by Danielle Cave - 28 July 2011 8:33AM .. with many links ..
Papua New Guinea is embracing the digital revolution. It has been 14 years since the internet arrived in PNG, and suddenly there is a rapidly growing group of young, mobile-carrying, text-happy, internet-connected residents who are taking to social media in droves.
It makes sense. PNG's population of 6.4 million people are scattered across a large land mass, and travel between regions is hindered by poor transport links and road infrastructure. The internet is the perfect solution to overcoming these physical barriers. Yet five years ago, the internet situation in PNG was substandard, with limited, low-speed download capacity and low access to computers (especially in rural areas). All of this is changing.
As Rowan Callick recently reported, 'the arrival of 3G (in PNG) has enabled people to go online throughout the country, accelerating the attractions of Facebook, which has already attracted 35,000 users'. It has been three months since Rowan's article and an additional 13,000 Papua New Guineans have since jumped on the social networking site; 65% of them are 18-34 years old.
PNG bloggers and activist groups are also popping up everywhere in the digital domain. NGO groups, particularly women's groups, are increasingly using the web and social media as a platform for open expression and to connect with like-minded individuals. Prime Minister Michael Somare's retirement last month was broken by journalists in PNG via Twitter, hours before the first article appeared online.
Despite this growth, internet penetration is at only 2% of the population, totaling approximately 125,000 internet users, low when compared with countries such as Fiji.
So why are Papua New Guineans flocking to social media now? A large portion of the credit has to go to Irish mobile phone company, Digicel, which now operates in a number of Pacific countries, and which has transformed the telecommunications landscape in PNG. Coverage now extends to the majority of the country and the company offers relatively cheap handsets with even cheaper call and text rates. Having just been named as PNG's most innovative company in 2011, Digicel enables users to access Facebook through their mobile phones, tweet via SMS, offers a cheaper alternative to the iPad, and has recently launched high-speed mobile broadband internet.
Digicel is not the only company taking advantage of an increasingly connected PNG. The Bank of the South Pacific now offers SMS text banking — account holders can check balances, transfer money and check their last three transactions on their mobiles.
Almost two years ago, when I was pinned with the task of setting up the Lowy Institute's Twitter account, I struggled to track down one single Twitter account that operated from the Pacific Islands (outside of a handful of Fiji tourism companies).
Today, if I jump on Twitter or Facebook and conduct a quick search, I am drowning in Pacific Island tweeters and potential Facebook friends. They are sharing opinions, having conversations, texting money, linking to blogs and starting debates. PNG is not alone; the entire Pacific region is twittering its way towards a more connected future. These vital connections have an important role to play in lifting a greater proportion of the population out of poverty.
Don’t blame the miners, the problem is our corrupt leaders
By Professor Roman Grynberg* .. July 29, 2011
I now live in Botswana. It is the great mainstream counter-example to the argument that mining is inherently destructive. Botswana exports one third of the world’s diamonds. It is hardly what I would call a great example of good government despite what the World Bank says, but it is a good deal better (or at least was in the first 30 years of mining) than what I have seen in PNG or other resource rich countries in the islands region.
The reason is political- the elite here has reinvested the massive diamond reserves in the infrastructure and education of the country. You can see the diamonds in the roads, the schools, the dams, and the hospitals.
In defense of PNG, it does not nor never had anything like the huge Jwaneng diamond mine here in Botswana. To dig out one dollar of diamonds costs roughly 10 cents. It is the richest piece real estate on earth. The government cut an OK deal with De Beers and makes billions every year.
The elite in the mineral rich Pacific countries may have had many friends to spend and abuse the mineral and forestry resources on but they had a choice to use those resources with some wisdom or to squander them. They chose the latter and in Botswana, while they were very imperfect and made many mistakes but they did not steal, misappropriate, mismanage the mineral wealth on a massive scale.
In the end of course it will make little difference because once the diamonds are gone the wealth that was generated will not likely be sustainable and now there is evidence that the new generation of the Botswana elite is not behaving like the older generation. Corruption is growing and becoming more prevalent.
The difference between countries that have succeeded and failed ultimately rests with the quality of their ruling elite and the decisions they make. Generally speaking mining has had an awful track record in the developing world because governments have abused this wealth. Those countries with a genuinely developmental elite have prospered (eg Malaysia) and those with a parasitic elite (eg Philippines) that does not do anything but steal from its people see the non-renewable wealth of the nation in the bank accounts of the rulers. This cannot be blamed on mining or logging per se but the decisions of those who rule.
*Senior Research Fellow, Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Comment: I wouldn't think he is completely absolving the miners of everything, as they are certainly guilty of unnecessarily destructive environmental practices in New Guinea, as they have been about everywhere.
If interested there is more of this one ..
July 30, 2011 .. Greens want crackdown on Australian miners overseas
Australia’s Greens Party is going to push for legislation preventing Australian mining companies from engaging in environmental practices overseas that they couldn’t do at home, reports the ABC. .. continued inside .. http://ramumine.wordpress.com/
PAPUA New Guinea's prime minister Peter O'Neill has outlined a broad agenda for his week-old government, vowing closer ties to Australia and the establishment of an independent commission against corruption (ICAC).
In a wide-ranging speech to parliament today, Mr O'Neill also promised free education to students up to year 10 as part of the 2012 budget, and a reinvigoration of the nation's police force ahead elections scheduled for next year.
However, the opposition benches were empty for the speech, with MPs loyal to former acting prime minister Sam Abal refusing to attend the session.
"In our external relationships, this government recognises that Papua New Guinea is not an island unto itself - we live in a global village," Mr O'Neill said.
"In this respect, Mr Speaker, we will strengthen our relationships particularly with our neighbours Australia and Indonesia."
Since 2005, the former government of Sir Michael Somare had encouraged a "look North" policy, supporting closer ties to nations such as China, rather than Australia.
It is understood Mr O'Neill's government has already been working with the Australian government on its proposal to reopen the Manus Island asylum-seeker detention centre, with the two countries believed to be nearing a deal.
Manus Island governor Michael Sapau, in the past a vocal supporter of the project, today directed all inquiries about the centre to foreign affairs minister Ano Pala.
However, Mr Pala could not be contacted.
In outlining his agenda, Mr O'Neill said he would introduce a bill at the next session of parliament to establish an ICAC with powers to investigate public, political and private sector corruption.
"In response to the public outcry again to the rampant corruption and mismanagement of public money, I will move decisively to appoint a public prosecutor to immediately investigate, charge, prosecute and jail persons, or groups, or companies who have illegally profited from the state's coffers," he said.
But biggest applause came when Mr O'Neill vowed to sell the government's private jet, the Falcon.
Mr O'Neill said the 120 million kina ($51 million) aircraft cost 22 million kina a year to run, and said he had already directed authorities to put the plane up for sale.
"Mr Speaker I believe this money will be better spent on the education and health sectors," he said.
The only non-government member of parliament who did attend today was outgoing MP Dame Carol Kidu, who lost her job as minister for women last Tuesday when parliament voted 70 to 24 to oust Mr Abal and his government.
Dame Carol, the only female member of PNG's 109-member parliament, said while she commended Mr O'Neill's promises against corruption and for education, meeting the goals would be improbable with less than a year before the June 2012 national election.
"As a former teacher, what size classes are you looking at? The education system is fraught with problems. Why not promise the people of Papua New Guinea you will move towards (free education)," she said.
"I do not see how you will do this in 2012. You have three months. Please let's not lead our people up garden paths."
PNG crisis: police told to arrest Deputy PM November 12, 2011
Kevin Rudd ... said the order for the arrest of two senior members of the Papua New Guinean government was "concerning". Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
PORT MORESBY: A constitutional crisis has erupted in Papua New Guinea after the Supreme Court ordered the arrest of the Deputy Prime Minister, Belden Namah, and the Attorney-General, Allan Marat, a day after the government attempted to suspend the Chief Justice.
The arrest warrants were issued after the announcement by Mr Namah on Thursday that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Sir Salamo Injia, had been suspended pending an investigation of charges that included mismanagement of court funds.
The court has now ordered that Mr Namah and Dr Marat be arrested and brought before the court on Monday morning.
A police spokesman said yesterday the two men were not in Port Moresby. He said Mr Namah was in Kimbe Bay, in the province of West New Britain, and Dr Marat was in Kokopo, in East New Britain province.
The acting Police Commissioner, Tom Kulunga, confirmed in a statement police had received yesterday's order to arrest the pair for contempt of court charges and confirmed they were prepared to carry out the orders.
''The orders, signed and issued by the Supreme Court justice Bernard Sakora, were delivered to the office of the commissioner this morning,'' he said. ''Police are acting on the court orders.''
The order also restrains the government from implementing its decision, made on Thursday, to suspend Sir Salamo.
The chief justice has been presiding over a case that reviews the constitutional legitimacy of the O'Neill government, which took power on August 2 in a 70-to-24 vote on the floor of Parliament. That decision, by a panel of five judges, is due on December 9.
The then prime minister Sir Michael Somare had his 43-year career ended in dramatic fashion in August when he was disqualified from Parliament.
Sir Michael had been convalescing in Singapore after three heart operations.
The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kevin Rudd, said the order for the arrest of two senior members of the Papua New Guinean government was ''concerning''.
Speaking from Hawaii, where the PNG Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, is also attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum, Mr Rudd said of the arrest: ''It strikes us as an unusual act. There are a range of political sensitivities in Papua New Guinea which go back to the decision concerning the replacement of Sir Michael Somare with Prime Minister O'Neill.''
A spokesman for the Prime Minister's office declined to comment, as did a spokesman for Mr Namah, who is acting in the prime minister's role.
The executive director of the Institute of National Affairs, Paul Barker, said the order to arrest a sitting deputy prime minister was a first in PNG's 36-year history as an independent nation.
There has not been such a constitutional impasse ''since [the early 1980s] when a chief justice went and locked up the then justice minister. [The] then prime minister Sir Michael Somare used his discretion to release her. The Supreme Court resigned.''
Mr Barker said the next few days would be difficult to interpret because of Mr O'Neill's absence from PNG, although he said any sort of military intervention was unlikely.
''I can't really see everyone rushing out to follow Mr Namah,'' he said.
Papua New Guinea deadlocked over rival leaders December 14, 2011 10:01 PM
Veteran leader Sir Michael Somare, second right, attends a press conference after claiming to have been reinstated as Papua New Guinea's prime minister in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011. The country's Supreme Court and governor-general have backed 76-year-old Somare, while ousted Prime Minister Peter O'Neill is refusing to give up power despite the court order. (AP Photo/Post-Courier)
(AP) PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — Papua New Guinea politics were deadlocked Thursday, with two men claiming to be prime minister, two governments saying they hold power, rival police chiefs maintaining the peace — and no one sure who actually was in charge.
The power struggle in the most populous South Pacific island nation has exasperated the public and prompted union leaders to call on both men claiming to be prime minister to find a solution before the situation worsens.
The country's Supreme Court and Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio have backed 76-year-old Sir Michael Somare, who the court ruled was illegally removed as prime minister while getting medical treatment outside the country. But lawmakers loyal to his rival Peter O'Neill have passed retroactive legislation recognizing him as leader.
"We are sick and tired of the selfish behavior by our politicians," said Michael Malabang, head of the country's Trade Union Congress, which represents tens of thousands of private and public sector workers across Papua New Guinea, a former Australian territory rich in mineral resources. "We don't want a total public service breakdown, and it is coming to that stage."
The standoff began Monday, when the Supreme Court ruled that O'Neill's election by parliament in August was unconstitutional and said Somare should be reinstated as prime minister. Lawmakers backing O'Neill stormed the gates of Ogio's official residence on Tuesday, demanding he meet with O'Neill. Ogio, who represents British Queen Elizabeth II — the country's head of state — said he'd decide by Wednesday who should be prime minister.
On Wednesday, Ogio swore in Somare's Cabinet. Somare insisted he did not need to be sworn in, because the Supreme Court had already reinstated him as prime minister.
But a majority of the country's 109 lawmakers voted later Wednesday to suspend Ogio and replace him temporarily with Speaker Jeffery Nape. Nape then swore O'Neill in as prime minister.
"(Ogio) has failed to swear in the new prime minister according to the advice of the Parliament," O'Neill told Parliament in proposing the motion suspending the governor-general.
Somare dismissed Ogio's suspension as corrupt.
"We're the government despite that fact Parliament is still going on," Somare told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio from the prime minister's office.
O'Neill's lawmaker supporters have occupied Parliament since Monday when the Supreme Court ruling was issued. On Wednesday they voted to appeal that ruling.
One of Somare's first acts after the Supreme Court ordered his return to power was to reinstate former Police Commissioner Fred Yakasa and oust O'Neill's appointee, Tom Kulunga. Both police chiefs were present at the governor-general's home and held discussions with lawmakers loyal to O'Neill.
Somare has based himself at the popular Ela Beach Hotel, where he has set up a Cabinet made up mostly of ministers from his previous government.
"The only two people who can make a difference are Sir Michael and Mr. O'Neill," said Malabang, head of the trade union. "They have to calm down and come together for the sake of our people."
Somare spent five months in Singapore undergoing three heart operations before returning to parliament Sept. 6.
Australian Foreign Minister Kevin said the former Australian colony had entered uncharted waters through the two leaders making claims for the prime ministership.
Australia shares an important trade relationship with Papua New Guinea, which is rich in mineral resources, including oil, gold and copper, and crops such as coffee and cocoa. Australia is Papua New Guinea's top export market, as well as its top source of imports. Papua New Guinea relies on Australia for fuel, food, cars and foreign aid. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501712_162-57343292/papua-new-guinea-deadlocked-over-rival-leaders/
================
PNG crisis: O'Neill sends in police to take over government offices Ilya Gridneff in Port Moresby December 15, 2011 - 4:18PM
Peter O’Neill ... ordered in police. Photo: AFP
Peter O'Neill has ordered police to take control of Papua New Guinea's government offices where his rival Sir Michael Somare is holed up claiming to be the alternative prime minister.
Mr O'Neill told a press conference that 70 extra police officers are already in the capital with up to 200 more on their way to deal with the political crisis that has reached its third day.
PNG woke this morning with two men claiming to be prime minister, two governors-general, two cabinets and two police chiefs.
Peter O'Neill, surrounded by his 74 MP supporters, talks to Don Polye, a minister in his cabinet. Photo: Ilya Gridneff
The two main camps have been duelling for legitimacy since Monday when the Supreme Court ruled Sir Michael was to be restored as prime minister, replacing Mr O'Neill.
Since then the country has been gripped in a political impasse as both sides refused to back down.
When the Herald asked whether this latest move by Mr O'Neill was a potential flashpoint for violence if Sir Michael refused to leave, he said: "Of course police have to do their job.
"There is a properly constituted police force in the country by the act of Parliament and police is required to do their duties," he said.
Mr O'Neill said his government revoked a late-night order by Sir Michael that reinstated his police commissioner Fred Yakasa.
"Anyone who has broken the law will face the full brunt of the law," he said.
Mr O'Neill, surrounded by the 74 MPs supporting his government, said Sir Michael should test his legitimacy on the floor of Parliament.
"There are elements in Port Moresby police who have sided with court ordered group [Sir Michael] and we've had to bring in additional policing personnel from ouside Port Moresby to restore possession of government assets so the public service can continue to function," he said.
Mr O'Neill said the Somare led group had taken control of the government printer, Government House and two other government buildings close to Parliament.
"These are the houses that police forcibly moved personnel into. We don't do that in this country," he said.
"It's up to the illegal police force that is going around thinking they are properly constituted. The only place people get power is on the floor of Parliament," he said.
"The police commissioner [Tom Kalunga] is now taking control of the government assets. We must allow rule of law to prevail in this country. We can not allow rogue police officers to run around the country. I call on the policemen supporting this thuggery and command in the city to refrain from that," he said.
He said he was not ordering the arrest of Sir Michael or his ministers.
"I have no authority ... to issue arrest warrants," he said.
"[Sir Michael and his supporters] are totally within their rights ... to express their views.
"But the police have got to do their duty."
There is a contingent of police officers loyal to Sir Michael in Port Moresby, but the majority of police have been at pains to remain neutral.
The nation's military has also remained neutral and largely silent.
On Monday night police loyal to Sir Michael surrounded the Government House and would not allow Mr O'Neill to see the Governor-General Michael Ogio.
Some gunfire was heard but no one was injured.
The following day Mr O'Neill and his supporters had to break through a police barricade when trying to see the Governor-General.
The few police loyal to Sir Michael have remained in position at key government venues such as Morauta Haus and Vulipindi Haus but there has been no violence.
Sir Michael had been expected to give a press conference this morning but it was put off until later in the afternoon without explanation.
Soldiers oust Papua New Guinea defence chief 26 January 2012 Last updated at 03:48 GMT
Both Sir Michael Somare (L) and Peter O'Neill are claiming the role of prime minister
Soldiers in Papua New Guinea say they have taken control of the military and ousted the defence chief, reports say.
The apparent mutiny, involving 12-20 soldiers, took place early in the morning in Port Moresby, Australian media and officials said.
The incident appears to be linked to the conflict between Peter O'Neill and Sir Michael Somare - the two men claiming the role of prime minister.
They have been wrangling over the role for six months.
The leader of the soldiers, retired Colonel Yaura Sasa, is a former defence attache to Indonesia.
He has declared himself commander after placing the head of the defence forces, Brigadier General Francis Agwi, under house arrest.
He has denied staging a mutiny and said instead that he was appointed by Sir Michael's government.
''My task is restoring the integrity and respect of the constitution and the judiciary," he said at a press conference at the military headquarters. .............................. PNG political crisis
28 Jun: Somare steps down from ill-health 2 Aug: Speaker declares PM position vacant, O'Neill elected PM by parliament 12 Dec: Somare reinstated by Supreme Court 16 Dec: O'Neill says he has support of state institutions 20 Dec: Governor-General endorses O'Neill as PM 18 Jan: Somare is ejected from parliament ...............................
"I am now calling on the head of state to immediately implement Sir Michael's post as prime minister," he added.
Brig Gen Agwi backed Mr O'Neill as Papua New Guinea's prime minister.
According to the ABC report, the soldiers overpowered guards at Taurama barracks and took the commanding officer there captive.
They then moved to Murray Barracks, placing Brig Gen Agwi under house arrest.
Power tussle
The incident is the latest conflict in a power tussle between the two men claiming the South Pacific nation's top job.
Sir Michael left Papua New Guinea in March to receive treatment for a heart condition. In June, his family announced he was standing down from politics, a move he later said had been taken without consulting him.
He remained out of the country for five months and in August, MPs declared the position vacant and that Sir Michael was no longer an MP. Mr O'Neill was elected by 70 votes to 24, replacing acting Prime Minister Sam Abal.
A Supreme Court ruling in December 2011 then stated that parliament had acted illegally by electing Mr O'Neill prime minister. The court also ruled in a 3-2 decision that Sir Michael should be ''restored to the office of prime minister''.
Mr O'Neill, who is backed by the civil service and effectively running the country, refused to step down.
Last week, Sir Michael showed up in parliament waving court documents and demanding to be reinstated. A rowdy scene ensued, with Sir Michael being ejected.
"We urge that the situation be resolved as soon as possible, and that the PNGDF chain of command is restored," the department said in a statement.
Mr O'Neill has not made any statement on the situation, the Associated Press news agency reported.
However, Australia's High Commissioner in Port Moresby, Ian Kemish, has spoken Mr O'Neill, who said authorities were taking steps to manage the situation, said an Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson.
The Head of the Australian Defence Staff at the High Commission has also talked with Brigadier Agwi.
''We understand that discussions (are) underway within the PNGDF to resolve the matter,'' the spokesperson said.
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