About PNG Attitude

Stuff you need to know about PNG Attitude

PURPOSE

PNG Attitude was established to address a major issue: the silence that, for too long after PNG Independence in 1975, existed between Papua New Guineans and Australians.

The politicians still talked, the business people still traded, the missionaries still preached, but ordinary people - people like us - mostly stopped communicating.

And this was after we’d spent 40 or 50 years thrown together by the winds of colonialism – a period in which many of us got to know each other very well indeed.

That post-Independence silence denied a great friendship and a close relationship.

The purpose of PNG Attitude is to play a small part in ensuring that the silence is replaced by a mutual conversation between the people of our two countries.

PHILOSOPHY

PNG Attitude is committed to strengthening the people-to-people relationship between Papua New Guineans and Australians.

It does not seek to impose a world view or ideology on its readers. Its simple aim is to provide a forum in which people interested in the PNG – Australia relationship can exchange opinions, stories, ideas, methods, hopes, recipes, whatever.

We want Papua New Guineans to know that Australians are not unmindful or insensitive of their concerns and issues. We want Australians to get to know Papua New Guineans better.

PNG Attitude provides a link, however flimsy, between two close neighbours.

CHARACTER

PNG Attitude is motivated by your support and the thought that we may be able to do some good.

Our bias is towards Papua New Guinea and especially towards its people. We believe the PNG government should be doing better for its people. We believe the Australian government should be doing better for PNG.

UTILITY

PNG Attitude is not a material entity. It is information. If you gave PNG Attitude a shovel, it could not dig a hole. If you gave it an SP beer, it could not drink it. (But if you gave it a million kina, it would make The Crocodile Prize as big as The Pulitzer Prize.)

Activities like The Crocodile Prize literary contest, charitable support, bringing long-separated people together and events promotion lend a practical aspect to our role, but our main function is words and ideas - the provision and exchange of information and opinion.

Do not expect PNG Attitude to solve many problems. But it will raise them, debate them and it will espouse answers (the vast majority of which it cannot effect, even if they are half sensible).

Amongst our readers are many people in positions where they can achieve things. But most of us are on the sidelines. That said, each one of us is vital to the task. As John Milton put it, 'They also serve who only stand and wait'.

ASOPA

ASOPA is the acronym of the Australian School of Pacific Administration, which you can read more about in Attitude Extra.

The original website begun in February 2006 was called ASOPA People, a connection retained in our website address: http://asopa.typepad.com/asopa_people

ASOPA People was established to commemorate and keep alive the traditions and comradeship of ASOPA, an institution which trained many young Australians to pursue careers in Papua and in New Guinea when both were Australian territories.

STRUCTURE

PNG Attitude is not a formal organisation. It is one publisher, a hundred contributors and a thousand readers. PNG Attitude doesn’t do meetings. There’s no annual report. No one gets paid. No one’s ordered around. We just get on with it.

People read us voluntarily, subscribe to us for free and contribute when they feel like it. Fortunately we have many experienced and talented readers who regularly share with us the benefit of their views and insights.

PNG Attitude is published from the editor’s computers in his office and at home in Sydney, Australia.

CONTRIBUTIONS

You can contribute to any of these three sections of PNG Attitude.

Main Page. If you have a substantive article (generally 400 - 600 words) on an important or interesting subject related to the purpose of PNG Attitude you can submit it for publication. (You can email the editor by linking through the ABOUT tag under his photograph.)

Recent Comments. The best comments are short (50 – 100 words) and to the point. Insert them directly into the website by clicking on the Comments link at the end of each article. All comments are scrutinised by the editor before publication.

Attitude Extra. If you have information for inclusion in any of the categories, send it to the editor.

Spotters. If you come across information you feel would interest PNG Attitude readers and you do not want to write an article yourself, email the information to us and we’ll assess whether it merits publication.

CONTRIBUTORS

PNG Attitude not only welcomes your contributions, it depends on them to maintain a lively, relevant and informed website.

But there are some rules. (There are always rules.)

Rule 1 is that, when it comes to publishable material, the editor’s word is final. If you do not like your words being edited, this is not the place for you.

Most contributions are edited. Why? Because it is a simple truth that people who write are not always the best judges of how their words will be understood by people who read.

Nor are most people familiar with the laws of defamation. And people sometimes mistake their strongly held beliefs for more general truths. And they do not always fully comprehend the effect of their words on others.

All that said, PNG Attitude admires its contributors. We are deeply grateful for their knowledge, commitment and passion. And we are humbled because they give a damn. They care. They have our undying gratitude.

EDITING

Your contribution to PNG Attitude may be edited for any one or a combination of these reasons:

Defamation. We use the defamation laws of Australia as our guide when deciding whether or not a contributor may have gone too far with personal criticism of another person. You always need to be careful when accusing someone of a crime or of poor character. But, if you’re not careful, we’ll be careful for you.

Offence. Abusive language, racist remarks and other words designed to hurt, generate excessive conflict or cause great offence to other people are not tolerated and will always be edited. We encourage the expression of strong opinions, but we want contributors to be fair in presenting them.

Length. The average reader spends about four minutes reading PNG Attitude each visit. All our editing is done from the perspective of this typical reader. We do want people to read what you write, not give up halfway. Therefore, contributions which are so long they make an excessive demand on readers will be judged severely and probably trimmed - unless they are so important or so well written that they are a sheer delight to read.

Clarity. If you’re not thinking clearly, it’s unlikely your words will emerge clearly on the page. Big words are not necessarily good words. Long sentences do not triumph over short sentences. Five ideas in one paragraph do not get a special prize. If we do not think you are communicating clearly, we will do our best through editing to try to make sure you do.

Relevance. Some contributors, eager to grind their pet axes wherever they can, think just because they mention ‘Papua New Guinea’ somewhere in their writing that they have attained the state of grace known as ‘relevance’. They haven’t.

Truth. If we believe that a statement may be untrue or non-factual, we will attempt to establish the facts and vary your contribution accordingly.

Spelling, grammar and punctuation. If such errors detract from the content of what you have written, or inadvertently make you look foolish, we will correct them.

Repetition. Is boring. Will be eliminated. Is boring. Will be ... aaargh!

CENSORSHIP

We believe, in general, that it is better to have matters out in the open where they can be addressed rather than lurking in the dark as shabby untruths that people may believe because they know no better.

By nature the publisher is not a censorial person. But PNG Attitude will protect its own position and reputation by eliminating defamatory remarks and words that provide great offence. While we do try to retain remnants of even the most defamatory and offensive articles, contributors should not test our patience too much.

If we believe a contributor is abusing the privilege of reaching an audience through this website, it is possible that this person may be electronically ‘blocked’ from accessing the site. This has happened only once in our five-year history.

ANONYMITY

We discourage the use of pseudonyms (false names), initials, first names without last names, and pen names (e.g., ‘Concerned Mother’), and may reject your contribution in such cases. Any contribution with a false email address will be deleted upon detection.

There are some cases where people are legitimately concerned that the publication of their name may endanger or in some other way be a threat to them. In such cases, you should let the editor know the circumstances and your case will be treated with great tolerance.

Sometimes false names are used to cover up disinformation campaigns (which by their nature are unethical) or to avoid disclosing the true motives of people or organisations which may have a vested interest or a conflict of interest.

False names may also be used as a shield behind which people who do not want to be associated with their own views for whatever reason feel able to launch cowardly attacks on others without detection. In all such cases, we are highly likely to delete your contribution.

PNG Attitude treats each case on its merits. But a credibly, believable and persuasive contribution will almost invariably appear under the real name of its author.

CONFLICT

Readers do not generally object to conflict (after all, the mass media thrive on it), but in PNG Attitude we draw a line at that point where conflict becomes personal and turns readers off instead of switching them on.

Sometimes a public forum represents a tempting way to lash out at someone you dislike or whose opinions you despise. On these occasions we carefully scrutinise how views are expressed and, if legitimate criticism turns to abuse, the offensive words will be removed.

ACCURACY

PNG Attitude adopts a general view that comment is free but facts are sacred. So we do not necessarily edit misconceived comment, unless it is likely to mislead to the extent that harm may ensue. Let’s face it, eccentric views do exist and they do have a right to be expressed.

FAIRNESS

It is always the case in public discourse that wrong and unfair things are said and that sometimes villains are elevated and good people traduced. This is not something of which we approve and will always use our judgement to determine whether a particular view offers fair comment or is unfair and needs to be moderated.

CRITICISM

Given the professed intention of PNG Attitude to build stronger links between our two countries, it is proper for readers to ask why it often takes a critical view of PNG governance and of Australian policy towards Papua New Guinea.

We have no particular axe to grind with individual politicians. But we are deeply concerned with how ordinary people are affected by the decisions and actions of politicians and bureaucrats.

We support entrepreneurship, but we have no truck with business people who exploit or harm ordinary people in the name of free enterprise.

What PNG Attitude can do, and will increasingly do as its readership grows, is to influence people to do the right thing. This necessarily means that, from time to time, we will be critical.

SAFEGUARDS TO FREE SPEECH ON PNG ATTITUDE

BY ROSS WILKINSON

Readers will know that PNG Attitude has evolved over a number of years to its present focus and format, and that it has been the vehicle for the development and continuing promotion of several worthwhile initiatives such as The Crocodile Prize and the Montevideo Maru recognition project.

It has emerged as a forum for worthwhile debate on a variety of important PNG issues. Readers will also know that PNG Attitude has previously been recognised for its excellence and that it has a worldwide audience. Therefore, it is important to us all that this be protected.

Readers would no doubt now be aware of recent actions taken by the editor to protect readers from unreasonable and offensive comments by a small number of contributors and to protect the PNG Attitude site, its editor and its contributors from legal action arising from the inadvertent publication of defamatory or subversive contributor comments.

A critical goal is to ensure the continuation of PNG Attitude as an avenue for reasoned discussion of PNG-related matters.

The editor has previously stated and explained in these site rules that, while some contributors may have a need to hide behind anonymity, they must still be mindful of the impact of their words.

The editor recognises and accepts this need in certain circumstances but he must have confidence in the bona fides of anonymous contributors, who must seek his prior approval of this arrangement.

Readers may ask “why?” and “what is the harm?”  This section has been prepared to ensure all readers and contributors understand why these steps are necessary.  So what are the issues that you should know and understand?

Legal breaches

Civil liability arises from publications that are judged to be likely to harm a person's reputation and cause financial loss or damage. Monetary penalties are usually applied where such cases are proven.

Criminal liability arises from publications that affect the community, such as those that have a tendency to endanger public peace. In most jurisdictions penalties include fines or even imprisonment. There may also be issues surrounding contempt of court if current legal proceedings are involved or suppression orders exist.

Also, given the nature of subjects canvassed in PNG Attitude, there may arise discussions that touch upon potentially subversive or treasonable topics and the editor must have regard for the individual laws of the various nations and governments under discussion.

Contributors should also be wary of the concept of a breach by implication.

Jurisdiction

The Gutnik case sets the precedent where a US newspaper published a defamatory statement about a prominent Australian public figure, Mr Joseph Gutnik, also publishing the same article in its online edition.

Mr Gutnik sued the US publisher in Australia and the Australian courts upheld that publication occurs in the country where the article is intended to be read. As it was published online and was capable of being read in Australia, it was deemed to have been published in Australia.

Anonymity

In a recent West Australian case, a defamatory statement was made on a blog site by an anonymous contributor. The blog site publisher did not release the identity of the anonymous contributor but a further forensic examination of the electronic trail led to the contributor being identified and successfully sued. Computer buffs who know far more than me, will confirm that all internet traffic leaves “footprints” that are able to identify particular computers.

So, what is the upshot of all this?  There is sufficient concern from readers of PNG Attitude that supports stronger editorial control (not censorship) along the lines already implemented and editorialised.

I urge all readers to read and heed the contents of these 'rules'.  Readers need to understand more fully why this is necessary, not only for their continuing access to PNG Attitude, but so – in their other role as contributors – they have legal protection from possible court action.

The information provided here should not be taken as legal advice as it is provided from a purely lay perspective, presents a broad view of the issues and in language that all readers should understand.

It is the hope of the PNG Attitude community that this will encourage an ongoing and vital exchange of ideas, experiences and the wonderful stories for which this site is renowned.

.... AND FINALLY

This document will be added to from time to time as it develops into a detailed guide for contributors.

Please feel free to comment on it or suggest ideas that may improve or augment it in an email to the publisher.

Keith Jackson
January 2011

Comments

[Glenn Twomey]

Hi, I have several hundred copies of John Fowke's book, 'Kundi Dan' that I want to give away to an interested party.

I've tried Johns old email address to offer them back to him but is no longer current.

Can you please pass this message onto John or distribute to see if any of your readers are interested. Must be picked up from a Toowong office by Friday 17 May.
__________

I'm sure readers will get this message, Glenn, although the deadline seems a bit tight. You can contact John at zaukave@optusnet.com.au - KJ

[John Pasquarelli]

Keith - can anyone fill me on Andy Anderson (or Andersen), once of the Tapini Guest House.

I knew him but my diaries are not with me at the moment.

I remember visiting him in Long Bay. He used to be the Kiap at Tapini.
___________

Can any reader give John a steer? - KJ

[Barry Smith]

I was on the 7th E Course with Gordon Shirley in 1964 and left PNG in 1981.

I returned to Bogia in 2010 for a visit and to Rabaul last year for Anzac Day.

Rabaul Teachers' College was part of Malaguna Tech and the Tech School is still operating although most of Rabaul is now deserted.

We stayed at the Rabaul Hotel (previously Ascot), one of the few buildings left in Mango Avenue.

[Ross Wilkinson]

Whilst serving in the Bulolo area in 1942, Dalkeith George Noel Chambers enlisted in the NGVR. He then transferred to the AIF and was posted to ANGAU.

He was later seconded to Z Special Unit and later to the Allied Intelligence Bureau where he was with the US forces for the landing at Cape Gloucester.

He was discharged from the Army in 1946 with the rank of Temporary Major and returned to his home city, Melbourne.

I can find little else about him other than reference to a Dalkeith George Chambers who was born about 1915 and who died in Hastings, Victoria, in 1985.

[Paul Oates]

Bob, could that have been Ludi Schmidt who lived in Wau in the early '70's?

[Bob Cleland]

John Fowke - I spotted your mention of Ludwig Schmidt. I've often wondered what became of him, but never made any serious effort to find him.

He was the bridge builder par excellence who worked with me in building the road over Daulo Pass in 1953-54. We got on well - he had quite a philosophical bent at times.

What do you know of his subsequent life and movements - or can you give me a lead to anyone who may know.

Ludi, to be fully accurate in the pages of PNG history, is (or was?) Ludwig Schmidt Junior.

[John Fowke]

I was approached a year or three ago by a lady of the same family who works for Patrick Killoran, Banz Kofi, in his office at Kagamuga.

I was able to provide her with a photograph, and memories from my talks with late Dan Leahy of Korgua and Kuta back in around 1990.

The Leahys notably Clem and Joe, both present in Mt Hagen area today, all believe that Dan’s recollection that the Pora/Schmidt family is descended from Dal Chambers is correct.

I expect that the present-day descendants of Father Ross would also be able to confirm this – they are present in Mt Hagen today.

Dan and Mick Leahy were in close contact several times with Ludwig Schmidt as he moved thru the Hagen area and on to Wabag and Maramuni and would have known if he had left a child behind him.

I also found a reference to Dal Chambers’s war-service which I passed on to the lady mentioned above. I know nothing of his life after the war, or indeed if he survived it.

On page 146 of my book KUNDI DAN there is a photograph of a group at Mt Hagen on the old Mogei airstrip taken in 1938. Included in the group are both Dal Chambers and Mrs Chambers..

The book is available from Patrick’s café at Kagamuga and from the Christian Bookshop in town.

[John Pora Schmidt]

I'm wondering if you have any information on Dal Keith Chambers, OIC Mt Hagen 1938? We have been told he was Paul Pora's father.
___________

Can any readers assist? - KJ

[Michael Dom]

Tally ho old chap!

[Peter Kranz]

Holmes convulsed in terror as the spiked mask bore down upon his face. Herr Shitler laughed.

"And now my friend you will know what it it to be spiked, ja?"

But at this moment, as the spikes were about to pierce Holmes' face, the steam pipes erupted in a cascade of boiling gas.

Holmes managed to free himself from the shackles.

"Watson, you took your time!"

"Elementary dear Holmes. I had to find the right spanner."

But Herr Shitler had escaped.

"Quick Watson - grab your revolver, the hound is down there!"

[Peter (Arthur Conan) Kranz]

Anyone want to hear more about Sherlock Holmes in PNG?

He had a third adventure, you know.

It's all about stealing artefacts and selling them to western museums. But there is a sinister side to the trade which involves skulduggery, deception and even murder!

The case is afoot.

[Peter Kranz]

KJ - the link to the full Dr Schram story isn't working and the comments seem to have been disabled.

Suggest you get your IT guys to do a security audit, and reset your passwords.
_________

The matter has been taken up with Typepad - KJ

[Keith Jackson]

Something strange going on as I cannot access our original Albert Schram piece to post a comment. Someone or some thing is blocking me. Extraordinary on my own blog. However, this work around will suffice....
__________

2nd Deportation of Unitech VC Albert Schram

Hello Keith, This is Harry Egimbari. I am a student from Unitech PNG). This email serves to inform you of the above if you have not been alerted yet.

Sir, it would be greatly appreciated if you run anything regarding this Vesuvian issue as we need as much publicity as we can get.

Right now the atmosphere on campus is eerily sombre on the matter mainly in the student lodges which I suspect is due largely to a lack of information.

A small group of students in response are currently using the information on PNG Attitude and other sources, print and electronic, by linking to on small but significant Facebook group pages and also printed/ xeroxed and pasted on bulletin boards and water cooler-esque places.

So Keith, please help us to help ourselves.

Thanks,

Harry Egimbari (hegimbari@gmail.com)
_________

I have asked Harry to provide us with more information - and I have asked Albert to submit an update of his situation for publication, Mysterious and mysteriouser - KJ

[Phil Fitzpatrick]

Hear! Hear!

The students are really getting stuck into it.

More power to them.

Now we need articles from them.

[Peter Kranz]

Bernard - Good to see some of your students taking up the challenge and making thoughtful comments. More power to them.

[Bernard Yegiora]

Thank you Peter. PNG Attitude has come a long way.

I was doing research about PNG when I first discovered the blog, in 2010 I believe.

I salute KJ and his marvellous effort so far.

[Peter Kranz]

Bernard - I for one am happy to help. One idea that broadens the mind is coming to terms with older literature.

One great book I can recommend which bridges the gap is Mister Pip. Then read Great Expectations and you see where Lloyd Jones is coming from.

But I'm sure you have this covered. Anyway - all the best for you and your students.

Arthur Conan Kranz.

[Bernard Yegiora]

Peter, that will be awesome.

All these students have access to computers and the Internet. Soon they will be getting their laptops from the University, especially those who have paid their fees in full.

Written communication is just as important as verbal, non-verbal and visual communication.

On PNG Attitude we have a lot of skilful writers. My vision is for you skilful writers to mentor our young minds through your writing.

Also I want to build this culture of reading, something that most Papua New Guineans do not like doing. The more my students read, the more they understand their community, country and the world they live in.

As of this year onwards PNG Attitude will feature in all the courses I teach. So I hope all you old chalkies, scholarship writers and KJ keep us entertained.

[Peter Kranz]

Great idea Bernard. Maybe some contributors would be willing to 'mentor' some of your students or at least engage with them to discuss the background to stories, motivation to write, style etc. Some of us are old chalkies.

[Michael Dom]

Congratulations on this innovative course criteria Bernard.

Welcome to Attitude class.

[Bernard Yegiora]

I have cleared some workload and have created time for myself to get back into blogging, something I enjoy doing.

The purpose of this email is to inform you that I have incorporated PNG Attitude into my student assessments for this academic year.

Students enrolled for the year one course CA 121 -Communication Skills are instructed to read 10 articles from the blog and write one comment on each article starting in Week 4 (this week) up to Week 14.

After commenting, the link to the article and comment will be emailed to me for analysis and marks. This assessment is worth 10%.

Names of students;

1. Rozabelle Hota
2. Joyce Bagi
3. Robert Jikavi
4. Ben Akuani
5. Kaludia Pirit
6. Nathan Gabara
7. Vero Kaupa
8. Triscilla Waikasi
9. Sedrick Mora
10. Sharlene Kendo (2 comments so far)
11. Lei Atua
12. Jerilee Diaram
13. Timothy Poroda
14. Joanna Mogerema
15. Nigel Gagau
16. Richard Ponja
17. Beatrice Yokondo
18. Lithiana Nondebia
19. Colleen Ambrose
20. Annsli Kabekabe
21. Rosemary Kaiye
22. Monica Jean George
23. William Gende
24. Josiah Pup
25. Neil Yamalu
26. Desmond Kuluwah
27. Sam Nevegapa
28. Jocabeth Yuasi
29. Arthur Igag
30. Jerome Aiake
31. Fidelis Lai
32. Kialo Kui
33. Talsha Bannick (1 comment so far)

Thus, more traffic coming your way.
_________

I have responded to Bernard and his students: "I look forward to reading and sharing your students’ ideas and opinions – and also to lightly editing their work when required! I also wish you and them luck in this important course. Communication skills are the bedrock of all good human relationships." - KJ

[Peter Kranz]

I believe KJ's vision is that PNG Attitude should be an all-round magazine of PNG/Australian interests, encompassing news, current affairs, the arts, opinion, sport and entertainment and accessible to people of all ages.

As such we should pray that age cannot wither her nor custom stale her infinite variety.

And we should welcome robust debate, art and humorous diversions and strange oddities, and not take aim at each other.

[George Thompson]

I'm looking for Chris Andrews (full name, Christopher Robin Andrews) who was a member of the Papua New Guinea Constabulary, probably as early as the late 1950s.

My brother Alan and I were childhood friends of Chris in Singapore in 1941 when the Japanese invaded.

Chris was probably born around 1936, either in Singapore, Palestine, or the UK.

His father was an officer in the British Army and was killed just before Singapore fell in 1942.

My family lost track of Chris in the 1950s and would like to re-establish contact if Chris is still alive.

Can you help me? Can you give me some advice of where to go next?
__________

If any reader can assist, simply leave a comment on the site - KJ

[Joe Wasia]

Proud to be part of this dynamic team. Thumbs up Keith for establishing PNG Attitude.

I believe in the next 5 years PNG Attitude readers and contributors will be doubled.

Keep up the tireless efforts Keith.

[David Gonol]

Keith, congratulations on creating and maintaining a successful website fully dedicated to Australia-PNG relationship since 2006.

I for one am truly blessed to be one of the contributors of articles for PNG Attitude.

Thus, I will continue to contribute articles as and when we have time.

[Peter McGlynn]

Congratulations Keith Jackson. A shining light in the blogosphere.

A nice balance between commentary on contemporary issues, preservation of vital historical figures and events, as well as a liberal dose of cultural and artistic pursuits.

Keep up the great work.

[Peter Kranz]

Hey Keith - Are we going to have a PNG Christmas story competition again this year?

If so I'll start rattling the keyboard.
___________

Not a competition but readers' PNG-Pacific Christmas stories are most welcome and will be published. Send them to me at the email address shown in 'About', top right under my pic - KJ

[Gene Francis]

I am asking for your help as I am not versed regarding the companies associated with the LNG project at Tari near Mendi in the Southern Highlands of PNG.

I'm aware of Exxon Mobil being the main company but the smaller companies doing the road construction are unknown to me. One coming to mind is CHL.

You also mentioned the drilling manager Jim McDermott. Would there be an e-mail address that I could contact him on? Thank you.

[Michael Dom]

Hertz rent-a-car at Kokopo is good.

[Pat Scarle]

I am going on the Queen Mary 2 on a trip, mainly because it is going to Rabaul for one day.

Do you know a car hire company there from which we could hire a car or a car and driver. I am worried that we may book one and they don’t turn up.

____________

Can any reader assist Pat with his query? - KJ

[Peter Kranz]

Sorry about the word-wrap f*** up.

Bloody Microsoft.

[Peter Kranz]

Keith - Maybe my last comment should go into the "PNG Filmography" category.

I have more to say about "The Straits". And I welcome other opinions.
_________

Sheesh, I wish it was that easy this category thing..... Bloody Typepad - KJ

[Peter Kranz]

"The Straits". On ABC.

ABC cements their reputation as probably the only serious Aussie purvervors of truly indigenous stories. Remote Area Nurse by
SBS is the only serious exception that equals this (and exceeded it in my mind due to the music by David Bridie).

Except that The Straits did not do any actual filming on PNG soil.

A bloody violent, brilliant and disturbing story. A FNQ/Torres/PNG equivalent to Underbelly.

Beautifully filmed, dramatically acted with the great Brian Cox of RSC reputation (but with a rather strange accent - rather
like Sean Connery combined with Nelson Mandela - I saw Brian once live in Blighty when he was talking proper), plus many
equally good local actors.

Remember Brian was Hannibal Lector in the original film. At least as good as Anthony Hopkins.

It's the story of gun running and drug-dealing gangs working between PNG and far north Queensland.

I have some second-hand-knowledge of this and don't doubt the the basic premise is true (maybe this evidence is more fit
for another time and place).

But of course it's a fictional and dramatic film story.

The UK accents are a bit sus. The drama is a bit jumpy. And the muted sex scenes are quite out of place.

But the Tok Pisin and Torres Pisin is pretty authentic - according to the boss meri (but a bit southern).

Aaron Fa'aoso is brilliant.

But the drama of the Island way of life; the Australian connection, and the PNG raskol grenades dropped into things make
amazing viewing.

Altogether great and compelling viewing, though admittedly flawed.

I give it 3.5 stars out of 5.

So far.

[George Oakes]

I read PNG Attitude daily sometimes twice a day and really enjoy it. It is better than any PNG newspaper in keeping us up to date. Just one comment. Is it possible to increase the Recent Comments from 10 to 15. I note that some days you must receive more than 10 comments and if I only look at it once a day I miss out on some. Just a suggestion.
______________

Thanks George. Unfortunately Typepad restricts us to the most recent 10. I’ve taken up the matter with them, because it is an important feature to our readers, but to no avail. The only alternative I can suggest is to click through on the Comments button at the end of each article.

[Patrick Levo]

Subject: looking for a lost resident
____________________________________

Gentlemen of the jury - By virtue of your underbelly tentacles, could you be able to help me locate one Mr George Patterson, ex Comworks, a Lae resident of the early 1960s.

I would appreciate you putting out feelers among your circle of Lae oldies, kiaps, miners, cooks, crooks and underbelly standovers.

Many thanks

Patrick 'Big Pat' Levo
Editor - Special Projects, Post-Courier,
plevo@spp.com.pg
_______________

If you are able to assist Big Pat, respond directly to his email address - KJ

[Allan Kidston (PNG 1967-75)]

Hi Keith - I am emailing you to thank you for PNG Attitude (and various incarnations) over the years.

I have always retained a strong interest in PNG from my time there both in private enterprise (BNG Trading Co, Burns Philp (AKA Bloody Pirates!) & DIES as the Technical Officer for Film Projection & Broadcasting.

My period in PNG was very influential in forming my attitude to race relations & I have always been very grateful to those Papuan New Guineans who recognised that I was not one of those who loved reading "Black &
White"! (I kept a few copies to educate my grand daughters!)

PNG is certainly in a state of political flux at this time but the various blogs & in particular Liam Fox on Twitter keep us up to date.

I still have that copy of the Post Courier with all of the signatures of those present in the DIES Projection Theatre the day self government was proclaimed.

If it still has any historical value to PNG I would like to send it to an recognised person in the equivalent of our National Archives in PNG.

Needless to say I am definitely not looking to attach a monetary value to the signed Post Courier, but if is of any historical value I would like to make sure it goes to the appropriate person or agency in PNG that will
treat it as a historical artefact.

Once again thanks for PNG Attitude over the years.
__________

Can one of our readers advise Allan on the best repository in PNG for his historic document - KJ

[Peter Kranz]

Anyone read 'The Long Green Shore' by John Hepworth? It's about the Aitape-Wewak campaign of WW2.

I can't find a copy in my local library and am sadly ignorant of this great book.

"From the last Christmas of the Second World War, until that war ended … the Sixth Australian Infantry Division fought an obscure but at times bitter and bloody campaign along the savage north coast of New Guinea."

Said to be one of the greatest war novels ever:
http://www.ww2australia.gov.au/lastbattles/shore.html

[Steve Cutlack]

I received this from a friend in POM and just hope some publicity is given to this trajic unnecessary incident. It is manslaughter, pure and simple.

Post by Albert Tagua....

A good friend and brother of mine Lt Col Steven Dom, the Commanding Officer of 2RPIR, Moem Barracks lost his 10 year old son Kua Dom yesterday 03/01/12.

The mother brought the son into to PIH around 9 30 am yesterday after the child complaint of severe stomach ache.

The father was on Duty to his country in Wewak, PIH refused to accept the little money she had as a deposit for at least some treatment while the father gave some assurance from Wewak to settle the balance.

There NO CASH NO TREATMENT policy left a sick crying child at their emergency room with no attention paid to.

The father desperately tried to remit some money into his wife account, due to the long weekend and long cue at the banks, the transaction went through after lunch. By then the child was coughing blood which was ignored by the staff of PIH.

The child was rushed to Pom Gen Hospital and died shortly there yesterday afternoon. He should have been starting Grade 4 this year.

My brother call me from Wewak and ask if I could assist his grieving young family. When I entered the Pom Gen Emergency Ward to pick young Kua, the condition there was shocking.

Doesn’t reflect a county like PNG with a strong growing Economy.

Let us forget about the current political impasse, they are fighting for their VXs and luxurious lifestyle at our expense yet our people will continue to suffer like the Doms.

I suggest this email be widely circulated so people can stop going to PIH for treatment and hopefully a politician can do something about PIH. I believe there has been several death at PIH under similar scenario.

[Peter Kranz]

Hell - I just bought a dozen oysters home and Rose gobbled them all down in one go - first time she's ever tried them.

Hopefully I'm in for a good Christmas eve!

[Richard Jones]

KJ - Not sure the Kone Tigers are even still in existence [see below]. Maybe one of our blog writers can help Mr Bampton:

--- My uncle Edgar Walter Bampton - who is a Life Member of the Kone Football Club having played over 200 games in the 50-60s - is about to turn 80 on 1 January 2012.

I would dearly love to get in touch with someone from the club to arrange something special for him. Can you help? Kind regards, Brian

Brian Bampton
brbampton55@activ8.net.au
Mobile: 0417 747 274
Phone: 04 1774 7274

[Peter Kranz]

Well, the Australian Labor Party has just allowed a conscience vote on gay marriage.

This, if passed by parliament, means that people of the same sex can get officially and legally married in Australia, with the same status as males and females getting married.

Adam and Steve = Adam and Eve.

In PNG homosexuality is still illegal, let alone gay marriage.

So at the risk of bringing down the wrath of Hades upon me - I pose this question.

What do PNG preople think about gay marriage?

(I will now retire into my nuclear-proof bunker.)

[Peter Kranz]

Keith - The Typepad search function has a few problems (I think it's called Rollyo).

It often turns up no results with the error message: "Sorry, we encountered a temporary error processing your search."

But if you try the same search later it returns correct results, but only for a limited number of hits.
__________

It's free - they don't care. Google's better - KJ

[Lindsay F Bond]

In the Post-Courier, Thursday 29/9/2011, there is a report titled ‘Flood victims ignored’, referring to a present flooding event in the mid-to-lower reaches of the rivers, Mamba, Eia and Gira, in Northern (Oro) Province.

There, local leaders are calling for effective responsiveness from PNG public officials who are or ought to be tasked with public welfare in such disasters, particularly following ‘lessons learned’ from the flooding events of November 2007.

Now approaching four years on from that November, and subsequent Australian Government (AG) response of funding for new public road bridges (maybe at Eroro, Girua, Ambogo and Kumusi rivers), two questions might be asked.

A first is “what is the present state of those AG funded works for new road bridges?”

And a second is “what is the progress or intention of the PNG Government for new bridges to replace the other bridges and culverts that were destroyed in November 2007?”

[Peter Kranz]

Keith - any update on Sadam's eye operation?
___________

Phil Fitzpatrick reports that Lydia Kailap is holding the donated money until Sadam gets to Moresby to pick it up. Lydia will also look after Sadam while he is in town.

Joe Gurina, the Post-Courier photo-journalist who wrote the original story, will also be there to take photographs and write a follow-up article - KJ

[Jen - The Typepad Team]

re: SOME PROBLEMS ACCESSING COMMENTS

Keith -

Even if you have not opted to make all commenters enter a verification code, some commenters, including yourself, may be prompted to complete a CAPTCHA on occasion.

I submitted a test comment (which you can delete) and did not receive a CAPTCHA prompt.

If you don't see the text field in the CAPTCHA prompt, you can typically hit the Tab key to go to the text field and enter the code.

In some blog design configurations, there's not enough space for the verification box to fully display but you can scroll the box.

We're working on ways to improve the display of the CAPTCHA to prevent further confusion. Most of your commenters, however, should not receive the CAPTCHA prompt.

We apologise for the inconvenience. Please let us know if you have any other questions.

[Jacinta Yadamatti]

Please allow me space to air my views on the long forgotten issue of the William Nanua Kapris robberies.

Where is justice in PNG?

Where does justice stand in the William Nanua Kapris robberies that became a controversial issue some years back?

Up till now, I am still wondering why legal action was not taken against those ‘big shots’ who aided the robbery.

Take heed, these robberies wouldn’t have been successful at all without the aid of [names omitted for legal reasons], the Asian businessman and some high ranked police officer.

So why let William Kapris shoulder the burden alone and let those politicians run free.

It is also disappointing to learn that the government at the time when the names were released did nothing to make these people pay for their million dollar crime.

Media reports on this issue were halted immediately after the names were released and there were no more reports outlining the penalties to be laid against these politicians.

What then is the difference between state punishment for robberies and theft by ordinary citizens and those of ministers?

This also poses a question about the justice system in PNG, its impartiality and the integrity of those upholding it.

Is something being done about these issue? Or, can something be done about this issue? We the citizens of this nation would like these people face the full force of the law.

[Alex Harris]

My sister Marianna Harris has a radio program on a community radio station in Tenterfield for a couple of hours every Saturday, starting
at noon, where she reads PNG stories.

The station has just started streaming on the Internet. You can find it at www.tenfm.org.au, noon to 2pm on Saturdays.

You might have to download a tool to listen, but it only takes two seconds to do so.

I have been listening today to the story of 'Nuns Who Wore Soldiers Trousers', about a group of nuns and priests who escaped from Japanese capture in the Second World War. Very interesting.

Thought readers might like to look it up.

[Lindsay F Bond]

Hi Keith - In today's The National is an article about AusAID delivery of health kits to aid posts and health centres throughout PNG.

Among the readership of PNG Attitude there may be some who can assist with verification at least by furnishing a list of all venues of that so-vital delivery. The article is as follows:
_______________

AusAID moves kits to centres to hels

THE task of delivering health kits to almost 3,000 aid posts and health centres in PNG is in full swing, Colin Wiltshire of AusAID says.


He said between July 6 and Aug 12 this year, 2,544 health kits were delivered to 285 aid posts and 193 health centres in the country.


That amounts to 13% of all aid posts and 26% of all health centres.
“Distribution is almost complete in the Eastern Highlands, Western Highlands and Chimbu, with only the most remote districts yet to be reached,” he said. 


“The kits for Northern and Milne Bay are packed into containers in Port Moresby and ready to be shipped.
“The kits for Momase and New Guinea Islands are also ready to go.


“The kits have been delivered to all NCD aid posts and centres, Gulf is at the half way point and Central will be completed soon.”


Wiltshire said vehicles assisting in transporting the kits also got bogged down “bearing testament to the difficulty of distributing medical supplies in remote areas.”


He accompanied the delivery team to Central and said despite the condition of the roads and the remoteness of aid posts deliveries were proceeding well.

“There was one aid post in Abau district we simply could not get to. 


“A number of vehicles tried but failed because of the condition of the road and heavy rain.

“The health kits were delivered the following day,” Wiltshire said.


The head nurse at the Moreguina Health Centre, Central, which services between 12,000 and 15,000, said a baby was born the previous day and she had noticed they had run low on drugs to support mothers and newborn.

So the delivery was a blessing,
“AusAID made a delivery to Manabo aid post where basic drugs were in short supply.

“The community health worker said he had not received medical supplies since last year and was relieved with the delivery of the drugs.”


The estimated completion dates for the delivery of kits to the Highlands region is early next month, while for the Southern region, Central and Gulf it is at the end of this month.

Milne Bay, Northern and Western will be next month.
Estimated completion dates for the Momase region is by early September, with West Sepik and the New Guinea Islands region are expected to be completed by the end of next month.
________________

This note makes no suggestion of doubt, but rather intends a more informed public awareness.

[Basil Peutalo]

Excuse my ignorance of how PNG Attitude operates. I would like to post and subscribe to the site. How can I do that? Thank you for your assistance.
___________

I've emailed the instruction manual to Basil - KJ

[Peter Kranz]

I think the article referred to by Lindsay was in the Post Courier, not The National. It refers to the ongoing dispute between some trustees of the National Museum and the National Executive Council appointee as Director, Meck Kuk.

Plus the chronic lack of funding which means they haven't paid water or electricity bills for some time and are about to have their services turned off.

Sadly the JK McCarthy Museum in Goroka has closed already for non-payment of bills.

Here it is -

______________

National museum may close doors

By PETER KORUGL

The National Museum and Art Gallery in Port Moresby will soon close its doors, placing at risk priceless artefacts from PNG it keeps, Director Meck Kuk said yesterday.

The sad situation with the National Museum and Art Gallery, located at Waigani has come about after the Board of Trustees disputed the appointment of Mr Kuk by the National Executive Council in May and took control of the museum’s bank accounts.

Mr Kuk said the money problem has already shut down the JK McCarthy Museum in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province while the electricity and water supplies to the national museum are expected to be cut soon. All auxiliary workers have not been paid for the last two months.

“When the power goes, the air conditioning goes as well. Some of the artefacts we have must be kept under certain temperature and if the air conditioning goes off, we will lose all these priceless artefacts,” a frustrated Mr Kuk said.

“The board has interfered into the administration of the museum and art gallery, it has come down low to interfere in the management.”

President of the board, Julius Violaris is overseas and could not be reached for comment yesterday but in a July 5 letter he had sent to Bank South Pacific’s Aho Baliki, general manager Paramount Banking, Mr Violaris stated that the trustees of the museum “believe” they have the power under the National Museum and Art Gallery Act 1992 to manage and control of the affairs of the museum.

In that letter, he said the trustees have directed that all the museum’s bank accounts be operated in accordance with directions and policies as set by the trustees. Mr Violaris said the trustees have directed that the changes to signatories to the museum’s account with Mr Peter Loko (CEO of Telikom PNG) and Mr Andrew Abel, a trustee.

“Please note that no withdrawal should be allowed or payments made on cheques until and unless Mr Loko or Mr Abel has signed the relevant form or the cheque,” Mr Violaris wrote.

In another letter to Mr Kuk on July 20, Mr Violaris explained the reasons why the trustees took control of the accounts and affairs of the museum and art gallery.

In that letter Mr Violaris accused Mr Kuk of not cooperating with the board and carrying out the policies and directives it set down, placing the museum and its collections in jeopardy. In that letter, Mr Violaris also asked Mr Kuk to furnish all outstanding accounts to Mr Peter Loko.

Both the former Minister for Culture and Tourism, Guma Wau and Mr Kuk wrote to the BSP, informing the bank of the serious impact on the operation of the museum and urged it to allow the museum to access funds but the accounts are still not accessed by the administration.

“The decision by the bank is illegal; there is no court order in place to stop the administration from accessing the funds to operate.

“The action by the Board of Trustees is unprecedented; you do not have boards taking over the running of the accounts and management of State-run organisations.

“This is a first,” Mr Kuk said.

[Lindsay F Bond]

Hi Keith - Are you picking up on the news item in today's The National titled "National Museum may close doors"? Cheers.
____________

Thanks, Lindsay. Is any reader in a position to comment or provide more information? - KJ

[Steve Cutlack]

Has the August issue of PNG Attitude been published yet? If so I seem to have missed my copy.
____________

Steve now has his copy. The September issue will be published at the end of next week - KJ

[Harry Topham]

Every organisation needs a Code of Ethics, I guess, so long as it does not eventuate into an admistration manual.

[Paul Oates (Pol Ots?)]

Polye in pole position to be PM - The National

This headline in the PNG news today reminded me, for some reason, of when I took a closer look at the bamboo flagpole outside the haus kiap at Ogaranang, in the then Morobe District.

We were at the time building the airstrip.

I discovered that the local school children had scratched on the base of the bamboo the words 'Mr Pol'.

[Bobby Malabunga]

I got your email through your website while I was trying to research the history of Malabunga village and Malabunga High School.

I went through your History category hoping to find some information about how my last name has any ties with PNG.

Any information or links that you can provide about the history of the village or high school would be greatly appreciated.
____________

If you have information could you contact Bobby on malabunga@gmail.com - KJ

[Reginald Renagi]

I am looking forward to reading "The Century Voyager". Keep writing Leonard.

[Joshua Goa]

Thanks Keith..This PNG Attitude is very interesting and a good paper.

[Rob Parer]

Hi Keith - I have just found out about Frank Alcorta's book published in 2010. Cannot believe it has taken him 37 years to have it published.

He was teaching at Aitape High School & the last I saw of him was when the school year finished in 1973 he went on the expedition & when finished went on to Brisbane & then took on a teaching job in Darwin.I had no idea if he finished the trek or perished on the way.

It was lucky that his diary of the expedition survived when their home was destroyed by the Cyclone Tracy Christmas Eve.

Astounding really what he has accomplished with out any fan fare. An amazing guy.

"A Trip To The Stone Age"

A fascinating account of an arduous expedition by Frank Alcorta, across Papua New Guinea in 1973/74 at its widest part along the border with Indonesian Papua, then Irian Jaya.

This was the first solo expedition across Papua New Guinea. He was motivated by the sheer magnitude of the challenge.

Only once before had the entire country been crossed, in 1928 by two Australians, Charles Karius, Assistant Resident Magistrate, and his companion Ivan Champion.

Never had the country been crossed by a single explorer. Never from north to south, coast to coast and this without government or private support of any kind.

The world has moved on, and there will probably never be another opportunity like this to traverse wild untouched.

[Leonard Roka]

I, as a Bougainvillean with a dream to be an author, salute PNG Attitude and Phil. To tell you the truth, PNG Attitude is friendly and responsive to me.

I have struggled since 2009 to find people to help me publish .. but I'd hit brick walls. I contacted big name PNG writers, but they never gave me answers; just ignored me.

With that sort of attitude, why are PNGeans not willing to help a PNGean. Sorry, we will never get anywhere.
What do you think?

Can established PNG writers tell us, what is wrong, so they can help the younger writers who are still fighting to get out there?
______________

Leonard's short story, 'The Centenary Voyage' , will be published in PNG Attitude tomorrow morning - KJ

[Cher Adamson]

Hi there - I hope you don't mind me contacting you. I’m writing from Dragonfly TV in London, UK, where we produce award winning TV documentaries that are shown throughout the world.

We’re currently making an exciting new TV series called Guess the Relative (working title). In it, people from around the world with get the chance to travel to Britain to discover living distant British relatives, who they never even knew existed.

We’re currently looking for people who think they may have a distant ancestor from the UK. Their ancestor might be several generations back and come from England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland - but if they have any link to the UK whatsoever, we want to hear about it.

We are very interested in speaking to indigenous people from any country who believe they may have a UK link.

In addition, we are also looking to hear from anyone who has an interesting or unusual job, hobby, vocation, background, culture or religion.

If you know of anyone, anywhere in the world, who you feel may be interested in taking part then please do forward the information.

To apply to take part go to www.guesstherelative.tv

Thanks so much and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Many thanks and kind regards,

Cher Adamson
Assistant Producer
Dragonfly Film and Television Productions Ltd

cher.adamson@dragonfly.tv

[Phil Fitzpatrick]

Contact the Sacred Heart Mission in Boroko at mission@mscpng.org. If they can't help try their Oz office at mscmisio@acon.com.au.

[Jim Johnson]

I am again, and still trying, to find out how to get in contact with the Budoya Mission Station on Fergusson Island

My daughter was born there in 1975 and I plan on returning and wish to get in contact with the people there now.

I am in Hawaii and can be contacted at yachtlove@hotmail,com

[Gordon Shirley]

I thought I would make a few general comments about some of the commentary and contributors in your April ‘PNG Attitude’ magazine.

Martin Namarong hopefully will become a regular contributor to this magazine; his comments were very insightful, particularly in regards to education and mental health. My Simbu wife of forty years was also impressed with his article.

I wish Trevor Freestone all the best with is attempted communication with the current Australian Prime Minister. She is not noted for her interest in foreign affairs- but keep punching away Trevor.

To the independent battlers Lydia Kailap and Father John Glynn, may your good work in the social justice area continue. Hopefully, you will both get additional support from somewhere up there in Port Moresby to enhance your work.

_______________________

Gordon Shirley was a member of the 7th E Course and taught in PNG from 1964-74. he also worked for AusAID in 2004-05

[Reginald Renagi]

I am a blogger with an attitude! Yes, I am a blogger from PNG with an attitude – the PNG Attitude.

And what’s the PNG Attitude, you say? That depends? Are you for, against or somewhere in the middle viewpoint?

Does it really matter? Maybe, maybe not?

What's important for me is that PNG Attitude is one of the more positive blogs I have being invited to contribute to in a friendly atmosphere.

The forum provides people with varied backgrounds to share and exchange good ideas.

Mostly, readers come up with possible future solutions to PNG's development challenges.

The long-term benefits of having a continuing dialogue between our two countries are many, but importantly it will greatly improve the ongoing relations between PNG and Australia in future.

Congratulations to the intrepid blog master, KJ, for his foresight and vision in creating this fine forum: PNG Attitude.

Bravo Zulu and keep up the good work, Keith Jackson!

[Graham King]

I recently spent New Year in my wife's village at Kotopan on Buka Island. My father-in-law (Jacob Holin) worked as house boy for a Mr Slattery who was a government officer (kiap?) in Buka in either the late 40's or early 50's.

Mr Slattery taught him to play guitar and accordion and these skills were later brought back to the village.

Is anyone aware if this Mr Slattery still alive and is there a record of government officers available where his family could trace him or his descendants?

[Mike Flood]

In 1978 I stayed on Karlai Plantation for over two months when it produced copra and cocoa. Does anyone know who overseas Karlai now?

I read that two of the Parers (Cyril and Bernard?) had Karlai after the war until retiring in the 1970's.

I arrived there on the copra boat, Yampy Lass 2, and left by Beechcraft Baron from Tol. There used to be a small wartime aircraft wreck on the plantation .. is that still there?

One of Australian government's WW2 military books has story, maps and photos of the action at Karlai and surrounding area. Unfortunately, the Google Earth photo of this area is very poor.

Henry Reid Bay is named after Henry Reid, a Yorkshireman of Launceston, Tasmania who financed a mission ship which reached Wide Bay.

[Mrs Barbara Short]

Good on you Raphael!
Glad you have become part of the PNG Attitude Family!
I'm sure we would all love to hear what you have to say.

[Raphael Waiyalaka]

I subscribed just this year after Barbara Short introduced me through the Ex Keravat Alumni email connections to the PNG Attitude - and I love the concept. The discussions and ideas tossed arround bring about and build the family environment and it makes me feel like I am being heard-not that I have contributed much. Do not be mistaken, I am not asking the reader to be cynical or be seing me as a wallowing child needing tender-loving-care but on the contrary, every human person needs to be heard. I also believe changes comes about when issues are talked about. Thank you Keith and I am looking forward to submitting my story for the Crocodile Prize.

[Graham King]

News of Fred Hargesheimer's passing is on the following link -

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40796005/ns/us_news-life

[Small Rose]

Thanks Keith

[Ambai Waigl]

Keith - Waikai kaima (Chimbu language meaning 'big thank you') for this site for us wantoks.

I am a Chimbu lady living here in Aussie. I was taught by Australians from prep to primary school, then high school, a combination of teachers from US, Canada, Australia and PNG.

When I look back to PNG now, I find it hard to comprehend how Australia could give PNG independence when they were not really ready for self rule.

Was it the magnitude of the land mass that they found it hard to develop? Was it the different ethnic cultures (800+) that would seem dificult to put together? Was there something else that we do not know about?

I still don't understand how Australia could give up a beautiful part of itself which is full of natural resources to this day.

[Laurie Meintjes]

Thanks, Keith.

[Phil Fitzpatrick]

A simple idea, simply expressed - one of the hardest things for a writer to achieve. To make your work look easy is bloody hard work. In that sense Keith's summary is a masterpiece.

It is also timely to have the philosophy of PNG Attitude expressed as it gets set to really bloom.

May it grow and grow. I for one am grateful that Keith has allowed me to have had a tiny part in it.

[Barbara Short]

Many thanks Keith for all that you are doing with PNG Attitude.

It has been great to renew old friendships with my PNG ex-students from the 1970s and 1980s and also great to see them adding their comments to the various topics that we have been discussing on this blog.

Their old teachers - from countries like Australia, England, Canada, USA and New Zealand - have not forgotten them. PNG Attitude provides a wonderful opportunity for us all to put our minds together to try to help PNG today.

Thanks for finding such interesting articles on PNG today for us to read and comment on.

[Paul Oates]

May I join with many, many others in congratulating Keith on what PNG Attitude has already achieved in such a short time.

I'm sure this forum will go on to achieve even greater objectives in the near future. It is indeed a splendid example of what hard work and initiative can do if you have the necessary drive and dedication.

It is amazing that Keith is still running his own business at the same time as managing PNG Attitude.

Thank you again for providing an opportunity to discuss and debate issues that affect our two neighbouring countries. Mipela i wan bel wantaim yu. [We are with you all the way]