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KSL - Kina group completes Maybank acquisiton
Recently listed PNG financial institution, Kina Securities Ltd (ASX:KSL, POMSox: KSL) has successfully completed the acquisition of PNG's fourth largest bank, Maybank PNG, creating a new, dynamic and diversified financial services provider for the nation.
Kina has acquired the business from Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank Group), in accordance with the timetable outlined in the prospectus for Kina's A$97 million initial public offering, completed in July 2015.
The acquisition will enhance Kina's established position as a leading funds management and financial services institution in PNG, providing Kina with a banking licence, a substantial lending and deposit business, access to new markets and significant operating synergies and cross-sell opportunities.
Having completed the acquisition, Kina operates:
• the fourth largest bank in PNG, with more than 11,000 clients, seven branches and
an expanding electronic network;
• the largest wealth management business in PNG, with K5.3 billion in funds under
management;
• one of the largest fund administrators in PNG, with more than 159,000 clients; and
• the leading stockbroking company in PNG.
The acquisition was completed for a purchase price of K353 million (A$173 million).
As part of the completion process, the original purchase price was adjusted by an additional K12 million (A$5.9 million), with the variation due to changes in settlement arrangements, whereby Kina paid the purchase price to Maybank Group denominated partly in PNG kina
and partly in US dollars.
The vendor therefore will assume currency risk, and Kina has agreed to progressively exchange the PGK for USD at market rates over the next 12 months.
The adjustment to the terms of the acquisition will result in a slight increase in goodwill on the balance sheet of the merged entity, but will have no impact on earnings. Kina remains confident of achieving the forecasts set out in the prospectus, including the 2015 pro forma profit after tax of K45.3 million, and the anticipated dividend of K0.066 per share for the
year ended 31 December 2015.
Posted by Malum Nalu at 10/07/2015 06:10:00 AM No comments: Links to this post
Meeting Between PNG and Australia prime ministers
Prime Ministers of Papua New Guinea and Australia discussed a range of issues of mutual interest including climate change, development support and APEC preparations, during their meeting in Sydney on the eve of the NRL grand final.
This was the first meeting since Malcolm Turnbull was elected as the Australian leader, and Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, said he was confident the relationship between the two countries would continue to go from strength-to-strength.
"I congratulated Malcolm Turnbull on his election as the Prime Minister of Australia and look forward to working closely with him and his Government in furthering our relations," O'Neill said.
"I have every confidence that our countries will manage the range of issues that confront our region in a progressive manner.
"We discussed issues relating to climate change, particularly the recent Declaration by the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders.
"Mr Turnbull expressed his support and agreed that Australia should provide leadership and support on climate change issues.
"This is particularly important considering the gravity of the climate change in the way it affects to many of the smaller island countries.
"The upcoming COP-21 meeting in Paris is an important forum and Australia will actively participate in this discussion."
The two prime ministers also discussed the review of advisory and technical assistance provided by Australia.
"Our intention remains to change foreign advisory roles to become contract positions.
"This will achieve greater accountability and value for both countries.
"We anticipate that by December this year that these advisory roles will be converted to line positions, including the Policing Program with the Australian Federal Police."
O'Neill said his Australian counterpart was very well briefed on economics and politics in Papua New Guinea and acknowledged the National Government's work to deliver progress and development around the country.
Turnbull also offered his ongoing support to PM O'Neill's Chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum over the following year, and for Australia's support to Papua New Guinea in hosting APEC the Leaders' Summit in 2018.
"We are advancing our preparations to host APEC in 2018 and Australia will be an essential security partner as we welcome the Asia-Pacific leaders to Papua New Guinea."
O'Neill invited Prime Minister Turnbull to visit Papua New Guinea at a time of his convenience and he agreed to do so.
Posted by Malum Nalu at 10/06/2015 08:47:00 PM No comments: Links to this post
PM welcomes European Union decision to lift fishers' yellow card
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has welcomed the European Union's lifting the 'yellow card' warning on Papua New Guinea's tuna exports.
Speaking after the EU announced the change, O'Neill said the Government would continue to work with the fisheries sector to improve monitoring and enforcement.
"Illegal fishing and not reporting full catch amounts costs the people of Pacific island nations an enormous amount of money and undermines the sustainability of fish stocks," he said.
"Papua New Guinea is committed to ensuring we have full control of our fisheries and fighting those who would seek to illegally exploit our resources.
"Our fisheries sector has to last generations into the future and through coordinated monitoring and planning this will be the case."
O'Neill said coordination between Papua New Guinea's security agencies and industry stakeholders would continue to improve monitoring and enforcement.
"The European Union recognises the effort that is being made in Papua New Guinea to prevent the illegal removal of fish stocks and we will continue to strengthen these measures.
"We appreciate the concern that the European Union has for ensuring the sustainability of fish stocks, not only in Papua New Guinea but around the world.
"Global demand for fisheries products will only continue to rise in the coming years, so now is the time to be proactive and ensure monitoring and enforcement."
O'Neill said Pacific Islands Forum Leaders had continued to place a priority on ensuring proper management of marine resources, and this was reaffirmed at the recent Forum meeting in Port Moresby that he chaired.
"Forum Leaders have tasked fisheries, economic and foreign Ministers to undertake a joint comprehensive evaluation of systems currently in place. This includes regional monitoring, control and surveillance, and compliance regimes, and to report back on their findings in 2016."
O'Neill said the report would pay special attention to the use of modern information and communications technologies that can be deployed for fisheries surveillance.
PM's Chief of Staff clears air on Opposition claims
Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Isaac Lupari has highlighted the inconsistencies and "cheap shots" in recent statements by the Leader of the Opposition in relation to the Prime Minister's travel, and economic developments.
"Don Polye is misleading the people and country with his recent statements," Lupari said.
"This is wild goose chase rhetoric from a man who has not offered any real policy debate since he toppled Namah to become the Opposition Leader.
"His continuous negative attitude is an indicative of someone with a vendetta and a bitter mindset.
"This is dangerous for the country, and he should seriously consider whether he is worthy of being the alternative Prime Minister of the country."
Following Polye's questioning of the Prime Minister traveling overseas for State business, Lupari said the Opposition Leaders' comments were inappropriate.
"Don Polye should know better, as former senior minister and chairman of the World Bank and IMF, that the Prime Minister, by virtue of his position, is mandated to conduct state businesses in the country and outside of the country.
"We live in a global community and Papua New Guinea has to engage with the international community both at government and business levels.
"What Don Polye is saying is that Papua New Guinea should not engage with the rest of the world.
"His isolationist policy would spell disaster for the country and our people.
"It is rather sad for people like Don Polye to live outside of the real world."
Lupari further questioned the Opposition Leader's ongoing negative commentary about the State loan to purchase Oil Search shares.
"The UBS loan was undertaken for the State of Papua New Guinea to acquire 10.2 % shares in Oil Search Limited.
"This matter is still before the Court and with the Ombudsman Commission, so it is improper for the Prime Minister to comment on it.
"The Opposition Leader and those who continue to dwell breathlessly on this issue, must respect our legal system and Judiciary processes.
"Polye and his cohorts should simply wait for the outcome of these proceedings.
"Don Polye should get his facts right when he wants to make statement regarding the economy and Government's Finance.
"He keeps misfiring on all fronts, which can only affect the image of the country.
"This Government is trying its best to attract foreign investments into the country and it does not help, when people like Don Polye make misleading comments about the state of the economy.
"This only goes to show that either he lacks real understanding of the dynamics of the economy and finance or he is simply playing politics."
Lupari said the Prime Minister had already issued a statement on the royalty and development levy due to the landowners and provincial governments.
"These funds were kept in the trust accounts with the Bank of Papua New Guinea and will be released to the landowners and provincial governments after landowner identification process was completed.
"None of these funds are used by Government for budgetary purposes.
"If Don Polye is concerned, all he has to do is ask the Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea.
"It appears his statement is another reflection on misunderstanding and inability to debate policy issues.
"What the Prime Minister has said on the issue of LNG revenue was very clear.
"First, that PNG LNG project revenues are being affected by the decline in the Oil price.
"Therefore revenue inflow to the State will be less than what was expected in the Budget.
"That is a fact, and it is truth. PNG has no influence over the oil price on the world stage, and therefore we have to adjust to reflect this.
"That is why Treasurer will tabled a supplementary budget in the October-November Parliament Sitting.
"Secondly, the Prime Minister issued an statement on the issue of royalties for landowner and provincial governments, and a development levy for LNG provinces from the LNG Project.
"This was following questions about the whereabouts of these funds which were raised by landowners and others.
"The Prime Minister has confirmed that all royalty and development payments are keep in the Trust Account with the Bank of Papua New Guinea for safe keeping until the landowner identification process was completed.
"Also, none of the above funds have been or are going to be used for budget purposes.
"If Don Polye wants to know the truth, he should simply ask the Governor of Bank of Papua New Guinea, instead of lying to the people of Papua New Guinea.
"This Government is all about growing the economy, creating employment for our people, and stimulating the growth of the private sector development and delivery basis services to our people.
"The Government is not interested in playing nonsense politics with people like who are bereft of ideas and just want to talk the country down for their own gain.
"If Don Polye is so concern about the welfare of the people, he should start attending to his people of Kandep, whom he has neglected for so long."
What Don Polye said
Opposition Leader Don Polye has questioned Prime Minister Peter O'Neill's "secret trip" to Singapore.
Polye queried why O'Neill quietly slipped out of the country without even officially appointing an acting Prime Minister.
"Why has O'Neill accompanied by selected cabinet ministers left quietly for Singapore?" asked Polye.
The Opposition Leader believes O'Neill is in a hurry to secure an additional loan to burden the country.
"The departure of O'Neill comes at a time when Bank of PNG has come out clear telling the country that proceeds of LNG is not kept in a trust account.
"Prime Minister Peter O'Neill previously said the proceeds were kept safe in a trust account within the bank.
"BPNG Governor Loi Bakani announced that LNG revenue is not kept by the Bank."
Following Bakani's explanation, the Opposition Leader commended Bakani for coming out with the truth.
"Mr Bakani's explanation directly tells us that O'Neill has been telling lies to the landowners that their money is being kept at the trust account at BPNG," said Polye.
"I call on leaders from the resource provinces to take O'Neill to task as he has been lying."
He said over 120 LNG shipments had been made and this should bring in over K4.8 billon in revenue.
Polye reiterated his earlier comments that he had classified information that proceeds from LNG were kept in a ESCRO account operated by the UBS to pay off the K3 billion loan O'Neill has obtained from them.
Polye said proceeds of LNG were mortgaged to pay off the K3 billion UBS loan obtained by the O'Neill government.
He said nationally owned company NPCP acted for the government in ensuring that proceeds from the LNG go straight to an account in Singapore.
"NPCP on behalf of the state signed a payment direction deed in 2014.
"The deed signed allowed the establishment of Escrow account in its own name with UBS in Singapore.
"As per the payment direction deed, all proceeds will go to a withholding company, GloCO which then services the UBS loan. GloCO is then paid for its services all from the proceeds of PNG LNG."
Posted by Malum Nalu at 10/05/2015 06:57:00 AM 1 comment: Links to this post
Minister Pato seeks US support on significant Pacific Islands issues
Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion and Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Rimbink Pato at the United Nations
Pacific Island Forum Leaders with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban ki-moon.
Papua New Guinea's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Rimbink Pato, has conveyed Pacific Island State concerns and sought support from the United States on issues such as climate change.
Representing Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, Pato raised the issues at a meeting of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders with the United States Assistant Secretary of State, Danny Russell in New York last Friday.
Pato further expressed his desire for United States' backing at the COP21 Conference in Paris this year on climate issues that were of vital significance to lives and communities in the Pacific.
"The United States is aware of the threat brought about by climate change and extreme weather in the Pacific.
"Assistant Secretary Russell expressed his concern at the devastation caused by tropical storms in Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu and the need for concerted efforts at all levels to assist small island countries in mitigation and resilience efforts.
"He further informed the meeting that whilst the US Administration wished to do more, the political dynamics in Washington does not always help the Administration's desire in this regard.
"We appreciated Assistant Secretary Russell's concern for the issues affecting our region and the broader global community, as well as the difficulty faced in gaining bipartisan support in the United States Capital."
Pato said Russell and his team received a briefing on the Pacific Regionalism framework endorsed by the recent PIF Leaders' meeting.
"Areas such as fisheries, climate change, cervical cancer and West Papua, that are covered in the Pacific Regionalism Framework, truly capture the concerns and aspirations of the people of the Pacific.
"Assistant Secretary Russell made the point that the United States is a Pacific State and hence appreciates the need for solidarity with the PIF countries in advancing issues of common concern.
"On the nuclear weapons issue, Pacific Leaders have urged the United States to ratify the Treaty of Raratonga as well as find just solutions for the people of Marshall Islands as a consequence of nuclear tests in the region.
Russell congratulated Papua New Guinea for successfully hosting the 45th PIF Forum, and a copy of the PIF Leaders Joint-Communique was given to the United States contingent.
Pato thanked the United States contingent, that also included the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Ms Samantha Power, and other high ranking officials for hosting the meeting with the PIF Leaders.
While in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly Meeting, Pato also chaired a meeting between the Pacific Island Forum Leaders with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban ki-moon.
Chief Secretary commends SABL implementation taskforce
Chief Secretary to Government, Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc (pictured), has applauded the Special Agriculture & Business Leases (SABL) Implementation Taskforce, for the outstanding report to implement the recommendations found during the Commission of Inquiry into SABLs.
This special taskforce is comprised of Dr Laurence Sause (Chair & Policy and Government Advisor) and two retired public servants Kutt Paonga (Legal advisor) and Daniel Katakumb (Land Advisor).
Sir Manasupe said in 2011 the government set up a Commission of Inquiry into SABLs, which found that many leases needed to be revoked.
He said the government then referred the matter to a ministerial committee to implement the findings of that particular inquiry.
"However, the ministerial committee could not progress much for various reasons," Sir Manasupe said.
He said towards the end of 2014, Cabinet set up a special taskforce – SABL Implementation Taskforce - under the Chief Secretary, to look at means and ways on how to effectively implement the COI findings.
"Currently the laws are complicated and ineffective to revoke these leases therefore amendments to the legislation will be considered.
"From the report provided by this special taskforce, the government now has a clear way to implement the revocation of non-genuine leases.
"I commend the taskforce for a job well done in making it easier for the government to move forward," Sir Manasupe said.
He said the taskforce had advised the government on how best to implement the findings of the COI.
"Out of the 75 SABLs throughout the country, only 42 SABL reports were provided by only two members of the commission – Nicholas Mirou and John Numapo - who provided finding recommendations that 30 were to be cancelled, 11 to be suspended and that only one SABL was in order.
"The other 30 SABL reports, however, have not been received by the government hence the government is now pursuing other actions to obtain them," Sir Manasupe said.
He also announced that the report was now ready to go before Cabinet for approval.
"In the not too distant future, the government hopes that some of the land will be returned to landowners," Sir Manasupe said.
Communications minister to introduce cross-media ownership laws
Communications and Information Technology Minister, Jimmy Miringtoro, has foreshadowed important reforms to cross media-ownership laws in Papua New Guinea in the upcoming session of Parliament.
Miringtoro said he was concerned at the way NRL broadcast rights were suddenly taken away from a free-to-air television station, which he said was a move that left a lot of unanswered questions.
The minister said there was growing concern that competition in the communications sector would be crushed if large foreign conglomerates could begin to monopolise the market.
"We will not allow one dominant player in the Papua New Guinea communications market as this is not fair on the people of our nation," said Miringtoro.
"Given enough power these large companies can force out the smaller phone, television, radio and newspaper platforms, and then expand to other areas such as advertising.
"When one company has a monopoly over multiple media platforms they could potentially take the market for granted and charge much higher prices to our people.
"Cross-media ownership structures need to be clearly defined so that competition is ensured in our country and this will deliver better media services to our people.
"We already pay high prices that are imposed for Internet and mobile telephone calls.
"If a large phone company was able to expand into television, the savings afforded by vertical integration backed up by the deep pockets of the foreign conglomerate, would probably mean the end of any completion in Papua New Guinea media and communications.
"It would also mean one foreign company had control over the entertainment, news and sport seen by our people, and would probably see Papua New Guineans forced to pay to watch each NRL game.
"The O'Neill/Dion Government will not approve the takeover of our communications sector by a single company, and we will legislate to ensure clarity and competition in the sector."
Miringtoro said he was particularly concerned at the way the rights to broadcast NRL had been taken away from a free-to-air television station and given to a pay television broadcaster.
"For decades Papua New Guineans have been able to watch rugby league on free-to-air television," he said.
"This works in a developing country like ours as the television station gets advertising revenue from companies and our grassroots people do not have to pay to watch.
"Suddenly we find that has changed and now everyone will have to pay to buy a box to watch NRL.
"This is a major disappointment for people around the nation and we will consider legislation to ensure free-to-air channels have first right to broadcast significant national sports.
"NRL and State of Origin would certainly be considered in such a list of sports.
"We will find our what was behind the sudden loss of NRL broadcast rights on free-to-air television."
Posted by Malum Nalu at 10/02/2015 09:41:00 PM 1 comment: Links to this post
State receives another K50 million from National Fisheries Authority
Chief Secretary to Government Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc (centre) receives the K50 million from NFA Managing Director John Kasu (left) and Chairman Job Pomat
The National Government today received another K50 million in dividends from the National Fisheries Authority.
This is on top of the first component of K25 million presented earlier to the government in August this year.
The K50 million cheque was presented to the Chief Secretary to Government, Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc, by the NFA Chairman Job Pomat and Managing Director John Kasu, in Port Moresby.
Sir Manasupe thanked NFA for its ongoing support to the government, saying the NFA board's commitment of providing increasing dividends to the government over the years contributed largely to the country's revenue cycle.
He said the NFA was one of the few State-owned enterprises that continued to bring in increasing dividends every year.
"The dividends like all other dividends will be put in to the government purse for the budget.
"I would also like to applaud the National Fisheries Authority for its efforts in successfully meeting the European Union's requirements, which has resulted in the uplifting of the yellow flag restrictions on our fishing regulations," Sir Manasupe said.
He said Prime Minister Peter O'Neill would make an official announcement on the uplifting of the yellow flag ban by EU, in the next few days
Pomat also revealed that NFA had just received a letter from the European Union that the yellow flag ban on fishing processes in PNG waters had been lifted.
He said this was a proper opportunity to raise PNG's standards to be the first-class tuna provider in the world.
Last year, NFA furnished a total of K50 million in dividends to the State compared to this year's K75 million.
PM questions motive and intent of Somare complaint to Ombudsman Commission
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has raised serious concerns at the motive and intent of the complaint submitted by Sir Michael Somare to the Ombudsman Commission of Papua New Guinea.
"The actions by Sir Michael Somare in submitting his recent complaint are self-serving and not in the best interests of the country," O'Neill said.
"The events that took place in 2011 were because of Somare not being honest with the people of Papua New Guinea, and with the Parliament, about the seriousness of his illness and his lengthy absence as the Prime Minister of the country.
"The position of Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea is not a birthright, it is a position that is mandated by the people though their Parliament.
"It was in Parliament's considered view that Somare's lengthy absence of over eight months, without proper explanation or reason given to the Parliament, gave rise to a vacancy in the position.
"This led to the events of 2011 when the Parliament elected a new Prime Minister."
O'Neill said decisions of the court were noted by Parliament that acted within the law.
"The Parliament, at all times took note of the court's decisions, and has dealt with these decisions appropriately.
"Through Parliamentary process it was deemed that there was a vacancy, thereby allowing Parliament to conduct an election for the Prime Minister on each occasion.
"Parliament has dealt with this within its mandate and the decisions of Parliament are not subject to the Leadership Code.
"The people of this nation then went to the polls in 2012 where they elected our Government, and Somare must accept that the people made this decision through the ballot as part of our national democratic process.
"He needs to respect the decision of the people and stop being a spoiler for the country.
"If he thinks he has a case to present to the people, his opportunity will come again in 2017 within 20 months.
"We will see him at the polls and this is where the people will decide again who should lead the country for the next five years."
The Prime Minister said the State had been very generous towards Sir Michael Somare and it was time that he recognised the support that had been afforded to him.
"All entitlements have been fully paid including additional funds he received from the State.
"The people of Papua New Guinea do not owe him anything further than what he has already received."
Deputy PM Leo Dion addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA
Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion (left) and Foreign Affairs Minister Leo Dion at the United Nations
Deputy Prime Minister Chief Leo Dion led a Papua New Guinea delegation on behalf of the Prime Minister and the people of PNG to the 70th United Nations General Assembly Session at the United Nations Head quarter in New York, USA.
The PNG delegation comprised of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration and senior government officials from the Department of Prime Minister and NEC, Foreign Affairs, National Planning and Monitoring and officers from PNG's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York and the Embassy in Washington DC.
Dion at the post-2015 summit addressed the United Nations General Assembly on the September 26, 2015, where world leaders adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to succeed the UN's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by January 2018.
The gist of the Deputy Prime Minister's statement was on the National Government's initiatives to promote sustainable development in Papua New Guinea and issues on climate change, water, Health and Sanitation, Vision 2050, Long Term Development Plan and the National Strategy for Responsible Sustainable Development.
Dion said the drive by PNG to get international support on climate change also gained prominence when Pope Francis gave his speech on September 25, 2015.
"The Pope talked about the same thing that the Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, has been emphasizing about on, climate change," he said.
Dion said climate change was a real issue that was affecting thousands of lives in PNF and in the Pacific region.
"PNG's contribution at the international level as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum was our leadership in securing consensus among PIF countries in proposing SDG 14, which is to conserve and use the oceans, seas and marine resources in a sustainable manner.
"Our leadership in proposing goal 14 underscores our commitment to ensure the international community recognizes the importance of protecting our pristine marine environment."
He said this also underscored the 46th Pacific Islands Forum's commitment to work together.
Dion went on to pledge PNG' support of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the country's commitment to achieving better results.
Endangered anteaters: Long-beaked echidnas successfully bred by conservationists
By Samantha Mathewson
Nature World News
Long-beaked echidnas are threatened by habitat loss and hunters in New Guinea and Indonesia. (Photo : Wikimedia Commons )
Breeding efforts for the endangered short-beaked echidna, also known as the spiny anteater, are proving to be successful at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in Australia. The University of Queensland (UQ) is working along side scientists at the nature preserve where they have birthed 14 new babies in captivity over the past five years.
"Up to a few years ago it was thought almost impossible to breed echidnas in captivity, and most births were somewhat accidental and unplanned," Stephen Johnston, an associate professor at UQ, said in a news release. "Now we can pretty much predict that, if we put A and B together and provide the right environmental conditions, a mating is likely to be successful."
The success of the short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus) represents the highest number of spiny anteaters that any zoo has ever been able to breed. Now, it turns out that their relatives, the long-beaked echidnas (Zaglossus attenboroughi), may need help too.
Populations of long-beaked echidnas who live primarily in New Guinea and Indonesia, have declined drastically due to being hunted for food and loosing their natural habitats to land development. Echidnas are one of the only mammals that still lay eggs.
"We now have a better understanding of the echidna's temperature regulation requirements," Johnston added, "and we are seeking to identify what hormones are involved at different stages of the female breeding cycle."
The typical gestation period for female echidnas lasts 20 days. Then they lay their eggs directly into their temporary pouch that develops when they are pregnant. According to the release, the "puggles" hatch roughly 10 days later and stay in the pouch for two or three months, receiving all their nutrients from their mother's milk.
Photo : University of Queensland )
An echidna puggle breed in captivity at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in Australia.
"It's so important now we use what we have learned to make a real difference to conservation and the plight of the long-beaked echidna from Papua New Guinea," Michael Pyne, an official at the nature preserve, said. "Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is committed to conservation and research of our native wildlife and is proud to work closely with UQ in world-leading research such as this echidna project."
During this year's breeding season, five viable eggs have already been laid.
For more great nature science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).
-Follow Samantha on Twitter @Sam_Ashley13
Rare Australian dolphin found in PNG waters
Snubfin dolphin
Photo: Dr Isabel Beasley
New findings by a James Cook University researcher have confirmed that the recently discovered Australian snubfin dolphin is also found in waters off southern Papua New Guinea.
JCU's Dr Isabel Beasley has been undertaking research on inshore dolphins in the Kikori Delta of southern Papua New Guinea since 2011, with funding from the PNG LNG Community Investment Program and the Australian Marine Mammal Centre.
It was previously thought that only Irrawaddy dolphins occurred in southern Papua New Guinea.
However, new research based on at-sea observations and genetic analysis has confirmed that the Kikori dolphins are a separate population of Australian snubfin dolphins, Orcaella heinsohni.
The snubfin is a small dolphin species previously thought to be restricted to northern Australian coastal waters.
As a result of the discovery, the ExxonMobil PNG-led, PNG LNG Project has announced a new scholarship program, where three students will receive JCU scholarships to study dolphins in Papua New Guinea, with a focus on Australian snubfin dolphins in the Kikori Delta.
The scholarships are called the 'PNG LNG - PIDU Research Scholarships', PIDU being the local name for dolphins in the Kikori Delta.
ExxonMobil PNG managing director, Andrew Barry said ExxonMobil PNG was committed to preserving Papua New Guinea's unique environment and cultural heritage for future generations.
"Investing in the dolphin research complements the PNG LNG Project's approach to the long-term conservation of the pristine environment in which we operate," Mr Barry said.
"We are working with James Cook University and the University of Papua New Guinea to enhance the capacity of young Papua New Guineans to care for the very unique biodiversity of this country."
UPNG has collaborated with the PIDU project since it began in 2011, with three UPNG students undertaking their 4th year research projects based on the study.
UPNG Registrar, Jennifer Popat said "The University of Papua New Guinea is proud to partner with James Cook University in the important marine research project. Without the PNG LNG Community Investment Program's support for these Honours and Masters scholarships, the scientific knowledge concerning these species of dolphins would remain incomplete."
The students will conduct projects in the Kikori Delta to further knowledge of this little known species, identify threats to the small remaining population, and work together with the local communities and fishers to develop strategies to mitigate threats, such as accidental bycatch in fisheries.
Dr Beasley said the Kikori Delta of southern PNG is the only location in the Pacific Islands and New Guinea where the Australian snubfin dolphin is currently known to occur.
"Conservation and management efforts are therefore imperative if the species is to survive in the region, where accidental bycatch and habitat degradation are threatening remaining populations throughout their range."
Applications for the scholarships open on September 20, 2015 and successful candidates will be announced in early December 2015.
Oil Search signs statement of intent on next phases of Ramu Power Project
Oil Search on Wednesday signed a statement of intent with Government-owned PNG Power Ltd (PPL) on the next phases of the Ramu Power Project (RPP).
This is further to the announcement on April 1of the commencement of continuous 24-hour power generation and supply to Tari, Hela.
The RPP is aimed at connecting up to one million people to a larger and improved electricity grid by 2030, through the provision of modular, low cost power supply.
Implementation agreements are planned to be developed with the PNG Government over the next few months to support the following projects:
*Biomass Independent Power Producer (IPP). A 30 MW Biomass project in the Markham Valley, Morobe Province. This project is aimed at providing baseload power for the Lae region and will have
significant environmental, social and employment benefits. The development will be phased in two x 15 MW units, to match supply with demand.
*Highlands IPP. The construction of an initial 2 MW gas-fired power project, with potential to ramp up to 65 MW, located near Hides in the Hela Province. This project will source gas from the Hides gas field
and provide lower cost baseload and intermittent power primarily for households and social Infrastructure in the Hela and Southern Highlands Provinces.
*Hides to Tari Transmission Line. Installation of a 45 km transmission line from the Oil Search Hides Gas-to-Electricity Processing Plant to the Tari Power Station. The Hides – Tari transmission line is to be constructed, operated and maintained by PPL and PPL's selected third party.
*Highlands distribution and connections. Oil Search will assist PPL in designing a low cost rural connections rollout plan to households in the Hela and Southern Highlands Provinces.
*Early Power to Tari. Oil Search will extend the provision of diesel to PPL's power plant in Tari, which commenced in March 2015, until the earlier of completion of the Hides – Tari transmission line or the second quarter of 2016.
Peter Botten, Oil Search's Managing Director said: "Oil Search continues to work closely with the PNG Government to develop long-term solutions for PNG's power sector.
"With one of the world's lowest electricity connection rates, delivery of reliable, competitively-priced power is one of PNG's highest priorities and we are delighted that we can play our part in providing clean and sustainable biomass-fired and gas-fired power to the country.
"We have been exploring the potential for the Markham Valley Biomass project and cost-effective gas fired generation in the Highlands for a number of years and hope to sign Power Purchase Agreements for these projects, which have the potential to make a real difference to people's lives, by the end of the year."
The transfer of coffee price from consumer to grower
Is the grower getting a fair price of the FOB or export price achieved by the registered exporters?
By JOHN FOWKE
The world's commodity and finance markets are something of a mystery to most of us.
In our coffee industry here in Papua New Guinea, few except those engaged in the export of coffee have any real understanding of how the coffee market works.
Because of this, a decade ago, Coffee Industry Corporation published and circulated widely (40,000 copies mailed out in 2003) a booklet which explains how both the local and the overseas sectors of the coffee market work , how coffee is valued and priced, and how the trade is financed.
The booklet, which was published with the assistance of the European Union, was called STORI BILONG KOPI and was available, free, in English and Tok Pisin versions ( It is interesting to note in passing that NOT ONE acknowledgement or note of thanks, from the Members of the National Parliament, who all received a copy, or from the nations High Schools and Universities, which all received packages containing 20 copies, was received by CIC).
Among a number of things, the booklet shows an interested grower how to calculate the value of his coffee at the factory door, using current factors available daily in both the national dailies and on the EMTV six-o'clock news.
The advent of cheap and widely-taken-up mobile phone services in more recent times has added another effective tool aiding the interested coffee-grower in his pricing and marketing activities.
Using this information and a pocket calculator an interested grower may work out values with which to compare offers he is made for his coffee.
This is quite a revolutionary turn of events for those who may take advantage of the information, for never before has a PNG-based grower or small businessman been equipped to gain such insights into the workings of the market.
In fact, the highly-competitive nature of PNGs internal market sees to it that the grower who is alive to tricks played by itinerant buyers and who brings his coffee to a place where competition between a number of buyers is the rule may be assured of somewhere between 65-70% of ruling FOB at the time of sale.
At certain times and for short periods only, generally due to seasonal variances in supply and consequent shortages, up to 85% of FOB value has been achieved.
This means that on average between 15% to maximum 30% of FOB value is shared by coffee-buyers, factories, transport companies and exporters in the process of drying, hulling, insuring, transporting, preparing for export and actually loading coffee aboard ships.
CIC's industry levy of 8 toea comes out of this also.
The balance, being between 70% and 85% of FOB ( export) price goes to the careful grower who picks the place where competition exists, and the buyer who offers the best price, to whom he sells.
These figures compare well with others from around the world where open, competitive coffee industries exist, and where Government involvement or centralised marketing is non-existent. Where the latter conditions do exist growers typically realise less for their coffee because of the cost of large and often inefficient and partisan bureaucracy which is the middle-man in these markets.
A case close to home was the late now reconstructed and renamed PNG Copra Marketing Board - which was a byword in PNG for its deplorable record in dealings with small growers..
In answer to the question at the head of this section - yes a PNG-based coffee grower not only has the opportunity to obtain a fair price for his coffee in the internal market, but also the means, if he wishes to employ it, to check that this is so, and to make his discontent known if it is not through his statutory entitlement to a voice via his local Small Growers Association - prior to the antidemocratic reduction of the growers power over his industry by the current cohort of Department of Agriculture and Livestock Minister and his friends and appointees.
As for the rest of the chain of transactions leading towards the consumer situated in a far-off land, does PNG's share within the totality of the market including the consumer side stack up as being fair?
The answer is a resounding No! It does not!
The reasons for this are very complex. There are many influences at play.
Meaningful reform by any agency other than the passage of time and changing attitudes is unlikely, although a return of the USA to membership of the International Coffee Organisation has prompted a trend towards a more even balance in the market. Sudden rises resulting from unpredicted events and shortages, whilst rewarding in themselves do not alter retention as percentages by sector.
A more equitable share of total value of the trade for origins will be slow to come, incremental in nature, and will be propelled by efforts by the growing countries, or origins, themselves.
Salesmanship and value-based promotion as well as adherence to desired levels of intrinsic quality and blending –types made for individual buyers will help, but increments achieved will be slow even though ongoing once established.
Why is the coffee market so intractable insofar as the origins are concerned?
Firstly, out of the 50 or so countries which export coffee, there are only three which have sufficient volume even to consider influencing the trade through unilateral decisions and actions.
Even so, the three giants achieve little and are subject to the same pressures, generally speaking, as the mass of small origins, of which PNG is one.
As a group, the origins are price-takers, whereas the other side of the market is dominated in great degree by six immensely powerful commercial entities.
These entities have achieved a degree of control over the price of raw coffee which seems unshakeable.
With the massive growth in buying-power of post-war societies in the developed world, systems of supply and delivery to the consumer have become increasingly integrated.
This has allowed consolidation within markets as well as cross-border or multinational integration.
The driving objective is the creation of economies of scale leading to market domination.
The result has been the corporatization - as opposed to the globalisation - of trade across the world.
The two terms corporatisation and globalisation are portrayed by some as being essentially the same thing.
They are not the same.
The basis for globalisation is that the benefits of international trade may be shared more evenly, whilst multinational corporatisation works to accrue benefits for tiny, very wealthy minorities at the cost of poorer, less-integrated and thus less powerful entities.
In the coffee industry, worldwide, we have a perfect example of the meaning of corporatisation.
The origins sell around 60% of production to six huge multinational roaster-marketer companies proprietors of the best-selling brand-names in the industry.
These brands are consumed by a majority of coffee-drinkers across the world.
Thus it is that coffee-growers, and to a lesser degree coffee drinkers, are linked inseparably to the owners of these brands as much as a dog is linked to his owner by his lead or chain.
The relationship between dog and man may also be seen as a parallel: a relationship where dependence and conditioning ensures obedience.
The observable effect in the case of the coffee industry is that the small people at each end of this multinational market support, to their cost, a highly-efficient accumulative process at its center.
Coffee-drinkers in developed countries rarely if ever see a reduction in the cost of the product they love, no matter what the state if the international coffee market.
And due to the domination of the industry by the multis, today's severely-impoverished coffee-grower has been slowly, incrementally, deprived of some 75% of what he was accustomed to receive in value 20 years ago - years in which the multi phenomenon has flourished, nurtured by the fashion for market forces theory among economists and political leaders. Fortunately, this state-of-mind is becoming less common in the face of the realisation that ever-increasing consumption is neither inevitable nor desirable, to say nothing of its sustainability.
Thirty years ago, the grower's share of the wholesale value of a carton of roast and ground coffee as sold in consuming countries stood at around 30%.
Today, the grower receives only 10%, whilst the consumer still pays what he has always been accustomed to pay for his packet of product, increased by the effects of inflation over the period.
Where has the 20% of retail ( packaged, roasted coffee) value which used to belong to the coffee-grower been moved to? Obviously the consumer has not benefited.
This portion of value has been moved into the sector dominated by the multi-national coffee marketing companies, whose lead is followed by all coffee processors, large and small, in consuming countries.
These entities are making what economists term as super-normal profits, and this situation, being intractable from the position of a single country of origin, or growing country, remains to be addressed.
As already stated above, salesmanship and value-based promotion as well as adherence to desired levels of intrinsic quality and blending types made for individual buyers will help, but increments achieved will be slow even though ongoing once established.
This is the truth for coffee-growers around the world, just as it is for wheat, rice, sugar,tea, and cocoa growers- all producers of raw materials transformed in large quantity by huge, multinational brand-owners into retail products for markets the brand-owners have themselves created.
A truth which is part of the experience of farmers of edible commodities the world around.
First written and published in February 2008 and now ( 2014) updated in response to widespread fears that PNG's established internal and export marketing system is about to be trashed in an uninformed and naive experiment initiated by the DAL Ministry.
The new, small co-operative coffee exporters being created will be, to coin a familiar phrase, the blind, led by the blind. There is no-one in the service of the National Government, it seems, who is knowledgeable enough, or possessed of enough basic commonsense, to understand just how foolish, even childish ( big boys with big toys in a very big sandpit) this move is.
To say nothing of the predictable and conflict-producing outcome.
It should be noted that I have not touched upon the subject of seasonal finance.
It is well-known that PNG's banks are not willing to finance coffee export or coffee processing ventures.
The whole great turnover of some 420,000 tonnes of hand-picked coffee berries ( cherry) into some 60,000 tonnes of ready-to-roast dry green coffee-beans loaded and ready to leave Lae on a ship bound for an overseas destination is born along on a vast cash-float that is in the form of many foreign-currency advances-on-stock-to-be-shipped obtained UNDER ESTABLISHED TRUST AND RELATIONSHIPS as effective unsecured loans.
Now, how about that, Mr Minister?
No matter what vast cash resources are due to pour into Government coffers, the coffee-grower of PNG is not going to believe that ol Gaman ol bai fainensim olgeta kopi em kamap lo han blo mipla ya, em bai gutpla wei na bai ron stret tasol, nogat wari, nogat hevi ya.
Ha,ha,ha!
©J.P.Fowke 2014
Not to be copied transmitted or used in any way without the permission of the author
Coffee is in crisis in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea's seasonal production of coffee has declined substantially since 2011.
The annual crop has dropped from an average established over 24 years from 1987 of one million 60kg bags per annum, down to 800,000 last year.
A crop of no more than 700,000 bags is estimated for this year ending in December. The crop is expected to fall again by a significant factor in 2016.
This is due to the age of the vast majority of coffee trees which were planted some 55 years ago.
They are increasingly moribund, well past their most fruitful, productive years.
Over time attempts have been made to educate growers in tree-management, principally during the major AIDAB ( predecessor to AusAid )- funded programme of 1988-1993 when the grower-owned and controlled regulatory and advisory/training organisation, the Coffee Industry Corporation, was set up.
Under AIDAB and CIC work commenced in 1990 on industry-wide renovation pruning. Some 30% of coffee growers responded immediately, and others followed as time went on and as resulting better yields were achieved in subsequent years.
Nevertheless, this was a totally-new concept to PNG's subsistence farmers. Whilst experts in terms of the food-crops they have been accustomed to grow over many millennia, they were never known to cultivate fruit-trees in a big way.
Coffee is a fruit, and demands a specific fruit-tree management regime.
PNG small growers were never- right up until today- never- been advised by CIC or the Department of Agriculture that a staged re-planting programme is essential as soon as symptoms of old-age become noticeable.
A suitable inter-planting renewal programme is where some 20 % of existing trees are inter-planted with new seedlings each year.
This to take place in five stages over a five-year period.
In the fourth and subsequent years all the old trees from the first year's inter-planting are removed, yielding ambient light, space, and moisture to the vigorous, new four-year-old plants now coming into bearing.
Both CIC and the increasingly idiosyncratic leadership of the Department of Agriculture employ many highly-educated agricultural scientists and field advisers, but to practical purpose so far as coffee renovation is concerned.
Executive management in both organisations has sat back and talked about a range of policies focussing on marketing whilst the crop-yield falls annually; policies which are laughable in the circumstances and far from the real, urgent needs of the growers.
Far, too, from the needs of the nation, short as it is of foreign-currency derived from export earnings.
And when it is considered that coffee provides almost the only source of cash to most families in the populous but road-starved Highlands provinces, this is not simply an economic crisis.
It is the harbinger of serious social unrest as the years pass.
PM O'Neill congratulates nation on an outstanding week of national celebration
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has congratulated people around the nation for an outstanding week of celebration for 40 years of Independence.
O'Neill made the comment as a week of celebrations drew to a close.
"We have seen national pride on show over the past week, from the capital city to remote villages," the Prime Minister said.
"People have been proudly displaying our nation's flag and the flags of their provinces, with great attendance at national events.
"From Port Moresby the nation watched a world-class concert that celebrated national culture and entertainment, and we saw another large attendance at the flag raising ceremony.
"Papua New Guinea is a great nation and one that all Papua New Guineans can be proud of."
The Prime Minister reiterated his observation that Independence is not only about 40 years of Independence, but the celebration of thousands of years of rich history and culture that has made the country what it is today.
"We celebrate more than 800 languages and cultures that we have developed across our lands.
"We are a nation of diversity that is rich and amazing, and we are a united nation."
"As a country, we have brought together our diversity to create modern Papua New Guinea."
O'Neill said everyone can look back with pride on what the nation has achieved together and look forward with confidence to an even better future for our children.
He said the government will continue to ensure all families have free education, better health care and better community services they are entitles too as citizens of this country.
"The introduction of free school education has been a milestone for our nation. Today, two million of our children are in school at all levels of education."
"But we must build on this. The next steps include improving teacher training and teacher numbers," O'Neill said.
He said the government want more young people to go to universities and do other studies.
"We are increasing places at higher learning institutions each year.
"Our Government will continue to strengthen technical training in our community.
"And through our vocational schools, we will empower our people with skills to get more jobs in key areas of fisheries, tourism and agriculture."
O'Neill said Papua New Guinea may be blessed with many natural resources, but the country's greatest resource by far is the people.
Landowner companies call for fair go at Lae Port Tidal Basin
The National Government has been urged to give preference to landowner companies in regards to terminal management at the new Lae Port Tidal Basin.
Representatives of landowner companies from the Labu and Ahi villages of Lae made the call on Tuesday after announcing that they had joined forces to create a new joint-venture company.
The two companies, Labu Holdings Ltd and Ahi Holdings Ltd, have formed a new JV called Morobe International Terminal Ltd to bid for terminal management at the new Lae Port Tidal Basin.
Labu Holdings and Ahi Holdings have a stranglehold on stevedoring at the Lae Port through their respective partnerships with Steamships Trading Company Ltd and Consort Shipping Ltd.
Ahi Investment chairman and Riback operations manager George Gware (pictured) told The National that the two companies also combined in 2013 to stop a foreign stevedoring company, Patricks, from starting operations at Lae port.
"Last month, when the tidal project was actually completed, there was also all this talk about government appointing a new (terminal) operator," he said.
"Finally, we saw in the adverts in the papers, that they're now talking about expressions of interest for an international company to come in and set up in Lae and also in Motukea.
"Even though we've got Morobe International Terminal at the current Lae Port, whoever that new operator is that comes into the Tidal Port, what will happen is that we will all compete for the same cargo volumes coming through.
"If the new operator comes in, and is able to secure and take contracts off from us from the current international shipping lines that have contracts with us, then we will slowly lose volumes, and over time, if we continue to lose volumes to the point that we cannot sustain, they we'll have to close down.
"That is the biggest concern we currently have as landowner investors."
On Tuesday, Morobe International Terminal Ltd presented its expression of interest for terminal management at Lae Port Tidal Basin, to PNG Ports Corporation.
"Our biggest concern, as landowner groups, is that unlike the resource projects in the Highlands or other parts of PNG where the government gives them seed capital to start off, when we started off when the (stevedoring) industry was nationalised in 1994, they didn't give us any seed capital," Gware said.
"It was up to us to go out and secure finance.
"From 1995 up to 2015, we've repaid all those loans, we're getting the returns and we're now starting to enjoy the benefits, and all of a sudden, when we as a country are about to celebrate our 40th Independence anniversary, we see the move by the government in promoting an international operator to come in."
Labu Holdings chairman Nasinom Dau said the people of Labu stood united together with the people of Ahi in the new JV.
Labu and Ahi landowner companies join forces
Landowner companies from the Labu and Ahi villages of Lae have joined forces to create a new joint-venture company.
Hundreds of young people from the three Labu villages of Butu, Miti and Tale and the six Ahi villages of Butibam, Hengali, Kamkumung, Yanga, Wagang, and Yalu enjoy well-paid jobs on the waterfront through this arrangement.
Labu Holdings is 50-50 into a partnership with Rabaul Stevedores (100 per cent owned by Steamships) in a company called Lae Port Services Ltd, while Ahi Holdings is likewise 50-50 into a partnership with Consort in a company called Riback Stevedores Ltd.
Company representatives on Tuesday handed over their expression of interest to PNG Ports Corporation.
Labu Holdings and Ahi Holdings joined forces in 2013 to stop a bid by a foreign company, Patricks, to take over stevedoring operations at Lae Port.
"What (PNG) Ports was really asking was for us to merge the terminal operations for Riback and Lae Port Services," Ahi Investment chairman and Riback operations manager George Gware told The National.
"For that to happen, we need to agree on asset contribution, equipment that Riback has got and Lae Port has got, pool those equipment, and have a workshop and services in place so that we can actually maintain those equipment.
"The important thing is staffing, something that we will really have to work through, and consult the unions as well.
"This is because when that happens, some of the Riback and Lae Port staff may have to go, and we will just pick the core people that we can put into this new entity.
"We have formed a company called Morobe International Terminal, which will be the joint terminal handling company, while in terms of stevedoring we will still maintain Riback and we will still maintain Lae Port.
"They will only perform the stevedoring function, which is unloading and loading ships, but as the containers land on the wharf that's when Morobe International Terminal will take over."
PNGDF rescues Indonesian hostages
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has confirmed that two Indonesian nationals, that had been taken hostage by near the border with Indonesia, have been rescued by the PNGDF.
O'Neill said the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia were in communication through the process of negotiation and eventual rescue of the two men.
"This was a serious situation that is believed to involve the deaths of at least one other Indonesian national over a period of one week," he said.
"Through careful planning by Papua New Guinea Defence Force and other security elements this situation has been resolved without further loss of life.
"I commend the PNGDF for their outstanding work to track down the detain the alleged perpetrators.
"The men are now undergoing medial assessments ahead of being returned to Indonesia.
"I was in communication with President Joko Widodo though this process and our agencies shared information during the planning and execution of the rescue operation.
"I thank Indonesia for their trust in the capacity of the PNGDF during this challenging and tense period."
O'Neill said the operation is still ongoing so it would be inappropriate to comment further until a number of matters relating to the situation are resolved.
"We must be careful to ensure that anything said in the media does not undermine operational security.
"What is clear is that these men have been through a terrible ordeal and their return to their families in Indonesia is a priority.
"An investigation is underway into the events leading up to and during the period when the two men were held against their will and moved to various locations near the border.
"We must ensure due process is followed."
PNGDF search of Indonesian men believed being held against their will
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has confirmed that the Papua New Guinea Defence Force is searching for a group of individuals believed to be holding two male Indonesian nationals against their will close to the Indonesian border.
The Indonesian nationals are understood to have been taken last week and attempts had been underway to secure their release through peaceful means.
"When we were advised that two Indonesian nationals were likely being held against their will I ordered that contact be made with the people involved.
"Initial discussions were held, first through a mediator then through direct means.
"However the group have since changed location and Papua New Guinea Defence Force personnel are now moving to intercept the people involved.
The Prime Minister said it would not be appropriate to release further information at this time on the current operation.
PM O'Neill speech - Independence Day Flag Raising
Speech by Hon. Peter O'Neill CMG MP
Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony
Speaker of the National Parliament
Chief Justice & Members of the Judiciary
Ministers of State & Distinguished Members of Parliament
Your Excellencies and Members of the Diplomatic Corp
My Fellow citizens
We live in a great nation, an amazing nation, and one that we can all be very proud of – our Papua New Guinea.
Today is a day that we not only celebrate 40 years of independence, but we also celebrate thousands of years of our rich history and our culture – that has made us who we are today.
We celebrate the more than 800 languages and cultures that have developed across our lands.
We are a nation of diversity that is rich and amazing, and we are a united nation.
As a country we have brought together our diversity to create modern Papua New Guinea.
Today we can look back with pride on what we have achieved together.
And we can look forward with confidence to an even better future of our children.
We must all be grateful to the founders of our Nation.
Grateful to the leaders who guided us towards the declaration of independence on 16 September 1975.
We thank them for the progress that we have achieved as one united nation over the last four decades.
This is a time of reflection on what we have achieved together.
It is a time to look at how we can build an even stronger nation based on those achievements, and on the many blessings we enjoy today.
Of course there have been difficulties over the last four decades – but these challenges have made us stronger.
Right now our nation is facing challenges.
They come form outside our borders - but together we have to face up to them with the courage and determination that we are well known for.
The global economy is facing a very uncertain time at the moment.
Unstable commodity prices are placing pressure on many economies and reducing economic growth all around the world.
But in Papua New Guinea we are managing our economy so that we can meet our commitments to our people.
Even with the grey clouds over the global economy, our country still has positive growth.
What this means for our people is that we will see through this challenge in the coming years and our country can grow even stronger.
We also face a further threats that come from changes in climate and weather conditions.
Right now, around our nation – food gardens have been destroyed by frost.
Right now families are worried about where their food will come from in the coming weeks – because they have had no rain.
We have been through this before and we learn from our past experiences.
Your Government has acted decisively by delivering immediate relief.
Food is being distributed as we gather here today.
We are also distributing seed so that when the rains do return – so our people can return to agriculture.
All we ask is that drought and frost is not politicised by people seeking to get attention for themselves.
This is not the time to play politics.
Drought and frost, as well as other extreme weather - and becoming worse because of climate change - is a big problem for our country and our region.
We recently saw the terrible tropical storms and cyclones that killed people.
We, in the Pacific Islands, did not cause climate change – but our people are suffering from it.
Papua New Guinea, and our Pacific partners are taking our message to the global community – that we need action to deal with climate change.
In December at the United Nations climate change conference – the voices of grassroots Papua New Guineans will be heard loud and clear by world leaders.
No matter what challenge our country faces our people are strong. They stand tall to meet this challenge.
While our nation might be blessed with many natural resources - our greatest resource by far is our people.
You, the men, women and children of our nation are what drives our economy and is the power of our communities.
The commitment I give to you today, as I did four years ago, is that we will build on the foundations we have laid.
We will continue to ensure you and your family have free school education, better healthcare and better community services you are entitled to as our citizens.
We will continue to make communities safer and create more opportunities for you so you can participate in our economy.
The introduction of free school education has been a milestone for our nation. Today 2 million of our children are in school at all levels of education.
But we must build on this.
The next steps include improving teacher training and teacher numbers.
We want our children have a higher standard of education.
We also want more young people to go to university and other study.
Our Government will continue to strengthen technical training in our country.
We are increasing places at Higher learning institutions each year.
And through our vocational schools, we will empower our people with skills to get more jobs in key areas of fisheries, tourism and agriculture.
We will further continue to support the wonderful work of our churches at all levels.
The health of a nation is a vital responsibility to governments at all levels.
While there is much more to be done to improve access to basic health care, we have made substantial progress in rebuilding all our run down health facilities throughout the country.
We, as a Government must give greater opportunity for our youth.
This can be through the development of small to medium enterprises.
Papua New Guineans are great entrepreneurs.
We always want to have our own businesses.
Your Government and your country is there to support you.
We will create more opportunities.
This will be through making it easier to open a business.
Last night, at the Prime Minister's Excellence Awards Ceremony, I met several of these entrepreneurs and community champions.
You might have seen this on television.
They were both young and old.
They were from the highlands to the coast.
They were a demonstration of the inspirational people we have in Papua New Guinea.
I would like to tell you about a few of them.
One is a lady called Betty Higgins from Chimbu.
In the 1970's Betty was an Air New Guinea airhostess.
Now she is a very proud trout fish farmer – with her farm at 2,400 meters above sea level.
Betty and her late husband had dreams and they followed their dream.
Now she serves locally-caught fresh fish in Chimbu.
Let me tell you about Yomas Dosung from Mt Hagen.
Yomas is taking up the fight against climate change and extreme weather conditions like el Niño.
He has been cultivating an African style of yam that withstands el Niño and drought.
The food developed by Yomas is being shared with many communities.
I would also like to talk about Dr Moses Laman
He is our Prime Ministers' Excellence Awards Papua New Guinean of the year
This young doctor from Ambunti in the East Sepik province is already a senior research fellow and respected around the world.
Dr Laman's research will reduce illness and death in underprivileged children in rural Papua New Guinea.
This is an inspiration to all of us.
We need to encourage our own Papua New Guinea entrepreneurs in medicine, tourism, and new economy areas such as communications.
To the people who already own a business in our country, and are already employing Papua New Guineans.
We will continue to encourage you.
By making taxation simpler we will further stimulate the economy and create more jobs.
We are doing more to make Papua New Guinea a great location for investment.
And we have received great support from international businesses and they have confidence in our economy.
This will mean more Papua New Guineans are employed and be in business.
Some of the largest corporations in the world are investing in Papua New Guinea, and this is making an important contribution to our economy.
But I also I want to see the people of our country take greater control in developing our own resources.
This means more investment from our private sector to access our own resources.
I would like to see more or our seafood and agriculture products processed in our country.
As a nation, we must be ambitious and bold when it comes to economic empowerment and improving quality of life for our people.
My fellow citizens, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am proud of the achievements of our nation the regional leadership.
Our country has excellent relations with our immediate neighbours – Australia, Indonesia and Solomon Island.
We are engaging with our partners in a more meaningful way.
We are also a great friend and partner with our Pacific Island nations.
We recently hosted the best Pacific Games ever – where athletes came from around our region to compete at the highest level in our country.
Last week we also hosted the leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum.
In 2018 we will bring 20 of the world's Presidents and Prime Ministers to Papua New Guinea for the APEC Leaders Summit.
This will also include more than 10,000 delegates visiting our cities and regional communities throughout 2018.
This will be the most significant international event ever to be held in Papua New Guinea.
These events have brought considerable economic benefits to our country and city areas.
They also lead to the construction of first-class facilities that will be available for long-term community use and benefit.
Through our international government engagement, we would like to expand our knowledge and markets in important areas.
And we are attracting increasing amount of foreign direct investment.
These include minerals, energy, agriculture, fisheries and forestry, and construction creating more jobs for our people.
When you look at our achievements as a nation, there is much we can be proud of and give thanks for.
Ours is a country that has seen a lot of challenge, as a united nation.
There is also much more that we can achieve if we work together as one united democratic and confident nation.
In wishing you, and your family, best wishes for our 40th Anniversary of Independence - I give, you our commitment, as Leaders in this country.
You can be confident that your elected Leaders will work each and every day – to ensure that the dreams we all share for our country and for our children.
May God Bless each and every one of you, and God Bless Papua New Guinea.
PM O'Neill congratulates new Australian leader
Prime Minister of Papua New GuineaPeter O'Neill has congratulated Malcolm Turnbull on his election as the Prime Minister of Australia.
O'Neill said he expects to build a strong working relationship with Malcolm Turnbull and progress a range of issues of importance for Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Region.
"I congratulate Malcolm Turnbull as the new Prime Minister of Australia and I look forward to meet with him in the near future," he said.
"There is a lot we have in common between our two countries, and there are areas where we can build closer co-operation.
"In particular, the people of the Pacific Island States are concerned at the effects of climate change and the devastation this is causing to so many lives.
"There are also a number of further areas of bilateral cooperation on which we will continue consultation and we look forward to this taking place."
O'Neill said the new Australian leader will be invited to visit Papua New Guinea at the next convenient opportunity.
"Tomorrow the diplomatic relationship between our two countries is 40 years old and the strongest it has been.
"Papua New Guinea will always work with Australia's elected Government of the day to gain the best outcome for both countries.
"Changes in political leadership are never easy and I look forward to ministerial roles being clarified as soon as is possible in the Australian Government.
"Papua New Guinea is the largest destination for Australian investment and the business and development relationship between our two countries remains strong."
O'Neill said he was pleased that Julie Bishop MP will continue in her current role.
"As Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop has engaged with our Government in a way that has been mutually beneficial.
"I especially thank her for development reforms she has driven that will achieve better outcomes for Papua New Guinea and Australia in the future.
"Foreign Minister Bishop has also been very supportive in strengthening public service training in our country and I look forward to discussing this when she visits Papua New Guinea later in the year."
O'Neill has written to Turnbull to offer congratulations, and written to Tony Abbott to thank him for the working engagement that has been maintained over the past two years.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the working relationship that we had with Tony
Kumul Consolidated Holdings official launch on December 2
Kumul Consolidated Holdings Chairman Paul Nerau has announced that the new corporation will be officially launched at a charity dinner on December 2.
This follows the recent introduction of the IPBC/Kumul Consolidated Holdings (Amendment) Act, making way for the formation of three entities responsible for the sovereign wealth of Papua New Guinea – Kumul Petroleum holdings, Kumul Minerals Holdings and Kumul Consolidated Holdings.
"The Minister of Public Enterprise and State Investments Hon. Ben Micah has agreed to launch Kumul Consolidated Holdings by hosting a charity dinner. This is an opportunity for us to not only launch the new entity, but also to assist those less fortunate in our community," Nerau said.
Nerau identified three charities that will be beneficiaries of the dinner launch – Life PNG Care, Cheshire Disability Services and the PNG Cancer Foundation.
°Life PNG Care makes a positive impact in the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable children and youth.
°Cheshire Disability Services makes a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities, their families and their carers.
°The PNG Cancer Foundation assists patients and their families and are advocates for the rights of cancer patients in Papua New Guinea for best treatment and supportive care.
"We will be releasing more details of the charity event in the coming weeks," Nerau said.
The announcement came as Kumul Consolidated Holdings celebrated the 40th Independence of Papua New Guinea with a cocktail function on Monday at the Grand Papua Hotel.
Speaking at the function Nerau made the observation that 40 years ago the Australian flag was lowered and not torn down, as Papua New Guinea moved towards independence.
"Papua New Guinea had a peaceful transition to independence. In a similar way, the IPBC Act was not torn down. It was amended under the IPBC (Kumul Consolidated Holdings) Amendment Act of 2015.
"Through this Act, the IPBC has been transformed into Kumul Consolidated Holdings. The IPBC Act was amended to make it contemporary and relevant. As the world changes, especially the world of business and governance, then so must we."
The IPBC (Kumul Consolidated Holdings) Amendment Act of 2015 was first read in Parliament on June 5, 2015 and passed by absolute majority as required by the Constitution, then certified on August 12, 2015. The Act then came into effect on Wednesday September 2, 2015.
Prime Minister concerned at rising sea level comment by Australian minister
Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, and the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum Peter O'Neill has expressed concern at the comments by Australia's Immigration Minister last Friday.
O'Neill said the comments relating to climate change and rising sea levels were most unfortunate, and he hoped the attention the issue has received will help highlight the threat being faced by many people.
"Rising sea levels is a serious issue affecting thousands of our people around the Pacific," the Prime Minister said.
"Communities are under threat and they are loosing homes and their food source.
"People around the Pacific are living in fear with each high tide of storm.
"Every time seawater inundates their land their possessions are lost.
"Food crops are also destroyed when they are covered with sea water.
"Other communities are seeing beach erosion taking away their land and eventually their houses.
"People are being forced off the land where their families have lived for thousands of years.
"Connection to the land is very important for Pacific people so having to leave their land is heartbreaking for many people."
The Prime Minister said the issue of climate change and rising sea levels was discussed at length over the past week at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
"Pacific Islands Forum Leaders expressed great concern at the threat posed by climate change to our region particularly to smaller developing countries," O'Neill said.
"The people in Pacific Island nations did not cause climate change but they are suffering because of it.
"In December the United Nations Convention on Climate Change in Paris will give all countries the opportunity to do something to help our communities that are under threat."
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5-7 February, everybody interested in gambling industry will have an opportunity to follow live webcast of ICE London gambling exhibition and conference on Slotegrator website. The event will be attended by delegates from 150 countries, including 8,500 operators, gambling developers and other leading IT professionals. Online broadcast of ICE London will go live during 3 days on the company's website. Thus, you could join such a grand event of the gambling industry staying at home or in the office.
The speakers will tell how to penetrate new markets, to cover larger audience, as well as uncover new tools to promote your gambling business. And this is not complete list of topics that are in program of ICE London. Stay tuned with the latest gambling solutions and don't miss live broadcast from London during 5-7 February on Slotegrator website.


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Adam Fenton: AUG Leader, COO, and Father in Mexico City
Adam Fenton, AUG leader, COO, and father, took the scenic route to make his way from London to Mexico City. In this Showcase you'll learn about his multifaceted career, the pros/cons of living in Mexico City vs. London and so much more. Enjoy!
Describe your career leading up until when you started working for Nolte
I studied Computer Science & Math, and then logically took a job as a bartender back in my hometown of Watford, England. This was great fun for a bit, but then I realised it was time to get a "proper" job and started as an Analyst Programmer at Deluxe Film Labs, where I ended up taking responsibility for analysing and developing the European work tracking system. Once it was time to move on, I knew I want to move into finance and took a position with Morgan Stanley in London, where I worked a number of technology roles. Starting out in an Analyst Programmer role again, our team lead spotted I had a talent for the analysis side, and he suggested a move to Business Analyst on a large renovation project in our area. After this, I moved to a similar role in front-office technology.
I'd always loved traveling, and when I hit 30 I was single and realised this might be my last to chance to take a big trip. So, after much deliberation, I quit my job and bought a one-way ticket to Sao Paulo, Brazil. I traveled across Brazil quite quickly, because I had plans to meet some friends in Bolivia 6 weeks later. We did this crazy challenge where we drove a mototaxi from Cusco to Piura in northern Peru. Then, I traveled up to Colombia where I lived for 6 months before moving on to Central America. I met my now wife, Eleonora, in Costa Rica and a few weeks later arrived in Mexico City where she lived. And 6 years later, I'm still here!
That was a brief hiatus from my career––back to it: when I arrived in Mexico, I wanted to settle down for a bit, so I had to find some work. I'd always had the idea of working for myself, I knew a little bit of WordPress having built my own travel blog, and so I started looking for opportunities to build websites for people. I worked as a freelancer for 3 years or so, but when we became pregnant I decided I needed to look for something with a more stable income. That's when I applied for a job Nolte had posted on Stack Overflow, and after various conversations with Jeff Nolte, the founder, I joined as co-founder and CTO. The company was in a relatively disorganised state (compared to now) and we soon realised that I'd be better utilised as COO, overseeing the entire production process. That's how I ended up where I am now. The company has also evolved from a small office in New York City and the rest remote to 11 people in our Mexico City office (opened just 1 year ago).
Nolte works on projects for a wide range of organizations. What has been your favorite project to see unfold?
We have built products for a variety of organisations, from likes of HBO and Amtrak to 1-man start-ups. One of my favourite products is historyofgiving.org which we built for the National Philanthropic Trust––it depicts the history of modern philanthropy, including an interactive timeline and map to take you through the journey. We also built a really cool app (available in the Play and App stores) for students studying for the GCSE exams which everyone in the UK takes at 16 years old. It gamifies the experience of studying and I really hope it has helped a load of students get through these exams!
What Atlassian products do teams at Nolte use in day-to-day operations? Do all teams use them, or just some?
At Nolte we use Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket to manage all our projects, and we're just moving to Jira Service Desk for our long-term support plans. We are also using HipChat day-to-day, but the whole team is excited about the Stride migration planned for this weekend––we've been using it for a while and it's got a load of awesome features.
What do you like to do for fun?
Mexico City is a hip place to live right now, especially for other North Americans––they seem to be visiting or even moving here in droves! The city has a ton of great food places, more museums than even London, and a really laid back pace compared to other big cities. The weather is also quite a bit better too. I do miss friends and family back in London, and some of the nightlife options are incomparable, but I have a kid now so I don't think I'm missing much.
# people like this
Leslie Lee Atlassian Team Mar 13, 2018
What a cool story! Look forward to meeting you one day @Adam Fenton!
Mbou Atlassian Team Mar 14, 2018
Love the picture of you and your family. What a great story. I hope to visit Mexico City some day soon.
Cassie Mayes Community Manager Mar 16, 2018
Love your story! Happy to have you apart of the AUG leader team, Adam
Deleted user Mar 20, 2018
Great history! :)
Liz Mar 20, 2018
Great story :) I hope we could meet in one AUG between Monterrey and Mexico City!
Alex Mar 26, 2018
Great Story. Hope to meet you one day in the land of smiles
Darline Auguste Community Manager Apr 05, 2018
Wonderful story! Amazing how one decision changes the rest of your life - I made a similar decision to explore the Netherlands and 10 years later, I'm still here :)
jesusoros Jun 22, 2018
Awesome story @Adam, although I had the pleasure to meet you several times, very few times we´ve got a chance to talk about our life story and how did we ended up involved on the Atlassian Lifestyle. I hope we can have the time to talk more on the next AUG. You're an amazing guy!
Vickey Palzor Lepcha Rising Star Oct 03, 2018
To be frank - Mexico is an addiction. I lived there for 22 months and never missed home . I would love to continue there but I had other issues back then.
Yet I would love to return any fine day.
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Commercial Relationships T. Ach, None; G. Best, None; M. Ruppenstein, None; C. Cremer, None; S. Dithmar, None.
T. Ach, G. Best, M. Ruppenstein, C. Cremer, S. Dithmar; Structured Illumination Microscopy for High Resolution in vivo and in vitro Imaging of Human RPE Cells. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2010;51(13):1198.
Purpose: : In aging retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, accumulating autofluorescence (AF) pigments and fluorophores can be visualized with several AF microscopy techniques. Structured illumination microscopy (SIM), a form of high resolution light microscopy, allows imaging of fluorescent molecules in a nanometer range.
Methods: : For in vitro imaging, deparaffined histological slides of human donor eyes, for in vivo imaging, cultured human RPE cells were used. All samples were examined using SIM technique with laser light (488, 568 and 647 nm). (Composite) SIM images of RPE cells were evaluated in terms of AF pattern and different AF granules.
Results: : SIM doubles the lateral resolution compared to conventionally used widefield microscopy and enables differentiation down to 130 nm. In in vitro RPE cells, an improved lateral resolution shows lipofuscin rings around melanin in melanolipofuscin granules. Furthermore, single hyperfluorescent clusters in lipofuscin rings are clearly detectable. Different intralysosomal fluorophores can be distinguished using varying excitation wavelength. SIM can also be used for in vivo imaging providing similar similar findings and allowing visualization of dynamic processes.
Conclusions: : SIM can be used for high resolution AF imaging of in vitro and in vivo RPE cells. With SIM, AF structures in RPE cells can be detected with a lateral resolution of 130 nm. Wavelength-dependent AF patterns in single lysosomes and melanolipofuscin granules can be observed. Above all, this high resolution imaging technique of in vivo cells provides new sights in RPE pathogenesis.


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The Sack of Baltimore
June 20, 2019 by Jim Doyle	Leave a comment
The Sack of Baltimore takes place on June 20, 1631 when the village of Baltimore, County Cork is attacked by the Ottoman Algeria and Republic of Salé slavers from the Barbary Coast of North Africa. The attack is the largest by Barbary pirates on either Ireland or Great Britain.
The attack is led by a Dutch captain, Jan Janszoon van Haarlem, also known as Murad Reis the Younger. Murad's force is led to the village by a man called Hackett, the captain of a fishing boat he had captured earlier, in exchange for his freedom. Hackett is subsequently hanged from the clifftop outside the village for conspiracy.
Murad's crew, made up of Dutchmen, Moroccans, Algerians and Ottoman Turks, launches their covert attack on the remote village on June 20, 1631. They capture 107 villagers, mostly English settlers along with some local Irish people (some reports put the number as high as 237). The attack is focused on the area of the village known to this day as the Cove. The villagers are put in irons and taken to a life of slavery in North Africa.
There are conspiracy theories relating to the raid. It has been suggested that Sir Walter Coppinger, a prominent Catholic lawyer and member of the leading Cork family, who had become the dominant power in the area after the death of Sir Thomas Crooke, 1st Baronet, the founder of the English colony, orchestrates the raid to gain control of the village from the local Gaelic chieftain, Sir Fineen O'Driscoll. It is O'Driscoll who had licensed the lucrative pilchard fishery in Baltimore to the English settlers. Suspicion also points to O'Driscoll's exiled relatives, who had fled to Spain after the Battle of Kinsale, and had no hope of inheriting Baltimore by legal means. On the other hand, Murad may have planned the raid without any help. It is known that the authorities had advance intelligence of a planned raid on the Cork coast, although Kinsale is thought to be a more likely target than Baltimore.
Some prisoners are destined to live out their days as galley slaves, rowing for decades without ever setting foot on shore while others spend long years in harem or as labourers. At most, only three of them ever return to Ireland. One is ransomed almost at once and two others in 1646.
In the aftermath of the raid, the remaining villagers move to Skibbereen, and Baltimore is virtually deserted for generations.
(Pictured: "The sack of Baltimore (West Cork), ca. 1890-1891" pen and ink by Jack Butler Yeats)
Categories: Early Modern Ireland (1536-1691), Human Rights, Irish History | Tags: 1st Baronet, Algerians, Baltimore, Barbary Coast, Barbary Slave Trade, Battle of Kinsale, Catholic, Conspiracy, Conspiracy Theory, Cork, County Cork, Dutch, Gaelic, Galley Slave, Great Britain, Harem, Jan Janszoon van Haarlem, Kinsale, Moroccans, North Africa, Ottoman Algeria, Ottoman Turks, Pilchard, Republic of Salé, Sack of Baltimore, Sir Fineen O'Driscoll, Sir Thomas Crooke, Sir Walter Coppinger, Skibbereen, Slavers, Spain | Permalink.
Author: Jim Doyle
As a descendant of Joshua Doyle (b. 1775, Dublin, Ireland), I have a strong interest in Irish culture and history, which will be the primary focus of this site. I am a Network Engineer at The Computer Hut, LLC, which is my salaried job. I also serve on the City of Little Rock Arts+Culture Commission (Chairman 2017-2018), Walnut Valley Property Owners Association board (Secretary 2018-Present) and the Irish Cultural Society of Arkansas, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (President 2011-2017).


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Movie Review • Nov 8, 2019 • Author: David Scott
Doctor Sleep is a dark well that has more to give the deeper you drill. There are three core layers that it exists at: as a unique suspense thriller, as a sequel to The Shining, and as a response to Kubrick's The Shining by Stephen King. Each of these layers works well but working together they multiply their effect.
On its own, Doctor Sleep is an excellent supernatural thriller with clear writing, impeccable technical filmmaking, compelling acting, and beautiful music. It picks up shortly after Kubrick's adaptation of The Shining with a young Danny dealing with the trauma at the Overlook hotel. His pain becomes a life long struggle to overcome that is amplified by his shining, a condition that he is only able to cope with by hiding it.
As an adult, Danny reaches rock bottom as he becomes an alcoholic in his father's footsteps. Isolated and struggling with relationships, he finds himself homeless and wandering until he finds a support network and a home. He can finally heal as he becomes friends with a young girl named Abra who shines brightly during a time of crises in her life. The film follows along as they both become entangled with a cult called the True Knot who feed on the shining in the world.
The pacing is on point, the stories well interweaved, and the statements about healing and recovery resonate with me. We live in a world that is so full of pain that I always gravitate toward stories that share the strength to recover. The music is reserved but compelling with reserved nods to the outstanding work by Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind on Kubrick's film. Additionally, all of the actors achieve a level of excellence as to have their performances feel transparent. Every aspect of the construction is spot-on for a film in a desolate genre.
Considered as a sequel to The Shining, Doctor Sleep is a powerful thematic extension of the original that expands King's world. The inclusion of The Knot, as well as the extension of the Overlook hotel beyond its borders, grow the world by giving us more of the world without over-explaining any of the aspects we have already come to expect.
More than that, it expands on the ideas with mirroring rather than exposition. Danny's alcoholism and struggle with it mirror his father's. Abra's shining as a child and the reaction of the world to her shine mirrors the very struggles that Danny experienced as a child. All of these elements serve to grow the world without pulling it apart, which is an extraordinary accomplishment.
Finally, as a faithful adaptation of King's response to Stanley Kubrick's subversive use of his original material… Doctor Sleep is breathtaking. Doctor Sleep uses its mirroring and its extensions of the world to challenge Kubrick's earlier work. Where Kubrick is cold and leans into the weakness of Danny's father as an alcoholic driven by resentment for his family, Stephen King explores Danny's alcoholism as a response to trauma. Where Kubrick punishes Danny for being different, Doctor Sleep demands that Abra shines as brightly as possible despite the dangers in the world. Where the Overlook hotel only amplified the evil already within, the cult of the True Knot feeds on what is good.
Any single element here is good enough to stand on its own, but to get a sequel that stands out on so many levels is unprecedented. You can feel in its nature why it took so long to craft something that so perfectly responds to the original while at the same time challenging it. Doctor Sleep is a modern cultural touchstone that will be remembered for decades to come just as its predecessor was.
Final Verdict: Nothing is perfect, but Doctor Sleep does too many things right to even bother with its blemishes.
Rating: A+
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