Papua New Guinea Today

Papua New Guinea Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Richard Maru, has accepted an invitation from the Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council to attend the inaugural Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting to be held on 9-10 March 2017 in London, in the United Kingdom (UK).

The Ministers Meeting will discuss areas where the Commonwealth can work together to strengthen trade and investment links between member countries and develop a policy agenda ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Minister Maru highlighted the significance of this meeting as Commonwealth countries are currently seeking to establish new trading relationships at a time of stagnating global trade and increasing protectionism sentiments. With a population of 2.3 billion, a combined economy of more than US$10 trillion and annual GDP growth in excess of 4%, the Commonwealth provides a unique platform for achieving these aims.

Minister Maru also alluded to the current uncertainty following the UK’s move to break away from the European Union (EU). This move dubbed “Brexit” is of significant concern to countries like PNG that enjoy preferential market access into the 28 member states of the European Union which currently includes the UK. PNG goods enter the EU under the Pacific ACP and European Union, Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA), which PNG is fully implementing. The recent increase in infrastructure investment and export in the fisheries sector is a result of this preferential market access, Minister Maru said.
The Minister said that he is, “working to secure a bilateral meeting with the UK’s Trade Minister, the Rt. Hon. Greg Hands, MP, to discuss a number of issues and in particular “Brexit” and its implications on PNG”.Minister Maru further stated that he is, “aware that the exit of the UK from the EU will not be immediate but take place after 2 years, however, this initial meeting with the British Trade Minister will provide an indication as to the possible arrangements that might need to be considered in the future to securing PNG’s interests with the UK”.
In terms of bilateral trade, over the last 10 years PNG had maintained a trade surplus with the UK. In 2015, PNG exports stood at K 288.51 million and imports at K 105.48 million, resulting in a trade surplus of K 183.03 million.

The UK mainly imports agricultural products from PNG such as palm oil, copra, coffee, cocoa, tea, vanilla and palm kernel oil. Other significant products include sawn timber and canned tuna. PNG mainly imports machinery and mechanical appliance, articles of iron or steel and printed books among others from the UK.

Provisional tourism arrival numbers in Fiji for January this year increased by 12.5 per cent when compared with last year.

According to the tourism sector, the first month of the year experienced an influx of tourist arrivals compared with last year's figures.

Fijian Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Koya said 64,943 visitors arrived into the country at the start of 2017.

He said this was a record for the month of January.

According to the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, Fiji's annual visitor arrival numbers for 2016 reached a new peak of 792,320.

This was a 5 per cent increase from the 754,835 set in 2015.

The statisticians revealed the record level of visitor arrivals in 2016 was because of the increase of visitors flowing in from New Zealand, China, US, South Korean, Pacific Island Countries, Japan, Canada and Continental Europe.

The 2016 visitor numbers from New Zealand and China were the highest ever recorded with 163,836 and 49,083 respectively.

“Visitor numbers from Fiji's top two source markets, Australia (360,370) and New Zealand (163,836) equate to average daily arrivals of 987 and 449 respectively,” the bureau stated.

“Visitors arriving for holiday purposes totalled 600,887 (75.8 per cent), 68,262 (8.6 per cent) came to visit friends or relatives, 32,922 (4.2 per cent) came for business purposes while 90,249 (11.4 per cent) visited Fiji for other reasons,” he said.

There were significant increases in the number of visitors for business and visiting friends and relatives.

SOURCE: FIJI TIMES

The Governor-General of Australia Sir Peter John Cosgrove is due to arrive in Port Moresby this morning to attend the funeral service of Sir Michael Ogio. Sir Peter and Prime Minister Peter O’Neill will lead the funeral service today at Port Moresby’s St Mary’s Cathedral. National Events Minister Justin Tkatchenko released details of the funeral service yesterday.

“This shows the signs of the relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia by the Governor-General Sir Peter John Cosgrove, especially at very short notice coming to show his respect for our G-G so that’s a wonderful sign of relationship between PNG and Australia,” Mr Tkatchenko said.

“The program is fully funded and orchestrated by the National Events Office through the chairmanship of Walter Yangomina and also through the protocol and Foreign Affairs Department and Government House. “I must also thank the Autonomous Bougainville Government for their tireless effort in arranging the funeral program from their end. We are working together to get our late G-G to Tinputz and there will be another program there in full respect to our deceased G-G when the body gets there,” he said.Post Courier/PNG Today Photo by : Hon Justin Tkatchenko

By: JACOB MARCOS
NDoH Journalist

The most anticipated Tobacco Control Act 2016 is now a law that would see much greater tobacco product control in the country, according to National Department of Health (NDoH) today (22/02/2017).

Smoking has devastated families especially young people in a big way so the government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has resolved to passed the Act convincingly in Otober, 2016, according to the NDoH Secretary, Pascoe Kase.

“The important law is intended to regulate the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale and use of tobacco,” NDoH Secretary, Pascoe Kase said.

That would include strict controls on advertising and much strong controls on making smoking attractive to young people, Kase said.

“Tobacco use is a global problem and the human consequences are devastating. This is an important and exciting law reform for PNG,” he said adding that the new law replaced the previous law which was 30 years old.

“Our poorest people are hit hardest by the effects of smoking. Today in PNG, our poorest families spent almost one quarter of total household food expenditure on tobacco consumption. We also know that adults who cannot read are more likely to smoke,” the secretary said.

The secretary said that works have already begun to implement the Act in an orderly manner as to overcome challenges in implementing the important law reform.

Kase said the Act grants power to the Governor General to nominate the dates the various parts of the Act come into operation.

“This allows for an organized implementation process which considers the impact on affected people and businesses,” he said

Kase also claimed that some companies have recently made public statements about the effect of the new law and how the government should manage its implementation.

“These statements are both inappropriate and premature. The administration of the Tobacco Control Act is the responsibility of the government and its implementation is not dictated to us by tobacco companies,” he said.
“My department is currently working on a submission to the NEC which will request it to advise our new Governor General to issue a notice under the Act for the coming into operation of the section about the size of cigarette packets and packages of loose tobacco,” Kase said adding that it would give affected companies time to prepare for the reform.

This week Trukai Industries Limited is purchasing agricultural equipment for the establishment of the largest rice crop in PNG’s recent history. With the cooperation of the Chingwam Rice Growers Cooperative, Trukai will be establishing a 500-hectare rice plantation near Rangiampum initially for a rain fed crop to be established in 2017.

This is in addition to the existing 80-hectare site already producing rice for the cooperative, under the management of Trukai’s rice development team. This site will be progressively expanded possibly up to 1,500-2,000 hectares over a number of seasons, although this will be subject to relevant agreements and climatic and soil evaluations.

This exciting step forward in domestic rice production comes ahead of further developments Trukai management are hoping to discuss with government, following submissions for large scale irrigated rice growing in a number of areas across PNG.

Proposals have been submitted to the Departments of Agriculture and Livestock, and the Department of Trade, Commerce and Investment, although responses from government have yet to be forthcoming.

Trukai Industries Limited’s CEO, Greg Worthington-Eyre said in a statement, “Trukai stands ready to assist the government of PNG in its domestic rice development, and this project with the Chingwam Cooperative is a major step forward in laying the groundwork for other projects. Whilst we wait for the government to respond to our proposals, we are simply getting on with it, and are very excited about building a strong local rice industry.”

Mr. Worthington-Eyre went on to add, “The establishment of the large scale site at Rangiampum will be supplemented with a further 100-hectare site closer to our Erap facility, where our rice seed generation plantation is being redeveloped.”

In April and May this year, Trukai will be installing a hulling mill in Lae to facilitate the processing of locally grown rice, and this represents a significant investment and commitment for Trukai. The first rice to be processed at this mill will be the rice from the Chingwam Cooperative.

Mr. Worthington-Eyre concluded, “The rice growing at Rangiampum is expected to be harvested in April this year, and will be transported to Lae for milling and blending. Our rice, PNG’s favourite brand since 1970 (before federation) will contain rice grown in PNG.

This is great news as not only will we be including locally grown rice in our products, food security gets a major boost as well and, more importantly, this puts money into the rural sector for use of land that would normally remain idle. The income provided will assist the growers in many ways and this is of great benefit to the local economy.”

Photo caption 2: Mr David Tima Trukai senior operator (left) and Mr Michael Maran (CHINGWAM Cooperative chairman)

The Pacific members Pacific Legal Network have joined global legal and advisory group IAG
International. IAG is represented across more than 75 countries world-wide.
Each year IAG holds three Assemblies, one in each of Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas, and it
was at the Asia Pacific Assembly this year, in Mumbai, that Pacific Legal Network's membership was
ratified. The membership extends to all of the firms which make up the network across the South
Pacific.

IAG is a global network of lawyers and tax advisers; it allows for uncomplicated access to costeffective legal, tax and business solutions backed by a powerful family of independent professional firms around the globe. IAG members include lawyers, accountants, tax advisers and fiduciaries, some of whom work in association with other specialists: economists, real estate advisers or financial advisers.

John Ridgway (Managing Principal of Pacific Legal Network) commented:
“Our own Pacific based network is unique across the Pacific. By joining IAG, we are now in the
enviable position of having our own network be a member of a much larger world-wide network.

This most recent development highlights our progressive approach to finding ways to help our clients
manage their business and take advantage of the opportunities that the global marketplace has to
offer.”
"Joining IAG benefits all our clients, wherever they are located, and it further advances the ability to
simplify the process of being represented in multiple countries, which is at the heart of the Pacific
Legal Network."
“We believe in all our Pacific firms and we are always looking for ways to empower our lawyers.
Fundamentally joining IAG will give our young Pacific based lawyers the opportunity to work with
lawyers and advisers everywhere.”
Keith Iduhu, partner of Fairfax Legal (the Pacific Legal Network firm in Papua New Guinea),
comments:

“It was a great honour and privilege to be able to represent the members of the Pacific Legal Network
at the IAG Assembly in Mumbai. It was truly humbling to rub shoulders with business leaders and
leading lawyers from across our globe.”
“Being a part of Pacific Legal Network has changed the way that we look at ourselves and the way
that we look at opportunities for our clients and contacts. It has also changed our approach to
opportunities for our own young Pacific lawyers. Joining IAG has taken this to another level again.
Papua New Guinea has some of the largest international investment projects being undertaken
anywhere so being able to tap into global advisory network will bolster our ability to deliver services to our clients.”

RNZ reports Samoa is one step closer to getting faster, cheaper internet with the start on the Savaii component of the country's new submarine cable.

Construction of the 1,300 kilometre system will cost $US57.4million and will connect Upolu and Savai'i, to the Southern Cross Cable Network in Suva, Fiji.

The project was launched by the Samoa government with support from the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the Australian Government.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony Samoa's communications minister Afamasaga Rico Tupa'i said high speed internet was essential for improving the lives of ordinary Samoan people.

The World Bank's vice president for East Asia and the Pacific, Victoria Kwakwa said internet and telecommunications connectivity was crucial for development - enhancing everything from business opportunities, delivery of healthcare and education, disaster resilience and response, and even agriculture.

Regional Director of ADB's South Pacific Subregional Office, Robert Jauncey, said Faster, more affordable broadband should open up new domestic and regional economic opportunities and boost the delivery of public and social services.

Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Sue Langford said the new cable has the potential to transform the way businesses in Samoa operate and improve service delivery across all sectors.

The cable is expected to reach land in Apia and Savai'i in early 2018.

It will also connect the French Territory of Wallis and Futuna via a spur. ..read more on PNG Technology News

Photo: 123RF
Source: Radio New Zealand

The body of Tonga’s late Queen Mother is lying in state at the Royal Residence, ‘Atalanga in Auckland, New Zealand.

The 90 year old Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho died on Sunday after travelling to Auckland for health reasons.

Her body was transferred from the Auckland mortuary to ‘Atalanga in Epsom yesterday (Thursday) morning.

Upon the arrival of the royal cortege, the President of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga – Rev. Dr. ‘Ahio who is also the Royal Chaplain led the prayer service.

In attendance were HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita, Princess Latufuipeka and members of the Free Wesleyan Church in New Zealand.

The Tongan communities gathered at the Lesieli Tonga Auditorium for special prayer services that will continue honouring Her late Majesty

The royal residence and homes of Tongans in Auckland have put up drapes of mourning colors to show their respect to the late Queen Mother.

Meanwhile, some villages are conducting their village meeting – fono to prepare their traditional presentations to His Majesty at the Royal Place.

His Serene Highness – Prince Kalaniuvalu Fotofili told Radio Tonga News, a meeting of the people of his estate – fono was held Wednesday night regarding their traditional duties.

Their traditional presentation to His Majesty – King Tupou VI will be on Monday and to Her Royal Highness Princess Pilolevu Tuita on Friday 3rd of March.

Government is yet to make a decision on their role regarding the passing of the Queen Mother – Her late Majesty Halaevalu Mata’aho.

No order has been issued on the flowing of all flags at half-mast as is normal for the deaths of members of the Royal Family and leaders of the country.

The body of the late Queen mother will be flown back from Auckland to Tonga next Tuesday.

Source: Kaniva News

Australia has donated two vehicles to the Bougainville Police Service (BPS) to help extend the reach of law and justice services through North and South Bougainville.

Australian High Commission Counsellor Tim Bryson handed one vehicle over to Senior Sergeant John Popui and First Constable Lucy Nehemiah in Buin. A second vehicle was presented to Inspector Kingsley Lua at Buka Police Station.

The vehicles will be incorporated into the Royal PNG Constabulary fleet to serve prosecution and traffic operations in Buka, and the Family and Sexual Violence Unit in Buin.
“The donation of these vehicles is greatly appreciated,” said RPNGC Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Chief of the BPS, Joanne Clarkson.
“With transport, it will be easier for us to respond to reports of family and sexual violence, and to conduct awareness-raising activities.”
Mr Bryson said that Australia’s key objective in Bougainville, shared with the Government of Papua New Guinea, was stability, which enables economic growth.
“The improved delivery of policing and justice services, which these vehicles will support, is a key enabler of that stability,” said Mr Bryson.

In 2017, in line with the agreement of the PNG Government and Autonomous Bougainville Government, Australia will provide approximately K9 million to support the law and justice sector in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, including initiatives to improve community safety, address family and sexual violence, provide effective law and justice services and strengthen the Bougainville Police Service.

The National Executive Council has revoked its decision to appoint John Mangos as the Managing Director for the new Kumul Telikom Holdings.

Kumul Telikom will manage Telikom PNG, bmobile and Dataco under one roof.
Mr Mangos was appointed the Managing Director by Cabinet in December 2016, however it withdrew its decision this week.
The Telecommunication Workers Union have also petitioned the government this week to revoke its decision of Mr Mangos.

It is not clear if the NEC had responded to the call by the union, in rescinding its decision.
Acting Minister for Public Enterprises and State Investments Charles Abel said, John Mangos is currently doing other consultancy work within the Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH).
Minister Abel said the managing director's position for Kumul Telikom Holdings is currently vacant and will soon be be advertised for suitable candidates to apply. NBC/PNG Today

Papua New Guinea Air Services Limited today launched a new project that will greatly improve the safety and reliability of aircraft landing at major airports across the country.

The Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS) project will produce new instrument approach charts and enable satellite-based navigation at up to 45 airports and airstrips, greatly improving safety and air traffic management in the country.

Captain Ted Pakii, CEO and Managing Director of Air Services Limited (PNGASL), was excited about the introduction of this ground-breaking technology.

“The transition from ground based navigational aids to this satellite based technology will greatly improve the reliability and accuracy that is lacking with ground based infrastructure in our country.

“The GNSS project is a key element of our very comprehensive modernization program. The project marks a significant leap forward in the provision of air navigation services in PNG. PNGASL will now be using advanced technology to enhance the safety of flight operations throughout Papua New Guinea’s airspace. The project is another excellent example of the value of our long-term partnership with Australia.”

Given PNG’s rugged terrain, the aviation sector plays a critical role in keeping businesses and communities connected. GNSS-based approaches will also help to reduce aircraft emissions and fuel costs by enabling improved and more efficient flight paths.

Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor, Benedict David, noted the broader benefits of the project for PNG’s economy.

“The Papua New Guinea and Australia partnership is pleased that this investment will align Papua New Guinea’s aviation sector with international standards and support significantly safer skies.

“The project is also expected to reduce business costs for airlines and increase the competitiveness of the domestic aviation industry. This is crucial to improving supply chains for fresh produce and promoting tourism,” Mr David said.

Funding for this upgrade to aviation technology is being provided by the Australian Government at an estimated cost of K8.1 million and forms part of Australia’s broader partnership to support PNG’s aviation sector delivered through the Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP).

Radio New Zealand reports that a village council of chiefs in Samoa has unanimously agreed to ban all foreign businesses on customary land.

The decision by the council of Siumu district on Upolu gained the support of all local business people and has now been registered in the office of the Lands and Titles court at Mulinu'u.

The move follows ongoing discussions within the village of council of Salelologa district on Savai'i who are considering a ban on all new Chinese businesses on customary land.

Siumu village chief Tuu'u Asofa'ase'e told RNZ, the decision was made to protect future business prospects for locals.

Autagavaia said locals agree with the reasons behind the ban.

"This matai Tuu'u Asofa'ase'e was saying the main concern with the district, the matai's, is the future of the local businesses owned by the people of Siumu. And also the future of using the customary lands which belong to Siumu," he said.

Source: Radio New Zealand

A poor leadership in a stable government is dangerous for the country, Opposition Leader Don Polye warns.

Mr Polye issued the warning whilst commenting on leaders including the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill calling for political stability.

“I would like our people to understand it. Stability must be conditional. When you have got a poor, rogue leadership running the affairs of the country, political stability is dangerous for our country.

“What is that stability for? Why do you want to be stable? Because you want to keep growing the economy and to fight corruption and not enriching oneself using the position he or she holds. That stability must destroy what is bad for our country,” a concerned Polye said.

He outlined why PNG needed political stability, saying it is needed to arrest corruption and prosecute those defraud the State with public funds.

“You need stability for employment creation and to skill our people to prosper becoming economically independent. If you are really talking about stability, it must give birth to something good for the country. What is the product of stability?

“Its product must be prosperity, success, growth and stability in economy, consistency in cash flow, equal distribution of wealth among PNGeans, irrespective of their gender, tongue and ethnicity. These must be the real products of stability,” he said.

Polye queries whether the O’Neill-Dion government has achieved these products of political stability, citing the controversial Manumanu land deal is not an attribute of a stable government.

“The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) should be growing now at 7 to 8 per cent but it not. It has declined to 2 per cent. This is not a stability. There is volatility in the economic situation.

“What our citizens should know is that cash flow is there but is at the hands of private sector and a few individuals. It is not in the public coffers. Those few are billionaires and millionaires. It is not in the hands of the majority of our people. Peter O’Neill has been talking about stability and this is what he has achieved for the country,” he said.

Polye stated that stability depended on who was in office, the quality of leadership and what had been achieved out of stability.

“At the moment, political stability in this term of Parliament has not done anything good. It has been a curse for PNG. For instance, K3 billion UBS loan and foreigners taking over businesses reserved for our people are the products of stability in O’Neill-Dion government.

“The desired stability was given but the mandate was abused and misused. PNG has suffered from the stable political environment created,” he said.

GLOBAL healthcare giant International SOS has been operating the PNG's Manus Health Facility for three years without registration by the PNG Medical Board, according to a government-sanctioned committee.

This was despite formal requests by PNG Health Minister Michael Malabag and the medical board for plans to be submitted for approval, the Independent Review Committee said in its preliminary findings.
The three-member committee, headed by medical board chairman Dr Osborne Liko, said the senior management of ISOS had “deliberately breached the law”.

It said ISOS country general manager Mark Delmonte had confirmed that the health facility had not been registered or licenced under the PNG Medical Registration Act.
“They were only given temporary licences for day clinic at makeshift containers in 2013 only for the purpose of daycare clinical services. Knowingly, ISOS has operated the Manus facility thus seriously breaching the PNG Medical Registration Act 1980. The penalty for that breach under the legislation must be applied. Senior management of ISOS deliberately breached the law.” The committee said the Government took swift action by deporting Delmonte and not allowing any new registration for ISOS throughout the country until a full investigation is completed.

Following the clampdown, ISOS threatened to stand down medical services at the Manus Health Centre if the facility was not licenced and a travel ban lifted.
Regional managing director for Australasia, Adrian Leach, said in an email to Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari on Jan 13 that the company “cannot sustain services beyond Friday 20th January to the required level on Manus Island under the health service contract with the Australian government”.
However, Minister Malabag advised against the registration of the Manus facility in isolation of other breaches by ISOS.

He said in a letter to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill on Jan 16 that the Independent Review Committee had raised several breaches of other legislations such as labour, tax evasion and immigration by ISOS and its subsidiaries and medical team.
Malabag said he was in the process of preparing a submission for the National Executive Council (NEC). “Hence, it is my advice to you that until the NEC deliberates on this matter, the registration of the Manus facility should not be looked at in isolation from all other breaches by this company.
“In fact, I strongly suggest that we allow ISOS to withdraw their services on the basis of them breaching the Medical Registration Act as it is a serious criminal offence,” he said in his letter to O’Neill.

Malabag reiterated that several refugees had died in Manus while the health facility remained unlicenced “raising serious criminal and other legal issues” in the coronial inquest into the death of asylum seeker Hamid Khazeai.
In April last year, the minister directed the medical board not to issue any new licences or renew existing ones to ISOS following revelations by the ABC Four Corners programme, Bad Blood, about the case of Khazeai who died at the Manus Detention Centre from bacterial infection.
The television programme quoted some of Australia’s most senior doctors and medical workers with experience in the offshore detention system.
ISOS has been contracted by the Australian government to provide healthcare services to detainees, which has already cost Australian taxpayers billions of dollars, but the doctors said the medical care provided in Manus was “dangerously inadequate”. The National/ PNG Today

TRADE relations between Malaysia and Papua New Guinea have been increasing from year to year, according to Malaysian High Commissioner to PNG Jilid Kuminding.
He said PNG’s emergence as a new economic powerhouse of the region was much welcomed.
Kuminding said bilateral trade between Malaysia and Papua New Guinea from January to November last year totalled US$420.5 million (K1299m).

“Trade has increased by 11.2 per cent when compared with the corresponding period in 2015 of US$ 380.6 million (K1177m),” he said.
“Malaysia’s top exports to PNG were machinery, equipment and parts, beverages and tobacco, chemical and chemical products, petroleum products and crude petroleum.
“Meanwhile, Malaysia’s import from PNG were agriculture products, crude petroleum, petroleum products, vegetable oil, palm oil and palm-based agricultural products.”
He said foreign investors would continue to see PNG as an economic opportunity that should not be neglected.

“The LNG PNG project has already stimulated strong demand in the economy of the country especially in the key sectors such as infrastructure, retail services, banking and property,” he said.
“In addition to the LNG, there are numerous large scale, multi-billion dollar resource investments (mining, fisheries, and plantation) in the pipeline which will continue to bring crucial foreign investment funds in the long-term.

“The country’s wholesale and retail market is expected to see significant expansion.
Rising incomes and urbanisation suggest that the wholesale and retail market will gradually evolve away its traditional focus and informal market to new trends such as luxury goods and modern shopping malls such as Vision City Shopping Complex in the capital.
“There are huge potential and opportunities for Malaysia to tap into the many areas of investments and joint ventures in Papua New Guinea.” The National/PNG Today

In accordance with current federal law, the US Transportation Department has granted just a 30-day cabotage waiver for the Samoa Government-owned Polynesian Airlines to operate neighbouring American Samoa's domestic flights

Polynesian has been operating flights between Tutuila and the Manu'a islands - Fitiuta Airport on Ta'u island and Ofu Airport on Ofu island - since 2014, due to the lack of a US registered carrier for the territory's domestic air service.

RNZ reports last month, Polynesian sought a 12-month exemption so it would not have to apply every month.

But in a decision last week the federal government granted 30-days, allowing flights through to 19 March....read related news on : Pacific Travel Directory

Source: Radio New Zealand

The kāinga of Crown Prince ʻUlukālala Tupoutoʻa from Vava’u prepared 4000 clamshell plastic bowls of food for refreshment as part of the memorial service for the Queen Mother last night.

The death of the Queen had brought together the Tongan kāinga in Auckland according to their ha’a or how they are linked to the royals in blood and duties.

Kaniva news reports some of the ha’as were given the roles of preparing food to feed people who were tasked with keeping vigil around the Queen’s casket in ‘Atalanga.

This included feeding people who gathered in mourning at the memorial services organised for the Queen, which began Wednesday night at the Tuingapapai church.

Prince ‘Ulukalala’s ha’a, from his estates of Tu’anuku and his estates of ‘Utulau and Nomuka because of his Tupouto’a title, will be feeding the mourners tonight.

The Tu’anuku kāinga met on Tuesday with Princess Mataʻaho Jr as Prince ʻUlukalala was in Tonga.

Only six people turned up to the meeting and there were fears that the number would not be able to donate enough to feed the hundreds of mourners who could turn up to the memorial services.

But one of the attendees, Siosiua ʻUmulovo Toki, reminded the meeting “there was nothing big” for Vavaʻu.

“That’s the Vavaʻu way,” he said.

“We are a people with big heart and we always do our best in everything we do to make sure we do not lose or go down in the world”.

The meeting was attended by Prince ʻUlukālalaʻs immediate family, including the Toki, Tapueluelu and the Heletā lineages.

Sālote Heletā Lilo, who represented a newly committee established to look after the Prince’s Tu’anuku kainga in ‘Aotearoa, said people from other estates of the Crown Prince had donated money and food.

“The Prince’s kāinga from Nomuka donated 400 bowls”, Lilo said.

Kaniva News was at Lotofaleʻia Methodist Church yesterday where the preparation of food took place.

About 30 people there were warm and happy while they were preparing and packing thousands of bowls ready for the reception.

Last evening was the second night of the Queen’s public memorial service in Māngere.

The Queen Mother’s body will be returned to Tonga on a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules.

A spokesman for RNZAF Whenuapai in Auckland said about 20 mourners, including several members of the Tongan royalty are expected to accompany the casket from Whenuapai airfield.

The Hercules was expected to leave in the morning and arrive in Tonga in the early afternoon.

The Queen Mother will be taken to the Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa for a public takipō in which the people will be allowed to pay their respects.

Source: Kaniva News

Only 15 000 students out of 23 000 students who sat for the Grade 12 examination were eligible for selection into tertiary institutions while remaining 8 000 missed out.
This is according to the Tertiary Admissions and Scholarship Division under the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology.
The 15 000 were eligible to continue into tertiary institutions after scoring the required Grade Point Average (GPA) of between 1.6 to 4 points, however, only 10 000 were accepted.
Currently, there are 5 000 Grade 12 school leavers from 2016 who are qualified or are eligible for tertiary institutions, but were not accepted.
They will be now forced to find spaces in institutions or upgrade their marks just like the other 8 000 school leavers who were not eligible for selection and are encouraged to upgrade.
Executive Manager of Tertiary Admissions and Scholarship Division, Thimon Bune, was addressing the students and staff of the University of Technology during their orientation program this week at the Taraka campus.
Mr Bune said this now means that universities and colleges have no choice but to start selecting eligible students starting from the top.
In other words, selectors in the various institutions will start selecting eligible students starting with those with GPA's of 4 or those scored straight A's, until they reach their set quota.
Mr Bune said other latest improvements include a K30 fortnightly allowance for each selected students under the Tertiary Education Scholarship Assistance Scheme (TESAS) starting this year.
NBC News/ PNG Today

Papua New Guinea Police Intelligence has confirmed smuggling of a high powered gun into country from the United States, destined for Manus, NBC reports.

PNG Police said the high powered firearm was intercepted by Customs in Port Moresby and the firearm was traced to Manus resulting in the arrest and charging of the offender after a joint Police and Customs operation.

Head of Manus Police Senior Inspector David Yapu presented this report before the Provincial elections steering committee pertaining to the security of the elections.
He said search warrant has been raised for Police investigation into other high powered firearms smuggled into the province.
Mr. Yapu said there have been confirmed reports of drug smuggling into the province following Betel-nut trade to the neighbouring provinces.
" These are some of the things that would pose threat during the elections period and Police are treating them seriously, " said Acting PPC Yapu.
NBC News/ PNG Today

PNG Foreign Affairs Minister Rimbink Pato

Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Rimbink Pato said the delay in the payment of membership contribution to the United Nations is an administrate issue and is being resolved.

He said there was an error that saw the contribution funds used for ongoing operations, and this is being resolved through the transfer of additional funds.

“If the journalist behind the article had of checked with appropriate sources, the article on UNGA funds would not have been a story,” the Foreign Minister said.

“The remittance of funds to overseas missions involves payments for different diplomatic purposes.
“In the case of the UN contributions, the funds were simply used for other operational areas.
“This had been realised and by Friday the transfer of additional funds was underway with the allocation due to arrive in PNG UN Mission account over the weekend.
“The misunderstanding was likely also compounded due to reform and change being undertaken in foreign missions that can take time for systems to adjust.

“I am working towards a leaner and more effective Papua New Guinea diplomatic corps, with better-trained personnel and systems that reduce and eliminate wastage.
“These reforms will see enhanced operations in area overseas representation, greater engagement with international and regional organisations as well as ensuring the maintenance of our state assets in good working condition.”
The Foreign Minister said the start of the financial year, from January to February, was often fiscally tighter than later months for the Government, but to use this to talk-down the Papua New Guinea economy is misleading.

“The economy is in a better position than doom and gloom merchants would have you believe,” the Minister said.
“We are emerging from a challenging period with reduced commodity prices, but we are seeing a rebound that is strengthening the economy.
“Our economy is into the fifteenth year of positive economic growth, and debt and inflation are under control.
“Despite the recent global downturn, the Government was able to manage pressures and not reduce critical service delivery.
“We do have foreign currency access concerns that are being resolved, and have improved since last year.
“If the foreign reporter had sought to check the facts the sensationalism could have been avoided.
“Instead they created a story that linked an electricity payment issue of a separate department, a company with contested contractual arrangements in another country, and from this created negative story.
“The ABC is a news agency with a proud history of integrity and I hope they check the facts in the future.
“We have to have open lines of communication so misinformation can be avoided.”

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