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PNG in the News
PNG open to reviving its centre on Manus -- http://giaman.com/pg/?2d7cd1
Airstrips shut down. Goods, services not reaching remote villages -- http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20120629/news01.htm
Heather Watson - Guernsey girl with strong PNG connection. Heather's mother is from a remote village in the north of the country -- http://giaman.com/pg/?cb0c96
Philip questions Mel Research -- http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20120629/news18.htm
Three people killed amid rising tension in PNG election -- http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=69233
PNG poll falls behind as security stretched -- http://giaman.com/pg/?d2862b
Taiwan gains right to recover stolen funds from diplomatic broker -- http://giaman.com/pg/?89b529
Samoa beats PNG Pepes -- http://www.fijisun.com.fj/2012/06/30/samoa-beats-png-pepes/
Political pig-trading comes at a price on PNG's hustings -- http://giaman.com/pg/?c6673f
Police arrest poll 'hijackers' -- http://giaman.com/pg/?6b25ae
Push for more females in parliament -- http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=69298
Misc PNG
Milne Bay tourism potential is huge -- http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20120626/southernpost01.htm
Origin PNG -- http://www.originpng.com/
Documentary Raises Hope for PNG Orphans -- http://giaman.com/pg/?ea4e20
The Voice of Peter ToRot Association of Papua New Guinea -- http://www.voiceoftorot.com/en/
Time to relook at PNG -- http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=203441
Twali Milne Bay Resort - http://resorts-fiji.net/shop/twali-milne-bay-resort
My amazing paradise -- http://www.myamazingparadise.com
One woman defies the man's world of PNG -- http://giaman.com/pg/?e0566c
Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Memorial to be unveiled -- http://giaman.com/pg/?a3a612
Meter Survey work to begin -- http://giaman.com/pg/?4191f5
WAFO aids Goroka Hospital -- http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20120628/hpost03.htm
Kokoda Track Diary -- http://giaman.com/pg/?1a4ac1
PNG Blogs
Mangi Tari -- http://mangtariwantok.blogspot.com
Lae - Horn Island - Brisbane 1978 -- http://thebilgebucket.wordpress.com/2012/06/26/lae-horn-island-brisbane-1978/
Matt & Becky in PNG -- http://preecesinpng.com/2012/07/03/mt-hagen-show-photos/
Ramu mine to commission two further productions lines -- http://giaman.com/pg/?5d8a79
Malum Nalu -- http://malumnalu.blogspot.com
PNG Images
Madang Polling - YouTube -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX5XKmHbvlM
Voting delays in Port Moresby - YouTube -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LSJ0D_D-vU
Kundiawa PNG 1971 -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJlISB0lbZM
PNG elections - Alotau -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/comsec/7470360718 -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/comsec/7470361420/
Classic Credence Band" Live Port Moresby -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE8DXsYpDIk
http://www.neatorama.com/2012/07/02/caption-contest-crazy-cute-cuscus/
Kundiawa Catwalk -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z78jn1LvHtU
News Items
MP Arrested
A sitting MP has been arrested over allegedly bribing voters in an attempt to win their vote. Benjamin Mul, the current member for North Wahgi, had described himself as a walking Automatic Teller Machine before the elections. He was detained by security forces near Nondugl.
PNG Games
The withdrawal of shipping services by Rabaul Shipping may be a serious set back in the moving of athletes to the PNG Games to be held in Kokopo, East New Britain this year at the Takubar sporting complex. That coupled with the fact that the sporting complex is not ready could see the games moved to another venue. The PNG Games has been dubbed the country's grass roots Olympics. The PNG Sports Foundation, the convenor of the games has raised concern that the sports complex is too slow in being built and says there is a real possibility the Games date may be deferred or moved to another centres where sporting facilities are already in existence.
-- http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20120703/news01.htm
Western Highlands Health
The Western Highlands provincial health authority is keen to improve its rural health facilities following a health review meeting in Mt Hagen. -- http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/34969
Goroka Show
The 56th Goroka Show has received support of K20,000 from BSP (Bank South Pacific) to help host the 2012 event. The show will be held the same time as the 37th Independence celebrations and will be held from the 14th to the 16th of September. It is expected that over 100 tribes will take part in this cultural event.
The Show was first held in 1957 at the Independence Park opposite the Goroka Main Market and is a rare opportunity for travellers to experience the customs of the people of the highlands region.
-- http://malumnalu.blogspot.com/2012/07/goroka-show-gets-k20000-boost.html
Warwagira and Mask Festival
The 18th Warwagira and Mask Festival has received a boost of K10,000 from the BSP Bank. The Festival will be held from the 13th to the 21st of July in Kokopo, East New Britain province. The National Mask Festival was first held in 1995 to promote the mask culture of PNG.
14-Mile Park
A new attraction has been added to the Health and Recreational Park at 14-Mile to provide fun and relaxation for people on weekends. PNG Gardener Justine Tkatchenko and NCD Governor Powes Parkop with the support of the National Capital District Commission have launched 10 paddleboats, at the park just outside Port Moresby. The 10 boats cost K25,000 and will be hire out at K10 per half hour. A fishing rod will cost K20 per hour. It is anticipated that a Ferris wheel will be completed this month or early next month.
Elections
The newspapers have been filled with what seems to be nothing but news on the elections. A typical day sees an image of the Governor General voting, someone complaining that they did not find their name on the roll, a ballot box or two "misplaced" etc.
-- http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20120629/news03.htm
GG Votes -- http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20120627/news03.htm
Over 300 turned away -- http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20120628/news10.htm
Momis and wife not listed -- http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/34921
Empty ballot boxes found in teacher's house -- http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/35218
New ICCC Commissioner
Agricultural economist, Dr Eric Omuru has been appointed as the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) new associate commissioner. Omuru has been appointed to fill in a vacant position left by current CEO and Commissioner Associate Prof Billy Manoka. Omuru is the acting chief executive officer of the PNG Cocoa Coconut Institute and is based in Kokopo, East New Britain province.
Deputy Blames Leader
Deputy Prime Minister, Beldan Namah, has openly blamed the Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, the Electoral Commission and Australian advisors for the sorry state of the elections in the country. Mr Namah said 200 Australian advisors working with the Electoral Commission helped to orchestrate "the disaster".
-- http://giaman.com/pg/?27d7e8
Menzie Yere Reaches 100
Menzie Yere, playing for the Sheffield Eagles Rugby League team, has played his 100th game for the club. The PNG international centre is in his third season with the Eagles in which time he's blasted his way to 67 tries. Coach Mark Aston says "It's a milestone and there aren't many overseas players that make 100 games for one club. He's got 67 tries but we'd like a few more!"
-- http://giaman.com/pg/?55c121
New Apostolic Nuncio
The new Catholic Church Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea has presented his Letters of Credence to the Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Michael Ogio at Government House. The Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop Santo Gangemi is the ambassador of the Vatican, appointed by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, taking up the post from his predecessor Archbishop Francisco Padilla.
Cargo Cult
Police have reported receiving sketchy news about followers of a cargo cult in a remote area of Bogia (Madang province) having murdered seven people - five men and two women. Supt Anthony Wagambie Jr is reported as saying he had sent officers to investigate and calm the situation.
-- http://giaman.com/pg/?e91677
29 "Cannibal Cultists" have been arrested by Madang police.
New Classroom
Students at the Edevu Adventist Primary School, in Central province no have a new classroom building containing four rooms and can take in 40 students. It was a gift from the Central Papua Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
-- http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/34894
Another BSP ATM
BSP continues to roll out ATM's across the country. The latest has been installed at the Grand Papua Hotel in downtown Port Moresby. The black ATM has been specially designed to complement the branding requirements of the Five-star Hotel. It is the first black ATM in the country. Three years ago the bank had only 50 ATMs across the nation. The Grand Papua ATM has increased the total to 238 nationwide.
Ex AEI Scholars
All Ex-Australian Educational Institution Scholars are invited to a Meet and Greet, which will be held on the Friday 27th July, 2012. Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association (PNGAAA) will advise RSVPs of venue and time once we have heard from you.
For an evening not to be missed please contact Margaret on 321 1766 or Girigi on 305 3722, or email -- pngaaasec@gmail.com.
Attendance by Invitation Only.
PNGAAA Office: Ground Floor, Port Tower, Hunter Street, Port Moresby
Phone: +675 321 1766
TB Survey
A tuberculosis survey is underway in provinces where TB smear positive or pulmonary patients are randomly selected to take part. Provinces with no record of smear positive cases between January and March, 2012 will not participate in the survey. The survey will also evaluate how effectively the National Tuberculosis Program is providing Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) to patients throughout the country.
Pacific Games 2015
The XV Pacific Games are set to be held in PNG from the 4th of July to the 18th of July 2015. Compulsory sports for the games have been set down as
Athletics,
Basketball,
Beach Volleyball,
Golf,
Rugby 7's,
Soccer,
Swimming,
Table Tennis,
Va'a
Volleyball an
Weightlifting.
Many other sports, such as Cricket, Hockey, Softball etc have been designated as Optional Sports. All venues for the games to be held in Port Moresby are expected to be complete on or before January 2015. The 4th of July 2015 has been set-aside for the official opening ceremony.
UPNG Dormitory Burns
One of the student dormitories at the University of Papua New Guinea's main campus has burnt to the ground. The fire at Lasitewa started around 7pm with reports stating that the fire began somewhere along the middle of the top floor. Lasitewa is one of the original Halls of Residence from the University's colonial era and housed approximately 300 male students.
-- http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/35001
Moti to Sue
The Julian Moti Saga continues. It has been reported that he is ready to sue the government of PNG for wrongful detention. Moti has recently won his case in the high court in Australia.
-- http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20120704/news04.htm
Star International Hotel
The Star International Hotel in Madang can now be booked at several Reservation Global Distribution Systems (GS) such as Amadeus: MAGMAD; Sabre: ON166612; Galileo: ON7981 and Worldspan: MAGMA. The hotel is the only hotel listed for Madang and is located in the heart of Madang, with easy access to all areas. The hotel offers the Star Bar & Grill that has imported Black Angus Steaks and offers the best meals in Madang; 3 Conference and Meeting rooms; Wireless Internet, gymnasium and pool. All rooms and indoor public areas are air-conditioned. Free airport transfers, 24 hour Reception and Security Patrols. Onsite backup generator to ensure continuity of supply.
-- http://madangstar.com
Pacific Arts Festival
The 10-day 11th Pacific Arts Festival is currently underway in the Solomon Islands. The festival is being hosted in the capital of Honiara. PNG has sent the largest contingent of 130 participants, the largest of the attending countries. Other countries taking part are Australia, Cook Islands, Easter Island, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Pitcairn Island, Samoa, Tokelau, Vanuatu an Wallis and Futuna.
-- http://www.festival-pacific-arts.org.sb
Bridge Left Incomplete
A K6 million bridge has been left incomplete in Baisu, Western Highlands province. The bridge over the Tipi River is at a standstill after local construction company, Atzera Construction Company, left without finishing the project. Two companies have now abandoned the project in a swampy and waterlogged area of the province.
-- http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/34962
Mine Resumes Operation
The 100 percent nationally owned Tolukuma Gold Mine, near Goilala in Central province has resumed operations after aggrieved landowners lifted the taboo placed on the mine many days earlier.
-- http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20120629/business01.htm
Coming Events
Note: please verify any date mentioned as dates change and events can sometimes get cancelled. Of course I may also put down a wrong date.
11th Festival of Pacific Arts -- http://www.festival-pacific-arts.org.sb. -- on now.
18th Warwagira and Mask Festival - East New Britain - 13th to 21st of July 2012
Moresby Open tennis titles from the 21st to the 23rd of July. -- pngtennis.pomtc@gmail.com
Mt Hagen Show - 11th and 12th of August 2012
48th PNG Medical Symposium - 2nd to the 7th of September. Gateway Hotel, Port Moresby.
Samarai and Milne Bay Reunion - Rydges Oasis Resort, Caloundra, Australia between the 7th and 9th of September 2012 -- http://www.loosenuts.com.au/www/index.php -- http://www.facebook.com/groups/121192744602253/
Imotiva Kokoda 2012, Walk for a Cause - 9th October 2012 -- http://thelukeadamsfoundation.org.au/?p=580
IOTA tour -- 19th October to the 4th November 2012 -- http://www.southgatearc.org/news/june2012/papua_new_guinea_iota_op.htm -- http://www.p29ni.yolasite.com
Fifth PNG Games, Kokopo, East New Britain - 17th to 30th November 2012
Pacific Mini Games - Wallis and Futuna 2013
2013 Pacific Netball Series hosted by Fiji
Full Pacific Games - PNG 4th July to 18th July 2015 -- http://giaman.com/pg/?081f78
Pacific Mini Games - Vanuatu 2017
Do you have an event that you want advertised? - Use the submission form located at -- http://www.pnggossip.com/misc/ctc.html
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