Papua New Guinea Today

Michael Greenslade has been appointed trade commissioner of the Pacific Islands Trade & Invest (PT&I) in New Zealand. Greenslade joins PT&I, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s (PIFS) trade and investment arm, from New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE).

He was trade commissioner-Pacific at NZTE and served the organisation for 12 years, five of which were spent in Fiji, as the trade commissioner based in Suva. He has hands on private sector experience in export trading throughout the world, including in the Pacific, particularly in horticulture and agricultural products.

His expertise includes marketing, value chain processes, joint venture dealings and market matchmaking. While based in Fiji he was responsible for coordinating export and investment missions between Fiji and New Zealand.

As the Auckland-based trade commissioner of PT&I (NZ), Greenslade’s responsibilities will include providing appropriate market support to PIF countries in facilitating trade, and in particular support, for exports of Pacific island products to New Zealand, and inward investments into the Pacific islands.

Announcing the appointment, Andie Fong, acting secretary general of PIFS said: "Greenslade, who begins his new assignment on November 17 said the PT&I role is a natural extension of much of the work he has already started with NZTE. Many of the governments and private sector parties are well known to him."

Greenslade stated: "It is of clear benefit for the whole region, including New Zealand and Australia, to have a strong economic foundation for the commercial growth of the Pacific private sector. I look forward to being part of the PT&I team delivering economic development support and trade and investment opportunities to member nations of the Pacific Islands Forum."

Welcoming Greenslade’s appointment, Caleb Jarvis, PT&I trade commissioner in Australia said, "I am very pleased with the recruitment of Michael Greenslade whose Pacific credentials speak for themselves."

EM TV Vocal Fusion successfully staged the Grand Finals of Season One last night at the host venue, Cosmopolitan - Port Moresby. The night featured the final performances of the show’s four finalists who wowed the audience and judges with each song they sang on stage.

The journey has been challenging, extremely competitive and each finalist had their own stories to tell; but for certain, EM TV Vocal Fusion has given all contestants a platform for which to launch their music careers and become better in their singing, stage performances, character, appearance and personality – boosting their self confidence and self esteem.

With each week, contestants grew from strength to strength; and improvements seen on stage, vocally and performance-wise, could not go amiss.

The Grand Final's audience, which comprised of the sponsors of EM TV Vocal Fusion, family and friends of the finalists, representatives of corporate houses and the public and private sector, elite PNG musicians and other notable dignitaries, were able to take part in the voting to decide the winner.

The night also featured performances from PNG’s elite musicians: Radley and Baine Lavaiamat ‘Twin Tribe’ and Papua New Guinea’s number one charting group and hottest acts ‘Jokema’ who performed their hit song “Jix Ambe” and unveiled the 2014 PNG Games song, which they will perform at the opening ceremony in Lae.

Young, energetic Jacob Ilave took out the ultimate prize to become EM TV VOCAL FUSION SEASON 1 WINNER, winning a whooping K50, 000 and a recording stint with Ministry of Sound in Australia plus a year’s supply of Coca Cola, thanks to Coca Cola Amatil PNG.

1ST RUNNER UP Delma Minei got K20, 000 + a year's worth of Coca Cola & a Colgate hamper plus a recording contract with CHM-Pacific Gold studios; 2ND RUNNER UP Steven Ilave got K10, 000+ a year's worth of Coca Cola and 3RD RUNNER UP Theresa Miria got K5,000 + a year's worth of Coca Cola. PNG Today/EMTV

China and PNG strengthen relationship

As part of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, that culminated with the Leaders’ Summit, the Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, met with a number of other regional leaders in series of bilateral meetings.

Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill met with China’s President, H.E. Xi Jinping, in The Great Hall of the People in Beijing where the two sides discussed a range of issues of mutual interest.

In the discussion, Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill highlighted the warmth of the relationship between the two countries and made the point that Papua New Guinea maintains strong support for China in the Pacific region.

“Papua New Guinea and China have a warm relationship and we expect this will only continue to strengthen,” the Prime Minister said after the bilateral meeting. President Xi expressed his ongoing interest in the deepening relations with Papua New Guinea in areas that include cultural and educational exchange.

The Prime Minister further thanked President Xi for China’s support in Papua New Guinea being selected to host the APEC process in 2018 that will conclude with the APEC Leaders Summit. China has offered to look at how further support might be provided to Papua New Guinea in preparation for hosting APEC in 2018.

The Leaders discussed ongoing business cooperation between Papua New Guinea and China that now includes the shipment of LNG as well as more traditional trade including agriculture and fisheries products, and a number of resources projects. In closing, China’s President asked the Prime Minister to convey his warm greetings to Papua New Guinea’s Governor General, Sir Michael Ogio.

Accompanying the Prime Minister were Foreign Minister, Hon Rimbink Pato MP; Trade and Industry Minster, Richard Maru MP; Minster for National Events, Hon Justin Tkatchenko MP; and senior government officials.

The Prime Minister has promoted the role of Lae as a transportation centre for trade between Asia and the Pacific Islands in his discussion with Leaders from APEC Economies.

Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill made the comments during an intervention speech to the APEC Summit in Beijing this week when Leaders discussed ways to strengthen connectivity between APEC Member Economies. He also highlighted the need for APEC economies to work together to overcome obstructions or bottlenecks to trade.

“The Asia-Pacific covers such an immense area, so for an island nation like Papua New Guinea, enhancing connectivity is a priority,” Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said. “We continue to build our direct linkages for the movement of people, goods, and knowledge and information across borders.

“Papua New Guinea is a hub between the larger economies of the Asia-Pacific and the smaller Pacific Island states. “We are expanding our seaport facilities that will see the city of Lae become an important hub for shipping in our part of the Asia-Pacific region.

“A wide-ranging construction programme has been implemented in Lae that has increased the wharf capacity dramatically.” During their meeting, APEC Leaders endorsed a number of initiatives that will help to strengthen trade through national ports, including the Blueprint on Connectivity, that will seek to prevent interruptions to the movement of goods as well as services.

“Papua New Guinea welcomes the APEC Blueprint on Connectivity and the implementation plan which establishes our next steps and milestones for progress.

“For a country like Papua New Guinea, obstructions and bottlenecks in supply chains can have more devastating effects than in other economies. “We do not have the economies of scale that can absorb and balance interruptions. The cost to large businesses can lead to losses in the millions, while interruptions to small businesses can be devastating.”

The Prime Minister noted that with the blueprint being adopted, a related capacity building plan to improve supply chain performance will be particularly important for Papua New Guinea. Advancing this connectivity agenda will have flow-on effects for smaller island states for whom Papua New Guinea is a transportation hub.

“The funding and capacity building support that comes with this plan will assist Papua New Guinea in implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.” APEC Leaders agreed that collectively they expect to reach the target of a ten percent improvement in supply chain performance by 2015, and this plan will strengthen Papua New Guinea’s capacity to play its part in reaching this goal.”

NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg on Wednesday paid tribute to match official Shayne Hayne, who has retired from refereeing.

After 328 NRL matches – including four grand finals – as well as 14 State of Origins, the three-time Col Pearce Medal winner has retired to take up a full-time role as coach of the NRL Referee Emerging Squad.

“There are not many players who play more than 300 games, and there are not many referees who can referee more than 300. It is a remarkable achievement and Shayne is extremely highly-regarded as a result,” Mr Greenberg said.

“He earned a significant amount of respect from the players and coaches.

“Importantly, Shayne will be able to impart that knowledge and experience back into the refereeing ranks with his new role.”

Hayne, the third most-experienced first-grade referee of all time, said he was looking forward to a new challenge.

“It’s been a long and rewarding career,” Mr Hayne said. “I’m very proud and honoured to have refereed grand finals, State of Origins and Test matches.

“I’m also extremely happy to be able to now pass on some of that information to other referees, to give them the opportunity to get to the next level.

“This sport has given me so much and I want to continue to give back.”

NRL Referee Elite Performance Manager Tony Archer praised Mr Hayne for an outstanding career as a match official.

“Shayne has achieved everything possible on the field when it comes to refereeing,” Mr Archer said. “He was the first and only official to officiate in an NRL Grand Final as referee, touch judge and video referee.

“He will go down in history as one of the very best. But just as significant was his off-field contribution within the squad. He is a great team man and has helped so many other referees in game.

“I am extremely fortunate that he will be joining me as the Referee Emerging Squad coach so that his skills will not be lost. He will be a tremendous asset.”

Shayne Hayne

National Rugby League
Games: 328 (2001-14). Third all-time behind Bill Harrigan (393) and Col Pearce (340)
Finals games: 28 (2006-14)
Grand Finals: 4 (2009, 2010, 2013, 2014)
State of Origin Games: 14 (2007, 2009-11, 2013-14). Second all-time behind Bill Harrigan (21)

International
World Cup: 6 (2008, 2013)
Four Nations: 1 (2009)
Other Tests: 1 (2014)

Other Games
City-Country: 2 (2007, 2009)
Australian Prime Minister’s XIII v PNG: 1 (2005)
All Stars: 2 (2010, 2011)
Total Games: 355

Honours
Col Pearce Medal (2009, 2011, 2013)
RLIF Referee of the Year (2009)

- See more at: http://www.pngloop.com/2014/11/12/referee-shayne-hayne-retires/#sthash.2NnzCxz3.dpuf

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea: The United States Naval Ship (USNS), Safeguard, hosted a group of students from the Hohola Youth Development Centre on Friday, November 7, 2014 during the ship’s two-day visit to Port Moresby. The tenth grade students received an in-depth guided tour of the rescue and salvage vessel. U.S. Navy divers explained ship operations, demonstrated diving and rescue procedures, and helped students to experience first-hand what it means to be a rescue diver as they donned actual diving gear. The students also learned how to shout out the Navy term, “Hooyah!”

Navy divers say “Hooyah!” when everything’s okay and understood – critical for safe diving operations. “Hooyah!” also shows enthusiasm – and the students were certainly enthusiastic when presented with a U.S. Navy diver’s belt buckle for display at their school.

The USNS Safeguard visited Port Moresby before sailing to Rabaul, East New Britain Province to support a U.S. Joint POW/MIA (Prisoner of War/Missing in Action) Accounting Command (JPAC) underwater recovery mission. USNS Safeguard and JPAC are conducting investigative and recovery operations in the Rabaul area from November 11 to December 12, 2014.

The remains of some 2,000 U.S. soldiers are yet to be recovered from World War II battlefields and air crash sites throughout Papua New Guinea and the surrounding waters. JPAC conducts search, recovery, and laboratory operations to identify unaccounted-for Americans from past conflicts in order to support the U.S. Department of Defense’s personnel accounting efforts. Specifically designed and built for rescue and salvage operations, USNS Safeguard supports JPAC recovery missions.

If anyone has information that pertains to U.S. WWII remains or crash sites in PNG, please contact Mr. Joses Veleke at 0 321 1455 x2190 or mobile 7200 9414

US Ambassadar Walter North
Photo credit. US Embassy, PNG

By U.S. Ambassador Walter North

On November 16th the world community will observe the 19th International Day for Tolerance. While we are reminded of the security and human rights implications of intolerance (which often takes the form of stigma and discrimination), this day also provides an opportunity to highlight the vital contribution of tolerance and acceptance to achieving important public health objectives and impact, especially those focusing on groups living on the margins of many societies.

The U.S. Government is proud to partner with the people and Government of Papua New Guinea to implement the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and help achieve an AIDS-free generation. In recent months and in collaboration with other stakeholders, we have worked hard to align our resources and programs with both the Papua New Guinea government's priorities and PEPFAR's commitment to delivering the right things, in the right places, at the right time. This also involves careful planning to ensure that we are reaching the right people with urgently needed programs, resources, and funding.

Here in Papua New Guinea, basic tolerance of all human beings is key to providing access to care for people who are at high risk of either acquiring or transmitting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is only by providing accessible prevention and care services to those groups who are most vulnerable that HIV will be controlled. Among other groups, this includes women and men who engage in sex either for money or for goods and services such as food, clothes, or school fees; men who have sex with men (MSM) or with both men and women; transgender persons; and women who have been subjected to rape or domestic violence. Current laws in PNG notwithstanding, programs and policies must recognize that eliminating stigma and discrimination is critical to ensuring that all people feel safe accessing HIV/AIDS care and treatment services. Programs that treat people with dignity and respect will have the greatest impact.

When trying to achieve an AIDS-free generation, intolerance and hatred only create barriers that keep the most vulnerable from accessing essential services and thus lead to considerable loss of life. The PNG National AIDS Council also stresses the importance of stopping discrimination and being able to access services by making this year’s World AIDS day theme: “Stop discrimination. Access to services is my right.”

Tolerance requires treating everyone, even those who are different, with dignity and respect. This extends to all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As President Barack Obama recently declared, "the struggle to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons is a global challenge, and one that is central to the United States’ commitment to promoting human rights.”

On this International Day for Tolerance, let us affirm that all persons - sex workers, MSM, transgender persons as well as the wider LGBT community, and any group that suffers the negative health effects of discrimination such as persons with disabilities - should also be free to access and receive essential health services from providers who treat them with dignity and respect.

I call on all partners in our shared goal of controlling HIV in Papua New Guinea to practice tolerance in all aspects of service delivery. The goal of an AIDS-free generation will remain unfulfilled until every Papua New Guinean feels that he or she will be treated with tolerance and respect when seeking services to preserve health if already infected; to prevent infection of others; and to be free of the risk of rape or sexual violence.

Join me in reaching out in tolerance to everyone in need so that together, we may achieve that longed-for goal of an AIDS-free generation in Papua New Guinea.

The Public Prosecutor has requested a Leadership Tribunal to investigate allegations of misconduct in Office, against Prime Minister Peter O'Neil.

The request for the Leadership Tribunal into Mr. O'Neil relates to National Government's loan with the Union Bank of Switzerland, the UBS.

In a statement today, Public Prosecutor Pondros Kaluwin says, he's found sufficient and credible evidence to refer the matter for a Tribunal to investigate.

Mr. Kaluwin says, his request for the Tribunal, follows allegations of Mr. O'Neil's failure to comply with administrative and financial processes including the normal overseas borrowing process in the approval of 3-billion Kina from the UBS, Australian branch, to purchase shares in Oil Search Limited.

It is further alleged that the purchasing of shares was in the interest of Oil Search Limited and not in the interest of the country.

The New Zealand Kiwis have defeated the Kangaroos 22 - 18 in a rare Four Nations Rugby League Tournament whitewash at Westpac Stadium in Wellington. The Kiwis were leading 14 - 6 half time after Shaun Johnson's magics inspired Kiwis in attack.

In the second half, the Kangaroos fought hard and scored couple of tries but New Zealand held on to win the 2014 Four Nations championship with a scoreline 22 - 18.

PNG Prime Minister says he won't step down.

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill will not step down while a leadership tribunal on misconduct allegations over the K3 billion UBS loan to purchase Oil Search shares gets underway.

He confirmed on Saturday at a media conference that he received the notification from the Public Prosecutor that a leadership tribunal has been requested to hear matters relating to the Government’s decision to buy the shares in Oil Search Ltd through a UBS loan facility.

Mr O’Neill welcomed the notification from the Public Prosecutor, adding that he stood ready to clear his name.

While he said sources behind the allegations were somewhat dubious and driven by people with political motivation, he will use the opportunity to provide clarity on this investment by the state into the national resources sector.

"The Public Prosecutor’s referral is noted, and we welcome this decision," the Prime Minister said.

"It gives us an opportunity to go before the independent tribunal and the courts to determine the outcomes of these decisions based on real evidence that will be presented to the tribunal and can be cross-examined.

"Our actions have been to ensure that the State continues to have some ownership of Oil Search which it has been doing since its inception.

"We have acted in the best interests of our country, in the best interest of our people, and it is important that we continue to be participants in resource development in our country.

"The only way to effectively participate in these resource developments is by making sure that we have ownership of some of the shares in those companies.

"Otherwise we will continue to be bystanders while other people come and continue to develop our resources.

"This in no way implicates personal gain on these matters." PNG Today/Post Courier

Air Niugini Madang continues to maintain its “On Time Performance” in the third quarter of this year by recording the least delays to every aircraft that turned around within its port.

Madang is in category A port together with Lae, Rabaul and Mt Hagen where they have two to four flights on a daily basis. Madang has two daily flights.

Air Niugini’s General Manager, Ground Operations and Aviation Security, Marco McConnell on behalf of CEO, Simon Foo presented a Shield to the staff in Madang last week for their achievement.

Mr Foo commended Madang Port Manager, Wewe Pih and his staff for an excellent team work that resulted in maintaining OTP for three consecutive times this year, of which 100 percent OTP were recorded for some months.

“ It’s not easy to turn an aircraft within 30 minutes, ensuring details for all passenger, cargo, crew and aircraft are in place and departure is on schedule, I congratulate the Madang Port Manager and staff for an excellent performance.” Mr Foo said.

Under OTP, Air Niugini’s 23 domestic ports are divided into four categories and according to the number of flights in a day. Madang, Lae, Rabaul and Mt Hagen are in category A, followed by Goroka, Wewak, Hoskins and Manus. The rest fall into category C. The ports with the least number of flights in a week including Daru, Vanimo, Kiunga, Bulolo and Tabubil are in the last category. Port Moresby being the biggest port is categorized separately from other ports. Its competition is between the three shifts.

Mr Mcconnell encouraged staff in all ports to work smarter to achieve the 100 percent OTP mark.

He said “ So far Madang is leading in Category A, followed by Wewak in B, Tari and Bulolo in category C and Mendi in the last category. Port Moresby shift one won the first quarter, followed by shift 2 in the second and third shift in the third quarter.”

The domestic ports come under Air Niugini’s Ground Operations and Aviation Security Department. There are also other departments such as Flight Operations, Finance, Engineering, Marketing, Maintenance Control and others who contribute to achieving the overall on time performance.

On Time Performance is basically measured on the time taken for a scheduled flight to depart from a point of origin to the point of arrival. It’s the initiative of the current Chief Executive Officer, Mr Simon Foo. OTP was implemented towards the end of last year following complaints and queries from the traveling public on continuous delays and disruptions.

Prior to the implementation of OTP, Air Niugini’s overall average departures were around 40 percent, however since OTP came into effect at the end of last year, it is now averaging between 80 and 90 percent, there have been days when Air Niugini’s combined OTP for domestic and international flights have reached 100 percent mark.

The Cancer Foundation Papua New Guinea received K100, 000 from the National Government for the outstanding efforts it has been putting in its awareness programs to combat and prevent cancer throughout PNG.

The cheque presentation was made by Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill, CMG MP to the Cancer Foundation CEO, Dadi Toka Jr, during the Cancer Foundation Inaugural Charity Gala at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby.

Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill thanked and commended the Foundation for its outstanding efforts to help prevent and combat this epidemic and also initiate awareness programs concerning this area.

He also announced that the government has also allocated in next years’ budget K100, 000 for each district totaling K8.9 million to strengthen awareness programs in schools for the vaccination of young women.

“Cancer, being one of those very serious issues in PNG, is a result of the neglect of our health circumstances for many years. “Over the last two years, our government has fully funded the national health plan, which was launched many years ago but was neglected in terms of funding,” Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said.

He said the government now spends nearly K1.5 billion each year on this plan and as a result of that; we are now starting to see many improvements in the manner of healthcare we provide for our citizens.

“Before the 2015 National Budget is passed in parliament next week, I can safely announce tonight that 2015 will see a very determined government, investing more into healthcare services in our country. “In fact it will exceed K2 billion in next year’s budget allocation for health facilities and healthcare programs in our country,” Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said.

He said this is a very substantial increase from where we were three years ago. Virtually, less than eight or nine hundred million kina a year to fund our health sector on a growing rate of 3 per cent. “The government is also putting direct funding of K2 million into the district level to improve our district health facilities and doctors and nurses houses so they are able to serve our people effectively.

“At the same time, we are doing more work to build infrastructure and bring in more equipment to the provincial hospitals, therefore they will receive direct funding from the national budget,” the Prime Minister said. He further thanked the major advocates and sponsors of Cancer Foundation PNG and assured them the government’s continued support.

Pope Francis elevates Blessed Chavara Kuriakose Elias (Chavara Achan) and Blessed Euphrasia (Evuprasiamma) from India to becoming Saints of the Catholic Church on Sunday, 23^rd November 2014, in Rome.

The people of India, especially the church in India, and in particular the southern state of Kerala, are in jubilation on the occasion of two of its prestigious children being elevated to sainthood. Saint Sister Alphonsa is the first Indian woman declared a saint (2008) and the second person to become a saint from India after the Mumbai-based St Gonsalo Garcia, who was born in 1556, engaged in missionary work in Japan before being martyred in 1597 and was declared a saint by the Catholic Church in 1862.

The elevation of Blessed Father Chavara Kuriakose Elias popularly called ‘Chavara Achan’, and his disciple, a nun, Blessed Sister Euphrasia called 'Evuprasamma', is a moment of delight and pride for the Christian minority in India which traces its origin back to the Apostle St. Thomas. Although Christianity in India is almost as old as Christianity itself, only 2.1% of India’s population are followers of Christianity.

Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara was born on 10th February 1805 of pious and devout Catholic parents, Iko (Kuriakose) Chavara and Mariam Thoppil of the Syro-Malabar Church, at Kainakary, near Allappuzha, in the Southern Indian State of Kerala. According to the local custom the infant was baptized on the 8th day, in Chennankari Parish Church, Alappuzha.

From the age 5 to 10, he attended the village school (Kalari) to study languages, different dialects, and elementary sciences under the guidance of a Hindu teacher (Asan). Inspired by the desire to become a priest, he began the necessary studies under the parish priest of the church of St. Joseph. At the age of 13 in 1818 he entered the seminary and was ordained priest on 29th November, 1829.

Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, along with other two zealous priests, Fr. Thomas Palackal and Fr. Thomas Porukara, founded the first indigenous Congregation for men, known as Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) in 1831. Today there are more than 3000 members of this Congregation engaged in various ministries in nearly 20 countries around the world. Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavara died of a painful illness in 1871, and was beatified on February 8, 1986 by Pope John Paul II and is canonized on 23^rd November 2014.

The second saint, Blessed Euphrasia Eluvathingalor Sister Euphrasia of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (C.M.C.), also known as Evuprasiamma, was born in 1877, also in the South Indian state of Kerala. Baptized as Rose, she was the eldest child of wealthy landowners. At the age of nine, Rose is said to have experienced an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which led her to make a commitment never to marry, and to commit her entire life to God.

When she was 10, she entered the boarding school attached to the first indigenous Carmelite community for women in the Syro-Malabar Church, founded by Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Rev. Leopold Beccaro in 1866. As she grew older, Rose desired to enter the Sisters of the Mother of Carmel, who follow the Rule of the Third Order of the Discalced Carmelites. Her father opposed this decision as he wanted to arrange a marriage for her with the son of another prosperous family in the region. Seeing her resolve, her father finally relented, and he himself accompanied her to the convent, but her constant ill health, however, threatened her stay in the convent, and the superiors considered dismissing her. At that juncture, Euphrasia is said to have had a vision of the Holy Family, at which point the illness seems to have ceased. After her final profession she served the congregation as Assistant to the Novice Mistress, then as Novice Mistress and later as the Mother Superior of St. Mary’s Convent, where she died in 1952. Despite her duties, she endeavored to lead a life of constant prayer with a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Blessed Sacrament and Blessed Virgin Mary,andthus came to be known by many people as the “Praying Mother”. She was beatified in 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI, and she is to be canonized on Sunday, 23^rdNovember 2014 by Pope Francis in Rome. Their feast days are to be celebrated respectively on January 3 and on August 29. BlessedSaints pray for us!

Papua New Guinea will build Ebola detention facility at the Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby. As the Ebola epidemic in West Africa worsens PNG needs to prepare for this deadly disease. The PNG WHO representative Dr Boris Pavlin said due to management programs that have been galvanised by substantial international support, Ebola has been contained in some parts of Western Africa. About three countries are affected by this deadly disease that has claimed over 5,000, as indicated by updated World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics, however, 99.5 per cent of the population in West Africa is not affected.

As a display of PNG’s preparedness, despite health authorities downplaying the chances as “extremely low”, the National Health Department, through its Ebola Task Force and the WHO, announced a detection facility to be built at the Jackson’s International Airport last week Friday.

The facility will be constructed with assistance from Australian Aid, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

A source from the contractor charged with arranging logistics and training, on behalf of the Health Department and Australia’s DFAT, confirmed that there was no construction today due to access issues.

The construction comes at a time when the international terminal is experiencing major renovations.

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SUSPENDED Manus MP Ronny Knight denied five allegations of misappropriation and misconduct in office at the leadership tribunal in Waigani yesterday.
Public Prosecutor Pondros Kaluwin had referred Knight to the tribunal after finding a “prima facie” case against the MP.
The tribunal will continue today and witnesses will be called to give evidence.
Knight’s lawyer Greg Egan QC informed the three-member tribunal yesterday that his client did not agree with the five allegations.
Knight was at the hearing.
The tribunal comprising Justice Salatiel Lenalia, Ignatius Kurei and Rosie Johnson then proceeded to hear evidence by counsel assisting the tribunal Camillus Sambua.
Ombudsman Commission investigator Richard Pagen, who was the first witness to be called by Sambua, told the tribual of the processes involved in their investigation.
Pagen said minutes of the Manus Joint District Planning and Budget Priorities Committee meetings were tampered with and unapproved insertions done.
One of the allegations against Knight related to the purchase of a vessel for K2.5 million for the district.
The leader is alleged to have withheld vital information and misled the Manus JDP&BPC into buying the mv Trader Star, which was unseaworthy and inappropriate for Manus waters.
The vessel later required additional repairs costing K180,670.
Another allegation involved a payment made to a hire car company in which Knight was said to have business dealings with.
The alleged offences were committed between January and August last year.
Knight was suspended from office following a request by Kaluwin to Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia to set up the tribunal, which is expected to convene on Manus after completion of evidence from witnesses in Port Moresby. PNG Today/The National

Gordons Market Port Moresby

YANGORU-Saussia MP Richard Maru has called on National Capital District Commission to close down the Gordon market and relocate it to a safer location in the city.

He described the market where police officer Clifford Yambeningi from his district in East Sepik was stabbed to death last Thursday as an eyesore. He said it created a bad image of the capital city for visitors from abroad and a haven for criminals.

The officer was stabbed while trying to get on a bus to return to Bomana College after work. Maru urged NCD Governor Powes Parkop to close Gordon market for good.

He described the killing of the officer as totally unwarranted, unnecessary, cowardly and barbaric.

He said he was the second man from Yangoru-Saussia to be murdered there.

“Enough is enough, we have lost so many lives not only from Yangoru but from other provinces as well. Women have been harassed, threatened, stabbed and raped by the same thugs who live and thrive on stealing and murder at the market which is a big business for them,” Maru said.

NCDC deputy city manager Honk Kiap said Parkop and the city manager were in Lae for the PNG Games and he was not in a position to make a ruling on the closure of the market.

He said the market would be closed for an indefinite period while they assessed the situation.

NCD-Central police commander Assistant Commissioner Jerry Frank supported Maru’s suggestion to close the market permanently.

“Gordon market is a criminal haven. Resources continue to be centered on this area. We will support the call by the minister,” he said. PNG Today/ The National

Kandep MP and THE Party leader Don Polye has joined the opposition.
Mr Polye met with the opposition today in a news conference with Opposition Leader, Belden Namah, his Deputy Sam Basil to announce his decision to join the Opposition.
Other MPs who joined are Raicoast MP James Gau, Kikori MP Mark Maipakai, and Member for Laigap Pogera Nixon Maigape.

Papua New guinea Government has launched K16.27 billion budget for the country going into 2015 after lock up session today.

Also, Mr Pruiaitch just presented a 2014 supplementary budget of K897 million.

Parliament is currently in session and is a buzz as the monetary affairs of the country are being discussed.

The 2015 Budget Press Lock Up was held at the National Parliament State Function Room. Treasury secretary Dairi Vele presented the 2015 Budget Strategy Framework and was supported by Planning Secretary Juliana Kubak who presented the details of the Budget.

Treasurer Patrick Pruaitch and National Planning Minister Charles Abel also briefed on what is expected in the budget. As of 2pm today Minister Pruaitch officially launched the 2015 National Budget in Parliament and is currently presenting.lso, Mr Pruiaitch just presented a 2014 supplementary budget of K897 million.

The 2015 Budget Press Lock Up was held at the National Parliament State Function Room. Treasury secretary Dairi Vele presented the 2015 Budget Strategy Framework and was supported by Planning Secretary Juliana Kubak who presented the details of the Budget.

Sir Michael sues Prime Minister O'Neill

While the government of the day passed budget yesterday, veteran leader Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare passed a summons against Prime Minster Peter O’Neill and the state seeking damages totalling K205 million.

The former head of state and current member for East Sepik Province appeared before Justice Ambeng Kandakasi last week Friday at the Waigani National Court asking that a default judgement be made against his estranged predecessor, Mr O’Neill.

The writ of summons put forward by the Grand Chief states him as claiming K150 million in general damages for the psychological anguish and public humiliation experienced on August 2, 2011 when he was dismissed from office, K5 million in special damages on a more personal front which will be disclosed in court and K50 million in exemplary damages for his seemingly unlawful and unconstitutional removal from office.

This law suit totalling a sum of about K205 million in claims follows a controversial, unsolved case in PNG’s political history where Sir Michael was basically removed from office while on a sickbed in Singapore and Mr O’Neill was declared PM.

Furthermore, on December 12 of that same year (2011), the disgruntled Grand Chief won a victory in court that ruled his dismissal unlawful and his reinstatement most probable only to have Mr O’Neill declared Prime Minister again on the floor of parliament later on that very same day.

Justice Kandakasi adjourned the matter on Friday at which point he directed Sir Michael’s lawyer John Alman and the Solicitor-General to appear before him on December 2.

It was disclosed that Justice Kandakasi adjourned the matter to research the history and details surrounding the matter before deciding on whether the matter be referred to the Supreme Court for constitutional interpretation.

The law suit comes at a crucial time for the O’Neill government and Mr O’Neill’s referral last week Friday could not have come at a more crucial time for his government. No comment could be attained from the PM as all parliamentarians were preoccupied for yesterday’s passing of budget.

PNG Today/Post COurier

The Papua New Guinea Government has allocated K360 million in the 2015 national budget to complete all facilities for the 2015 South Pacific Games.

And an additional K250 million for the Pacific Games expenditure was also allocated as advance payment under the 2014 supplementary budget that was also officially released yesterday.

Also included in the 2015 national budget allocation was K30 million for the Pacific Games security.

Treasury secretary Dairi Vele mentioned this in a brief statement during the 2015 national budget lock up at Parliament’s state function room and Treasury Minister Patrick Pruaitch’s ministerial statement in Parliament detailed the latter.

Both leaders’ presentation revealed that the construction progress on all facilities for the 2015 SP Games were now 60 per cent complete and should be finished before next year July.

"The 2015 budget will be PNG’s largest at K16.199 billion, an increase of K1095.3 million from the revised 2014 budget. This will lead to a forecast deficit of 4.4 per cent of GDP. Over the medium term it is expected that the size of these deficits will gradually fall, ensuring the right balance is struck between responsible fiscal settings and macroeconomic stability," Mr Pruaitch said.

He mentioned among other factors contributing to the strong growth of PNG, apart from oil and gas and also considered to boost activity in the non-mining sectors, would be the 2015 South Pacific Games and the preparations for the APEC meetings.

"We have allocated for the completion of facilities for the 2015 Pacific Games K360 million and in addition to the K250million advanced in the 2014 supplementary budget," Mr Pruaitch revealed.

"We are building our nation and providing opportunities for our people," he said.

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