Manus

These actions were taken in order to preserve their forests and ensure lasting benefits from their land.

With support from the Australian Government and PNKA and Pobuma Local Level Governments,  the communities and WCS partnered to construct a community hall, primary school, foot bridge and a water supply system at the villages of Tulu 1, Tulu 2 and Lahapau on the north coast and Djackal on the south coast of Manus.

This follows the presentation of climate change resource materials recently to four schools in the province by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Papua New Guinea.

They’re Tulu, Bundralis, Ponam and Andra primary schools in the Pomuti, Ndrehet, Kurti and Andra Local Level Government (PNKA LLG).

WCS Manus program officer Sylvia Noble distributed the materials and said that the teachers were pleased and acknowledged WCS’s initiative.

They defeated Madang 1-0 in the grand final today at the Lae Football Association Park thanks to a goal from Richard Lote.

It was a replay of last year’s grand final where both teams played for the Cup with Manus finishing on top.

Manus wasted no time scoring 35 minutes into the first half 1-0 through Lote who found the net five metres outside the goal keeper’s box. 

It was a tough encounter as Manus maintained defence preventing Madang from scoring in the second half despite several attempts.

Loniu village is on Los Negros island, adjacent to Manus Island and cut off by the narrow Loniu passage. They have a local water supply system drawing water from the underground water system.

"It is our blessing so we will share it free with others. Islands with a severe water problem can be assisted free. It is the Manus way,” said Mr Songayeu Pochelep, a prominent Loniu villager.

According to Mr Knight Mr Meauri  will be visiting hard hit areas of Manus like the Baluan, Pak and Rambutso islands.

Knight says Meauri will also bring  relief funds.

He says after their visit to various islands they will return to Lorengau for the first meeting of the District Development Authority.

 Knight made arrangements with local businesses houses in Lorengau town for relief supplies however he is still waiting the Provincial administrator approval.

The Administrator is understood to be out of the province at this time.

Manus MP  Ronnie Knight says they are clearly out of hand, drinking illegal home brew alcohol with Manusians and consorting with young girls with rumours of one girl being pregnant.

 "They go to the media saying what a shit place Manus is but they have the freedom of the town. We need the relevant authorities to exercise some control and provide answers as to when they are moving to their new location," Mr Knight said.

Mr Knight has written  letters already to the asylum seekers centre  management at the Manus Centre but action has not been forth coming.

UBS loan was to clean up Somare mess: PM

http://www.looppng.com/content/ubs-loan-was-clean-somare-mess-pm

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says the UBS loan obtained by his government last year was done to clean up "the mess left behind" by the Somare Government and the Arabs.

Manusians facing dire drought scenario

He is assessing his cocoa and coconut plantation which has been destroyed by a bush fire.

Mr Lapeap expressed concern that the Manus Government was, in his opinion,  underestimating the situation on the islands with the long drought and the lack of fresh water.

"Death has arrived at our door step. Food and water is seriously scarce now. We are not about to face it. We are already facing death,’’ he said.

The Health Centre requires the services of seven workers but only three are working with only two available at any given time.

Sr Sandaba always stepped in when none of the officers are around or where there is an emergency to attend to.

For the past year she has been doing this and has never been paid the promised allowance but she keeps on doing it.

"It's difficult for me to say no because people's lives are at risk. Even when there is an officer around, there are times when certain emergencies are beyond their experience," she said.

Manus could only manage to send one team (men’s) to this year’s softball championships at the Bisini Grounds.

Despite being winless so far, the boys from the Admiralty islands have won the hearts of many people for their never say die attitude.

Coach Jayso James said this year’s championships will be used as a learning curve for his players.

“The softball competition in Manus died out in the 1980s and was only just revived back in 2013.