Old Aged and Disabled Pensioners receive pensions in New Ireland

 Old Aged and Disabled Pensioners from the Nimamar LLG on Lihir Island became the second lot of Old Aged and Disabled Pensioners to receive their K500 pensions electronically after the Kavieng LLG. The official launching took place on the Friday  16^th October at the Londovit Town oval.

Although the sun was blazing hot there was a huge turn out by the locals and public who wanted to hear and witness the proceedings of the day which was also colored by the beautiful choirs from children and  churches, traditional sing-sings and dances.

Dignitaries included New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan, Provincial Administrator Lamiller Pawut, CEO and Directors from the New Ireland administration, Provincial Executive Council Reps, Lihir Bank South Pacific branch manager Johnson Tetaga, Representatives of landowner Company Anitua, the Local Level Government and local community leaders.

A total of 407 Pensioners received direct deposits into their accounts on Friday , while payments for the remaining 760 will be done manually starting Saturday onwards due to the unavailability of bank accounts.

In total K583,500 will have been disbursed once all Pensioners receive their dues.

Lihir Bank South Pacific Manager Tetaga urged the Pensioners to ensure their bank accounts remained active by making at least two to three  or as many transactions as possible.

Ward Development Grants to the tune of K1,185,000 was also allocated for the Nimamar LLG along with other Government subsidy policies including school food rations, Beautification Awards, roof over heads, lighting New Ireland, Bicycle and Wheelbarrow subsidies. In total K2,564,193 has been invested back into the LLG.

6 major clan rep and executive Director of the Anitua Group of companies Patrick Lambongis urged the Provincial Government to partner with them where contracts at the ward level where concerned, “ Anitua can do the job for you at a very competitive price, public monies will not have to be used up on administrative costs as has been the case in the past because we will save you that cost,” said Director Patrick  Labongis.

Governor Sir Julius Chan conveyed a forward looking message to the Lihirians, that although they were endowed with the riches of the Lihir Gold Mine there would come a day when all of it would be no more and they would need the help of other parts of  New Ireland. “ This is why while my Government advocates on being Autonomous and standing on our own two feet we must also share our wealth with other Provinces because one day we will need them too. We are also aggressively pushing at the National level to amend the mining act so the Landowners, LLG's, Provincial  Government’s and National Government can have greater benefit sharing from the minerals that rightfully  belong to us,” said Sir J.

Sir J while thanking the people of Lihir for their contribution to the Province said what they give is returned just like  boomerang aid because of the Provincial Government’s subsidy programs and policies.

After the event Sir J did not rest, he spent time in private meetings with the people of Lihir listening to their concerns whilst advising and consoling them as any great leader with the heart for the people would. A group of young  Athletes from the Lihir Athletics Club also caught Sir J amidst his busy schedule asking for a photo opportunity after they had scooped 7 medals during the recent NGI regional Athletics Competition in August. While congratulating them Sir J imparted a very important life principle to the youth, “ Nothing comes from Nothing, if you want to make it in life you  must work hard,” a piece of advice taken to heart by the Athletes as they left Sir J to  continue his meetings.

Sir J and his delegation left Lihir on Saturday while the rest of the delegation heads back to Kavieng Sir J will continue to his home at Huris, in the Matalai LLG of the Namatanai District.

-Press Release