Papua New Guinea Today

More than a billion kina in export revenue was generated through fisheries last year, according to the PNG Fisheries Industry Association.

Association president Sylvester Pokajam said it was an increase compared to previous years.

He urged the National Fisheries Association to do more to enhance the industry towards increasing generated revenue.

“The overall fishing industry, from the export earnings that come back, we would be looking at K1.5 billion (US$472 million) annually. I want to note that it is all sustainable,” he said.

“If you properly manage a sustainable fishery industry than the economy can be sustainable as well.
“This is for 2016 and it will keep growing. But until we maximise opportunities, the country could be looking at K3 billion (US$945 million) from the industry on an annual basis – again all sustainable.”

He said revenue about 10 years was just under K1billion (US$315 million).

“This is only because of progressive development with more vessels and more consumers in the market,” he said.

“This is why we have to look after the industry and allow it to grow to fully maximise opportunities that it provides.

“What the National Fisheries Authority is doing is killing the industry. They have got to think about ways to enhance the industry instead of being focused on money coming in from Vessel Day Schemes only. With VDS there are opportunity costs on value adding onshore processing.”.

SOURCE: THE NATIONAL/PACNEWS

Suspended Samoan Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil is a happy man.

It follows a decision made by the Supreme Court to dismiss all charges against him due to insufficient evidence.

Fuiavailili faced more than 200 charges filed by the Ministry of Police in relation to fire arms and one of incite to murder.

Judge Mata Tuatagaloa presided over the matter.

A private prosecutor hired by the Office of the Attorney General from New Zealand, Kenneth Nigel Hampton, QC, told the court that there were several reasons that indicated the matter be dismissed.

“The applications that have not been properly investigated were objected to by the independent investigators,” said Hampton.

“Interviews of potential witnesses of an acceptable certain standard were not done.

“No appropriate legal advice was sought first before the charges were laid and the accused was arrested and the public interest was not met.”

Judge Mata Tuatagaloa granted the application to withdrawn all charges against the Suspended Police Commissioner.

“Given the nature and circumstances for this proceeding for charges, the Attorney General, as Acting Director of the National Prosecution Office appointed an independent counsel to review the charges, evidence and all matters pertaining to the charges for the court,” she said.

“Hampton, after he had reviewed all the charges and evidence and independent of the application by accused for state of proceedings upon the following grounds to name a few:

*The applications that have not been properly investigated are objected to by the independent investigators.

*Interviews of potential witnesses of an acceptable certain standard were not done.

*No appropriate legal advice was sought first before the charges were laid and the accused was arrested.

*The public interest was not met and never was and to proceed with the charges will be manifestly not in the public interest.

*The matter would have been best raised and explored in an inquisitorial Commission of Inquiry, therefore it is not in the public’s interest to seek.

*Lastly of all the investigations, arrest and prosecution of this case are deeply and immediately compromised.

“Hampton on behalf of the prosecution therefore seeks leave of the court to have the charges withdrawn.”

Scenes of joy took place outside of court after Judge Mata Tuatagaloa handed down the decision to withdraw all charges against Fuiavailili.

Outside of court Fuiavailili told the media that he is grateful that justice has prevailed.

“I always knew that if you did the right thing for the right reasons you will be okay,” he said.

“As Commissioner I took an oath to uphold the law to protect our people, country, government and I take that seriously.”

He acknowledged the support of his family and the people of Samoa.

“So I just like to thank my family who have always been there all the way through,” he said.

“I would like to thank the people of Samoa and all over the world who called and sent messages to me in support.

“I’d also like to thank my attorney Leiataua Komisi Koria of Clarke E Lawyers for his work.

“That is all I can say right now but it feels good and I thank God,” he said.
SOURCE: SAMOA OBSERVER

Papua New Guinea is one of 15 countries attending the second Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) preparatory meeting which got underway in Port Moresby Monday.

The three-day preparatory conference, which ends on Wednesday, has drawn the participation of 60 delegates from countries including Australia, Japan, Singapore, China, Nepal, Iran, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Afghanistan, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Vanuatu, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

This conference is being hosted by the National Information and Communication Technology Authority(NICTA) to discuss issues of interest in the region, as it prepares for the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2017 (WTDC-17).

This will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina from the 09th to the 20th of October.

APT Secretary General Areewan Haorangsi said the first meeting was held in Sinagpore, in August last year. Mr Haorangsi said it was targeted on the structure of the group and selection of office bearers of the group adding there are three more meetings for the APT preparatory group lined up.

The third and the fourth meetings of the preparatory group are scheduled to be held in Bangkok, Thailand and Malaysia in June and in August respectively.

“These meetings provide platforms for cooperation and oraganisation of regional concerns that are vital to our members that needs to be addressed in the world conference.

“To foster the development of telecommunications and ICTs and develop regional common proposals or submissions to the world conference and Asia Pacific, is the most struggling region in the world with many diverse countries,” she said.

Meanwhile, PNG has its list of proposals for the Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) to focus on.

Top of its agenda is the proposal on Cyber security, rural communications, increasing access to broad band services, enhancing emergency communications for disaster relief, standards, conformance and interoperability and regulatory and policy reforms was presented by the minister for Information and Communication Technology Jimmy Miringtoro Monday.

Miringtoro told the APT delegates that because the meeting would be discussing issues of common interest to the region as they prepare for the forthcoming WTDC-17 conference it is only fair that APT also consider PNG’s needs. “These themes will be repeated throughout many of the proposals to this meeting from several delegations.

As many of the issues are of common interest, I am confident that we can achieve consensus on outcomes,” he said.

“The meeting is an important milestone on the path to the WTDC-17 and we must work together, in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration to deliver results. I am confident that we can achieve a positive outcome,” the minister said.

National Information and Communication Authority (NICA) chief executive officer Charles Punaha in support of the minister said the country has already submitted its developmental projects and agendas.

Punaha said PNG is now hoping that the Asia Pacific region will endorse these projects for the ICT sector and then take right through to the WTDC-17 in October. Punaha reiterated that cybercrime is one component including other issues as per the minister’s statement on the proposals adding this is because PNG through NICTA has a timeline to meet.

“We are looking at by 2020 every PNG Citizen must have access to broadband services. We have done well in mobile service but for broadband we are not doing well,” he said.
Post Courier/PNG Today

MORE than 250 students from Western attending tertiary institutions across the country have qualified for scholarships under the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) programme this year.
They were from the Preferred Area Development (PAD) area and Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) Trust region areas. The PAD covers the Ok Tedi mine-impacted villages and also the Telefomin District of West Sepik while the Trust covers eight regions – Nupmo, Tutuwe, Wai Tri, Middle Fly, Suki-Fly Gogo, Manawete, Dudi, and Kiwaba.

The scholarship programme was funded by the CMCA Trusts and the PAD under Ok Tedi Mining Ltd at a cost of about K2.69 million and includes both new and continuing students.

Since the closing of the 2017 scholarship acceptance list on Feb 10, scholarship agreements have been executed between students and Ok Tedi Development Foundation.
The scholarship programme was administered by OTDF’s Community Education Services. The National/ PNG Today

ABOUT 90 per cent of the Papua New Guineans have access to mobile cellular communication, according to the country's Minister for Information and Communication Technology Jimmy Miringtoro.

Miringtoro, credited this to initiatives by the private and public sector as progressive technological advancement.
“The Government of Papua New Guinea is doing its part in accelerating the deployment of broadband communications services and applications in Papua New Guinea,” he said.
“Currently, approximately 90 per cent of the national population has access to mobile cellular communications.

“This remarkable achievement reflects the success market and regulatory reforms, technological innovation, public private cooperation and a commitment on the part of the Government and major stakeholders.”

Miringtoro noted the low population percentage that had internet access.
“I acknowledge however that in so far as broadband is concerned significant challenges remain ahead of our government with the current penetration at 10 per cent,” he said.
“It is however an insurmountable task. We can bridge the digital divide and connect the remaining citizens in Papua New Guinea.

“The futures of our nations are inextricably intertwined. So it is paramount that we work together to move all countries and all people into the digital economy.
“In a globalised world, we have a responsibility and an incentive to help each other succeed.”
He said it was a positive result for government’s part in the sector. The National/PNG Today

The Indonesian Embassy in Port Moresby and the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Indonesian Course Training.

The MOU was signed by His Excellency Ronald Josef PariamanManik, Ambassador of the republic of Indonesia and Mr. William Dihm, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

Twenty Foreign Service Officers from the Department and Five from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and Department of Defence will participate in the Bahasa language training for three months with an aims in building capacity for Foreign Service Officers and to equip officers to communicate effectively.

The MOU will bring Indonesia and PNG together more closely, to promote people to people exchanges and cultural exchanges as agreed to by both countries in the 2013 PNG- Indonesia Plan of Actions. Participants will not only learn the Indonesia Bashasa language but also deepen their understanding and appreciation of the relations between PNG and Indonesia and thus contribute to better management of issues of mutual interest and of border management activity and security cooperation.

Papua New Guinea men’s national team coach Flemming Serritslev has praised the U-17 side following their historic 2-1 win over Tahiti at the OFC U-17 Championship and hopes their success can spur his own side to achieve the same result next month.

The victory secured Papua New Guinea a place in the semi-finals and a shot at one of the two places available to Oceania teams at the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held in India later this year.
“For me it’s a great result for football, and it shows that we have a very bright future in this country, we have to develop it much more, but it shows that the raw talent is there.”
“You have to keep in mind that Tahiti was playing on home soil, so of course we would like to achieve the same result as the U-17’s,” said Serritslev.

Serritslev said it was too early to judge if any of the U-17 players were ready to make the step up to the senior national team but confirmed that if they were good enough they were old enough.
“I’ve watched all of the highlights available so far and I have been impressed by some of our players, who are physically well-developed already at this young age, but it would be extraordinary for that to happen, and they would have to be an extraordinary talent.”
“If there are any players to join our squad it would be first to get used to the speed and the playing style and philosophy we have.”

“My job now is to make sure that these young players have something to aspire to with the senior national team. “The next step is the U-20 national team and then the U-23 national team for the Olympics in Tokyo, but at the end of the day, the ultimate goal for every player is to play for the men’s national team,” said Serritslev.
The Danish national was looking forward to sitting down with U-17 head coach Harrison Kamake on his return to Papua New Guinea and hearing about the Tahiti experience as he prepares for his own home-and-away matches with the Francophone side.
“I’m sure there are some things about Tahiti on and off the pitch that we can learn from Harrison and I have a few questions but they can wait until after the U-17 campaign.”
“I’ve seen that the pitches in Tahiti don’t look as good as what we now have here in Papua New Guinea, so I’d like to know what the training pitches are like.”

“I know what it’s like to prepare for a big match, so I will leave him for now and simply wish the team all the very best for the semi-final,” said Serritslev.
Serritslev is no stranger to facing New Zealand in a crucial encounter having seen his side lose on penalties in the OFC Nations Cup last year and offered Kamake and the players some advice leading into the semi-final.
“The most important is you enter every match without any fear of your opponent. You must respect every opponent, but you do not fear them. Before our final against New Zealand I told our players if you fear New Zealand we have already lost.”

“We have every chance to achieve a great result here. It’s very important that you have this confidence no matter how strong you think your opponent is across the pitch. I know that New Zealand is viewed as the big brother in Oceania, but water also boils at 100 degrees there just like it does here in Papua New Guinea,” said Serritslev.
Papua New Guinea face New Zealand at 3pm (PNG time) tomorrow with the winner advancing to the final of the OFC U-17 Championship against either New Caledonia or the Solomon Islands on Saturday.
The two semi-finals winners will also qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 to be held in October this year.

Cancer is on the increase in Papua New Guinea. This is being fuelled by risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and chewing of betel nut.
The Government has a road map to address this escalation of cancer cases, and the Department of Health requires a large amount of resources to implement the road map.
There are many types of cancers, and there are many treatment options. And people even with the same cancer, don’t always need the same treatment.

Treatment of cancer is not solely by radiotherapy. There are many recent and more effective treatments now available and the department of health has started using these multiple options.
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and anti-cancer drugs are treatments already available at Port Moresby General Hospital and Angau Memorial Hospital.
The current cobalt radiotherapy treatment at Lae Cancer Treatment Centre is very old technology that modern cancer specialists would not recommend as the only treatment option. The department of health is expanding the treatment options to this centre so that patients have options for their treatment, not just one answer that doesn’t fit every patient’s needs.
Currently the NDOH is recruiting two new specialist oncologists for the Lae Cancer Unit. One for radiation treatment, and another to work with other treatment options for cancer, such as advanced chemotherapy, surgery, and a new radiotherapy treatment called Linear Accelerator that will modernise the radiation treatment for cancer. This will provide better quality of life for cancer patients.
We have a new Brachytherapy service underway, and a volunteer specialist from Australia will be training our young specialists in new cancer treatments that will help particularly, women with cervical cancer.
The National Plan for Cancer estimates we need a minimum of K15 million per year to provide an adequate service to PNG. The current available budget is only K2.1 million, of which more than two-thirds has been paid to Dr John Niblett in salary and entitlements. Over the 9 years Dr Niblett has been paid this large sum of money annually, he has not trained or professionally developed any new Papua New Guinean radiation oncologists to serve the people of Lae or PNG. It is not in the best interest of our country to pay huge salaries to expatriates who provide no training for our own specialists, holding back the potential for increased specialist care of cancer patients right across PNG.
The department of health and the government will continue to give cancer treatment a high priority. However we need to use the available budget for education in prevention, modern medical equipment, drug supplies, and training for local specialist doctors/oncologists. This is how all cancer patients can be sure of ongoing treatment and support for them and their families for years to come.

PNG’s Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) is designing a system to help people resolve problems arising from the Government’s actions to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from deforestation and forest degradation.

Approximately 10 per cent of global GHG emissions are caused by land-use change and, in particular, the destruction of tropical forests. Papua New Guinea (PNG) has one of the most significant areas of largely-intact tropical forest in the world but these forests are facing acute and imminent threats.

Since 2008, PNG has been at the forefront of negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to develop an international mechanism to compensate developing countries for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD plus).

PNG Government is getting ready for implementation of REDD+ under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement 2016.

In preparation PNG needs to setup a ‘Grievance Redress Mechanism’ - a system designed and established by national government agencies to receive and address complaints about the impact of REDD+ related policies, programs and activities.

Last week more than 29 representatives of key government agencies, community and NGO leaders came together in Port Moresby to discuss how to setup this Grievance Redress Mechanism.

UNDP REDD+ advisor Mirzohaydar Isoev said the goal of the meeting was to identify the best channels for community feedback.

“Having some kind of effective feedback system in place is important for the PNG Government because it enables them to listen to the voices of the people and respond appropriately to help resolve issues that arise. This system needs to be easily accessible with a transparent and fair process”.

TheCCDA and PNG forestry Authority are leading the development of REDD+ in PNG with the support of UNDP, Forest Carbon Partnership Facility and other partners.

Sonia Baine a, CCDA officer stressed the importance of having this discussion as the first step towards developing a Grievance Redress Mechanism.

“The establishment of a Grievance Redress Mechanism would not only assist in ensuring that there is a collective effort in addressing grievances but would also ensure that the results from implementation are sustainable and beneficial to affected stakeholders.”

A number of potential options for how a Grievance Redress Mechanism will work in PNG are expected by April 2017 and will form an important part of PNG’s National REDD+ strategy the main document used to guide all REDD+ actions in PNG.

REDD+ is an integral part of PNG Government’s efforts to address climate change and provide PNG with opportunities to protect, conserve and manage its forests in a more environmentally sustainable way.

The new Czech Republic’s non-resident Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Martin Pohl says he is keen to broaden ties with Solomon Islands when he met Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare Tuesday.

At a brief courtesy meeting with the Prime Minister, Ambassador Pohl said he is prepared to explore areas that the two countries can cooperate on to enhance the deepen the existing relations.

Ambassador Pohl singled out cooperation in education and health as immediate priority areas that the two Governments’ can further explore in the current relations.

“My government is ready to take on what is necessary to ensure our cooperation is deepened,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has welcomed the Czech diplomat with an assurance that relations between the two countries are based on fundamental principles and common values of respect for the rule of law and human rights.

He said Solomon Islands has its own unique developmental challenges as well as opportunities which can be addressed or further developed through cooperation with other countries.

Prime Minister Sogavare referred to Climate Change as one of the fundamental challenges facing the Pacific Region while reiterating the Pacific’s call for a reduction in green house gas emissions around the world.

“We truly treasured that we have lived in one of the peaceful corners of the world but our biggest threat is climate change,” Sogavare said.

Solomon Islands established formal diplomatic ties with the Czech Republic in 1996.

Solomon Islands did not receive direct bilateral assistance from the Czech Republic, however in 2007, the Ambassador of Czech Republic, Karel Pazourek based in Canberra, Australia paid a courtesy visit to Solomon Islands and presented a donation totaling to AUD 23,544 (SBD 166,162) to the government towards the Tsunami relief efforts.

The Czech Republic’s contribution to Solomon Islands can be seen through the assistance provided by the European Union under the European Development Fund (EDF)

The Czech Republic as a member of the European Union is fully committed to sustainable development.

Support in this area is channeled through multilateral mechanism such as the European Union; however Solomon Islands can explore this bilaterally with the Czech Republic in the areas such as support to green economy and Renewable Energy.

Ambassador Pohl is based in Canberra, Australia.

SOURCE: SIG

The US Government through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is raising the capacity to provide medical care in Papua New Guinea. USAID through its Office of American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (USAID/ASHA) partnered with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Inc to expand the staff housing at the Kudjip Nazarene Hospital in Jiwaka.

Province, which will accommodate more doctors, nurses, and their families. “The work that Kudjip Nazarene Hospital is undertaking is exceptional. ‘‘The new housing will allow it to continue to attract and retain the highest quality of physicians and nurses,” USAID/ASHA director Anne Dix said. “The hospital is raising the standard of care in Papua New Guinea. It is demonstrating the best of American health care practices and is allowing local professionals to improve their medical skills and will continue to all thanks to the generosity of the American people.” Kudjip Nazarene Hospital, United States Embassy Papua New Guinea and Australian Aid commemorated the completion of the housing development on February 18 in Kudjip, Jiwaka Province.

US Ambassador Catherine Ebert-Gray and Australian DFAT representative Catherine Sturrock . spoke. The expansion of the housing was funded in part by a $800,000, 2013 USAID/ASHA award. Graphics; USAID/FB

ltan Kösen, a Turkish man who holds the world's tallest living man record at 251 centimeters (8 feet, 3 inches), reportedly became the first person from Turkey to visit Samoa, an-island nation in the Polynesian region.

After a two-day 16,391 kilometers long trip, Kösen was greeted by the Prime Minister of Samoa Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi at the airport.

He told reporters that the prime minister told him he is the first person from Turkey to visit their country, and was also welcomed at the prime ministry palace.

Kösen reportedly went to Samoa as part of an activity at the tourism promotion fair in the country, and will also appear at the Magic Circus in Tuanaimato.

Officials from the circus, who were happy to host Kösen, had a challenging task to transport him and make special arrangements to cater his needs.

According to Turkey’s Daily Sabah, they reportedly brought a special tailor, who had to climb a ladder to measure Kösen for custom-made shirts and pants.

"I am very glad to be here and have the opportunity to talk about my own country and Mardin (his hometown) in Samoa" Kösen said, and thanked Samoan officials for welcoming him with great hospitality.

He is expected to stay there for a month, reports said.

Kösen officially became the world's tallest living man in 2009, when he measured 246.5 cm (8 ft 1 in) in height. His unusual height is caused by a condition referred to as "pituitary gigantism," which is the result of an over-production of growth hormone.

Source: Daily Sabah Turkey

The Special Agriculture Business Lease (SABL) continues to exploit the human rights of the people of west Pomio in East New Britain Province in Papua New Guinea.

Customary landowner Anna Sipona from Malmal Village in west Pomio said the SABL is a strange concept to the people of Pomio that promotes human rights abuse.

Representing the silent majority in the affected villages in west Pomio, Sipona said the SABL issue is not just about land and logging but about the human rights of women and children.

“Women and children are the biggest losers in this land grab and it is just another form of abuse.

“Our gardens have been taken from us, our freedom has been taken, we are dependent on the company and we are slaves in our own communities,” Sipona said.

Sipona added that west Pomio is where a big destruction has already happened since the introduction of SABL.

“The foreigners entered our villages without any respect and explanation and they forcefully came in and took our land from us,” she said.

The land in Malmal is under a 99 years lease and they’ve been told by the logging developers that it is legal State land.

In June 2013, the SABL Commission of Inquiry revealed how government officers have facilitated the theft of over 50,000 square kilometres of land from customary landholders.

So far, promises by the Prime Minister to cancel the leases, stop illegal logging and return the land to its rightful owners, as the Commission recommended, have not been fulfilled.

Meanwhile, about 10,000 post cards signed by concerned customary landowners across the country were delivered today to the Lands Department Office calling for action on the Special Agriculture Business Lease land grab.

The signed post cards petitioning the Government were presented by representatives from SABL affected areas organised by community advocacy group ACT NOW.

Paul Pavol from Mu village in Pomio, East New Britain Province led the group to deliver their grievances calling on the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and the Government to cancel the leases and stop SABL.

Campaign coordinator Eddie Tanago says the Government needs to stop protecting the foreign companies and overseas loggers who have stolen the land.

Tanago said not one lease has been revoked by the government and in the meantime logs worth hundreds of millions of dollars have been shipped overseas from illegal logging operations.

Pavol explained that they’ve been mistreated on their own land with permanent damage done to the environment.

He said his people, similar to others throughout the country, have been fighting alone for years to get back their land and they’re still struggling through the courts to try and defend their birth rights.

On behalf of the people in the SABL affected areas, Pavol called on the Government to stop making empty promises and look into their grievances to cancel all leases and stop SABL

SOURCE: LOOP PNG/PACNEWS

LEADER of the Parliamentary Independent Group of the Solomon Islands Dr Derek Sikua warns government of mass invasion of foreigners into business opportunities which should be left only for indigenous people, the Solomon Star reports.

Dr Sikua said the government must seriously address this increasing trend to ensure indigenous Solomon Islanders are not denied opportunities which are deprived by foreigners.

Dr Sikua made this statement in parliament when Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration Elijah Doromuala revealed the list of reserved businesses for locals under the foreign investment regulation.

Mr Doromuala revealed that there were about 11 reserved businesses for indigenous people and his ministry would be expanding the list by adding another 16 business activities.

However, the Member of Parliament for North East Guadalcanal urged all leaders in parliament to work together to ensure Solomon Islands is for the indigenous people and not foreigners.

He said it is time leaders take the right measures to ensure our people are not slaves in their own land.

He warned that we cannot be spectators when Asian businesses continue to grow and rip all resources and make money in our own land.

He said government must empower our locally owned businesses so that our people take ownership of their country and resources.

He concluded his statement by quoting famous world leaders like the president of the United States Donald Trump, who boasted that America is for Americans, while Robert Mugabe reiterated on the same sentiments, stating that Zimbabwe is for Zimbabweans.

Dr Sikua then challenged all parliamentarians to must possess the same vision by ensuring that “Solomon Islands is for Solomon Islanders”. Solomon Star/ PNG Today

Tonga will be hosting a three-day event which will focus on emerging threats to Pacific whales.

The conference will bring together political decision-makers, scientists, community, industry and funders to investigate future legislative and research needs as well as designing innovative ways of cooperating and collaborating.

The conference is a highlight of the two-year campaign to protect Pacific whales led by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

Although these whales have recovered from the brink of extinction, they are now at significant risk from a range of emerging threats, such as entanglement, noise pollution, marine debris and climate change.

Recognising and managing these dangers is critical as they will ultimately affect everyone living in the Pacific.

“As a country that welcomes these ‘giants of the deep’ that breed in our waters, Tonga is proud to be hosting this milestone event. Whales are living sentinels of the ocean,” said Sialosi Sovaleni, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, also the Minister of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC).

“Ultimately, what happens to the whales will happen to people in years to come.”

The conference will also focus on updating the status of whales and trends in the Pacific islands region, in particular their ecosystem, economic and cultural value.

Learnings from the conference will also feed into the regional perspective informing the United Nations Ocean Conference in June this year.

SPREP Director General Kosi Latu says the conference is the first such event to be hosted by the agency.

“We’re looking forward to bringing together our Pacific island governments, the private sector and community representatives to discuss future collaborations to conserve whales in the region. It’s very timely as the information will flow into the five-yearly review of our marine species programme”.

“We have set some exciting goals for this conference to ensure this milestone event is well commemorated. We’ll be investigating best practice for whale watching, already a multi-million dollar industry in our region, as well as finding out about innovative programmes operating around the world.

“We warmly welcome the participation of all interested organisations and individuals to help shape the future of whale conservation in the Pacific islands.”

The Government of Tonga, the Government of New Zealand, the Auckland Institute of Studies, the Okeanos Foundation, the European Union (through SPC and the INTEGRE project), the South Pacific.

Whale Research Consortium, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the Vava'u Environment Protection Association (VEPA) are partnering with SPREP in hosting this event.

Photo: Humpback whale (Kingdomtraveltonga)
Source: Press Release

Papua New Guinea Opposition Leader Don Polye has condemned the recent attack on a young lawyer in Wabag and has urged authorities to not have double standards.

In a statement issued by his office yesterday, Mr Polye said that Wabag MP Robert Ganim’s alleged attack on a young lawyer conducting pre-election awareness campaigns was most disturbing.

Although the alleged assailant Mr Ganim was reported to have not been the attacker by Wabag police, the Opposition leader said that such instances reflected the practice of “double standards” that is seemingly rife within authoritative institutions in the country.

Mr Polye said that his office had heard a different story on the attack, one that pointed to Mr Ganim being the main person who attacked lawyer Laken Lepatu Agilo.

Although these suspicions are purely based on the opposition leader’s speculations detailed in the media statement, he brought out that there was no reason for the leader to have opposed the young awareness campaigner in the first place.

“Why is Ganim afraid that a simple awareness will make him lose his seat? He is in government,” Polye said.

Ganim, he said, should have reported the matter to the police if there was any substance of ‘early campaign against him’ as claimed.

“I regret his conduct as unbecoming of someone, who claims to be a national leader. Leadership Code prohibits this behaviour. The Criminal Code also forbids assault.

“I am urging the victim to lodge a complaint against Ganim with the Ombudsman Commission,” a concerned Polye said.

Polye has also called on Provincial Police Commander George Kakas to suspend those responsible.

THE Chinese Ambassador to PNG, Li Ruiyou has heaped praise on developer RamuNiCo Management (MCC) Ltd, on its successes in 2016. This is in terms of product quality standard and quantity, compliance management especially the commitments and efforts to economic development and the employment opportunities provided by the company.

Mr Li was in Madang on a tour of the mine. He was accompanied by Member for Usino-Bundi, Anton Yagama. The country’s first nickel-cobalt project is managed by RamuNiCo, and is located on the Kurumbukari plateau in Usino-Bundi district. The delegation was welcomed at the mine site by the vice president of RamuNiCo Zhiliang Hu, and the acting deputy mine manager, Bentao Li. Ambassador Li and Mr Yagama upon arrival at the mine proceeded to a safety induction at the KBK meeting room before heading to the mine pit where they inspected the ore extraction work.

Following the mine pit visit they moved on to meet with the local landowners, who spoke highly of the achievements of RamuNiCo pledging their continuous support to the Project. Ambassador Li travelled to Madang town in the afternoon, where he visited the RamuNiCo(MCC) Operations Base accompanied by the company’s president, Yongxue Gao and the vice president, Mr Wang Baowen. Mr Li was then briefed on the status of development and operation of the RamuNiCo project. The Chinese ambassador extended his best wishes for a better and faster development in 2017. Read more on : Pacific Mining Watch

Authorities in Samoa have taken a major step in the fight against financially -motivated crime and terrorist financing.

It follows the release of the National Policy on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Terrorist Financing(CTF) together with the National Strategy on AML/CTF.

According to a statement issued by the Central Bank of Samoa, the step is a milestone in the government’s progress in this endeavor.

“Money laundering” is the process of making money, or assets, obtained illegally appear as though they came from a legitimate source.

“It is a crucial process for criminals if they wish to enjoy the fruits of their crimes unbothered by the police or taxman,” the statement reads.

“The lifeblood of terrorism is money, and, while individual attacks often don’t cost a great deal, the support networks that assist, facilitate and inspire such attacks require significant sums.

“Disrupting the funding of terrorist networks has proven an effective method of reducing the incidence and impact of terrorism worldwide.”

“As Samoa increasingly plays a role in the international trade and financial system, so the requirement to ensure that our banks, lawyers and financial systems are not misused by international criminals and terrorists also increases. Furthermore, as the sophistication of the financial system increases, so do the opportunities for local criminals to launder their ill-gotten gains, emboldening them to commit further crime.

“The National AML/CTF Policy is the high-level document that enunciates the means by which these multiple threats will be addressed.

“The National Strategy, in concert with the Policy, describes the concrete steps that will be taken over the next four years to both bring Samoa further into line with international AML/CTF requirements and to address unique local challenges.

“For the people of Samoa, these documents describe the means by which the government and local authorities are addressing the everyday harm caused by fraud, corruption, drug offending, tax evasion and organised crime groups.

“They also describe the steps being taken to ensure that the international community do not, in future, feel the need to sanction Samoa for perceived inadequacies in our AML/CTF systems.” the statement said
SOURCE: SAMOA OBSERVER

The man who was charged with willful murder of an asylum seeker at the Manus regional processing centre at Lombrum in 2014 has escaped from prison, the Post Courier reports.

Joshua Kaluvia, 23, of Muliagani village, Kove in West New Britain Province, escaped from CS institute during lunchtime on February 18.

Kaluvia was charged for willful murder of an asylum seeker, Reza Barati at the Manus regional processing centre in Lombrum in 2014 and was convicted by the National Court in 2016 and sentenced to three years and four months in hard labor.

This is the second time Kaluvia had escaped from prison.

Acting provincial police commander for Manus Senior Inspector David Yapu said Kaluvia is considered high risk and could be dangerous to the community.

Mr Yapu has appealed to the community in Manus to assist and provide information of his whereabouts. Post Courier/PNG Today

The Minister for Works and Implementation has blasted the Member for Kandep for misleading the people of his district with false claims on road projects.

Mr Awesa said the Opposition Leader should not play politics with road infrastructure, as it is the O’Neill Government that has delivered more and better roads than any Government in the past, including in the Kandep District.

“Regardless of the Member’s false and hollow claims, there is a substantial National Government road sealing program underway in Kandep, as there is around the nation.
"Our Government has been undertaking one of the most intensive road building and rehabilitations programs in our history.

"In Kandep alone, this includes the Upgrading and sealing of the Mendi-Kandep which was completed in 2015 and Laiagam to Pogera Road section being upgraded of 110km under the Asian Development Bank Tranche 1 to base level at the cost of K330m in 2015. We just completed the final 11.2km section in the from Niung junction to Pangu at K21.9million of the Liagam-Kandep road section.
“At the same time the Wasa bridge Mr. Polye talks about, will not go ahead because it is a bridge to nowhere through two hundred meters of thick swamp.
“As a former Works Minister and engineer, I would expect Mr. Polye to have a better understanding of the physics of building in swampland. “K17M already been spent on feasibility and analysis for this bridge at Mr. Polye’s request. This is now wasted money, and I call on Mr. Polye to face reality with regards to this project.”

“I also do not know where the Member is getting his figure of K40 for the rehabilitation of Laiagam-Kandep Road. There was nothing on the budget for this year’s budget.
“This amount has never been allocated, so I urge Mr. Polye to go and check his facts.
“Recently Mr. Polye pleaded with his people, blaming the national Government, and claiming decisions made in road projects in Kandep were delivered by this government.
“His decisions that led to attempts to build an unfeasible swamp bridge are examples of his failed leadership and a total let down to the people of Kandep.
“His misleading the people of Kandep over infrastructure projects he claimed to be delivered under his leadership.
“Lets just all get on with the job of governing and delivering services and infrastructure for our people, and put the petty politics aside.
“The National Election is only a few short months away, and Mr. Polye will have ample time for campaigning when this campaign period actually begins.”

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