Nationals, not expats, should be running Ok Tedi

Source: The National, Monday December 2nd, 2013

IT is with great sadness that I write on behalf of the silent majority that have been forced to leave Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) against their will by year’s end.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill promised that his government would listen to the petition submitted by the 2,000-plus skilled workers and that no national employee would lose his/her job, but instead create more jobs.
This is not happening.
In the name of cost-cutting and a smaller mine operation going forward, the company has laid off 40% of its national workforce, but no expatriate positions have been made redundant.
The company is recruiting a lot of expatriates, mostly to fill managerial and senior positions vacated by nationals.
Many consultants are flooding in and a lot of contracts worth millions of US dollars are being raised to bring in more consultants and contract companies to drain the wealth from Ok Tedi.
Is the prime minister aware of what is going on and is he concerned for his fellow countrymen and women?
Does he have plans to secure their welfare and their jobs?
Ok Tedi is 100% PNG-owned and every Papua New Guinean should be happily working and benefitting from this great mine.
The government needs to intervene immediately and sack managing director Nigel Parker and his senior management.
I write this in hope that the prime minister and his office will take immediate action to save our national employees’ jobs.
We have been running this mine for over 30 years and it is time we manage our own affairs and be truly independent.
We have enough qualified technical people from engineers, designers, miners, operators, welders, fitters as well as managers.
Let Ok Tedi be run by Papua New Guineans from 2014.
We can do it and we are prepared to take Ok Tedi forward.

Patriotic Mine Slave
OTML T­­­­­­­­­abubil

Polye responds to claims on Kandep

Source: The National, Monday December 2nd, 2013

IN response to a letter by Kandep Bush Mangi titled “Polye’s 12-year reign in Kandep shows nothing” (Nov 18), I welcome his comments.
However, I see it as a political statement and not based on facts.
Firstly, he claimed that there is an accumulative fund over K150 million for Kandep since my reign, which is not true.
This is deliberately misleading and meant to create instability and confusion.
I urge him to go to the Office of Rural Development to verify the facts.
Furthermore, the K10 million of DSIP fund during Somare’s government is also not true; there was only one K10 million DSIP fund while the others were below K5 million and only K2 million for two years.
The following are facts: Kandep to Laiagam road (DSIP K12 million in addition to ADB loan 1709), district buildings (K6m), rural health centre (K5m - a work in progress and may increase further), Kandep school labs (K1.2m), Kandep agricultural centre (K6m), Wasa Bridge (K4m), all road links within Kandep (K7m), sealing of Kandep Town road (K2.7m), youth and labour employment (K3m), support to smallholders employers / SME (K5m), power and telecommunication (K1m), transportation costs (K2m) and church support (K2m).
Total project cost during the last 10 years in Kandep is over K50 million, not K150 million as the writer claimed and official records are there for him/her to verify.
The writer should not play politics to create rivalry and conflict.
If he is sincere about the development of Kandep, he should support me in bringing services back to our people.
That is why I have initiated major projects in Kandep.
The Kandep people want a sincere, honest, humble and hardworking leader, who is committed to serve them and this desire has been shown clearly in the past general elections and one by-election.
I am the only MP to win by primary vote counts since the 2002 general elections.
This clearly shows the desire, trust and value the people of Kandep have in my leadership.
I challenge the writer to forget politics and work to develop Kandep, not destroy it through false claims that may incite unrest.
At this moment, more than four projects are in progress and the writer should visit Kandep, if he has not, to see them.
I remain committed to developing Kandep for a better tomorrow and urge all critics to stop spreading lies and work in partnership with me if they truly are concerned about transforming Kandep.


Don Pomb Polye
Kandep MP, Minister for Treasury & World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Board of Governors Chairman

Polye’s 12-year reign in Kandep shows nothing

Source: The National, Monday November 18th, 2013

I REFER to the advertisements in the two dailies on the development boom in Kandep (Nov 8).
I have no grudges against the writer or leaders, but I want to air my honest view as a citizen.
I do not know how other Kandepians feel, but to me, the advertisements were misleading, deceptive, deceitful and a mere cover-up to the heaps of problems in Kandep.
I would appreciate if the advertisements were about the work done from mid-2012 to 2013.
In reality, local MP Don Polye, the minister for treasury and current IMF and World Bank chairman, got elected in 2002.
The then Somare government introduced the annual K10 million DSIP funds for all districts.
Thus, these funds for Kandep alone from 2003 to 2013 amounts to K110 million, excluding RESI funds, the K33 million given by the then Somare government during NEC meeting in Wabag and other development funds.
The total is about more than K150 million in Polye’s 12-year reign.
Compared to the projects advertised and what I see on the ground, the road-sealing within the vicinity of Kandep Station is about 2km, so should cost less than K3 million.
The administration office is worth less than K2 million, the laboratory for Kandep High School should cost about K300,000, the hospital should cost K3 million and the Lagaip Bridge under construction is part of the K480 million road project from Mendi to Kandep and Porgera, which is funded by the national government.
So, the truth is, the people of Kandep are suffering from the lack of basic services, but leaders and educated people like the writer Wanpis Ako are covering it up for personal gains.
More than 100 people died from 2002-3 just in election-related fights and many have been displaced.
In my view, only less than K30 million was spent in the district in the past 12 years, most of which were handouts.
We can be rich overnight at people’s expense, but remember, we came naked and will leave naked.
God raises leaders, but they fall when they do not do the right thing like King Nebuchadnezzar.
Only the good Lord knows who speaks the truth and will judge accordingly.
This time, we can say and do what we want for our own good.

Kandep Bush Magi
Wabag

Mendi to Kandep Road Construction

Source: Post Courier, Highlands Region

Thursday 23rd May 2013

Govt: Be patient
BY PEARSON KOLO
CONSTRUCTION firm COVEC has started work on the Mendi-Kandep Highway which would link Southern Highlands and Enga Provaince. “The road construction work is very slow though it was started a year ago,” Southern Highlands Provincial Chamber of Commerce President Berry Mini told Treasury Minister Don Polye on Saturday in Mendi and called for local contractors to be given major part of contracts for future road developments in the area and region. This Johnny Poiya picture shows part of the road works further at Tente near Mendi.

THE National Government has asked certain Southern Highlands landowners to be patient with their claims while they sort out pressing issues.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his team were in Mount Hagen this week and Wita Group Clan (WGC) of Hela, Southern Highlands province wanted to use the opportunity to meet with the leaders about their demands.
WGC said they owned 57 percent of the well heads at Hides PDL 1 and that they were owed K29.8 million set aside as Business Development Grants.
The landowners are claiming that the National Government had an agreement with the clan leaders after they (WGC) had demanded the payment of K29.8 million in October 2012 under the Business Development Grants scheme.
They are also claiming that K18 million had already been paid out to certain individuals and companies without their knowledge which the clan leaders David Uriabu, Andiria Keta, Thomas Kurubu, Engepe Igibe, Mathew Tombena, luke Hare and Chief Ekawi asked the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Finance Minister James Marape in writing to put to light.
In November 24th 2012, in a negotiation between relevant government bodies and the Clan leaders; the government bodies agreed to look into the request made by the Wita Clan leaders, after they had laid down a ‘stop work’ on the site.
But Chief Secretary’ office advised this paper the matter was better discussed in a roundtable and advised they were aware of the situation and urged the landowners to give them time.

Samoa punt Papua New Guinea from Rugby League World Cup in seven-try romp

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-05/samoa-sends-png-packing/5069794?section=sport

Photo: Samoa looks to have ended PNG's hopes of progressing to the next stage of the Rugby League World Cup. (Getty: Michael Steele)

Papua New Guinea's Rugby League World Cup exit was all but confirmed on Tuesday as they lost what was effectively a qualifying shootout with Samoa 38-4 in Hull.

With defending champions New Zealand to come on Friday and a defeat to France already against their name, Adrian Lam's Kumuls knew this was a must-win if they were to have a realistic chance of taking third spot in Group B.

Improving Samoa never gave them a chance, with Matt Parish's side showing more of the flashes they produced in losing to New Zealand a week ago.

A defeat of the Kiwis must follow if PNG are to have any hope of progressing.

Samoa face France in their final pool game and will be increasingly confident after a seven-try display which included an Antonio Winterstein hat-trick.

If they can beat the French, second place and an easier quarter-final - likely to be against Fiji - awaits.

AAP

Late William Barthau field goal seals narrow 9-8 win for France over Papua New Guinea at World Cup

   From: AFP       October 28, 20135:55AM
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/late-william-barthau-field-goal-seals-narrow-9-8-win-for-france-over-papua-new-guinea-at-world-cup/story-fnia3gmj-1226747952845

 

Josiah Abavu celebrates after scoring a try for the Kumuls against the French. Source: AAP

    

A WILLIAM Barthau field goal 15 minutes from the final whistle was enough to allow France to scramble past Papua New Guinea in their World Cup Pool B match.

But there was drama right to the end, with PNG fullback David Mead pushing a 25-metre penalty attempt wide with just two minutes to play.

Playmaker Thomas Bosc opened the scoring in the sixth minute for the French, converting his own try after a strong set.

PNG winger Nene McDonald responded, his effort in the corner given the green light after referee Ben Cummins went upstairs to video ref Phil Bentham.

Bentham was then on hand to deny France's Theo Fages, ruling he had made a double movement when crossing the line.

France's Morgan Escare, second left, is taken down by a high tackle from Papa New Guinea's Paul Aiton.

 

The Papua New Guineans started the second half with new resolve, a forced Mickael Simon knock-on resulting in the ball being spread left and winger Josiah Abavu crossing.

Bosc brought the scores level with a penalty 20 minutes from time and fellow halfback William Barthau nailed the 35-metre drop-goal five minutes later to pull the French a point clear.

But after Barthau spilled a late, speculative high kick from Ray Thompson, PNG were awarded a penalty that could have snatched the match, only for Mead's effort to drift wide in strong wind at Hull's Craven Park.

 

Fulltime FRANCE 9 (T Bosc try T Bosc 2 goals W Barthau field goal) bt PAPUA NEW GUINEA 8 (J Abavu N MacDonald tries) at MS3 Craven Park. Crowd: 7,481.

Papua New Guinea's Josiah Abavu, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring a try.

France celebrate their victory at the final whistle after the 2013 World Cup rugby league match against Papua New Guinea at Craven Park.

 

Papua New Guinea's Neville Costigan is tackled by France's Gregory Mounis.

France's William Barthau is tackled by Papua New Guinea's Mickael Simon.

 

France's Jamal Fakie and Papua New Guinea's Charlie Wabo, right, in action during the 2013 World Cup rugby league match at Craven Park.

All squads confirmed for RLWC2013

Tuesday, October 22, 2013, source: http://www.nzrl.co.nz/kiwis-match-schedule.aspx

The 14 team captains of the 2013 World Cup

 

Updated: As changes are made to squads we're updating this list of the 24-man squads for the 14 competing nations as follows:

NEW ZEALAND: Jesse Bromwich (Melbourne Storm), Greg Eastwood (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Kieran Foran (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles), Alex Glenn (Brisbane Broncos), Bryson Goodwin (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Josh Hoffman (Brisbane Broncos), Krisnan Inu (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Shaun Johnson (New Zealand Warriors), Sam Kasiano (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Thomas Leuluai (New Zealand Warriors), Kevin Locke (New Zealand Warriors), Issac Luke (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Simon Mannering (New Zealand Warriors), Ben Matulino (New Zealand Warriors), Sam Moa (Sydney Roosters), Jason Nightingale (St George Illawarra Dragons), Frank-Paul Nuuausala (Sydney Roosters), Frank Pritchard (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Elijah Taylor (New Zealand Warriors), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Sydney Roosters), Manu Vatuvei (New Zealand Warriors), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters), Dean Whare (Penrith Panthers), Sonny Bill Williams (Sydney Roosters)

Head coach: Stephen Kearney

AUSTRALIA: Greg Bird (Gold Coast Titans), Darius Boyd (Newcastle Knights), Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles), Boyd Cordner (Sydney Roosters), Cooper Cronk (Melbourne Storm), Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers), Andrew Fifita (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sutherland-Sharks), Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels), Greg Inglis (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Michael Jennings (Sydney Roosters), Luke Lewis (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Brett Morris (St George Illawarra Dragons), Josh Morris (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Nate Myles (Gold Coast Titans), Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders), Corey Parker (Brisbane Broncos), Matthew Scott (North Queensland Cowboys), Billy Slater (Melbourne Storm), Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm), James Tamou (North Queensland Cowboys), Brent Tate (North Queensland Cowboys), Sam Thaiday (Brisbane Broncos), Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)

Head coach: Tim Sheens

COOK ISLANDS: Tinirau Arona (Syndey Roosters), Sam Brunton (Mounties Bundy), Daniel Fepuleai (North Sydney Bears), Jonathon Ford (Toulouse Olympique XIII), Anthony Gelling (Wigan Warriors), Isaac John (Penrith Panthers), Drury Low (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Keith Lulia (Bradford Bulls), Lulia Lulia (Shell Harbour), Hikule'o Malu (New Zealand Warriors), Sam Mataora (Canberra Raiders), Joseph Matapuku (North Sydney Bears), Dylan Napa (Sydney Roosters), Dominique Peyroux (New Zealand Warriors), Rea Pittman (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Jordan Rapana (Canberra Raiders), Tupou Sopoaga (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Zeb Taia (Catalan Dragons), Brad Takairangi (Gold Coast Titans), Adam Tangata (Mounties Bundy), Chris Taripo (Sydney Roosters), Zane Tetavano (Newcastle Knights), Tyrone Viiga (Parramatta Eels)

Head coach: David Fairleigh

ENGLAND: Carl Ablett (Leeds Rhinos), Tom Briscoe (Hull FC), George Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Sam Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Thomas Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Rob Burrow (Leeds Rhinos), Josh Charnley (Wigan Warriors), Rangi Chase (Salford Red Devils), Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield Giants), Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors), Brett Ferres (Huddersfield Giants), James Graham (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos), Zak Hardaker (Leeds Rhinos), Chris Hill (Warrington Wolves), Michael McIllorum (Wigan Warriors), Lee Mossop (Wigan Warriors), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan Warriors), James Roby (St Helens), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds Rhinos), Sam Tomkins (Wigan Warriors), Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos), Ben Westwood (Warrington Wolves), Gareth Widdop (Melbourne Storm)

Head coach: Steve McNamara

FIJI: Peni Botiki (Saru Dragons), Jayson Bukuya (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Petero Civoniceva (Redcliffe Dolphins), Kane Evans (Sydney Roosters), Aaron Groom (Asquith Magpies), Ilisavani Jegesa (Nabua Broncos), Marika Koroibete (Wests Tigers), Apisai Koroisau (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Daryl Millard (Catalans Dragons), Ryan Millard (Burwood United), Kevin Naiqama (Newcastle Knights), Waisale Naiqama (Penrith Panthers), Alipate Noilea (Collegians Illawarra), Tikiko Noke (Lautoka Crushers), Vitale Junior (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Ashton Sims (North Queensland Cowboys), Korbin Sims (Newcastle Knights), Tariq Sims (North Queensland Cowboys), James Storer (Collegians Illawarra), Kaliova Nauqe (Fassifern Queensland), Akuila Uate (Newcastle Knights), Eloni Tui Michael Vunakece (Wyong Roos), Sisa Ledua (Melbourne Storm), Semi Radradra Turagasoli Waqavatu (Parramatta Eels)

Head coach: Rick Stone

FRANCE: Jean Philippe Baile (Catalans Dragons), William Barthau (Catalans Dragons), Andrew Bentley (Toulouse Olympique XIII), Kane Bentley (Toulouse Olympique XIII), Thomas Bosc (Catalans Dragons), Damien Cardace (Catalans Dragons), Remi Casty (Catalans Dragons), Vincent Duport (Catalans Dragons), Olivier Elima (Catalans Dragons), Morgan Escare (Catalans Dragons), Theo Fages (Salford Red Devils), Jamal Fakir (Catalans Dragons), Benjamin Garcia (Brisbane Broncos), Tony Gigot (Sporting Olympique Avignon XIII), Clint Greenshields (North Queensland Cowboys), Younes Khattabi (AS Carcassone XIII), Kevin Larroyer (Catalans Dragons), Antoni Maria (Catalans Dragons), Gregory Mounis (Catalans Dragons), Eloi Pelissier (Catalans Dragons), Sebastian Raguin (St Esteve XIII Catalan), Mickael Simon (Catalans Dragons), Cyril Stacul (FC Lezignan XIII), Frederic Vaccari (Catalans Dragons)

Head coach: Richard Agar

IRELAND: Dave Allen (Widnes Vikings), Luke Ambler (Halifax), Bob Beswick (Leigh Centurions), Damien Blanch (Catalans Dragons), Danny Bridge (Warrington Wolves), Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves), Liam Finn (Featherstone Rovers), Simon Finnigan (Leigh Centurions), Scott Grix (Huddersfield Giants), Simon Grix (Warrington Wolves), Kurt Haggerty (Barrow Raiders), James Hasson (Manly Sea Eagles), Rory Kostjayn (North Queensland Cowboys), Stuart Littler (Leigh Centurions), Tyrone McCarthy (Warrington Wolves), James Mendeika (Warrington Wolves), Anthony Mullally (Huddersfield Giants), Eamon O'Carroll (Widnes Vikings), Apirana Pewhairangi (Parramatta Eels), Pat Richards (Wigan Warriors), Colton Roche (Sheffield Eagles), Marc Sneyd (Castleford Tigers), Joshua Toole (St George Illawarra Dragons), Brett White (Canberra Raiders)

Head coach: Mark Aston

ITALY: Christophe Calegari (FC Lezignan XIII), Gioele Celerino (North West Roosters), Chris Centrone (North Sydney Bears), Fabrizio Ciaurro (Brescia RL), Cameron Ciraldo (Penrith Panthers), Ben Falcone (Souths Logan Magpies), Sam Gardel (Souths Logan Magpies), Ryan Ghetti (Northern Pride), Aiden Guerra (Sydney Roosters), Gavin Hiscox (Central Capras), Anthony Laffranchi (St Helens), Joshua Mantellato (Newcastle Knights), Tim McCann (Tweed Head Seagulls) , Anthony Minichiello (Sydney Roosters), Mark Minichiello (Gold Coast Titans), Raymond Nasso (Sporting Olympique Avignon XIII), Dean Parata (Parramatta Eels), Joel Riethmuller (North Queensland Cowboys), James Saltonstall (Warrington Wolves), Brendan Santi (Wests Tigers), Kade Snowden (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), James Tedesco (Wests Tigers), Ryan Tramonte (Windsor Wolves), Paul Vaughan (Canberra Raiders)

Head coach: Carlo Napolitano

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Josiah Abavu (Port Moresby Vipers), Paul Aiton (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats), Dion Aiye (Rabaul Gurias), Wellington Albert (Lae Tigers), Ase Boas (Rabaul Gurias), Jason Chan (Huddersfield Giants), Neville Costigan (Newcastle Knights), Israel Eliab (Port Moresby Vipers), Richard Kambo (Port Moresby Vipers), Roger Laka (Enga Mioks), Enoch Maki (Mendi Muruks), Larsen Marabe (Orange CYMS), Bosam McDonald (Sydney Roosters), David Mead (Gold Coast Titans), Mark Mexico (Lae Tigers), Jessie Joe Nandye (Whitehaven), Sebastien Pandia (Port Moresby Vipers), Francis Paniu (Rabaul Gurias), Joe Bruno (Rabaul Gurias), Jason Tali (Mount Hagen Eagles), Ray Thompson (North Queensland Cowboys), Charlie Wabo (Mendi Muruks), Menzie Yere (Sheffield Eagles)

Head coach: Adrian Lam

SAMOA: Roy Asotasi (South Sydney Rabbitohs), David Fa'alogo (Newcastle Knights), Pita Godinet (New Zealand Warriors), Harrison Hansen (Wigan Warriors), Masada Iosefa (Wests Tigers), Faleniu Iosi (Letava Bulldogs), Tim Lafai (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Joseph Leilua (Newcastle Knights), Teofilo Lepou (Marist Saints), Reni Maitua (Parramatta Eels), Penani Manumeasili (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Mose Masoe (Penrith Panthers), Suaia Matagi (New Zealand Warriors), Arden McCarthy (Point Chevalier Pirates), Anthony Milford (Canberra Raiders), Junior Moors (Melbourne Storm), Edward Purcell (New Zealand Warriors), Ben Roberts (Parramatta Eels), Iosia Soliola (St Helens), Sauaso Sue (Wests Tigers), Mark Taufua (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Ionatana Tino (Apia Barracudas), Daniel Vidot (St George Illawarra Dragons), Antonio Winterstein (Brisbane Broncos)

Head coach: Matt Parish

SCOTLAND: Danny Addy (Bradford Bulls), Sam Barlow (Halifax), Danny Brough (Huddersfield Giants), Brett Carter (Workington Town), Luke Douglas (Gold Coast Titans), Dale Ferguson (Huddersfield Giants), Ben Fisher (London Broncos), Ben Hellewell (Featherstone Rovers), Andrew Henderson (Sheffield Eagles), Ian Henderson (Catalans Dragons), Alex Hurst (London Broncos), Ben Kavanagh (Widnes Vikings), Kane Linnett (Gold Coast Titans), Rhys Lovegrove (Hull KR), Callum Phillips (Workington Town) , Brett Phillips (Workington Town), Matthew Russell (Gold Coast Titans), David Scott (Featherstone Rovers), Mitchell Stringer (Sheffield Eagles), Alex Szostak (Sheffield Eagles), Adam Walker (Hull KR), Jonathan Walker (Hull KR), Peter Wallace (Brisbane Broncos), Oliver Wilkes (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats)

Head coach: Steve McCormack

TONGA: Sosaia Feki (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Glen Fisi'iahi (New Zealand Warriors), Mahe Fonua (Melbourne Storm), Daniel Foster (Penrith Panthers), Sydney Havea (Liahona Old Boys), Siliva Havili (New Zealand Warriors), Konrad Hurrell (New Zealand Warriors), Brent Kite (Manly Sea Eagles), Samsoni Langi (Sydney Roosters), Siuatonga Likiliki (Newcastle Knights), Willie Manu (St Helens), Sika Manu (Penrith Panthers), Nesiasi Mataitonga (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Fuifui Moimoi (Parramatta Eels), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Wests Tigers), Mickey Paea (Hull KR), Patrick Politini (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Nafe Seluini (Sydney Roosters), Ukuma Ta'ai (Huddersfield Giants), Jorge Taufua (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles), Jason Taumololo (North Queensland Cowboys), Peni Terepo (Parramatta Eels), Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters), Siosa Vave (Parramatta Eels)

Head coach: Charlie Tonga

USA: Mark Cantoni (Dalby), Bureta Faramio (Mackay Cutters), Gabriel Farley (Southampton Dragons), Kristian Freed (Racing Club Lescure), Michael Garvey (Pennsylvania Bulls), Roman Hifo (Papakura Sea Eagles), Daniel Howard (Wentworthville Magpies), Stephen Howard (Tuggerong Bushrangers), Judah Lavulo (Cabramatta), Haveatama Luani (Wests Tigers), David Marando (Belrose Eagles), Ryan McGoldrick (Salford Red Devils), Clint Newton (Penrith Panthers), Mark Offerdahl (AS Carcassone XIII), Joseph Paulo (Parramatta Eels), Junior Paulo (Windsor Wolves), Matthew Petersen (Cudgen Hornets), Eddy Pettybourne (Wests Tigers), Craig Priestly (Southampton Dragons), Tuisegasega Samoa (Redcliffe Dolphins), Matthew Shipway (South Newcastle), Les Soloai (Featherstone Rovers), Lelauloto Tagaloa (Hawaii Chiefs), Taylor Welch (Chicago Griffins)

Head coach: Terry Matterson

WALES: Neil Budworth (unattached), Ross Divorty (Halifax), Gil Dudson (Wigan Warriors), Jacob Emmitt (Salford Red Devils), Ben Evans (Bradford Bulls), Rhys Evans (Warrington Wolves), Daniel Fleming (Castleford Tigers), Ben Flower (Wigan Warriors), Tyson Frizzel (St George Illawarra Dragons), James Gurtjens (North Devils), Jordan James (Salford Red Devils), Danny Jones (Keighley Cougars), Elliot Kear (Bradford Bulls), Craig Kopczak (Huddersfield Giants), Rhodri Lloyd (Wigan Warriors), Peter Lupton (Workington Town), Rob Massam (North Wales Crusaders), Larne Patrick (Huddersfield Giants), Christiaan Roets (North Wales Crusaders), Matt Seamark (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Anthony Walker (St Helens), Ian Webster (Central Queensland Capras), Lloyd White (Widnes Vikings), Rhys Williams (Warrington Wolves)

Head coach: Iestyn Harris

No jobs will be lost in restructure, O’Neill says

Source: The National, Tuesday September 24th, 2013

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has assured staff of the Ok Tedi mine that no jobs will be lost in the restructure of its ownership.
“The management will not change,” he said on the FM100 talkback programme yesterday.
“No job will be lost in the restructure.”
He said only the ownership was changing, with the PNG Sustainable Development Program’s (PNGSDP) focus now directed at the people’s development and social needs that had been neglected for too long.
He gave his assurance that the Ok Tedi Development Foundation and its good work would continue.
“Our focus will now be the people of Western, especially those in the affected areas,” he said.
“We must all now work with the provincial and local level governments.
“They know the priorities of their people.
“There will no longer be any competing interests.
“We cannot have two or three organisations running parallel projects.
“We must now align all the resources with the priorities of the people.
“PNGSDP or Ok Tedi is not about Sir Mekere or Peter O’Neill. This is about the people and what is rightfully theirs.
“We must make it work for them, not protect our ivory towers,” he said.
All the callers who raised questions with O’Neill on the radio spoke in support of the Government’s move.
A caller from Kiunga said the hospital there was in a very bad state.
He claimed PNGSDP had done nothing about it.
Another caller, John Vaki, said the immunity granted to BHP was wrong and BHP deserved to be sued for the destruction caused to the environment and the livelihood of the people there.
O’Neill said no new mining venture would be approved unless stringent environmental conditions were met.
He said this included the Nautilus project, which was proposing a deep sea mine using advanced technology

Polye has done the country proud

Source: Letters, The National, Monday September 23rd, 2013

ON behalf of my family, tribe,and Kandep people, I would like to congratulate Don Polye on his appointment as chairman of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
This came at a crucial time in the world economy.
This is a time which requires national governments and international institutions to display great calmness, courage and farsightedness.
Now, more than ever, PNG citizens are asking for a new democratic commitment capable of overcoming the crisis by restoring economic growth and jobs in PNG.
I am sure that with Polye as the chairman, PNG, in accordance with its traditions, will make decisive contributions to economic growth around the world, particularly among the emerging countries.
With his background in treasury and innovative ideas, he will surely contribute to economic growth at national and international levels.
I cannot think of anyone more worthy of this prestigious position and feel certain that the committee has made an excellent choice.
This award also brings honour to his home, Kandep, as well as the country.
Kambirip Kiap
Wabag

Ok Tedi nationalisation not OK, says PNG ex-leader

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news

by:ROWAN CALLICK, ASIA-PACIFIC EDITOR

From:The Australian

September 23, 201312:00AM

FORMER Papua New Guinea prime minister and central bank governor Mekere Morauta yesterday warned that last week's nationalisation of Ok Tedi Mining presented dangers for the country by increasing the perception of sovereign risk. The rapidly introduced legislation cancelled the shares of Ok Tedi's 63 per cent owner, a trust named PNG Sustainable Development Program, and issued new shares to the government, giving it 100 per cent control. Sir Mekere, the chairman of both Ok Tedi and PNGSDP, said the legislation "would undermine investor confidence at a time when a number of very large investments are on the horizon".

He said the bills "should have been circulated widely and debated fully, not kept secret and bulldozed through in one day". The nationalisation debate is likely to shift to the courts of Port Moresby and of Singapore, where PNGSDP is domiciled.

The PNG Treasurer, Don Polye, revealed last week that the budgeted fiscal deficit for 2013 of 7.2 per cent of gross domestic product -- following a succession of balanced or near-balanced budgets -- was expected to deteriorate to about 7.7 per cent.

He attributed this in part to falling commodity prices, and in part to large corrupt payments for "ghost workers" -- staff who have died or moved, or collect more than one salary -- on government payrolls.

It remains unclear how the government will pay for the takeover. The share of the mine owned by PNGSDP alone is valued at the equivalent of 55 per cent of this year's originally budgeted deficit.

Sir Mekere also said that "it is wrong to leave it to politicians to decide if compensation is to be paid (for expropriated shares), and the amount".

This will be decided by Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, according to the legislation, acting on cabinet advice.

Sir Mekere said: "Such decisions need to be taken according to clearly defined, established processes with full accountability and transparency."

He said that the Western Province villages in the vicinity of the mine, which signed the Community Mine Continuation Agreement in return for a flow of dividends and other benefits via PNGSDP, "have been tricked by a ruthless Prime Minister focused on his own ambitions".

Sir Mekere said: "Where we can fight, we will fight. Why are we expropriating assets from our own people?"

State to Own Ok Tedi Mining Ltd

State to own Ok Tedi
House passes Bill to hold 100 per cent stake in mine

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

PARLIAMENT has passed amendments to the OK Tedi Mining Agreement for the State to have 100 per cent ownership of the OK Tedi mine.
The move by Parliament also ended a war of words between Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and OTML chairman Sir Mekere Morauta over the issue.
When making the amendments, Parliament passed a new tenth Supplementary Agreement that will result in the cancellation of PNG Sustainable Development Program (PNGSDP) shares in OTML and the issue of new shares to the State.
On the commencement date, all ordinary shares held by PNGSDP in the share capital of OTML shall be cancelled and cease to exist.
More than 122 million new fully-paid shares in the share capital of OTML will be issued to the State.
These shares are free of any encumbrances, charges or equitable interests.
The PNGSDP will undergo a major restructure of its operations to ensure its funds is exclusively for the benefit of the people of Western Province.
The new Bill also provided that any person who has any choice in action or right to pursue or enforce legal proceedings against or in relation to BHP in relation in connection with the operation of the OK Tedi mine will now have their full rights restored.
The effect of this is that individuals will have all their legal rights restored and are free to pursue any new or former actions against BHP.
The Mining (OK Tedi Ninth Supplementary Agreement) (Amendment) Bill 2013 was introduced by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and was passed 62-0 votes.
Several MPs, including Sir Michael Somare, Garry Juffa, Tobias Kulang and Sam Basil abstaining by walking out of the chambers before the vote was taken.
Sir Michael during debate warned of the negative image this kind of legislation would have on future investors who were thinking of investing in the country.
Mr Kulang said legacy issues were against the State in the government’s failure to manage their own state enterprises.
He also called on Mr O’Neill to give a break-down of shareholding between the landowners, provincial government and the State.
Mr O’Neill, when presenting the amendment said this was a very important Bill to be introduced to the House.
“No one can sit in this House and excuse BHP for the destruction it had caused. But that is what the Government under Sir Mekere did in 2001,” Mr O’Neill said.
“They came up with a deal that would grant total immunity to BHP from prosecution for environmental damage or compensation, in exchange for a program company set up outside of PNG, and still controlled by BHP.”
The company was set up in Singapore, called the PNGSDP.
“Off course Sir Mekere now sits at the top of PNGSDP and Ok Tedi Mining Ltd, as chairman, courtesy of his friends at BHP when he retired.”

 

Chief’s word of warning to ‘young MPs’

Source: The National, Thursday September 19th, 2013

GRAND Chief Sir Michael Somare warned parliamentarians yesterday not to rush the Ok Tedi Mine Continuation Amendment Bill before he walked out of the chamber when a vote was about to be taken.
Sir Michael when debating on the bill had warned MPs not to rush into making amendments and laws that would give the wrong signal to the international community.
“I see the mood and emotions of parliament,” the former prime minister said.
“I support the idea but we must understand (that) today the action of this parliament will give a wrong signal to the international community that we are moving towards the nationalisation of all resource ownership.
“If there is a problem, the prime minister should call for dialogue. You can’t do it (through) legislations.”
He said Ok Tedi had made a lot of money for the country.
Sir Michael, who was interjected through a point of order, said what he said was for the good of the nation.
He said the action would affect the economy and the trust the country had in the international community as a destination of investment.
“I do not oppose, yes people discuss what the people understand,” he said.
“Paias Wingti, Julius Chan and I are around. No one listened to us but I warn you young MPs that things do not change overnight. You must be careful.
“We are respectful people. We hear one side of the story here but we have not heard the other side of the story.
“For the benefit of PNG ... think before doing it.”

Sir Mekere not backing down

Source: The National, Thursday September 19th, 2013

By MALUM NALU and JEFFREY ELAPA
SIR Mekere Morauta has vowed to fight tooth-and-nail to defend the Western people’s US$1.6 billion (K3.97 billion) share in the Ok Tedi Mining
Ltd (OTML) from being taken away by the Government.
Parliament yesterday passed the Mining (Ok Tedi Tenth Supplemental Agreement) Bill 2013 with 62 votes to nil to give the Government full ownership of the giant mine.
Sir Mekere, the PNG Sustainable Development Program (PNGSDP) Ltd chairman, also accused Prime Minister Peter O’Neill of planning to control the US$1.4 billion in PNGSDP’s longterm fund which was being kept in Singapore.
But a spokesman for O’Neill yesterday said the people of Western, through their elected leaders, had voted in Parliament to approve the State’s 100% ownership of the mine.
Sir Mekere yesterday said despite the Government having the overwhelming majority to pass legislation to take control of the mine, the PNGSDP, as custodian of the Western people, would not give it up without a fight.
“I can only defend,” he told a media conference.
“Under our constitution, the state can expropriate private assets if it is in the national interest but a fair compensation has to be paid.
“He (O’Neill) has to convince us that it’s in the national interest. If it is in the national interest, he has to pay. That’s under the constitution.
“I hope he’s the last prime minister to expropriate his own people’s assets without compensation.”
Sir Mekere said O’Neill had the PNGSDP firmly in his sight.
“He’s not only trying to take US$1.6 billion by expropriating these shares, he wants to take control of US$1.4 billion in the long-term fund, saved from past dividends for expenditure in future after mine closure.
“He wants to take control of that as well as start spending now. It doesn’t make sense to me. Why is he so unkind to the people of Western?”
In yesterday’s sitting, O’Neill said the transfer of 100% shareholdings in OTML was in the best interests of the people of Western and PNG.
“According to the Ninth Supplementary Agreement, BHP gifted its shares in the mine to PNGSDP. This meant that PNGSDP held 63% of the shares in Ok Tedi and the State held the remainder. The intention of this was that the mine would effectively be owned by the State. The mine would belong to the people of Western and its proceeds would be used for their benefit.
“However, PNGSDP has not operated as intended and BHP has continued to have a hand in PNGSDP. This is wrong. We are a sovereign country and can be trusted to manage our own resources and affairs. The State must be able to act on its own accord.
“It is time to review the operation of PNGSDP.
“The state is not taking these shares – it will be providing some compensation to PNGSDP.”
O’Neill said regardless of the amount of compensation, the people of Western would not be disadvantaged as the dividends from OK Tedi would be used to fund development projects under the Western Province Development Plan.
“We are simply returning an asset that was gifted to the people of Western back to them, so that they can fully benefit from it, and begin to rebuild their lives.”

Ok Tedi immunity removed

Source: The National, Thursday September 19th, 2013

OK Tedi mine landowners can now pursue legal actions against BHP in relation to environmental damage caused by the mining operation.
It follows Parliament’s amendment of the Immunity Act 2001 yesterday.
The bill, tabled by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, received overwhelming support from MPs. They repealed the Ninth Supplemental Agreement on Ok Tedi where all parties undertook to waive any rights or action against BHP Biliton and the State in relation to environmental damage caused by the mining operations at Ok Tedi.
O’Neill said the mine caused a lot of environmental damage which the State and the people did not expect.
He said BHP, “hell-bent on the profits”, ignored it and allowed the disposal of waste into the Fly River, causing extensive environmental damage which affected many lives.
“No one can sit in this house and excuse BHP for the destruction it had caused. But that is what the government, under Sir Mekere Morauta, did in 2001,” the prime minister said.
“They came up with a deal that would grant total immunity to BHP from prosecution for environmental damage or compensation, in exchange for a programme company (PNGSD) set up outside of PNG in Singapore, and still controlled by BHP.
“Of course Sir Mekere now sits at the top of PNGSDP, and Ok Tedi Mining Ltd as chairman, courtesy of his friends at BHP when he retired.”
He said the Bill would remove this waiver for BHP Biliton meaning that landowners or affected parties could bring any action or enforce any right against it.
“The government in 2001 made a very bad decision in granting immunity to a corporate giant, preventing its own people from exercising their right under law to sue for permanent damages done to their environment and their livelihood.
“This doesn’t happen anywhere else. Companies and corporate entities own up to their responsibilities and pay compensation,” he said.

Kondra thankful for govt takeover

Source: The National, Thursday September 19th, 2013

NORTH Fly MP Boka Kondra thanked parliamentarians for wiping away the tears and bearing the burden of the people of Western by passing a bill to protect their interest.
Kondra, an Ok Tedi mine landowner, said the people had suffered because of the arrogance of BHP by dumping waste into the Fly River which had been a concern for a long time.
“I speak on behalf of the people of Western and the provincial government and say thank you to government for wiping away the tears of our people,” he said.
“The lady that we got married to (referring to BHP) although exited 10 years ago was still in control and was not good.
“The time has come for her to go.”
Kondra said since 1979, no development had taken place.
“We have been crucified for the benefit of economical benefit by creating indemnity.”
He said many people had died while others were affected by the pollution.
“Some students sent to New Zealand went through some tests which found that their blood contained metals.”
Middle Fly MP Roy Biyama said the people had suffered enough with many experiencing the effect of the pollution of their river system.
Others who took part in the debate and supported the bill were Sumkar MP Ken Fairweather, Middle Ramu MP Tommy Tomscoll and Environment and Conservation Minister John Pundari

Sir Mekere: Bill is a grab for money, power

By TODAGIA KELOLA

Chairman of PNG Sustainable Development Program Sir Mekere Morauta has described a legislation passed by Parliament as a blatant grab for power and money, and would have serious negative consequences for the nation and for Western Province in particular.
And he has vowed on behalf of PNGSDP to examine the law and see what options they have.
“We have a duty to the people of Western Province who own the mine and receive the dividends paid to PNGSDP in the form of social and economic development to protect their rights and their assets,” Sir Mekere said.
“I guarantee them that we will do all that we can.”
Earlier in the day before Parliament passed the legislation, Sir Mekere held a news conference and reiterated his statement that the decision by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to expropriate Ok Tedi Mining Limited without compensation was “nothing more than stealing an asset” from the people of Western Province.
Sir Mekere said PNGSDP would do “everything in its power to prevent expropriation without compensation” and was ready to take legal action if the legislation was brought to Parliament.
“Those shares are owned by the people of Western Province, not PNGSDP,” he said.
“PNGSDP is merely the custodians of them.
The Prime Minister is legally and morally obliged to pay a full and fair price if he is so determined to get his hands on them.”
Sir Mekere said the company would stand with the people of Western Province who had voiced their strong opposition to the government’s plans.
“PNGSDP has a duty to protect Western Province people’s assets and will do so with all necessary legal means,” he said.
“Stealing an asset worth approximately K2 billion to the people of Western Province plus their annual K450 million share of the Ok Tedi dividends is not acceptable legally or morally. It is unconstitutional as well. I also fear that this is just the first step – I hope he does not want to get his hands on PNGSDP itself and the $US1.4 billion in the long-term fund.”
Sir Mekere was shocked by the PM’s announcement on EMTV and said he had spent the past six months trying to negotiate with the PM for a fair deal on the Western Province’s 63.4 per cent shareholding held by PNGSDP.
Mr O’Neil on Tuesday slammed Sir Mekere, saying the PNGSDP had mixed success in its various programs and its failures were notable for an organisation that was “growing like a bureaucracy” in PNG.
“We know he (Sir Mekere) represents BHP on that particular board, he does not represent the people of Papua New Guinea, he does not represent the people of Western Province. He does not represent Western Provincial Government in any shape whatsoever,” Mr O’Neill said.
“His interest is very clear, he represents foreign interests, he represents BHP – now our Government is trying to correct the mistakes of the past.
“We are trying to ensure that there is transparency and accountability in the way that OK Tedi is managed, in the way that PNGSDP is managed and it must be done for the interest of the people of Western province and the people of Papua New Guinea as a whole.
“The assets of OK Tedi and the assets of PNG Development Program is not Sir Mekere’s, it is not BHP’s – it belongs to the people of Western Province and it is the people of PNG who rightfully own those assets.
“That is why it is important that we manage them in consultation with our people.”

Mining Act upsets Opposition

The Opposition has raised concern that the Government is tabling amendments to the Mining Act to give the State “maximum power” to determine the future of the Ok Tedi Mine and the PNGSDP.
In a statement the Opposition said, “We are very concerned that the Government is setting a very dangerous precedence here by trying to legislate to take control of private companies.”
They said the move was a very negative signal to the investment communities and will create a lot of unnecessary anxiety.
“We are very concerned that this Government is using its numerical strength and the immunity of the amended Section 145 to slowly become dictatorial.”
The statement read that this was what the Opposition had been trying to warn the people of this country when it raised issues on the amendments to Section 145 on Motions of vote of no confidence.
It said, “This is a very dangerous trend for this country and the people must pressure and encourage their local members of parliament to use their conscience to scrutinise such bills.
“The opposition is also concerned that certain pertinent questions remain unanswered with the bill.” The points raised include:
* The Prime Minister has not clearly defined what is going to be the new shareholding structure once the Ok Tedi mining is taken over.
* Will the current 63 per cent shareholding by the people of Western Province increase or decrease?
* How much shareholding is the state planning to take? will it remain at 37 per cent or increase?
* What happens to the $US1.4 billion held in Singapore by PNGSDP for the people of Western Province for future generations? Who takes control of these funds when the take over takes place?
* What is the corporate structure that the government will use to take over the operations of the OTML? Will there be political appointment at the board and management?
* Have they consulted the people about this move?
The Opposition said that until these pertinent questions were answered, they were very suspicious of the Government’s move and would like to request for more clarity from the government. This is a very important matter especially for the people of Western Province who have suffered from the bad decisions of past governments.

Kondra: Economic independence vital

By MELISSA MARTIN

Papua New Guinea must be economically-independent and self-reliant, says Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture and North Fly MP Boka Kondra.
Mr Kondra, who was in his electorate for a visit last weekend, said PNG was rich in natural resources but does not possess the “buying power” and we are still poor on our own land.
“We must start to think, talk, plan and act positively towards being economically independent,” he said.
“I urge Papua New Guineans not to be lazy; we must spend money wisely and use it on starting small businesses or Small Medium Enterprises which the O’Neill-Dion Government is embarking on.”
Mr Kondra said the Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) will be taken over by the people of Western Province and the Government as of January 1, 2014.
“More than 63 per cent shares of PNG Sustainable Development Program will be diverted back to the people of Western Province and the Government,” he said.
Mr Kondra said the government was ready to overthrow the supplementary agreement number nine with developer BHP.
He said this in response to the community mine continuation agreement (CMCA) leaders’ recent media reports opposing the Government’s move to take over PNGSDP.
Mr Kondra urged them to calm down and cooperate with the Government to take over the mine because it was for the interest for the people of Western Province and PNG.
“What the Government is doing is clear; it wants to give ownership back to the people and not to be deprived on our own land by foreign companies,” Mr Kondra said.
“PNGSDP is BHP’s, it is not ours, how much percentages do we as landowners or people of Western Province own?”
He said said OTML would be the first to be taken over by the people and the Government and it will be a model mine for others to follow.
“The National Executive Council will come here to sign new agreements with us,” he said

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Papua New Guinea takes first step towards an NRL team with Queensland Cup entrant

Source: couriermail, http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl

by:Chris Garry and Peter Badel, From:The Courier-Mail, September 19, 201312:00AM

A Kumuls mascot walks onto the field before a PNG game. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: DailyTelegraph

A PAPUA New Guinea team is set to join the Intrust Super Cup as a bold step in the rugby league-mad nation’s pursuit of an NRL franchise.

Security concerns for travelling teams remain a stumbling block for the entry of the ISC’s 13th club, especially in the wake of last week’s deadly attack on the Black Cat trail.

It is understood the PNG government will cover costs for private security teams to accompany Queensland-based players into Port Morseby, the club’s home.

A handful of ISC clubs are not in favour of PNG gaining admission, with Norths chief executive Mark Murray wanting financial stability for the established clubs to come first.

ISC general manager Jamie O’Connor said in-principle agreement had been given to the PNG group, headed by veteran league administration Brad Tassell, for a start next year.

"They have applied for entry and been given conditional support by the board, subject to some clauses that need to be agreed to,” O’Connor said.

"We are working through those conditions at the moment. Security is a major issue, as are details of travel and medical care.

"We are hoping to have things locked away by grand final week but nothing is in stone.

"One of the conditions is that this does not cost us, because quite simply we cannot afford to expand right now. PNG will pay their own way.

"There is a great opportunity over there to expand our brand through broadcasting in PNG."

The PNG team could even play curtainraisers to NRL matches, with the ARL Commission considering a dramatic revamp of the code’s second tier and relegating the under-20s competition to midweek.

The team, whose home ground will be Port Morseby’s Lloyd Robson Oval, will be able to recruit players from Australia but it is expected to be largely made up of local players.

Maroons coach and PNG Kumuls assistant Mal Meninga is a supporter of the club’s entry to the ISC.

"Having a PNG team playing in the ISC would just do wonders for the programs that they have in place up there," Meninga wrote in his Sunday Mail column earlier this year.

"It creates another pathway. They can play footy, earn money, and get recognised and go on to bigger and better things."

The Port Morseby Vipers played in the Queensland Cup in 1996 and 1997, but pulled out due to financial issues.

Murray said his club was not against the PNG team, but ensuring current clubs stayed afloat should be the priority.

"The club group want stability around the competition and the current clubs before any expansion takes place,” he said.

"We want to make sure the current clubs are looked after before we look at a PNG team. We aren’t against PNG at all, but our first priority is to stabilise the clubs and ensure their sustainability.”

The ISC will expand to 14 teams in 2015, with a Townsville Brothers team set to be included