P.N.G. Gossip Newsletter - 26 Nov 2003

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PNG Gossip Newsletter Meri Milne Bay

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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 e-mail them to giaman@pnggossip.com

Articles for this newsletter

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Neo Melanesian

"Pidgin English"
Tok Pisin English
long along
long at
long because of
long tall
long than
long to
long bek backwards
long halivim instead of
long hap? there
long namel long? through
long olgeta ples everywhere
long sampela hap somewhere
long / longpela long
long? for
longlong / het i pas stupid
longlong; waia i lus crazy
~~~~~~~

 

 

Remember that this mailing list is mainly meant 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 28.5 - 29 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

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

Superannuation Funds



The Association of Superannuation Funds PNG (ASFPNG) has a website located at -- http://www.asfpng.org.pg -- ASFPNG is an industry body established in 2002 by interested industry participants with the common goal to protect superannuants retirement savings within a regulated environment whilst fostering a competitive industry.



Milne Bay



Milne Bay Tourism Bureau -- http://www.milnebaytourism.gov.pg

Kaikuali Theatre Dance Group -- http://www.jupacami.net/adventures/png/kaikuali.htm

Masurina Lodge -- http://www.masurina.com.pg/ -- unfortunately this page did not render correctly on my PC so I was unable to view it correctly. Give it a try - it may be okay for you.

Napatana Lodge -- http://www.napatanalodge.com/ -- Napatana Lodge is the first eco-tourism lodge in Alotau. Napatana is a traditionally built pole house that has been made from tropical timbers.

Alotau International Hotel -- http://www.airwayshotels.com/Alotau/homePage.html -- Part of the Airways Group -- http://www.airwayshotels.com

Walk from Alotau to Dogura (Wamira village) -- A walk along the Milne Bay Coast -- http://www.michie.net/pnginfo/wamira.html

Milne Bay Estates -- http://www.mbe.com.pg

 

News Items



2004 Budget



The 2004 budget has been handed down by Parliament initial reaction is that it has no major surprises. A two percent (2%) levy on all imports is seen as being a worry for exporters as it will increase the cost of much of the raw materials imported and made into exportable items. It will also increase the price of goods on the shelves for local purchasers. Politicians will get an extra K100,000 on top of the existing K500,000 to spend as they choose on their electorates.

Smokers, gamblers and drinkers get a win. Excise duty on alcohol and tobacco products has been frozen until December 2004. From then a tax indexed at 2.5 percent will be imposed every six months.. Poker and gaming machine excise duty has been lowered from 170 percent to 50 percent for 2004. It looks like the government is keen to get the vote from this group of people.



PMGH



Thanks to the combined efforts of Oil Search, the Port Moresby General Hospital and the Badili Club children in Ward 2B at the Hospital can now enjoy brand new showers without fear of the sewerage spilling into the ward. Oil Search donated K30,000 towards the renovation of the showers and toilets used by the wards.



PMGH Labour Ward



A friend about to give birth recently was told by the Labour Ward at the Port Moresby General Hospital that she had to bring along her own basic medical necessities such as gloves, hypodermic syringes, oxytocin and sanitary pads. She chose to go to one of the private clinics and gave birth to a healthy baby boy there. Lady Carol Kidu was shocked to find out about the problem and contacted the Inner Wheel for help. The Inner Wheel is made up of wives of Rotarians and City Pharmacy. They have been able to round up gloves, hypodermic syringes, sanitary pads and 2000 bottles of oxytocin used to prevent excessive bleeding after delivery and have them delivered to the ward.



Vanilla Theft



Four Air Niugini cargo handlers are facing court action after the disappearance of vanilla destined for export overseas. Approximately K98,000 worth of vanilla went missing on its way to Europe.



Bogia



The MP for Bogia, John Hickey, has distributed one million cocoa polyton bags and 20,000 vanilla cuttings to villagers in his electorate. More than 80 villagers have completed a two-week cocoa and vanilla training workshop conducted recently at Goimban Village, Ramu. Participants are confident of being able to grow their own vanilla and cocoa after the training course.



Frequently Asked Questions



QQQ What is the most common disease in PNG?
AAA Malaria is the most common disease and the second leading cause of death in PNG hospitals. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death.

QQQ What are the various types of malaria found in PNG?
AAA There are four types of malaria found in the world that can affect humans but only three types are found in PNG

They are falciparum malaria, vivax malaria and thanks to John Mackerell who has advised that there is a third species of malaria found in PNG called malariae malaria (P. malariae) - basically like vivax but without vivax's persistent liver stage.

QQQ Of the two types of malaria found in PNG which one is the most dangerous?
AAA falciparum malaria is the most serious. If not treated falciparum malaria may result in shock, kidney and liver failure, coma and death. Death is often due to clogging of the small blood vessels in vital organs by the malaria-infected blood cells.

QQQ What is the less life-threatening malaria found in PNG?
AAA vivax malaria is generally not life threatening, but deaths may occur in young children, very old people and in people already weakened by another disease.

QQQ Where is malaria found in PNG?
AAA Malaria is generally found at altitudes lower than 1,600 metres. The temperature above this altitude restricts mosquito and parasite growth. As a result of increased travel, malaria does occur in some of the highlands valleys.

QQQ How is malaria spread?
AAA Malaria is spread by the bite of the Anopheles mosquito. These mosquitos almost exclusively bite at dusk and during the night. Daytime mosquitoes are usually not carriers of malaria.

QQQ What are the drugs used to treat malaria?
AAA The drugs used are dangerous and should only be taken under medical supervision. Chloroquine, Fansidar, artesunate / artemether and primaquine. No drug or combination of drugs is completely effective in all people.

QQQ How can I protect myself against malaria?
AAA Prevention of being bitten by an infected mosquito is important but nor perfect. Added protection from malaria is possible by taking anti-malarial drugs. Taking drugs before becoming sick, to prevent disease from developing is called prophylaxis. A prophylactic drug is supposed to prevent or suppress the disease even if bitten by an infected mosquito.



Malaria Treatment



Steve Bjorge has advised the following on the use of artemether or artesunate for the treatment of malaria, it is important that people understand that artemether or artesunate used alone may not cure the malaria infection. The NDOH recommended treatment is artemether or artesunate (they are closely related compounds) taken daily for 7 days IN COMBINATION with a single dose of Fansidar (for an adult, 3 tablets). The artesunate/artemether drugs are very effective in knocking down the parasite biomass in the blood and thus reducing the fever, but they still can fail to knock out every last parasite. Studies have shown up to a 50% recrudescence rate after 5 days of artesunate/artemether, and a 5% recrudescence rate after 7 days of artesunate/artemether (i.e. less than 100%).

Note: According to http://www.dictionary.com/ -- re·cru·desce means "to break out anew or come into renewed activity, as after a period of quiescence" and recrudescence means "a return of something after a period of abatement" - "a recrudescence of malaria"



Governor General



The Supreme Court has declared the election of Sir Albert Kipalan as Governor General void. Fresh elections have been called for on the 2nd of December next week. The correct procedures to elect a Governor General were not followed by the Clerk of Parliament. Sir Albert said he was confident of being elected in any fresh election. The previous Governor General, Sir Silas Atopare, has already vacated the position and official residence.



Air Niugini



Just as Air Niugini gets back on its feet several airports were closed earlier this week to F28 operations. Madang and Mount Hagen were both closed to F28 jet operations due to the failure of the Civil Aviation Authority to maintain vital navigational aids. The Civil Aviation Authority has now reopened both airports to F28 operations after emergency maintenance work this week by their workers.



Paradise Magazine



The new release of the Air Niugini in flight magazine "Paradise" labelled Volume 1 2003 has finally hit Port Moresby. The release was delayed due to recent problems with the Boeing 767 aircraft. This meant that there was no space available for company freight on the sector from Brisbane to Port Moresby. The plane was booked solid with a backlog of commercial freight. The new magazine has been published by Islands Business International based in Suva, Fiji and is delivered to Brisbane for on forwarding on Air Niugini services.



Fokker F28 Aircraft



Air Niugini is attempting to locate a replacement for the aging Fokker F28 aircraft that it currently uses for domestic flights and a twice-daily service to Cairns Australia. I recently came across a Post Courier newspaper article detailing plans by the late Sir Iambakey Okuk to replace the F8's in October 1980. 23 years on and the planes are still flying. Maybe that was the trouble with the aircraft - too darn reliable and then parts became too expensive when the airline had no money to replace the fleet. If they had been troublesome they would have been replaced ages ago before the price and availability of spares became a major problem in the running of the aircraft. If you are interested part of the newspaper item can be located at the bottom of this newsletter.



Fish Farming



Coffee is a better-known product to come out of the Banz area of the Wahgi Valley but now other activities are also becoming a money-spinner for the population. Fish farming has gained momentum in the past few years. The two most popular species that people are farming are trout and carp. Another money-spinner for the people of Banz in the Western Highlands is insect farming with the majority of insect being butterflies bred for export to the United States.



Ban Gambling



The women from Yalu and other surrounding villages in Lae have petitioned the Social Welfare and Development Minister, Lady Carol Kidu, to ban gambling and restrict the sale of alcohol. Alcohol is seen as a major factor in family family. The petition also called for the banning of all forms of gambling including bookmakers and poker machines.



Media Freedom



The State Enterprises and Information Minister, Arthur Somare, has made an assurance to the PNG Media Council that the government led by his father had no intention of regulating the media. This follows on from the recent call made buy the Deputy Prime Minister and several other politicians to have laws made to regulate the media in PNG.



Motor Vehicle Hospital



The hospital built by the Motor Vehicle Insurance Trust at the back of the Port Moresby General Hospital is still unoccupied. despite being finished years ago. The only occupants of the hospital are security guards paid to look after the place. Does anyone know of what is to happen to this building? It appears that it will rot before it is occupied.



Capital Punishment



Lady Carol Kidu said that "rights must be balanced by the responsibility to respect the rights of others" when talking about fast tracking hanging for the worst criminal offenders. She said that anonymous solders could carry out the function, as it was not a function of the Police or Correctional Services. She called on the introduction of a rapid response mechanism similar to the existing police rapid response unit. Her call follows the brutal murder of a nine-year-old schoolgirl after she was abducted and raped recently.



Travel Advice



The Australian Government has the following advice for Australian's resident in PNG -- http://www.dfat.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Papua_New_Guinea -- This is part of the effort being made by the Australian Government to better educate Australian's living or travelling overseas. I recommend a visit to the special web site located at -- http://smartraveller.gov.au -- even if you are not an Aussie.



Aussie Army



The Australian Defence Force is red faced after soldiers were discovered dumping used batteries in a village garden. The Army has apologised to PNG and the villagers and removed the dumped batteries and made them ready to ship back to Australia for disposal. Two soldiers who used their initiative to dispose of the batteries are believed to have been reprimanded over the incident.



Moresby Robbery



Another robbery has taken place in Port Moresby with the criminals dressed up as heavily armed policemen. This would appear to be another case of the criminals doing their Christmas shopping early. The robbery took place around midday when the robbers held up staff at the Zucci Mode store in Gordons. Shots were fired into the air during the robbery and two hostages taken were later released in a nearby suburb unharmed but shaken.



Gold Production



New Guinea Gold Limited hope to be able to pour its first gold from its Sinivit mine project by the end of 2004. Sinivit, formerly known as Wild Dog will also move its two gold mines on Normanby Island in the Milne Bay Province into full production in 2005 and 2006. It is hoped that the Sinivit project will be able to produce up to 40,000 ounces of gold per year.



Parliamentary Speaker



The Speaker of Parliament is under the scrutiny of the Ombudsman Commission for taking a trip to Mexico. The Commission attempted to stop him from travelling by issuing orders to Air Niugini and Qantas to not let him travel.



Baked Sweet Potato



3 Cups mashed sweet potato or Kau Kau
3 Tablespoons butter
3 Tablespoons finely sliced onions
3 eggs
Half-teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 Tablespoon milk
salt and pepper to taste.

After mashing the cooked sweet potato, mix in the butter, onion, milk, cinnamon, salt and pepper.
Separate the egg whites from the yolks.
Beat them separately.
Fold the egg yolks into the mashed potato followed by the egg whites.

Place mixture in a greased baking dish.
Brush the top with butter and bake in the oven with the dish placed in a pan of water for 35 to 40 minutes at 160 degrees Celsius. (325 degrees Fahrenheit)



Nasfund



The Managing Director of the Nasfund has said that the fund hopes to more than double its assets by 2008. This would mean that the fund would have more than K1 billion in assets. This is a key objective of the fund's vision for the next four years. Four years ago the forerunner of the Nasfund - the National Provident fund only had assets of K125 million and was in severe financial trouble. -- http://www.nasfund.com.pg



The Drum



The famous Post Courier Column "The Drum" has been in the electronic age for sometime now. For all of those people who are familiar with The Drum you can now email titbits of gossip to thedrum@spp.com.pg or you can still send a facsimile message to +675 320-1781. For those not familiar with The Drum then I suggest taking a look at the Post Courier website located at http://www.postcourier.com.pg and follow your nose to "The Drum".



An Interesting Newspaper Item




Air Niugini is still attempting to replace its fleet of F28 aircraft 23 years after this newspper article.






PNG Media


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-- THE END --

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 send email to PNG-News@pnggossip.com

 






Created 26 Nov 2003
Updated 6 Dec 2003

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