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PNG to set new benchmark
THERE are plans to introduce a nucleus of an international system that will allow for technical standards set in PNG to be accepted in other countries. Sir Ramond Thurecht, Manufacturer’s Council in PNG chairman, said a steering committee had been working on a project to ascertain the feasibility of joining together all of the technically oriented courses into one body and under one minister. This would for the first time allow for the introduction of a national standard with six levels of training to be implemented, Sir Ramond said. It is hoped that this will then be tied into similar systems in the neighbouring countries and thus the introduction of nucleus of international system.

First aid training in WHP
A WEEK-long training was conducted by the PNG Red Cross on first aid in the Western Highlands province recently. The training facilitated by officers from Port Moresby and Mt Hagen also witnessed 27 youths graduate with certificates in first aid, certifying them to administer first aid when the need arises. The 10 females and 17 males also have the responsibility to help change people’s bad attitude and to live a good life. The courses would help the participants to provide first aid services to people in need during natural disasters or other times when they are in trouble.

Govt plans to revive parks
THE Government has plans to revive the national parks in the country. This was revealed by Conservation and Environment Minister Benny Allan in Parliament. Mr Allan said that the former minister William Duma had started work on the plans and he would be fully briefed on what plans were in place by today. Mr Allan was responding to questions from Moresby North East MP Andrew Mald regarding the Moitaka Wildlife which had been rundown and whether the Government had any plans to revive it.

Kera elected council president
WILLIE Kera is the new council president of Upper Mendi local level government council in Mendi, Southern Highlands province. Mr Kera defeated archrival Kevin Sapul 16-12 during a special council meeting held at Agiru Centre in Mendi. The Upper Mendi LLGC president’s post became vacant early this year following the untimely death of veteran late Semane Pendene of Karel ward.

KK on promotional drive
KK Kingston has gone on a major promotional drive to improve to strengthen its customer base in the country. The promotion included a draw, one of which was won by a security officer. KK started off with its Supaklin Detergent promotion in Kimbe, West New Britain province. Sales coordinator Ponchiam Cholai said the response had been very good.

School gets new library books
STUDENTS at the Kranget Primary School were lucky recipients of new library books from some Australian visitors recently. Lutheran teachers from Australia visited the school, located on Kranget Island in Madang province and donated the books.

Ialibu, Mendi schools due for major rehab
THE run-down Ialibu Secondary and Mendi High School in Southern Highlands will get an estimated K10 million facelift, courtesy of the provincial government.
Governor Anderson Agiru announced this yesterday following a visit last weekend by a team of consultants, engineers and architects to assess and inspect the facilities of the two schools.
The engineers had re-designed plans for a major overhaul work of two of the province’s oldest high schools.
It was estimated that the repair for Ialibu Secondary and Mendi High School would cost approximately K6 million and K4 million respectively.
Mr Agiru said Ialibu Secondary was built in the late 1970s and did not receive any maintenance.
He said most buildings were deteriorating while the only new building was a double classroom built during his term as governor in 1999.
He said it was a massive task as the engineers estimated that K6 million was needed to rebuild Ialibu Secondary and K4 million for Mendi High to make them fully operational for Mendi, Imbonggu, Ialibu, Pangia, Kagua and Erave students.
Mr Agiru said education was a priority for his government and work would start in stages to rebuild and restore “the lost pride of the two schools”.

MPs to get K4million each
EACH MP will receive K4 million to finance projects in their districts from the K1.6 billion supplementary budget to be passed in this session of Parliament.
Several MPs confirmed that they were expecting the money.
They said for most Government MPs, the K4 million was a “thank you” token from the coalition for their support.
The budget is scheduled to be table next month.
Treasury Minister Patrick Pruiatch confirmed to The National two weeks ago that the K1.6 billion supplementary budget would be distributed throughout all 89 districts.

Police on way to Highlands Highway hotspot in Nipa
THIRTY-five police mobile squad members from Kundiawa will be deployed to counter criminal activities at the Nipa section of the Highlands Highyway.
Southern Highlands Governor Anderson Agiru said the provincial government had released K100,000 to the police to fund the deployment this weekend.
He advised people from Hela region not to travel this section of the highway until the law and order situation there was resolved.
“The Somare Government and my government will not sit back and allow thugs to rule,” he said.
Meanwhile, a group of people claiming to be leaders from Nembi Plateau and Poroma condemned the criminals for attacks on innocent travellers from the Hela region.
They said many victims had been robbed and raped.
“The barbaric attacks on innocent travellers are shameful and a total disgrace,” one of them said.
“The behaviour of Nipas is bringing shame, disgrace and disrespect to the innocent peace-loving citizens, particularly the people of Poroma, Nembi Plateau, Kutubu and Mt Bosavi.”

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