Images from Lake Murray, Western Province

Above are pictures taken by my nephew Eddie on Lake Murray in the Western Province of PNG. Lake Murray is the largest lake in Papua New. Lake Murray is located in the Middle Fly District of Western Province. According to wikipedia the lake covers approximately 647 km²  and in the wet season increases to five times the size. It has a highly convoluted shoreline more than 2000 km long. The lake has been a source of nourishment for many of the local peoples. Freshwater sawfish have been caught in its shallow waters to feed the crocodilesfreshwater crocodile farming operation. Local tribes of around 5000 people own the lake and the surrounding one million hectares of forest. Also, a cryptid known as "Murray" purportedly lives, or used to live, in the lake. This creature was described as resembling a theropod dinosaur such as Tyrannosaurus.

In 2003, logging company Concord Pacific was forced out of the area by Greenpeace and other NGO's. 100,000 hectares of ancient forest was degraded by the logging along the Kiunga-Aiambak road.

"Continuous Improvement - A must to achieve a world class super for PNG workers,” says Nambawan Super

When the Mekere Government introduced the Superannuation General Provisions Act (the Act) in 2000, the umbrella legislation covering the operations of all super funds in Papua New Guinea, there was certainly no expectation that this law would be set in stone forever. 

Rather, as with all laws, the Government’s expectation would have been that as new industry, economic and market developments emerged over time, the Act would be reviewed and amended. Continuous improvement would be required to enhance the superannuation system and allow it to continue delivering appropriate benefits to members. 

The intention behind the original Act was to entrench prudent and responsible practices within the superannuation industry and other financial institutions, so as to protect the rights and entitlements of PNG workers. To this end a number of major reforms were introduced. 

Nambawan Super takes initiative to amend super act

A Task Force Committee is likely to be established to review the Superannuation General Provisions Act 2000, the umbrella legislation covering the operations of all super funds in Papua New Guinea.

The SGPA legislation was introduced by the Mekere Government over 10 years ago resulting in major reforms in the superannuation industry and other financial institutions.

Nambawan Super is in the forefront of lobbying to enact key changes to the Act to improve operational arrangements aiming to achieve more benefits for members especially in light of the economic boom expected from the PNG LNG projects.

30,000-year-old girl's pinkie points to PNG

Excavation works inside the Denisova cave, where archaeologists found part of a finger bone in 2008

By the CNN Wire

December 2010

(CNN) -- An overlooked female pinkie bone put in storage after it was discovered in a Siberian cave two years ago points to the existence of a previously unknown prehistoric human species, anthropologists say. And the lineage of that species may survive today in some people in Papua New Guinea and nearby islands, scientists say.

A report on the discovery of the finger was published in the December 23 edition of the scientific journal Nature. Anthropologists say the 30,000- to 50,000-year-old finger is evidence of a new population of hominids they call Denisovans. The name is derived from the southern Siberian cave in which the finger bone was found.

Geneticists say the finger probably belonged to a 6- or 7-year-old girl.

"The whole story is incredible. It's like a surprising Christmas present," said Carles Lalueza Fox, a Spanish paleontologist not involved in the research who was quoted in the online article.

The 3 billion-letter nuclear genome derived from the child's finger shows that the ice-age population of early humans was more diverse than previously thought. Also, a comparison of the genome to modern humans indicates that Melanesian inhabitants of Papua New Guinea and various South Pacific islands inherited as much as 5 percent of their DNA from Denisovans.

The genome research was conducted at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany.

The Denisovans, the scientists say, were more closely related to Neanderthals than modern humans. The discovery in Siberia suggests they may have lived across a wide swath of Asia and are likely to have intermingled with the ancestors of modern humans who migrated eastward from Africa.

Cat ordered to court for jury duty

A pet cat has been ordered to report for jury duty, despite being "unable to speak and understand English".

If the matter was not resolved, Sal the cat would have to report to Suffolk Superior Crown Court in Boston, United States, on March 23.

Owner Anna Esposito said she had told authorities that Sal could not speak or understand English. The cat's vet had even written a letter explaining that Sal was a "domestic short-haired neutered feline".

"Sal is a member of the family so I listed him on the last census form under pets, but there has clearly been a mix-up," Mrs Esposito said.

"When they ask him guilty or not guilty? What's he supposed to say - meow?"

Mrs Esposito said Sal was not suitable for jury duty because he could not understand English, one of the 10 statutory disqualifications preventing people from serving.

Her husband, Guy, said the summons for juror service was a surprise.

"I said, 'Sal, what's this?' I was shocked," Mr Esposito said.

"He likes to sit on my knee and watch crime shows with me but even so he's still under-qualified for jury duty if you ask me."

It is understood that Sal was inadvertently included on the juror list when paperwork was misread at the last census.

Towoomba floods

I spent 10 days in Towoomba visiting my cousin Maureen just before Christmas. It was a shopping stop for me as well as a goodwill visit to see Maureen who was not coming home to Popondetta for Christmas. Back in Port Moresby and watching the deluge and heavy rains on TV, I struggled to get her on the phone and email as the reception kept breaking. I even tried the Helpline being advertised on Channel 9. Eventually a text came through from her saying "situation is totally scary. I'm still indoors , at least for this week." A couple of days later she and a fellow PNGn had to go out in search of food. She said later, "just came back from Coles. Shelves are empty. Have to go elsewhere to check for food."  And later with much relief: "picked up noodles, rice and tinned fish. No milk. No frozen food. One loaf of bread only."   But there are so many people who are worse off than Maureen who have lost their homes and livelihood. Their resilience, I'm sure will instinctively drive them to rebuild. 

Ms Winnie Kiap, candidate for the next Governor General post

In 2007, I had the privilege of interviewing Ms Winnie Kiap, the Cabinet Secretary to the government of PNG. The below interview was published by Islands Business, the authoritative monthly magazine of the South Pacific. Ms Kiap is currently the only female candidate for the Governor General post to be appointed in 10 days.

" As custodian of state information and secrets she is the most powerful woman in Papua New Guinea. Yet she is a very private person. A pioneer in her field of expertise, Winnie Kiap has moved with ease into an enviable position of status and authority.

As Secretary to the National Executive Council of Papua New Guinea, she has the ear of the Prime Minister.

She is the first woman to have served in this office in PNG and one of only a handful in the Commonwealth. In anyone’s books, that position would yield the highest accolade. But she states, that is a privilege “no-one can put a price on”.

Think Positive for the New Year

Walking through freshly cut lawn deep up to my ankle, delighting in the tingling sensation of the soft prickly grass wondering what the new year will bring, I came across this bottle tree located in the heart of Towoomba Park in Queensland. I thought, what an awesome tree - with a supple, generous waistline strong enough to withstand the forces of nature! My cousin Maureen and I had just been to see a new display at the Cobb & Co Museum where a collection of butterflies including from PNG were on show. Maureen is a PhD student at the university in Towoomba completing her studies on the 'effects of climate change on endangered species'. One such species is the  birdwing butterfly; the largest in the world is found in my province, Oro.Only a couple of days after I left Towoomba, the rains and the floods began with nearby town Chinchilla going under. What I did experience though while I was in Towoomba, was a storm with hails as big as golf balls. I hope and pray that the devastating floods in Queensland will subside soon and normalcy will return. 

Some wishes for 2011

Was it really the year of the "noughties"? I began to wonder before Christmas.Then I realised there were highlights as well as some lowlights. Below is my list and what to look forward to in 2011.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Ho ..ho...ho ...a truly warm and hearty Christmas to you & your families. May you have abundant joy, peace, love and .......prosperity for 2011.

 

 

 

 

                                                       HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Miss South Pacific - an exotic blend of sophistication and native cultures

The grace, the beauty, the poise and an exotic blend of sophistication and diverse native cultures of the South Pacific were undeniably obvious at the crowning of Miss South Pacific at the Waigani Indoor stadium in Port Moresby last Saturday. Miss Cook Islands, Joyanna Meyer (above and middle) was the outright winner scoring high marks in the - talent and sarong categories which were conducted at the Lamana on Friday night and in the national dress and the Final interview categories. The mechanical engineering student from Auckland university walked away with the Miss Photogenic, Miss Sarong & Miss Talent in addition to the major award.

·         The event was the first ever for PNG.

·         PNG was privileged to be selected to be the host. The organising committee made up of volunteers were privileged to have been involved and took the event up as a challenge despite the lack of facilities in Port Moresby

·         The Pageant was seen as an opportunity to shine the spotlight on PNG’s assets, vast resources & potential as this country steps onto the threshold of an economic boom.

·         There were many attendees on Saturday who were in fact blown away by the the unique show put on by the contestants. It was their night; it was about them, their resources, their countries & their qualities.

·         If there is anything to take away from the event, it is the lesson that we Papua New Guineans need to step up to equal or better our smaller South Pacific neighbours. We need to be positive about ourselves, our future and take a giant leap in “polishing our acts” with grace and beauty and respect for our fellowmen/women whilst embracing our unique cultures.

The beautiful line-up with the new Miss South Pacific taking centre-stage.

 

 

 

 

 

                                        

Photos - Rocky Roe

Miss South Pacific Pageant - cast you vote online

To read the profiles of the South Pacific beauties and cast your vote for the Miss South Pacific please go to - www.misssouthpacificpng.com

The crowning ball is on Saturday evening (Nov 27) at the Sir John Guise Stadium and the tickets at K1000.00 pp are going like hot cakes. I have 1 ticket and I'm looking forward to the gala evening which begins at 6.30PM.

2011 Budget - No Super Hospital for PNG

There will be no super hospital established outside Port Moresby and there is no budget allocated for it for 2011.

That was the blazing message from the Finance & Treasury Minister, Mr Peter O'Neill.

I attended the Budget Breakfast organised by the Badili Club and PWC (PriceWaterhouse Coopers) at the Crowne Plaza in Port Moresby yesterday and that was one flashing news that stood out for me.

The minister said the hospital would not go ahead. There is certainly a plan but there is no intention to build it. Instead, Mr O'Neill said money will be spent on much-needed renovations and improvements at the current hospitals such as ANGAU in Lae, Boram in Wewak and the Port Moresby General Hospital in the National Capital.

Hospital upgrading is one of the key priority areas that has been included in the infrastructure budget.

Reserved Seats for Women in Parliament

PNG Women will be watching their MPs cast their vote on 22 seats this session of Parliament.

(Monday, 15 November 2010).

Women around the country will be watching closely this session of parliament for the passage of the bill to enact 22 reserved seats for women by elective process.

Elizabeth Palme Interim provincial council of women’s President of Jiwaka said the focus will be particularly on the Leader of Government Business and Minister for National Planning and Monitoring Paul Tiensten to ensure the proposed Bill is put to a vote.

“Women throughout the country have welcomed the commitment made by Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare to push for the proposed Bill on 22 reserved seats for women during the coming session.

“We know that the proposed Bill is now on the notice paper of parliament business and our eyes are on Mr Tiensten to ensure that the PM’s commitment is put to a vote,” Mrs Palme said.

“While the 2010 Supplementary and 2011 National Budgets will take priority we feel that empowering women in Papua New Guinea is equally important as it is a vote in recognition of women who have not been adequately represented on the floor of Parliament over the last 35 years.

Acting Police Commissioner Anthony Wagambie takes office

Acting Commissioner of Police Anthony Wagambie has reassured the government and people of Papua New Guinea that the Royal Papua New Guinea is stable and united in its mandate to protect and serve.

Mr Wagambie made this statement today when he took office following his appointment by the National Executive Council on Wednesday.

“The Government in its wisdom has appointed me as Acting Commissioner of Police. I want to take this opportunity to thank the Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and his cabinet for the appointment and give my assurance that I will perform to the best of my ability.

“I also take this opportunity to call upon all commanders to remain focused on their duties and responsibilities. There is no instability of any sort within the organisation and therefore I wish to assure the public that police services will continue as usual.

Medium Term Development Plan roll out in 2011 Budget: PM

Five year development plan to create approximately 315,200 jobs in PNG’s biggest nation building program in its history

 

The Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare said the 2011 budget to be brought down in parliament next week will represent the start of the MTDP (Medium Term Development Plan) for the first five years to 2015. Without pre-empting initiatives to be announced in the budget, I would like to lay out for the nation the overall direction being planned for the economy. Under the MTDP, the government is targeting development expenditure of K36 billion over five years to create an additional 315,200 jobs throughout PNG by 2015.

Sir Michael said the MTDP was also the first five-year stage in the Government’s broader strategy of the 20-year Development Strategy Plan (PNGDSP) and realisation of the Vision 2050 program, which provides the overall direction of PNG’s development initiatives for the next 40 years.

“These programs collectively form the building blocks for economic development and prosperity of our nation for future generations,” Sir Michael said.

“The government has every confidence in the integrity and efficacy of the Medium Term Development Plan and is very excited to be announcing this significant allocation of funds which will directly increase the standard of living of every PNG citizen,” he said.

“Importantly, the plan will aim to achieve an average economic growth of 8.5 per cent a year which will result in a healthy rise in the average GDP per person from K3430 in 2010 to K4638 by 2015,” the Prime Minister said. 

Sri Lankan Cricket Spin legend to tour PNG

World cricket super star spin bowler Muntiah Muralitharan  or "Murali" of Sri Lanka will be one of about 6 overseas Cricket stars to arrive in Port Moresby next month. Chairman of Cricket PNG, Mr Mick Nades and the MD for Pacific MMI, Mr Wayne Dorgan announced that Murali; Brad Hogg (Australia); Craig McDermott (Australia); Adam Hollioake (England); Michael DiVenuto (Australia) and Andy Bichel (Australia) will participate in the "Don't Drink and Drive" event which is co-sponsored by Pacific MMI and the Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited (MVIL).

The event comprises T/20 games featuring the 6 cricket legends placed in local PNG Teams as part of coaching and mentoring of emerging PNG talent to improve their level of play.

On December 1, the players will host a series of school and village-based clinics before taking centre-stage at a fund-raising dinner at the Lamana hotel in Port Moresby.

The CEO of Cricket PNG, Mr Bill Leane expects the "Don't Drink and Drive" matches to be a real crowd-pleasers and added that the event would one of the most stunning sporting moments in Cricket PNG's history.

Oh - What a Game of Cricket!!

Last night's game was the best cricket game I had watched in a long  while. Sri Lanka holding onto the hemlines of an Over with Angelo Mathew coaching number 10 Lasith Malinga into strategic positions so that they could last the entirety of the ODI against Australia.

And boy...did they do that with aplomb!  Malinga, who by the way looks like a Solomon Islander with his blond highlighted afro, reminded me of a child sitting under a large Christmas tree filled with presents. His was the ultimate display of innocence when he hit a 6 and eventually reached half-century. Until then, his highest score had been 16. Malinga would have been over the moon to set such a record in a win against Australia.

Australia was playing on the back of a record ninth-wicket stand between Mathews and Malinga.

Mathews a middle-order player and Malinga an ace bowler, staged one of the greatest comebacks, setting up a one-wicket win with 34 balls left in their opening one-day international in Melbourne last night.

Sri Lanka ran out of luck after 8 wickets went down at 107 runs in reply to Australia's 239 for eight from 50 overs. But the comeback by Mathew and Mlainga was edge-of-the-seat stuff - their 132-run partnership set a world record for the ninth wicket in one-day internationals, beating the mark that had stood for 27 years.

I cannot wait for the second of the ODI to be played tomorrow in Sydney. Australia needs to step up or be left in disarray for their Ashes challenge against England.

BSP Fees "Love Your Bank"

PNG's First ICT & Innovation Expo

Papua New Guinea's first Innovation & ICT Expo will be held at the Hideaway Hotel on the 5th & 6th November. Over 20 corporate organisations have registered to participate. There will be a shuttle bus run between the bus stop next to 4 Mile Traffic Police and Hideaway Hotel over the 2 days providing convenience to those without transport.