PNG pilot secures a home loan through a broker

 

Have you heard about Asigau Mortgage  Brokers?

Well now you've heard about them.

Simply a special service company that acts between the home loan applicant and the  bank.

You see, how many of of us have time to prepare documents, make an appointment or visit the bank, your superannuation home equity, let alone home estate owners. 

The process is tiring and long but Asigau Mortgage Brokers can manage that for you while you concentrate on your job.

They charge a minimal fee for their services. 

Here is another success story for them..a special day celebeated on Friday May 26, as we guide another fellow Papua New Guinean 🇵🇬 to sign his approved Home Loan documents with Kina Bank Ltd. 

Mr Waita Kama is an Airline Pilot for Air Niugini currently serving as a B737 First Officer and rarely has time available to pursue the goal of owning a home. 

Well, surprise! surprise! We assisted make this possible for him by getting his proposal across in 4 days and his documents signed. 

Thank you to Mr. John Rifu (Senior Home Loans Officer) who made it seamless for us to get this through from start to finish. 

Mr. Kama secures a top of the range Elly Build High-set 3x Bedroom House from Arminko PNG LTD and 600sqm of land in an established estate. 

A great home with heaps of land.

 For us, it is what we strive to achieve - another Papua New Guinean getting the home they deserve in their own country. 

Kina Bank announced in February 2021 it has partnered with the country’s first mortgage broker, Asigau Mortgage Brokers Ltd, to make the process of finding and applying for a new home loan as simple as possible. 

An MOU was signed between Kina and Asigau Mortgage Brokers in December 2020.

Asigau Mortgage Brokers will offer customers independent, expert advice on the best home loan options, guide customers through the home loan application process and help complete paperwork.

 Asigau will operate as an intermediary institution, liaising with banks on the customer’s behalf and allowing them the peace of mind of knowing their application will arrive at Kina Bank accurate and complete.

For assistance with plans to secure your first home email the AMB Team at enquiries@asigau.com.pg or call us on 7853 9833.

Reach out them...

James Marape engages Pacific Leaders with influencial world leaders

Freelance Journaalist and commentator  CYRIL GARE writes about Prime Minister James Marape engaging the Pacific Leaders with influencial  world leaders 

He writes:  After seven prime ministers in our short history, Prime Minister James Marape stands out and will be long-remembered for his part in lifting the ‘Pacific Solidarity’ agenda to new heights with tact and ‘shuttle diplomacy’. 

  

Like never before since 1975, this Pastor’s son cum politician and second term Prime Minister has proven he was a ‘strategic planner and intervener’ for his country after been able to bring together world powers - United States and India - together with 16 leaders of the ‘free’ Pacific Island Countries (PIC) including New Zealand at one consensus point in Port Moresby for strategic multi-lateral and bi-lateral discussions of mutual interests. 

It was here in Port Moresby last Monday – May 22, 2023 that the world’s hegemon – the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken in representing President Joe Biden signed the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with PNG effectively subsuming the obsolete Defense: Status of Force Agreement of 1989.   

This chart new waters in ‘militarization of the pacific’. The US-PNG DCA 2023 is significant as it is a ‘direct deal’ between Washington and Port Moresby bypassing the ANZUS’s triangle Canberra and Wellington. No wonder the media hype by Australian and New Zealand media. 

Despite the critics, the DCA is a two-fold winner for PNG. Firstly, our territorial boundaries - air, land and sea - as well as our sovereignty is ascertained when we are covered under the wings of the big eagle rather than being burnt in dragon fire. In this context, we ask the naysayers – i) what sovereignty are you talking about protecting, and ii) for whose interests do you represent with all these non-sense and hysteria? 

US – PNG relations 

Everett E. Bierman was appointed by United States President Ronald Reagan as Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu in January, 1987. 

On 28 February, 1989, H.E Bierman signed the Defense: Status of Forces Agreement or SOFA in Port Moresby on behalf of the United States Government (USG) while Sir Kingsford Dibela, GCMG, K. St. J., Governor General counter-signed for the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG). 

The US-PNG SOFA is as old as thirty four (34) years notwithstanding US-PNG bilateral relations that was established since 1975. 

In the retrospect, the US-PNG relations date back to World War II. “In Angels and Victims: The People of New Guinea in World War II” the New Guinea campaign against the antagonist was one of the hardest-fought of WW II.  American and Australian forces relied on native New Guineans and shed blood together to achieve victory for a free world.  

The Melanesian 

In traditional Melanesia, a friend is someone who stands by me during the time of conflict, bloodshed and war, that tribe or clan who stand by me to defend my land, my village and family from incursion. The bond of mutual affection begins thereon. It is an obligation that you must reciprocate by way of compensation in form of giving a portion of land away, giving a woman away to the helping tribe as a symbol of friendship and extended family or doing both. 

Trade-Off

If I have to choose between China and United States, it has to be United States for obvious reasons; i) bloodshed, and ii) obligation. It was the US led allied forces that stood by us then. Others came in post-war era after the establishment of the United Nations and Bretton Wood institutions such as World Trade Organization (WTO) with multi-lateral interests which are not necessarily of a ‘Melanesian friend’. 

More so, our liberty in liberal democracy and the ecclesiastical Christian beliefs must never be traded-off for the ‘dollar’ and ‘road and belt’ diplomacy.  

Defense Capabilities & Infrastructure 

Secondly, the PNG Defence Force will gain big time in operational capabilities, training, and infrastructure development. Prime Minister James Marape has revealed around K4-5 billion in military upgrade will flow from the US-PNG DCA. 

Chief of Defence (CDF) Brigadier General Mark Goina told a public forum at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby on Tuesday, 23 May, 2023 that the PNGDF has a 40% gap in its operational capabilities and urgently needs help. 

After taking Office in 2022, Commander Goina commissioned an assessment of all units of the force to determine the “key operational capabilities” of the force and the revelations were stunning: 

• Operational level of capability at 30-40% that is well below 50%. Acceptable world standard of military operational capabilities is 70-80%. No military in the world is 100% operational. He would like to see 70-80% in PNGDF. 

• Troops have no uniforms, field equipment, no service lines to barracks, command systems and process are broken down. 

“This is the current status of our Defence Force. This has to be fixed, it requires substantial amount of money from the Government to fix it. Without this, we cannot move the force forward.  

“The PNGDF is the user of the DCA. Status of our partnership (with the US) is that we continue to strive among the super powers, conforming to our foreign policy – the guide to our actions. 

“In the midst of geo-politics, we have a duty to ensure our people are safe so they go about doing their business, visitors, development partners are free to come in and do their business as well, knowing fully well that your Defence Force is out there taking good care of you. 

“Duty of care that rests with Defence Force is enormous, over and above what your force can provide. 

“It is the duty of the Government to provide resource and support. As your Chief of Defence, I am responsible to bring the Force to operational level of capability where it can perform its duties and responsibilities effectively and efficiently. 

“Our Government alone cannot provide the support we need. It has competing priorities in health, education, and infrastructure development. 

“So alternatively we have options to seek assistance from our development partners riding on existing bilateral relations with countries like the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, China, India, France and others,” CDF Goina said. 

Marape’s Mind

The tactician’s mind needs to be understood in the context of PNG foreign policy of ‘friends to all, enemies to none’. Marape wants to see the world through a compass that shows the cardinal directions for navigation and geographic orientation in ‘The PNG Way’ with: 

• East – being the Pacific (PIC) and the American continent. 

• West – being Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India where there is big markets with a population of over 2 billion. 

• North – being Philippines, South Korea, Japan and China, and 

• South – being Australia and New Zealand. 

PNG is in the middle and seeing all as equal partners for our friendship and prosperity. Our needs vary from country to country. For example, with the US, we capitalize on our bilateral relations for military, trade and commerce while with Australia we seek trade, commerce, public service, student and workers exchange, and other. 

“Not all relations will be the same. Some we have military interests, some trade relations, some government relations, some education, satellite, health, etc.  

No Compromise

The Prime Minister re-assures that the signing of the defense pact with the US will not compromise PNG’s relations with China. 

“I gave my 100% assurance to China. I reaffirm this by closing down the Taipei diplomatic mission. Seven Prime Ministers before me never made this call. 

“They know my sincerity, I don’t hide and play one against another. Their East and West is their own business. My East and West is completely different”. 

World Stage

On the international front, PNG has made substantial representation within space of just one year with our Prime Minister James Marape meeting with world leaders and has established “connections”: 

• White House, United States: Visited and held high level talks with President Joe Biden. 

• Japan: Met and held discussions with Japanese PM. Will revisit in October. 

• Other world leaders that our PM had met and held bilateral discussions include UK PM, King Charles, China President, India PM, Philippines President, Indonesian President, Thailand PM/King, and Australian Prime Minister who also visited and addressed the PNG Parliament. 

• French president ‘a close friend’ and Indonesia President are said to visit PNG later this year.

• PMJM is set to visit South Korea this weekend for bilateral talks. 

 “These are world leading economies. Your PM has met and laid the foundation for future interest of PNG. 

“It is now up to public servants and relevant Ministers to progress these connections that your PM has established.

“We relate to all nations in the East, West, North and South. In 100 years of activities in the world, PNG is placed at the middle of this paradigm that is shifting. I am seeing this clearly unfolding”. 

The ‘Blue Pacific’ 

According to PM Marape, “we are not small island nations. We are big ocean nations”.

“The Blue Pacific – Our Sea of Islands is a shared resource, fill with prized fish and marine lives. The Pacific Ocean is our security for Sustainable Development, Management and Conservation.  

“The Framework for Pacific Regionalism outlines the political ambition of our leaders to work together towards delivering a prioritized development agenda for all rather than a few.  

“This meeting (in Port Moresby) enables us to reinforce our regional political identity through emphasizing our shared stewardship of the Pacific Ocean and identifying ways to mobilize resource to address challenges such as climate change and poverty alleviation among our people. 

The Prime Minister says under this regional framework, PNG will offer land to the PIC ‘brothers’ at the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone (PMIZ) in Madang and elsewhere in ‘free trade zone’ provinces in PNG for them to build processing plants and export their (fish)  products under their respective brands to the combine markets overseas.  

With a hectic week ending successfully under his belt, a proud and satisfied James Marape can now more than ever asserts that: “if you want to talk Pacific, you cannot go pass PNG. We’re now their leader to talk about their fish, climate change, their well-being and prosperity”. 

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Clients enjoying the boat cruise Photo by Port Moresby Harbour Cruise 

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Wake up the giant. It's community policing

Gordons Police station officer Benjamin Dominic has been based there since 2010.

Few years back, he was based in Vanimo, West Sepik.

His commitment to policing has ignited him to pursue proactive policing to reduce and mimisise crime at the Port Moresby Northeast area.

Here he shares his conviction  that proactive community policing is the approach to be employed if the country is to address crime.

And he further elaborates on the strategic approach they are taking.

Among them and I was impressed engagement with the media.

Gordons community policing already has a whatsapp group as well.

Benjamin writes: I recall back to 2010, when I was first inducted to Gordons Police Station, as a member of Public Safety Section. 

Benjamin Dominic OIC Community Policing at Gordon's Police Station 

If my vague memory serves me right, there was no Community Policing Office at Gordons Police Station, despite the fact that the position of OIC Community Policing was already gazetted and structured under the Gordons Police Station Operational Structure. 

A Sergeant ranked position, which  was solely given to drive interest from personnel seeking promotion, yet no one was committed to fulfilling the duty statements being designated to that position and office. 

Gordons Police Unit with their PSC Inspector Gabrirl Kini ready for security operations during FIPIC world leaders visit 

Within my thirteen (13) years or so years at Gordons Police Station, Community Policing has literally been non - existent, let alone the duty roster... which signified the skeletal existence of an OIC Community Policing.

As of January 1, 2023, I convened my role as OIC Community Policing at Gordons Police Station and simultaneously transformed an old, abandoned tea room into our current Community Policing Office, with state of the art office equipment & stationery - special thanks to our AFP Partners and a few kind hearted friends and  partners. 

Currently, our Community Policing Office serves the entire Electorate of Port Moresby Northeast and is still committed to doing more, even if there is minimal or nil logistics and technical support.

True to our Vision:

 "TO MINIMIZE LAW & ORDER PROBLEMS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE," Community Policing currently employs three (3) distinct operational phases...

To date, Gordons Community Policing is working on a Seven (7) Years Operational Plan, which is scheduled to lapse in the year 2030.

Our Law & Order Awareness Campaign Programs include:

1. Cannabis Sativa, Marijuana or Illicit Drug Abuse;

2. Illicit Spirit, or Alcohol Abuse;

3. School Bullying;

4. School Fights;

5. School Cult Practices;

6. Basic Pedestrian Crossing Rules;

7. Unlicensed Sales of Alcohol;

8. Sales of Contraband items & Expired Products;

9. Roles & Responsibilities of Police Officers;

10. Citizenship POWER of Arrest;

11. Basic Human Rights:

12. Unnatural Sexual Practices; e.g., sodomy, incest, etc...

13. Gender Based Violence (GBV);

14. Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV); &

15. Natural Resources, Environment & Conservation; 

Evidence of our work in just five (5) months of operation, in itself, speaks volumes. 

Countless and successive Law and Order Awareness Campaigns, and  Successful Partnership with other agencies and entities within Port Moresby Northeast Electorate.

 These include:

1. Village Court System

2. Community Leaders

3. Education Institutions

4. Women / Vendors Groups

5. Christian Churches

6. Youth Groups

7. NGO Awareness Group(s)

Despite all the odds, constraints and barriers, Gordons Community Policing will strive to serve the people of Port Moresby Northeast, NCD and PNG,  without fear, favor, malice, or ill will. 

As far as I am concerned, a sleeping giant has been awakened and there is no turning back. 

If there be a way forward for RPNGC and NCD Metro Command to pave positively, then Community Policing is the way forward. 

Now is not the time to focus on reactive policing alone

Our Policing approach for the 21st century has to be more proactive, through more Law and Order Awareness, Advocacy & Empowerment. 

Successful Partnership with our communities is the only key to minimize our ever growing law and order issues.

Community Policing - Securing a Safer Communiy in Partnership.

Cheers always and God bless you all.

Air Niugini flight returns after take off due to engine shutdown

 Passengers and flight crew on an Air Niugini De Havilland  Dash 8-300 aircraft flying from Port Moresby to Goroka yesterday Friday had to return to Port Moresby's Jackson's Airport after takeoff.

A passenger on board posted on social media upon returning to Jackson's a video and picture about the engine shutdown  which prompted quite a few comments from the public being concerned. 

The company says it was due to one engine being shutdown.

All crew and passengers were safe and the company has commended its flight crew for initiating  the appropriate actions according to the standard operating procedure.

"The prompt and professional response of the airline crew, in accordance with established protocols, ensured the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew on board," Acting CEO Gary Seddon said in statement.

The flight crew performed an engine shutdown and having sufficiently reduced the landing weight by burning fuel in a holding pattern, safely returned the aircraft to Jackson's Airport.

The aircraft departing Port Moresby for Goroka at about 9.30am experienced a technical issue with the Left-Hand engine.

Air Niugini has assured the travelling public that passenger safety and well-being are their top priorities, and they would like to reassure their valued customers that all necessary precautions were taken to handle this situation.

Air Niugini's Boeng 767 jet among aircraft at Jackson's Airport  Photo by Air Niugini 

Recently the national flag carrier has received criticisms from travelling public about flight delays and few safety queries. 

The CEO Bruce Alabaster was recently terminated with an acting CEO Gary Seddon appointed.

The company had also recently announced its plans for refleeting.

Responding  to concerns from travelling  public about flight delays and safety concerns, the company had been active on its social media to spin critics perception about the company, promoting its engineering personnel experience, what they do and their safety track record.

 Air Niugini says with the current engine shutdwon experience, its highly trained and experienced flight crew successfully managed the issue.

It is committed to adhering to the highest industry safety standards, and they have already commenced a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the engine issue, that necessitated the shutdown. 

"We are working closely with the aircraft and engine supplier, and relevant authorities to ensure a comprehensive analysis of the engine issue.

Air Niugini’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gary Seddon said: “I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the crew members of PX160 who handled the situation with utmost professionalism and expertise, as well as our passengers for their understanding and cooperation during this unforeseen event.  

"We are also thankful for the support and guidance provided by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and other relevant organizations.”

"Air Niugini remains dedicated to maintaining the highest level of safety and operational excellence across our fleet. 

"We have robust safety management systems in place and will continue to prioritize the training and well-being of our crew members. 

"Our passengers can continue to have confidence in Air Niugini as we uphold our commitment to delivering safe and reliable air travel," he said.

Nasfund member contributions account update delay

Nasfund says due to technical issues relating to the change in the file formats by Bank South Pacific’s system upgrade, member superannuation contributions since then are yet to be allocated into member accounts.

It says the Fund Administrator has identified this technical issue and has been working with BSP to ensure that this is rectified to allow member contributions to be allocated into member accounts.

Nasfund photo

" Testing is being carried out, with updates to member contributions to commence once all issues have been resolved," it said in a statement on its social. 

"If you have made deposits within this period, please forward your remittance advice to your respective Nasfund account manager."

Nasfund has apologised for the inconvenience caused and assured members that regular updates would be provided through the account managers.

This year the superfund  announced an audited results of K256 million profit after tax for the year 2022, approved by the trustee and board.

Its net asset value is at K6.3 billion.

The 650,000 members were credited 4.3 percent.

New Zealand Prime Minister gets a rousing welcome at once a notorious Gordons Market

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins was given a rousing welcome when he visited Gordons Market at 10am Monday morning. 

He was accompanied by the governor of National Capital District Powes Parkop.

Police media say a red carpet welcome was not rolled out but the joy, laughter, cheers and energy from the people and vendors was  sufficient to relay a thank you message to the people of New Zealand, that their investment in gifting Gordons Market to Port Moresby, has played a significant role in financially empowering the people.

Governor Powes Parkop, who accompanied Prime Minister Hipkins said, fresh fruits & vegetables from other parts of PNG are either shipped or air freighted to Gordons Market to meet the food demands of NCD residents.

He said Gordons Market will continue to be the empowerment factor for small to medium enterprise and the informal sector.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop cheers with a citizen as PM Chris Hipkins leads the entry Pic  Benjamin Dominic, Gordons Police 

Vendors, mothers, women, children, Papua New Guineans from all walks of life as well as members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary were honoured with the visit by New Zealand Prime Minister and his entourage.

Mr Hipkins paid a 30-minute visit to the market on his way to the FIPIC Meeting venue at the APEC House in Port Moresby.

Gordons Market, PNG’s largest market two storey complex was built with funding support from the New Zealand Government totalling K30 million.

It was  opened at the end of 2019.

The Acting Officer in Charge of Gordons Community Policing, First Constable Benjamin Dominic, said members of the Constabulary as well as the public were gathered as early as 7am Monday morning to ensure that the market and surrounding areas were ready for the visit. 

Part of the crowd welcoming NZ Prime Minister Chris Hipkins Photo Benjamin Dominic Gordons  Police 

The  old  Gordons Market was notorious  with shoppers usually attacked by street thugs and their valuables or shopping taken away.

The new market has seen presence of guards, it's food sale neatly organised and many residents  now enjoy shopping at the  market. 

It has ample  parking  for  shoppers.

Moitaka power station recommissioned

 PNG Power Limited (PPL) has announced the recommissioning of the Moitaka Power Station in Port Moresby.

The Moitaka Power Station was established in 1980 and has been a reliable source of electricity in Port Moresby for several decades until it was decommissioned in 2019 after several Independent Power Producers (IPP) were introduced into the Port Moresby Grid, PNG Power says in a statement.

Initially, the Moitaka Power Station had a station output of 16 Megawatts (MW) from two Hitachi Zosen Z40 Diesel Engines (Unit 1 & 2). 

Later, its capacity was increased by an additional 15 MW with the installation of a GE LM2500 (GT2) in 1990, and two Mirrlees Blackstone MK16KV Diesel Engines (Unit 3 & 4) were added with an individual capacity of 8 MW each.

The Moitaka units are high-inertia thermal engines with a significant rotational mass. 

This means that they can store energy and respond slowly to changes in demand, making them suitable for stabilising the grid.

 Their characteristics make them suitable for the Port Moresby grid application, where they can complement hydro generation.

 Although hydro generation is a renewable and flexible source of electricity, it depends on water availability and environmental factors. 

High-inertia thermal engines can provide backup power and grid stability, especially during peak hours or emergencies.

The decision to recommission the Moitaka Power Station was made after thoroughly analysing the Port Moresby grid's energy needs.

 Despite the decommissioning of the Moitaka Power Station in 2019 to focus on PNG Power's "Least Cost" and "Fuel Switch" plans, other energy sources could not regulate the grid. 

As a result, the PNG Power Board made the decision to recommission the station in the last quarter of 2022.

As of May 19, 2023, Moitaka Unit 3 is available, and it can be safely dispatched with 6MW of power. 

The recommissioning of the Moitaka Thermal Power Station will provide much-needed backup power and stability to the Port Moresby grid. 

PPL says it is committed to ensuring that the Port Moresby grid has sufficient backup power and stability when required. 

The recommissioning of the Moitaka Thermal Station is a significant step towards achieving this objective.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PPL Nehemaiah Naris, who was present to start up the first recommissioned unit has  thanked all the stakeholders who contributed to the successful recommissioning of the Moitaka Power Station, especially the hardworking PPL restoration team. 

The PPL says its restoration team will work hard to restore Unit 4 to bring additional capacity to the Port Moresby Grid in the coming months.

PPL is confident that the recommissioning of the Moitaka Thermal Station will improve power reliability in the Port Moresby Grid. 

It remains committed to providing reliable and affordable electricity to the Port Moresby grid consumers.

US secretary of state to visit PNG on behalf of President Joe Biden

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Papua New Guinea on May 22 to meet with Pacific Islands Forum leaders on behalf of President Joe Biden.  

The US Embassy has released a statement.

It says the Secretary will also meet with PNG Prime Minister James Marape  and sign a bilateral defense cooperation agreement and a bilateral maritime security agreement.  

PNGDF personnel parade to farewell Minister for Defence Filepic

The meetings will be followed by a joint press availability with Secretary Blinken, Prime Minister Marape, and Pacific Islands Forum Chair Hon. Mark Brown. 

President Joe Biden was supposed to make a historical visit to PNG enroute to Australia but had to defer it due to budget issues in the United States.

The PNG Governor General Sir Bob Dadae has gazetted a public holiday and security preparations were well under control with limited air space movements expected during the visit.

Tisa Sevis Komisen i wari long planti sumatin insait long ol klasrum

 Ol wok manmeri bilong Tisa Sevis Komisen long Port Moresby i mekim wokabaut igo long ol skul na lukim sapos igat planti sumatin long ol klasrum.

Long bipo yet taim gavman i putim dispela fri skul polisi, planti pikinini i bin go long skul.

Planti papa mama na ol narapela manmeri i bin toktok strong long dispela olsem ino gat inap spes long skul.

Butuka Academy em wanpela skul long Pot Mosbi ol TSC manmeri i bin i go lukim 

Na tu planti sumatin tumas em wanpela tisa bai skelim ol na dispela bai givim planti wok long tisa.

I luk olsem nau tasol TSC I laik mekim wok painim aut long dispela.

Bikpela wari bilong TSC em olsem ol tisa ino ken kisim planti wok long wanem igat planti pikinini long wanpela klasrum.

Lo i tok wanpela tisa i mas skulim 45 pikinini tasol.

Ol i painim aut olsem long Pot Mosbi igat planti pikinini long skul na dispela bai givim wanpela wok long ol tisa na ino gutpela.

Ol i givim sampela tingting long ol skul iken wok wantaim gavman na kirapim  moa  klasrum na noken larim nating ol pikinini i  kam long narapela skul.

Wok bilong TSC em long was gut long welfe bilong ol tisa na ino long ol samting bilong skulim  ol sumatin.

High student to teacher ratio concerns Teaching Service Commission mindful about welfare of teachers

The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) has embarked on an observation and recording mission concerning teacher to student ratios.

Despite reports and concerns raised by parents and public about overcrowding instigated by the government's free education policy program, the Teaching Service Commission needs further assessment.

A remote school at Sogeri, Central Province near a historical SDA Church base 

 They visited twelve schools in Port Moresby last week to observe teacher to student ratio in classrooms.

Their main aim is to ensure a teacher’s welfare is not compromised.

  TSC Provincial Advisor – NCD and team leader Paul Lapun explained to each school administration the purpose of their visit.   “School infrastructure and curriculum is not TSC business, our business is the welfare of your teacher,” Mr Lapun explained to each school principal.   Teacher ratio against a class size was assessed at the early childhood, elementary, primary and junior high levels.

The schools visited were Waigani Primary School, Boreboa Primary, Gerehu and Badiagwa Secondary, Kaugere and Butuka Academy.   “The notion of teacher-pupil ratio was stipulated in section 33 in Teaching Service Act 1998 that we have been and we are now implementing,” Lapun said.   TSC Advisors have observed overcrowding as a common issue in most of the schools visited, threatening the performance and welfare of teacher on a professional and personal level.   TSC officials have provided recommendation and expert advice to the school administrations. They should prioritize teacher’s welfare to encourage and maintain quality teaching in the classrooms.

  A few of these recommendations were toasses transfer-in students, monitor and report teachers who encourage students to enroll without the permission of the school board, discourage nepotism during enrolments, continue seeking assistance from government authorities who are responsible for education infrastructure development to cater for increase in student enrolments, report outside authorities who are suppressing teachers.   The indicators that TSC officers used to identify effects of the teacher to a student ratio included:

the number of students enrolled into each class,

how many subjects each teacher is taking

classroom space for students and teachers to move around,

staff ceiling and monthly returns from each of these schools visited.

  As the mandated employing agency for all teachers serving in public schools, the Teaching Service Commission is now checking the schools to verify and confirm the correct 1:45 ratio in classrooms and schools.   One out of the twelve schools that were visited has an excellent school infrastructure however other curriculum-related issues like shortage of textbooks remains a challenge.   Next week, the team will visit two more of the semi-urban schools in Port Moresby.  

UPNG Professor collaborates with world scientists to manufacture HIV medicine

This is a report by freelance journalist Cyril Gare.

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) School of Natural and Physical Sciences (SNPS) is close to producing tablets from hopeaphenol, a chemical compound that was extracted from a PNG plant, that can be used as treatment for People Living With HIV AIDS (PLWH).  

This is good news for the world especially PLWH population in PNG as hopeaphenol comes as ‘God’s Salvation II’ for humanity. 

Last month the American Society of Microbiology (ASM) published the hopeaphenol research findings internationally effectively citing it as a leading candidate for treatment of Covid and AIDS viruses. 

Professor Topul Rali Univeristy of Papua New Guinea 

Hopeaphenol has been a joint collaboration been 17 scientists from around the globe including PNG’s very own Professor of Chemistry, Topul Rali since 1996 when he first collected and sent samples of the PNG plant – anisoptera thurifera to Griffith University in Australia for analysis and testing against targeted diseases in a drug discovery program. 

ASM acknowledged and gave credit to these 17 who operated out of: 

• The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; 

• Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada;

• Jonathan Lax Immune Disorders Treatment Center, Philadelphia Field Initiating Group for HIV-1 Trials, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;

• Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; and

• School of Natural and Physical Sciences, The University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.  

Only a fortnight ago, UPNG Chemistry fourth year students during a lab practical under the strict supervision of Prof. Rali, extracted hopeaphenol from anisoptera thurifera leaves.

“From 400 grams of leaves, we were able to extract 1.933 grams of crystals. This is very exciting, an extraordinary find because you do not usually get this much compound from a single plant extract. 

“Also, we’ve not tried the bark and wood of this tree yet to determine which parts of the tree has high hopeaphenol content and also to evaluate the total amount of the compound in an Anisoptera thurifera tree,” Prof. Rali said adding that from the 1.933 grams of crystals, 39 tablets can be made for a PLWH patient, that’s more than a month’s dozes. 

He is optimistic about clinical trial on PLWH – to be orally administered alongside the current ART (antiretroviral treatment) so that further evaluations can be obtained from there. 

Already the SNPS has approved a budget of more than K300,000 for the purchase of two scientific equipment that will help produce hopeaphenol tablets at lab scale. The School’s request is before the UPNG Vice Chancellor, Prof. Frank Griffin for approval. 

In an interview with Alphonse Bariasi, features editor of The National newspaper on Tuesday – May 16, 2023 (see full report in Friday’s Weekend edition of The National), Prof. Rali agreed with the Prime Minister, James Marape that PNG can be the richest black nation however, without listening to scientists and putting the money down in research and scientifically driven projects such as this innovative hopeaphenol project, this dream would remain a far cry of any Government in the eve of the country’s 50th golden jubilee anniversary. 

Prof. Rali said under the National Research Agenda (NRA) the Government has created the Research, Science and Technology Secretariat (RSTS) since 2014 and its time the Government ‘walk the talk’ by turning the RSTS into a CSIRO equivalent by investing around a billion kina or more every year in R&D projects that would revolutionize the economy and spin the wheel of change.  

Bad road users cause unnecessary traffic jams

 Our roads in Port Moresby do have busy traffic in the morning and afternoon during peak hours.

Traffic does flow though.

What makes the drive quite long is the queue jumpers and those who are impatient, interchanging lanes as they wade through traffic.

Sometimes they unlawfully  drive on walk pavements for pedestrians putting pedestrians lives at risk too.

The main culprits are bus and taxi drivers. 

I have noted though few well dressed drivers in very clean and latest make vehicles  do the same too.

I should be forgiven for thinking they should be the well mannered road users but looks can be deceitful. 

There are buses advertisers are promoting their products on them.

Sadly it appears the advertisers are supporting road rage users causing traffic stress and nuisance.

One is the government's owned PNG Tourism Promotion Authority promotes tourism on the buses.

Well I hope PNGTPA had set terms and conditions for the bus drivers to comply, promote traffic rules and road safety- if not stop giving them money.

The advertisers can help educate drivers and promoting road safety rules by setting conditions on advertising.

Be safe on the road today, don't bully, respect other road users.

Police will not allow public demonstration against Justine Tkatchenko

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika says police operations in the city will be on heightened alert from today Wednesday  onwards after  rumours of a planned protest march began circulating on social media.

Waigani Drive in Port Moresby this morning

Sika said police would not allow a public demonstration against Moresby South MP Justine Tkatchenko at the time when Pacific leaders were coming into the country for their summit.

Tkatchenko announced stepping aside from his role as Foreign Affairs Minister last Friday in Port Moresby. 

There were mounting pressure for him to resign coming from citizens politicians and various groups like the Catholic Professionals Association.

US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi were also arriving at the end of this week and with Tkatchenko stepping aside, Prime Minister James Marape is assuming his role temporarily.

Billboard in Port Moresby welcoming India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and regional leaders

 Sika said any disturbances by a minority group in NCD would be a major embarrassment to the international community.

The Metropolitan Superintendent said they received a letter from a group calling themselves the Coalition of Concerned Citizens delivered to his office on Tuesday, requesting police to grant approval for the planned protest march.

 "The organisers of this event are using social media to persuade city residents to form up at the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance Institute in Waigani tomorrow (Wednesday)," he said in a statement. 

 "They intend to walk from there to parliament house."

 He has declined the request  because the world's attention is now on PNG.

"We also took into consideration the social impact on the community, " Sika said.

"The business community may suffer losses, and children's education may be disrupted by this event."

He said  people aggrieved by comments made by Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko can take their grievances to court and seek redress or write and petition the government without a public assembly.

Last week several citizens protested along Waigani drive over discriminative comments by MP Justine Tkatchenko. 

Sika said police will continue to work closely with the communities in maintaining peace and good order across the city.

Most beautiful and mysterious place in Kerema

The Bluff Point is one of Kerema's most beautiful and mysterious places. 

Jack Frost Kivare writes it's depth is seemingly forever and its sheer size can be breath taking when you marvel at it.

But it's not just the physical beauty of the point that makes it so mysterious and attractive.

 It holds secrets of their history that are yet to be uncovered. 

Turns out the point might have been home to ancient secrets and monsters the size of a ship. 

It has been seen by fisherman but because of its fishing beliefs villagers speak only about it when they are home. 

Come along and the fishermen will take you on a journey  to discover the hidden truth of this beautiful place- the Bluff Point.

Ol Katolic manmeri long Bogenvil I lukim ken mama Fatima

Bikpela lotu na prea bai kamap long ol peris long Bogenvil long wanem Mama Fatima I kam gen.

Long Sarere namba 13 dei bilong mum Me, ol man I bringim em igo long Buka na planti Katolik manmeri I amamas tru.

Ol I kisim em igo long Hahela haus lotu na mekim welkam olsem bipo ol tumbuna I save mekim.

Bihain bikpela lotu I kirap na Mama Fatima bai igo long planti ol Peris long Bogenvil .

Mama Fatima I bin go long Bogenvil long yia 2016 tu.

Mama Fatima em ol Katolik I bilip olsem spirit bilong Maria, mama bilong Jisas I bin kamap long tripela man bilong was long sipsip long ples Fatima long kantri Portugal.

Dispela I bin kamap long 1917 na long 1930 Katolik sios I makim dispela samting olsem wanpela bilip long dispela I bin kamap.

Mama Fatima Poto NBC Bougainville 

I gat tok tu olsem mama Fatima  I bin go long Panguna na lotu wantaim Francis Ona na bihain toktok bilong wanbel na noken pait long Bogenvil I kamap.

Bougenvil I vot pinis long ol I mas kamap wanpela kantri bilong ol yet na planti manmeri  I wanbel long dispela.

Bougainville Catholics honour visit by Our Lady of Fatima

Catholics in Bougainville are celebrating the visit of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima- commonly known as Mama Fatima.

Statue of Mama Fatima Photo NBC Bougainville 

The apparition of Mama Fatima is the appearance of Virgin Mary among three shepherds in Fatima, Portugal in 1917 and the Church accepted it to be a belief in 1930.

The statue of Fatima will visit several parishes in Bougainville and Catholics will have venerations.

The last time she visited Bougainville was in 2016.

It is strongly believed that her silent visit to Francis Ona in Panguna during the Bougainville conflict influenced peace negotiations and Bougainville is now enjoying peace and looking forward to Independence after a successful vote on referendum.

Our Lady of Fatima arrived Saturday in Buka and taken to the Hahela Catholic Church before a traditional welcome was offered and a mass was celebrated .

Human bones located at a cave at Wutung

 Wutung village in West Sepik set along the Bougainville Bay right at the international border with Indonesia can be intriguing to a visitor.

First its inhabitants are neither Papua New Guineans or Indonesian Melanesians.

Yes they have family connections to as far as Jayapura, Indonesia and the international border land marks are otherwise irrelevant for the Wutung villagers- the same for the Vanimo West Coast villagers.

The famous light house land mark signifies the international border  stands aloft the hill just west of the village and beneath those hills is a cave that has human bones.

When we visited the cave accessing it via the sea during low tide, the human bones were there.

The skull, bones of the hands and legs were well kept and candles lit on the side.

During certain occasions locals offer vigil prayers for the lives of people whose bones remained there.

Belden Namah calls for Foreign Affairs Minister Justine Tkatchenko to resign

Papua New Guinea hosts world leaders from the United States in President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in less than two weeks time.

There will be 18 other Pacific Island leaders also in Port Moresby.

But the key government ministry who should be at the helm facilitating and leading the meetings is in turmoil with resonating calls for its Foreign Affairs Minister Justine Tkatchenko to resign.

The calls from the public on social media and now Vanimo Green River Open MP Hon. Belden Namah is resounding.

Namah is also Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Immigrations and Defence and he is issuing the call for Tkatchenko to resign as minister, MP and renounce his PNG citizenship.

Tkatchenko is a naturalised citizen and the calls for his resignation stem from his comments on ABC's Pacific Beat labelling Papua New Guineans who criticized his daughter Savannah for posting a video on social media TikTok doing shopping at Singapore's airport and then to London for the coronation of King Charles III as extravagant, waste of tax payer funds.

Tkatchenko has defended his daughters post and told the Post Courier he would not resign.

He told Post Courier the trip was not funded by public funds but later told ABC's Pacific Beat, it was funded by taxpayers.

Namah has called for his resignation after Tkatchenko allegedly labelled Papua New Guineans as  “useless people” and “primitive animals” on ABC.

"I am calling on the Foreign Affairs Minister to confirm or deny that he uttered those descriptions of citizens of Papua New Guinea which has been kind enough to offer him naturalized citizenship.

 

"If he has indeed uttered those despicable words then I am calling on Justin Tkatchenko to immediately resign as Foreign Affairs Minister and as Member of Parliament and further renounce his citizenship.

 

"The “useless people” and “primitive animals” of this country have ensured he grew his business, gave him a wife, offered him citizenship, elected him into public office, made him a minister and sent him and his daughter to London.

 

"Alternatively, I am calling on the Prime Minister to sack him immediately and withdraw his citizenship.

 

"I am also calling on the Immigration Minister to direct the Chief Migration Officer to immediately call a Citizenship Board Meeting to deal with Justin Tkatchenko.  The Agenda of the meeting should be Justin Tkatchenko breaching citizenship laws, rules and regulations of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

 

"As to the TikTok video, it just reveals the kind of shallow mentality and disregard for Papua New Guineans that the minister must have inculcated in his family.  It is unfortunate.

 

The name of the video says it all: #aussiesinengland.  Send them to Australia if that is who they are," Namah said.

Opposition Leader Joseph Lelang has also said Tkatchenko's comments were irresponsible and he agrees the Minister should resign. He told Pacific Beat.

Lelang said the words used promote segregation during pre independence era.

Prime Minister James Marape has not released a statement yet.