PNG Gossip Newsletter - 16th November 2005

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Neo Melanesian

"Pidgin English"

Tok Pisin English
gorgor / kawawar ginger
gras fur / grass
gras bilong ai eyebrow / eyelash
gras bilong dok fur (of dog)
gras bilong pisin feather
gras bilong sipsip wool
gras nogut weed(s)
gras usket / mausgras beard
gras / gras bilong het hair
graun earth / ground / world
graun / graun malomalo / graun bilong wokim sospen clay
gre grey
 
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 15,000 MB of data, 300 GB transfer per month and 24 / 7 ticket / phone support for less than US$3.00 per month. -- DOT COM Domains from US$9.00 per year.
 

Remember that this mailing list is meant (mainly) 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 31 - 31.5 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 -- The PNG Business and Tourism Directory also has daily rates based from a PNG perspective

Welcome to the
Papua New Guinea Gossip Newsletter

A very special welcome is extended to any new readers. If you have comments or suggestions to make then please click here and use the submission form.

Articles for this newsletter

To send a message for submission to the PNG Gossip Newsletter -- please click here and use the submission form to make initial contact.

Warning: PNG web sites seem to come and go. The fact of life is that it costs money to host a web site and there is not much return on the outlay to most businesses in PNG. If you do click on a link and use the services or even have some comments to make then please contact the people at the relevant web site and let them know so they at least know that someone has gained some value from their efforts. If you are so inclined then mention that you heard about them from this web site. -- The PNG Gossip Newsletter.

PNG Web Hosting
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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

Warning: PNG web sites seem to come and go. The fact of life is that it costs money to host a web site and there is not much return on the outlay to most businesses in PNG. If you do click on a link and use the services or even have some comments to make then please contact the people at the relevant web site and let them know so they at least know that someone has gained some value from their efforts. If you are so inclined them mention that you heard about them from this web site. -- The PNG Gossip Newsletter.

Mention of a website or service does not necessarily mean that this newsletter endorses the website or service



Taklam Guest House



The Guest House, actually it is now called Taklam Lodge and Tours, was originally located in Rabaul but was relocated to Kokopo after the twin volcanic eruptions destroyed Rabaul in 1994. They commenced operations in 1990 offering a home away from home service. A web site is located at -- http://www.taklam.com.pg/



Misc Sites



South Pacific Motor Sports Club -- http://www.spmsc.org.pg
Rocky Roe -- http://www.rockyroephotographics.com
National Research Institute -- http://www.nri.org.pg
CyberMasta Web Design -- http://www.cybermasta.com/portfolio.htm
PNG Coffee -- http://www.pngcoffee.com
Papua New Guinea Business Directory and Tourism Information -- http://www.pngbd.com
National Disaster Centre -- http://www.pngndc.gov.pg
Jane's Oceania Home Page Newsletter -- http://www.janeresture.com/png_home/index.htm
PNG Institute of Directors -- http://www.pngid.org.pg
Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce -- http://www.pomcci.org.pg



Newspapers



For the latest news about PNG visit the Post Courier web site at -- http://www.postcourier.com.pg -- or the National Newspaper web site at -- http://www.thenational.com.pg -- both offer up-to-date news about PNG. If you want to catch up on news it is also good to visit -- http://www.pngbd.com -- The PNG Business and Tourism web site.



Air Niugini Airbus



For those of you who are interested in aviation here is a picture of one of the old Air Niugini Airbuses taken in very unfamiliar territory for a plane from the tropics. -- http://www.airliners.net/open.file/791474/M/



Lonely Planet



The Lonely Planet Guide to PNG can be found at -- http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/australasia/papua_new_guinea/



PNG Orchids



If you are interested in PNG Orchids then I suggest visiting -- http://www.orchidspng.com -- this is another web site with layout and design by CyberMasta.



PNG Missions



Here are a few of the websites run by PNG Missions overseas. If you know of any other sites please send an email to this newsletter so the list can be updated. The Official web site of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) High Commission in Australia can be found at -- http://www.pngcanberra.org

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

I have been told by Chris Luxton, of the Papua New Guinea Church Partnership -- http://hometown.aol.co.uk/pngcpluxton/ -- that the London, UK High Commission has quite a good site. It is located at -- http://www.pnghighcomm.org.uk



Aussie Travel Advisory



The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has recently changed the travel advice notices that they issue so that they are easier to understand. You can read more about the travel advice changes by reading the "Making Travel Advice Clearer and Simpler Fact sheet and Travel Advice Frequently Asked
Questions" located on the smartraveller website -- http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/new_advisories.html.


News Items

UPNG



Acting on a report from a committee set up to investigate the student protest, at the University of PNG in July, the National Executive Council (NEC) has dismissed with immediate effect PNG Chancellor Andrew Yauieb and Vice-Chancellor Prof Leslie Eastcott. Registrar Vincent Malaibe and Bursar Edward Croake will also be removed from the central administration of the University. In addition, the 33-member University Council was dissolved and replaced by a 10-member Interim Council. The report also suggested that Prof Eastcott had failed to communicate effectively and consult widely and that his continued presence could lead to further unrest and it was imperative that his contract be terminated



Bougainville Mercenaries



It has been reported that the boss of U-Vistract has hired several ex-soldiers as he claims he is ready to pay out from his pyramid fast money scheme and needs the soldiers to ensure the safety of the money. The eight Fijians were reportedly flown into Bougainville from the Solomon Islands in a chartered helicopter recently. It has also been reported that the Fijians are training locals to help guard the money.



Porgera Mine



The Porgera mine was closed recently after a power pylon identified as pylon 57.1 located near Waile Creek was sabotaged disrupting the supply of power to the mine from the Hides gas fields in the Southern Highlands province. The gold mine is expected to resume full production soon after the mine operator airlifted a pylon to the remote site to replace the one felled by the vandals. It is estimated that the mine lost over K10 million due to the halt in production.



PX Flight Diversion



More rumours. According to a report in The National -- http://www.thenational.com.pg/1115/nation4.htm -- It is believed that Air Niugini had to divert a flight bound for Buka on Saturday when it received information that the Me'ekamui soldiers planned to hijack the Fokker 28. It is understood that the plane flew to Port Moresby, along with its Buka-bound passengers rather than risking landing in Buka. The corporate affairs manager for Air Niugini, Eva Arni, denied any knowledge of the incident.



Cyclone Warnings



The National Disaster Centre has warned that over the next six months PNG could be hit by cyclones much stronger than any felt in the last three years. The centre has said there is increased likelihood of tropical cyclones either forming in PNG waters or over neighbouring countries' waters over the next six months. The increased risk was due to changes in the ocean and atmosphere over the last six months, and may result in heavy rain causing flooding in many areas of the country. People especially those living in maritime provinces are advised to take extra precaution during this period.



Telikom CEO



It is expected that the new Chief Executive Officer of Telikom PNG would be an expatriate who has international experience. The appointment will be part of a "new-look Telikom" hopefully focusing on getting the company up and running again with some sort of direction and attempting to build a new corporate culture providing leadership and management capabilities. Telikom, it would seem from all reports, has dug itself into a hole over recent years. There are rumours that unnamed Telikom personnel have requested kickbacks when conducting major deals with reputable overseas suppliers. This has made these suppliers very wary of doing any business with Telikom. The problem is now being addressed by the new board and hopefully the new CEO.

The provision of Telikom services within the country has been so bad that there is an estimated 30 illegal satellite terminals in the country. These "Very Small Aperture Terminals" - (VSAT) have been installed to often provide backup to the unreliable Telikom network and possibly used to bypass the Telikom network completely.



Tourism Growth



Isn't amazing how figures can be spun around to give an impression? Doesn't this next statement sound fantastic?

QUOTE
PNG recorded the highest growth rate in percentage terms of visitor arrivals in the first six months of 2005. The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) reported that PNG recorded a 20.8 percent increase in visitor arrival compared to the corresponding period in 2004.
END QUOTE

However the article went on with

QUOTE
However, in terms of volume, Fiji once again provided the bulk of the growth in arrivals with an estimated 17,359 more visitors travelling to the country, recording a 7.7 percent growth for the six months.
END QUOTE

Everyone who has had the opportunity to visit both PNG and Fiji will know that PNG has far more potential than Fiji but Fiji wins hands down even after several attempts to overthrow the government of the day and need I mention the tourist numbers still going to Bali even after recent events?



PNG Corruption



An expert on fighting corruption from Hong Kong says Papua New Guineans only need the support of all politicians and government departmental heads to beat the issue. To ensure the complete eradication of corruption, the public must also play its part. Dr Tony Kwok of the Hong Kong Independent Committee against Corruption said "Hong Kong used to be one of the most corrupted nations in the world during the 1960s and 1970s. But we have turned it around because people from politicians, departmental heads and the rest of the society worked together to fight it."



PNG FAQ's



Here is one of the more common frequently asked questions that keep cropping up about PNG.

What is the land area of the provinces in PNG?

National Capital and Central, 29,940 sq kms
Oro Province, 19,827 sq kms
Milne Bay Province, 14,000 sq kms
Morobe Province, 34,500 sq kms
Madang Province, 28,000 sq kms
Eastern Highlands, 11,706 sq kms
Simbu Province, 8,476 sq kms
Western Highlands, 8,288 sq kms
Southern Highlands, 25,988 sq kms
East Sepik, 43,000 sq kms
West Sepik (Sandaun),36,000 sq kms
East New Britain, 15,500 sq kms
West New Britain, 21,000 sq kms
New Ireland, 9,500 sq kms
Manus Province, 2,100 sq kms
North Solomons Province, 9,400 sq kms
Enga Province, 10,790 sq kms
Western and Gulf Province, 135,000 sq kms

More PNG Frequently Asked Questions can be found at -- http://michie.net/png_faqs -- If you can help expand the FAQ's then visit the site and leave a message. If you find a question with an incorrect or outdated answer please also let the site owner know. -- png.faqs[@]michie.net



Zenag Murder



The murder the Australian General Manager of the Highlands Products company at his home has been condemned by all that knew Russell Green. Russell, better known for his work through a subsidiary company Zenag, was known in Wau, Bulolo, Mumeng, and Lae. The Mamose police chief has called for the death penalty to be imposed on those found responsible for the murder. The Finance and Treasury Minister, Bart Philemon, has said that not only would it be hard to attract foreign investment but local investment as well when business people are treated in this manner.



2006 Budget



More budget leaks have indicated that perhaps there will be a decrease in personal income tax by either raising the threshold or lowering the rates across the board. The government has already raised the amount of money that can be sent out of the country without approval of the Internal Revenue Commission by an individual from K50,000 per anum to K200,000



Previous Miss Red Cross Winners



The Miss PNG Quest will be held in December. The following people have won the title of "Miss PNG"

+ 1974 Miss Eva Arni was the first holder of the title "Miss PNG" - Eva went on to win the Miss Asia Title.
+ 1975 Miss Eau Suve. Eau went on to win the "Best Traditional Dress" award at the Miss Asia Quest.
+ 1976 Miss Sayah Karukaru
+ 1978 Miss Angeline Tukana
+ 1979 Miss Milly Misbut
+ 1980 Miss Mispah Alwyn
+ 1981 Miss Jennifer Abaijah
+ 1982 Miss Moi Eli
+ 1983 Miss Shannel Bray
+ 1984 Miss Patricia Mirisa
+ 1985 Miss Carmel Vagi - Miss Communications
+ 1986 Miss Anna Wild
+ 1987 Miss Harriet Warren
+ 1988 Miss Erue Taunao
+ 1989 Miss Joycelyn Leahy
+ 1991 Miss Marcia Muir
+ 1992 Miss Jennifer Lemeki
+ 1993 Miss Sharon Onsa
+ 1994 Miss Tania Doyle
+ 1995 Miss Imanakone Sioa
+ 1996 Miss Rita Stegman
+ 1997 Miss Lisa Linibi
+ 1998 Miss Helai Oala
+ 1999 Miss Roberta Ali
+ 2000 Miss Ephreddie Jubilee
+ 2001 Miss Olivia Wilson
+ 2002 Miss Yaku Ninich
+ 2003 Miss Cynthia Asi - Central (Miss MRDC)
+ 2004 Miss Ashwin Samson - Miss Warehouse
+ 2005 --- Just around the corner



World Travel Mart



Some of Papua New Guinea's best tourism products will be on display at the World Travel Market in London from November 14 -17, 2005. The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority Stand at Excel - the venue for WTM - is stand AS1150.



Sealark



The Sealark is now sailing between Lae - Oro Bay - Alotau - Port Moresby and back to Lae. There has been no noticeable decrease in airfares between the same ports so it looks like the airlines are waiting to see how much business is taken away from them or is the shipping company, Bismark Maritime, targeting a different set of passengers with this new service? The ship is scheduled to leave Lae on a Friday afternoon at 16:00 and arrive in Port Moresby after dropping off passengers along the way at 06:00 on Monday. It then leaves Moresby at 10:00 on Tuesday arriving back in Lae on Friday at 06:00. The company is offering huge discounts for children, students and groups.



MTS Discover



The operators of the Melanesian Tourists Services vessel Discover are offering standby discounts fares over Christmas to bonafide PNG Residents starting at K1875 for a 5 night cruise around Madang and the Sepik River over New Year. (You will need to add 10% VAT and a possible fuel surcharge to those figures). Contact MTS for further details -- mtsoperations@mtspng.com



Home Brew



Over 30 people have recently been charged with selling home brew in Milne Bay. One lady has been charged with producing home brew and is thought to be one of the main suppliers in Alotau the capital of Milne Bay Province. Some of the offenders that could pay fines have been released and those who could not meet the fine will be sent to prison.



Wantok Radio



http://www.wantokradio.net -- Wantok Radio Light is currently broadcasting on 93.9 FM in Port Moresby. This station reaches many people in the National Capital District and surrounding Central Province. This is the first of a network of stations that is aimed at eventually reaching the 5 million people of PNG. A short-wave station began broadcasting in June of 2005 and it broadcasts on the Short-wave frequency of 7120 kilohertz on the 40-meter band. The station also has plans to develop a satellite fed FM network throughout the country.



Timber Export Tax



It has been rumoured that the government plans to tax processed timber exports. Industry sources said that any tax on processed timber could jeopardise over 10,000 jobs and effectively eliminate half of the country's current processed timber exports. PNG Forrest Products in Lae and Jant Wood chipping in Madang currently earn over US$7 million annually in export earnings.



Coming Events



20th November -- Universal Children's Day

25th November -- Day Against Violence Against Women

1st December -- World AIDS Day

Air Niugini Ball - 1st December 2005 at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Port Moresby.

2nd December 2005 -- PNG Petroleum Seminar. Hideaway Hotel, Port Moresby. More details via email from -- conf@pngchamberminpet.com.pg

Miss PNG 2005 Crowning night -- the 3rd of December at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Port Moresby. For more information about the 2005 Miss PNG Red Cross Society Charity Quest or your intention to support the Quest please call the Quest Coordinator Ms. Aiva Tamate at the PNG Red Cross on telephone 325 7016 or 325 8577 or fax 325 9714.

Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games -- March 2006.

8th of April to the 16th of April 2006-- National Game Fishing Titles

PNG 31st Independence Anniversary - 16th September 2006






PNG Media


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-- THE END --

In Tok Pisin - em tasol

For other ways of saying the end please pay a visit to -- ../emtasol

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 click here and use the submission form.

 



Created 16 Nov 2005
Updated 26 Nov 2005


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