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Showing posts from September, 2011

Governor Parkop a contentious man at the peril of NCDC

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Keeping the NCD Governor under tabs in this column should not be viewed as an orchestrated maneuver by this blog to discredit the politician, a man must be given what is due, but in saying that though, not all that meets the eye and is perceived as rosy of the Governor, is a depiction of order and harmony and fiscal discipline in the operation of NCDC. It is therefore in the best interest of public knowledge and good governance to highlight covert and illegal activities which pervade the organization under the hand of the Governor. Of intermittent, is the consistent and persistent abuse of Commission budgetary allocated funds year-marked for projects, which tops the list of some of the worst administration and management interference and blunders a politician could be embroiled in.  According to an insider, "the Governor has consistently hijacked funds year-marked for social services operational activities of NCDC to fund politically hatched and mooted activities at will since bee

Governor Parkop a contentious man at the peril of NCDC

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Keeping the NCD Governor under tabs in this column should not be viewed as an orchestrated maneuver by this blog to discredit the politician, a man must be given what is due, but in saying that though, not all that meets the eye and is perceived as rosy of the Governor, is a depiction of order and harmony and fiscal discipline in the operation of NCDC. It is therefore in the best interest of public knowledge and good governance to highlight covert and illegal activities which pervade the organization under the hand of the Governor. Of intermittent, is the consistent and persistent abuse of Commission budgetary allocated funds year-marked for projects, which tops the list of some of the worst administration and management interference and blunders a politician could be embroiled in.  According to an insider, "the Governor has consistently hijacked funds year-marked for social services operational activities of NCDC to fund politically hatched and mooted activities at will since b

PX set to lose its safety record

FOR every step, a sacrifice. And so it is for Air Niugini. The optimist among us would of course say, for every step, a gain. Whether or not the proposed merger of the national airline with Airlines PNG is a step forward or back or whether there are gains or losses only time will tell but immediately there will be one substantial sacrifice. It is a sacrifice that has nothing to do with the bottom line, which seems to dictate all corporate decisions, but it is one that has endeared the traveller to this airline: safety, the airline traveller’s bottom line. If the national flag carrier is merged with Airlines PNG, gone will be its reputation as the safest airline in the world to fly in. Through half a dozen go­vernments, ever shifting boards and management since 1973, Air Niugini has doggedly nurtured that reputation. At the lowest point in its existence that reputation has never been sacrificed. And now, with one fell sweep, without losing an aircraft or a single life in a flying accide

PX set to lose its safety record

FOR every step, a sacrifice. And so it is for Air Niugini. The optimist among us would of course say, for every step, a gain. Whether or not the proposed merger of the national airline with Airlines PNG is a step forward or back or whether there are gains or losses only time will tell but immediately there will be one substantial sacrifice. It is a sacrifice that has nothing to do with the bottom line, which seems to dictate all corporate decisions, but it is one that has endeared the traveller to this airline: safety, the airline traveller’s bottom line. If the national flag carrier is merged with Airlines PNG, gone will be its reputation as the safest airline in the world to fly in. Through half a dozen go­vernments, ever shifting boards and management since 1973, Air Niugini has doggedly nurtured that reputation. At the lowest point in its existence that reputation has never been sacrificed. And now, with one fell sweep, without losing an aircraft or a single life in a flying acci

PM ORDERS MRDC PROBE

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Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has directed Attorney-General and Justice Minister Dr Allan Marat to institute a special investigation into the alleged squandering of millions of kina of landowner monies by the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), one of which is the defunct multi-million kina Casino Hotel development. The directive stems from serious allegations of schemes devised to squander landowners’ monies in lieu of investments, royalties and equities from resource projects. The Prime Minister noted that there were also allegations of inflated payments towards the acquisition of properties which do not have clear titles. Similarly, the purchase of 50 percent stake in a helicopter company which appears to have a book value of K30 million (which equates to K15 million) was allegedly purchased and acquired at the cost of K70 million by MRDC. “It is now becoming a concern and we must act fast and address those issues without any further delay. I am aware that these allegations

PM ORDERS MRDC PROBE

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Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has directed Attorney-General and Justice Minister Dr Allan Marat to institute a special investigation into the alleged squandering of millions of kina of landowner monies by the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), one of which is the defunct multi-million kina Casino Hotel development. The directive stems from serious allegations of schemes devised to squander landowners’ monies in lieu of investments, royalties and equities from resource projects. The Prime Minister noted that there were also allegations of inflated payments towards the acquisition of properties which do not have clear titles. Similarly, the purchase of 50 percent stake in a helicopter company which appears to have a book value of K30 million (which equates to K15 million) was allegedly purchased and acquired at the cost of K70 million by MRDC. “It is now becoming a concern and we must act fast and address those issues without any further delay. I am aware that these allegat

Many dreams without meaning

SURE, in the minds of many Papua New Guineans, the liquefied natural gas (LNG) project will bring a lot of changes into our country. Yes, if revenues are managed and used well, it will be a pillar of the economy. Or otherwise. The question is: will our so-called leaders and bureaucrats manage the revenues from this project with the mindset of developing this nation. PNG gained its independence from Australia in 1975 and its 36 years now. I can feel we are going backwards, fuelled by chronic bad attitudes and systemic corruption. We have a lot of self- interested and power-hungry leaders who do nothing but serve themselves. I often ask myself whether the much talked of multi-billion kina LNG project in the Southern Highlands will really change the lives of the people. With no change in the attitude of MPs, leaders and ordinary people, I believe we will never get anywhere. Attitude is a huge problem here in PNG. Much of the infrastructure we see today was built before independence by the

Many dreams without meaning

SURE, in the minds of many Papua New Guineans, the liquefied natural gas (LNG) project will bring a lot of changes into our country. Yes, if revenues are managed and used well, it will be a pillar of the economy. Or otherwise. The question is: will our so-called leaders and bureaucrats manage the revenues from this project with the mindset of developing this nation. PNG gained its independence from Australia in 1975 and its 36 years now. I can feel we are going backwards, fuelled by chronic bad attitudes and systemic corruption. We have a lot of self- interested and power-hungry leaders who do nothing but serve themselves. I often ask myself whether the much talked of multi-billion kina LNG project in the Southern Highlands will really change the lives of the people. With no change in the attitude of MPs, leaders and ordinary people, I believe we will never get anywhere. Attitude is a huge problem here in PNG. Much of the infrastructure we see today was built before independence by

PMs Challenge to fight Corruption starts at MRDC

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Its pleasing to note that the O'Neill-Namah Goverment is really serious about the prevalence of corruption in this country and trying to eradicate it. Corruption is like a cancer that is eating away our country I commend the Goverment for its firm uncompromising stand against this sickness of corruption. In my opinion corruption has become a way of life in PNG and its going to kill this country if we dont join forces and do something positive.  If Mr. Prime Minister is genuine about cleaning corruption in this country, then he must first carry out cleaning exercise in the departments/agencies that are under his jurisdiction. He must start with his wantoks who are corrupting this country. One of the most corrupted agencies under the Prime Minister's jurisdiction is the Mineral Resources Development Company and Group of Companies. This important organisation is headed by Mr. O'Neill's wantok, Mr. Augustine Mano who is alleged to have stolen millions of landowners money in

PMs Challenge to fight Corruption starts at MRDC

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Its pleasing to note that the O'Neill-Namah Goverment is really serious about the prevalence of corruption in this country and trying to eradicate it. Corruption is like a cancer that is eating away our country I commend the Goverment for its firm uncompromising stand against this sickness of corruption. In my opinion corruption has become a way of life in PNG and its going to kill this country if we dont join forces and do something positive.  If Mr. Prime Minister is genuine about cleaning corruption in this country, then he must first carry out cleaning exercise in the departments/agencies that are under his jurisdiction. He must start with his wantoks who are corrupting this country. One of the most corrupted agencies under the Prime Minister's jurisdiction is the Mineral Resources Development Company and Group of Companies. This important organisation is headed by Mr. O'Neill's wantok, Mr. Augustine Mano who is alleged to have stolen millions of landowners money i

Where did the money come from?

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FOR recipients of large cash sums, the above question is moot. They are blinded by the cash and all it promises. It does not matter a wit to them if it were proceeds of crime. We raise the question because the large cash sums and goods such as vehicles and banana boats being handed out by politicians like the realisation of the “cargo cult” dreams of yester-years might well be the proceed of crime. Applying public money for purposes it was not intended for is misapplication or abuse and, therefore, a crime. Even if the money were given for a constructive purpose, for instance the donation of a vehicle for police work in a district, it is still a fraud if the money were intended for something else. All public money is budgeted for each year. There are strict guidelines for use of public money whether they be allocated to departments or for programs. To transfer money from one vote to another without the proper authorisation is illegal. It is important therefore that each time a politici

Where did the money come from?

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FOR recipients of large cash sums, the above question is moot. They are blinded by the cash and all it promises. It does not matter a wit to them if it were proceeds of crime. We raise the question because the large cash sums and goods such as vehicles and banana boats being handed out by politicians like the realisation of the “cargo cult” dreams of yester-years might well be the proceed of crime. Applying public money for purposes it was not intended for is misapplication or abuse and, therefore, a crime. Even if the money were given for a constructive purpose, for instance the donation of a vehicle for police work in a district, it is still a fraud if the money were intended for something else. All public money is budgeted for each year. There are strict guidelines for use of public money whether they be allocated to departments or for programs. To transfer money from one vote to another without the proper authorisation is illegal. It is important therefore that each time a politi

Papua New Guinea minister flees to Australia over corruption allegations

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PAPUA New Guinea's former planning minister Paul Tiensten has fled to Australia after being served with a summons to answer fraud and corruption allegations. Police in Kokopo, in East New Britain province, served Mr Tiensten with a summons on Tuesday to appear before a government taskforce and answer questions over the misappropriation of $A4.4 million in development funds in his electorate. But the next day, Mr Tiensten flew to PNG's capital Port Moresby and then to Brisbane after buying a ticket at the airport, said Sam Koim, chairman of the corruption task force. Mr Tiensten has since disappeared. "It is not known where he is at the moment," Mr Koim told AAP. "He bought a ticket at the airport, bought a ticket to Moresby and then all the way to Australia ... he disappeared. "We thought he was a gentleman and a leader - and as a gentleman and leader he would come (to the police)." Mr Koim said PNG is working closely with Australian authorities to find

Papua New Guinea minister flees to Australia over corruption allegations

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PAPUA New Guinea's former planning minister Paul Tiensten has fled to Australia after being served with a summons to answer fraud and corruption allegations. Police in Kokopo, in East New Britain province, served Mr Tiensten with a summons on Tuesday to appear before a government taskforce and answer questions over the misappropriation of $A4.4 million in development funds in his electorate. But the next day, Mr Tiensten flew to PNG's capital Port Moresby and then to Brisbane after buying a ticket at the airport, said Sam Koim, chairman of the corruption task force. Mr Tiensten has since disappeared. "It is not known where he is at the moment," Mr Koim told AAP. "He bought a ticket at the airport, bought a ticket to Moresby and then all the way to Australia ... he disappeared. "We thought he was a gentleman and a leader - and as a gentleman and leader he would come (to the police)." Mr Koim said PNG is working closely with Australian authorities

Judge rules against Michael Somare keeping seat in PNG parliament

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Michael Somare has lost his bid to keep his seat in Papua New Guinea's parliament after a National Court judge ruled against the former prime minister's application for an injunction against his dismissal. Judge Allen David ruled yesterday he was unwilling to interfere in the processes of parliament and the matter was likely to form part of a Supreme Court case. "I am not minded to interfere with the processes of parliament," Judge David told the court. "The Supreme Court is the best court to decide these issues." Sir Michael had been seeking an injunction against his dumping from his East Sepik seat this month by Speaker Jeffery Nape, who said the former prime minister had missed three consecutive sittings of parliament - grounds for dismissal under PNG law. Outside the court yesterday, Sir Michael's lawyer, Kerenga Kua, said his client would appeal against the ruling. "We will be filing an application tomorrow for the Grand Chief to intervene in t

Judge rules against Michael Somare keeping seat in PNG parliament

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Michael Somare has lost his bid to keep his seat in Papua New Guinea's parliament after a National Court judge ruled against the former prime minister's application for an injunction against his dismissal. Judge Allen David ruled yesterday he was unwilling to interfere in the processes of parliament and the matter was likely to form part of a Supreme Court case. "I am not minded to interfere with the processes of parliament," Judge David told the court. "The Supreme Court is the best court to decide these issues." Sir Michael had been seeking an injunction against his dumping from his East Sepik seat this month by Speaker Jeffery Nape, who said the former prime minister had missed three consecutive sittings of parliament - grounds for dismissal under PNG law. Outside the court yesterday, Sir Michael's lawyer, Kerenga Kua, said his client would appeal against the ruling. "We will be filing an application tomorrow for the Grand Chief to intervene

Australia's policy on visa's towards Papua New Guineans

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Its an absolute disgrace, Australia's attitude towards Papua New Guineans at the High Commission. What's even worse is the apparently racist attitude that the Papua New Guinean staff have towards their own country folk. As a former Australian citizen and long term resident of PNG (I have been here since I was an infant) and married to a Papua New Guinean, I have sponsored relatives on several occasions to travel to Australia for short stays, for weddings, funerals and shopping trips. It's the same each time, and it's getting worse. The Papua New Guinean applicant first has to endure a half day wait in the sun or rain in the car park just to get a number to lodge an application (the High Commission has supplied cheap gazebos to provide shelter in the car park, these are useless). From the time applicants finally get to the counter to lodge their application, they are immediately treated with suspicion and contempt by the PNG officer who serves them. Of course my story is

Australia's policy on visa's towards Papua New Guineans

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Its an absolute disgrace, Australia's attitude towards Papua New Guineans at the High Commission. What's even worse is the apparently racist attitude that the Papua New Guinean staff have towards their own country folk. As a former Australian citizen and long term resident of PNG (I have been here since I was an infant) and married to a Papua New Guinean, I have sponsored relatives on several occasions to travel to Australia for short stays, for weddings, funerals and shopping trips. It's the same each time, and it's getting worse. The Papua New Guinean applicant first has to endure a half day wait in the sun or rain in the car park just to get a number to lodge an application (the High Commission has supplied cheap gazebos to provide shelter in the car park, these are useless). From the time applicants finally get to the counter to lodge their application, they are immediately treated with suspicion and contempt by the PNG officer who serves them. Of course my stor

Is there a coverup between NASFUND and APNG?

APNG was not worth K95 Million. On correct valuation it was worth much less than that. The Aircrafts mainly Dash 8s were bought from Qantas on a firesale by Mr Simon Wild and were given replacement values double or tripple that. The Valuation of APNG done for the prospectus was by an unknown person who is not one of the professional or reputable valuers known in the Australian Aviation business. It was done by someone with an ABN number, and a hotmail address. For purposes of soliciting funds in a float, a superfund in prudent management of Contributors funds owes a fiduciary duty to carefully ensure it is not relying on valuation by backyard operators. Yet that is exactly what Rod did. Rod himself is not an Aircraft or Aviation specialist. So how can he believe whatever value that the Wilds were telling him? The answer- he cant. But he did. So the K95 Million Valuation is not reliable. It is likely, APNG was worth less, and it was. The Share price offered by Paul Maclaren/Wilds for A

Is there a coverup between NASFUND and APNG?

APNG was not worth K95 Million. On correct valuation it was worth much less than that. The Aircrafts mainly Dash 8s were bought from Qantas on a firesale by Mr Simon Wild and were given replacement values double or tripple that. The Valuation of APNG done for the prospectus was by an unknown person who is not one of the professional or reputable valuers known in the Australian Aviation business. It was done by someone with an ABN number, and a hotmail address. For purposes of soliciting funds in a float, a superfund in prudent management of Contributors funds owes a fiduciary duty to carefully ensure it is not relying on valuation by backyard operators. Yet that is exactly what Rod did. Rod himself is not an Aircraft or Aviation specialist. So how can he believe whatever value that the Wilds were telling him? The answer- he cant. But he did. So the K95 Million Valuation is not reliable. It is likely, APNG was worth less, and it was. The Share price offered by Paul Maclaren/Wilds fo

GRAFT IS REAL

POLICE Commissioner Anthony Wagambie was emphatic yesterday that police investigations into three politicians – Paul Tiensten, Peter Wararu and Francis Potape – are not politically motivated. He just wants them to step forward voluntarily for interviews on matters that are being investigated by the police. Unfortunately, the fact that all three MPs concerned are all senior members of the previous government who are presently in the opposition does appear to reasonable people as if it were some politics behind this issue. And this creates politics out of something that is one of the biggest threats to PNG – corruption. The National is of the opinion that the pursuit down this track can only end up with a lot of mud being thrown around and, in the end, will not serve the prime minister’s intent to rid PNG of corruption. We have said it before and we say it again: Except for the former opposition’s 20 MPs, every other member of the new government (about 50 in all) was part and parcel of t