Papua News Guinea

Death by 1001 cuts

2009-07-17T13:39:00.006+10:00

NEWS FLASH NEWS FLASH NEWS FLASH

Papua News Guinea won the Prince Albert Foundation/UNCA global prize for news coverage of climate change, bronze award.
The United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA) was founded in 1948 when the UN began to meet regularly in New York.
Its over 200 members come from more than 50 countries and the purpose of the awards is to recognise and encourage excellence in reporting on the UN’s worldwide activities.
The award was presented by UN secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon, in at a New York ceremony.
The awards were open to journalists anywhere in the world for their work in print, Internet, radio or TV.
Coverage of PNG's carbon and enviro woes led to also winning the 2009 Asia-Pacific award for environmental journalism.

________________________________________

But Due to unpopular demand this is the last post. Sadly Papua News Guinea is to die a very premature death due to AAP concerns the 30 per day who daily read it are undermining the nature of their news service. That and they may be liable for some law suit due to the author's unchecked behaviour. It was but brief. Adieu all ye PNG fateful.
ilya

More Footy Violence in PNG

2009-07-17T11:21:00.001+10:00

Another killing in post State of Origin fighting in Port Moresby.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/838597/another-png-man-dies-in-origin-violence

Cockfighting Carbon Trading Australian Horse Trainer in PNG

2009-07-17T08:08:00.004+10:00

By Ilya Gridneff

PORT MORESBY, July 16 AAP - A former Australian horse trainer who ran a Philippines cock fighting business is involved in carbon deals central to an inquiry into Papua New Guinea's suspended climate change boss.

Kirk William Roberts denies any wrongdoing in his carbon dealings in PNG and claims former business associates are running a smear campaign against him.

"I am a loveable larrikin," Roberts said from his Port Moresby home.

"I've done nothing wrong, we're doing good things.

"I am the most beneficial foreigner to this country (PNG) right now."

But Roberts' role in a series of carbon deals is now at the crux of PNG's carbon trading woes that includes an investigation in Dr Theo Yasause's role as director of the country's Office of Climate Change (OCC).

Yasause gave Hong Kong based company Forest Top and Roberts, a director of another company called Nupan PNG, an official mandate to trade carbon after Roberts locked in local landowners for potential carbon deals.

But documents show Yasause issued the mandate when he was the PNG prime minister's chief of staff, signing documents as interim director of OCC on May 12, 2008, one month before he was officially appointed director.

The documents show Yasause allowed Roberts to go to the world market offering lucrative carbon credits in PNG.

On the same day Roberts and Yasause also signed a memorandum of understanding with Forest Top director David Leamey to facilitate international carbon credit deals.

Forest Top then gave Australian company Carbon Planet the exclusive rights to broker the credits and provide technical and scientific input to verify the credits.

Forest Top was to be the body that distributed carbon credit sale proceeds to the stakeholders like Nupan, Carbon Planet and landowners.

An Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) document shows Carbon Planet last year gave $1.2 million for projects in PNG which were associated with Nupan and Forest Top.

Carbon Planet literature predicts the global voluntary carbon market will be worth around $US9.9 billion-$US17.1 billion ($A12.5 billion-$A21.5 billion) per year by 2012, with the global compliance market worth up to $US2 trillion ($A2.5 trillion) by 2020.

Carbon Planet chairman Jim Johnson said they still stood by their PNG deals but declined to comment further.

The deal between Yasause and Roberts' company Nupan became public last month, and as PNG does not have any carbon policy nor legislation for such ventures, the PNG government sidelined Yasause and launched a full investigation into the OCC.

The prime minister's media secretary Betha Somare said any of the deals struck were not valid. The new acting director of the OCC, Wari Iamo, is expected to make a similar statement this month.

"As Nupan (PNG) Trading Corporation is the power-of-attorney for numerous incorporate land groups, it is inappropriate for us to comment on any media speculation at this time," Roberts said.

Nupan and Forest Top are now in dispute and Leamey and Roberts are locked in various legal battles over wide ranging allegations centred in the Philippines, where Roberts is under investigation by the Philippine immigration department.

"I want nothing to do with carbon credits and nothing to do with Kirk William Roberts," Leamey said.

Roberts, equally as frosty in his opinions of Leamey, was involved in what is considered the Philippines' national sport of cock fighting, running an operation in Olongapo, 130km northwest of the capital Manila.

"Cock fighting in the Philippines is the equivalent to pokies in Australia," he said.

Roberts said jealous cock fighting rivals, former business partners and competitors were running a smear campaign against his efforts to help PNG.

That smear campaign includes details of his time as a thoroughbred trainer in NSW, when his horse Yobro won the 1997 Auckland Cup and came second in the Brisbane Cup the following year.

But in March 2002 NSW Thoroughbred Racing Board stewards charged Roberts for verbally threatening his vet, Dr Darren Gibbins, during a December 2001 telephone call.

Roberts was given a six months disqualification after being found guilty of asking his vet to withhold records from an inquiry.

Previously Roberts had a six-month ban for administering a prohibited substance to a racehorse.An ASIC prosecution report for July to September 2007 shows Roberts also was fined $2,800 under the Corporations Act for failing to assist liquidators and failure to provide reports to the liquidator.

Death by 1000 Cuts - Logging by stealth in PNG

2009-07-16T10:09:00.003+10:00

While everyone focuses on illegal logging and logging practice - PNG's woes are much more obvious when you see the millions of hectares of land given over for 'Forest Conversion' projects like Oil Palm. Sadly many operators are using forest conversion as a back door to log by stealth.

http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=125252

PNG creates two new provinces

2009-07-15T14:37:00.002+10:00

PNG's will soon get two new Highlands Provinces - Hela and Jiwaka. See the story below.

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/png-to-create-two-new-provinces-20090715-dkyh.html

Digger's remains found in PNG

2009-07-15T11:06:00.002+10:00

Three skeletons suspected to be those of Australian diggers have been uncovered near Rabaul in Papua New Guinea. In World War II Australia first clashed with Japanese troops when they invaded Rabaul on January 23, 1942. The 1400 Australian troops known as Lark Force were outnumbered and forced to evacuate Rabaul. More below.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25785149-23109,00.html

Carbon Cheating

2009-07-15T08:17:00.005+10:00

I've come a bit late to this one but it's good satire on the whole carbon credit saga. Worth a look. And it's a great opening act to a story in the pipeline due out today that includes - one horse trainer, Philippine cock fighting, a transvestite and carbon trading in PNG.

I kid you not.

http://www.cheatneutral.com/

Trobriand Islands Yam Festival

2009-07-13T12:26:00.006+10:00

Just back from a weekend in PNG's Islands of Love - the Trobriand Islands. So bad are the crops that the traditional yam festival (Minimala) has not been held for the last 20 years because harvest sizes are not good enough to literarily sing or dance about.
Above is a picture of one village filling their chief's Yam House with you guessed it -yams. In the past tonnes of Yams were distributed out through the chief's and their yam houses but due to population explosion from too much, ahem, love - harvest is down .
Trobriand Islander Serah Clark now organises a smaller Ugwabwena Yam festival on Kiriwina in an attempt to revive the islands' dying traditions.
The Ugwabwena Festival last weekend drew 50 tourists from around the world to see famous local dances, singing and art and crafts. More pictures and stories to come.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/836861/island-of-love-causing-population-woes

some pictures
http://www.aapimage.com.au/Search.aspx?search=PNG+TROBRIANDS+ISLAND%26(IMPORTDATE%3e20090712)&gallery=PNG+TROBRIANDS+ISLAND+

Journalists and Other Waiters

2009-07-08T23:05:00.007+10:00

Even the highest outpost of Journalism gets caught in the crossfire as contemporary modes slide farther into mere service delivery. Above is a copy of a letter I received from PNG's Department of Labour and Industrial Relations in regard to my short term employment in PNG.

Myself and my company AAP, yumi tokaut olsem mi laik wok insait lo PNG.

We asked for a three year work permit and we got a three month work permit.

When you look at the form and see what service industry servants are also signed under the 'Designation' of Jouranalist, albeit better paid and more appreciated, you realise the much maligned PNG public service has a wiked sense of humour.

Musingku conman offers duped investors 'Jesus money'

2009-07-08T13:07:00.006+10:00

Long before naughty Bernard Madoff got in on the scene with billion dollar pyramid schemes Bougainville's self appointed royality Noah Musingku was ripping off people in the Pacific.

Many still hope he will live up to some of his far fetched promises - the latest is a new currency that proudly sports a picture of him and the other big guy - Jesus Christ.

Pictured above is Musingku and from earlier this year when giving newly appointed Bougainville President James Tanis, following behind, a guard of honour.

Just in case people forgot Musingku was also known as: 'His Majesty King David Peii II, Head of State of the Twin Kingdom of Papaa'la and Me'ekamui' he wore a crown with KING written on it.

Only in PNG would a wanted conman be able to give a newly appointed leader such treatment and vice versa could one be able to pull it off.

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/uvistract-conman-offers-jesus-money-20090708-dcuu.html

Foreign Climate Change Funding Goes Where?

2009-07-07T11:51:00.003+10:00

A while back I posted ten questions sent to Australia's Climate Change Minister Penny Wong's office which unsurprisingly did not get a response.
The federal opposition, through the shadow climate change minister Greg Hunt, now urges the government to answer those questions and please explain where all the money goes to foreign initiatives with countries like PNG on climate change...

"Can they (Rudd government) point to a single tree being saved?" Mr Hunt asked.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au:80/world/834621/govt-urged-to-front-up-on-climate-funds

Women in PNG parliament

2009-07-06T13:50:00.002+10:00

PNG Parliament to vote on a special provision under the constitution to get three women into the House. It's already failed once but the PM Michael Somare is urging his government to get behind it despite reservations from all sections of society.

http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au:80/breaking-news-world/png-parliament-votes-on-places-for-women-20090706-d9zc.html

PNG Headhunter in Hollywood

2009-07-06T07:10:00.004+10:00

Look out Hollywood bad guys - Papua New Guinea's Stanley "Headhunter" Nandex looks to be headed for Tinseltown.
The 37-year-old Nandex, a seven-time World Kickboxing Champion, retired this year at the top of his sport.
But that hasn't slowed the mean machine whose round house kicks have sent more than a few opponents into intensive care.
Now Nandex is pursuing a role in a Hollywood big screen action blockbuster.
"Chuck Norris has been one of my heroes, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bruce Lee, too," he said.
"I followed them as a martial arts student from when I started at 13. I went to Lee's grave in Hong Kong and met Chuck in Florida in USA. I also met Van Damme.
"It will be good for PNG to one day produce another Chuck Norris."
Nandex said a project set in both Los Angeles and PNG was being planned.
"They're looking for the finance and once everything is in order, we're thinking next year," he said.
"Certainly it will be a dream come true to work in Hollywood, to take part in a martial arts movie series with Don Wilson. The producer is working on the script now."
Kickboxing in PNG started in 1996, when Nandex crossed over from martial arts. Today, there are about 2,500 registered kickboxers across the country.
His career of 48 fights includes 41 wins with 30 knockouts and seven losses.
He has received the industry's 'knockout of the year' award four times, been honoured with an MBE (Member of the British Empire) and has twice been named PNG's Sportsman of the Year.
His career has taken him around the world and he has a massive fan base in PNG.
But success for Nandex means giving something back to his country.
He has no interest in politics, preferring to focus on training young fighters, working as a motivational speaker and even visiting Port Moresby's Bomana jail.
"Winning a few title belts is something, but changing someone's life for the positive - that would be the biggest achievement and that's what I want to do for my country," he said.
"I see in the sport a lot of potential, these kids are off the street, keep them busy and learn something positive for their future.
"Kickboxing gives them a direction, it's also about changing routine about finding their potential."

watch here some of the Headhunter's KOs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRLd0AYoeLI&feature=PlayList&p=C9F57F3EA2EF8633&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=3

REDD the colour of GREED in PNG

2009-07-04T11:05:00.007+10:00

Kirk Roberts, Carbon Planet, Forest Top, Papua New Guinea

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/1050

and one prepared earlier on Carbon Planet - Kirk- Landowners and the vacuum of law/policy/sense...

http://www.industrysearch.com.au/News/Aust-firm-caught-in-PNG-confusion-over-carbon-trading-40079/

Cabon in PNG

2009-07-04T11:05:00.005+10:00

More cabon woes in PNG -

http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/pngs-pm-nephew-pushing-carbon-deals-20090703-d7g8.html

Lark Force Pilgrimage

2009-07-03T13:59:00.008+10:00

Pete McGuiness with Bainings kids.

Lark Force trek departure photo.

A while back I carried out a three day trek through East New Britain with South Sea Horizons and met some interesting characters along the way. Here is a story about one man's journey to retrace his father's steps when part of the disastrous Rabaul defence during World War II.

http://www.thenational.com.pg/070309/wkender6.php

and here is a longer version:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/lifestyle/travel/2567943/Retracing-lark-force-wartime-treks

REDD Monitor

2009-07-03T09:33:00.003+10:00

For all those who can’t get enough information on the exciting developments on Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) - check out www.redd-monitor.org.
It's a valuable source of climate change and forestry news all into one neat little package.
This week they gave the Economist and AAP PNG a pat on the back for their tireless carbon eco-warrior like journalism…So we like them extra more!

http://www.redd-monitor.org/2009/07/02/png-update-yasause-suspended-dodgy-carbon-credits-and-carbon-ripoffs/

RH Knighthood Outrage

2009-07-02T17:33:00.001+10:00

Environment groups are outraged billionaire Malaysian owner of Rimbunan Hijau (RH) logging company, Tiong Hiew King, has been awarded a knighthood for work in Papua New Guinea.
The Swiss organisation Bruno Manser Fund dubbed Tiong 'Knight of the Chainsaw'.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au:80/article.aspx?id=833079

Family Mistaken for Car Thieves

2009-07-02T15:20:00.007+10:00

Driving home along up Lawes Road and here is a slice of famous Port Moreby - several shots fired and some locals now lying on the ground. Such is life in Paradise. After a few more questions the story emerges that perhaps here lies innocent men. Over zealous security may have mistaken them for car thieves....again, such is life in Paradise....

Park versus Supermarket PNG style

2009-07-02T14:41:00.002+10:00

PNG's PM Michael Somare and his Deputy Puka Temu, the Lands Minister are in dispute over a park opposite one of Port Moresby's major supermarket's Boroko Foodworld. Locals who remember say the same zoning issues lapsed when Foodworld was built. So why is the PM so committed to saving some slides for PNG kiddies?

http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=47506

This is not a Climate Change pipe

2009-07-01T10:56:00.006+10:00

PNG's Office of Climate Change director Dr Theo has been suspended so an investigation into the office can be conducted...

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/832299/png-climate-office-director-suspended

Stinky End Thwarted

2009-06-30T17:09:00.008+10:00

In a past life in London I worked for some of the world's best/worst tabloids. But moving to the AAP foreign correspondent role in PNG does not necessarily mean serious journalism.
In fact it is very apparent the Australian media obsession with PNG is not serious at all. It's all a little too complicated and different so what they want, or the media wants, is a healthy dose of witches, raskols, 'ooga booga' weird that keeps every one at a safe distance, happy in their prejudices. Oh don't forget a healthy dose of plane crashes and high alert for ex-pat rape and murder.
But having said all that- there is no doubt an endless supply of cracking PNG yarns that would make any hackneyed tabloid editor moist with excitment.

So here is some more from the classic PNG vault - I've already been complimented for managing to work sorcery into a toilet suicide bid...

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25712697-12335,00.html

by popular demand here are some others-

Wife killed after testicle-jibe

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,,24291896-1702,00.html

Women bash serial bottom pincher

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24222989-23109,00.html

And here is a friends favourite - picked up by reuters..

http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKSYD29791720080409

PNG Boxing Death

2009-06-30T12:14:00.001+10:00

Questions have been raised over the handling of a boxing bout that resulted in the death of Papua New Guinean boxer making his professional debut.
Joel Hayeu, 23, from Manus Province in PNG's north, died in Port Moresby General Hospital on Sunday morning after sustaining head injuries during a six-round welterweight loss in a PNG Pro Boxing Federation bout on June 21.

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/png-boxing-debut-ends-in-coma-death-20090630-d2zr.html

In questions regarding AFP -AFP can't comment...

2009-06-30T07:57:00.005+10:00

Journalists dealIing with government agencies and governments know the run-run-run-around you get. The specifics you ask and the bland empty rhetoric you receive.
But in the ever quixotic task of trying to get to the bottom of the Climate Change debacle, in particular to a host of multimillion dollar Australian-led initatives, I have tried on several fronts to find out what's going on.
The Australian government responses add to the Grahame Green story line made comical on a daily basis by the Office of Climate Change PNG.
Here are some questions posed to the Australian Federal Police - tied to past media articles - and see the response below...

Dear Sir

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25623185-661,00.html

To clarify - I am not making reference to PNG laws. (In PNG no laws have been broken as no laws exist). I did ask Penny wong's office about evolving climate change initiatives with AFP but got no response to that or the nine other questions.

I think its pretty clear what the questions are asking.

So hopefully that clarifies the issues you raise and I pose the original questions again-

Is the Australian Federal Police involved in monitoring carbon deals or will be involved in monitoring as part of transnational crimes?

Is there any "dialogue" between the AFP and say the Australian climate change office or the PNG climate change off or any other agencies on this issue?

A range of Australian companies are operating in PNG offering carbon trade deals or brokering - often facilitating some of these dubious deals that have been recently exposed by media - what responsibility does the Australian government or the AFP have in monitoring Australian companies in dubious carbon trade practice?

ig

AFP response -

Hello Ilya

Thank you for the clarification and reference to the Herald Sun story.

Unfortunately the questions touch on policy matters that may or may not be referred to us from Ministerial level, or at such time as legislative initiatives come into being.

As such they are not questions that we can respond to at this stage and I would suggest that you keep trying Penny Wong's office.

I am sorry that we cannot be of more assistance in this instance.

Regards

Crime and Punishment in PNG

2009-06-29T13:58:00.003+10:00

Port Moresby police have destroyed 5-mile settlement after three were killed in the area after the State-of-Origin rugby league clash last Wednesday night.
Chief Superintendent Fred Yakasa said hardline demolition and confiscation of beer from black-market shops was the only thing illegal settlers understood.
"My police will patrol these roads and they have been instructed to break legs and hands of people caught breaking that order.
"Enough is enough," he said.

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/six-arrested-in-png-over-origin-deaths-20090629-d21v.html

PNG and China Strengthen Military Ties

2009-06-29T11:17:00.002+10:00

China and PNG have committed to be better military friends - which no doubt has Aussie defence experts taking note.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25705712-663,00.html

Montevideo Maru

2009-06-28T16:35:00.006+10:00

The sinking of the Montevideo Maru with the loss of 1,053 Australian prisoners of war and civilians on 1 July 1942 is Australia’s worst maritime tragedy. Sadly, it is also one of the lesser known.

This Wednesday 15 Australian families along with government officials will unveil a memorial in the Philippines to mark the 67th anniversary.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/wartime-sea-tragedy-to-be-marked-20090628-d1a3.html

here are some previous AAP stories
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/montevideo-maru-families-want-war-grave-20090424-ahna.html

http://www.businessday.com.au/breaking-news-national/beazley-urges-hunt-for-lost-war-ship-20090502-aqor.html

Mark Day in the Australian newspaper:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25659669-31477,00.html

Here is the John Huxley in Fairfax press:
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/seeking-comfort-and-closure-67-years-on-20090617-chy3.html

For more information check Keith Jackson's PNG Attitude Blog..

Port Moresby Cultural Day

2009-06-28T14:19:00.013+10:00

The Caritas Girls Technical School in Port Moresby held a cultural day on the weekend where students and families from the many and vaired districts in PNG's 19 provinces came together to celebrate their diversity under the banner of 'Our Culture Our Life'.

3 Dead in PNG State of Origin footy fights

2009-06-26T14:40:00.002+10:00

Rugby League is PNG's national sport and no bigger event on the calender is the Australian State of Origin series. In the capital Port Moresby three were killed after drunken fights across the city.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25693113-12335,00.html

Unanswered Climate Change Questions

2009-06-25T15:08:00.004+10:00

Australia has made all sorts of partnership agreements and multi-million dollar funding pledges to PNG surrounding Climate Change.
But when it comes to detail or even answering what the rhetoric means - don't expect an answer.
Here is a list of ten quesions I put to Australia's Climate Change minister Penny Wong - the predictable anodyne Australian Government response would be funny if it wasn't the bane of my existence.

1) Under the Papua New Guinea Australia Forest Carbon Partnership (PNGAFC) signed by PM Kevin Rudd and PNG PM Somare in March 2008 "Papua New Guinea and Australia will engage in a strategic policy dialogue on climate change" - can you explain what sort of "dialogue" has been occurring considering that the PNG government through their Office of Climate Change (OCC) has been offering carbon deals while no policy or legislation is in place - in particular with questionable REDD deals?

2) "Australia will work actively together to increase Papua New Guinea’s capacity in forest carbon monitoring and assessment" considering a raft of voluntary pilot schemes are already in full swing towards coming online - is this a signal that the Australian government has built enough "capacity in forest management" for these projects to be credible?

3) Is the Australian government concerned that there remains an apparent lack of monitoring, capacity and assessment in PNG's climate change institutions but pilot schemes are already being established ?

4) The PNGAFC says: "Building on Australia’s experience in national carbon accounting and measurement, Australia will provide scientific, technical and analytical support to inform Papua New Guinea’s development of its own national carbon accounting system " can you please explain where we are with that? or what technical et al support Australia is specifically providing?

5) "Australia’s $200 million International Forest Carbon Initiative is a key part of Australia’s international leadership on REDD. The Initiative supports international efforts on REDD through the UNFCCC. It is jointly administered by the Australian Department of Climate Change and AusAID.

"Australia has committed up to $3 million in initial funding which includes technical, scientific and analytical support for whole of government policy development and the design of Papua New Guinea's carbon monitoring and accounting systems" .

Can you tell me how much of the $200 million goes to PNG and how and when is the money is delivered, to what areas?

6) Is it a concern that millions of dollars in funding is going to PNG while serious issues of credibility, accountability, transparency and leadership remain?

(Dr Yasause OCC director is facing the sack after a series of leaked documents show significant "anomalies" - Dr Yasause refuted the leaked documents as merely “samples” stolen from his office drawer. When AAP asked why the head of one of PNG’s most lucrative resource industries would make “sample” documents, Dr Yasause said: "we want to see what it looked like".)

7) Who does Australia deal with in PNG's OCC - what specific individuals - as it appears there will be a regime change shortly and most PNG government officials are embarrassed by the OCC's current direction?

8) Would Australia's Climate Change Office support moves to get Australian Federal Police involved in monitoring carbon deals as part of transnational crimes? Is there any "dialogue" between the two agencies on this issue?

9) A range of Australian companies are operating in PNG offering carbon trade deals or brokering - often facilitating some of these dubious deals that have been recently exposed by media such as AAP- what responsibility does the Australian government or the Climate Change office have in monitoring Australian companies in dubious carbon trade practice?

10) How concerning is it that the director of the PNG office of climate change also wants to personally "produce and sell" carbon credits - essentially he becomes policy maker, legislator and trader- while the legality of this is questionable - does it jeopardises the integrity of the PNGAFC?

(This has been exposed in a signed letter to Jackson Yagi from Dr Yasuase dated September 20 2008 regarding the April Salome area East Sepik in relation to Australian company Earth Sky)

And here is the response from spokesperson for Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Wong:

“Australia and PNG established the Forest Carbon Partnership to cooperate on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD), and assist Papua New Guinea to participate in future international carbon markets.”

“Australia has committed up to $3 million in initial funding which includes technical, scientific and analytical support for whole of government policy development and the design of Papua New Guinea's carbon monitoring and accounting systems.”

“At the recent Australia – PNG Ministerial Forum (10 June), Australia and PNG signed a Work Plan under the PNG – Australia Forest Carbon Partnership. This recognises the key activities which need to occur for PNG to be able to participate in any international forest carbon market.”

I've followed up by asking why respond with answers that contained the same information as my questions. I tried to speak to the spokesperson because they have not addressed any of the questions but she has not responded to emails or calls. So there you go -

here are two stories I wrote this month about some of the problems in PNG:

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/eco-firm-pays-out-for-png-carbon-trading-20090618-cj1r.html

http://www.smh.com.au/world/carbon-conmen-selling-the-sky-20090612-c63i.html

PNG Road Trip

2009-06-24T21:27:00.009+10:00

Plaque to Rupert Roelof Haviland on the way up to Goroka through the Eastern Highlands Province (EHP) along the Kassman Pass

Driving through the EHP on road to Goroka

Driving through the EHP

Henganofi District Office EHP

Leaving Markham Valley into Eastern Highlands

Markham Valley

Australia's classic Dunlop K26 sneakers are still hot property in PNG. Especially in Gusap in the Ramu Valley.

View from the drive into EHP - along the Kassman Pass.

Inquest into Kokoda Death

2009-06-23T17:42:00.005+10:00

Close to 6000 Australians walk PNG's Kokoda Track every year as a pilgrimage to the World War II legacy but as the popularity increases so to have injuries and deaths. Since 2001 four Australians have died, two this year in the lead up to Anzac Day.

An inquest will be held into the death of 38-year-old mother of two. Doctors want to conduct research on the track so to work out how best combat health concerns.

What is behind the deaths and frequent hospitalisation of trekkers?

http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-world/kokoda-death-probe-will-improve-safety-20090623-cv1r.html

Here is a previous AAP story about insurance companies cutting costs on the Kokoda rescues and putting lives at risk according to some industry experts.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,,25428585-401,00.html

Russian explorer Maclay and Papua New Guinea

2009-06-23T10:22:00.003+10:00

Scroll down the bottom of this link to learn about the fascinating Russian explorer and scientist Micklouho-Maclay- who lived on and off in Madang for three years from 1871 to 1883. His New Guinea Diaries are a cracking read.

http://www.thenational.com.pg/062309/lead_editorial.php

Masked PNG Minister Fears Swine Flu

2009-06-23T10:07:00.002+10:00

PNG's Health Minister Sasa Zibe fears he has swine flu after visiting Brisbane for the PNG Australia minister's meeting June 10. The masked minister awaits lab test results to confirm or deny the dreaded A(H1N1).

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/health/828842/png-minister-picked-up-flu-in-brisbane

Manam Island Girl Beheaded

2009-06-22T18:05:00.002+10:00

A three year-old girl abducted and then beheaded in Madang. Tensions remain high between local Bogia people and thousands of Manam Islanders who settled there after a series of volcanic eruptions in 2004 and forced them to flee.

http://www.news.com.au:80/couriermail/story/0,23739,25672099-5012766,00.html

Here is a bit of background behind the tensions by ABC PNG correspondent Liam Fox.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/14/2570398.htm?site=news

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/07/2563874.htm?site=news

Rift Oil

2009-06-20T14:26:00.001+10:00

While everyone is talking about gas in PNG - others are talking oil. Rift Oil that is..

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/movers_and_shakers/article6514483.ece

PNG Oink

2009-06-19T09:55:00.002+10:00

PNG has a confirmed Swine Flu case - so after two months the germs have managed to migrate all the way from Mexico to Australia and now the Pacific's PNG. PNG is now part of the global pandemic.

http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-world/one-png-case-of-swine-flu-confirmed-20090619-cmgi.html

Yes, no, I mean, er..goodbye...

2009-06-18T16:22:00.009+10:00

Australian carbon company Carbon Planet paid $1.2 million to PNG for carbon deals but when AAP asked about it, Carbon Planet chairman Jim Johnson was not too pleased.
"I've got nothing to talk about," he said.
"I am really sick of you people casting aspersions on my company.
"No payment has been made to PNG, your information is incorrect."
AAP read out an Australian Securities and Investment Commission Carbon Planet financial statement which says: "Payments include $1.2 million of advanced funding on origination projects in PNG which the company expects to recoup in the 2009 financial year."
Johnson responded: "I am not explaining at all. I am not having this conversation," before hanging up.
http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/eco-firm-pays-out-for-png-carbon-trading-20090618-cj1r.html

PNG Border Action

2009-06-18T15:52:00.003+10:00

The PNG police have arrested an Indonesian police officer for illegally crossing into PNG in West Sepik province. Recently I had my own brush with PNG border security but managed a better fate than this officer who tried ride across the border on a motorbike.

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/06/18/jayapura-police-officer-detained-png.html

Waiting for Guffman, PNG style

2009-06-18T13:13:00.013+10:00

Occasionally staying home on Saturday night, remaining sober and watching television has its benefits. One of those rare moments came last Saturday when I flicked from Iranian election riots on BBC, CNN and Sky news to then see what was offered on PNG’s EM TV (it's worth a look at EM TV's website).
It was a segment on this week’s Port Moresby Arts Theatre (MAT) production of” An Evening with Andrew Lloyd Webber.”
I only had time to grab my camera phone which nicely adds another layer of weirdness to the whole “spectacle”.
I’ve never seen any Andrew Lloyd Webber production and only one MAT production, so out of fairness I will not add any snide remarks, but there was something uniquely PNG about an expat in all seriousness describing the artistic merits and integrity of their amateur production while wearing what can only be described as several mops strung together.
The show opens tonight and runs till Saturday. All are encouraged to get along.

Mi amamas tru stap wantaim blog bilong yu

2009-06-17T11:23:00.005+10:00

In strange social oscillations a social cousin from the social Sydney inner west has come into Port Moresby orbit.

And what's more George is working for Transparency International.

He nicely muses on his own nicely named blog. I nicely recommend a visit.

http://olgetalonglong.wordpress.com/

Headhunter Visits Bomana Jail

2009-06-16T16:00:00.015+10:00

On Tuesday PNG sporting hero Stanley "Headhunter" Nandex delivered an inspiring talk to Bomana prisoners.
One of the country's highest profile athletes, Nandex is a now retired two-time world champion kick boxer who remained in PNG despite lucrative offers to train overseas.
Nandex urged inmates away from a life of crime.
"Jail is time for reflection, how you can make something away from crime," he said.
He said he had dallied with crime but instead chose kick boxing.
"When I won my first international title fight in Australia I dedicated the win to the prisoners of PNG," he said.

Bomana prisoner eats lunch

Prisoners from the seperate female wing of Bomana jail are allowed their children until early age

Nadex (right) told Bomana prisoners to stop taking drugs but posed for a photo with Jo whose T-shirt suggests another message.

View of Bomana grounds

Bomana Commander Michael Bine (above) told AAP: "The police cells are full and they bring them here.
"We've got no room, either. For every two that go, 20 come.
"The courts are taking too long to see those on remand. Some have been here more than four years waiting for trial."

On Tuesday PNG's only world champion sporting hero Stanley "Headhunter" Nandex visited Bomana jail, 30 minutes drive outside Port Moresby. The kick boxing champ urged prisoners to a life away from crime. But sadly for many, and those who spoke with AAP, conditions in jail are better than living in Port Moresby.

Correctional service commissioner Richard Sikani said it was worrying that life for some in Port Moresby was better in jail.

"A lot of people are saying that. They do crime because they want to go back to jail," he said.

"They get three meals a day, soap, toothbrush, towel, water, blanket, free everything."

Sikani said long remand periods were a well known issue in the law and justice sector.

"I find it hard I can't tell the courts to hurry up. We've spoken to police, the judges. I can't be like a hotel, saying we are full.

"We've raised this so many times. It's one of reasons behind the escapes because they don't feel justice is being done.

Read the full story at the bottom of this page:

http://www.thenational.com.pg/061709/lead_editorial.php

Dog Ate My Homework

2009-06-16T07:13:00.003+10:00

Dr Theo Yasuase director of PNG's Climate Change told a room full of journalists in Port Moresby leaked documents exposing the illegal sale of carbon credits to up to 39 different international companies were "samples" and he had done nothing wrong.
See the story at

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/world/world/general/png-in-hot-seat-claims-of-false-carbon-credits/1541444.aspx

This is Papua New Guinea

2009-06-15T10:05:00.008+10:00

PNG Customs/Immigration office West Sepik border. The wheel barrows are to help locals carry bought goods.

Would you like some turtle with the village tour?

Henry, a Papuan living in West Sepik Province, can cross into Indonesia without a visa or passport.

Local waiting for PNG customs official at Vanimo border

"You sure it's okay to jump over the border," I asked, already mid-leap.
"What else we going to do?" my friend said, now standing in Papua New Guinea, to the cheers of entertained locals.
With the fearless can-do attitude of foreign correspondents worldwide and the grace of a circus clown, I made the leap, crossing back from Indonesia into PNG.
PNG must be one of the few countries in the world where at times you have to climb a fence to cross its international border.
It's an entry method probably not discussed at recent PNG-Australia ministers' meetings where Australian Customs committed to further helping PNG Customs modernise their border management.
The biggest problem I had leaving the Indonesian side was young officials questioning why I wanted a wall poster displaying their past political leaders.
The moustached military men on my 1980s illustrated souvenir was quickly confiscated. Another guard unpacked a toiletries bag and out spilled the collection of soaps and balms lifted from various hotels.
He demanded to know, what was inside one thin small cardboard box.
"Toothbrush," my friend obediently said.
They flipped through books, rummaged through dirty laundry, then told us to leave.
Things were a little different back in PNG.
After our leap of faith back to PNG, locals insisted we wait for Customs to arrive.
We explained that when we left several days before we simply crossed the border with a horde of traditional Papua New Guineans, who can come and go without any passport or visa.
We'd left PNG without any official customs or immigration stamp, so didn't see the need for a re-entry stamp.
But the locals called Customs and eventually someone arrived.
Upon hearing our story the official was somewhat flummoxed.
"This is illegal exit," he told us.
"Isn't it illegal entry?" I quipped and received a sharp nudge from my friend.
We retold our story that no one was here to sign us out.
"When no one is here you must wait," he said.
The perplexed official then flipped through our passports staring long and hard into each page, as though it was a magic-eye puzzle and the 3-D images would tell him what to do next.
"Work permits! Come," he said.
A long silence followed.
Then in a self-affirming statement, he finally said: "This is Papua New Guinea."
Another long pause followed.
Indeed, this was Papua New Guinea par excellence, so we humbly nodded.
"You must respect the laws of Papua New Guinea."
And so began a long rambling speech about the integrity of PNG's constitution, sovereign laws and institutions. We'd heard it all before. It's the talk police give you before requesting a "donation".
He then opened his official ledger, where our names would have been, if he had been there the previous time to write them down.
After another long search of the book, he closed it confidently.
"You have not cleared customs," he said.
We humbly nodded.
He returned to the passports with another vacant bureaucratic look, best described as "syntax error".
He then decided to call his manager, the Vanimo police commander and maybe the PNG Defence Force who have a checkpoint down the road.
But he realised he didn't have any mobile phone credit.
Trying to be helpful, I tried my phone but it needed charging. I went to plug the charger into the wall's power point but saw it was mere affectation, just a casing glued to the wall.
In a flash of inspiration the official decided to inspect our bags.
He opened them and rummaged through. He picked up the pile of DVDs that according to a sign behind him were illegal in PNG.
He put them back. He admired our Cobra stronger, longer-lasting erection spray we bought at the border. He smiled, then zipped up the bag.
The Vanimo bus driver was now tired of waiting so he told the official to hurry up - and so ended our interrogation.
We were taken to the police chief and on leaving we apologised profusely, telling him we'd learnt our lesson.
I had to speak to the police chief anyway about a recent incident where the Forest Minister and local MP set up a vigilante style "border ranger" protection unit supposed to protect locals but ended up terrorising villagers. The climax was a police shoot-out with them in front of Vanimo market.
Our ordeal was not yet over. On the way to town the driver took us on a tour of his village.
I thought maybe this was where we would be fleeced but instead he offered us chunks of cold turtle meat.
Conversation shifted from our immigration woes to where we would be staying and where we could get beer.
The driver pocketed an extra 50 kina ($A20) for the ride and a six pack bought from the PNG Defence Force military mess hall, as other liquor outlets were respecting the Queen's Birthday public holiday.
We smiled big smiles, waved goodbye then relaxed into our one-star hotel.
All was forgotten until I spent the next three days languishing bedridden with some fever akin to Tropical Madness.
This is Papua New Guinea.

PNG Transparency International Walk Against Corruption

2009-06-14T13:32:00.014+10:00

The march was led by PNG's Governor-General Paulias Matane, (above shown feverishly warming up). Only three politicians attended, all from the opposition.
Tranparencey International PNG chairman Peter Aitsi (above) also got into the swing of things.

http://news.smh.com.au:80/breaking-news-national/3000-march-against-png-corruption-20090614-c744.html

Ten Thousand Years in a Lifetime

2009-06-13T09:44:00.005+10:00

"To this day talking to a river or to a tree is far more important to me than sitting down and listening to somebody else talking about God. Neither my father nor my mother ever became Christians. I was supposed to bring them to the big evening service on Sunday, and I tried very hard indeed because I was beaten if they didn't come. Occassionally my father went for my sake, but my mother did not go once. I used to receive 15 lashes when neither of them attended, and seven and a half when only one did not attend."

Sir Albert Moari Kiki Ten Thousand Years in a Lifetime. A New Guinea Autobiography. Melbourne, Cheshire, 1968

PNG sky money and more carbon hot air

2009-06-12T17:11:00.009+10:00

"Some have asked WWF, 'Who pays for the transport costs?' when they cut their tree, burn the logs and bring the carbon to Port Moresby.
"A lot of people think you sell the gas over the forest canopy and they're not quite sure how to capture it. There is real confusion."

Dave Melick, of the PNG arm of the conservation group WWF.

Here is some more on PNG's embattled Office of Climate Change (OCC), villagers being ripped off and the OCC apparently selling credits despite no legislation or policy. PNG wonders whether the good doctor leading the OCC will still be there for December's Copenhagen meeting?

http://www.smh.com.au/world/carbon-conmen-selling-the-sky-20090612-c63i.html

Swine Flu

2009-06-12T12:08:00.004+10:00

Looks like Swine flu has hit PNG....

looks like the flu has hit SMH.com.au with the first paragraph of the story missing , so here it is.

Swine flu is suspected to have reached Papua New Guinea where seven nationals have been quarantined by authorities after returning from Australia with flu-like symptoms.

http://news.smh.com.au:80/breaking-news-world/swine-flu-fears-hit-png-20090612-c5lf.html

Climate Change PNG Time

2009-06-11T16:04:00.017+10:00

PNG's Office of Climate Change (OCC) director Dr Theo Yasause was to hold a press conference at 2pm today. Journalists diligently turned up on time but were told on arrival the media call was re-scheduled to 3pm.

This is normal PNG mechanics. Uually we get a few free sandwiches, chicken wing and coke. But none of the usual trappings were available and the man of the moment was no where to be seen.

At 3.15pm after more questioning and impatient body language AAP was told Dr Theo's flight from Brisbane had not actually landed in PNG. The press would be informed when the good doctor cleared customs and what time the postponed media conference would be held.

It is now after 4pm. Despite our doubts we have all been assured Dr Theo is very keen to assauge those egregious assertions about all sorts of "apparent irregularities" in the OCC.

The press conference, we've been assured, will happen today, some time. Soon. Any minute now...

nb: text message received 7.44pm "OCC press conf deferred. My apologies. Will advise when."

Papua Don't Preach

2009-06-11T08:09:00.014+10:00

I am back in Port Moresby with a bit of catching up to do. I crossed the border into Indonesia for several days in Jayapura then returned to Vanimo where I was struck down with a malarial fever for three days, something akin to Tropical Madness considering the hotel I was languishing in.

In between all this there has been more developments about the strange dealings of PNG's Office of Climate Change -

http://www.economist.com/world/international/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13724646

there has been a report from Sydney on the Porgera mine in Enga Province in PNG's Highlands. It's usually best to visit a place before writing about it and perhaps to learn burning down 'houses' and shooting people are how things get done in PNG - especially the Highlands. Oh and that there's no such thing as innocent villagers. You should be careful who tells you what's what as there are more than three sides to a PNG coin - especially as those suffering "human rights abuse" are not at all interested in seeing the gold mine shut down....

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2009/06/09/1244313137827.html

And there was the 19th meeting of PNG and Australian ministers. Seems the two countries can only discuss two perennial topics that forever remains at the forefront of the bilateral relationship- Kokoda and Climate Change.

From a quick glance the meetings didn't even rate a mention in the Aussie press. But from what I understand Australian government will help PNG develop their carbon market - will be interesting to see what happens to all those who've already made a deal with PNG....

http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/png/19_forum_joint_statement.html

Vanimo

2009-06-06T15:19:00.005+10:00

I am in Vanimo, West Sepik Province, right in the top north west corner of PNG on the border with the Indonesia.
Vanimo has been in the news recently for the local member, Forest Minister Belden Namah's controversial "border rangers" that he set up to restore law and order but ultimately ended up terrorising locals.
The climax was Namah hiding in the local military barracks after a shoot out between the Border Rangers and police. Such is normal life in PNG.

http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/png-minister-in-border-town-shootout-20090126-7pom.html

http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=46557

As well Vanimo is famous as a surfing location but sadly the season is over. So we see how we go. Pictures soon

Hostage Drama

2009-06-06T15:14:00.001+10:00

A week long hostage drama ended on Friday. Police and security experts fear its the start of a worrying new trend.

http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=46988

Money Bilong Sky

2009-06-04T21:05:00.008+10:00

Tomorrow is World Environment Day, so lets get the bad news out of the way.

Reuters report surfaces on what everybody fears about PNG's climate change office:

http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL171901

And here is a story I recently wrote that raises questions people in PNG are asking about theirr special envoy to the United Nations for Climate Change - Kevin Conrad

http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/climate-hero-under-fire-in-png-20090508-axou.html

At the end of this ABC report, Shane McLeod, former ABC PNG correspondent, also raises some concerns about foreign companies already offering carbon credits in PNG while yet no policy nor legislation is in place.

http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2008/s2555351.htm

Here is a story about PNG's Office of Climate Change's recent identity crisis - a top read for those who love acronyms.

http://www.thenational.com.pg/021909/nation8.php

I've included a link to PNG's Climate Change office - sadly and if not perhaps symbolic the site is still under construction..

http://www.climatechangepng.org/

Boiled Egg Economics

2009-06-04T15:27:00.008+10:00

The majority of PNG's 6 million or so population rely on the informal economy. Something like 85 per cent are living in rural subsistence-based environments. So when urban drift pulls them into towns like Port Moresby people no longer have easy access to vegetables and fruits and they quickly learn you need cash money to live.
Edne, from the Highlands town of Wabag, Enga Province, is one of those relying on the informal sector to survive. In a sweet juxtaposition outside PNG's Central Bank, downtown Port Moresby, she sells boiled eggs for 1 kina (45 Aussie cents) each.

MCC responds to pipe fears

2009-06-04T08:16:00.005+10:00

June 2, 2009
Dr James Wang
Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Ltd
Madang, PNG

Dr Wang:

Several routes were investigated before the current route was selected. A new route in the mountains requires more tree cuttings and a larger scale of earthmoving which may trigger a lot of new slope-slidings and impact the ecology.

While construction along the highway still impacts the environment, the magnitude is much less.

In regards to public safety, the contents in the pipeline is Laterite slurry, a mixture of natural soil and water, which is not considered a pollutant to the environment.

If the pipeline is breached, the spillage would be washed into a river by rainfall. The river carries tons of soil to the ocean anyway.

Second, unlike gas pipelines, slurry pipelines will not explode when hit and breached by a motor vehicle. The driver and passenger could escape from the spray should it develop.

Third, the pipes are made from high strength steel alloy. The wall of the pipes laid along the highway is 2 mm thicker than the thickness required by American Slurry Pipeline Design Code B31.11, which provide extra protection from motor vehicles.

Fourth, some measures have been or will be taken in pipeline construction to prevent vehicle collision on the pipeline.

For example, the pipeline is placed 0.7m higher than the highway surface so it cannot be hit by truck bumper which is between 0.4m and 0.6m high. In most sections, a truck cannot hit the pipeline because the pipeline is behind the open drainage or buried underground.

If there is a section where the pipeline is vulnerable to be hit by a truck, an engineered safety barrier will be installed.

Most river crossings will be 1.8 m under the river bed. There are six pipe bridges above waterways which are narrow and deep. We did not realize there is a crossing which is only a couple of meters above waterway and subject to flood damage.

We would appreciate it if we could get the photos.

An advanced pipeline leak detection system is being installed on the pipeline.

There are five stations along the pipeline to monitor operating conditions. When a major leak occurs, the leak detection system will send an alarm to the pipeline operator in 30 seconds.

The operator will follow procedure to control the volume of leakage. It should be safe to say that should spill of a controlled volume from the pipeline with nontoxic soil and water mixture occur, it will not result in pollution to the waterways and harm those who rely on it for livelihood.

Best regards
Dr George Shou, PE
Chief Engineer

www.brassengineering.com

Ramu-mine in the news again for enviro concerns

2009-06-03T11:16:00.005+10:00

The Chinese-run Ramu nickel mine is in more strife with questions being raised over the 134 km waste pipeline that snakes it way through the Madang Province.

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/png-mine-faces-new-environment-questions-20090603-buxn.html

Ok Tedi, PNG Sustainable and Disappointment

2009-06-02T17:37:00.021+10:00

Pictured is Western Province Governor Bob Danaya (left) with Ross Garnaut (Photos by Rocky Roe) .

Ross Garnaut Chairman of the PNG Sustainable Development Program was in Port Moresby today to launch the 2008 annual report.

More recently Garnaut is best known for his work on Climate Change, in particular top notch bed side read the Garnaut Report.

After a few scones at Port Moresby's ritzy 'three star' Crown Plaza, I asked Garnaut his thoughts on PNG:

Ross Garnaut: “I first came here (PNG) in 1966 as a student. I formed very close friendships and they remain amongst my closest friends in the world. They’ve never let me get away.

“You can be disappointed. Some things have not gone as well as they might have. You may be disappointed at some lost opportunities but if you’ve been close to it for more than 40 years, as I have, you also have to admire the achievements of PNG.

“This is a functioning democracy. When I first came to PNG I met the only graduate in PNG – Henry ToRobert, who later became governor of PNG's Central Bank, the week before I met him, he had just graduated as the first graduate of a university in PNG.

"At the time of self-government the number of graduates were very, very small and the number of graduates with any experience in government or business was tiny and for none of them was more than a few years.

“Well those young people became the leading people in government and business, in the political system and they’ve made a democracy work.

"PNG is not like the Solomon Islands not like Vanuatu, it’s not like Fiji, it has a government that subjects itself to elections every five years and government's change if the people tell them to change.

"It’s not like most of the countries of Africa, it’s not like the most of the Caribbean. It’s a functioning democracy with a functioning legal system, it has a vibrant civil society in which the churches play a major role.

"You have to weigh all that alongside the disappointments about waste of resources, about acts of corruption, about under performance in many areas.

"The whole picture is human achievement in unlikely circumstances as well as one of disappointments.

"There are many disappointments and in Western Province there is a great weakness in all the services provided by government. But let’s not get starry eyed about it, things weren’t great under Australian administration.

"It’s not as if you had a wonderfully serviced people with rapidly developing and rising living standards."

Below is the AAP story about the PNG SDP report and Garnaut's comments that the Ok Tedi closure in 2013 risks a "human catastrophe" for 50,000 PNG villagers who rely on the mine's infrastructure - bit ironic considering the environmental catastrophe the mine caused

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/820969/png-must-plan-for-ok-tedi-mine-closure

PNG Bus Crash now 21 dead...

2009-06-02T14:34:00.004+10:00

PNG's worst bus crash just got worse. Four deaths over night put the death toll at 21.
So far local politicians have complained that the stretch of highway where the accident happened is full of pot holes while others have called for better infrastructure in rural areas so villagers don't have to travel to Port Moresby to trade or in search of work.
Meanwhile the Port Moresby General Hospital was under equipped to deal with the high level of patients.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25573859-12377,00.html

Trouble in Pacific Paradise

2009-06-01T20:43:00.017+10:00

The Asian Development Bank today released their Pacific Economic Monitor report and highlighted how the Global Financial Crisis has and will hit the region. Less tourism, less spending and don't forget the vulnerable. Here is the story:

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/17584/

Below is a story I prepared earlier about PNG government spending of the 2008 Budget. It's debatable as to what could be considered "low priority" government spending - just have a look at last year's list.

http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/rudd-trip-adds-to-png-budget-deficit-20090420-acd3.html

The PNG Treasury's 2008 Final Budget Outcome report can be found here:

http://www.treasury.gov.pg/html/national_budget/files/2009/budget_documents/Related%20Budget%20Documents/2008%20FBO%20Report.pdf

PNG's worst bus crash ever - 17 dead

2009-06-01T09:04:00.012+10:00

A horrific head-on truck crash in Papua New Guinea has killed 17 people.

In what local media described as PNG's worst-ever road accident, two passenger trucks collided near Bereina in Central Province, about 100km west of the capital Port Moresby.

(Pics Supplied by The National)

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25567324-23109,00.html

Whisky Moresby

2009-05-30T08:59:00.001+10:00

"I recall one typical evening when, after dinner, a group of us sat on the verandah enjoying what coolness there was as we sipped our whisky and water. By the time midnight was approaching, not an unkind word had been unspoken, not a reputation left untarnished. Feeling I had had more than enough I cried plaintively: “Doesn’t anybody love anyone in this town?” The answer came in a flash. “Good Lord, yes. Everybody knows Bill Jones loves John Smith’s wife.”

David Selby, Itambu, 1963. World War II anti-aircraft commander in Rabaul, East New Britain then 1961-62 Judge of Supreme Court of PNG.

Big Trouble in PNG's Little China

2009-05-29T07:09:00.000+10:00

According to today's Post Courier newspaper PNG police commissioner Gari Baki is not too pleased about recent reporting on deported Chinese national Gu Kai.

Baki reportedly shouted at Post Courier journalist Mohammad Bashir: "You know this person (Gu Kai) ? He was an illegal alien and if I had it my way, I would boot him out on the spot and never allow him back. You can write whatever you like."

Below is a link to an AAP feature about PNG's Asian gangs influencing PNG's corruption. The Gu Kai affair certainly raises questions about the confluence of police, immigration and labour department corruption allowing Asian crime syndicates to do their thing in PNG.

http://www.individual.com/story.php?story=101834123

Meanwhile the Australian newspaper's Greg Roberts today has picked up the widely circulated, suspiciously well written, inflammatory email that was doing the round earlier this week.

The unknown source using the pen name 'Cardo Stanzo' has called for a bonfire of the tucker boxes by December 31. But it's not just small businesses that should burn but all Asian businesses they say. Most people in PNG have dismissed the misdirected email as pap albeit concerning pap - it certainly doesn't pull any punches at blaming Asians for all of PNG's woes.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25552427-2703,00.html

As ever it is easier to blame the minority group, especially as they look and sound different and worse don't follow rugby league. But there is no mention of the PNG owners who employ Chinese to manage their shops or go into partnership with Chinese as they are more reliable than PNG to make a quick buck. Nor is there any concerted efforted against those elected and chosen leaders that so far have shirked responsibility to what some commentators see as a frontline for more civil unrest.

From earlier in the week. Here is Sam Abal, Foreign Affairs minister responding to the issue:

http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/antiasian-tensions-simmer-in-png-20090526-blro.html

And from Monday Prime Minister Michael Somare responding:

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/pngs-antiasian-riots-blamed-on-vice-20090525-bkod.html

As the Chinese say: may you live in interesting times!

Who said Papua New Guinea was boring?

2009-05-28T15:53:00.000+10:00

British collector rates PNG stamps among world’s best

A British stamp collector has rated Papua New Guinea postage stamps among the best in the world.

United Kingdom-based R.E.A Howard said recently in a letter to the PNG Philatelic Bureau that he began collecting PNG stamps in 1937.

“I have really enjoyed your issues from 1937 and I am only missing four stamps plus one stamp booklet.

"I must congratulate you on your new issue service, this compares with the very best, do keep it up,” he said.

The bureau’s February 2009 issue, which Mr Howard referred to, features the country’s different frog species and was a joint project between Post PNG and conservation organisation WWF.

The British High Commissioner to PNG, David Dunn, said Mr Howard’s attraction to PNG stamps is not surprising.

“PNG stamps are amongst the most collectable in the world and with their vibrant colors and scenes depicting PNG life and the vast array of indigenous flora and fauna remain as popular today as this were in 1937,” he said.

Love will tear us apart, PNG Highlands style

2009-05-28T13:32:00.000+10:00

By Ilya Gridneff
PORT MORESBY, May 28 AAP - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), billions of dollars, ExxonMobil and thousands of isolated Papua New Guinea landowners aren't usually the ingredients for a love story.
But this is PNG, the land of the unexpected, where village romance blossoms in the most unusual of ways - especially when money is involved.
After five intense weeks, thousands of Highlanders far from home in Kokopo, East New Britain Province (ENB), signed the unique deal for what they get from the $US12.5 billion ($A16 billion) ExxonMobil-led LNG project.
It's impossible to please everyone and as expected ferocious complaints, legal threats and abuse are already flooding in.
But for love-struck Southern Highlands Province (SHP) landowner Philemon Su'uba, who attended the talks, his gripe is not being able to bag his new sweetheart, local girl Lucy John, 22.
On Wednesday Su'uba and John tried to return home but ENB airport authorities would not let her travel without identification.
PNG's Post Courier newspaper reported Su'uba unsuccessfully pleading with airport staff: "She's my new wife, she must come with me.
"I've paid for her already, she must follow me now.
"I can't go home empty handed, if she stays I stay too," he said.
Kokopo's grounded lovebirds are arranging the necessary measures to get on with their LNG-fuelled honeymoon.
The marathon Benefit Sharing Agreement (BSA) signing session on the weekend secured relevant landowners seven per cent equity in the LNG project.
The deal is valued at 20 billion kina ($A9.5 billion) over the 30-year life span of the project touted as potentially doubling PNG's Gross Domestic Product while tripling the country's export revenues.
For PNG's Highlanders the most important things in life, in order, are land, pigs then women.
The more you have the more you are a `bigman,' so the BSA was crucial to prove one's worth.
The BSA meeting included several delays, court orders, threats, abuse, a media ban, and one senior bureaucrat attacked at the airport while others bayed for the petroleum minister's blood.
More police were deployed, every hotel in town was full, and thousands spent on accommodation and daily expenses.
Five hire cars were damaged, one crashing as it was leaving the rental shop.
Allegations of landowners misbehaving forced a collective press release denying there had been an increase in drunkenness, rowdy behaviour and luring young local girls with beer for sex.

Trade not aid

2009-05-28T10:57:00.000+10:00

Last week I travelled to Southern Highlands Province with Oil Search's Peter Botten and a group of movers and shakers from an Australian business coalition called: Business 4 Millennium Development (B4MD).

They've set themselves some difficult challenges in an infamous part of the world but its another step in the right direction if all players get things right.

Here's the story...

http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/2345833/

Dim Dim and Dim Sum

2009-05-27T18:43:00.000+10:00

PNG’s Prime Minister Michael Somare admitted on Monday corruption in PNG's police force, labour and immigration departments was a factor behind a week of widespread violence and looting against Chinese businesses.

Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Abal said corruption, not just in immigration, was "paralysing PNG's systems”.

Peter Aitsi, from Transparency International's PNG branch told AAP PNG's general public have no faith nor confidence in the procedures of police, labour and immigration departments.

“We’re getting to a point we’re if we don’t take a stand this country is lost.

“Who will stand up and take ownership? Who will stand up and take responsibility?" he said.

Below is a link to an interesting background read to this 'Big Trouble in Little PNG'.

James Chin's Contemporary Chinese Community in Papua New Guinea: Old Money versus New Migrants.

Australian National University, Chinese Southern Diaspora Studies, Volume Two, 2008

http://csds.anu.edu.au/volume_2_2008/117ChinCSDS2008Master.pdf

Morobe landslide: 3 dead 16 still missing

2009-05-27T10:05:00.000+10:00

Three bodies have been recovered and 16 people are missing, feared dead, after a massive landslide wiped out a remote Papua New Guinea village. Villagers had to walk three hours to alert authorities in Morobe Province, on PNG's northwest coast, after days of continual heavy rains caused the landslide early on Monday.
(Supplied pic PNG Post Courier 26/05/2009)

Morobe landslide buries 19

2009-05-27T07:21:00.000+10:00

Papua New Guinea is plagued by natural disasters especially so as it sits on what is known as the 'Pacific Rim of Fire'. Active volcanoes, heavy rains, frequent earthquakes and landslides -it's never a dull moment in the belly of mother nature.
This week heavy rains caused a landslide in remote PNG. Three dead have been recovered while 16 remain still missing, believed to be buried underneath.
Villagers walked for hours to report the landslide that hit the Sialum district in Morobe province, on PNG's northwestern coast.
Bad weather, continuous heavy rain and massive cloud cover is hampering relief efforts.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/818356/sixteen-feared-dead-after-png-landslide

In the beginning....

2009-05-27T06:02:00.000+10:00

Hello all,
and welcome to Papua News Guinea. Slowly slowly we'll get there. Tentative steps to get PNG into blogsphere.
I am a digital kanaka so any hints, tips or advice greatly appreciated.

ilya