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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