Walk-About

 Hi all it's been a while since I blogged.  Kinda got busy do other things and this just took the backseat, so I have more time on my hands now so I thought I'd return and write something. Alot has been happening and I really don't know where to start. But one thing that comes immediately to my mind is the recent Landowner Benefit Identification (LOBID) process that is in progress right now in the Gulf Province of Papua New Guinea. The  LOBID process is an important process to ensure the landowners of the Papua LNG project are recognised to benefit from this multimillion kina project. In fact the process is underway as I write this.  This is the verifying stage where all ILG lists are confirmed before it goes to the Development Forum where the Minister for Petroleum and Energy announces or makes the Ministerial Determination. An interesting time in the lives of the people directly affected by the pipeline as well as the wellhead up in the hinterlands of the Baimuru L...

This was taken from the PNG In FOCUS page on Facebook . By Sam Jay Kaupa There is a question that people need to ask. Why can’t the Central Bank of PNG buy gold to curb smuggling and also build the reserves to stabilise the plummeting Kina? The mining sector accounts for about 9% of the GDP and the overall resources sector contributes about 26% of the GDP. This will continue to rise with the current demand for cobalt which as a by- product of the mix hydroxide precipitate from the Ramu Nickel. Copper is on the rebound with nickel and so is gold which is now hovering above $US1,300/oz. Gold price will continue to go up according to analysts and from graphical representations from Kitco (where I get most of my data from) Currently gold is stolen on a massive scale in PNG Mines. Gold production from mines are under reported. This is a massive scam. For example – 20 million ounces were mined from the giant Porgera Gold Mine and bullions shipped off-shore by helicopter to Mt Hag...

The national men’s U19 Garamuts leave for Japan this Friday in Pursuit of a World Cup berth in South Africa in 2020. They will compete in a five nation tournament against fellow East Asia Pacific nations with the winner earning a place in the U19 50 over World Cup early next year. Going into the event as favourites, after making eight of the last nine under age World Cups they will play four games in the round robin event against Japan, Samoa, Vanuatu, and Fiji. Their opening game will be on Sunday where they take on Fiji at the Japan Cricket Association headquarters in Sano, three hours out of Tokyo. Coach and former Barramundi, Kila Pala has high expectations for this tournament “the boys have been working hard all year and we hope to emulate the 2018 Garamuts who went through this corresponding tournament undefeated” Pala will be assisted on this tour by current Barramundi all-rounder Norman Vanua, who brings a wealth of experience to the group not only in his technic...

Link PNG Dash 8 aircraft burning at the Mendi Airport It is unfortunate to hear and see what had happenned to the LINK PNG aircraft in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province. This vital service providing links to other major services in the province has been cutoff now by this hooligans who think the world revolves around them. It has created an uproar and disgust in other parts of the country especially hardworking tax payers. There is a call for those involved to be arrested and sent to the cellars, meanwhile the Prime Minister has called for investigations into this incidents which included the burning down of certain government properties as well. A sad day for the flag carrier.

Port Moresby: Over 200 High school Students from Kopkop Colleague received financial awareness especially on the importance of savings through NCSL’s Kids Savings Account (KSA) and how this will positively prepare them for the future. Upon the invitation of the School’s Deputy Principal for Administration – Mr. Kenneth Wunum, NCSL’s Marketing Officer Mr Jasper Kinaram spoke to the students of the ages 7 up to 12. Financial literacy is important for everyone and must be taught at an early age. The KSA product is a trustee account for children who are under the age of 18 years. The Society pays monthly and annual interest on each members’ savings and urges parents to open up savings account for their children. This presentation is on the back of a similar one done by General Manager, Vari Lahui and Manager Member Services, to Bialla Primary School during their recent visit to Bialla and Kimbe. Above: NCSL staff member speaking to students from Kopkop College

This week has been a sad week for a lot of people in the country and rugby league's circle with the loss of a humble Papuan rising star. He had touched people of all walks of life in Papua New Guinea and abroad. And most people talked of his humblesness and smile that brightened up the room. He was a silent achiever and had that unintentional effect of drawing people to him. I met him a couple of times through my involvement with the Rugby League World matches as a Master of Ceremony and that is what I picked out straight away. His humblesness. Now the Nation mourns his sudden loss. Below is a wonderful heartbreaking story by Lahui Ako that brought a lump to my throat as I read through. Please click on the link and read. And please come back and leave a comment or two about this story.. How A Person Half My Age Changed My Life