PNG Law Society protests against break down in respect for laws

📣 Selling audio recording 

To researchers, broadcasters, commentators, lawyers, journalists, police officers, correctional service officers etc in Papua New Guinea and overseas.

If you're interested to hear what the PNG Law Society President Hubert Namani  said during the protest against the PNG government to restore law and order in March

2024,  here it is.

Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific has made bad headliners in 2024.

A terrible public unrest in the capital Port Moresby with shops looted and burnt on January 10, 2024.

Then there was massacre in the upper highlands region of the country.

The Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika condemned the looting and unrest during the legal year opening which has the theme "Adherance to the rule of law".

Now the law society in PNG protests that the government should immediately look into addressing the law and order concerns.

The law society also called on the James Marape led government to address many other development concerns.

To buy and download click  here  

📣📣📣📣🖖🖖🖖🖖

Gabagaba village ICT Facility launched

A step in bridging the digital divide in PNG

The Minister for Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Hon Timothy Masiu, unveiled the Gabagaba Village ICT Facility today, marking a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in rural Papua New Guinea.

The inauguration of this state-of-the-art facility was met with enthusiasm from the local community, who expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to access the digital world.

The Gabagaba Village ICT Facility is part of the Smart Village project, a global initiative, now introduced to PNG through the Government. The project aims to remote areas with the rest of the world. 

This project focuses on providing essential digital services to underserved communities, and it was made possible through a collaboration between the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) and Gabaspot, a local entrepreneur.

One of the key challenges facing such projects is ensuring long-term sustainability. To address this, the facility was designed and built by local entrepreneurs, ensuring that it remains a vital resource for the Gabagaba community for years to come.

Mr. Kone Kula, Director of the Universal Access Service (UAS) at NICTA, emphasized the importance of bringing communication services to areas with limited access. He encouraged the community to take care of the facility and highlighted the various opportunities in the ICT ecosystem.

CEO of NICTA, Kila Golu-Vui, underscored the impact of the project, which will benefit over 6000 people in the Gabagaba community.

“The intention is to extend the signal to other nearby villages as well,” Mr Gulo-Vui added.

He commended the CEO of Gabaspot Mr. Guise Vere’s passion for making the project sustainable and ensuring that harmful content is filtered from the network, especially to protect children.

Minister Timothy Masiu expressed his deep honor at being part of this initiative, stressing the importance of embracing the Smart Village concept to keep in pace with global technological advancements.

He highlighted recent collaborations at the Pacific ICT dialogue and the signing of the Lagatoi Declaration as steps toward introducing digital services at the grassroots level.

Minister Masiu added that the government is committed to harnessing the power of technology to uplift the lives of all Papua New Guineans, regardless of their geographical location.

CEO for Gabaspot Mr. Guise Vere announced that the facility would be known as the “Gabaspot Digital Hub.” He also revealed plans for digital training programs to empower the local community, emphasizing the long-term significance of this endeavor.

This facility is the second of its kind launched by NICTA, with the aim of serving the local population.

The Gabagaba Village Connectivity Facility boasts 16 computers, equipped with an e-library to benefit students who can use the resources free of charge. To combat frequent power outages, the facility is equipped with a solar power system, a standby generator, and servers powered by an inverter. 

Additionally, Mr. Vere, a key figure in the project, has introduced an affordable token-based Internet cafe system, making local internet access more accessible.

Mr Vere is a person with disability, and the government aims to be inclusive in their collaborative efforts in connecting the rural communities of PNG. 

The launch of the Gabagaba Village ICT Facility marks a crucial milestone in Papua New Guinea’s journey towards digital inclusion, offering the local community access to the benefits of the digital age while fostering sustainability and responsible internet usage.

Divine Word University student publishes book on Amazon Kindle

 A final year PNG Studies and International Relations student at the Divine Word University has published short stories in a book and available on Amazon.

Duncan Gabi from the Central Province says the 80 pages book is a collection of 20 short stories written between 2018 and 2022.

Amazon says Gabi is a versatile writer who began his journey during his early years in Primary School. 

With a diverse background as a blogger, early childhood educator, environmental activist, and media officer, Gabi brings a wealth of experiences and perspectives to his storytelling.

 

A captivating storyteller, he weaves his own tales that enrapture readers. With a rich tapestry of personal experiences and a boundless imagination, Gabi's narratives transport readers to enchanting world of fiction and provoke thought-provoking contemplation. 

His passion for literature and commitment to the written word shine through his compelling narratives.

The book Papua Vagabound 

I just published a collection of short stories on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and is now on the market on Amazon. 

Traditional publishers will now be a thing of the past with writers independently publishing on self-publishing platforms like Amazon's Kindle.

Good thing about self-publishing is that you own copyrights to your books and also receive royalties from Amazon for every purchase of your book.

My book comprises of 20 short stories that were written between the years 2018 and 2022.

It's going for $32.54 Australian dollars, about K70 in our currency.

Amazon does print on demand, so once readers purchase the paper back edition, Amazon will automatically print and ship to their location.

As the author, You can also print dozens of copies and then resell in PNG. For authors copies, you only pay for printing. Printing cost depends on the number of pages of your book.

My book has 80 pages so that is less than AU $5, about K11. 

I chose Australia as the primary market place for the book, unfortunately, Amazon Australia does not ship to PNG leaving PNG readers to purchase in Amazon Germany where the book will be printed in  Germany and shipped to PNG.

This doubles the price of the book, because of the printing and shipping cost.

So my advice, don't purchase from Germany. Purchase from Australia and ask your friends, (if you have any in Australia) to pick it up and ship to PNG for you.

To buy the book online click this link https://amzn.asia/d/9UHizvC

Book about fish festival in Lumi

 The Melanesian Institute based in Goroka has announced publication of its first Point Series books. 

It says the book is a description and interpretation of a Fish Festival held at Teloute Village, Lumi in  the West Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea with the discussion of problems met in bringing Christianity to these people.

If you're interested to grab a copy, it is going for K20 only.

Rai Coast district aiming to reach the unreached by road

 

Less than 12 months into politics as a Member of Parliament representing the people of Rai Coast and female MP Hon Kessy Sawang is not resting.

Being active on social media providing briefs about her meetings, engagements, strategies, and promoting cheap organic local food enjoyed on the run.

Sometimes she gets criticised for the food posts but the MP remains steadfast, focusing on making Rai Coast cheaply accessible to its provincial capital Madang and agriculture must triumph enabling money to land in people's pockets right at their villages.

Hon Sawang has some background in Economics and once worked with the Internal Revenue Commission.

She has announced the launch of the Saidor-Gali road Construction at Sei village at the field near Warup River, ward 5, Rai Coast LLG. The event is slated for June 12, 2023.

"Nearby communities are welcome to witness the launching as we start the small steps in linking the missing link along the Madang-Morobe coastal corridor, " Sawang said.

"The strategy is to start at the furthest and most remote places and work towards Saidor  and Madang."

Children from Nima/Gali.  The background point is Gali, Rai Coast border with Tewae-Siassi.  Unknown and most beautiful well-kept secrets. Photo by Hon Kessy Sawang 

PNG seasonal worker to earn K59 per hour picking tomatoes

A young woman from Imbonggu, Southern Highlands has been successful to pick tomatoes at a farm in Australia.

This comes under the seasonal workers program and Stephanie Kereme from the Imbonggu Youth Foundation is elated about this  successful facilitation.

Kereme said Dianna Philip ,25, from Iombi village in Imbonggu has received her contract and signed it on June 01, 2023.

Dianna Philip (l) Photo Stephanie Kereme 

Philip did years 10 and 12 but did not further her education in colleges. She now has this nine months employment contract with MADEC Australia.

Contract facilitator Kereme said Philip would be working at a Tomato farm in Victoria, Australia earning AU$26.73 per hour.

That is about K59.89 per hour in PNG currency. 

The minimum wage in PNG is less than K5 per hour.

Philip from the Wanep Tribe applied with the batch one group when data recruitment started in September 2022 and she is the second successful applicant assisted by the Imbonggu Youth Foundation.

Kereme who says she is using her own resources to facilitate the seasonal worker program is excited about this success by the Imbonggu Youth Foundation program.

"Slowly and surely Imbonggu is flying," she said.

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...

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.

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.

Quality burgers in Port Moresby

My favourite of late is the cheese burger costing K20 at Meat Haus burger shops in Port Moresby.

They have variety of burgers with prices ranging from K20 to K30.

The Australian burger which is quite  thick with fillings and huge patties is selling at K25.

If you are after quality, a very presentable and hygienic place to have a bite inside an air conditioned place, choose their location at downtown Port Moresby opposite the Crown Hotel. 

Their car parking space is just left of the location.

The Meat Haus burger place is HACCAP certified which basically means their promotion and compliance to health and hygiene in producing food is internationally accepted as far as health standards are concerned.

I must say the young lash who served me was very professional as well.

We should make that contagious in PNG and across other retail and service businesses.

Check Meat Haus burger places at Waigani, formerly ANZ compound or downtown opposite Crown Hotel.

Grapes grown and bearing fruits at Tokarara, Port Moresby

Words and pictures by Bonny Bonnsella

If Menyamya and Teptep in Morobe can grow apples, Tokarara suburb in hot Port Moresby grow and bear grapes.

This evidence with pictures below disproves the notion  that grapes cannot grow in Port Moresby.  

The Eastern Highlands has reported grapes being harvested.

Well at Tokarara in Port Moresby, Augustine Irakau from Kuluguma village on Manam Island, Bogia Distrct of  Madang Province has  grape plants bearing the juicy fruits

Augustine and his dear wife Anna Irakau bought the cuttings from a friend at Garden Hills in 2019, and the couple were advised that it will take three years to grow.

True to the words, the grapes flowered last year but due to bad weather pollination and successful bearing of the fruit did not turn out. 

In March of 2023, the Irakau couple witnessed something strange, -the vine was bearing healthy grapes from the spine to the branches.

If Irakau family can prove otherwise, PNG is truly a land blessed with so much potential when foreign countries exporting and protecting their own produce undermine our potential to grow and export our own organic produce.

Just simply ask Augustine and his wife Anna.

My bubu, 20 year old Anthonia Kwan  has posed with the grapes that her grannies grew in 2019.

The agriculture department officers can call in and do some research about the potential of this fruit to be grown in hot Port Moresby.

Dorothy Tekwie writes about a a popular voice from Radio Wewak

 THE MIGHTY VOICE ON RADIO WEWAK

‐-------Liklik Stori blong "trupela meri Sepik"

MICHAEL SOMARE  OF RADIO WEWAK - MY RADIO "ANNOUNCER FRIEND"

Believe it or not, his voice the first voice I came to hear of a national radio announcer (they called them those days). 

The Tekwie Family was based in Amanab Government  Station from 1966-1969 where my father Joachim Tekwie (96) was the Station's "Powa boi" - he operated the Station's  large Generator that provided  electricity to a dozen houses at the station  from1965-1970. 

My father  had this old transistor radio and always turns it on at 5.30pm to ensure he goes and starts the generator at 6pm and turns it off at 10pm. Both times were important for him as those were the times for starting power (6) and turning it off at 10pm. He didn't  have a watch or clock so we got used to his turning radio on and off for telling time. We also got used to listening to radio  between  5 and 10pm and found  it interesting  because  there was this  radio  announcer called Michael Somare whom  our father said was his "friend" - of course our father never met him but he was  his friend because  he used to "tell him the time" to go and turn power on or off. We had thought it was true as our father did his training  at Wewak Power House and later at Rouna 2 Station in Central Province.

They did meet in about 1966-68 when Michael Somare actually  did visit Amanab with some white "radio announcers" from Australia  to talk to refugees who crossed the border after Indonesian troops bombed OPM bases on the other side of the border.

Our house was next to the District Office where the refugees were held and interviewed by the Kiap and the radio annoucers. My father had to kept the power running during the day for the kiap  to use his "two way radio" (VHF) to communicate with Vanimo. My sister Petronella "Petra" , brother John  and I were interested in the "radio annoucers" who had their cameras and tape recorders. I was the most "wild child " of the three of us and would  always hangout with my father as he works with the kiap. 

During that visit the kiap was under pressure  to fix the portable  generator  that he used to power the VHF radio and so I went along to watch. While there all the "radio annoucers" came out and my father  met his "friend" who also shook my hand and from that time  on Michael Somare was my friend too. I can not remember  what he said to me now but I saw him interviewing the refugees in the small court house and later my father  told us to listen to the news on Radio Wewak  by "our" friend Michael Somare. We would hear Michael  Somare saying "dispela em Radio Wewak, maus bilong Sepik"

In 1987 the Leader of PANGU Party was looking for a candidate  for West Sepik Provincial Seat after the incumbent  PANGU MP Karl Stack left to form League for National Advancement (LNA) with Sir Anthony Siaguru and John Nilkare.

 "Our" friend  Sir Michael endorsed me as his Pangu Party candidate for West Sepik Provincial seat knowing I, a female would be up against men, money  and conservative Sepik cultural attitudes. 

Karl Stack and his Sepik supporters made fun of his decision. Sir Michael later told me during endorsement  "yu mas winim dispela eleksen, ol man Sepik tok bilas long mi. Ol tok Somare painim man long snap long hausman na givim sipia blong em long ol meri"  I told him I will try my best. I didn't win but was determined  to make them eat their words. I returned to Port Moresby, got married, started family and got job as the  National Program  Manager for UNDP. Before departing for Port Moresby I handed my little brother  John Talu Tekwie all my records and notes on all the people of West Sepik who shared food, put campaign  houses for me, gave me funds, campaigned  for me  and prayed for me during 1987. I told John that I will go get a job and promised  to sponsor him in 1992.

As we prepared  for 1992 National  General Elections I met Sir Michael  during a UN event and we talked about 1992 NGE.  He told me "mi laik  tru blong rausim dispela waetman em tok bilas long mi". I told Sir Michael  to support  John Tekwie as "mi givim sipia blong yu long liklik brata na em bai win". Sir Michael didn't think I was serious and went and endorsed our Uncle Paul Langro. I rang Ted Diro than Governor for Central and Leader of People's  Action Party . He listened to my report of work John had been doing since 1987 and endorsed  John Tekwie  but did not support him with campaign funds. I printed John's black and white posters and few dozen black and white  T shirts. Our father  used K11,000 of his 30 years retirement funds to help me sponsor John. John became 2 term Governor  for West  Sepik. 1992-2002.

I ran into Sir Michael  after  John won  the seat and he called me over and shook my hands saying "yu trupela meri Sepik, yu save long tromoi sipia na kilim abus" 

That was my story with my "radio annoucer" friend - GC Sir Michael Thomas Somare.

 RIEP  Chief! Till we meet again.

Highway Beef biscuit price sky rockets

 My favourite Highway Beef biscuit is now selling at K3.00 at our neighbourhood Indian owned Mini Mart.

After sometime the taste of this biscuit returned when I recall my late dad used to attend church fellowship with prisoners at Vanimo jail.

When he returns home the prisoners gift him this beef biscuits and corned beef.

His string bag is usually full.

Back to my piece on the biscuit, the price of goods at this Indian owned mini Mart is cheaper than big shops like J Mart Boroko Foodworld and RH Vision City.

But ultimately prices have gone up.

Belden Namah survives an election win challenge over bribery allegations

By Cashmir Waken and Elias Nanau

The Waigani National Court has on Friday March 17, dismissed the election petition, challenging the win of Belden Namah as Member elect for Vanimo Green River open  in the 2022 National elections.

This is the first election petition filed against Namah since his entry into politics and winning the seat in 2007, 2012 and 2017 national general elections.

Hon Belden Namah -Source: Facebook

The election petition was dismissed after the petitioner Erick Kowa who was the runner up in the 2022 election and his counsel failed to appear in court during the status conference on the 3rd of  March 2023.

The election petition was dismissed  following a successful application filed by Namah's counsel from Young and Williams law firm.

Mr Namah has welcome the decision with his supporters outside the court house on Friday afternoon.

His counsel made a submission earlier this week to have the petition dismissed on grounds that the Petitioner Erick Kowa and his counsel did not attend the status conference on March 3rd.

The status conference is the final phase under the election petition rules before a full trial.

Despite the petitioner's submissions to explain his absence during the status conference, the court was not satisfied with their reasons.

Judge Joseph Yagi who is the judge administrator for election petitions says the petitioner has failed to provide an explanation and evidence for his reason to miss the status conference.

He says the status conference is a mandatory proceeding which must be attended by all lawyers especially the petitioner's Counsel.

Yagi says though there were serious allegations of bribery in the petition which resonate with dishonesty and corruption, the petitioner and his counsel were not serious as they failed to comply with court orders and attend status conference of the election petition.

Justice Yagi has dismissed the election petition under rule 18 for summary determination. 

Hon Belden Namah entered National Parliament after the 2007 National Elections as a National Alliance MP.

He was appointed the Minister for Forests but within that same term was critical about the Somare led government and broke ranks, joining the Opposition which comprised Sir Mekere Morauta, Sam Basil, Jame Maxtone-Graham and few others.

He later became the PNG Party leader and had a strong aspiration to be the first Prime Minister from Sandaun.

Mr Namah was in jail before 2007 for mutiny because of his involvement in dismantling Sandline who were engaged by the Sir Julius Chan government to flush out rebels in Bougainville.

When he was pardoned from jail he got heavily involved with landowners from the inland Vanimo Green River district to stop Vanimo Forest Products to be given a logging permit to extract timber from the Amanab FMA blocks 1-4 and Amanab 5-6.

Adjacent to the Vanimo district court house, Namah and the landowners would hold banners calling for the Provincial Forest Management Committee to award forest logging licence to MOMA GVG  Resources.

There were other landowner groups who were bidding to develop their forest resource as well but were not active publicly like Namah and his group.

Mr Namah had already become well known in  Vaniimo Green for his fearless actions against Sandline and chartering F28 Air Niugini jets to Vanimo.

He sponsored the Momase Regional Volleyball tournament in Vanimo making him more popular and won the 2007 elections unseating AOG Pastor from Imonda Philip Inou.

Mr Namah, from Somboi village in Bewani has set history as the only Vanimo Green River electorate MP who has held the seat for four consecutive terms.

After the 2012 National General elections he was leader of the opposition and at one stage, he was one man standing.

He was not moved. He said one man plus God is many.

Mr Namah orchestrated the controversial overthrow of Somare on August 2, 2011 and installing Peter O'Neill as Prime Minister.

This was after a strategic and bonding trip Sir Mekere, Sam Basil, Dr Allan Marat, Jamie Maxtone Graham, Koni Iguan and others took to Vanimo with Namah.

During the launch of Vanimo Green district road works machinery at Dasi he told his people there would be a new government and less than a week later Peter O'Neill was installed as Prime Minister. 

He has become popular for few wrong reasons too but he always maintains his actions were for  the good of people.

He started Sandaun Border Rangers which was categorised as an illegal force.

He stormed the National Court while a court was in session and a disciplined force member assaulted the associate to former  CJ Sir Salamo Injia.

Mr Namah was an outspoken and a non -nonsense MP, who spoke against and made calls on many national issues, this drew popularity and admiration from people as well.

In his close to 20 years of politics, he has said after winning the 2022 national election he wants to concentrate more on development for his Vanimo Green River district.

The dismissal of his election petition should now be a huge relief for him.

 

A story about a pastor's son connecting youth to church work

 “When I was a child, I would sit on my mother’s lap and she would tell me the stories of our people. It meant that my whole life I’ve known who I am, because I know my story... 

I’m so grateful for it because today it’s fading away. It’s harder for young people because of the noise of modern life … they don’t take time to spend with their elders and learn their stories.”

Kim Allen (28) is a volunteer youth leader in our partner the United Church in Papua New Guinea (UCPNG). He is responsible for engaging UCPNG youth on an island off the southeast coast of Papua New Guinea where he grew up.

His father was a pastor, his mother told him the traditional stories of their people, and his grandparents were Bible translators who worked with Australian missionaries.

Guided by the positive impact they made on his life and his community, Kim follows in their footsteps, acting as a facilitator to connect youth to the work of the church.

“The challenges we’re facing are school dropouts, unemployment, early marriage and the impacts of climate change,” he says.

But the underlying problem affecting young people today, is what he describes as ‘noise.’

“Young people are exposed to so much noise, with the internet, mobile phones, drugs, peer pressure, music. They can’t focus."

“It used to just be in the cities but is coming to the islands and rural areas too now.”

What’s the answer?

“The first step is to help them be aware of themselves and their lives as children of God,” says Kim.

“With that awareness we can then meet them at a practical level, training them to be good citizens, to work against violence, to build up their communities…"

“The church gives them hope and a solid foundation to be human. We see that as intrinsic to spiritual development.”

For Kim, having greater awareness of ourselves and others starts with our stories. And that comes through inter-generational dialogue.

“In PNG and across the Pacific, we don’t read books so much because it’s not a reading culture. We do storytelling from person to person,” he says.

“When our elders tell stories the children go, oh that is my story, I am part of that.”

Not only does it increase comprehension and literacy, but children grow up to make an impact around them. 

“If [young people] know their story, they know that they have values. They know to have respect for elders, respect for each other and respect for the environment.”

What a beautiful vision.

Stoy By The Uniting World

Flood devastated the Mekeo area

 In 2017 I travelled to the Mekeo region in the Central Province.

We did aerial surveys following a high flood and responsible personnel were able to put reports for quick essential relief assistance.

The videos I share below can be downloaded and used for media reporting.

I hope based on this video, it should give some tips for future officials on the extent of the damage they may face and what they can immediately work towards bringing help to affected people.

Six important things you need to service your car

 What I am sharing here is based on my experience owning the same kind of vehicle for over 10 years.

I own my second Honda CRV RD1 for three years now.

It's a second hand vehicle I bought from a seller at 5 Mile Jack Pidik Park.

The car helps my family and I move around Port Moresby, go shopping, go to work and do school drop offs and pick up.

Few times I have travelled to Kwikila Market in Rigo, visited Gaire's  Black beach and travelled to Sogeri's Variarata National Park.

The car has given me little challenges.

Most times when I encounter a mechanical challenge I also consult my friend #Youtube 

What I do every three months is

1. change oil by putting in new four litres engine oil

2.  change three litres gear oil (ATF)

3.  change oil filter

4. change fuel filter

5. change four spark plugs

6. change air filter 

These are critical things I do every three months but my lower arm and upper arm bushings are replaced as they wear and tear.

So as the tubeless tyres.

The cost of the six tasks above can cost less than K500 which should include the labour cost for the mechanic.

Honda CRV parts are readily available and affordable  in Port Moresby.

The most expensive part would be the radiator and new fans.

All others should cost much less.

For those who have overheating problems.

Don't listen to mechanics who advise you to clean or blow your radiator, or change the head casket.

These are waste of time and money.

Buy a new radiator and fans, get the mechanic to install them and tell the mechanic to remove the thermostat in your car.

The thermostat is best used if you live in temperate or cold climates.

You can thank me later that you will never face over heating problems again and you can run your aircon for as long as you want.

Enjoy driving, look after your car and it will look after you.

There are transport challenges and issues in Port Moresby so owning a car is not a want but a need.

Own something you honestly earn to help you live within your means.

Stay safe and be blessed.

What's your favourite burger in Port Moresby

 I still have the the taste and hunger for a burger at McDonalds I first had 23 years ago.

I face the reality now that McDonalds don't operate in Papua New Guinea, let alone Port Moresby.

So I had to go with what's available.

I have had a Big Rooster burger and I must say I didn't like it.

 Recently I had a beef burger at Burger House sold at Vision City, just next to Yellow Captain.

It costs K18.

I loved it and I rate it close to McDonald's burger.

It's got a good wrapper as well so one can have his or her burger in the wrap protecting any piece falling off.

But I got introduced to Meat House buffalo burger and I must say it's the super best in town with very nice fillings.

My only issue, it doesn't have a wrapper to take care of any fillings like mayonnaise leaking.

The Meat House burger costs K20.

What is your best burger?

Logging in Edwaki

 This is a must watch video documentary

Millions of kina are in Agriculture

 This is no bullshit for Papua New Guineans when we are reminded of this adage 'money is on the land'.

We own 97 percent of the land and  so have unlimited power on how we develop it sustainably and consciously considering climate change.

I see millions are in Agriculture and I am confident the government sees it too but we need to support this sector to develop and money is put back into people's pockets. 

The farmers must also not struggle to make money.

A farmer in Rigo District must not leave his village by 12 midnight to travel six hours to Gordons in Port Moresby to sell his coconuts.

Rigo coconuts selling at K3.00

I was just amazed counting the number of people selling their produce at Gordon's market in Port Moresby.

In a day the value of the produce being on the market and straight from the land is worth hundreds and thousands of kina.

I  counted a number of bunch of bananas selling at K3.00 each for a woman, she had about 8 which once sold would fetch about K24.00.

Her five kina bunch were about nine so definitely K45.00 would be earned.

Seriously and no doubt the value of produce from our land is very high and owners or holders are therefore rich.

Our challenge is farmers need to have access to markets and enabling infrastructure and reliable transport that they can use to transport produce to markets.

A female in the Siassi area in Morobe this week told NBC Morobe they have many agriculture produce to sell but there is no market.

This is not limited to Siassi or Morobe only.

The government needs to put in so much effort to bail citizens out of this challenge that is as old as the country itself.