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Western Highlands Development Forum gives K22,000 to rural health centres

December 9, 2013, 3:40 pm
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Western Highlands Development Forum (WHDF) Incorporated has donated K22, 000 to three rural health centres in Western Highlands
At the fourth WHDF annual gala reception held at the American Corner in the National Library, which was officiated by US Ambassador Walter North, WHDF handed over K15, 000 to representative of three recipients. 
Ambassador Walter North deliver his keynote speech.

WHDF treasurer Bafino Koi hands over K5,000 to Thomas Paka of Koibuga Health Centre while Garry Laka looks on.

WHDF treasurer Bafino Koi hands over K5,000 to Nick Laki of Tinsley Health Centre while Samson Komati and Clivson Philip look on.

WHDF chairman Samson Komati with some guests.

The rural health centres which received K5, 000 each are Koibuga in Nebiliyer, Tinsley in Baiyer, and Kuruk in Mul districts in WHP.
An additional K7, 000 was pledged by three generous Western Highlanders: K5, 000 by George Bopi Kereka for Koibuga, K1, 000 by Nick Laki for Tinsley, and K1, 000 by John Noki for Kuruk.
The K22, 000 donations by WHDF and its members will go towards the purchase of 15kv power generator for Koibuga and bed frames and other equipment for maternity wards in Tinsley and Kuruk. 
The executive committee of WHDF will be handing over the funds to the respective officers- in-charge of the three health centres in the last week of December 2013.
Chairman, Samson Komati, said WHDF was a registered non-political, non-profit, independent think-tank, and a development vehicle and forum representing more than 10,000 educated and professional men and women from, of, or related to Western Highlands who were living and working anywhere in PNG and overseas.
“Every year, the WHDF organises social events aimed at uniting all the elites of the province, including raising of funds to donate to worthy causes in the Western Highlands community,” he said.
“In 2012, the WHDF helped facilitate a total of K700, 000 through the Law and Justice Sector Program with Department of National Planning and Monitoring and funded the development of two big community justice and resource centres at Kongra village and Telga village in Neibiyer district.
“Also in 2012, the WHDF raised almost K300, 000 from the Government of Japan through its GGP Program to fund eight new classrooms at three schools in Jiwaka province.
“A total of K1 million has been privately raised and expanded to develop important community development projects in Western Highlands under the WHDF Inc.
"One of the ambitious projects the WHDF seeks to undertake in 2014 is to work closely with the US Government through the Embassy of the USA in Port Moresby to establish an American Corner in Mt Hagen City so that all Western Highlands elites and the general public have access to internet facilities for research and connection with learning institutions in the USA for further studies and work programmes.
“America offers world-class diploma and degree programmes at exceptionally cheaper prices than Australia. It is therefore a better option for WHP elites to consider sending their children in American colleges and universities for further studies.
“Furthermore, the WHDF seeks to work closely with the PNG-USA Alumni Association Inc to host annual Independence Day celebrations in Mt Hagen on July 4 to celebrate the independence of USA, and also to highlight importance of democracy and democratic governance in WHP and PNG.
“The WHDF will work closely with foreign aid donor programmes and the government - both provincial and national - to address key development issues including gender, environment, democratic governance, HIV/AIDS, and youth.”
Komati added: "WHP has the best all-year-round agriculture-friendly climate, strategic geographical location idle for economic success, a hardworking entrepreneurial minded people, very abundant fertile soil in endless valleys, and good leadership.
“All we in Western Highlands need now is a good vehicle to harness and synchronise these key advantages to edge out as economic powers driven by a united elite class population that serves the engine room for thinking, planning, and implementing key programmes and projects.
"I am now calling on all business houses through the Western Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the provincial government including all the five MPs, foreign aid donor programmes, NGOs and community associations including interest groups to work together with WHDF in 2014 and onwards to change the landscape of thinking, introduce better approaches to problems, and address wider issues collectively through consultation and cooperation.”

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Basil accuses Marape of holding on to Bulolo money

December 11, 2013, 3:15 am
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The Bulolo district services improvement programme (DSIP) saga has taken on a new twist with Bulolo MP Sam Basil now saying that Finance Minister James Marape wants certain conditions to be met before the money is released.
Basil, who last Friday led a peaceful protest to Vulupindi Haus demanding the immediate release of K7 million in outstanding DSIP funds, said Marape had stooped so low in trying to find ways to frustrate the DSIP funds for Bulolo.
“This is uncalled for and brings the reputation of Mr Marape to an all-time low,” he said.
Basil said on Monday, a finance staffer from Vulupindi Haus, upon instructions from Marape, called the district treasury office in Bulolo asking for a five-year development plan and a joint district planning and budget priorities committee plan before the funds were released.
“Why does it have to be Bulolo only and what about other MPs that picked up their district’s DSIP cheques in Parliament House last week?” he said.
“Were the other MPs asked to provide their five-year development plans last week before delivering the cheques to them?
“Just for their information, our five-year plan will be finalised after Morobe Plan is confirmed by Tutumang (Morobe provincial assembly) in order to avoid duplication of projects as seen in the past.
Basil claimed Marape was still fuming over allegations he made that a company owned by the minister had blocked his staff from entering Vulupindi Haus last week.
“ If Mr Marape has taken over the responsibilities of the Office of Rural Development, Planning Department , and Provincial and Local Government Affairs,  then I challenge him to publish the
names of all districts and provinces that have already submitted their five-year plans and have since received their K10 million DSIP and K5 million public services improvement programme (PSIP) per district,” he said.
“Marape should also announce the audit of all of this year’s DSIP funds of K10 million and PSIP funds of K5 million per district,  with acquittals to be made available to all relevant departments to check,  before having access to the 2014 DSIP of  all districts and provinces in the first quarter of 2014.
“The same should be applied to the local level government services improvement programme (LLGSIP) of K500, 000 for the 3,000-plus LLGs in PNG.
“The people are watching and are judging the O’Neil-Dion Government and the kind of attitude that the Finance Minister has displayed so far only contradicts the government of the day.
“That is to silence and diminish the Opposition.”
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Kandep has huge potential

December 26, 2013, 1:10 pm
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By MALUM NALU

Remote Kandep in Enga has the potential to become one of the leading centres in the Highlands and Papua New Guinea, says Works Minister and Imbonggu MP Francis Awesa.
He, however, told the people that the onus was now on them to change their ways of tribal fighting and work together towards developing their forgotten backwater.
Awesa laid down the message to a massive crowd of more than 10,000 people who congregated in chilling weather and heavy rain at high-altitude Kandep station last Friday to welcome Treasurer and Kandep MP Don Polye, six other senior government ministers and other MPs.




Picturesque Kandep station with the new district administration building in the foreground.-Pictures by MALUM NALU

He had earlier officiated at the launching of the Wasa Bridge project.
Awesa opens the Wasa Bridge project at Kandep.

“Kandep district is a back page in the history of this country,” he said.
“Kandep has been in the dark for 40 years.
Part of the huge crowd of people that gathered at Kandep station to meet Polye, ministers and leaders.
“The transformation you are seeing is because of Don Polye’s bid to lead you to the land of milk and honey.
“The road from Mendi to Kandep is almost complete.
“It has cost us about K450 million.
“It’s ongoing and will be sealed all the way from Mendi.
“It will go up to Laiagam.
“The road will not only start in Mendi and finish here.
“People from Porgera must not only go to Wabag and Mt Hagen, sometimes, they must come to Kandep.
“One of these days, Kandep will become a major town like Hagen, Kundiawa, whatever.
“One day, this road will go all the way to Porgera, Mendi, and finish in Gulf province.”
Awesa said all the government’s good intentions could be derailed if the Kandep people did not change their attitude.
“If the government is spending a lot of money in this area, why are you still fighting and living like your grandfathers?” he said.
“The government wants people to change this attitude, peace must come.
“If you continue fighting, you will put more pressure on our hospitals, schools, and all other services.
“We must stop fighting and must start changing our lifestyle.
“Health services are here, district treasury is here, roads that you have been crying about for the last 40 years are here.
“What more do you want?”
Awesa said the Wasa Bridge projecr would help to link together Enga, Hela and Southern Highlands provinces.
“This will be 300m long and will happen over the lake in Kandep,” he said.
“In terms of costs, we have already spent over K35 million.
“The ground was not stable.
“We have budgeted another K35 million for 2014.”
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Kandep district receives K1 million from Abel

December 26, 2013, 1:46 pm
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National Planning Minister Charles Abel has given K1 million on behalf of the government to remote Kandep district in Enga province for its high school and primary school.
Abel, when giving the K1 million to Kandep MP and Treasurer Don Polye in front of a massive crowd of more than 10,000 people at Kandep station last Friday, said K700, 000 was for the high school while K300, 000 was for the primary school.
Abel, who earlier opened the district administration building, commended the Kandep people for giving Polye – who was recently appointed as World Bank and International Monetary Fund chairman – to the nation.
Abel opens the new Kandep administration building.-Pictures by MALUM NALU

Abel (centre) being shown the start of works on the Wasa Bridge project.

Also present were senior government ministers James Marape (Finance), Francis Awesa (Works), Mark Maipakai (Industrial Relations), Byron Chan (Mining), Ben Micah (State Enterprises) as well as MPs Nixon Mangape (Lagaip-Porgera), Dei Kewano (Mendi and vice minister for Works), James Gau (Rai Coast) and Wera Mori (Chuave and vice minister for mining).
“Thank you for standing in the rain and cold from morning until afternoon,” Abel told the people.
“We are very happy to be here.
“What else can I say?
“They (earlier speakers) have said everything.
“It’s a great honor and a great privilege for a man like Don Polye to ask me to come and be the keynote speaker.
“There’s a reason why there’s a big crowd here today, as well as very senior ministers.
“It’s because we have a lot of faith and respect for the man sitting here.
“He’s a leader who has won on absolute majorities, even when there are disputed returns.
“I have sat with him in Cabinet, in Parliament, and he has taught me a lot.
“His attitude and humbleness make him a great leader, whom you people should be proud of, given that he was recently appointed as chairman of World Bank and International Monetary Fund.”
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Kandep lays out red carpet for Polye

December 26, 2013, 2:30 pm
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By MALUM NALU
 
More than 10,000 people braved pouring rain and chilling weather in Kandep, Enga, to welcome back Treasurer and local MP Don Polye last Friday.
Polye being welcomed be traditionally-clad Engan warriors.-Pictures by MALUM NALU

Polye applauds a group of dancing Engan women at Kandep.

Man-of-the-moment Polye is welcomed to Kandep last Friday.

In a political tour-de-force, Polye, who was recently chosen as chairman of World Bank and International Monetary Fund, was given the red carpet treatment as he brought with him a truckload of six senior government ministers and six MPs, as well as bureaucrats including Works Secretary David Wereh.
They extolled his virtues and even hailed him as a future prime minister, given that his Triumph Heritage Empowerment (THE) Party, is the second largest party after the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) and played a major role in formation of government last year.
Ironically, those who flouted him as a prime minister of the future included senior PNC ministers Charles Abel (Planning), Francis Awesa (Works), and James Marape (Finance).
The gathering could also be seen as silencing his critics, given Polye’s ongoing feud with longtime political rival and lawyer Alfred Manase, which has seen the people of Kandep turn on each other and the matter in court several times.
Three major projects were launched including the new Kandep administration building, Kandep Rural Hospital, and the Wasa Bridge project which will see a 320m bridge over the swamps and marshes of Kandep.
Several major road projects were announced, star being the Kandep-Mendi Road, with Kandep sandwiched between Enga, Southern Highlands and Hela provinces.
Despite being the man-of-the-moment, Polye chose to take a backstage role when it came to speaking, letting the ministers and MPs do that for him instead.
“Prime Minister Peter O’Neill is doing a lot to bring services to rural parts of Papua New Guinea,” he said.
‘Because of this focus on rural parts of PNG, Kandep has received many blessings, Kandep has received many services.
“I’m humbled today by the speeches made by my colleague ministers and colleague MPs.
“The honor that the World Bsnk and International Monetary Fund have given is a great honor to Papua New Guinea.
“Because of the financial management under the leadership of the Prime Minister, PNG has achieved something remarkable in the global community.
“It shows that PNG is a country to be reckoned with, and that Kandep is with us all the way.”
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Australia cuts PNG funding for medicines due to concerns about contracts

December 26, 2013, 2:37 pm
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Radio Australia
 
Australia has withdrawn funding for a A$38 million program that supplies medicine to Papua New Guinean health centres due to concerns about the way PNG has awarded contracts.
Australia cuts PNG funding for medicines due to concerns about contracts (Credit: ABC) 
Previously, Australia's aid agency chose the supplier and distributor for the medicines, but this year that process was handled by PNG.
In June, the PNG Government removed a crucial quality-control criteria and later awarded the contract to a local company that PNG doctors say supplies sub-quality drugs from China.
Doctors say the distribution of ineffective medicine could cost lives.
Presenter: Liam Cochrane
Speakers: Dr Glen Mola, treasurer of the Medical Society of PNG, DFAT spokesperson
COCHRANE: Three years ago, a corruption scandal within Papua New Guinea's health system left hospitals running out of drugs and prompted the PNG Government to ask for Australia's help in stocking health centres. For two years, the International Dispensary Association supplied medical kits to almost 3,000 health facilities across Papua New Guinea.
Dr Glen Mola, treasurer of the Medical Society of PNG, says the IDA did a good job getting the medicine to health clinics in remote parts of PNG.
MOLA: The person who contracted to distribute the medicine didn't get paid unless they could take a digital photograph of the medicine arriving at the actual health facility at a time and a date that was verified by the health facility.
COCHRANE: But the arrangement was always going to be temporary and this year the PNG Government took responsibility for procuring the 2014 supply of medical kits. Australia agreed to keep funding the program - provided the tender process was transparent. But days after the closing date for tenders, an official at the Ministry for Health told bidders that an internationally-recognised quality-management accreditation - known as ISO 9001 - was no longer required.
The company that won the tender - Borneo Pacific - does not have the ISO 9001 accreditation. But the company does have a history in PNG. Dr Glen Mola.
MOLA: Borneo Pacific are a company that have been in PNG for a couple of decades and they have a reputation. And many of us are very concerned because of past performance.
COCHRANE: Borneo Pacific is the largest supplier of drugs from the North China Pharmaceutical Group. A survey of antibiotics in PNG in 2011, found all four samples provided by North China Pharmaceutical Group were sub-standard, with one probably a fake drug.
What's more, the Borneo Pacific bid was nine million Australian dollars more than the firm which successfully delivered the kits for the past two years. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade released this statement about its funding of the medical kits:
DFAT STATEMENT: This [funding] was conditional on the Government of PNG purchasing the kits from a pharmaceutical's firm which met international drug quality standards, through a fair, transparent international tender process. Unfortunately, these conditions were not met and the Australian Government will not fund the distribution of the medical kits resulting from this tender process.
COCHRANE: The ABC understands the PNG Government has set aside money in next year's budget to pay Borneo Pacific for the medical kits and the drugs are expected to arrive in May and June. Dr Glen Mola, from the Medical Society of PNG says the distribution of quality drugs in these medical kits is a matter of life or death.
MOLA: If the health workers don't receive the medicine they need to treat the patients, well then the patients die! It's not like in Australia, perhaps in other countries, where the patient can go just to a different facility or go to see a different doctor or something, when you're in a rural or remote area of Papua New Guinea, your health centre is the only health facility for your community - there's no alternative.
COCHRANE: Australia's decision to walk away from the deal is another blow to the credibility of PNG's claims to be battling corruption and improving services.
The ABC's efforts to contact the Papua New Guinea Health Minister were unsuccessful and there's been no response to a request for comment from the PNG Prime Minister's office.
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K2 million microfinance facility for Kandep

December 26, 2013, 3:36 pm
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By MALUM NALU
 
People of remote Kandep, Enga, have been urged to lay down their arms, stop fighting and get into serious business.
National Development Bank managing director Moses Liu, who is from Kandep, made the call at Kandep station last Friday when launching a new microfinance facility for the local people with K2 million provided as seed capital by Kandep MP and Treasurer Don Polye.
“Stop fighting, lay down your arms and get into business,” he told a massive crowd of over 10,000 people who gathered en masse to welcome Polye, senior ministers and MPs.
Part of the massive crowd at Kandep last Friday.-Picture by MALUM NALU

“Don’t ask the MP for money.
“The money is in the bank.
“To support our MP, we’re happy to come down to the grassroots level to create wealth for the people, and financial literacy at district and provincial level.
“NDB is implementing this government policy.
“The MP has put aside K2 million to create this credit scheme for the people of Enga.”
“The same system is going out to all the districts in PNG now.
“Banking services will come down to district level.
“This is a policy of the government.
“A submission will soon go to Cabinet for the microbank concept to go out to all districts.”
Polye said the concept was to bring down microfinance right down to grassroots level.
“I want to establish microfinance in Kandep,” he said.
“K2 million will go to the bank to create our microfinance facility.”
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Kandep commended for giving Polye

December 26, 2013, 3:49 pm
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By MALUM NALU
 
The people of remote Kandep, Enga, have been commended for giving Treasurer Don Polye to the country and to the world as chairman of World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
Finance Minister and Tari MP, James Marape, made the commendation to a crowd of over 10,000 people who gathered at Kandep station last Friday to welcome Polye, six senior government ministers and other MPs.
Marape, who represented Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, told that people that Polye had unselfishly given the job of Deputy Prime Minister to his Triumph Heritage Empowerment (THE) Party deputy Leo Dion.
“If Don Polye was a selfish man, he today would be Deputy Prime Minister,” he said.
“But Don Polye agreed for Peter O’Neill to be Prime Minister, and gave the Deputy Prime Ministership to a man from the coast (Dion).
“I thank the people of Kandep for this.
“The jobs of Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister may belong to someone else, but the man who cuts and shares the pig (budget) is Don Polye.”
Marape told the Kandep people that if not for Don Polye, they would have continued to be a forgotten backwater.
“If not for Don Polye, you would still be in your swamps looking for fish,” he said.
“Now you see the road from Mendi, which will go on to Tari and Laiagam.
“Kandep is in the middle of Mendi, Laiagam, Tari, Porgera, Wapenamenda and Wabag.
“You are ready to run.
“You have the leadership which has been recognised by the world and Papua New Guinea.
“If 2017, if his party has the numbers, we will support him and give him the prime ministership.”
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Wasa Bridge project launched in Kandep

December 26, 2013, 10:44 pm
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By MALUM NALU

The contractor charged with building the controversial Wasa Bridge over 320m of swamps and marshlands in Kandep, Enga, says it is confident of delivering despite the many impediments.
Chief executive of Clean-Green Energy, Ken Sop-Lepen, gave this assurance at the launching of the project by Works Minister Francis Awesa last Friday.

Sop-Lepen (right) shows National Planning Minister Charles Abel around the Wasa Bridge project site,-Pictures by MALUM NALU

The project has been shrouded in controversy with allegations of millions of kina being spent over the last couple of years, with K35 million allocated in the 2014 Budget.
This money will support further scoping work alone with the project expected to cost many more millions of kina.
Sop-Lepen said his company was working with Japanese expertise on the project,
“We have had impediments at the Wasa Bridge for a very long time,” he told senior government ministers, MPs, bureaucrats and the people of Kandep at the project site.


Dredge at the Wasa bridge project site.

“Supported by the Treasurer (Kandep MP Don Polye), and the Minister (Awesa), we have been given this opportunity to prove ourselves that regardless of the circumstances and the geo-tech, we want to deliver a value-for-money infrastructure in this country.
“We have proven that with the Tagali Bridge and I’m sure we can deliver a bridge under any circumstances whatsoever.
“What we’re trying to do now is to check the soil profile, geo-tech, and from the geo-tech we will design the structural infrastructure for the bridge and then we’ll do the actual fabrication and will advise the government on the costs.
“Hopefully, we’ll do a value-for-money project that won’t be inflated and make the people of Kandep, the Enga, the Highlands and Papua New Guinea proud.
“It happens that this is my humble village and I’m honored to deliver the best for my village, for my district, and for my province and the nation.”
Awesa said the Wasa Bridge would be a vital cog in the rural roads network linking Enga, Southern Highlands and gas-rich Hela provinces.


Awesa launches the Wasa Bridge project.

“Without roads, there will be no good services in health, education, business, whatever,” he said.
“Today is an important occasion for Kandep where now the people of Kandep will have access to good roads to Hela and Southern Highlands provinces through to Mendi, Magarima and Tari.
“The government has already committed a lot of money, something like K19 million for this bridge, on top of some money we have already spent.
“It seems like there’s no end to it but with the soil testing we’ll get it right this time.
“We’ve been part of the road from Mendi to here, committing K250 million...
“Another road is from Laiagam down.


Kandep warriors celebrate the launching of the Wasa Bridge project.


“This is a milestone in the development of this electorate.”
Awesa expressed confidence in the contractor.
“The new technology can deliver so I’m very confident,” he said.
“I know that they can deliver this bridge.
“Whatever had happened is a thing of the past.”
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Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop defends government's decision to withdraw funding for PNG program

December 26, 2013, 11:01 pm
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Radio Australia


Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop strongly defended the government's decision to withdraw funding to Papua New Guinea for medical kits.
TB patient at Daru hospital in Papua New Guinea (Credit: ABC licensed)
Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has strongly defended the government's decision to withdraw money for a medical supply program in Papua New Guinea.
The PNG Government recently awarded the multi-million dollar contract to a company called Borneo Pacific to distribute supplies to health centres across the country.
But the Department of Foreign Affairs has told PNG it will not be providing $AUD 38 million to fund the program due to serious concerns about the tender process.
"The Australian government had agreed to pay for the distribution across Papua New Guinea, of medical supply kits and of course the kits were to be high quality from a reputable and international supplier," she said.
"We are ready to assist with the distribution of medical supply kits that meet international standards from certified supplies."
Ms Bishop says she has reached out to her counterpart in Papua New Guinea regarding this issue, adding that the Australian government has proposed an independent health authority in PNG to oversee the procurement process.
"What we have sought to do is to support the establishment of an independent health procurement authority in PNG," she said.
"If the government of PNG approves the establishment of an independent health procurement authority, then the Australian government is prepared to provide technical assistance to help draft a legislation and help establish it."
Ms Bishop says Australia agreed to fund the program on the condition the contract be given to an internationally certified supplier.
"Our key concern was the noncompliance with PNG's own tender requirements and particularly, the supplier had to be internationally certified and that hasn't turned out to be the case."
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Parkop lights up Christmas in Manus

December 27, 2013, 8:48 am
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By JOSHUA KAIS


It’s a common sight during Independence and over the festive period in the National Capital District, Port Moresby.

Not so in laidback Manus where the act of turning on Christmas lights along the popular NBC Beach front in the heart of Lorengau captivated the local township.

Lorengau lights up.-Pictures by JOSHUA KAIS

Jam session.

Crowd continues to flock in.




The festive season in the small maritime province was lifted to another level by the mere flick of a switch, an initiative of the Governor for NCD  Powes Parkop.
Parkop meets the crowd.


The idyllic townships inhabitants flocked in the hundreds to witness the blessing, and then turning on of Christmas lights along NBC Parade.
Crowd builds up


People clapped, cheered and danced as veteran musicians led by Philip Waiwai and Kenny Lucas rocked provincial favourites to usher in the NCDC entourage. 
Children among the crowd.



This was followed shortly by Port Moresby talent idols, who combined perfectly with the local band to continue wooing the faithful in attendance with classic country, reggae and pop hits.
Waiwai and Port Moresby talent idols wow the crowd


The crowd was ecstatic as Lorengau Town mayor Ruth Mandrakamu and Parkop counted down, culminating in the splashes of colour across the beach front. 
Blessing.
His message was simple: “Let this signify the turn of a new beginning for the people of Manus.”

Just as the lights in Port Moresby have been a catalyst for its citizens to foster change in attitude, and greater responsibility for the better, he hoped the same would be reciprocated to enhance the spirit of goodwill, peace and responsible attitudes amongst the people of Manus.

 Mandrakamu thanked Parko and urged to people of Manus to exercise responsibility and look after this gift from the people of NCDC.

The lights were a commitment by the NCDC Governor following a visit from the Prime Minister to Manus in 2012.
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Clash of cultures

December 27, 2013, 10:21 am
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By Dr JOHN KUWIMB


I would like to respond to the Post-Courier’s headline news on Tuesday, 10 December 2013, entitled ‘Cultural terrorist’ to describe the Restoration, Reformation and Modernisation program of the Speaker of our 9thNational Parliament, Hon. Theo Zurenouc.
Post September 11, 2001 (post 9/11) use of the word ‘terrorist’ or ‘terrorism’anywhere on earth conjures up images of someone who is violent and hostile, driven by religious or political beliefs to kill and destroy others who do not subscribe to their beliefs.   
The Post-Courier’s front page headline gave the image that the Speaker of our Parliament is such a hostile and violent person against our culture.
The word ‘culture’ embraces all of civilisation and modernity.  According to the Penguin English Dictionaryculturemeans:
“1.  the development of the mind, esp by education.  2a  enlightenment and excellence of taste acquired by intellectual and aesthetic training.  b.  intellectual and artistic enlightenment as distinguished from vocational and technical skills.  3a.  the customary beliefs, social forms, etc of a racial, religious or social group…b.  the socially transmitted pattern of human behaviour that includes thought, speech, action, institutions and artifacts” (The Penguin Reference English Dictionary(London: Penguin Books, 2004).
Leading authorities on culture also define culture in this all-embracing sense:
(a)       According to Sir Edward B. Tylor, a British social anthropologist, writing in the 19thcentury:
“Culture or civilization, taken in its wide ethnographic sense, is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society” (Primitive Culture: Researches Into the Development of Mythology, Philosophy, Religion, Art and Custom (New York: Gordon Press, 1974.  1st  published in 1871).
(b)      The United Nations Economic, Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines culture to mean:
“…the set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features, lifestyles, ways of living together, value systems, traditions and beliefs.”
(c)       Geert Hofstede, who conducted a cross-cultural survey among 116,000 employees of IMB in 71 countries, define culture as “the collective programming of the mind that distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from another…” (Culture’s Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations, 2nd ed., Thousand Oaks, California: Sage, 2001, p9).
(d)       William H. Redmond defines culture to include:
“Human behavior…marked by regularity, rather than randomness, [including behavior such as] tastes, distastes, habits, fashions, norms, mores, [and] ethics.”  (“Instinct, Culture and Cognitive Science” (2006) XL (20) Journal of Economic Issues431 at p.434).
(e)       Keith F. Otterbein states that anthropologists use culture in two senses.  These are: (1) the way of life of a particular people; and (2) “everything that a group of people thinks, and says, and does, and makes. … When anthropologists refer to the culture of a people, they are referring to a large and diverse number of topics which include technological pursuits, marriage customs, military practices, and religious beliefs.”  (Comparative Cultural Analysis: An Introduction to Anthropology (New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc., 1972) p1).
In light of these definitions, the Post-Courier’s headline is telling the people of PNG that the Speaker is a terrorist against our beliefs, our languages, our marriage institution, our dressing, education system, our civilisation – our way of life.
Is this true?  Can the Post-Courier prove it? 
The Post-Courier editorial on Friday, 20th December 2013, begins:
“Dedicating the front page of the Post-Courier to a single issue for two consecutive weeks rarely happens in a world full of so many other news stories competing for prominence.”
In the Post-Courier’s view, the Speaker of the Parliament is a terrorist against culture as defined above, and therefore he deserves to be covered for two consecutive weeks.  That is why they have dedicated their front page headlines to warn the people of this country about it.  It is in this spirit that the editorial headline on Friday, 20th December 2013, suggests: “Speaker should resign from office”. 
In that same editorial on Friday, the newspaper insists:
“We have stated from the beginning of our coverage of the National Parliament Speaker Theo Zurenuoc’s controversial actions, that weopposed it because it was an attack on our cultural heritage as Papua New Guineans…”
When the Post-Courier says “we”, does it mean the Post-Courier itself as a private company?  Does it mean the shareholders and directors of the Post-Courier?  Does it mean the Editor and employees of the Post-Courier?  Or, does it mean the people of PNG?  Who is “we” is critical because this links to “we opposed it.”
Since “we” the people of PNG have not voted the Post-Courier to be our “mouthpiece” or “watchman” to guard anything and everything our elected politicians do, the word “we” must mean the owners and shareholders of the Post-Courier or the Post-Courier itself as a person at law, or the Editor and his supporters.  The Post-Courier is not qualified to say, “we, Papua New Guineans.”  It does not represent us!  Many Papua New Guineans are on the side of the Speaker.  He is our elected leader, and he has the mandate to do what he is doing.
The Post -Courier had done what “rarely happens in a world full of so many other news stories competing for prominence” in the name of wooden images and not the people of this country because many of us support our Speaker.
According to the Post-Courier, wooden carvings represent the culture of everyone in PNG.  Based on this view, the editorial of Tuesday, 10th December 2013, commented:
“Every single Papua New Guinean has a right to have their traditional and cultural identity reflected in the National Parliament because it is that institution which ultimately determines our future and survival as a sovereign nation.”
Yes, I am one of this single Papua New Guinean it is referring to.  I have my right to have my traditional and cultural identity in the National Parliament.  But the carving the Speaker is removing is not one of them.  It does not determine our survival as a sovereign nation.  Only God does that.  It does not represent my culture or tradition.  I come from Margarima in Hela Province.  The carvings come from some other parts of PNG.  It does not represent everyone in PNG.
Has the Post-Courier carried out a survey to see if the wooden carvings being removed represent the traditional and cultural identity of everyone in PNG?  Since in its own words, “this newspaper has history going back to 1969 and like the National Parliament of this great nation, [it had] grown with Papua New Guinea and covered the highs and lows of a country in transition since independence in 1975”, does it have records of a nation-wide consultation on the installation of the totem pole before they were installed?  Was it a cultural representative of everyone in this great nation?
As for me and my people, we were never consulted nor does it represent our tradition or culture.  Therefore, the Post-Courier should be fair to every one of us and not make sweeping statements in its judgement of the Speaker’s actions in our name.  It has no mandate from my people to say so.
Now, some crucial questions should be asked:  What if the Speaker is ridiculed and hated by his people, his colleagues or the public?  Has the Post-Courier thought about endangering his life or bringing into disrepute the good name and public standing of the Speaker by the front page headlines, especially his branding as a “cultural terrorist?”
Does the Post-Courier observe media ethics?  Does it have protocols and code of conduct?  Is it important to crucify a human being with life in the name of lifeless wooden faces?  Does PNG have an institution monitoring responsible journalism and media reporting? 
The closure of the Rupert Murdoch-controlled News of the World in Great Britain and the prosecution of certain individuals involved in that media scandal should be a reminder to Papua New Guineans to be responsible reporters and the need to be ethical and not go on a crusade to crucify individuals who have good intentions to benefit the country.  The Speaker is such a person and he deserves our commendation and not condemnation.
The Speaker has spoken.  We now know that he is undertaking one part of a series of actions that past and current leaders in their wisdom, as elected representative of the people of this country, have embarked upon.
First, our Founding Father and then sitting Prime Minister, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare made a covenant with God, Creator of the universe, in which he publicly renounced idolatry, witchcraft, ancestral worship and all other ungodly traditional practices and committed PNG and the people of this country to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in 2007.
Second, in 2013, Hon. Peter O’Neill formally established diplomatic relations with Israel, the nation of God with whom Sir Michael made the covenant.
In the third act, Hon. Theo Zurenuoc is reforming the Parliament by laying down the Word of God as the foundation of PNG and the new covenant in the Grand Hall of Unity in the National Parliament.  This is part of the same political process.
What is wrong with that?  Does it deserve a continuous negative front page headlines for two consecutive weeks?  Why has it become something which “rarely happens in a world full of so many other news stories competing for prominence”? 
This country was fragmented and disunited by thousands of tribes, languages and traditional gods.  Christian missionaries brought the Word of God and united us into believing in one God.  Many were saved and became peace-loving members of the Christian faith.  This is an historical truth and part of our great cultural heritage.
The Speaker is putting the Pole of National Identity and Unity to represent this cultural and historical identity of our foundation as a nation.  The word UNITY in every language spoken in this country will be inscribed on that Pole.  There will be a light at the top symbolizing enlightenment proceeding from the Biblical foundation.  This is awesome.  This is a great and uniting monument of national importance.  It is coming from a wise and intelligent mind. 
For those who are bringing religious arguments to say that what the Speaker is doing is imposing his religious views on others and therefore contrary to section 45 of the Constitution, is misconceived.  The argument is based on a misunderstanding between national direction versus individual choice in religion.
Following Sir Michael and Hon. Peter O’Neill, and based on our Christian history, the Speaker is saying that we want to build this country on the Word of God and adopt the Christian ethics and principles to inspire us into prosperity and progress.  As a nation-state, we want to build on the ideas and principles found in the Bible.  This amounts to giving national direction on the ideas on which we want to build this nation.  That is different from forcing individuals to become Christians.  Individual right to choose their religion is not affected.
King James authorised the translation of the Bible from Hebrew, Greek and Latin into English in 1901 and no one protested against it as forcing his religious belief on others.  American political leaders decided to inscribe “In God we trust” on their national currency, and that did not amount to imposing their religious beliefs on individuals.  Our Parliamentarians open their sessions with the Lord’s Prayer, and this does not amount to imposing religious beliefs on others.  Witnesses in our court rooms swear by the Bible before they give evidence, and this does not amount to forcing our religious views on others.  These are our Christian cultural heritage.
Just as we have inherited the political culture of democracy, political party systems, court systems, financial system, education system and all other cultural aspects of our modern nation, Christianity is a part of our culture.
The Speaker is not imposing his religious belief on us.  Rather, he is replacing a cultural item that represent some parts of this country depicting idols and witchcraft with another cultural item that will represent everyone in this country depicting our Christian values.  For this he must be commended; not condemned.
Therefore, I suggest the Post-Courier to publicly offer the Speaker an apology for the front page headline describing him as a ‘cultural terrorist’.  If it refuses, then I suggest every Christian in this country who support the Speaker to stop buying and advertising in the Post-Courier so that your Kina will not empower it to attack your Christian culture and the actions of the Speaker.


Dr. John Kuwimb, Ph.D
Lawyer
Kuwimb Consultancy Services Ltd
P.O. Box 467, PORT MORESBY, NCD.
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Magical Kandep, Enga province

December 27, 2013, 3:06 pm
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All pictures @MALUM NALU

Last Friday, December 20, I travelled to remote Kandep, Enga province, for the launching of several major projects by government ministers.
Kandep - nestled between Enga, Hela and Southern Highlands provinces - has the potential to become one of the leading centres in the Highlands and Papua New Guinea, says Works Minister and Imbonggu MP Francis Awesa.
He, however, told the people that the onus was now on them to change their ways of tribal fighting and work together towards developing their forgotten backwater.
Here are some pictures of Kandep I took on the day.
Cold, misty morning along the road to Kandep.


Kandep morning glory


Taking a breather along the road to Kandep.


Road to Kandep.


Road to Kandep.


Typical village house at Kandep.


At Kandep station with the disused airstrip at right.


Welcome banner for Kandep MP and Treasurer Don Polye.


Looking down to Kandep station.


Kandep station.


Kandep station.


A vehicle dolled up for the day.


Kandep station.


Kandep station.


Kandep station.


Kandep station.


A glorious morning at Kandep station.

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Colours of Kandep

December 27, 2013, 4:03 pm
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All pictures @MALUM NALU

Remote Kandep, Enga province, exploded into colour for the opening of several major projects by senior government ministers on Friday, Dec 20, 2013.
Here are some of those colourful moments.
Colourful Kandep warriors at the launching of the Wasa Bridge project.






Traditional v mordern as the famous Sili  Muli women's group from Kompiam takes cover from the rain using umbrellas.


Kandep MP and Treasurer Don Polye meets a group of traditional warriors.

The famous Sili Muli women's group of Kompiam.


Kandep MP and Treasurer Don Polye is welcomed by the famous Sili Muli women's group.

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Beautiful Kiburu Lodge, Mendi

December 27, 2013, 5:21 pm
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On the evening of Friday, Dec 20, 2013, our chopper was caught in thick cloud cover on the flight between Kandep in Enga and Mt Hagen in Western Highlands.
Our pilot diverted to Mendi, Southern Highlands, where the staff of the beautiful Kiburu Lodge put us up for the night.
When next in Mendi, make sure you stay at the Kiburu.
Entrance to Kiburu Lodge, Mendi

Kiburu Lodge waterway

That's me at one of the units of Kiburu Lodge.

Mendi River behind the Kiburu Lodge.

That's me on the banks of the Mendi River behind Kiburu Lodge.

Well-kept grounds of Kiburu Lodge.


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A magical helicopter ride between Mendi and Mt Hagen

December 27, 2013, 6:57 pm
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Last Saturday, I had the privilege of an amazing chopper ride from Mendi in Southern Highlands to Mt Hagen in Western Highlands, taking in some of the most-spectacular scenery in the world.
The words of veteran PNG helicoper pilot, Capt David Inau, still stick in my mind: "This is the most beautiful country in the world and we must never allow it to be lost."
I couldn't agree more!
Leaving Mendi.


Morning glory.




Mt Ialibu.




Mt Giluwe, the second highest peak in PNG at 14, 327ft (4, 367m)




Surreal colors









Amazing scenery.






A hole in the clours over Mt Hagen.




Thank you for the amazing flight, Captain.





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Bestest and freshest fruits and veggies come from Mt Hagen

December 27, 2013, 8:32 pm
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All pictures @MALUM NALU

Mt Hagen offers the bestest and freshest fruits and veggies from all over Western Highlands, which is truly the fod basket of Papua New Guinea.
At Kagamuga Airport, just outside of Hagen, passengers and pilots can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables before leaving.
These are pictures I took of the market at Kagamuga on Monday this week.







 
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A day cruise to Fisherman's Island

December 27, 2013, 10:01 pm
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On Sunday, Dec 15, 2013, my elder brother David and his children invited my children and ! for a day cruise to Daugo (Fisherman's) Island off Port Moresby.
We had a wonderful time, leaving the yacht club at about 10am on the BAT vessel Maus Wara, trying out some fishing with no luck, and then ended up at the island where we swam and enjoyed lunch.
Here are some pictures of our wonderful day in the sun.
At the Yacht Club.

Sea princesses.


Cousin Yawic with Keith and Moasing.

In the wake of the Maus Wara.

Keith is so excited about his first boat trip.

Likewise, Moasing is so excited.

David (and me below) trying forthe big one that got away.


Nearing Fisherman's Island.

Fun in the son on Fisherman's Island.






Other sunseekers on Fisherman's Island.


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Binimamp - a typical Markham Valley village

December 28, 2013, 3:11 am
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Pictures @MALUM NALU

On Friday, Nov 15, 2013, I travelled home to Lae  for the confirmation of my two nieces at Ampo Lutheran Church.
That afternoon, we drove upto the village of my brother-in-law Goromp Nawatz, at Binimamp village in Kaiapit, Markham Valley, to collect food for the occassion.
Here are some pictures of the occassion.
That's me with children of Binimamp.

Binimamp village

Village woman cleaning up.

Typical village house

On the road to Binimamp

That's me.

Marafri (bananas) cooked in coconut cream in clay pots.

Goromp and me having marafri

Village house with lots of food.

Food galore.

Children gathering firewood.


Food galore,






Sunset over Binimamp.

A house along the main Highlands Highway.


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A Markham Valley cruise

December 28, 2013, 12:40 pm
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All pictures @MALUM NALU

On Friday, Nov 15, 2013, while at home in Lae, we took a day cruise fom the city to Binimamp village in Kaiapit to collect some food.
I love the great Markham Valley stretch of the Highlands Highway and it holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the happy days when my late wife and I cruised regularly along here while based in Goroka.
Come with me for the ride.
Past Nadzab heading towards Erap Bridge.

The famous rain trees of Erap.



At 40-Mile market.




Past 40-Mile.


The great Saw Tooth Mountains.

Clouds over the valley.

Towards Leron Bridge.




Leron Bridge.



The famous Peanut Boys of Leron Bridge.

Past Leron Bridge.



The Leron Plains roll on.




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