Christmas at Koukou 2012

Celebrating Christmas with Nellie S Sariman at Koukou Hanua 2012. This was a time when families came together to spend time with our grandmother, mother, aunty, nakimi and friend. It also saw everyone put aside differences and celebrate with a spirit of celebration and reconciliation. Merry Christmas and happy new year!

IPPCC Christmas Outing at Taurama 2012

We recently had our Office Picnic at Taurama Beach. Most of the family enjoyed the outing. This was the final function for 2012 to sum up a successful year for the IPPCC.

Sacrifice and commitment pays off

The last fives years was never an easy road to the end. This quiet spoken Buin lad was determine to take up his dream of studying law even though it meant that he had to go on leave without pay. With obstacles and challenges that seems endless. This finally came to an end on December 2012. There to witness his graduation was his wife and daughter. Fidelis Lugabai was admitted to the Bar after successfully completing his 4 years of legal studies at the University of Papua New Guinea. To practice law, as a mandatory requirement, lawyers must do a one year course at Legal Training Institute (LTI) in order to practice in Papua New Guinea. I happened to have met up with him one weekend where we exchanged numbers and so established our contact since we parted our separate ways nearly 14 years ago at Sogeri National High. We lived in the same dorm in year 11 and his cubical was next to mine. I did briefly meet up with him whilst on duty travel four years ago at Buka Airport and that was it until 2011. As he recalls from the photos from National High, being a typical Milne Bay, I was more or less like a primary school student amongst the grown up or as he puts it “baby”. Before he left, I invited him and his family over for dinner and to catch up on the last 14 years. Like everyone, we all have our goals and aspirations and one of his passions is fighting corruption at all levels.)All the best for the future Sergent! (Pictured above- Graduation at LTI Dec 2012, below-Sogeri National High. More pictures click here.

Royals at my door step

The Royal couple, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall drove past the house the other day on their way to a Boera Village in the Central village. It was a privilege to witness this historic visit. The sunny Sunday afternoon gave a pleasant atmosphere of excitement and curiosity to the whole event. The blazing heat didn’t bother the enthuestic crowd that waited patiently as far as Konedobu, Hanuabada, Kanudi, Tatana, Baruni along stretch of road leading to Boera. This is the same road that leads the the multibillion kina LNG project. The Royal couple’s visit marks the Diamond Jubilee celebrated by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. They end the PNG tour and will fly to Australia and New Zealand. More pictures click here

FM100 live on the internet

Fm100 is now streaming live on the internet. Just type in the address www.fm100.com.pg to listen. It automatically comes on and works well with a fast internet connection so broadband would be advisable. Any slow connection would drop off. The web page needs updating though but wherever you are in other parts of the world and wanting to listen to Papua New Guinean radio station, this is the site to visit. The recommended web browser is google chrome but also works on others. Your music variety leader fm100

Wanigela Village

Wanigela village is made up of settlers from Wanigela, Waori and people from surrounding Marshall lagoon area. Pictured background is the Don Bosco, Gabutu while the other pic shows where mostly settlers from Fisherman Island come in to sell their catch.

Late Ali Mase's funeral gathering

Late Ali Hebou Mase's funeral was held at his home village of Vabukori on a clear skied Saturday. Village activities were suspended in respect for the passing of Skipper as he is well known by his peers and family at large. click here for more pictures

Bustling town of Alotau

The wharf down in Alotau, Sanderson Bay has been completed and is in use now. Also in use is the newly opened Transit Hotel where islanders come in and overnight whilst selling their market produce. Currently the hotel doesn't charge any fee. Whilst down there there are strong sentiments that the lodge should charge a little fee for the up keeping. This was aired by one of the worker at the hotel. Another feather was the improvement of the town main bus stop. This has been extended and now caters for passengers towards Gurney,East Cape and the North Coast

Cabinet in the 9th Parliament

See the latest Cabinet Ministers and Political Party updates after the National General Elections in 2012 click here

National Institution continue to scrap through

The election observation during the month of July 2012 saw our team visiting a number of areas on our trip. One such place was the Igam Military barracks in Lae, Morobe Province. As with many governmental institutions many have seen the deterioration of infrastructure around it. The once pride of our country lie in bush covered vegetation almost a meter high. There was however some areas neatly cut but the place itself looked like a ghost town. The only post manned was the front entrance as we came in but the guard was not like the ones I knew before in the 1980s were very smart and on guard. It’s a pity an iconic institution that was once rated as one of the finest in jungle warfare had been neglected over the past years.

Smooth Pollings for Lae and Madang

Polling on the ground for two the centres went smoothly. Most were in an orderly manner with little security issues. We visited the three electorates in the Morobe Provinces which include Lae Open, Nawae Open and Huon Gulf electorates respectively before heading for Madang Province. By the time we arrived most of Madang electorate had polled. Sumkar on the outskirts of Madang was our next stop. From the surveyed questioned asked in regards to political parties, nearly 90% did not support a particular party. The sentiment received was that people tend to go with the candidate based on his merit, status or influence on the community or society. When asked about the women's opinion the general answer that women gave was that they voted according to the husbands support. Most people that went to vote found that they didn't have their names on the roll and were denied the right to vote. Overall the atmosphere was calm and collective in most polling stations. For the latest results on the national general elections 2012, click here or visit www.ippcc.gov.pg

Madang Morobe Highway

b

The highway from Morobe to Madang is pretty much good though bumpy at times. The section in the Usino Bundi electorate is the part that is unsealed. PMV Buses frequent the highway as well as travelers who would rather save some bucks using this mode than on air. Another group of people are the buai buyers who mostly come from the highlands to get their stock. At times they hire the entire bus to transport their valuable green gold back to the highlands.

Observation Mission

Whilst the country went into polling, little did they know that a team from the Registry of Political Parties and Candidates Commission were doing their survey and observation throughout this period. A total of three teams covered the four regions. The observation would give an indication on how parties fair on the LLG level provincial level.The survey also included candidates, women and how the polling was conducted. Our team covered two centres which include Lae and Madang.

2012 National Election Polling dates

As the polling is fast approaching here is the polling dates for each provinces: Note that the highlands region will have a one day polling including main centers like Port Moresby, Lae and Mt Hagen Province Electorate Polling Dates Bougainville Central Bougainville 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 North Bougainville 23 Jun 12 to 6 Jul 12 South Bougainville 23 Jun 12 to 4 Jul 12 Central Abau 23 Jun 12 to 30 Jun 12 Goilala 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 Kairuku Hiri 23 Jun 12 to 30 Jun 12 Rigo 23 Jun 12 to 5 Jul 12 Chimbu Chuave 2 Jul 12 Gumine 2 Jul 12 Karamui-Nomane 2 Jul 12 Kerowagi 2 Jul 12 Kundiawa 2 Jul 12 Sinasina-Yongomugl 2 Jul 12 East New Britain Gazelle 23 Jun 12 to 29 Jun 12 Kokopo 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 Pomio 23 Jun 12 to 6 Jul 12 Rabaul 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 East Sepik Ambunti-Dreikikir 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 Angoram 23 Jun 12 to 29 Jun 12 Maprik 23 Jun 12 to 29 Jun 12 Wewak 23 Jun 12 to 30 Jun 12 Wosera-Gaui 23 Jun 12 to 29 Jun 12 Yanoru-Saussia 23 Jun 12 to 1 Jul 12 Eastern Highlands Daulo 5 jul 12 Goroka 5 jul 12 Henanofi 5 jul 12 Kainantu 5 jul 12 Lufa 5 jul 12 Obura-Wonenara 5 jul 12 Okapa 5 jul 12 Unggai-Bena 5 jul 12 Enga Kandep 26 Jun 12 Kompiam-Ambum 26 Jun 12 Lagaip-Pogera 26 Jun 12 Wabag 26 Jun 12 Wapenamanda 26 Jun 12 Gulf Kerema 23 Jun 12 to 30 Jul 12 Kikori 23 Jun 12 to 30 Jul 12 Hela Komo-Magarima 23 Jun 12 Koroba-Lake Kopiago 23 Jun 12 Tari 23 Jun 12 Jiwaka Anglimp-South Waghi 29 Jun 12 Jimi 29 Jun 12 North Waghi 29 Jun 12 Madang Bogia 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 Madang 23 Jun 12 to 29 Jun 12 Middle Ramu 23 Jun 12 to 3 Jul 12 Rai Coast 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 Sumkar 23 Jun 12 to 4 Jul 12 Usino Bundi 23 Jun 12 to 4 Jul 12 Manus Manus 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 Milne Bay Alotau 23 Jun 12 to 3 Jul 12 Esa’ala 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 Kiriwina-Goodenough 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 Samarai-Murua 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 Morobe Bulolo 23 Jun 12 to 3 Jul 12 Finschaffen 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 Huon Gulf 23 Jun 12 to 30 Jul 12 Kabwum 23 Jun 12 to 6 Jul 12 Lae 26 Jun 12 Markham 23 Jun 12 to 5 Jul 12 Menyamya 23 Jun 12 to 3 Jul 12 Nawe 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 Tewae-Siassi 23 Jun 12 to 3 Jul 12 NCD Moresby N/ East 26 Jun 12 Moresby N/ West 26 Jun 12 Moresby South 26 Jun 12 New Ireland Kavieng 23 Jun 12 to 1 Jul 12 Namatanai 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 Oro Ijivitari 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 Sohe 23 Jun 12 to 30 Jun 12 Southern Highlands Ialibu-Pangia 23 Jun 12 Imbonggu 23 Jun 12 Kagua-Erave 23 Jun 12 Mendi 23 Jun 12 Nipa-Kutubu 23 Jun 12 West New Britain Kandrian-Gloster 23 Jun 12 to 30 Jun 12 Talasea 23 Jun 12 to 29 Jun 12 Sandaun Aitape-Lumi 23 Jun 12 to 29 Jun 12 Nuku 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 Telefomin 23 Jun 12 to 1 Jul 12 Vanimo-Green River 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 Western Middle-Fly 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 North-Fly 23 Jun 12 to 2 Jul 12 South-Fly 23 Jun 12 to 4 Jul 12 Western Highlands Mul-Baiyer 29 Jun 12 Dei 29 Jun 12 Hagen 29 Jun 12 Tambul-Nebilyer 29 Jun 12

Caritas host 17th open day

The Caritas Technical School on the 27th May 2012 held their 17th open day. In this event, parents, guardians, friends and other technical schools also witness this occasion. There were plenty of events including cooking, sewing, demonstrations of what technical skills that the students are learning at Caritas. Representatives from various organisation including technical and vocational schools also witness the event. click here for more pictures

Rural road condition in the heart of PNG's capital

No this is not Menayama Road in the Morobe Province or North Coast Road in Madang but in fact the heart of Papua New Guinea’s Capital, Waigani. As I walked towards the Government Printing Office (GPO), one couldn’t help but noticed that the road that runs from the Waigani Offices back towards North Waigani has deteriorated so badly the one could mistake this picture for a road in rural Papua New Guinea. Notice the background dust. This is due to the fact that the Bitumen has all gone leaving a bear dirt road starting from the Telikom Rumana Office all the way to the National Development Bank. The dust is a health hazard for offices nearby such as the GPO, Community Development, Telikom, Commission of Enquiry, Office of Rural Development, Registry of Political Parties Commission and National Economic Fiscal Commission. The vendors or informal sector nearby selling their goods don’t mind but overtime this may lead to respiratory health issues if the road is not improved. On the eve of elections, Road infrastructure is one major agenda for many candidates vying for a seat in the 2012 National General Elections.

National Museum and Art Gallery Celebrates International Museum Day

Whilst election and political fever is high at this time, in the background a little but signification event took place to mark an important day worldwide. “International Museum Day” as it is known took place in the quiet backdrops of the Parliament House in Waigani on Friday 18 May 2012. The National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG) celebrated this occasion with a launch of its new website (www.museumpng.gov.pg). Over the years NMAG has been mismanaged and has come to a point where it merely functioned. The NMAG is governed by a Board of Trustees who are appointed by the Head of State as Trustees of the people of Papua New Guinea to own and govern the NMAG on their behalf. The current Board is made up of Julius Violaris as President, Andrew Abel as Deputy President and Trustees Peter Loko, Nora Vagi Brash and Dr Michael Mel. Maria Kopkop served as Deputy President for the last three years but has opted not to serve on the current board but is a valuable member. All the Trustees are determined to get the Museum back to an operating standard as it was in the years after independence.

PNGEC's awareness intensifies

As the country embraces itself for the National General Elections 2012, The Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission has been busy putting out adverts on print, radio and TV outlets for voter awareness and education in regards to elections and election details. One on of many posters being published on the print media on the eve of the election.This one I like because it depicts the consequences of choosing a good and bad leader.

Henao attends Admin Course in Manila

Henao Lister, an Executive Secretary with the Registry of Political Parties Commission recently attended a short course in Manila hosted by the Integrated Development Services firm. The course was aimed at upgrading skills for admin professionals to better serve their office. This was a follow up from the first session in Port Moresby at the Lamana Hotel conference room early March 2012. In the two weeks she was attached to Commission on Election Office in Manila. Altogether there were 4 participants who went along this trip. Ms Lister admits that this was an eye opener as it was her first trip overseas and one that she will remember for a long time to come.

IPPCC Celebrates Mothers Day

Whilst Mother’s Day was celebrated on the 13 of May 2012, the IPPCC Staff pre celebrated the occasion on the 11 May 2012 before the weekend. The luncheon was to show our hard working mothers that their effort was not only appreciated at home but also in the office.

Newly formed Parties officially recognised

The newly formed United Resources Assembly (URA) was given its official certification on the 8th May 2012 by the Registry of Political Parties Commission. There to witness the occasion were IPPCC officials and Party founder, Hon Anderson Aigiru. Mr Aigiru formed this party after he left the United Resource Party to form URA.Other Parties also present to receive their certificates were Kindom First Party, League for Democracy Party and Papua New Guinea Destiny Party. These are the last Political Parties to be certified before they go for the 2012 National General Elections.

2012 Corruption Walk

This year's Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption will see the Registry of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC) take part in it. The event will see in Boreboa Primary School take part in along IPPCC. The walk is on the 27th of May 2012. Don't miss out. See you there!

Passing of late Rose Mary Mission

I met mother Rose Mary during our time at the then Business Training Institute here in Port Moresby in the late 90s. She was doing her computing course at that time. 90% of the class was made up of school leavers whilst the rest were in the likes of Rose Mary, Iwi, Carrie who were the elderly group who were upgrading their skills. Though a soft spoken person, her actions spoke volumes as she was a role model for upcoming junior officers in the public service. She joined the Office of Rural Development in 2010 after 27 years with the Department of Defense just when I also joined the Registry of Political Parties Commission at Kumul Haus, Waigani. As I can recall, she would sometimes walk into my office for a chat that always comes with buais. We talk about our school mates, government business and the future. She is survived with her only child and daughter. As we would later know through the eulogy by her daughter, she died one day before her late husband’s passing. Born on the 10th March 1960 – Died on 7th May 2012. After her funeral at St Joseph Catholic Church, her body was later flown to her village in the East New Britain Province the next day. To a dear friend, may your soul rest in Peace.

Kambar vying for Chuave seat in 2012 elections

There was a little gathering for family, friends and relatives for Noel’s brother Godwin. He would be contesting the Chuave Open Seat in the Chimbu Province. On Saturday 21st April 2012 a little fundraising was held at the Adventure Park along the Sogeri Road just outside Port Moresby. This will be the first for the Kambar family contest in the national politics. He would be challenging the incumbent Jim Nomane including and scores of other candidates. Pictured here is Noel being the master of ceremony. Click here for more pictures

Hospital appointments

A miserable weekend beginning with the Easter Long Weekend. It started off with Ian’s son Auro who accidentally pieced his neck with a sharp grass knife. He was hospitalized for two days before being discharged.Thanks to my Tambu Greg he was treated immediately without delay.Thanks Oli and Greg for your support.Come the following weekend, its Auro’s baby brother Melki who had to be rushed to the hospital again on Friday night for breathing difficulty due to nasal blockage. They spent the whole night there and was brought back home only to end up at Gerehu’s St Johns clinic. They stayed there for the whole two days again now the next weekend is Kim’s friend from school Sylvia and her mother who had being stabbed in Popondetta. Both were hospitalized and are in a stable condition. This came about due to long land dispute. So for three consecutive weekends has been spent on hospital alone.

A Million kina view

One wouldn't realize until you come to Koukou. About 15 minutes drive along the Porebada road, this is also the same road that leads to the multi million kina LNG project site. At night the view is breath taking toward not one, not two but three sites. You have the traditional motuan coastal village of Tatana Island, the Inter Oil plant site and Port Moresby down town. The night view potrays the inter oil gas flames, Tatana Island and Port Moresby city lights at a distant.