RETURN THE POWER OF KINA TO OUR POCKETS-STOP PERSONAL INCOME TAX – By Peter KenGemar [SHARP TALK]

Most of the what our government takes from us the citizens of this nation should be passed onto the multinational corporations

This is simple maths, based on someone who makes K70,000 salary pa; -(40% income tax + 10% GST + 5% bank fees + 3% PG tax) = K40,600 (52%). Divide by 52 weeks = K780.00.
Living Expenses to match POM standard of living.
Pom 3 bedroom house rent=K870/wk. Car Fuel=K150/wk. Food costs=K150/wk. Power=K15/wk. Water=K5/wk. Gas=K7/wk. Entertainment=K50/wk.

Total expenses=K1,247.00 for 1 week.
Liquid cash after all taxes and charges=K780.00
Personal deficit=K467.00 each week.
[If zero personal income tax: K538.00 will be available each week, therefore there would be no deficit.]

PNG’s personal income tax system is from pre-colonial era and it is designed to take power of our kina away from our people’s pockets. In fact taxes alone is already sending PNG family into deficit. This forces our best-brightest executives to hard working laborers to become beggars and thieves in our own land to make ends meet.

The government makes it legal to steal from her own people through tax laws.

God who created man and understands our needs only asked for 10%, how than man can be better than God to collect more?

The Government steals from the people, the people turn around steals from each other and within the government and in private companies.

Someone has to stop it first, it must be the government, reduce tax to 10% or zero and we will see this country explode in economic activity as we empower millions of people with millions of kina each week. PNGns are not pigs and dogs; they will do much more if the government gives us back power of kina back to people. We will not steal from each other.

LET’S NOT UNDERMINING OUR POTENTIAL TO STOP CORRUPTION IN PNG IF OUR ELECTED LEADERS CANNOT – LUCAS KIAP [PNGACM]

It is very interesting and mind-blowing to see a lot of Papua New Guineans are using the social media to their advantage by writing and posting about our country’s worst night mare, Corruption Epidemic. Also, it is encouraging to read view points and letters to the editorial of our local newspapers – people openly criticizing the government of their corrupt actions and activities. Thanks to internet revolution and freedom of expression!

It at least give us temporarily hope that we the people of Papua New Guinea are fed up of corruption and the continue lip-service by the government to fight corruption as we desired. But the long-term efforts and gains about our fight against corruption still remain in the balance. We need actions and solutions to have a lasting impact on corruption than just mere spectators of the government criticizing the government of all its actions and misfortunes.

I have seen and read on these sites (blogs) and elsewhere about Papua New Guineans and concerned people posting and criticizing our country’s corruption epidemic to the best of what their abilities can manage – describing it as a faceless evil or something worse, whatever they can think, name or describe it. It is quite obvious that we have a corruption problem in this country as a lot of anti-corruption sites (blogs) are emerging solely for the same purpose of posting and criticizing the government of what they are doing or have been doing. But none of these sites (blogs) are dedicated to offering solutions or offer a pathway to solve the country’s worst night mare – the corruption problem. Even if some does, they only provide a segment of the solution, more or less a snapshot leaving the wider sphere of the problem unexposed.

Sometimes it is confusing as to what the intended outcome is or what people want to get by simply posting and criticizing the corruption problem in the country. I know some people are thinking that some of the members on those sites (blogs) are holding onto key or influential government positions (e.g. MPs). My guess is that we are simply assuming that by pointing out the problem to them, they (MPs) will take action or raise our concerns somewhere, maybe on the floor of parliament. But what we don’t realize is that for how long do we intend to wait for someone to take real and concrete actions to address corruption or for how long are we going to discuss the same issues over and over again?

If history has taught us a lesson I think by this time we would be more careful of what we want because a lot of Commission of Inquiries (CoIs), Public Accounts Committee Reports (PACRs) and investigations into serious allegations of public finance mismanagements, misuses, and abuses – none of them have been tabled in the parliament with their recommendations implemented. But instead these reports have been left to collect dust at the parliament house or somewhere, wherever they belong. If the inaction of the government can be a cause of concern, our approach to the fight against need to be changed.

Do you think the government is serious about addressing corruption in the country after spending millions of public funds into conducting enquiries and investigations – reports which will never be tabled in parliament and its findings and recommendations implemented? These monies can be better spent improving the living standards of the people than spending on something which will not be of any benefit? It is very obvious that the government is only paying lip-service and spending monies where their cronies within the government circles can benefit by carrying out those investigations. Is it correct that we care less for our country by entertaining a government which only pays lip-service in the fight against corruption?

We can do better than just only posting online to criticize the government. I am not saying we are wrong or we don’t have to do it. We can do it but in a way to get the results we want within a specified timeframe. If we couldn’t get the results we want within a certain timeframe, we can then think about some other alternatives or ways to stop corruption in our country.

I suppose it is very important to set a timeframe to get the desired outcome because corruption leads to poverty and poverty leads to social problems. What are we waiting for after waiting for almost 37 years since Papua New Guinea gained independence from its Colonial Master? Papua New Guinea has been continuously ranked among the worst in terms of human development, life expectancy, adult literacy rate, and gross domestic product per capita. Our government’s inability to address the deteriorating infrastructure, law and order problems and high cost of living is a grave concern too. Are we waiting for our rich country to become a failed State before we take action or talk about solutions?

By only criticizing and pointing fingers at corruption – where, when, and how do we intend to get all the answers? Who is going to take the lead? We can’t wait and discuss for decades or centuries. If we wait that long all our natural resources will be depleted or dig and piped somewhere leaving nothing behind but massive environmental damages, deteriorating infrastructures and deep social problems with a uncertain future. Is this what we are waiting for? We can’t let a few enriching themselves while the poor majority suffers in silence! The only opportunity we have to develop and advance this country is now when we still have our natural resources. If we continue to let a few govern this nation without developing other industries to support and maintain future growth, this is not only the question about how we fight and address corruption in this country – the important question is about sustainability and future survival.

Solutions to our country’s corruption problem will not be provided by our elected leaders because as I always caution, they are part of the problem which means they will never be part of the solution. If we let them running this country for more decades thinking that they have the solution – we will only be underestimating ourselves. We will make the greatest mistake in our lives that will be unforgivable by the future generations.

If we want to continue to have a future as one nation and one people with more than 700 languages in a diverse ethnicity and a healthy society, it is very important for us to plan ahead to stop corruption ourselves if our elected leaders cannot. If the patriots of this country can rise up and form groups like these anti-corruption sites (blogs) and talk about actions, plans and solutions, I believe the roots of corruption will be shaking. We will send a message to our elected leaders that if they don’t want to stop corruption, we will do it ourselves.

When I talk about actions, I do not intend to mean that we take up guns and starts assassinate our elected leaders or cause an up-rise to topple the government. However, I am not completely ruling out such possibilities as all options will be available on the table for discussion. There are other ways to take action such as campaigning for the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) or pressing the government to give the Ombudsman Commission more powers to prosecute any leader of wrong doing. We can also form a political party! We have sufficient laws against corruption in the country but it is the implementation and policing we lack.

Patriots rise up! Let’s talk about actions, plans and try out some solutions while we are still alive. If we don’t do it now, the future will when we die curse our graves and regarded us as being greedy and selfish because we have the opportunity here right now to change the course of our country. Let’s rewrite history and go down into history as the legends than just criticizers.

If you are interested to form a group with me, join me on PNG Anti-Corruption Movement (PNGACM) on Facebook and also inbox me. My email address is lucaskiap1080@gmail.com.

Does anyone understand the number of lives that would be saved by being able to accurately and quickly make a definitive diagnosis – and to be able to ascertain if the disease is drug resistant and start treatment immediately? – Susan Merrell on The PNG NEWS PAGE

With 28 Members on The PNG NEWS PAGE  hitting the LIKE button, and VOTING YES with 38 Comments, Susan Merrell has really got the PEOPLE POWER by the horns and is making Honorable Michael Malabag, the Member for Moresby North West and the Minister for Health, with his counter part Honorable Member for Goilala, Daniel K Mona feel very small.

“It’s World TB Day on Sunday. In spite of millions of dollars of aid funding for PNG, still Goilala has no $9,000 (K20,000) GeneXpert machine! Why not?
Hon Health Minister, Micheal Malabag, I know you’re aware of their plight, God knows, I’ve publicized it enough. Sir, let me introduce you to baby Kope, his mother died of TB, he has it too. Then there’s Jeremiah, he was a defaulter (ie didn’t finish his treatment) likely he has undiagnosed MDRTB – there’re lots more like him. Then there’s Annie, who would have died in her remote village – no health facilities, if a chance visit by a Community Health worker didn’t uncover her plight.
In Tapini, diagnosis is made by Community Health Workers by consultation alone (ie not even a trained doctor of which there is just 1 for 200,000 people so I’m told). Then if HIV status and other complications make the diagnosis difficult, they ask the Catholic priest, Father Brian, what they should do. OMG!
If the disease goes undiagnosed and untreated a sufferer will infect another 10-15 people per annum.

Does anyone understand the number of lives that would be saved by being able to accurately and quickly make a definitive diagnosis – and to be able to ascertain if the disease is drug resistant and start treatment immediately? And all it will cost is a lousy K20,000.

Why do I care more about the plight of these people than the PNG government? There has been millions of dollars recently donated in aid from the ‘Global Fund’, a GeneXpert machine for Tapini would hardly cause a ripple in the pond. What’s taking you so long Minister? Where the Hell is the member, whose job it is to be doing what I am now. He’s the paid advocate, not me. AAAArrrrggghhhh!!!”

LIKES & COMMENTS.

You, Kibuka Ambros Kariai, Josephine Aroga, Sheila Taku and 24 others like this.

Susan Merrell
This situation is becoming bloody ridiculous. Do me a favour, like this posting and just comment “I vote yes” underneath if you think that Tapini should have a diagnostic machine (K20,000) out of the K27.6 million of interim funding from the Global Fund. I’ve tried all ways to contact the member, to no avail.
Friday at 3:21pm · Like · 2

Kibuka Ambros Kariai
I vote yes
Friday at 3:29pm via mobile · Like · 1

Simon Bomai
The minister is busy funding n conducting little girly volley tornaments around motu-koitabu area
Friday at 3:29pm via mobile · Like

Anthony Morant
I Vote YES.

Our MP Mona was rumored to have received his DSIP as of Wednesday night. If he has balls he would have come out of his hiding hole and assisted this very vital project.
Friday at 3:32pm · Edited · Unlike · 3

Susan Merrell
Vote yes to funding a K20,000 for Tapini from the K27.6 million donated from Global Fund.. Write, I vote yes – underneath. Thank you. Let’s employ some people power here!
Friday at 3:37pm · Unlike · 4

Simon Bomai
I vote Yes,Yes,Yes!
Friday at 3:46pm via mobile · Unlike · 5

Emmanuel K H Andrew
vote yes
Friday at 4:10pm · Unlike · 3

Josephine Aroga
Vote yes
Friday at 4:14pm via mobile · Unlike · 4

Eva Arni
I say yes!
Friday at 4:38pm · Unlike · 4

Vasity Abau
‘I Vote Yes’
Friday at 4:38pm · Unlike · 4

Wilma Joy
I vote-Yes
Friday at 4:41pm · Unlike · 4

Eva Arni
I mean “I vote yes”
Friday at 4:44pm · Unlike · 5

Susan Merrell
Hon Michael Malabag – do you vote yes too?
Friday at 4:55pm via mobile · Unlike · 3

Yutah Getzo Hursthouse
I vote yes
Friday at 5:35pm · Unlike · 3

Ripple Effect
I vote YES!
Friday at 6:14pm · Unlike · 4

Susan Merrell
There are almost 9,000 members here on this site. If you’ve never posted before, now’s the time. Just comment ‘yes’ to this initiative and send a message straight to Waigani. Baby Kope thanks you.
Friday at 6:39pm · Unlike · 1

Tarcisius Maune
Yes
Friday at 6:49pm via mobile · Unlike · 3

David Putulan
I vote Yes
Friday at 8:12pm via mobile · Unlike · 4

Susan Merrell
Hon Micheal Malabag has responded to this post – on my FB wall and has informed me that Member for Goilala, Daniel Mona has been given funding for health from GoPNG and will announce his plans shortly. In case he is in any doubt – JUST VOTE YES for this initiative hereunder. Thank you.
Saturday at 9:10am · Unlike · 3

Susan Merrell
I took the long road to Goilala last year, I spoke to the Community Health Workers, to Sister Marina, to Father Brian and to the patients. With that information under my belt, I attended the International Lung Diseases Conference in KL last November. I was privileged to be invited to a private dinner by Lilly MDRTB foundation and sat between Professor Lee Reichman (the keynote speaker) and Dr. Lucica Ditui of the STOP TB partneship – a very advantageous position to be in. On the table were other experts from WHO. I spoke to them of the situation in Goilala. I also heard a number of speakers talk of the geneXpert machine – and the consensus was that it is one of the best things to happen in the fight against TB. I also spoke to Cepheid – the manufacturer who asked “What is a journalist doing wanting to purchase a machine?” Guess they underestimate what journalists can do if they step outside their comfort zones. I have no doubts that a geneXpert machine would go a long way to solving the current epidemic in Goilala and a million miles in preventing an even worse one in the future. I am not speaking from a position of ignorance here.
Saturday at 9:12am · Unlike · 4

Josh Moish
I vote ‘Yes’.
Saturday at 8:13pm via mobile · Unlike · 2

Jack Assa Kos
Big Yes
Yesterday at 1:01am · Like · 1

Gilbert Kapi
9 “I”s in Susan Merrell’s 3rd comment. Should have made 10.
22 hours ago · Unlike · 1

Ludwig Nanawar
Thumbs up Susan. You are doing a fabulous job. YES!
22 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1

Susan Merrell
Gilbert Kapi, I don’t know how else to explain my actions – without using the first person ‘I’. What actions have you taken, I’m dying to hear your testimony? Use the first person all you like. Should we clear some room and prepare ourselves for the avalanche of good deeds?
21 hours ago · Edited · Like

Sopa Caleb
I understand you both – Susan and Gilbert, and I must say you guys have valid points. At times, I also fall into that trap (as much as I want to avoid the “I”) but again only GOD knows the intent of our hearts, and I appreciate your efforts Susan. That’s my take and blessed Sunday.
20 hours ago · Edited · Unlike · 3

Susan Merrell
Think of it this way, Sopa Caleb when you’re using ‘I’ it means you are taking responsibility – some people who claim to be hiding their light under a bushel of humility are hiding nothing at all.
20 hours ago · Edited · Unlike · 4

Susan Merrell
Anyway, I digress – please keep voting yes until midnight tonight when World TB Day ends. Thank you.
20 hours ago · Edited · Unlike · 2

Gilbert Kapi
Susan Merrell I vote Yes. But my comment above point out the obvious that sort of jumped out to me. I don’t have anything to prove in the Medical Feild with respect to TB becuase I choose Civil Engineering eventhough I had the marks to make it in the Medical Field. Many Engineers don’t talk about what they have achieved. Maybe becuase they are not too good with words but with action based on facts and fiqures. I have done my fair bit for Roads in NIP and will continue in Madang when I resume duty there. There are so much in PNG and the world to do. So you concentrate on what you can do and I will concentrate on what I can do for PNG but I prefer less use of the first person becuase in all we do there is usually some help from or by others.
19 hours ago · Unlike · 1

Susan Merrell
..and many do exactly the opposite of what you’re saying. And… then again, some people who claim to be hiding their light under a bushell of humility are hiding nothing at all. Thank you for your ‘yes’ Gilbert Kapi – that was all I asked for, was it so hard?
17 hours ago · Edited · Unlike · 1

Susan Merrell
Keep them coming folks. Vote yes, for this initiative – send a message to Waigani.
17 hours ago · Unlike · 2

Yutah Getzo Hursthouse
I sincerely hope positive action is taken to help the rural people receive the health care they deserve. They are usually the forgotten majority in the country. May the government be forced through this initiative to bring change where change is needed most. Thanks Susan Merrell for your persistence. Please vote ‘yes’ so our fellow citizens who may not have a voice can still be heard through those who are able.
15 hours ago · Unlike · 2

Keith Som
Rumours has it that a certain Goilala MP recently bought a house in the vicinity of K400,000.00 or could be more and this dwelling in the North Waigani area has become a compound for his loyal supporters I hear. This money could be used to benefit the thousands of Goilala’s and to fund the TB machine Susan mentioned instead of the house just to benefit a few.
14 hours ago via mobile · Unlike · 3

Keith Som
Yes
14 hours ago via mobile · Unlike · 4

Ruth Choulai
Yes
14 hours ago · Unlike · 4

Susan Merrell
It would take such a little sum of money to do so much good. Sigh!
14 hours ago · Unlike · 2

Anthony Morant
Keith Som… Please I need to get in touch with you…pls inbox me.
13 hours ago via mobile · Unlike · 3

Abijay Haiai
YES!!!!
13 hours ago via mobile · Unlike · 3

When a Child Dies of TB – by Lawrence Stephens

TB is curable and there are equipment that can help eradicate this disease but the government of Papua New Guinea is turning a blind on that

When a child dies from TB my emotions range from great sorrow to helpless anger that WE sit by and allow it to happen. I focus my anger unfortunately on the “responsible” authority rather than the whole lot of us who are responsible.

If the situation is as you describe it is inexcusable. It would be good to see the current MP commenting here because we know he has at least K10m available each year for his District. And then there are others who might also be able to assist. The Goilala is a massive area. It is unique in PNG (although my claim will be disputed by people with experience of other less extreme but seriously difficult terrain) as a place where one tenuous, and magnificently scenic, road reaches a small pocket of the population and many journeys to and from “nearby” communities involve descents and ascents of over 1000 metres and tracks around cliff faces which leave exhausted coastal people near tears as they try to keep up the pace needed to get to the destination.

The cost of the equipment you describe sounds ridiculously reasonable and, knowing that the PNG government and AusAID are seriously involved in efforts to contain and eliminate TB their advice could be helpful.

We should not think that one machine in one of the severely neglected but, alongside the more difficult places there, better serviced Goilala community will help the general population. It is advisable to at the very least know what the people on the ground know about what needs to be done. The Minister would be a good one to bring about a change of pace and I imagine, prodded by your observations will do so. If not or even simultaneously efforts can be made to have the health officials and donors focus on the tragedy you describe.

The MP should indeed be the advocate. The reality here, as in Australia, it is often only when people like you and Fr. Brian step out and question intolerable situations that some of us stir and think how ready we can be to assist if asked by those delivering the service or able to deliver if supported by us.

Source: Sharp Talk

Life of a Tolukuma Gold Mine Worker – By Anthony Morant

Community Relations Office Gate at Tolukuma Gold Mine is one hot spot where locals do their sales.

Since the inception of Tolukuma Gold Mines Ltd, and the subsequent take overs that took place over the life span of this “small scale mine“, a lot of things have changed.

The production improved, gold ounce volume output has increased. Management personnel has changed. Employees got fired. Employees got hired.

Promotions has occured. Employees resigned. Employees died. Ownership changed from over a handful owners to the current one the PNG Government Owned Petromin Holdings Limited.

This Petromin Holdings Ltd is renowned to be owned by the people of Papua New Guinea, which obviously includes Goilala people.

The people from Fane and surrounding Mondo, Tolukuma [Yulai], Sindor, Kone Garime and Popore, Belavista and Gaiva are part of Goilala District.

While all these has been CHANGING, one thing that has NEVER CHANGED is the living standards of the local employees who make up the 98% of the workforce on the ground.

These include the miners, the labor crew, the cooks, the cleaners, the service crew, the electricians, the plumbers, the carpenters, the mechanics.

The housing conditions are below par. They build their own house using fan bags which is actually waste that the Mine discards and throws it out. There is no electricity provided to the locals. Water supply is only as far as central locations. Everyone fetch water from this one supply point.

Latrines are self built and sometimes the disposal of waste is in the open. The risk such practises poses to public health is dangerously inhuman.

Yet, no one from the respective authorities – MRA, Petromin Management, Department of Personnel Management, Yulai Land Owners Association, the Local Level Governments, District Administration, MP for Goilala, Central Provincial Government – have literally turned a blind eye on this very critical life threatening situation under their very noses.

TGM local work force has over time helped the various owners make millions of kina at the expense of their own health and well fare. Some employees while working in this mine contracted sickness and deceases which has lead to them dying.

There really needs to be an overhaul of the whole TGM ToR and their community obligation and responsibilities towards local work force at the mine site.

Building our Classroom Together – By Fr Vladimir Malota CM

The new classroom foundation been laid out to prepared for the classroom which will be built.

LAW & ORDER – NONEXISTENT IN GOILALA – By Anthony MORANT

Hearth broken and filled with sorrow

Since the dawn of Independence back in the mid 1970s, Law and Order throughout the District of Goilala was vibrant and active.

Law and order was maintained and its presence was felt through to the small villager down in his piggery farm.
Then come alone the reforms which were published as the remedy to our problems. Which problems? Only the District Planners knows what the problems were.

Right now, police presence throughout the district is nonexistent. Woitape and Guari hardly have any police presence. If they do, then they are just reserve seasonal home scholars who have no understanding of the laws of the nation. They use common sense and reasoning to pass judgment where necessary.

Tapini seem to have some auxiliary police presence but again these are just reserve police. The police station in Tapini if am wrong, does not have a police vehicle.
Our village court systems are also malfunctioning too. The peace officers from the colonial era are struggling to deal with drug issues at their local communities. And the help and support they rightfully deserve to help enforce law and order is never fort coming.

Allowances for both reserve police personnel and village court officials which include the magistrates and their peace officers most of the time do not receive theirs. We have stories to reflect upon where by peace officers and village court officials had their allowances picked up at Kone by con artists who claim to be their relatives. This is been facilitated by crook and corrupt officers who handle these payments at Kone, which is a sad truth that has been ongoing for who knows how many years.

Due to this breakdown of command and lack of police presence and inactive court systems throughout Goilala District, this has directly resulted in law and order problems breaking out of hand since 1990s.

Thugs and criminals are now seen roaming the whole district with high powered fire power, robbing and rapping anything in their path. Lives have been taken by these thugs and no one is doing anything about it. Drug addicts are now seen everywhere. Marijuana plans are freely grown in the back yards of people and it is seen as an appetizer and a socially accepted item in the open.

No one cares less about such because no one is scared of no one. Law and order is at all time high. Yet our leaders are putting on a brave face and taking things as if nothing is wrong.

There were instances where people took the law into their own hands and serve jungle justice to these thugs and criminals but such practice is unhealthy because retaliation by thugs on these local communities is bound to happen without a doubt.

We dearly need the presence of Law and Order enforcers’ presence throughout Goilala. We need to have police command posts in Woitape and Guari. We need to have Tapini police station equipped with vehicles and two way radios which can be connected with their colleagues at Woitape and Guari. We need to ensure telephone communication is also available to these police at Tapini station. These police personal housing and wages issues has to be look into too, to attract more committed men and women to serve the people.

Currently, we are fighting for our own survival. And as such, it’s a time bomb which can go off anytime.

Tuberculos is a Time Bomb Needing Close Attention – The National

DR PAUL Aia should be the last one to be alarmed (“Doctor alarmed by rise in TB”, Feb 19, and “US$13m set for TB program”, March 11).

He happens to be the national tuberculosis program (NTP) manager, tasked with controlling and eradicating TB in the country.
He says he is alarmed that the reported cases of TB jumped by 54%, from 13,000 to 20,000, within five years.

We are all aware that many cases go unreported.
However, he fails to shed light on the current status of drug-resistant TB, which is the real killer that is claiming the lives of many innocent people especially in Western.
Drug-resistant TB is the man-made result of interrupted, erratic, or inadequate TB therapy, and its spread is undermining efforts to control the TB epidemic.
Multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) has been in the country for a good number of years and has been a real challenge to control.

With the emergence of more than six extensively-drug resistant TB (XDR-TB) cases in Western last year, PNG is sitting on a medical time bomb.
It is estimated that 70% of XDR-TB patients die within a month of diagnosis.
This is going to leave TB patients, especially those with MDR and XDR-TB with very slim to no hope of survival even on treatment.

Fortunately, PNG has the support of multiple partners in the TB fight. Many partners such as WHO, Global Fund, AusAID and others have supported us technically and financially but there is no end to the fight in sight.
The recent interim grant allocations of US$13m by Global Fund and K15m by the government for the program are welcome news for the country.
Such support in many forms were provided in the past and will continue to be given to the NTP manager to control the epidemic.

However, the important question is: “When are we going to see signs of successful control of TB in the country?”
Aia has held the manager’s position for more than 10 years and has found no solution to the epidemic.

We are haunted by resistant TB strains that are very expensive to treat and kills many.
Aia appears complacent about the epidemic.
Where are the locally appropriate strategies to stop the epidemic?
It is obvious that the longer the situation continues, the more innocent Papua New Guineans are going to die from a disease that is curable.
In the best interests of this country, I challenge Health Secretary, Pascoe Kase, to look into installing new leadership in the program as soon as possible.
Papua New Guineans deserve better.

Concerned Health Worker
Goroka

Source: The National, Friday 15th March, 2013

Louis Mona Foundation Incorporated – Legal or Illegal – By Anthony Morant

LOUIS MONA FOUNDATION INCORPORATED.

MP Elect Daniel K Mona Signs Declaration Forms

Since the inception of this Foundation, by the duly elected and incumbent MP for Goilala District Honorable Daniel K MONA, not much has been made known about it.

Questions such as funding source, among other things seems to hang in the air. Where does LMFI gets its funding from? If most of the funding comes from the District Support Improvement Program Funds, then how much is been allocated to sustain LMFI operations. And then how much of this is been earmarked to sponsor students in tertiary institutions and other colleges across PNG and abroad?

It seems like only UPNG students from Goilala got funding from MP Mona, which is applaud-able and appreciated by all. But is the same going to be done to other students across PNG and overseas?

The application process in going about securing assistance/funding from these funds is also very obscure and/or unknown. It seems application process is taking place in the streets and around “whom you know basis”. As such, for those genuine students who are no where related to Mona and Co will have to count themselves unfortunate in this case.

Apart from the Human Resource sponsoring [rather UPNG Students sponsorship package] students, what are the other scope of works for LMFI? If its just human resources then is there anywhere we access this information?

Goals and Objectives of LMFI is something of interest too.

The other point of interest would be the makeup of the Executives of LMFI. How were these executives elected into that office? And is this a salary based employment or is this a volunteer engagement?

As a Goilala citizen, I would like to have these questions clarified for everyone’s benefit. After all, the DSIP funds is for the people of Goilala and as such, I personally would love to know.

By the way, IPA search on Louis Mona Foundation Incorporated did not return any concrete results. So are we talking about funding a non existent organization which is never covered under PNG laws?

I smell a rat. Is it really a rat or the odor is from some asian kaibar down the road?

Doctor and Patient ratio Alarming in Goilala – by Anthony MORANT

For a population of 57,000, we do not have a Practicing Doctor or a established Doctor? And 25 CHWs with just 3 nursing officers and NIL midwives for the whole lot of us – 57,000 that is? We also do not have a Ambulance stationed in Tapini Station, and no Village Birth Attendants all across the District?

Goilalas, this is GENOCIDE. Our government is living us to fend for ourselves. And make it works, this is 40 years after independence. 

Unbelievable!