Large PNG Delegation Attends Fisheries Meet

PNG through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has sent at least 40 people to attend the Ninth Regular Session of the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC9) meeting in Manila, Philippines.

Ministers Zeming and Tomscoll at the meet with other PNG officials

This meeting has commenced on December 2 and ends on December 6, 2012. The PNG contingent is led by Mao Zeming, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources and at officials’ level by the Managing Director of NFA Sylvester Pokajam.

The other PNG delegation comprises Nixon Duban, Member for Madang and Minister for Internal Security (Police); Tommy Tomscoll, Member for Middle Ramu and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock; Jim Kas, Governor of Madang; Sylvester Pokajam, Managing Director of National Fisheries Authority, Department of Foreign Affairs representatives, Department of Attorney-General representatives, NFA board representatives, the provincial fisheries representatives, the fishing industry representatives and the NFA’s fisheries scientists and technical team.

Papua New Guinea’s participation as a Commission Member is triggered by the fact that it has one of the most lucrative tuna fishing grounds in the Western Pacific Ocean. In fact, PNG contributes more than 60 percent of catch in the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) sub-regional grouping of the most lucrative tuna fishing grounds in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. At the global scale, 20 percent of total global tuna stock is found in PNG waters.

This means that total annual raw materials of tuna fish that can be harvested from PNG waters is about 700,000 metric tones which is about US$ 2 billion annually in dollar value.

Australian Aid Package Boost for Manus

The Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen has announced the first tranche of the assistance package for Manus Province.

Australian Minister for Immigration & Citizenship, Chris Bowen

This additional development assistance will come in the form of road upgrades, improved education and medical infrastructure, and support for economic development.

In a statement released by the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby, Mr Bowen said the Governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) would work together to deliver this additional development assistance for Manus Island.

“When Australia and PNG agreed to open the Manus Island regional processing centre, we said that we wanted to ensure the arrangement would benefit all involved – especially the people of Manus Island,” Mr Bowen said.

“Along with the opportunities associated with the regional processing centre, this assistance package will help promote economic development, as well as provide vital infrastructure for the local community,” Mr Bowen said.

He also thanked PNG Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration Rimbink Pato for his ongoing support and commitment towards “helping to develop this first tranche of assistance for the people of Manus Province.”

The first tranche of the assistance package includes upgrading roads and other transport infrastructure, health improvements and renovations to the Lorengau General Hospital, including essential medical equipment worth about $A230,000 (K503,000).

The package will also aim to improve the quality of education in Manus, and a doubling of Australia’s commitment to education infrastructure up to 2015.

Mr Bowen said these were the first elements of a broader assistance package which will be finalized as soon as assessment and consultations have been carried out by PNG and Australian officials.

He assured stakeholders in the province that the finalization of the comprehensive package “will be done in consultation, as appropriate, with local stakeholders” and maintained that Australia’s commitment to Manus is in line with the priorities of the PNG-Australia Partnership for Development and the PNG Government’s own development plans.

New US Ambassador to PNG takes office

By Louise Mary Kodor

DWU Journalism student

The new United States Ambassador to Papua New Guinea was commissioned yesterday in Port Moresby.

Ambassador North reviewing a Guard-of-Honor

Walter North was commissioned by the PNG Governor- General Sir Michael Ogio, officially becoming the 13th US Ambassador to PNG.

Ambassador North arrived in Papua New Guinea on November 18, following his September 20 confirmation by the US Senate and his swearing-in as Ambassador to PNG, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands on November 7.

Giving his speech inside the Government House, Mr North said he had been interested in PNG since his childhood and thanked the US President Barrack Obama, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and the Senate of the United States for giving him such an important position.

He said economic growth was an ongoing challenge in a democratic country and hoped to work with the State for the country’s progress.

"After more than 225 years of independence, the people of the United States understand that achieving sustainable, inclusive, transparent economic growth in a democratic society is an ongoing challenge.

"In meeting that goal, both of our countries draw deeply on the strength that can come from diversity and by tapping into the talents of all of our citizens. The United States wants to play a constructive role in partnering with you to accelerate Papua New Guinea’s progress," he said.

He said that it was a great opportunity and looked forward to work with the PNG Government. Mr North’s term goes for two years.