in both retail and wholesale with its services extending throughout Papua New Guinea.

We are looking for suitaibly qualified Pharmacists to join our organization, these positions will be located at various pharmacies throughout Papua New Guinea.

Primary function: Compound, dispense drugs and medicines. Advise medical practitioners and members of the public on pharmaceutical matters.

Key Responsibilites include:

• Check and dispense prescriptions, prepare prescribed medicines and treatment

• Ensure stock of pharmaceutical medicines and products are maintained and replenished as necessary

• Regular checks of use by dates on all medicines and drugs to ensure safety for the public

• Prepared to be on call in case of emergencies

Skills / Qualification / Experience:

• Pharmacy degree from an accredited institution recognized by the Pharmacy Board of Papua New Guinea

• Registration with the Pharmacy Board of Papua New Guinea

• Minimum twelve (12) months post graduate practical pharmaceutical experience is desirable but not necessary

• Committed to high professional pharmaceutical standards at all times

• Good communiciation (verbal/written) skills

• Demonstrate organized and responsible work habits with meticulous attention to detail

• Prepared to travel within Papua New Guinea as and when required

If you want to be part of an organization that promotes equal employment opportunities, challenging but rewarding, we want to hear from you. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

Send your application, relevant documents with an updated CV including a cover letter to;

The Chief Pharmacist Chemcare Group Ltd P.O. Box 349 Lae, 411, Morobe Province or e-mail: human.resource@chemcaregroup.com.pg

Applications close Tuesday 31st March 2020

“ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED”

OMBUDSMAN COMMISSION OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA COU01 - COUNSEL TO THE COMMISSION

The Ombudsman Commission of Papua New Guinea is an independent constitutional institution established to protect and promote good leadership and governance in Papua New Guinea. The Commission has in the past few years undergone a major institutional strengthening project which has enhanced every aspect of its operational and administrative functions.

The position of Counsel to the Commission is created by the Organic Law on the Ombudsman Commission and is currently vacant. The Counsel –to the Commission constitutional functions and operational activities. decisions.

under the Organic Law on the Ombudsman Commission and the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership investigation reports and referrals to the Public Prosecutor Ombudsman Commission strategies and best management practices in achieving results.

Qualifications

and experience

The successful applicant must –

demonstrate that he has practised successfully as a lawyer for a substantial number of years either in Papua New Guinea or in a country with a legal system of Papua New Guinea in particular the constitutional mandate of the Ombudsman Commission. principles and practice based on good performance.

drive to produce real results.

selection criteria for the position can be obtained by contacting the Human Resource numbers of three referees to:

The Secretary Ombudsman Commission

Petromin Building

Hubert Murray Highway PO Box 1831

PORT MORESBY 121

National Capital District

ATTENTION : Human Resources Manager

Or alternatively email : jobs@ombudsman.gov.pg

National Information and Communications Technology Authority

PUBLIC NOTICE

Maximum Rates for International Submarine Cable Systems

Further to NICTA’s public notice of 23rd December 2019 on its Determination of the Specific Pricing Principles for the international submarine cable systems, NICTA hereby wishes to draw the attention of interested parties that the Determination in Schedule 1, the maximum rates for the use of capacity on the international submarine cables has now been set. Details of the full Determination, Specific Pricing Principles (Submarine Cable Services) Determination 2019, of which the schedule set out below forms part, are available on NICTA’s public register, www.nicta.gov.pg

SCHEDULE 1 – MAXIMUM PRICES (Subsection 6(3))

The maximum price for the international submarine cable transmission capacity on a lease basis for each year covered by this Determination is–

For further information please contact Mr. Charles Kerua on telephone number: 675 3033267 email: ckerua@nicta.gov.pg

Charles S. Punaha

ROAD RUNNING

Saturday 4 January 2020

Haus Apec, Ela Beach

4.0 KM: 1 Joe Avoa16.49, 2 Joseph Michael 17.49, 3 Gideon

Hanun18.15, 4 Henry Heaoa18.20, 5 Andrew Evere18.48, 6 Titus Moroi19.56, 7 James Loho20.20, 8 Daniel Moroi20.52, 9 Eddie Joe21.03, 10 Moses Lilivo 21.46, 11 Falyn

Buda21.56, 12 Johnny Inaia22.29, 13 Lionel Emmanuel22.44, 14 John Jerry22.45, 15 Robert Michael22.46, 16 Greg

Ako23.02, 17 David Rino23.05, 18 Ebenezer Heaoa24.51, 19 Helen Toua25.23, 20 Margaret Emmanuel25.43, 21 Salome

James27.56, 22 Dapuri John28.30, 23 Rose Henry28.35, 24

Annie Alphonse 28.36, 25 Emmanuel Gaudi29.36, 26 Jeffery

Emmanuel29.36, 27 David Lea29.53, 28 Titus Tobia30.17, 29 Jeffery Moiyo31.17, 30 Vicky Sailas 32.01, 31 Vivian

John33.11, 32 Bryan Kila34.41, 33 Simon Nutley36.03, 34 Andrew Crompton36.03, 35 AjitMuttu-Cumaraswamy 50.30.

8.0 KM: 1 Joshua John37.05, 2 Buda Awowari41.32, 3

Jason Sambrook 42.02, 4 Vincent Lawrence42.03, 5 James Gurumi43.57, 6 John Ulelu 44.45, 7 Soa Gor46.47, 8 Henry Horou 52.05, 9 Paulus Opus63.13.

Timekeepers: Giri Sanata & Nou Keai. Next weekend:

Saturday, January 11, 5 pm: Murray Barracks, Ward’s Road, under rain trees opposite oval, near Three Mile Roundabout:

BASKETBALL

FOOTBALL

Nadal and Djokovic earn wins for Spain and Serbia

TENNIS

SPAIN’S world number one Rafael Nadal began his 2020 season by clinching his nation’s opening win against Georgia at the inaugural ATP Cup.

Nadal beat Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3 7-5 to give Spain a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-three tie held in Australia.

Novak Djokovic edged past South African Kevin Anderson to clinch victory for Serbia, while Austria lost to Croatia after Dominic Thiem was beaten.

On day two of the new tournament, Benoit Paire opened up for France with a 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 6-3 win over Nicolas Jarry before world number 10 Gael Monfils sealed victory in Brisbane by beating Cristian Garin 6-3 7-5.

Japan, without injured former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori, won all three matches against Uruguay in Group B in Perth, while Argentina beat Poland 2-1 in Group E in Sydney.

In the evening session, 32-year-old Djokovic had to dig deep to overcome former Wimbledon and US Open finalist Anderson, who was playing for the first time since July after a knee injury.

Anderson, 33, played aggressively and found the lines to leave Djokovic rattled at several points in a close-fought match, but the 16-time Grand Slam champion edged the tie-breaks to win 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (8-6).

Anderson failed to capitalise on a set point at 6-5 in the second tiebreak, hitting into the net which allowed the Serb to recover and take his first match point with a volley.

That ensured the tie went Serbia’s way after Dusan Lajovic had earlier beaten Lloyd Harris in three sets.

Nadal, 33, showed signs of rustiness in his first match after a sixweek off-season before eventually seeing off world number 26 Basilashvili in almost two hours.

Nadal looked to be heading to a

smooth win after breaking Basilashvili twice in each set, only for the 19-time Grand Slam champion to show even the greatest can have difficultly in closing out matches.

The Spaniard stuttered as he twice failed to serve out victory from 5-2 ahead and allowed Basilashvili to level at 5-5, before breaking straight back and eventually wrap-

ping up the win at the third time of asking.

Nadal’s win, which came after Roberto Bautista Agut thrashed Aleksandre Metreveli 6-0 6-0 in the opening match, meant the Davis Cup champions clinched victory regardless of what happened in the doubles rubber.

Austria’s defeat by Croatia, who led through Marin Cilic’s win over Denis Novak, was sealed when world number four Thiem lost 7-6 (7-4) 2-6 6-3 to Borna Coric.

The 24-nation event is spread across three Australian citiesBrisbane, Perth and Sydney - and features six groups of four teams, who each play three round-robin ties.

The six group winners, plus the best two runners-up, will progress to the quarter-finals.

Great Britain, who are without Andy Murray after he pulled out through injury, on Friday and must beat Belgium on Sunday to stand any chance of progressing.

Jamie Murray and Joe Salisbury were beaten in a thrilling deciding doubles match in Sydney.

MITCHELL ON LEAVE OF ABSENCE

NRL: Roosters grant Latrell ‘leave of absence’ from pre-season training. The Sydney Roosters have announced Latrell Mitchell has been granted a leave of absence on the eve of the club’s return to pre-season training. “Sydney Roosters player Latrell Mitchell has been granted a leave of absence, excusing him from all training commitments. The club will be making no further comment at this time.” Mitchell, who is contracted to the premiers for the 2020 season, has been linked to a switch to South Sydney, Wests Tigers and the Gold Coast Titans in recent weeks. The 23-year-old has been a key member of the club’s back-to-back premiership wins but it appears unlikely he will be suiting up for the Roosters in their bid to become the rst team since the 1983 Parramatta Eels to win three straight titles.

LYON TAKE FIVE

CRICKET: Nathan Lyon took 5-68 as Australia extended their lead over New Zealand on the third day of the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Resuming on 63-0, New Zealand were bowled out for 251, with off-spinner Lyon claiming the 17th ve-wicket haul of his 96-Test career. Glenn Phillips top-scored for the tourists with 52 on debut but New Zealand face a heavy de cit. Lyon broke New Zealand’s resistance when he bowled opener Tom Blundell for 34, before trapping Jeet Raval lbw at the end of the rst session. He took two wickets in an over after lunch, dismissing Neil Wagner and Will Somerville for ducks, as New Zealand lost their nal four wickets for 16 runs. The hosts already have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.

Quick news

NADAL won the French Open and US Open to help him end 2019 as world number one.

NADAL won the French Open and US Open to help him end 2019 as world number one.

Sports in settlements see peaceful festive season

COMMUNITY SPORTS: SPORTS activities in the settlements in several suburbs in Lae, Morobe province that once served as a hiding place for criminals has seen a peaceful festive season, Raymon Koitabu says.

The tournament is an initiative of Lae MP John Rosso, who committed K10,000 each to run the competitions in these suburbs.

Lae city was once known for its high rate of criminal activities from armed robbery, theft of motor vehicles, manufacturing and consumption of homebrew and marijuana.

However, this festive season had seen a difference from the view of the community leaders who are making an effort to keep the youths occupied with sporting activities over the 2019-20 festive season. Koitabu, who is the rugby league 9s tournament coordinator at East Taraka, said the competition has contributed to less trouble during Christmas and New Year celebrations at East Taraka. He said he was happy that some of the former Digicel Cup players have volunteered to help the people in the area with sporting activities like touch rugby.

“The tournament attracted 20 men’s and eight women’s teams from West Taraka, back road, Uni block and around East Taraka,” Koitabu said. “Since the tournament started towards the festive season there are lesser problems in regard to youths associating with homebrew.”

Road runners get into the groove

ROAD RUNNERS

PORT Moresby Road Runners were one of the first sporting groups to get their 2020 season into the groove on Saturday afternoon when they convened at Apec Haus, Ela Beach.

Two events were on the card. The distances were slightly longer than advertised but no one seemed to mind as it was sunny but not terribly hot and, being a seaside location, there were cooling breezes buzzing around, hither and thither.

All participants went down to and around the Big Fish at Koki and came back to the start, a total distance of 4km. That was the short course.

Those undertaking the longer journey went straight on to the Paga Hill Ring Road and followed the curving route of 2km to Stanley Esplanade, where they turned for home following the same route, making their

total race distance 8km.

Joe Avoa did what he has been hinting at for the last couple of months: he won the 4 km event, and by a big margin of one minute, in a time of 16 minutes and 49 seconds ahead of Joseph Michael (17.49) and Gideon Hanun (18.15).

Joe now has the honour of holding the course record, as do all others who won their categories, as this was the first time that Apec Haus, which looked architecturally stunning as it shone brightly in the late afternoon sun, has been used as a venue.

Falyn Buda holds the female record of 21.56, which she secured ahead of Helen Toua (25.23), Margaret Emmanuel (25.43), Salome James (27.56), Rose Henry (28.35), Annie Alphonse (28.36) and Vicky Sailas (32.01).

The age category record holders are now Titus Tobia (super veterans,

aged 50-59 years) in 30.17, David Lea (ultra-veterans, aged 60-69 years) in 29.53 and Ajit Muttu (uber-veterans, aged 80 years or more ) in 50.30. Each of the 44 finishers (35 in the 4km and 9 in the 8km) can take pleasure from setting personal best times, which means that next time this Haus is used, in April, they will have a clear benchmark against which to judge their performance.

Paulus Opus was resolute in nailing the 8 km event in 63.13, with Henry Horou letting his hair down in a sprightly 52.05 and Soa Gor (46.47) giving John Ulelu (44.45) a run for his money.

James Gurumi set the super veteran record of 43.57 but obviously decided that 8 km was not enough. He coasted along besides Jason Sambrook (third in 42.02) for the first 5 km like he was a Maserati in second gear. But on the second part of the Ring Road he was like a Maserati

without brakes. He overshot the turnaround and ended up no-one knows where, before getting back on track.

Vincent Lawrence is a newcomer who showed an abundance of ability with third placing in 42.02. Buda Awowari set the veterans (aged 40 to 49 years) record by being runnerup in 41.31. And the open course record-hold is now held by Joshua John who bolted out of the blocks and sailed down to Koki to be the first to catch the Fish, then just kept going, seemingly faster and faster, to finish in 37.05.

Next Saturday at 5pm will see Road Runners at Murray Barracks, in Ward’s Road, near the Three Mile Roundabout. If you have made a New Year’s Resolution about getting fit and healthy, these are nice flat courses on which to ease your way into the groove.

Petra Kalmoore, a female volleyball coordinator at Bumbu compound, said their area was peaceful over the festive season. Erick Jonah, who was her assistant, said there was not much disturbances from the youths who would normally get drunk during the festive season and cause inconvenience in the community.

“Our Christmas and New Year celebrations were peaceful with not many drunkards because most of the youths were occupied with games we were running,” Jonah said. He said their competitions at Bumbu also attracted teams from other wards who are taking part in the competition and is building a great relationship within the nearby communities. There are 30 teams for men’s competing in the rugby touch and 30 female basketball teams while in East Taraka, there are 20 men’s and eight women’s teams competing. All the games are expected to be completed with the top teams walking away with cash prizes and trophies at the end of this month.

-BY CHARLIE DUMAVI UPNG JOURNALISM STUDENT

Kroton Hela Wigmen expand rugby league plans

RUGBY LEAGUE: AS part of Kroton Hela Wigmen Rugby League development pathway and expansion program, it has for the first time registered five teams for the 2019-2020 Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup. The five teams will carry the ‘Kroton’ brand under Kroton Hela Wigmen as naming rights sponsor of the teams this challenge.

Kroton Hela Wigmen chief executive officer, Patrick Talu Wundai, who is also the executive director, said it is part of the club’s devel-

opment pathway to expand and provide the avenues for exposure of untapped rugby league talents in the country.

He was speaking to one of the five teams, Kroton King Ku United from Minj, Jiwaka province that will be participating during the Ipatas Cup this season.

He was in the province to present them with their full set of jerseys to participate at the off-season tournament.

“There are a lot of talents out

there who don’t have the opportunity to expose themselves at the top level of rugby league competitions, Wundai said.

“CCIC is the most competitive off-season competition that provides that platform for hidden talents and as an elite rugby league club in the Digicel Cup, we want to utilise such opportunities to provide the avenues where our talents can be scouted for top level competitions.”

Wundai told the team that Kro-

ton is a brand in the Digicel Cup competition associated with Hela Wigmen Rugby league club as the franchise sponsor.

The franchise is proud to provide the opportunities to young Papua New Guineans who want to excel in their rugby league career and such opportunities should be accepted and appreciated with open arms with the aim of getting to play top level footy.

He urged all the teams to display good sportsmanship and be a good

ambassador of Kroton Hela Wigmen brand.

Wundai also thanked Kroton Hela Wigmen board headed by Andy Hetra and franchise sponsor Kroton, a subsidiary of PNG’s National oil and gas company Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd for their support.

The five teams are: Kroton King Ku United (Jiwaka), Kroton Tarangau Steelers (WHP), Kroton Hela 1 and Hela 2 and Kroton Waigani Iralai (NCD).

PORT Moresby road runners pose for a picture after the race.

Our Christmas and New Year celebrations were peaceful...

ERICK JONAH Lae

Storm claim NCD Governor’s Cup

RUGBY LEAGUE

BY

SIMON KESLEP

WARAKO Border Storm claimed the 2019/2020 National Capital District Governor’s Cup and walked away with a K10,000 Cup final prize money yesterday at the Kaugere rugby league oval.

Led by the brotherly halves combination of David Joseph and Jerry Teme, Storm’s secured an 8-nil lead at halftime before eventually leaving QPR Colts fans looking dejected with a final hooter score of 14-10.

It was a close game-finish but the collective team effort performance by Storms ensured they scored two converted tries, courtesy of Solomon Nandape and Jack Ray Elpa.

Judah Rimbu successfully added the extras including a penalty.

The opening half of the Cup final saw a lot of determination, hard efforts and support plays from both teams.

Ball handling errors and conceded penalties slowed the finals momentum and even at some stage captivated the crowd of rugby league fans who turned up at the oval.

Storms took hold of the same approach into the second half and managed to hold off a determined Colts outfit to claim the four-point win. Despite losing in the Cup final, Colts also claimed the runners-up prize money of K7000.

In the third place playoff, Gerehu United defeated Dei Hunters 12-9 and walked away with K3500. Hunters collected K2500 for finishing fourth.

While the other remaining four teams in the eight team finals format that included 9-Mile Dwarfs, ID 24, FBCD 8-Mile Mosquitoes and Taraka Vikings each took K500 in prize money.

Rangers celebrate win with new outfits

RUGBY LEAGUE: VANAMA

Rangers led by Joshua Thomas celebrated their new team jerseys in style after defeating SGU Pythons 16-4 in the Flame Flour offseason rugby league competition at Konedobu oval, Port Moresby yesterday.

Thomas, who scored a double for his side was also instrumental in the halves with his decisive attacking set plays.

Rangers first half try was also at the backend of a superb inside pass by Thomas who found one of his forwards unmarked and just an easy walk in the park to score the first four pointers.

He (Thomas) successfully added the extras before Pythons regrouped and scored an unconverted try for a two-point difference at half time (Rangers 6 Pythons 4). Few minutes after the restart,

good strong yard hit ups by Rangers forwards got them pass the halfway mark before Thomas barged through couple of Pythons defenders to score his first unconverted try.

With the Pythons defensive line speed struggling at the backend, Thomas pulled off a line break at the halfway mark and sprinted all the way to score his second converted try under the uprights.

MORGAN Gong (with the ball) of QPR Colts sees an opening in the Border Storm defence during in the Governors cup rugby Grand Final. PICTURES: MARK TALIA

VANAMA Rangers Joshua Thomas makes a line break to score one of his two tries. PICTURE: SIMON KESLEP

Supporters came out in numbers to get behind their teams yesterday at the Sir William Skate Oval, Kaugere, Port Moresby.

NCD Governor’s representative Kila Dick kicks off the Grand Final.

Richard returns to the US

ATHLETICS

TRIPLE and Long Jump National Record holder Peniel Richard returns to the USA this week to complete his studies after a break of two years.

Richard has secured a full athletic scholarship to attend West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas where he aims to complete his degree in Kinesiology. He becomes the fourth PNG athlete to attend this school after Sharon Kwarula, Rellie Kaputin and Theo Piniau.

“Peniel decided to return home in 2017 for his own personal reasons, said Athletics PNG president Tony Green.

“But his consistent good performances in big meets since then have resulted in this great opportunity for him to return to the USA to complete his studies and of course continue his athletic career. WTAMU is a great school and we are very thankful to Head Coach Matt Stewart and his staff for looking after our athletes so well.”

Richard first set the national record by jumping 15.35m in the USA in 2017 and improved it to 15.45m when winning gold at the Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu.

He further improved it to 15.51m this year at the Apia Games, missing out by just 2cm to his great rival Eugene Vollmer from Fiji, himself a former USA College athlete.

Vollmer also edged Richard out of Gold at the 2015 Games by just 5cm. A versatile athlete, Richard won the high jump silver and long jump bronze in Apia last year and also won the high jump silver in Vanuatu 2017.

His 2015 Games campaign was cut short after he injured himself in the Pole Vault.

PENIEL Richard competing in the recent Pacific Games in Samoa last year.

WARAKO Border Storm’s centre Eziekel Komia is held in a tackle by QPR Colts Maya Clark as he looks for support in the NCD Governor’s Cup rugby league Grand Final at the Kaugere rugby league oval in NCD yesterday. PICTURE: MARK TALIA