Links
Misc Links
ASOPA People -- http://asopa.typepad.com/asopa_people/
Rotary PNG Web Site
Rotary Clubs of Papua New Guinea - District 9600 -- http://www.rotary.org.pg
Rotary has branches in Boroko, Bulolo-Wau, Mount Hagen, Goroka, Huon
Gulf, Madang, Kavieng, Kokopo, Kimbe, Lae, Port Moresby, Rabaul, Wewak
and the Interact Club of Port Moresby International School
Rimbunan Hijau
Rimbunan Hijau with core business interests including Timber Processing,
Media and Information Technology has established a web presence at --
http://www.rhpng.com.pg. -- The
company is often criticised for its logging operations in PNG.
Miscellaneous Web Sites
Telikom PNG -- http://www.telikompng.com.pg
Moore Printing -- http://www.moore.com.pg
PNG Incentive Fund -- http://www.incentivefund.com.pg
PNG Advisory Support Facility -- http://www.asf.sagric.com/
UNDP Papua New Guinea -- http://www.undp.org.pg/
Binatang Research Centre -- http://www.entu.cas.cz/png/index.html
Maps of Milne Bay -- http://uk.multimap.com/index/PP68.htm
National Capital District Commission -- http://www.ncdc,gov.pg
Pacific Dream -- German Language Web Site -- http://www.pacificdream.de/index_ger.html
Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research -- http://www.pngimr.org.pg
Daru Research -- http://fp.involved.com/methodsman/Daru%20research.htm
DIVErsion Dive -- http://www.diversionoz.com/en/png.htm
Community Development Scheme -- http://www.cds.org.pg
Melanesian Institute -- http://www.mi.org.pg
Kabaira Dive - Rabaul
NEW -- Kabaira Dive website -- http://www.kabairadive.com.pg
-- Check the site out and discover the once renowned dive location of
the New Guinea Islands.
Superannuation Funds
The Association of Superannuation Funds PNG (ASFPNG) has a website
located at -- http://www.asfpng.org.pg
-- ASFPNG is an industry body established in 2002 by interested industry
participants with the common goal to protect superannuants retirement
savings within a regulated environment whilst fostering a competitive
industry.
Kokoda Cycling
http://www.cyclinghomefromsiberia.com
-- earlier this year this crazy cyclist from North East Siberia carried
his bike across the Kokoda Trail on his trip almost around the world
by land and sea. Read about his adventure at -- http://tblogs.bootsnall.com/rob/
-- Or if you are only interested in the PNG section jump straight in
at -- http://tblogs.bootsnall.com/rob//archives/016327.shtml
-- here is a quote from his exploits whilst in PNG
"thus I think that PNG's dangerous reputation is based on just
a small proportion of the population. The people I actually met took
great care of me, without exception".
What do other readers think about that statement?
News Items
Prehistoric Geology
Before the arrival of European traders and the introduction of steel
the New Guinea region was full of geologists. For the first 50,000 years
of the region's prehistory students of geology did not study at the
University of Papua New Guinea. Instead, they studied under the tutelage
of their fathers and grandfathers in all the Men's Houses. They were
not in search of gas, gold or oil. They were in search of the raw materials
to make the perfect stone tool. For the rest of the article by Dr Matthew
G. Leavesley -- http://www.thenational.com.pg/061306/w1.htm
Elections
The Electoral Commissioner, Andrew Trawen, has warned all candidates
contesting the elections to strictly adhere to election rules or face
severe penalties for their ignorance. He added that he expected candidates
to know the election laws before they contest elections and that such
offences carry a fine not exceeding K500.
Preferential Voting
Arthur Williams from Cardiff has written the follow regarding preferential
voting in PNG --
Hi,
See from the most recent Gossip letter that you have reported: "2007
will be 1st Time for preferential voting to be used in General election."
In 1972 it was tried and only failed because Electoral Commission
insisted on having every preference shown if 21 candidates nominated
each voter had to show his/her choice from 1 through to 21.
Many weren't concerned with more than one or two or three choices
so after that they failed to mark their ballot papers.
The result was that were very many 'SPOILT' papers and the idea
was dropped for the next General Election.
Arthur Williams
Thanks for the information / contribution Arthur. Your input is appreciated
and I would like to say that they have learnt from the mistakes made
in 1972 but I don't think that is the case.
Huge Morobeen Rental Bill
It has been reported that the Morobe provincial administration has
built up a massive rental bill of more than K500,000 since 2001 for
housing eight officers - one of them a non-public servant. This is far
in excess of what they are entitled to. For example a deputy administrator
is entitled to only K9,100 a year, but documents showed that one was
receiving K12,200. Another officer was entitled to only K4,500 a year
but received a total of K30,000 between 2004 and last year. In another
example a programme advisor, who was entitled to K1,138 a year, had
his accommodation bill totalling K112,900 all paid by the provincial
administration since 2001. To make matters worse a non-public servant's
bill of more than K42,000 was also settled by the provincial administration.
Ombudsman Commission
Concerned community leaders have come out against moves to alter the
laws surrounding the operation of the Ombudsman Commission. The PNG
Council of Churches and the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce have said
that existing laws should not be weakened but should be strengthened.
Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce president David Conn said the commission's
work should not be hobbled by proposed law changes requiring it to follow
strict rules of evidence. PNG Council of Churches spokesman Lawrence
Stephens also urged a strengthening of the commission and an increase
in penalties. The Catholic Archbishop, Brian Barnes, has also said the
commission needed strengthening in its role as watchdog over government.
Radio Southern Highlands
The only radio station that can be heard easily in the Southern Highlands
by the majority of the people in the province has gone off the air.
Villagers at the edge of Mendi town shut down the transmitter and demanded
compensation for the land the transmitter is located on. The station
has been in operation for 34 years.
University of Goroka
The University of Goroka (UOG) Council has removed the existing Vice
Chancellor, Dr David Rawlence, and appointed Dr Arnold Kukari in his
place as acting Vice Chancellor. It has been reported that Dr Rawlence's
three-year employment contract had expired.
The Higher Education Minister, Don Polye, instructed police to arrest
Dr Arnold Kukari and prevent him from taking office as vice-chancellor
of the UOG describing the actions of Dr Kukari and other purported council
members that had supported him as illegal and unwarranted. Mr Polye
maintains that Dr Rawlence is still the Vice Chancellor at the UOG.
PNG Power CEO
The new PNG Power Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Mara, has been welcomed
with a poolside function at the Holiday Inn in Port Moresby. Mr Mara,
originally from New Zealand, commenced work last week. Streamlining
the power operation will be one of the main priorities for the new CEO.
Mining Mishap
Two employees, working underground at the Tolukuma mine in Central
province, were injured over the long weekend Medical when their vehicle
rolled over them and injured their limbs, causing vascular problems.
There has been a build-up of tension amongst villages surrounding the
mine site due to this accident and the fact that another man was found
dead under a bridge at the mine.
Foreign Reserves
The Governor of the Central Bank Wilson Kamit has revealed that PNG
foreign reserves have almost reached the K3-billion mark. This is considered
to be a record for the country. Foreign reserves now stand at K2,990
million. He also said that the exchange rate is expected to remain stable
given the favourable international prices for mineral and non-mineral
export commodities. In previous years before the current Somare government
came to power the country was spending K1.75 billion more than it was
generating and was borrowing more to pay for consumption. Despite the
present trend much more remains to be done.
Orchid Show
The 2006 International Orchid Show will be held in the grounds of National
Parliament on the 5th and 6th of August. PNG has 3,000 known orchid
species, unique only to Papua New Guinea. For more info email -- info@pngtourism.org.pg
Garden City
Residents of Garden City in Boroko, Port Moresby are currently tripping
over painters who have the enormous task of giving the place a fresh
coat of paint. The new look Garden City was planned and budgeted for
a few years ago and finally the project has come together. If you are
in Moresby take a look and see what you think. I think the new colour
scheme looks really good and I have not heard one bad remark about the
new scheme.
Airlines of PNG
Airlines of PNG has launched the airline's first in-flight magazine
called "Discover" recently. Discover is a joint venture
with PNG based printing house South Pacific Post with any excess funds
derived from revenue to be put into worthy community projects.
Air Niugini
Air Niugini, currently flying two Fokker F100's is rumoured to be almost
ready to take delivery of another F100 to help with the replacement
of the aging Fokker F28 4000 series fleet. Air Niugini has already pensioned
off the 1000 series Fokker F28's. The airline currently uses the F100
to fly to Cairns daily and airstrips within PNG capable of taking the
aircraft. It is anticipated that the flag carrier will get another one
possibly two aircraft on top of the one coming soon.
Whooping Cough
The Health Minister, Sir Peter Barter, using his own helicopter has
discovered although the official toll is just a bit more than 30 that
there may be over 60 children who have died from whooping cough in East
Sepik Province but this could increase even further as more information
flows in to the provincial capital of Wewak. Sir Peter rescued 26 health
workers stranded in a remote village due to the lack of money to pay
for a commercial helicopter. It is very difficult to reach many of the
villages and that is one of the reasons the figures are expected to
rise dramatically.
PNG Air Tour
Heron Airlines -- http://www.heronair.com.au
-- from Australia will be bringing a jet with 14 passengers on board
for an eleven-day trip around PNG starting on the 21st of June. The
passengers will visit remote parts of the Highlands, Madang, the Huon
Gulf and a walk at the Lae War Cemetery, the active volcanoes of Rabaul,
and walk part of the famous Kokoda Track.
Morobe Fishing
Currently there are 13 fishing boats operating in the Morobe province
and each catches a tonne of reef fish each week valued at approx K5,000
(for reef fish). This could increase to as much as 39 tonnes per week
for the 13 boats. Each boat has the capacity to supply three tons per
week for a price of K15,000. Another 22 boats are expected to join the
fleet this year.
Autonomous Region of Bougainville
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville has celebrated its first anniversary
of autonomy on the 15th of June. The event was celebrated with a big
sporting carnival in Arawa and a ceremonial dinner in the town of Buka.
PNG FAQ's
What is the land area of the provinces in PNG?
Autonomous Region of Bougainville, 9400 sq kms
National Capital and Central, 29940 sq kms
Oro Province, 19827 sq kms
Milne Bay Province, 14000 sq kms
Morobe Province, 34,500 sq kms
Madang Province, 28000 sq kms
Eastern Highlands, 11706 sq kms
Simbu Province, 8476 sq kms
Western Highlands, 8288 sq kms
Southern Highlands, 25988 sq kms
East Sepik, 43000 sq kms
West Sepik (Sandaun), 36000 sq kms
East New Britain, 15500 sq kms
West New Britain, 21000 sq kms
New Ireland, 9500 sq kms
Manus Province, 2100 sq kms
Enga Province, 10790 sq kms
Western and Gulf Province, 135,000 sq kms
More PNG Frequently Asked Question can be found at -- http://www.michie.net/png_faqs
Tourism Survey
The Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) is conducting a survey for non-PNG
residents. The survey will help the Authority better understand the
perception and knowledge of PNG as a preferable tourist destination.
The TPA would appreciate if international visitors and friends can assist
them by taking some of their precious time to complete the survey /
questionnaire. All information will be kept confidential and used only
for research purposes. The survey can be found at -- http://www.pngtourism.org.pg
Fuel Prices
The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) recently
announced yet another increase in fuel prices for the country. Prices
for petrol at Port Moresby service stations is now K3.22 a litre, K2.64
for a litre of diesel and K2.57 for a litre of kerosene. In the city
of Lae petrol will cost K3.31 a litre, K2.74 for a litre of diesel and
K2.65 for a litre of kerosene. Due to the increase in local road cartage
and shipping freight rates for other locations price will be higher.
Coming Events
Lukim PNG Nau Expo -- From the today (16th) to the 18th of June at
the Holiday Inn in Port Moresby. Entry is K2 per adult. Free for children
12 and under.
National Tourism Conference to be held at the Holiday Inn -- 19th of
June 2006
Tolai Warwagira -- from the 5th to the 11th of July
International Orchid Spectacular - Parliament House, Port Moresby 5th
and 6th of August 2006
42nd PNG Medical Symposium will be held in Madang from the 4th to the
8th of September 2006 -- http://www.medsymp.org.pg
PNG 31st Independence Anniversary - 16th September 2006
Annual Hiri Hanenamo Quest and Hiri Moale Festival - 16th September
2006
Goroka Show -- 16th and 17th of September 2007
Kiwi Ball - The fabulous ball held by the Kiwi's will be held on the
28th October this year. This year the New Zealanders hope to have a
five-piece band to entertain the crowd
Morobe Show -- November 4th and 5th
Milne Bay Kundu and Canoe Festival -- 6th to the 12th of November 2006
PNG Media
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