P.N.G. Gossip Newsletter - 6 Oct 2004

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PNG Gossip Newsletter Meri Milne Bay

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Papua New Guinea Gossip Newsletter


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PNG Gossip Blog

 

 

 

Neo Melanesian

"Pidgin English"
Tok Pisin English
bia beer
dring drink (n)
dringim drink (vb)
kap cup
kap bilong ti tea-cup
kapti cup of tea
kopi coffee
limonad / muliwara / loliwara lemonade
lipti tea leaves
loliwara softdrink
sodawara soda-water
ti tea (in liquid form)
tipot teapot
wara river
wara water
wara bilong kokonas coconut milk

 

 

Remember that this mailing list is mainly meant for people who have an interest and already know a little bit about the people and geography of Papua New Guinea. The PNG Kina, which is mentioned from time to time in this newsletter, is currently worth around 29.75 - 30.25 United States cents but varies on a daily basis.

If you are really keen on finding out what the Kina is worth a currency converter for most world currencies can be located at http://www.michie.net/pnginfo/moni.html

Want to find out more about Papua New Guinea? Try searching at http://www.michie.net/pnginfo and http://www.michie.net/png_faqs. The PNG Business and Tourism Directory located at http://www.pngbd.com is also an excellent place to look for PNG information.

For those who are not so familiar with the geography of Papua New Guinea I suggest taking a look http://maps.expedia.com and then click on the find a map option. Go to this link for a quick start to a link to a map of Port Moresby. http://www.michie.net/pnginfo/pom-map.html

Also remember that the accuracy of the information in this newsletter should not be relied upon - it is, after all, a gossip newsletter.



Links

For those interested in the stamps and postal history of PNG please visit -- http://www.communigate.co.uk/york/pps/index.phtml

Government communications website -- http://www.communication.gov.pg -- advertised as the end to the information drought by the governement.

http://www.pngtravels.com -- Tourism Promotion Site.

http://www.pngtravel.com/ -- the site of Travel World located at 1324 State Street - Santa Barbara, California, Phone 805 963-6521

Papua New Guinea Institute of Accountants -- http://pngia.org.pg



Shipping Links



http://www.aalpas.com.pg -- Austral Asia Line Project Asia Service.
http://www.newguineapacificline.com -- New Guinea Pacific Line
http://www.steamships.com.pg -- Steamships Shipping Agencies



Bill Purcell's Website



Bill, a pilot with many years of experience in PNG, has sections of his web site dealing with Tok Pisin and PNG Aviation in General with special areas on Missionary Aviation Fellowship, PNG Airstrips, Humour and even some airline related humour. This site located at -- http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/billsview/ -- has more than mentioned above so my tip is to visit and take a good look around.

His section on PNG airstrips carries the following disclaimer. PNG Airstrip Data is published only as a guide to pilots in matters helpful to operations, such as GPS settings, wind characteristics, and surface conditions. The PNG AIP-AGA is the legal document governing aviation operations.




Misc Links


http://svc015.wic118dp.server-web.com/www/html/1509-home-page.html -- The Law and Justice Sector website has been developed to provide easy access to information and services provided by the agencies and partners within the sector. The sector strategy focuses on the implementation of positive change associated with the many aspects of law and justice within PNG. A shortcut to the site can be found at -- http://www.lawandjustice.gov.pg


http://www.justice.gov.pg -- The Department of Justice and Attorney General delivers a diverse range of services that contribute to a just, safe and secure social environment for all people living and working in Papua New Guinea.


http://www.datec.net.pg/~phowley/ -- Restorative Justice - Papua New Guinea Style web site


http://www.postcourier.com.pg/misc/b3recs1.pdf -- Australian Report on PNG Aid (Post Courier)


http://www.pngonline.gov.pg -- Papua New Guinea Government Online


http://www.upng.ac.pg -- University of PNG


http://www.bankpng.gov.pg -- Bank of Papua New Guinea


http://www.pngembassy.org -- Embassy of Papua New Guinea to the Americas, Washington, DC


http://www.pngtourism.org.pg -- Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority


http://www.unitech.ac.pg/ -- Papua New Guinea University of Technology Home page


http://www.pngbd.com/ -- Papua New Guinea Business Directory and Tourism Information


http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/papua_new_guinea.html -- PNG Maps, County Maps, Historical Maps



 

News Items



Coming Events



2004 Morobe Show -- 30th and 31st of October
2004 West New Britain Tavur show -- 8th to the 12th of October in Kimbe



Air Niugini - Fokker F100



The replacement Air Niugini Fokker F100 painted in Air Niugini colours carrying the rego of P2-ANA has arrived and had its first commercial flight on the 27th of September 2004. The leased Alliance plane, painted in Alliance colours, has been returned. For those who are interested and the record, Captain Geoff Hartnett and First Officer Tim Sheen carried out the ferry flight to position P2- ANA from Brisbane to Cairns on Sunday the 26th of September and Captain Mike Rosier along with Alliance Training Captain Ian Lesch operated the 1st revenue service -- PX091 from Cairns to Port Moresby on Monday morning the 27th of September.



Governor General



After many failed attempts at electing a Governor General Sir Paulias Matane was eventually elected to the position. Sir Paulias has now left PNG heading for London to be invested by Queen Elizabeth II. Sir Paulias left PNG wearing what has become his trademark sulu but on October the 13th it has been tipped that when he presents himself to the Queen at Buckingham Palace he will be wearing a pair of trousers and a traditional English great coat without a hat.



InterOil



The BP service stations in Port Moresby have received a change of name and are now selling fuel under the InterOil banner. Other BP service stations around the country will also receive a change of signage in the near future.



Religion



It has been four years since the census so the figures shown below may be out of date but they are the only figures available.

Christian

Other Religions

The total population for the 2000 PNG Census was -- 5,140,476

The above figures show Christians totalling 4,934,098, Other Religions - 72,406, No Religion - 30,733 and Not Stated -- 103,239 for a total of 5,140,476



Air Transport Squadron



The PNG Defence Force Air Transport Squadron (ATS) has readied a plane and a helicopter to help transport primary produce to the various PNG markets for sale due to the poor condition of the roads to many of the outlying areas of PNG. Many places are only 10 to 15 minutes flying time from major towns but due to the rugged terrain they are several days walk or several hours drive if the roads were in good condition away.

Unfortunately the ATS has lost many of its pilots and engineers to commercial aviation. Some have left for better pay and others have been retrenched. The situation is so serious now that the planes are ready but they may not be able to fly unless some pilots are found.



Snake Bite



Research by David Williams, a postgraduate student at James Cook University in Australia, has shown that 200 people die of snakebite in PNG annually. This makes PNG one of the countries with the highest mortality rate from snakebite. In the Mekeo region of Central province 14 out of every 100,000 people die from snakebite making this region the third highest any where in the world. The majority of deaths in PNG are caused by the taipan. Most people believe that the Papuan Black causes the most deaths but there have only been two reported cases in recent years.



Fraud Squad



The new office building for the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Squad has been officially opened by the Prime Minister in Konedobu. AusAID funded the new building to the tune of more than K7.3 million over a three-year period and also furnished the premises with 17 computers and accessories, two new heavy-duty photocopiers, new office furniture and three new vehicles (already supplied last year). During the opening Mr Somare said that many of the buildings built in the past have been allowed to rot due to bad and filthy habits of the population. He gave examples of people chewing and spitting betel nut in the buildings and surrounding areas.



Betel Nut Links



For information about betel nut / buai pay a visit to -- http://www.nisbett.com/herbs/a/areca056.html -- or -- http://www.chempex.com/areca_nut.htm



NASFUND Savings And Loans



Membership of the National Superannuation Fund (NASFUND) Savings and Loans Society has increased its membership to 8,000 since its inception last year. Adding this figure to the number of original members on the first day the society now has 17,774 members. The society is currently working on a new website to help promote the products and services that it can offer to its members.



Superannuation Funds



The Association of Superannuation Funds PNG (ASFPNG) has a website located at -- http://www.asfpng.org.pg -- ASFPNG is an industry body established in 2002 by interested industry participants with the common goal to protect superannuants retirement savings within a regulated environment whilst fostering a competitive industry.



Population Control



The need for family planning is a major issue for PNG. Health education and infrastructure are some of the other main issues that need to be addressed by the government and non-government organisations. Population growth has rapidly overtaken the government's ability to build classrooms for students.



Overseas Investment



Investment in PNG is often delayed or cancelled altogether due to a perceived lack of good governance and law and order problems but a Canadian oil and gas company, Cheetah, has opened its offices in Port Moresby. Cheetah Oil and Gas currently has five exploration projects going on in PNG.



Republican Move



The National Alliance party of Sir Michael Somare would consider a move to become a republic for PNG. Sir Michael made the announcement at a party convention held on the weekend. The comments were the comments of the Prime Minister and not those of the party who have not had time to decide the policy of the party on the matter.



PNG Corruption



The Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Michael Potts, has said that the World Bank has identified corruption as the single greatest obstacle to economical and social development in PNG. Corruption has been estimated to cost PNG up to a sixth of the PNG gross domestic product and as much as half of the PNG tax revenue. Research by the World Bank has indicated that countries that tackle corruption and improve their rule of law can increase their national incomes by as much as four times in the long term and child mortality can fall as much as 75 percent.



Kavieng Cocoa



A village chief and deputy chairman of the Niu Ailan Co-operative Association has called on the New Ireland provincial government to allow the direct export of cocoa from Kavieng. The majority of cocoa sold in New Ireland is exported from the East New Britain province.



Real Estate Prices



Without seeing these properties readers will not really have an idea of whether the price is good or bad but from time to time I get asked how much does property cost in Port Moresby so here goes.

For Sale
20 x 2 bedroom units in Boroko -- K2.7 million
11 x 1 bedroom unit Gordons -- K350,000
3-bedroom house in Port Moresby -- K650,000
3-bedroom apartment Pacific View Apartments -- K270,000
3-bedroom unit in Port Moresby -- K325,000

Rental Properties
3-bedroom apartment Kermadec St Port Moresby -- K1,700 per week
3-bedroom unit Chester St Port Moresby -- K1,300 per week
3-bedroom unit Gabutu -- K600 per week
3-bedroom unit First Heritage Building Waigani -- K1,300 per week
4 bedroom executive unit -- Waigani Islander Village -- K2,00 per week

Of course if you contacted some of the real estate agents mentioned below or visited their web sites you would get a far better idea of what is available.



Real Estate Agents



Arthur Strachan (Lae) -- http://www.arthurstrachan.com.pg
Ashton Brunswick -- mailto:ashtonsbruns@daltron.com.pg
Century 21 -- http://www.century21.com.pg -- and -- http://www.siule.com.pg
City Homes Real Estate -- http://www.cityhomes.com.pg
Kohoy Real Estate -- http://kohoyrealestates.tripod.com
L.J Hooker -- http://www.ljhooker.com
Parklane Real Estate -- http://www.parklane.com.pg
Ray White Real Estate -- mailto:monian@online.net.pg
Strickland RE -- http://www.sre.com.pg
The Professionals -- http://www.theprofessionals.com.pg



The Drum



The famous Post Courier Column "The Drum" has been in the electronic age for sometime now. For all of those people who are familiar with The Drum you can now email titbits of gossip to -- thedrum@spp.com.pg -- or you can still send a facsimile message to +675 320-1781. For those not familiar with The Drum then I suggest taking a look at the Post Courier website located at -- http://www.postcourier.com.pg -- and follow your nose to "The Drum".



AIDS Fight



AusAID wants to further assist PNG to help combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in PNG but it is concerned that the effort will be wasted unless the PNG government fully decides to engage itself in addressing the issue. The World Health Organisation has estimated a HIV prevalence rate of 2 percent in PNG and this figure is rapidly increasing.



Horse Race Machines



The saga of the horse racing / gaming machines drags on. The latest reports indicate that a firearm was discharged during a dispute between two horse race machine operators recently. Also a consultative meeting of relevant government agencies was held last week to help address the effects of horse racing machines on the lives of the people. It is hoped that the meeting between the police, the National Gaming Board, the Internal Revenue Commissioner, the National Intelligence Organisation, representatives of the Investment Promotion Authority and the Department of Labour and Employment would help to pave the way to dismantle the machines.



Bank South Pacific



The Bank of South Pacific has announced that it has opened a branch on the tiny Pacific Island nation of Niue. This follows the final sale agreement of the purchase of Westpac Banking Corporation's Niue assets and liabilities.



US - PNG



The relationship between PNG and USA has gone up a notch after US Secretary of State; Colin Powell met with Sir Rabbie Namaliu in Washington, DC, USA. The meeting is seen as a historic event as it is the first time a PNG Foreign Minister has visited Washington since PNG gained independence from Australia in 1975. During the meeting Sir Rabbie was able to brief Mr Powell on developments currently taking place on the island of Bougainville and the status of the peace process on the island. The reintroduction of the Fullbright scholarships into PNG was also discussed.



Diving



If you are interested in diving in PNG then any of the following websites may be of interest to you -



Masalai i Tokaut



Blowing the whistle on forestry corruption in PNG. Masalai i Tokaut has been revealing the truth about the corruption and mismanagement in PNG's forest industry since June 2002. Since then, the producers of Masalai have remained totally anonymous in order to protect both themselves and their many sources from the deadly payback of the forest industry. All these articles contain referenced material or the supporting documents themselves. Visit the website and read about and see how deep the rot of forestry corruption has struck. The entire archives of the Masalai i Tokaut newsletter can be found at -- http://www.masalai-i-tokaut.com



Fish Exports



Exports of fish by professional fisherman located in Lae have increased despite a decline over several years in the amount of fish caught by local fishermen. Fish caught by local fishermen has steadily declined to about 50 tonnes annually in recent years. Up until 1990 local fishermen were catching between 150 to 200 tonnes of fish.



West New Britain Show



About K95,000 was raised at a corporate fund raising dinner to help fund the 2004 West New Britain Tavur Show. The show will be held over a five-day period from the 8th to the 12th of October. This will be the first show in PNG to be held for five days. Other commitments for funds have come in from the West New Britain provincial government and some other unidentified sources.



PNG Police Force



The Royal Paua New Guinea Constabulary has received a donation of a motor vehicle valued at K110,.000 from Eda Ranu the people responsible for looking after the water supply in Port Moresby and the local Ford dealer, Niu Ford. The new vehicle will be used by the National Capital District and Central Police Commander, Tony Wagambie to help him work effectively with the Australian Federal Police in PNG under the Enhanced Cooperation Program. He will also be able to use it to check up on his men more frequently than he has been able to do with his present vehicle.



2005 Public Holidays



The following public holidays have been announced for 2005.

New Year's Day -- Saturday 1 January
Good Friday -- 25 March
Easter Saturday -- 26 March
Easter Monday -- 28 March
Queens Birthday -- Monday 13 June
Remembrance Day -- I believe this will be celebrated along with ANZAC day in April?
Independence Day -- Friday 16 September
Christmas Day -- Sunday 25 December
Boxing Day -- Monday 26 December
Special Holiday -- Tuesday 27 December



Silt in East New Britain



The build up of Silt in the East New Britain harbour of Simpson's Harbour will soon be a major hazard to trading in the island province. The accumulating deposit of mud on the seabed of the harbour will stop big ships carrying containers of goods from docking at the wharf in East New Britain. The silt build up has been the result of the eruption of the twin volcanoes of Vulcan and Tavurvur over ten years ago in 1994. Mud flowing down the rivers and into the harbour during the rainy season has also contributed to the problem.






PNG Media


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-- THE END --

Some of the ways of saying "that's all" are courtesy of Liz and her friends at the University of Technology in Lae. http://www.unitech.ac.pg

If you can add to this list then please send email to PNG-News@pnggossip.com

 






Created 6 Oct 2004
Updated 16 Oct 2004

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©2004 - 2011 Gia Mann