Links
If links in the newsletter do not work properly, copy and paste the URL into your browser and press Enter. Be sure to copy the entire link, as it may wrap to the next line. If this still does not work please send an email to the newsletter advising of the broken link.
Do you have a web site or link to a PNG related area on the WWW? If so do you want it mentioned here? Then use the submission form by clicking here
External links - while PNG Gossip Newsletter will not sell your email address to others many links on this web site lead to other sites that may may not have the same policy regarding your valuable email address. Be careful when handing over your email address.
PNG News Links
Madang FC Strikes a Win at OFC Championship -- http://giaman.com/pg/?16cf2d
Lae City dwellers target perfect start to Oceania Campaign -- http://giaman.com/pg/?9b1f2e
New Bomana police homes vandalised -- http://giaman.com/pg/?390fd0
Immigration Department blocked from returning sick asylum seeker to Manus Island -- http://giaman.com/pg/?d1e68d
Manus Island medical clinic may be shut down, PNG Government says -- http://giaman.com/pg/?553cb0
Refugee with dwarfism to be housed -- http://giaman.com/pg/?0fa911
Gun amnesty extended in PNG's Hela province -- http://giaman.com/pg/?ced639
Scores of detained asylum seekers take Australian cash and return home -- http://giaman.com/pg/?47a458
Call for greater returns for PNG resource owners -- http://giaman.com/pg/?0e854e
Minister Abel urges striking PNG Telecommunication Workers to talk -- http://giaman.com/pg/?0f5abe
Maersk adds new regular port calls in PNG -- http://giaman.com/pg/?8ba27c
Misc. Links
Moresby Arts Theatre -- http://giaman.com/pg/?0c386c
PNG Official Tourism Website -- http://www.tpa.papuanewguinea.travel
15 Days in PNG -- http://giaman.com/pg/?05a8de
PNG Adventist School -- http://giaman.com/pg/?6ac585
Tertiary institutions to mark international sport day -- http://giaman.com/pg/?52e244
Opinion: What PNG taught me about doing business -- http://giaman.com/pg/?194a79
Sime Darby to restructure before spinning off units -- http://giaman.com/pg/?0859ea
NBC PNG -- https://www.nbcpng.com
News Items
Sustainable Tourism
Speaking at the Tourism Working Group workshop on sustainable tourism in Nha Trang, Vietnam, Ms. Alcinda Trawen, from the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) provided two successful PNG mining sector case studies to tourism officials from APEC's 20 other Members. The two community level case studies covered a sustainable tourism project in Kimbe in West New Britain province, and the other was the development of the Tupira Surf Club, on the North Coast of Madang province.
PNG Today -- http://giaman.com/pg/?0e42f2
PNG Group Unfairly Held
A PNG man says he and several countrymen were subject to unfair incarceration in West Papua by Indonesian authorities. The incident occurred early last year when a small group from PNG's Western Province travelled by boat to the Indonesian port of Merauke to sell traditional items to a local buyer.
Radio New Zealand -- http://giaman.com/pg/?feb38d
Fulbright Scholarship Program
Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has announced its scholarship program to support the pursuit of quality in legal studies in Papua New Guinea. This followed the opening of its office in Port Moresby in last November as part of an expanded Asia-Pacific network.
PNG Today -- http://giaman.com/pg/?7fd713
New Governor General
Parliament has sworn in Bob Dadae as the 10th Governor-General of PNG. Mr Dadae, who was the current MP for Kabwum in Morobe province, was elected to the governor general's post on January. Dadae takes over as vice-regal from Sir Michael Ogio, who passed away in February, near the end of his term.
Radio New Zealand -- http://giaman.com/pg/?53bd5d
Japan's PM Abe sends condolences to PNG's late Governor General Sir Michael's family -- http://giaman.com/pg/?b86130
Education Dept. Information Systems
The PNG Department of Education has contracted with Trinoor to modernise all of their computer applications and build new applications to support the maintenance and upkeep of basic education infrastructure.
Trinoor Web Site -- http://giaman.com/pg/?664af1
Highlands Pacific Limited
A rift has developed between Highlands Pacific Limited and its shareholder, Chinese group Guangdong Rising Assets Management Co Ltd, over the future control of the PNG company.
One PNG -- http://giaman.com/pg/?8d5c2a
Breakaway Soccer League
Plans for a breakaway national soccer league in PNG have at last been finalised. Over a recent weekend the heads of several football associations from around the country met to discuss a blueprint for the newly-formed Football Federation Papua New Guinea.
ABC Australia -- http://giaman.com/pg/?b5c92b
Football Federation Outlines New Strategy -- http://giaman.com/pg/?ccde0c
Diplomat Returns Home
A diplomat at PNG's Embassy in Seoul returned to PNG early last month after being booked for allegedly molesting a woman at a Seoul club, Yongsan Police Station said recently.
Yonhap News -- http://giaman.com/pg/?c6f918
10 Pin Bowling
Read about Lanes, the new 10 pin bowling alley in Port Moresby, in a brief blog by Kiwi Expat.
Kiwi Expat Blog -- http://giaman.com/pg/?dcb616
Electronic Banking
The advent of electronic banking in Papua New Guinea has the potential to significantly modernise and expand the country's financial system Greg Pawson, General Manager of Westpac Pacific tells Business Advantage PNG.
EMTV -- http://giaman.com/pg/?88aead
Women Candidates
Fifty women candidates who intend to run for the 2017 National Election have been selected to participate in a week of training on parliamentary processes.
PNG Today -- http://giaman.com/pg/?bc5566
Enough Gas
State petroleum company, Kumul Petroleum, sees its role in developing oil and gas projects in partnership with developers, according to Managing Director, Wapu Sonk. He tells Business Advantage PNG there is enough gas in the country for no less than five LNG trains.
Business Advantage PNG -- http://giaman.com/pg/?42e30c
Digicel Data
Digicel has launched an exciting new smartphone offer, which has never been done before in PNG or any other country where Digicel operates. In a first for any telecommunications company in PNG, people can now buy any smartphone from any phone-selling outlet nationwide and get free data for 6 months from Digicel.
PNG Today -- http://giaman.com/pg/?3f3eb5
Land Grab System Disappoints
The government is pushing ahead with plans to convert controversial Special Agriculture Business Leases to another form of land tenure. A petition was presented to the government last week calling for action on the SABLs, the majority of which were found by a commission of inquiry to have been fraudulently obtained.
Radio New Zealand -- http://giaman.com/pg/?9dedf0
PNG An Investment Destination
PNG is an outstanding investment destination, Oil Search Limited managing director Peter Botten says. Speaking during the first day of the inaugural Papua New Guinea Petroleum and Energy Summit in Port Moresby recently, Botten said the company believed in the involvement of communities as well.
The National -- http://giaman.com/pg/?15e3f3
Air Niugini
Air Niugini was recently able to offer its customers domestic return fares reduced by 60%. The offer has now expired but check the company web site for other offers. The offer was available for walk in customers and also online.
Air Niugini -- http://www.airniugini.com.pg
Taking flight on our path to progress -- http://giaman.com/pg/?b7ac9c
Modern Pathology Lab
Since last year residents of PNG and especially those living in Port Moresby have had access to a modern K3 million Pathology laboratory. What would cost more than K10,000 in expenses outside of the country can be provided by the laboratory for only K280 in country.
PNG Today -- http://giaman.com/pg/?122aa8
Suspects Arrested
Lae Police have arrested two male suspects in connection to an armed robbery which happened a week ago. Metropolitan Superintendent Anthony Wagambie Jr said the suspects were part of a gang that held up staff of a mobile phone company outside ANZ Bank, Market Branch.
Loop PNG -- http://giaman.com/pg/?8f7db4
Mining Sector
PNG is looking to build on solid performance in its mining sector in 2016, though legal reforms expected later this year are creating a degree of uncertainty for prospective investors. The increase was led by the Lihir gold mine, which posted annual income of PGK3.57bn ($1.1bn). Despite closure due to drought conditions experienced in the first two months of the year, the Ok Tedi copper mine was the second-highest contributor with PGK2.1bn ($661.5m) in output, followed by the Porgera gold mine at PGK2bn ($630m). Together, these facilities accounted for 78.6% of sector revenue.
Oxford Business -- http://giaman.com/pg/?42226c
Energy Sector Looks Promising
In light of a good turnout of commodity price in oil and gas internationally, now is a good time for investors to tap into PNG's energy sector. That is the message from PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill when officially launching the inaugural Petroleum and Energy Summit in Port Moresby.
PNG Today -- http://giaman.com/pg/?972885
Another Somare To Contest
East Sepik Governor and founding Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has given his blessing to his daughter, Dulciana Somare-Brash, to contest the seat he has held for the last 49 years. Dulciana said national unity was important.
The National -- http://giaman.com/pg/?a71ab6
Political Parties
Dr Yala, from the National Research Institute, says it is a problem if too many political parties contest the elections. PNG has 44 registered political parties contesting the 2017 National Elections. There are 111 Parliament seats being contested.
Loop PNG -- http://giaman.com/pg/?2328bb
Millions To Fight AIDS
PNG will receive close to two hundred and three million kina as funding in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country. The funding will go towards helping the National Department of Health's efforts to roll out HIV testing, developing site-level strategies to address Gender Based Violence and support for improved data collection.
PNG Today -- http://giaman.com/pg/?8c68e8
Javani Settlement Eviction
Dozens of families have been forcefully evicted from the Javani settlement in Lae City following an eviction order issued on the 19th of February by the provincial government. Over the last 40 years, Lae's growth spurred a steady influx of people looking for jobs and opportunities. Many end up in settlements like Javani.
EMTV -- http://giaman.com/pg/?c56bb8
Aussie PM Visit
The Aussie PM, Malcolm Turnbull, is expected to make his first official visit to PNG since he became the Australian prime minister. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade secretary Frances Adamson told a Senate estimates hearing that discussions were underway on pinning down a suitable time.
Channel 9 Australia -- http://giaman.com/pg/?8493f0
Foreigners Robbed
Four foreigners have been held up in Port Moresby shortly after leaving the international airport. They were about to reach their compound at 6-Mile when a sedan overtook their car and forced them out of their car. On the 16th of February another three Malaysians were held up in similar circumstances after arriving in Port Moresby on a flight from Singapore.
Pasifik News -- http://giaman.com/pg/?428766
Carjacking Suspects Shot
Police have shot three car theft suspects in Port Moresby, while another suspect is in custody. From the three suspects who were shot, one is in a critical condition at the Port Moresby General Hospital. The men were part of a gang that attempted to steal a vehicle in Port Moresby's Gerehu suburb.
EMTV -- http://giaman.com/pg/?81b1c2
Frieda River Copper
Frieda River is one of the largest undeveloped copper deposits in the world. Now, the smaller shareholder in the project, in the remote highlands of PNG, has cried "foul' warning that a proposed board spill will give the Chinese government control.
Sydney Morning Herald -- http://giaman.com/pg/?6e1965
Surfers Set For Madang
Over 50 surfers and officials will attend the PNG Kumul Longboard World Championships hosted by Tupira Surfing Club in Bogia, Madang this month from the 18th to the 25th. The world surfing event is supported by Kumul Consolidated Holdings with a K1 million sponsorship.
The National -- http://giaman.com/pg/?9354e5
Aussie Smartraveller Update
The following travel advice has changed or been added for PNG Current Advice Level:
Latest update:
Tensions may escalate in the period surrounding national elections in late June/early July 2017. The site continues to advise Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in PNG. Higher levels apply in parts of the country.
Smartraveller Website -- http://giaman.com/pg/?e60e60
Disaster Information Management System
International Organization for Migration (IOM), working in close partnership with the PNG government's National Disaster Centre (NDC), has developed and handed over an Information Management System (IMS) that will be used to collect, analyse, report and store information on disaster and displacement incidents in the country.
The IMS will be rolled out in Gulf, Morobe, Oro, Madang, East New Britain and West New Britain Provinces. Together, IOM and the NDC are leading the way in utilizing the IMS towards reducing risks that natural disasters pose to vulnerable communities.
IOM -- http://giaman.com/pg/?dc49c8
NDC -- http://pngndc.gov.pg
Hanuabada Village Safe Water
The NZ Herald and World Vision are launching the Hidden Pacific Campaign. They want to raise $100,000 for the urgent water and sanitation needs in Hanuabada village, and World Vision wants your long-term support for ongoing work in the Pacific.
New Zealand Herald -- http://giaman.com/pg/?f109d0
Taps Off Day Challenge to Help Provide Easy Water Access to PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu -- http://giaman.com/pg/?3eadcd
Vale Roger Hau'ofa
The great broadcaster, Robert Hau'ofa, has passed away on the 4th of March 2017 a few minutes before midday. Hau'ofa had over 50 years in broadcasting. He had an unmistakeable voice that was synonymous with talkback radio in the country.
Facebook -- http://giaman.com/pg/?651bf0
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.
Men's and Women's Longboard World Championship Tour Tupira Surf Resort, Madang province - 18th - 25th Mar 2017
Good Friday - 14 Apr 2017
Easter Sunday - 16 Apr 2017
Easter Monday - 17 Apr 2017
Australia PNG Business Forum & Trade Expo 14 - 16th May in Port Moresby -- http://giaman.com/pg/?0ae0d2
Queen's Birthday - 12 Jun 2017
National Remembrance Day - 23 Jul 2017
Independence Day - 16 Sep 2017
Pacific Mini Games - Vanuatu 2017
The FIBA Melanesian Basketball Cup from the 24th of September to the 1st of October, 2017.
PNG Games have been postponed to 18 Nov 2017
Christmas Day, Monday 25 Dec 2017
Boxing Day, Tuesday 26 Dec 2017
2018 - APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit to be held in Port Moresby -- http://giaman.com/pg/?a3e64e
Port Moresby Craft Markets - Laguna Hotel - 1st Saturday of the month (9 am - 2 pm), PNG Arts - 2nd Saturday of the month (9 am - 2 pm), Holiday Inn - 3rd Saturday of the month (9 am - 2 pm), Ela Beach - 4th Saturday of the month (6 am to 12 pm)
Do you have an event that you want advertised? - Use the submission form located at -- http://www.pnggossip.com/misc/ctc.html
PNG Media
Interested in having your own Web Site? Worried about the cost? It may be cheaper than you think. Take a look at pricing at the PNG Web Hosting site. Sites with space for unlimited data storage and data transfer per month start from less than US$5.00 per month. -- DOT COM Domains from US$9.00 per year. All plans come with 24 hour a day / 7 day a week ticket / phone support
If a friend has given or sent you a copy of this newsletter and you would like to keep receiving free copies then please visit -- http://www.pnggossip.com/news/index.html -- for instructions on how to join the list.
Articles for this Newsletter
If you think you have a PNG page worth mentioning then please click here and use the submission form
To send a message for submission to the PNG Gossip Newsletter queue please click here and use the submission form.
.gif)
.jpg)
View PNG Gossip Newsletter Archive