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Major damage in Vanuatu earthquake, deaths feared

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Vanuatu earthquake

A major casualty event is feared in Port Vila after a brutal earthquake rumbled Vanuatu’s capital, damaging buildings including a diplomatic hub.

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck just off the east coast of Vanuatu’s major island of Efate at 12.47pm on Tuesday.

Locals reported on social media feeling violent shaking for around 30 seconds.

Broadcaster VBTC has reported a number of destroyed buildings, some of which have fallen on and crumpled cars.

The La Casa D’Andrea E Luciano building, which houses the US, UK, French and New Zealand embassies and High Commissions, has been seriously damaged, with footage posted to social media showing a section of building collapsed onto the first floor.

France’s Pacific envoy Veronique Roger-Lacan posted on social media that diplomatic personnel based at the facility were unharmed.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said staff working at the Australian High Commission, located nearby, were also safe.

Senator Wong said assistance would be provided to the South Pacific nation and any Australians working or on holidays there.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia stood ready to assist its “friend and neighbour”.

Photos and videos published by VBTC show minor damage across the capital, including shattered windows and walls, and rearranged interiors.

Dan McGarry, a Vanuatu-based journalist, posted drone footage of major landslides near Vanuatu’s international shipping terminal.

He told AAP there was no doubt there had been casualties from the tremor.

“There are buildings down here so I’m expecting the casualty figure to rise,” he said.

“I know of one fatality according to police stationed at Port Vila Central Hospital, and I saw with my own eyes three others on gurneys, several others walking around, walking wounded.

“I think it will probably be in the dozens, altogether dead and wounded.”

Attempts to confirm fatalities or injuries with Vanuatu authorities have been unsuccessful, owing to communications issues.

AP reported government websites were offline in the immediate aftermath of the tremor, as were local media outlets.

“There is limited connectivity through one of our telecommunications carriers, the other one is entirely offline and power is out through the entire capital,” Mr McGarry said.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters confirmed “significant damage” to the diplomatic building, along with his “deep concerns” following the significant tremor.

A tsunami threat to Australia and New Zealand was cleared by authorities in both countries.

The earthquake occurred at a relatively shallow depth of 57km, according to American earthquake monitors the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Smaller aftershocks, including one of 5.5 magnitude, followed.

The island nation lies on the “Ring of Fire”, a 40,000km seismically active arc around the rim of the Pacific tectonic plate.

“Vanuatu is situated, like New Zealand, on top of a subduction zone,” University of Auckland physics associate professor Kasper van Wijk said.

“This particular earthquake was shallow and close to Port Vila, so I expect there to be significant damage from the earthquake.”

Australia’s foreign affairs department advises that Australians requiring consular assistance should contact the their 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 6261 3305.

Written by: Ben McKay © AAP

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PNGDF Supply Company: A 56-year journey

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The color yellow in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Support Battalion represents the Supply Company, a vital logistic unit that manages supplies for all ten PNGDF units throughout Papua New Guinea.

As bright as the color itself, the Supply Company has a colorful history that was birthed on the 26th of July 1968.

Established seven years before independence the Supply Company remained the backbone of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force including the Maritime Element and the Air Transport Wing.

When the name Papua New Guinea Defence Force is mentioned, most people imagine soldiers on patrol at the borders or soldiers responding to tribal conflicts in the Highlands.

However, many do not know enough about the Supply Company to appreciate their work in ensuring soldiers are equipped with uniforms, boots, operational gear and fire power to carry out the duties of the Defence Force.

This essential role is performed by dedicated men and women of the sub-units within the Supply Company based out of Murray Barracks in Port Moresby.

For over five decades the Company evolved from One Base Ordinance Depot to Defence Support Agency (DSA) before transitioning into Supply Company as it is known today.

On November 28th the Company commemorated its 56th anniversary with a day’s celebration out of its base at Murray Barracks.

Chief Warrant Officer, Sition Saulo.
Chief Warrant Officer, Sition Saulo.

The longest serving member of the Supply Company, Chief Warrant Officer, Sition Saulo who served 34 years in the Company said 26-years had passed since the company hosted a Parade to mark the Company’s anniversary.

“I am happy about this parade; this is my last parade. I am retiring next year,” said Saulo.

Enlisted into the Papua New Guinea Defence Force in January of 1981, Saulo was posted to the Second Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (2RPIR) where he spent his early years as a young PNGDF solider.

“After Goldie, I passed out and I was transferred to A Company 2RPIR and from there I was posted to the Support Company as a store man,” Saulo recalled.

Ten years later, Saulo was part of the Delta Company from Moem Barracks who travelled to Port Moresby because of a curfew in Moem.

When the rest of the Delta Company returned to Moem, Saulo stayed back to attend a Supply Course.
Little did he know that he would be spending 34-years serving in the Supply Company based out of Murray Barracks.

“I attended a Supply Course at Goldie and from there on, I was posted to Supply Company. From then on, until today,” said Saulo.

Major Chalem Chandrol - Supply Company Commanding Officer Reviewing Anniversary Parade
Major Chalem Chandrol – Supply Company Commanding Officer Reviewing Anniversary Parade

When addressing serving members of the Supply Company during the anniversary parade, its Commanding Officer, Major Chalem Chandrol said the celebration was an opportunity to honor past serving members, acknowledged the dedication of current members and celebrate the contribution of Supply Company within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

“This anniversary celebration holds immerse significance for us. On July 26th 1968, to 26th July 2024 makes over five decades, 56 years of service and evolution of the PNGDF Supply Company,” said Chandrol.

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St Paul’s Graduation

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St Paul's Graduation

A total of two-hundred and fifty-nine (259) Grade Eight students graduated at the St Paul’s Lutheran Primary School in Lae today.
 
School Head Teacher, Alfred Norman Lewong says this the graduation is significant in marking the end of the traditional grade eight graduations for primary schools in the country.
 
“With the proposed phasing out of examinations for students passing out of grade eight, this is a memorable occasion for our school,” says Mr Lewong.
 
Mr Lewong further thanked the board, parents, stakeholders and sponsors for their continuous support to the school throughout the year outlining funding delays from the government.
 
“We haven’t had a graduation ceremony for some years and I am grateful to our corporate sponsors who had came on board this year to make this graduation a success,” added Mr Lewong.
 
One of the sponsors, the Owner of Wonderful Taxi and Hire Cars Services and Gabensis Guest House, Chris Donald says he is proud to sponsor some awards at the graduation because education plays a vital role in the development and growth of the nation.
 
“As a Lutheran devotee,  I am happy to be supporting one of our pioneer schools in Lae and Morobe province,” says Mr Donald.

Mr Donald also represented PC & JY Woo company who sponsored the grade eight dux award which was presented to top student, Ms. Grace Totabun.
 
St Paul’s Primary School is one of the biggest schools in Lae with a total of 1,648 students.
 
Mr Lewong says as a Level 8 school, it would be a massive challenge if they are chosen to accept Grade nine students in 2025.
 
“Under the 1-6-6 Policy, we would have to accept grade one to grade nine students and that would be a burden on the limited learning infrastructures we have in the school,” says the Head Teacher.
 
Meanwhile, Education Minister Lukas Dekena this week says examinations will continue and will not be used as means to select students to continue or being left out.

IMAGE: Supplied by Sylvester Gawi

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West Papuans Still Holding on to the Hope of a Free West Papua

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West Papuans Still Holding on to the Hope of a Free West Papua

THE 1st of December has always been Independence Day for the people of West Papua.  

This week Port Moresby residents of West Papuan descent celebrated the day on Sunday with the theme, “Celebrating and preserving our culture through food and the arts. “

The day began with everyone participating in the National Anthem, Hai Tanaku Papua which translates to, My Land, Papua.  

Other activities included song and dance, and a dialogue with the young and older generations to share ideas on a way forward.  

West Papuan children dancers.

SME stalls were also set up selling West Papuan cuisine and arts and crafts.

Guest Speaker and NCD Governor, Powes Parkop, a staunch supporter of the West Papua cause reminded attendees of the struggles of their ancestors and for future generations to not lose hope.

“We must be proud of our identity, our culture, our land, our heritage and most importantly we have to challenge ourselves, redefine our journey and our future, that’s the most important responsibility we have.”’

West Papua was a Dutch colony in the late 1800s and by the 1950s, Netherlands began to prepare for withdrawal.  

On December 1st 1961, West Papuans held a congress to discuss independence.  

The national flag, the morning star was raised for the first time on this day.  

Governor Powes Parkop described the West Papua cause, ‘a tragedy’.  

This is due to the fact that following the declaration of Independence in 1961, Indonesia laid claim over the island a year later in 1962.

This led to the United Nations sponsored treaty known as the New York Agreement.  

Indonesia was appointed temporary administrator without consultation or consent of West Papuans.

In 1969 the Act of Free Choice enabled West Papuans to decide their destiny but again only 1026 West Papuans had to make that choice under the barrel of the gun.

To this day, West Papua remains under Indonesian rule.

NCD Governor, Powes Parkop at the West Papua Day celebrations.
NCD Governor, Powes Parkop at the West Papua Day celebrations.

Parkop said; “PNG will celebrate 50 years of Independence next year but this is only so for half of the island, the other half is still missing, we are losing our land, we are losing our resources, if we are not careful, we are going to lose our future too.”

He encouraged the people to preserve their culture and heritage and to breakaway from the colonial mindset, colonial laws and ideas that hinder progress to freedom for West Papua. 

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Bringing Christmas Joy to Light Bearers Early Childhood Learning Centre

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Bringing Christmas Joy to Light Bearers Early Childhood Learning Centre

Students at the Light Bearers Early Childhood Learning Centre will not worry about school stationary next year, after receiving Digicel Backpacks full of school supplies.

In the true spirit of giving this holiday season, Digicel PNG brought cheer to Light Bearers Early Childhood Learning Centre located in Bomana, Port Moresby.

A non-government organization, the Centre is a recipient of an open-air classroom built in partnership with Digicel’s Foundation housing over 150 students.

The school was first established in 2017 and this year marks its seventh year of operation in the community. The program started with a fantastic welcome speech by advanced grade student Tina Pele, followed by prayer and a moment of silence dedicated to the co-founder and Head Teacher of Light Bearers Early Childhood Learning Center, the late Mrs. Florence Sam; who passed away in October this year.

Bringing Christmas Joy to Light Bearers Early Childhood Learning Centre

The activities began with Digicel Staff Volunteers led by Head of Marketing, Tessa Valace gifting each student with a Christmas gift as well as a Digicel backpack filled with school supplies for the next year.

Following the ceremony, the students and teachers were treated to a mini party with refreshments and drinks to further celebrate the end of the school year.

Lorna McPherson, Senior Vice President & Chief Sales Officer commented, “It’s always heart-warming to see the smiles and joy on the children’s faces when our team visits the Light Bearers Early Childhood Learning Centre.

“Holidays are a time of reflection and we as a business and individually reflect on our blessings, we are truly honored to share with those who may need a little extra.

At Digicel, we believe in using our resources to make a positive difference in our communities and partnering with the Light Bearers Early Childhood Learning Center allows us to do just that.”

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Call to Modernize the Employment Act

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BCW Survey - Employment Act

A survey carried out by the Business Coalition for Women (BCFW) has suggested for the government to modernize the Employment Act.

The suggestion among others, draws on evidence from BCFW’s nationally representative survey of 2,026 Papua New Guineans, published earlier this week.

The survey is the first in recent years to collect data on earnings of Papua New Guineans and the first to estimate the gender earnings gap in PNG.

With the budget sitting this week, BCFW has put forward three main suggestions for the Marape-Rosso Government to consider. The major one is to “Commit to Modernizing the Employment Act”.

The organization that forces on empowering women leaders believes that this would be a “quick win” for the government on jobs – benefitting both women and men.

While the organization acknowledges the government’s keen interest in reviewing the Employment Act, they suggest the following to be included in the amendment;

· Introduce paid maternity leave (currently the Act includes only unpaid maternity leave).
· Introduce paid paternity leave for fathers (currently, there is no paternity leave).
· Strengthen anti-discrimination protection for women who are pregnant or are new
mothers (e.g. prohibit dismissal of pregnant workers).
· Remove Sections 98 and 99 which prohibit women work in underground mining,
heavy labour, and at night in industrial settings.

From it’s research, BCFW found that a sizable number of women (31%) would be interested in night shift, physically arduous, or underground jobs.

Apart from this, BCFW also proposed “Include job policies targeting women” and “The Budget should prioritise family and household care policies”.

Both they say will be popular with the public – among both women and men.

Other analysis show that improving the prospects of work for women will benefit PNG’s
economy as a whole.

“Our findings suggest Papua New Guineans agree: 69% say PNG would be better off if more women had the opportunity to work.

“We also found that Papua New Guineans would support policies to promote women’s work.”

Over 70% – including among men and young people – think the government should develop
jobs policies specifically targeting women.

“Our findings show that household care is the main reason Papua New Guineans are out of the labour force or are underemployed.

Among those not working, 39% of women and 14% of men cite household care responsibilities as the reason for not working.

Among those who are working, 51% of women and 36% of men cite household care duties as their main reason for not working as much as they would like to.

For the remainder (who are not currently interested in such roles), they too could be interested – if safety concerns were addressed.

“We urge the government to consider these three suggestions for inclusion in the 2025
Budget. Acting on them would benefit the PNG economy, for all of us, whether women or
men.”

The full survey report, ’PNG Labour Market Survey: Earnings, Gender, and Ambitions –
Findings, Analysis, and Policy Implications’, is available on BCFW’s website.

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Operation Render Safe to commence in East New Britain

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Operation Render Safe

A team lead by the Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea is now in East New Britain Province to commence planning and preparations for Operation Render Safe.

The team includes Commissioner John Feakes and Defense Adviser, Colonel Travis Gordon together with an Australian Defense Force (ADF) team.

The visit is the first in a series to the province as the ADF works with the Provincial Disaster Centre, PNGDF and the RPNGC to start the planning and preparations for Operation Render Safe.

For two decades Australia has been helping Pacific countries with the safe removal of bombs and small munitions under Operation Render Safe.

At the Ministerial Forum in June 2024, PNG Ministers welcomed Australia’s conduct of Operation Render Safe in East New Britain.

Operation Render Safe in East New Britain
Operation Render Safe in East New Britain

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) from WWII is a concern for communities across PNG.

In East New Britain the Provincial Disaster Office has multiple received reports of deteriorated bombs and small munitions discovered in the jungle or unearthed as people clear land for development.

Lieutenant Henry Beri, officer in charge of the PNGDF EOD said “the PNGDF has been working with East New Britain to remove as many munitions as we can, but we need help.”

There is too much for the PNGDF to deal with alone and extra skills and equipment are required to deal with some discoveries such as a very large bomb that washed ashore and is too heavy to move.

“My team are looking forward to working with the ADF to develop our skills.”

In addition to visiting sites where unexploded ordnance has been found, the ADF team, accompanied by LEUT Henry Beri, met with the Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector, Felix Nebanat and CEO of the Provincial Health Authority, Dr Apo Yap.

The ADF will continue to work closely with the PNGDF, RPNGC and authorities in East New Britain to develop and agree a plan for the safe removal of bombs and small munitions.

It is important not to touch or move any suspected bombs and small munitions like bullets.

Communities in East New Britain are encouraged to leave them in place and report the location to the Provincial Disaster Center, located at the Fire Station in Kokopo.

The team was welcomed by the Governor Michael Marum and Provincial Administrator Levi Mano.

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Opposition on Bloated Government Numbers; Marape Lashes Back

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Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa calls out Prime Minister James Marape

LEADER of the Opposition, Douglas Tomuriesa has called out Prime Minister James Marape for his defence of bloated Government numbers in passing so-called important legislation.

Tomuriesa said Marape should not use his 90-plus majority to swindle the people of Papua New Guinea that he needs a large Government to serve the country.

“If Mr Marape devoted more time to fixing this country instead of political grandstanding and forcing MPs in the Opposition to join Government just so they receive public funds, he would not need to lead a Government of 90-plus MPs,” he says.

“Mr Marape was one of the longest serving leaders of government business, so he should know that parliamentary voting in its purest form is singular, as every MP has one vote each. What Mr Marape is basically telling the people is by having a large number of MPs in Government, he will control their conscience and their voting preferences because he is in charge,” he said.

Tomuriesa also highlighted that in the Westminster system, having all 118 MPs in Government for example should not be a deciding factor for passing legislation, unless MPs just blindly vote in favor for whatever that is put in front of them.

He further added that the Prime Minister does not need a full 79 or 89 MPs to sit in Government in order to pass legislation or amendments.

“If amendments hold merit, are of genuine value to the country, and have been considered appropriately by the people, then I am certain Opposition MPs would be obliged and more than happy to demonstrate bipartisanship and support such reforms.”

Mr Tomuriesa made it clear that while the Opposition caucus does have its own deliberations about how its MPs should vote on a certain matter, there is always an understanding that if MPs wanted to vote a certain way, they had the right to do so.

“As demonstrated in previous sittings, Opposition MPs always voted based on their individual conscience and principles,” he says.

“Marape has proven himself to be the head of that Government over the last five years and does not deserve another day in power.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape has dismissed claims made by the Opposition that his government is withholding funds to districts and provinces represented by Members of Parliament who are in the Opposition.

The Prime Minister said as soon as Finance Department makes available printout of the funding, he would have the distribution in service development funds of District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) and Provincial Services Improvement Program (PSIP) published for the public to see.

Prime Minister Marape, in turn, criticised Members of the Opposition who have taken to the media to air their frustration adding that his government does not weaponize the budget to discriminate against Members of Parliament.

“This Pangu-led Government knows our responsibility to the country. Since 2019, our budget use is clear evidence of how we distribute funding,” Marape stated.

The Prime Minister further reiterated that all districts and provinces, whether they are in the Opposition or Government, receive their DSIP and PSIP.

Furthermore, he says that his Government supports all provinces in their functional grant and monies for all Provincial Health Authorities.

“We allocate fairly to all. When cash flow is available, we remit the funds that we collect,” he said.

PM Marape said Members in the Opposition take to social media to sensationalize government matters to get out political mileage yet have no courtesy to acknowledge Government when they receive these funds.

“Once these funds are delayed slightly, they go mouthing off to rally public sympathy but hardly will you see them acknowledge Government for the granting of these monies for their districts and provinces,” he said.

The Prime Minister further explained that since 2019, a large amount of funding has been transferred from Waigani under his administration to provinces and districts, yet local MPs and provincial governors are not held accountable for non-delivery of services in their districts and provinces.

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Former Livestock Boss to Face Trial over Misappropriation

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Waigani District Court Sign

Former Livestock Development Corporation boss Robin Hundupi has been committed to stand trial in the National Court over allegations of defrauding the state.
 
Lawyer representing Hundupi told Magistrate Paul Puri Nii that his client has chosen not to give a Section 96 response when the matter returned to the Waigani Committal Court on Wednesday (13/11/24).
 
The Magistrate then proceeded in ordering that the case will now go to trial at the National Court.
 
Hundupi was arrested by police Fraud Squad and charged with Conspiracy to Defraud and Misappropriation of Property.
 
Police alleges that between 1st and 31st of December 2021, the defendant aged 52 conspired with former Department of Agriculture and Livestock acting Secretary, Stephen Mombi to defraud Livestock Development Corporation a sum of K60 337.47 by submitting a bogus claim.
 
Police further alleged that the defendant used the money for his own personal use.
 
Hundupi through a submission to the Committal Court filed on the 1st of August 2024, argued that the court on 16th November 2023 had struck out the charges of Conspiracy to Defraud because the evidence was insufficient.
 
He maintained that the payments made to him were legal and there was no fraud or dishonesty in the payment.
 
Despite his claims, nine witnesses including former Agriculture and Livestock Ministers Benny Allan and John Simon submitted that the defendant was occupying the position through an acting appointment.

He was given a 6-month contract but his contract was never renewed as his appointment as acting Managing Director of LDC in 2018 was done illegally, and without the knowledge of the portfolio Minister at the time.

Under the LDC company constitution the Minister as the trustee shareholder of LDC is the only one who can appoint directors including the managing director.
 
Witness Steven Yangis, who is the Operations Manager at Livestock Development Corporation said the defendant’s entitlements were calculated to K24 471.91 and was paid to him. The defendant then allegedly conspired with others and paid himself K60 337.49.
 
Magristrate Nii ruled that there is enough evidence for the matter to be tried at the National Court.
 
In his ruling, Nii said by looking at the evidence, the defendant was a former employee of the former Department of Agriculture and Livestock however he was retrenched by the new management.
 
He said all police evidence is saying the defendant was not entitled to K60 337.49, his entitlement was K24 220.12 which was already paid to him.

“Defendant says although he was paid the K24 220.12, he was also entitled to K60 337.49.
 
“If the defendant was entitled to K60 337.49 as his finish pay then why was that amount never paid and instead K24 220.12. Moreover the defendant never says K24 220.12 was part of the total payment he received in which K60 337.49 was the balance pending payment which was paid later.”

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Government Allowing Landowner Abuse to Flourish

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It’s the same story shared by many landowners where logging activities are rampant. Landowners claiming to be spectators in their own land while their forest is being stripped off tropical logs in the name of development.

The major setback for most of these landowners is that Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) is nonexistence.

It was shared during a public seminar that not all landowners give their Free Prior and Informed Consent to companies but are shocked later on when logging trucks entre their village.

Most times, attempts to stop the company from cutting down logs are met with police resistance.

Sam Vegogo from Wanigela in Oro Province says his community was devasted to learn a foreign logging company has been given permission to log their forests without informing his people or obtaining their consent.

“The people of Collingwood Bay have been fighting against illegal logging for decades. But despite numerous court victories we see the PNG Forest Authority continually siding with Asian companies to try and steal our forests.”

David Mitchel from Eco-Custodian Advocates in Alotau, Milne Bay Province shared similar views and questioned why government agencies responsible for monitoring and compliance and are not diligently doing their jobs.

Eddie Tanago from Act Now! echoed concerns adding that monitoring and compliance by government authorities does not end after the license has been issued. It continues all through the project’s life.

Act Now! who hosted the seminar to demand a stop for Forest Clearing Authorities (FCA) licenses are calling out all these agencies to take action. Among the demands are;

· The National Forest Board to impose a moratorium on new FCA licenses until a full government inquiry has been conducted and any recommendations have been implemented
· The government to suspend all log exports from FCA’s areas until an independent, transparent and public inquiry into the legality of all existing FAC’s
· The Fraud Squad, UNODC and Interpol to identify what criminal laws may have been broken in the submission and approval of fraudulent FCA’s applications and the removal of timber without the consent of forest owners
· Commercial Banks to identify any customers linked to FCA logging operations and ensure full compliance with all AML regulations and bank ESR policies.

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