Sankamap 2 makes maiden voyage
By AUGUTINE KINNA
THE Autonomous Bougainville Region flag bearer mv Sankamap 2 is prepared to set sail for its first voyage to the atoll islands this week.
At the moment the management committee is still drawing up the operational schedules for the vessel.
According to the Member for Atolls and Minister for Tourism, Economic Services, and Fisheries, Taehu Pais, the first sector of the voyage had been scheduled for Caterets, Fead and the Nissan Island.
He said the second sector of the voyage would be to the atolls of Mortlock, Nuguria and Tasman.
“The vessel is to provide shipping services to the people of the atolls and coastline villages of the mainland Bougainville,” said Mr Pais.
He said the fees would be similar to previous fees of mv Sankamap 1 includes K50 fee to Nissan and Carterets, K80 to Mortlock and K110 to the Tasman island.
Mr Pais revealed the management is also planning to carryout its operation outside of Boungaville if businessmen from the atolls and Buka have cargoes to be shipped from Rabaul.
“So far the management have already received request from companies, NGO’s, churches and government agency to charter the vessel,” said Mr Pais.
He said he is pleased to see that people from the atolls can now travel safe in a proper vessel to their island homes.
Mr Pais added the vessel would be operating mainly on the turnover takings that it makes from the charge of fees.
He said there is no free riding as the vessel its funds to carryout its operation in the region to provide service to the people.
“I would like to urge all passage to take ownership of the vessel and make good use for it,” said Mr Pais.
He said he is looking forward for the first trip and wish all passage a safe and happy journey.

Over K100,000 to host conference
THREE more sponsors have come forward to support the hosting of Pacific Countries Ports Association (PCPA) conference in the country from May 21st -23rd at the Holiday Inn, Port Moresby.
So far there are 12 sponsors under these categories three categories;
l Gold sponsors: Telikom PNG, PNG-Australia Transport Sector Support Programme (TSSP), the Department of Transport (DOT), Steamship Shipping & Stevedoring, Savcor ART Pty Ltd and Paradise Drilling Co.
l Silver sponsors:National Fisheries Authority (NFA), InvestmentPromotion Authority (IPA), South Pacific Insurance Advisors (SPIA) and PNG Pest Care Limited.
l Bronze sponsors:PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) and Bank South Pacific (BSP), PNGPCL press release outlined.
So far, a total of K100, 500 through sponsorship has been raised to host the event. The sponsors will be acknowledged through media coverage complimented with other awards based on the category chosen by the sponsors.
A sponsors’ lunch and media conference is planned for this Wednesday, of May 7th at the PNGPCL’s ‘haus win’ from 12:00 to 2pm.
Any other companies or organization willing to sponsor can contact the organising committee chairman Stanley Tavul on telephone 321 1400 or email stanley.tavul@pngports.com.pg.
Meanwhile, preparation to host the conference is well on target, 30 overseas and 16 local participants are confirmed to attend which excludes those who will be come as observers.
The press release also states that the committee will also engage other major key stakeholders whose services will be required at the arrival/departure of visiting delegates, scenic tours to the National Museum and Art Gallery, National Parliament, NCDC Botanical Gardens, PNG Gardener, National Cultural Commission gift shop and the Boroko open craft market. Others will be involved in showcasing PNG to the delegates by setting up information booths at the conference venue.
Loloata Island session will take place on May 22nd and closing ceremony is the following day together with the closing/sponsors’ function.

New Britain set to receive Marina Svetaeva
 By ELIZABETH VUVU
THIS week will see the Aurora Expeditions make its first cruise into New Britain.
Tourist boat Marina Svetaeva, inaugural-maiden cruise will be in New Britain waters attracted by the beauty, cultural and traditional activities in East New Britain.
Tours have been organized by Kori Chan and Alan Manning of South Sea Horizons.
The Russian ice-breaker vessel has been refurbished as an advantage cruiser and departed Alotau last week and called into Lindenhafen last Sunday, Jacquinot Bay at Palmalmal in Pomio yesterday and today to Karlai in East Pomio. Then it will visit Pidgin Island on Wednesday and Rabaul on Thursday this week.
South Sea Horizons have arranged activities for the 100 tourists on board.
At Palmalmal they will see waterfalls, fresh water fish hatchery and ancient stone carvings.
Also another highlight at Palmalmal would be the first ever internationally performed Mesubato Cultural Show at Karalai-Wide Bay.
There will also be a visit to Tol where the Lark Force soldiers were massacred and remembered with a memorial plaque.
A thorough insight would be provided on board into the war history behind the Lark Force tragedy at Tol and their escape from Rabaul.
Visits would also be made to surrounding war tunnels and river tours, snorkeling, diving.
People in these areas that are going to be visited by the vessel have been urged to make the tourists feel welcome.
The expedition cruise in New Britain will go on from the May 4 to 8.

Weekly News
Prepared to sail...
President Kabui cutting the ribbons to officially declare open the mv Sankamap 2 ready to sail at the Buka wharf.