Pressure builds on PNG government over LNG Project

radionz, 21 November 2016

Papua New Guinea’s government is again under pressure from landowners with interests in the major LNG gas project.

LNG Project facility, Central Province, Papua New Guinea. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades

A Beneficiary Group, comprised of landowners and provincial governments, has petitioned the government to ensure maximisation of the value of equity interest in the project.

The petitioners are from Hela, Southern Highlands, Western, Gulf and Central provinces across which the ExxonMobil-led Liquefied Natural Gas project spans.

They claim that new changes to a 4.27 percent equity interest in the project being introduced by state-owned Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd erode the value of their equity.

ExxonMobil’s LNG Project cuts a swathe of development through Hela province in PNG’s Highlands. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades

This, the Beneficiary Group says, breaches the terms of the Umbrella Benefit Sharing Agreement signed with over 60,000 landowners at the inception of the project in 2009.

Among 14 demands, the petition calls for the government to rescind a move to pursue vendor financing for the 4.27 percent equity.

The government of prime minister Peter O’Neill has been given until this week to respond.

Project equity in the name of affected landowners and provincial governments is managed by the state in a complex structure.

Photo: RNZI/Johnny Blades

However, in the petition, the beneficiaries complain of a “prolonged lack of disbursement of benefits emanating from the PNG LNG project”.

Shiploads of the project’s gas product are being successfully exported each week to Asian markets.

However landowners says the state has not paid royalties and other entitlements; nor has the project released development levies to provincial governments.

Earlier this year, landowners in Hela blockaded a key conditioning plant at the project’s hub over their demand for long outstanding commitments from government.

Hides landowners met several times with the government to discuss outstanding LNG Project payments. Photo: Supplied

Representatives of government re-confirmed that the commitments would be honoured, saying a process of verification of genuine landowners was holding up the payments.

The blockade was lifted but this new petition warns of a serious risk of disruptions to the project’s operations at any time by dissatisfied landowners.

The five provinces had entered into the project having secured a government commitment to helping them directly participate in commercialisation of their abundant LNG resources.

ExxonMobil’s LNG Project cuts a swathe of development through Hela province in PNG’s Highlands. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades

However angst is growing over the perception that the that has not honoured the social contract that it tied down with indigenous and tribal people in affected areas

The long term security of the project is unclear.

November 21, 2016 0

Hon. Powes Parkop, the Governor of NCDC Port Moresby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea supports a Free West Papua

In a statement, Parkop said Papua New Guinea should be adopting a more moral and humanistic policy on West Papua instead of sticking to the immoral position of continuing to recognize Indonesia Sovereignty over the territory without question or conditions.

Parkop said he will be making submission to this effective to the NEC and will impress on NEC to change our policy.

“Otherwise I will be pushing for such changes in the next Government after 2017 General Election.

“I will be proposing that PNG adopt a position where while we acknowledge Indonesia control over the territory of West Papua, we must question the legality of the integration and call on Indonesia to correct this historical error so as to bring lasting peace and harmony to our region.

“We all know that so called Act of Free Choice in 1969 did not comply with the law as it exist in 1969 or since. We all know Indonesia invaded West Papua in 1962 and had military, political and administrative control of the territory in 1969 when the Vote on Integration was taken.

“We all know Indonesia only allowed 1000 people out of 1.2 million Papuans to vote in 1969. We all know that these 1000 people were selected and subject to undue pressure by the Indonesia.Indonesia is obliged to correct this historical mistake that continues to retard the progress of the Papua People and hinder their freedom.”

Parkop added that although the Government has made progress in addressing the Papuan issue on a bilateral and multilateral basis but our policy has not changed. Our policy to just recognize Indonesia Sovereignty over West Papua without reservation is immoral, outdate and inhuman. It is also against our conscience. It is also against the stand or position of all Pacific Countries including Polynesians and Micronesians.”

Indonesia invaded Timor Leste in 1975 and eventually allowed them to decide their future by a referendum 2000.We all applaud them for correcting that historical mistake. They should do the same with West Papua. Indonesia will be doing a service to humanity and to itself by making this honorable decision rather than to lie.

Parkop further added that as friends of Indonesia, we should not be afraid to speak our mind about the nature of our friendship including pointing out any impediment to a robust friendship.He said the future between PNG and Indonesia will be more robust and enhance if Indonesia relents and agree to allow Papuans to morally and legally decide their future by a properly supervised referendum under the United Nations.
“This is the policy PNG Government should adopt as it is moral, humanistic, legal and honest policy.”

November 1, 2016 0

Limbiye is new Miss PNG

October 24, 2016 The National Main Stories

By SHARLYNE ERI

University of PNG student Kellyanne Limbiye, 23, was crowned Miss Papua New Guinea (PNG) 2016 in Port Moresby last Saturday.

The Pacific Assurance Group-sponsored contestant will be the country’s representative at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) in Samoa.

Limbiye, a final-year political science student was also judged winner of the sarong wear and talent categories. First runner-up was Miss Queen Emma Chocolates Lois Doules Ilave, second runner-up was Miss International Training Institute (ITI) Rose Lakoro Pitoi and the third runner-up Miss Pacific Balanced Fund (PBF), Melody Leke.

Head of the judging panel Robert Aisi said it was a tough job for the panel because the contestants demonstrated courage and grace.

Limbiye said that it was through the motivation and inspiration of her mother, sisters and the MPIP committee members, particularly Molly O’Rourke, that pushed her to perform to her best.

She made a special mention of Pacific Assurance Group for coming to her aid in the final weeks leading up to the actual pageant week.

Special awards were Best Traditionally Inspired Dress Miss Queen Emma Chocolates Ilave, Miss Photogenic and Patrons’ Choice Miss Italpreziosi Dorothy Elliot, Miss Friendship Miss Institute of Business Studies (IBS) Samantha Kuase and Best Topic Presentation Miss ITI, Pitoi.

Limbiye bagged the People’s Choice Award sponsored by bmobile and Miss Tourism Award.
She will represent PNG in the MPIP in Samoa in December, accompanied by her designer-stylist Tabu Pelei-Warupi.

October 24, 2016 0

Parkop urges Government to address West Papua issue

LoopPNG – Freddy Mou, October 6, 2016 – Bational Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has called on the Government to seriously look into the plight of West Papua.

Parkop said he will be making submission to this effective to the NEC and will impress on NEC to change our policy.

“Otherwise I will be pushing for such changes in the next Government after 2017 General Election.

“I will be proposing that PNG adopt a position where while we acknowledge Indonesia control over the territory of West Papua, we must question the legality of the integration and call on Indonesia to correct this historical error so as to bring lasting peace and harmony to our region.

“We all know that so called Act of Free Choice in 1969 did not comply with the law as it exist in 1969 or since.

“We all know Indonesia invaded West Papua in 1962 and had military, political and administrative control of the territory in 1969 when the Vote on Integration was taken.

“We all know Indonesia only allowed 1000 people out of 1.2 million Papuans to vote in 1969. We all know that these 1000 people were selected and subject to undue pressure by the Indonesia.

“Indonesia is obliged to correct this historical mistake that continues to retard the progress of the Papua People and hinder their freedom.”

Parkop added that although the Government has made progress in addressing the Papuan issue on a bilateral and multilateral basis but our policy has not changed.

“Our policy to just recognize Indonesia Sovereignty over West Papua without reservation is immoral, outdate and inhuman.

“It is also against our conscience. It is also against the stand or position of all Pacific Countries including Polynesians and Micronesians.”

Indonesia invaded Timor Leste in 1975 and eventually allowed them to decide their future by a referendum 2000.

“We all applaud them for correcting that historical mistake. They should do the same with West Papua. Indonesia will be doing a service to humanity and to itself by making this honorable decision rather than to lie.

Parkop further added that as friends of Indonesia, we should not be afraid to speak our mind about the nature of our friendship including pointing out any impediment to a robust friendship.

He said the future between PNG and Indonesia will be more robust and enhance if Indonesia relents and agree to allow Papuans to morally and legally decide their future by a properly supervised referendum under the United Nations.

“This is the policy PNG Government should adopt as it is moral, humanistic, legal and honest policy.”

October 6, 2016 0

PNG : Masalah HAM Papua harus ditangani oleh PBB atau MSG

Port Moresby, Jubi – Pemerintah Papua Nugini (PNG) menegaskan kembali sikap mereka terhadap isu Papua yang belakangan ini semakin menguat di forum regional maupun internasional.

“Setiap masalah Hak Asasi Manusia (HAM) di Papua harus ditangani oleh lembaga-lembaga seperti PBB atau MSG,” kata Menteri Luar Negeri dan Imigrasi PNG Rimbink Pato kepada wartawan di Port Moresby.

Lanjut Pato, posisi PNG terhadap masalah Papua selalu jelas. PNG tetap menganggap Papua adalah bagian integral dari Indonesia dan mengenai dugaan pelanggaran HAM, ada lembaga yang menanganinya.

“Papua Nugini selalu jelas pada isu Papua. Apa yang sangat jelas adalah masalah hak asasi manusia. Jika ada dugaan, dan memang ada, itu adalah hal-hal yang dapat dilihat oleh institusi di seluruh dunia. Ada sejumlah lembaga yang berhubungan dengan isu-isu ini seperti MSG dan PBB,” kata Pato.

Namun soal penentuan nasib sendiri, posisi PNG sangat jelas bahwa Papua tetap merupakan bagian integral dari Indonesia.

“PNG memiliki hubungan yang kuat dengan Indonesia dan memiliki berbagai macam perjanjian dan kerjasama,” jelas Pato.

Pada Sidang Umum PBB baru-baru ini di New York, enam negara pulau Pasifik – Kepulauan Solomon, Vanuatu, Nauru, Kepulauan Marshall, Tuvalu dan Tonga – menyatakan keprihatinan atas apa yang terjadi di Papua

Perdana Menteri Kepulauan Solomon, Manasye Sogavare mengatakan dugaan pelanggaran HAM di Papua ini berkaitan dengan dorongan dan keinginan rakyat Papua memperjuangkan kemerdekaannya. (*)

October 1, 2016 0

West Papua’s Black Brothers message to PNG musicians: ‘Stay committed’

By PMC Editor –September 20, 2016 –By Quintina Naime in Port Moresby

Local musicians in Papua New Guinea are encouraged to stay committed to what they do in order to succeed in their music careers.

Band manager and founder of the West Papuan group Black Brothers, Andy Ayamiseba, urges PNG musicians to always commit to their music and learn to sacrifice their time.

The group was in Papua New Guinea to perform at the Sir John Guise stadium in Port Moresby to celebrate the country’s 41st anniversary of independence celebrations on Friday.

Black Brothers is an eclectic band that was the most popular musical group in Papua New Guinea during the 1980s.

The band is known for hit songs back in the 1980s including Apuse, Permata Hatiku, Hari Kiamat, Terjalin Kembali, kerongcong kenangan, Anita and Wan Pela Meri.

Their music, sung in Tok Pisin, and originally in Bahasa Indonesia, included influences from reggae and political elements inspired by the Black Power movement.

Ayamiseba has been the band manager for more than three decades and says the secret to being successful is through commitment and hard work.

“You have to stay committed because music is a platform to express yourself.

‘Universal language’
“It’s like a universal language so you have to explore your feelings through music rather than having a big protest about an issue.

“Music is another medium to preach what you think,” Ayamiseba explains.

Black Brothers have toured more than 10 countries in Europe, Asia, Pacific Islands and Australia.

The reggae inspiration of the Black Brothers has influenced various other PNG and Pacific music groups.

Ayamiseba adds that artists face the challenge of piracy so it’s good for them to record under a recognised music label to protect their rights so nobody can pirate their creation.

The original Black Brothers band included Hengky Sumanti Miratoneng (vocals, guitar), Benny Bettay (bass), August Rumwaropen (lead guitar, vocals), Stevy Mambor (vocals, drums), Willem Ayamiseba (percussion) and Amri Kahar (trumpet).

The 16-member band in PNG to perform includes three original members and the Black Sisters.

Two of the original members, August and Sumanti, have died while Stevy Mambor could not make the tour due to health reasons.

The Black Sisters – Petronela, Rosalie and Lea Rumwaropen – are daughters of late August Rumwaropen and they performed alongside their uncles.

Quintina Naime is a Loop PNG journalist.

Black Brothers in Port Moresby for independence celebrations

14qn_black_brothers 680wide — Black Brothers – and Sisters – at a photo session with PNG’s National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop (centre). Image: Tabloid Jubi English

September 20, 2016 0

Hon. Powes Parkop MP on The Vote of No Confidence

The Vote of No Confidence’

As a leader of a party within the governing coalition government led by Prime Minister O’Neil, and in my capacity as Governor of NCD, I welcome the decision of the Supreme Court to recall Parliament to deal with the Vote of No Confidence. After all the stress that the country has faced in the last nine or ten weeks and the continuous pressure by the opposition to use this mechanism to try to discredit the Government, the decision of the Court will give everyone an opportunity to settle this matter once and for all so that our people and our nation can hopefully heal and move on to address the many issues facing all of us as a nation.

This is an opportunity for the Prime Minister to show if he still has the support of Parliament and the support of the people of our nation. It is also an opportunity for the Opposition to show if they have the numbers to carry out the Vote of No Confidence to change the Government. From here the public will be able to assess for themselves, if the decision to file the motion is genuine and not just a tactical ploy by the Opposition to create instability to the country.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) helped form this current Government and as a party we are committed to remaining in Government. We are also committed to do whatever we can for national interest and for the interest of the people. As far as we are concerned, as members of the coalition government, there are no reasons to change the Government. The issue is with the Prime Minister and as Government of the day; we are still strong and delivering on all the policies that we have set out as mandated leaders and members of parliament.

While welcoming the decision of the Supreme Court, I am concerned as to the extent and implications the decision of the Court may have on future governments. As far as I am aware of the law, the decision of the court is actually breaching on the doctrine of separation of powers, which is the foundation of our democracy. When parliament last met, the Vote of No Confidence motion was not a formal agenda of Parliament. If it was submitted, it was still the property of the permanent parliamentary committee of Private Members Bill. It was not on the parliament notice paper. When parliament was adjourned in the last sitting, we adjourned knowing that the notice for the motion of Vote of No Confidence was not a business of parliament yet as it was not on the notice paper. For the Supreme Court to order Parliament to be recalled and meet on a matter still before a parliamentary committee, who have not deliberated on its merits or demerits, and have not made any report to Parliament, clearly shows that the Court has gone beyond its bounds.

I hope and appeal to both the Opposition Leader and the Speaker not to allow this decision to stand as precedence, as it will serve as a basis for continuous interference by the Court in the legislature in future. It is therefore important, for the sake of future parliaments, that this decision by the Supreme Court is challenged, perhaps at a later date, after parliament has dealt with the business of the motion of Vote of No Confidence this Friday.

Thank you

HON POWES PARKOP LLB LLM MP
Parliamentary leader of Social Democratic Party

August 22, 2016 0

Black Brothers Show Kemerdekaan PNG

David Rumagesan (Vocal/saxxofon), Amri Kahar (Trombone); Benny Betay (Bass); Sandy Betay eks Black Papas (Vocalis),Yochy Pattipelohi (Keyboard)-Jubi/Ist

Jayapura,Jubi – Grup legendaris asal Papua, Black Brothers akan tampil di Hari Ulang Tahun ke 41 Tahun Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea (PNG) merdeka, pada 16 September 1975 dari Australia. Jelang kemerdekaan Papua New Guinea 16 September 2016, Gubernur National Capital Districk(NCD) Port Moresby PNG, Pemerintah Papua Nugini (PNG) mengundang grup musik legenda “Black Brothers” dari Bumi Cenderawasih guna memeriahkan Hari Kemerdekaan. di negara itu pada September 2016.

Gubernur National Capital District (NCD) Port Moresby PNG, Hon Powes Parkop, di Jayapura, pekan lalu mengatakan pihaknya ingin lebih mempopulerkan grup musik “Black Brothers” di wilayah PNG.

“The legend are returning (legenda akan kembali) dengan kembali konsernya grup ‘Black Brothers’ khusus di PNG,” katanya sebagaimana dilansir Antara.

Menurut Powes, pihaknya akan membuat “Black Brothers” menjadi bintang internasional jika bisa konser di PNG sehingga grup legenda ini akan merasa senang dan dapat kembali kemudian hari untuk tampil di Port Moresby.

“Selain Black Brothers, kami juga akan menampilkan hiburan-hiburan dari Jakarta dan tempat lainnya, tapi yakin masyarakat akan lebih bersemangat dengan kehadiran grup legenda Papua,” ujarnya.

Catatan Jubi, Black Brother pertama kali lahir di Jayapura dengan nama Iriantos dan hijrah ke Jakarta sekitar 1976. Rekaman di Jakarta dan langsung menggebrak blantika musik Indonesia.

Andy Ayamiseba, manajer Grup Band Black Brothers, mengatakan Black Brothers bukan sekadar kelompok musisi biasa. Mereka memiliki visi dan misi utama untuk mengangkat martabat bangsanya yang selalu dibilang masih terbelakang.

“Misi dan visi yang kedua untuk menciptakan masyarakat yang adil dan sejahterah serta yang ketiga dan maha penting adalah untuk membebaskan bangsanya dari segala bentuk penindasan oleh kaum penjajah,”katanya,melalui akun Facebooknya, belum lama ini.

Menurut Ayamiseba, misi itu bisa dibuktikan dengan karya-karya mereka melalui syair lagu-lagu nya dan keputusan-keputusan yang diambil untuk meninggalkan ketenaran mereka di tanah airnya Indonesia. Bahkan, kemudian meninggalkan kontrak musik di EMI Holland dan akhirnya hijrah ke Vanuatu untuk menjalankan lobi OPM di kawasan Pasifik Selatan, termasuk PNG.

Para personel BB pun diseleksi berdasarkan potensi-potensi mereka secara individu agar produksi bisa mencapai hasil yang semaksimal mungkin. Jocky Phu, dijuluki si pena emas karena dia adalah penyair besar yang berwatak cinta damai dan keadilan. Kemudian, Hengky (alm) yang memiliki suara emas yang khas Black Brother dan sulit diganti oleh suara lain.

Sijari emas August Rumaropen (alm) dijuluki George Bensonnya Papua dengan watak halus dan rendah hati. Ada juga Benny pada bass dan Stevie si penabuh drum. Keduanya adalah tulang punggung rythm section-nya. Akhirnya David(Dullah) dan Amry yang menciptakan dandanan rythem musik BB. Paduan musik dan vokal mereka yang harmonis sesuai dengan melodi dan syair lagu-lagunya telah menembus nusantara dan Pasifik Selatan. Hal ini membuat grup musik Black Brother melegenda di Pasifik Selatan, Indonesia, dan Eropah dengan lagu Jalikoe.

“Saya selaku pendiri dan manajer sekaligus produser eksekutif supergroup ini sulit untuk mendapatkan musisi-musisi alam yang diberkati dengan talenta oleh Tuhan Yang Maha Kuasa seperti mereka. Saya sangat berterima kasih dan bangga karena diberkati dengan kesempatan untuk bekerja dengan group legendaris ini,”tulis Ayamiseba.

Sekadar diketahui, Black Brothers sangat terkenal di negara tetangga seperti Papua Nugini dengan musik yang merupakan campuran antara rock, pop, reggae, funk dan etnis Papua.

Beberapa lagu pop mereka juga menjadi hits, seperti “Kisah Seorang Pramuria” yang kemudian di remake oleh band rock Boomerang.

Lagu mereka yang berjudul “Saman Doye” di 2011 masuk kompilasi “Those Shocking Shaking Days: Indonesian Hard, Psychedelic, Progressive Rock and Funk” bersama Koes Ploes, Aka, dan lainnya.

Personil “Black Brothers” terdiri dari Hengky MS (lead vocal/guitar), Yochie Pattipeilohy (organ), Benny Betay (bass guitar), David Rumagesang (terompet/rythm), Amry M. Kahar (saxophone) dan Stevie Mambor (drumer).

Grup musik ini melakukan hal yang sangat berani ketika pada 1979 mereka memprotes perlakuan pemerintah Indonesia terhadap Papua. (*)

August 22, 2016 0

PNG Opposition Plans New Move Against PM

Pasifik.News – The Papua New Guinea Opposition says it is still determined to remove Peter O’Neill as Prime Minister before the next election, despite failing in its motion of no-confidence.

Parliament last week voted overwhelmingly to keep Mr O’Neill in the job, 85 to 21.

But Opposition spokesman Wanpis Ako says people are demanding change. “We will push for another vote of no-confidence without naming an alternative Prime Minister when parliament resumes on August 9,” he told Pasifik News.

That would be inside the one-year grace period protecting the Government from no-confidence motions, but the Opposition believes it can still push for a caretaker leader.

It also intends to take legal action against the Speaker and Parliamentary Clerk for not allowing more MPs to debate last week’s motion.

But the Prime Minister says it’s time to get on with business.

“Despite the political events of the past two weeks, and recent disquiet in some sections of the community, matters have all culminated with the vote in the Parliament and this has been resolved decisively,” Mr O’Neill said.

It may not be that simple. Apart from the Opposition, some community groups are still pushing for him to step down and face questioning over allegations of corruption.

On his Facebook wall, the Secretary of the National Doctors’ Association Sam Yockopua insisted their action is not in breach of PNG law. “It is instead civil disobedience exercised as concerned professional citizens, which is allowed for, acting to display their conscience using their democratic and constitutional rights,” he wrote.

Mr O’Neill will soon unveil a new ministerial line-up made necessary by the defection of some MPs.
“The new lineup will place our Government in an even stronger position to communicate with relevant parties and resolve outstanding issues,” he said.

July 24, 2016 0

Vote of No Confidence Defeated

EMTV – 22/07/2016 Serah Aupong

The Vote of No Confidence has been defeated with an overwhelming 85 to 21 votes in favour of Peter O’Neill as Prime Minister in today’s special parliament sitting.

The opposition came into the chamber knowing they didn’t have the numbers to win but used the opportunity to air their frustrations against the Prime Minister.

At the end of the session, the opposition left disappointed not only at losing the vote but in what they claim as suppression to fully debate the motion.

The government did what they promised, hold together and defeat the Vote of No Confidence. However before the vote was taken, there was over an hour of heated debate which included pointing of fingers, out of order point of orders and swearing.

Keeping with the specifics of the court order, the speaker allowed debate before the vote was taken. Sam Basil as sponsor of the motion outlined the opposition’s reasons for the motion which included, the lack of debate of the 2016 budget, implementation of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Paraka payment issue, disbanding of taskforce sweep and the LNG revenue.

Then Kelly Naru, who had declared allegiance to the rule of law during the week of lobbying, outlined legal reasons for siding with O’Neill.

Following this, Kavieng member Ben Micah talked about telling the truth where he accused members of parliament of not taking into consideration the truth about issues that affect the nation.

From the government, leader of Government Business and Finance Minister, James Marape, was the only one who spoke formally during the debate.

He said the motion was “hollow” and was used to cause instability and chaos. He said the government has delivered on 90 per cent of its promises.

Towards the end of Marape’s speech, the speaker stopped debate and moved to take the vote.

This did not go down well with the opposition who still had plenty more to say.

Member for Vanimo Green, Belden Namah, accused the speaker of hijacking the parliament procedure.

His refusal to sit down, and the ensuring screaming match that followed from both sides of the house. In an attempt to restore order on the floor of parliament, the speaker stood up. According to parliamentary standing orders, when the speaker stands all members are to sit down.

After reminding the house of that standing order, the parliament quietened down and the vote was taken.

July 22, 2016 0