Treat our women right

By Rev SEIK PITOI - The National

DOMESTIC violence is a big problem all over the world. Regardless of the level of sophistication or crudeness of the society or nation, the ugly scourge of domestic violence, or specifically, violence against women and girls, will always be found. We in PNG are no exception.

Violence in the home is the wilful intimidation or physical and sexual assault perpetrated by one partner against another, especially a domineering male over his spouse. The violence is not only physical and sexual, but also includes psychological and emotional abuse. The epidemic of domestic violence often results in physical injury, psychological trauma, and in severe cases, even death. The physical, emotional, and psychological consequences can cross generations and last a lifetime.

Abuse in relationships
There may be small tell-tale signs in a relationship that a person will become violent in later years. His hot temper or simple acts of jealousy in the beginning stages of the relationship may give him away. However, with her head in the clouds, the glassy-eyed young bride-to-be often glosses over these indicators, taking them as her boyfriend showing his affection for her.
Later, as the young couple marry and begin their journey in life together, problems may arise in time, such as marital unfaithfulness on the part of the husband who never thought he could be swayed away from the love of his life. Suddenly, he is caught out, initially denying the act, and then becoming violent to cover his wrongs. So begins the cycle of violence in the home.
Abusers gradually become more aggressive and controlling over time. They may begin with behaviours that may easily be downplayed such as possessiveness, or distrust. They may apologise profusely for their actions or try to convince the person they are abusing that they do these things out of love or care.
However, violence and control always intensify over time with an abuser, despite the apologies. What may start out as something that was first believed to be harmless (e.g., wanting the victim to spend all their time only with them because they love them so much) escalates into extreme control and abuse (e.g., threatening to kill or hurt the victim or others if they speak to family, friends, etc.).
Some examples of abusive tendencies include, but are not limited to:

• Accusing the victim of cheating;
• Keeping or discouraging the victim from seeing friends or family members;
• Embarrassing or shaming the victim with put-downs;
• Controlling every penny spent in the household;
• Looking at or acting in ways that scare the person they are abusing;
• Controlling who the victim sees, where they go, or what they do;
• Dictating how the victim dresses, wears their hair, etc;
• Stalking the victim or monitoring their victim’s every move (in person or also via the internet and/or other devices such as GPS tracking or the victim’s phone);
• Preventing the victim from making their own decisions;
• Threatening to hurt or kill the victim’s friends, loved ones, or pets
• Intimidating the victim with guns, knives, or other weapons;
• Pressuring the victim to have sex when they don’t want to or to do things sexually they are not comfortable with
• Forcing sex with others
• Pressuring or forcing the victim to use drugs or alcohol, and;
• Preventing the victim from working or attending school, harassing the victim at either, keeping their victim up all night so they perform badly at their job or in school.

A solemn march through the community.

Domestic violence does not always end when the victim escapes the abuser. Often, it intensifies because the abuser feels a loss of control over the victim. In fact, the victim is often in the most danger directly following the escape of the relationship or when they seek help.
Unfair blame is frequently put upon the victim of abuse because of assumptions that victims choose to stay in abusive relationships. The truth is, bringing an end to abuse is not a matter of the victim choosing to leave; it is a matter of the victim being able to safely escape their abuser, the abuser choosing to stop the abuse, or others (e.g., law enforcement, courts) holding the abuser accountable for the abuse they inflict.” (Source – www.ncadv.org).

In Melanesia
Domestic violence is a big problem in Melanesia. Culturally, people are taught that females are inferior to males, and with the payment of ‘bride price”, many men think they have purchased property. That means, he can do as he likes in going out with other ladies while she is not to do or say anything because she ‘has been bought’! This is wrong.
Because many of us call ourselves Christians, we must realise that we are subject to “Biblical Culture”. God’s Word is supra-cultural, in that, it is over and above all cultures of mankind which are tainted with sin (Gen 3). While we have many wonderful traits found in our cultures, when it comes to how we are to treat our womenfolk, we must obey the Bible. The Bible tells us:

• Woman was created from the body of man – not from his head to rule over him; nor from his feet to be trampled on by him – but from his side, to stand equal with him! (Gen 2:21-22). Treat your wife as your equal in God’s eyes.
• God has His roles for marriage spelt out in the Bible:
• Women are to submit to and respect their husband as their family head, as they would to the Lord (Eph 5:22, 23). Respect his place of authority. When making decisions, make helpful suggestions, but allow him the final say. If it fails, he wears it – not you!

However, before we charge the Bible with male chauvinism, please note the balance to this –

• Men are to love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loved the Church and died for her (Eph 5: 25). Jesus forgave the church (His Bride) of her sins, loves and cares for her, provides for her and protects her. He also died for her to give her life. That is what God expects of every husband to do for his wife, and no less. A man is to sacrificially love and respect his wife, provide for her and protect her – not hurt her! Only when a man loves his wife unconditionally will she show heartfelt submission to his headship!
• A man sets examples for his sons by how he treats the women in his home. His love and respect for his wife (their mother) and his daughters will set a worthy example for his sons to follow. Sons who abuse their wives usually grew up witnessing abuse of their mother by their father. And so the cycle continues.

In society, the church is called upon to preach against violence against women and girls. The church has a moral duty to teach what the bible says about gender equity, respect for women and girls, and God’s plan for the home. The best way to “preach” this to the community is “live” it.
Pastors, church leaders and members should love and honour their wives in such a way that non-believers will begin take note. But when violence against women is practiced in the homes of Christians, we have lost the plot!

Domestic violence does not always end when the victim escapes the abuser. Often, it intensifies because the abuser feels a loss of control over the victim.

One church circuit in the Southern Highland has decided to do something about it.
On Thursday Oct 31, the women of Upper Mendi, including female teachers at a nearby primary school, dressed in black as a sign of mourning and marched solemnly through their community of Pongol and Wongia. They stopped at market places along the way where they gave speeches decrying violence against women.
When they reached their place of ministry, they attracted quite a large audience. Sermons and drama depicting violence in the home were presented by the women. The minister, Rev Komuna, said the message was well-received by the people, especially the men, who were challenged to change the way they treated their wives.
Because of its success, the programme for next year will include inviting other churches to participate.
“Our society needs a combined effort from churches to stand together against this big problem,” he said.
Finally, God’s word is above culture. Let us rise above cultural teachings that are wrong, and start to live as the Bible says. We must show respect for the women in our lives – our mothers, sisters, daughters and our wives! Only then will PNG move forward as a blessed nation under God!

Prisoners eager to write

Posted on The National

INMATES at Bomana Prison in National Capital District are keenly looking forward to share their experiences in book form through what is known as the Prison Writers Workshop.
A duo testified during the National Book Fair held at the National Library in Waigani last week that they would love to tell write about prison life like their colleagues at Buimo in Morobe and Kerevat in East New Britain had done already.
Dandan Tom from Waima Village in Milne Bay spoke about how reading and writing had liberated him while he was confined within four walls of a prison cell.
“I’m in prison but my reading has taken me out of prison to places all over the world,” Tom told attendees of the book fair.
For the past 20 years of a life sentence served in Giligili Prison in Milne Bay and Bomana, reading had taken him to fast-paced American cities, the expansive plains of the Africa continent and many other places in between.
Tom is a self-professed bookworm.
“I’ve read all of John Grisham and Wilbur Smith’s novels as well as other reading material in the prison library that caught my interest. Reading has freed my mind from stress and has given me much knowledge of the outside world.”
He not only reads but writes as well.
“I’m halfway through writing my own story using a computer in the prison library. Writing also releases stress and gives me ideas and broadens my mind. I’m also a song writer.
“Why can’t Bomana do the same as Buimo and Kerevat? We need people to mentor prisoners to write their stories and publish them.”
Fellow prisoner Paul Joe, who is also serving a life sentence, testified that he was illiterated when he entered jail but through a literacy programme, he was able to read.
“I now read the Bible which gives me hope in the prison,” he said.
The two were among a group of inmates let out to join students and a number of writers/publishers at the National Book Fair.
They spoke of their eagerness and desire to read books which has helped them escape the drudgery of prison life.
Organisers of the book fair had invited the prison management to take the prisoners on leave of absence to be part of the event.
Professor Steven Winduo of the University of PNG who has been a part of the Prison Writers Workshop and assisted in publishing the work of the Buimo and Kerevat inmates, took note of the Bomana inmates’ testimonies.
Inspector Eko Mangere, officer in charge of rehabilitation, parole and juvenile justice at the Correctional Service headquarters, said the department would like to see more inmates involved in literacy programmes as part of the rehabilitation process.
Poet and children’s book author Caroline Evari, who made a presentation at the National Book Fair, called for more Papua New Guineans to write to promote the country and also to help preserve cultures and languages that could be lost for good otherwise.
Evari said writing about different aspects of the country would helpd to cure the “disease of a single story.”
She explained that there were stereotypes because not much literature was out there for the rest of the world to read and understand PNG better.
Prison writers like Tom have been invited to be part of the book fair again next year.

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/prisoners-eager-to-write/

Paper money and tooth brushes

By BETTY GABRIEL WAKIA - The National 

WITH the invention of paper and printing on its account, China was almost destined to produce the first paper money.
The first paper money was invented in the ninth century and was made by the Tang Dynasty so that wealthy merchants would not have to carry large amounts of heavy copper coins.
It was called ‘flying money’ in those time because it was so light it could blow out of one’s hand. The paper money was made as an offshoot of the invention of block printing. The first paper money was a draft rather than real money. Original paper money like the today’s deposit receipts with the amount of total money available to the merchant written on them.
During that time, in order for merchant to exchange for cash in the provinces they deposit their cash in the capital and received a paper certificate called an exchange certificate. In this way paper money was quickly adopted by the government for forwarding tax payments. The first people to use a checking system were Muslim bankers in the 1200s, followed by Italian bankers in the 1400s.
The first Western money was issued in Sweden in 1661 followed by America in 1690, France in 1720, England in 1797, and Germany in 1806. The paper money is seen as the most common form of currency around the world today.

A PNG tourist meeting Chinese youths.

One of the greatest Chinese inventions of the medieval world was the mechanical clock. It was invented by the Buddhist monk, court astronomer, mathematician and engineer Yi Xing in 725 AD during the Tang Dynasty. Xing called it “Water Driven Spherical Birds Eye View Map of The Heavens” to keep track of celestial activity but unfortunately lasted only a few years before the water in the mechanism caused the metal to corrode. Without causing metal to corrode, later clocks used mercury with iron and bronze mechanisms. Hundreds of years later, an astronomer and mechanist of the Song Dynasty Su Song developed a more sophisticated clock called the Cosmic Empire in 1092. The first mechanical clock was developed in Europe two centuries earlier, but they did not have the escapement mechanism that is characteristic of mechanical clocks.
The compass was probably invented in between 221 BC and 206 BC during the Qin Dynasty by Chinese fortune-tellers who used lodestones to construct their fortune telling boards. During the Han Dynasty, they used this knowledge to create a direction finder device which resembles a spoon and when it is placed on a plate on the ground, the handle points to the south. It was first used in determining direction for the layout of buildings.
During the Song Dynasty, they come up with magnetised needles replacing the loadstone and it became very important to map makers and for the navigational devices on ships. The first person recorded as using a compass for navigation was Zheng He from Yunnan Province, who made seven ocean voyages between 1405 and 1433.
Around 960AD, Arab traders sailing to China probably learned of the Chinese method of sailing by compass and returned to Europe with the invention in 1127. Before those times, the compass had opened up the oceans for exploration and led to the discovery of the New World by using the sun, moon and the pole star to give a constant bearing and made navigation safer.
The world’s first toothbrush is thought to have been created in China. For thousands of years ago, Chinese found different tools to keep their gums and teeth clean, their teeth white and their breath fresh. They came up with water and rough cloth to clean their teeth and also rubbed things like chalk and salt across their teeth to try to get rid of grime. For mouth freshener, they used chewing twigs culled from aromatic trees and also sharpened at one end to use as a toothpick.
However, in 1498, the Chinese invented the bristle toothbrush, similar to the type used today. The bristles toothbrush was invented during the Tang Dynasty and was most likely made from coarse hairs taken from the back of a hog’s neck and attached to handles made of bone or bamboo. The first people to use the instrument to clean the teeth were Northern Chinese monks. The use of tooth brushes then spread to Europe by travelers and was adopted in Europe during the 17th century.
The Chinese-invented toothbrush might not be as interesting as paper or gunpowder but it is something that everybody uses every single day.

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/education-3/

First echo-cardiographer passes on

James Tawila Wagiebu (12.1.1958 – 20.9.2019)

The Wagiebu children – Noel, Penny and Mali.

By BETTY GABRIEL WAKIA - The National

HELA has lost one of its most dedicated, committed, and humble public servants in James Tawila Wagiebu who was the most qualified Papua New Guinean echo-cardiographer also known as an echo tech or heart technician.

Echocardiography is a term mostly used by doctors or nurses who study an ultrasound of the human heart which shows the size and shape of the heart and how well the heart’s chambers and valves work by using the echocardiogram machine. The late James Wagiebu was the only qualified Papua New Guinean who knows how to use the machine.
Most Papua New Guineans who had gone to Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) to check up on their heart or students who had been to University of Papua New Guinea Medical School (UPNG) might see or know a bit about Wagiebu. He was the only practicing echocardiography (ECG) technician in the country with Sir Budi Kidu Heart Institute of the PMGH who serves thousands of Papua New Guineans. He also served hundreds of UPNG students by taking part in teaching basic echo and ECG to fourth year medical students and post graduates nursing students, and also assists doctors with research studies for postgraduate masters and undergraduate medical students for BMS.
Wagiebu comes from the Pari clan of the Pandu village in the South Koroba district of Hela. He was a pioneer in education from his village to become the first Papua New Guinean echo technician. All his families and relatives did not know what he did or what his work was all about until hearing from Prof Sir Kevau during the funeral service.
It was a huge surprise to his families, tribes and Hela communities when the late Wagiebu’s colleague and family friend Prof Sir Isi Kevau announced at his funeral that Wagiebu was the only echo technician in the country.
He has been outspoken about the importance of echocardiography and talking to the Health Department to train Papua New Guineans to take up echocardiography but that had never eventuated until his sudden passing on Sept 20 this year, which has affected the operation of the ECG room at PMGH to a sudden stop.
The ECG room at PMGH was shut down for a couple of weeks now whilst searching for someone from overseas to replace him.

Ruben Mari, James Wagiebu and Ken Kama – “The Three Musketeers” – in a UPNG Medical Faculty laboratory in 1989.

James Wagiebu’s education was influenced by his late mother Wagubi Katia, a village woman who had no knowledge of what education was, fought her way for her son to be enrolled at Koroba Community School in 1966 to 1972 and he went onto do grade seven to 10 at Tari High School in 1973 to 1976. In 1977 to 1980 he attended Mt Hagen School of Nursing and in 1981 he went onto do matriculation studies at UPNG.
He and two others, Ruben Mari from Wanigela and Ken Kama from Samarai were the pioneers in the field of health science who called themselves ‘The Three Musketeers’. In 1992, late Wagiebu was the first Papua New Guinean to study echocardiography at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia followed by Ruben Mari who became the second Papua New Guinean and Ken Kama went onto study medical technology at London Biomedical Institute of Technology in United Kingdom.
These faithful and humble men from Papua who were committed to their profession -‘The Three Musketeers’ – have quietly been serving the eight million-plus people of Papua New Guinea.
The late James Wagiebu is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. He was laid to rest on Wednesday, Oct 23, 2019

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/people-4/

Writers waiting to see Marape

Prime Minister James Marape and Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Dr Lino Tom with two of Daniel’s books a few days before Marape was elected. Behind them is Peter Mission.

Betty Wakia, Daniel Kumbon and Caroline Evari met in September to decide to write to Prime Minister James Marape.

By DANIEL KUMBON - The National

IF ANYBODY close to the prime minister reads this and if you think it is important, please mention it to James Marape that a letter on behalf of PNG’s writers, authors and publishers sits waiting in his office.
The letter is from three representatives – Caroline Evari, Betty Wakia and myself Daniel Kumbon.
We requested the prime minister to make time available so we can present a petition signed by some 300 PNG authors, publishers and supporters from around the world.
We are seeking government support for a sustainable home grown literature in the country.
We strongly feel that our work has never been recognised by the Government and decided to present the petition to our new prime minister.
I wrote the letter in late September and hand-delivered it at the front desk of the Sir Manasupe House on Oct 1.
When I followed it up for the third time on Thursday, Oct 24, we were asked to wait another three weeks because it was still pending.
We will continue to wait patiently because we know that the prime minister is very busy with more pressing issues.
The Gordon police shootings, the Rainbow police shooting, the Tari shooting of a police sergeant from Chimbu and the subsequent closure of the highlands highway by grieving relatives, the recent parliament sitting, the Paladin saga, the Ramu Nico slurry spill, etc, all require immediate attention.
However, Marape has been able to find time to address journalists from the mainstream media. And he recently attended the PNG Fashion Week grand finale at Apec Haus. So we remain optimistic he will also be fair with us writers, authors and publishers.
I flew down from Wabag in Enga province to join my colleagues to see him. We will still wait patiently for the next three weeks as advised by the prime minister’s support staff.
But we have decided to publish the letter hoping to attract James Marape’s attention and maybe he’ll decide to see us. We fear the letter might not be brought to his notice even in the next three weeks we’ve been asked to wait.
Here then is the letter…. . .

Dear Prime Minister,
I am writing to you on behalf of myself and four colleague writers requesting to see you in your office.
We wish to present a petition to seek support from the government for a sustainable home grown literature in Papua New Guinea.
We, Papua New Guinean writers and authors believe our nation’s literature is something that needs to be encouraged and supported by everyone, but especially by the government.
Without a home-grown literature the story of our great nation cannot be told.
We strongly believe that if our story is not told, future generations of Papua New Guineans will not be fully aware of where they come from, who they are and what made them.
We will be happy to answer any of your questions if you can spare us a little time to present the petition to you.
I thank you for taking time to read our request.
We are dedicated writers and citizens of our country, and trust that you will give us the chance to present our case to you.
Most respectfully,

Daniel Kumbon
Author

And here are some paragraphs from the petition we wish to present to the prime minister
We, the writers of Papua New Guinea are currently struggling to tell our nation’s story.
There are no major publishers in Papua New Guinea interested in publishing our work. If we want to publish our books, we have to pay for that ourselves.
Our books are not available in schools. The students of Papua New Guinea cannot read books written by their own countrymen and women.
Instead, they have to read books written by writers from other countries.
Papua New Guinea has a poorly resourced public library system. Few of our own books are available in these libraries.
In most cases Papua New Guinean authors have to donate books free of charge to libraries so people can read them.
Our national literary award, the Crocodile Prize, is struggling to survive. It is supported by limited private funding.
The Papua New Guinean government has never shown real interest in supporting it.
Nor has the government shown an interest in supporting Papua New Guinean writers.
It is time this situation changed.
We, the undersigned writers of Papua New Guinea, together with our readers and supporters, are calling upon our Prime Minister, James Marape, to commit his government and future governments to providing the support our writers, our literature and our nation deserve.
It is time to secure the story of Papua New Guinea for present and future generations.
To do less is unthinkable.

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/music/

Honoured for loyal service PNG

BY JEFFREY ELAPA - The National

OUSTANDING People who serve others often go unrecognised.
However, a few whose work gets recognised are honoured and awarded medals for their services by PNG’s monarch.
The award system stated in 1975 when PNG decided to remain part of the British Commonwealth with the Queen as head of state.
While she is millions of miles away, representing her here is the governor-general.
In 1975, Sir John Guise became the first governor-general (vice regal) and held the office untill March 1, 1977.
After him, there were nine other vice regals: Sir Tore Lokoloko (1977-1983); Sir Kingsford Debela (1983-1989); Sir Ignatius Kilage (1989); Sir Vincent Eri (1991) Sir Wiwa Korowi (1991-1997; Sir Sailas Atopare (1997-2003); Sir Paulias Matant (2004-2010); and Sir Michael Ogio (2011- 2017).
After the death of Sir Michael, incumbent Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae was elected the 10th governor-general on Feb 28, 2017 and was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth 2 in June 30, 2017 in London.

PNG honours
After independence, the Imperial Honours system was used, however, on the nation’s 30th anniversary, a new awards system was adopted. The new honours system came into existence in October 2005. The Order of PNG is the main system of honouring citizens and it consists of three orders and several medals. The official announcement of its creation was made by Prime Minister Sir Michel Somare on Nov 12, 2004 and the first investitures were performed by the Princess Royal in early October 2005.
The Queen as sovereign and head of the Order of Papua New Guinea issues a list as part of every Birthday and New Year honours.
The governor-general of PNG is the Chancellor of the Orders of the Order of Papua New Guinea and Principal Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu who performs her duty in the country.

Royals honoured
Prince Elizabeth’s husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles (the Prince of Wales), and Princess Anne (Princess Royal) have received the award of Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu.
Princess Anne’s husband, Rear Admiral Timothy Laurence has also received the award of the Companion of the Order of the Star of Melanesia.
The first honours list announced on the occasion of PNG’s 30th Independence anniversary recognised former Prime Minister Sir Julius Chan for his contribution to nation-building. Others recognised were former Governor-General Sir Tore Lokoloko, Anglican Archbishop Sir David Hand, PNG’s first woman MP, Dame Josephine Abaijah, former Chief Justice Sir Mari Kapi and one of the fathers of the national constitution, John Momis. They were all conferred the title of Chief and made Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu.
Heading the first list were the Governor-General, Grand Chief Sir Paulias Matane and founding prime minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare who were made Grand Companions of the Order of Logohu (Grand Chiefs).
The awards were presented on behalf of the Queen by her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal who was special guest at the 30th anniversary celebrations.
Also included in the first list as Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu (GCL) with the title of Chief were the Governor-General of Australia, Major General Michael Jeffery, who served in PNG during his long career in the Australia Army, and Gough Whitlam, who was Australia’s Prime Minister when PNG attained Independence in 1975.
Three other foreign statesmen have also been awarded the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu. William Jefferson, former President of the United States of America and Andrew Peacock, former Australia Foreign Minister, were awarded in 2006. Former Australain Prime Minister Bob Hawkewas awarded in 2009.
The Companion of the Order of the Star of Melanesia (CSM) has been awarded to the prime ministers of the Melanesian states, Air Allan Kemakeza (Solomon Islands), Ham Lini Vanuaroro (Vanuatu) and Laisnia Qarase (Fiji). The Governor of the Autonomous Province of Papua in the Republic of Indonesia, Barnabas Phengga Suebu was bestowed the same honour.

Order of Papua New Guinea
The Order of Papua New Guinea consist of three separate awards; the Order of Logolu is the principal order. (Logohu is the Motuan word for the Bird of Paradise). The lessor awards are the Star of Melanesia and the Order of Valour.
The Order of Logohu comprises of four classes; Grand Companion, Officer, Member and National Logohu Medal.
Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu is awarded to citizens and others for service, achievement, and merit in the highest degree, sustained over a period of 20 years.
It may be awarded to no more than 50 living citizens and recipients are titled as Chief except for the Chancellor of the Order who is titled Grand Chief. One additional living Papua New Guinean may also be titled Grand Chief, and that at the moment is Sir Michael Somare.

Star of Melanesia
The Order of the Star of Melanesia has only one class, that of Companion and the Order of Valour also has one class and that is of the Cross of Valour and it is awarded for bravery.

Officer of Logohu
The Officer of Logohu (OL) is awarded for distinguished service to Papua New Guinea, or to a local community, sustained over a period of at least 10 years.

Member of Logohu
Member of Logohu (ML) is awarded for commendable service to a particular area of endeavour, to Papua New Guinea, or to a local community, sustained over a period of at least seven years.

National Logohu Medal
The National Logohu Medal (LM) is awarded for exemplary service in a profession, career, or industry group, or to the general community, over a period of at least five years.

Order of the Star of Melanesia
This order also consists of one level, the Companion of the Star of Melanesia (CSM). It is awarded for distinguished service of a high degree to Papua New Guinea and Melanesia, sustained over a period of 15 years.
In ranking order, Companion of the Star of Melanesia follows Grand Companion of the Logohu and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, husband of the Prince Royal, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, and Sir Brian Bell were among those that have been awarded.
The honours and awards in order of precedence are: Cross of Valour (CV), Grand Companion of Logohu (GCL), Companion of the Star of Melanesia (CSM), Officer of Logohu (OL), Member of Logohu (ML), National Logohu Medal (LM), Cross of Medical Service Medal (CMS), Distinguished Military Service Medal (DMS), Distinguished Police Service Medal (DPS), Distinguished Correctional Service Medal (DCS), Meritorious Emergency Service Medal (MES), Meritorious Public Service Medal (MPS), Meritorious Community Service Medal (MCS) and Commendation for Valuable Service Medal (CVS).
In the 2019 hounour list, 102 Papua New Guineans were invested on Thursday, Oct 31 at Government House.

Koromba made Chief
During the ceremony, former Southern Highlands Premier Yanungtine Koromba and former Speaker of the National Parliament and current Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Autonomous Bougainville Government Simon Pentanu were conferred the title of Chief (GCL). Pentanu, who was also recognised for his service to Ombudsman Commission, was not present to pick up his medal. Koromba brings to two the number of people in the Highlands region conffered the title of Chief, the other being Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas.
Also recognised was Tapol Konjop, one of the longest serving village court magistrates and village councillor for over 54 years in the Mendi Miunhu district.
Another notable person is long-time academic and Deputy President of the Divine Word University Professor Pamela Alice Norman who was awarded Officer of the Order of Logohu (OL).
Also among those conferred the Companion of the Order of the Star of Melanesia (CSM), the third highest award, was former member for Komo-Magarima Francis Potape.
Potape who served as a two-term open MP and governor of the new Hela province after the death of the late Anderson Agiru, was awarded for his services to the people of Komo-Magarima and Hela.
Potape said the award was due recognition for his services to the people of Komo-Magarima and Hela, including establishing peace and harmony throughout the province besides the delivery of basic goods and services.
Others who were also recognised with the Companion of the Order of the Start of Melanesia were Dr Marie Ernest Apana for service to the community, medicine and public health, church and charities, Paula Mek, for service to the community, Reverend Jan Sjoerd (John) Pasterkamp for service to community and for contribution as the founder of the Christian Life Centre Church in 1969 ,and Sumasy Singin for service to law and public administration including as the PNG consul-general in Sydney, Australia.
Those who were awarded Officer of the Order of Logohu (OL) included Prof Norman, Tapol Konjop, Gudmundur Fridrinksson, Ralph Dungit Kaule, and Pastor Michael Wilson.
The Member of the Order of Logohu (ML) was conferred onGedi Dabu, Ted Kennedy, John Clelland Hocknull, Kapumi Marabuman, Catherine Florence Natera and Finkewe Quasung Zure Zurenoc.
In other awards, 15 people were awarded the Logohu medal, five were awarded the Cross of Medical Service medals, 12 received the Distinguished Military Service Medal, 12 received the Distinguished Police Service Medal, 13 were awarded the Meritorious Public Service Medal, 19 received the Meritorious Community Service Medal, and eight police officers received the Commendation Medal for Valuable Service.

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/honoured-for-loyal-service-png/

How literature can deliver for the country

By Daniel KUMBON - The National

IT WAS like slowly, scaling the steep ice-covered walls of Mt Everest as we three writers waited for more than a month to present a petition for the Government to recognise PNG literature to Prime Minister James Marape.
And when front desk staffers asked us to wait another three weeks it seemed we had reached the death zone of that great mountain.
I was just about ready to pack my bags and go back to Wabag in the misty highlands.
But then on Thursday, Oct 31 I received a message from the prime minister’s office asking us to immediately furnish him with information about why we wanted to see Marape.
So we did exactly as we were requested, and – while we’re still waiting for the next move – I thought I’d share with you a summary of the contents of our letter, which was written on behalf of more than 300 petitioners – including scores of Papua New Guinean writers, authors, poets, commentators, publishers and editors – who want to see the Government support sustainable home-grown literature in PNG.
So, at this moment, Caroline Evari, Betty Wakia and I await a further message from Marape which will see us ushered into his presence for a few words about the massive benefits developing our own literary tradition can bring to PNG.
We started by informing Marape that PNG’s writers and their supporters had decided to petition the Government immediately after he was elected as PNG’s eighth prime minister. The story we told him went something like this….
We writers really liked James Marape’s war cry to ‘Take back PNG and make it the richest black Christian nation on earth’. We figured that here was a prime minister we could trust. We believe that every citizen must support his clear vision for the nation by engaging fully in activities they are good at.
We hold the strong view that literature can play a significant role in nation-building. It can have a powerful influence on education, on culture and on focusing people on how to create a strong and progressive society.
Unfortunately the power of these contributions has been ignored by successive governments.
Billions of kina has been spent on education over the years but there is little to show for it. Most schools are run down. There are few public and school libraries. Most students speak poor English. And our illiteracy rate remains one of the highest in the world.
A home-grown literature can impact positively on educational standards, it can preserve our traditions and cultures, it can encourage a sense of pride in our people and it can tell the story of our great nation to the world.
A nation without a story is like a nation without a soul.
And Papua New Guinea has writers. It has authors, editors and publishers. But these people are largely unrecognised in our society and their books are largely unread.
PNG’s writers are struggling to tell our nation’s story. There are no major publishers in the country interested in publishing our work. If they want to publish books, they pay for them. Because of this, most PNG-authored books would reach fewer than 100 people.
PNG-authored books are not available in schools and libraries. Our students cannot read books written by their own countrymen and women. Instead, they read books by writers from other countries.
In most cases Papua New Guinean authors pay to have their books printed and donate them so people can read them.
Our national literary award, the Crocodile Prize, established in 2011, is struggling to survive. It is supported by limited private funding and the government has never shown real interest in it.
We writers feel it is time this situation changed.
Our main wish is to see our books, including those already published, purchased by the Government and distributed to libraries, schools, universities and other educational institutions in our country.
Our writers think of how good it would be that, in every government office there was a small book case full of PNG-authored books – novels, biographies, poetry, children’s picture books, history, commentaries and the rest.
A bookshelf offering a clear, material statement of our culture, our sophistication and our civilisation.
The books exist but the means of getting them on the shelves do not.
To become a literary society and to develop a reading culture, Papua New Guinea needs to redirect some of its own book-buying budget to local authors – and to encourage NGOs and corporate business to help out in the same way.
A typical PNG-authored book will cost less than K20.
The Government and its agencies can assist by sponsoring the Crocodile Prize national literature competition and encouraging the formation of provincial writers associations.
We writers are keen to introduce a Prime Minister’s Award for the Best Book each year- one each for a male and female author.
The key government agencies that should be actively involved are the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and the Department of Education. Their roles will be to assist develop operational libraries and to purchase and distribute books.
We also feel the National Library, the National Cultural Commission and the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture can also play a part in this project.
The outcome of the project will be a win-win for writers, readers, educators, students and the people of PNG.
And it will particularly encourage new writers and new readers.
Right now, Papua New Guineans – when they read – are mainly reading books written by outsiders.
Reading about their own country, their own people, their own stories and issues, will be a huge incentive and a massive source of national pride.
It is argued, even by experts, that Papua New Guinea has no reading culture. One reason for this is that there are so few PNG-authored books available to be read.
We are confident this will change if writers can be connected to readers through the books they produce. But this will happen only if the Government intervenes to ensure that the necessary steps are taken.
If the Marape-Davis Government responds to our request, this virtuous circle can be created – and the nation will benefit.
With a better informed, empowered and more literate population, James Marape’s vision to make PNG a prosperous nation will well be on track.

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/how-literature-can-deliver-for-the-country/

No Reserve seats for Women, PNG PM Marape tells women to contest and Enter Politics

Posted by PNG today

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape says the 22 reserved seats for women is not a fair and level playing field for women to enter politics in PNG, hence his government will not pursue it.

Speaking at the first of its kind two-day PNG Political Parties and Women in Political Leadership Forum in Port Moresby today, the Prime Minister says he will not support the notion of the 22 reserved seats because he personally believes it is a downgrading avenue for women to enter Parliament.

Marape says he is a believer of women as equal to men and says the idea of the 22 reserved seats portrays that women are not equal.

Instead, the Prime Minister further believes women can win elections on their own merits if the environment of contest is a fair place.

Therefore, Mr Marape says his government will push for a cleanup in the entire electoral process to give both men and women a conducive environment to allow for a free and fair election environment so that women can feel free to contest.

 He says for the next two years his government will clean the process of campaigning, voting and counting.

And a major part of achieving this, will be to work on electronic voting or the bio-metric system which promotes one person one vote.

He says PNG has seen failure in the electoral process in the past elections and his government is fully committed to putting resources into tidying this up, so that the environment is encouraging for women to contest.

Go to this link for more: https://news.pngfacts.com/2019/11/no-reserve-seats-for-women-png-pm.html?fbclid=IwAR2eD4C3oVgi9YmWGPcKCs_huGfbcneaz4d_mUBLg8XcdAkkKBtmzFRmSQg