TH Blog: Hela Provincial Government

Showing posts with label Hela Provincial Government. Show all posts

Wednesday, 24 December 2025

Overview of Margarima Secondary School in Hela Province

Margarima Secondary School:
A Beacon of Educational Excellence in Hela Province

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Margarima District, Hela Province, Papua New Guinea, Margarima Secondary School stands as a testament to the transformative power of education in rural communities. Over the years, the school has evolved from humble beginnings into a vibrant institution, fostering academic achievement, personal growth, and community development. This article provides a comprehensive, positive overview of Margarima Secondary School, highlighting its governance, enrollment trends, staffing, infrastructure, achievements, and its pivotal role in shaping the future of Hela Province.

School Affiliation and Governance

Margarima Secondary School is a government-operated institution, reflecting Papua New Guinea’s commitment to accessible, quality education for all citizens. The school operates under the auspices of the Department of Education, with oversight from the Hela Provincial Education Office. This affiliation ensures that Margarima Secondary adheres to national education standards, curriculum guidelines, and policies designed to promote equity and excellence across the country.1 2 3

The governance structure of Margarima Secondary School is further strengthened by the active involvement of the Margarima District Development Authority (MDDA). Under the leadership of Hon. Manasseh Quiz Makiba, Member of Parliament for Margarima Open and Minister for Bougainville Affairs, the MDDA has played a crucial role in funding infrastructure projects, supporting staff development, and fostering community engagement. This partnership between local government and the school administration has been instrumental in driving positive change and ensuring the school’s sustainability.

Boarding and Day School Status

Margarima Secondary School operates primarily as a boarding school, catering to students from across the district and neighboring areas. The boarding facilities include modern dormitories for both boys and girls, a well-equipped dining hall (mess), and essential amenities such as electricity and television. The provision of boarding services is particularly significant in rural Papua New Guinea, where students often travel long distances to access secondary education.

While the school’s core model is boarding, it also accommodates day students from the immediate vicinity of Margarima town. This dual approach ensures that education is accessible to a diverse student population, including those whose families reside nearby and those from remote villages. The boarding program not only supports academic pursuits but also fosters a sense of community, discipline, and independence among students.

Annual Enrollment Rates and Grade-Level Distribution

Accurate and up-to-date enrollment data is essential for understanding the scale and impact of Margarima Secondary School. The latest available figures indicate that the school serves approximately 600 students across Grades 9 to 12. Enrollment rates fluctuate annually based on Grade 10 examination results, Grade 11 selection processes, and local demographic trends.

Enrollment Table (Estimated, 2025 Academic Year)

Grade Level	Number of Classes	Male Students	Female Students	Total Students
Grade 9	6	173	81	254
Grade 10	5	133	57	190
Grade 11	4	~80	~60	~140
Grade 12	3	~60	~56	~116
Total	18	446	254	700

Note: Grade 11 and 12 figures are estimated based on recent selection lists and typical progression rates. Actual numbers may vary year to year due to selection outcomes and retention rates.

The table above illustrates a robust enrollment pattern, with a healthy balance between male and female students. The school’s capacity to accommodate large cohorts in lower grades and retain students through to Grade 12 is a testament to its supportive environment and academic reputation.

Enrollment Trends and Selection Process

Enrollment at Margarima Secondary School is closely tied to the national Grade 10 examination results and the subsequent Grade 11 selection process. Each year, the Department of Education publishes the Grade 11 selection list, which is eagerly anticipated by students and families across Hela Province. The selection is merit-based, ensuring that students who demonstrate academic excellence are given the opportunity to continue their secondary education at Margarima.

In 2025, Margarima Secondary School was among the leading institutions in Hela Province to receive a significant intake of Grade 11 students, reflecting its status as a preferred choice for secondary education in the region. The transparent and rigorous selection process underscores the school’s commitment to fairness and academic integrity.

Teachers and Staff: Building a Culture of Excellence

The backbone of Margarima Secondary School’s success lies in its dedicated team of teachers and support staff. The school employs approximately 30 to 40 teaching staff, supported by administrative personnel, boarding supervisors, and maintenance workers. This staffing level ensures a favorable student-to-teacher ratio, enabling personalized instruction and effective classroom management.

Staffing Table (Estimated, 2025 Academic Year)

Staff Category	Number (Estimated)
Teaching Staff	30 – 40
Administrative Staff	5 – 8
Boarding Supervisors	6 – 10
Maintenance & Support	8 – 12
Total Staff	49 – 70

The teaching staff comprises both experienced educators and enthusiastic newcomers, many of whom are local to the Hela region. This blend of expertise and community connection fosters a nurturing learning environment, where students are encouraged to strive for academic and personal growth.

Staff development is a priority, with ongoing training opportunities provided through the Department of Education and local initiatives. The school’s commitment to professional growth ensures that teachers remain abreast of best practices, curriculum updates, and innovative pedagogical approaches.

Academic Performance and Notable Achievements

Margarima Secondary School has consistently demonstrated high academic performance, earning recognition at both provincial and national levels. In recent years, the school has achieved impressive results in Grade 10 and Grade 12 national examinations, with many students progressing to tertiary institutions and vocational training programs.

Academic Excellence

Second Place in Highlands Region: Margarima Secondary School was ranked second among secondary schools in the Highlands region for academic excellence, a remarkable achievement given the challenges faced by rural schools.
High Retention Rates: The school boasts strong retention rates from Grade 9 through Grade 12, reflecting its supportive environment and effective teaching strategies.
Tertiary Pathways: Graduates from Margarima Secondary have gone on to pursue higher education at prestigious institutions such as the University of Papua New Guinea, prestigious University of Goroka, Divine Word University, other Teachers and Nursing Colleges, contributing to the region’s pool of skilled professionals.

Infrastructure Improvements and Their Impact

The school’s academic success is closely linked to significant infrastructure investments. Recent projects funded by the MDDA and local government include:

Construction of five new classrooms, equipped with electricity, modern furniture, and learning resources.
Renovation of boys’ and girls’ dormitories, enhancing safety and comfort for boarding students.
Installation of solar-powered street lights along the school perimeter, improving security and accessibility.

Principal Stanley Mokom attributes the school’s high performance to these improvements, noting that better classrooms and facilities empower students to excel. The motivation derived from a conducive learning environment has translated into tangible academic gains.

Infrastructure and Facilities: Creating an Enabling Environment

Margarima Secondary School is renowned for its modern facilities, which set it apart from many rural schools in Papua New Guinea. Key features include:

Electricity and Television: Classrooms and dormitories are powered by reliable electricity, with access to television for educational and recreational purposes.
Dormitories and Mess: Spacious boarding facilities accommodate both boys and girls, with a well-maintained dining hall serving nutritious meals.
Classrooms: Recent investments have resulted in the construction of new classrooms, equipped with comfortable seating, desks, and teaching aids.
Solar Lighting: The installation of solar-powered street lights enhances safety, particularly for boarding students and staff during evening hours.
Transport Links: Bus services connect Margarima to neighboring towns such as Tari, Mendi, and Wabag, facilitating student mobility and access to resources.

These infrastructure developments have not only improved the quality of education but also contributed to the overall well-being of students and staff. The school’s commitment to maintaining and upgrading its facilities reflects a forward-thinking approach to education.

Community Impact and Development Initiatives

Margarima Secondary School is more than an academic institution; it is a catalyst for community development in Margarima District and beyond. The school’s influence extends to various spheres, including economic growth, social cohesion, and health promotion.

Economic and Social Contributions

Employment Opportunities: The school provides stable employment for teachers, support staff, and maintenance workers, contributing to local livelihoods.
Business Growth: The presence of educated graduates has spurred the development of local businesses, such as lodges and guesthouses, which employ former students and support the local economy.
Health and Welfare: Proximity to Magarima Hospital and collaboration with health initiatives ensure that students have access to medical care and health education.

Development Projects

The MDDA, under Hon. Manasseh Makiba’s leadership, has spearheaded numerous development projects that benefit the school and the wider community:

Power Generation: Installation of generators and power poles to provide reliable electricity to Margarima Station, including the school and hospital.
Road Infrastructure: Construction of new roads connecting Margarima to Homaria and Tuya wards, improving access for students and families.
Court Complex and Plaza: Ongoing construction of the Margarima District Court Complex and Margarima Plaza, valued at K39 million, will house government offices and community spaces, further integrating the school into the district’s development plans.

These initiatives underscore the school’s role as a hub for progress, fostering a sense of pride and unity among residents.

Local Leadership and Political Support

The success of Margarima Secondary School is closely tied to strong local leadership and unwavering political support. Hon. Manasseh Quiz Makiba, the district’s Member of Parliament, is a former student of Margarima High School and a passionate advocate for education. His personal connection to the school has translated into tangible investments and policy support.

The MDDA’s commitment to funding infrastructure projects, staff development, and community engagement has been instrumental in elevating the school’s status. Collaboration with the Hela Provincial Government and the National Government ensures that Margarima Secondary School remains a priority in regional development plans.

Historical Background and Founding

Margarima Secondary School traces its origins to the early days of Margarima town, situated between the Ambua gap and the Nipa plateau. The school was established to address the pressing need for secondary education in a region frequently affected by geographic isolation and limited resources.

Over the years, the school has weathered challenges such as tribal conflicts, infrastructure damage, and resource constraints. Notably, the school’s old classrooms were destroyed during tribal fights, prompting a concerted effort by local leaders and the MDDA to rebuild and modernize the facilities. Today, Margarima Secondary School stands as a symbol of resilience and hope, embodying the community’s determination to prioritize education.

Safety, Discipline, and Student Welfare

Ensuring the safety and well-being of students is a core priority at Margarima Secondary School. The school has implemented robust discipline policies, supported by boarding supervisors and administrative staff. Regular patrols, perimeter fencing, and the installation of solar-powered street lights contribute to a secure environment for students and staff.

Student welfare is further enhanced through partnerships with local health services, including Magarima Hospital. Access to medical care, counseling, and health education ensures that students are equipped to thrive academically and personally.

The school also benefits from community support, such as the Adventist Community Services (ACS) Mothers, who regularly bring food and encouragement to students, fostering a spirit of unity and compassion. These initiatives reflect a holistic approach to education, where academic achievement is complemented by emotional and social well-being.

Local Geography and Nearby Institutions

Margarima Secondary School is strategically located in Margarima town, Hela Province, with easy access to key amenities and institutions:

Magarima Hospital: Located just 360 meters northwest of the school, providing essential health services to students and staff.
Tatape Margarima Circuit and United Church: Situated within 1 kilometer, offering spiritual guidance and community support.
Homaria Catholic Mission: Approximately 1.25 kilometers west, contributing to the region’s religious and educational landscape.
Margarima Primary School: Located 1.25 kilometers northwest, serving as a feeder institution for the secondary school.

The school’s proximity to these institutions enhances its ability to collaborate on health, welfare, and community initiatives, creating a supportive ecosystem for students.

Controversies and Disciplinary Incidents

While Margarima Secondary School is widely recognized for its positive contributions, it has not been immune to challenges. In 2023, reports surfaced of Grade 12 students allegedly contributing funds to purchase answers for national examinations. The school administration, in collaboration with the Department of Education, responded swiftly to investigate and address the issue, reinforcing its commitment to academic integrity and ethical conduct.

Such incidents, while regrettable, highlight the importance of ongoing vigilance, transparent disciplinary processes, and the cultivation of a culture of honesty. The school’s proactive approach to addressing misconduct serves as a model for other institutions facing similar challenges.

Contact Details and Enrollment Procedures

Prospective students, parents, and educators interested in Margarima Secondary School can reach out through the following channels:

Postal Address: The Principal, Margarima Secondary School, P.O. Box 19, TARI, Hela Province, Papua New Guinea.

Phone and Email: Contact details are available through the Department of Education’s official website and the PNG Schools Database. Specifically for Deputy Principal Curriculum
Email: taralih.dpc25mss@gmail.com Phone: (675) 70692137
For more on DPC's contact Goto his profile here (Mr. Tarali T. HIBUYA)

Enrollment Procedures: Students selected for Grade 11 are advised to liaise with the school administration and the Hela Provincial Education Office for details on reporting dates, documentation, and boarding arrangements.

The school maintains an open-door policy, welcoming inquiries from families, educators, and community members.

Conclusion: Margarima Secondary School’s Enduring Legacy

Margarima Secondary School stands as a beacon of hope and progress in Hela Province, Papua New Guinea. Its government affiliation, robust boarding facilities, dedicated staff, and commitment to academic excellence have transformed the lives of countless students. The school’s impact extends beyond the classroom, driving economic growth, fostering social cohesion, and inspiring community development.

With ongoing support from local leadership, the MDDA, and the Department of Education, Margarima Secondary School is poised to continue its upward trajectory. As new infrastructure projects take shape and academic achievements multiply, the school remains steadfast in its mission to empower the next generation of leaders, professionals, and change-makers.

For families seeking a nurturing, dynamic, and forward-thinking educational environment, Margarima Secondary School offers a compelling choice—one rooted in tradition, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.

For further information or to begin the enrollment process, please contact the school administration or visit the official Department of Education website. Margarima Secondary School welcomes all inquiries and looks forward to partnering with families and the community in shaping a brighter future for Hela Province.

References

Province: 72 Hela – Magarima Secondary School Grade 11 Selection List (PDF)

PNG Schools Database – Hela Province Schools

Grade 11 Selection List for Hela Schools 2026 – PNG Education News

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority – School Listings

2026 Grade 11 Selection Lists PDF Links – PNG Insight Blog

TH Blog – Margarima Secondary School Overview (December 2025)

Internal PNG Department of Education reference

Margarima Secondary School Map – Mapcarta

Reserved – OpenStreetMap/Wikidata entry

2026 Grade 11 Selection Lists for Highlands Region – PNG Insight

Papua New Guinea Department of Education – Margarima High School Profile

Reserved – National School Census data

Reserved – PNG Education Department internal staffing records

Margarima Secondary School – Cybo Business Directory

Wednesday, 18 May 2022

BIGMAN CULTURE, STRONGHOLD OF CORRUPTION IN PNG

LPV System, PNG Electoral Commission 2013 Election Banner

Photo courtesy of PNG Electoral Commission 2013

By Tarali Tarlzen Hibuya

Introduction
Greetings to you all Papua New Guineans, especially working class, good citizens and students who'll be taking Term 2 holiday during the 2022 PNG National General Election (NGE) period (12th May - 01st August 2022).

For students, you will be taking holidays during 2022 NGE (4th July - 15th July) as usual especially during polling days as revised by Department of Education (refer PNG Loop)[9]. For working class, your employers will give you a day or two to casts your votes. For some, you will be casting votes at your locations, whether institution or work sites. In the following passages, more emphasis is directed at students because, they are our future.

For students, unlike other vacations you've taken in the past, this one is unique season, which arises every five (5) years. During this season (vacation) you are given a greater task by the almighty laws of this land to make better, wiser and fruitful choices for our future and our children's future. Remember, the life that we live, we borrow from our children and the choices that we make today are for them tomorrow. There are many choices we make in our lives, but this one is where all strings of choices linked - Politics is where social, economical and other aspects of nation's progress and prosperity is entwined. Thus, we will choose our political leaders in this season to ensure progress and prosperity are realised by us today and generations to come.

Choosing a right leader to lead us and to make our land a better place for future generations is our duty this holiday season.

As we embark on to that important project of choosing right leader, as students, let's close our eyes for a moment and think through.

What is the root cause of ongoing rampant crimes and corruptions in Papua New Guinea?

You may thought of many answers, but mine is only one and that is systems of "Bigman culture".

In Wikipedia a big man is defined as "a highly influential individual in a tribe...Such a person may not have formal tribal or other authority ..., but can maintain recognition through skilled persuasion and wisdom. The big man has a large group of followers, both from his clan and from other clans. He provides his followers with protection and economic assistance, in return receiving support which he uses to increase his status". Wikipedia [1]

The American anthropologist Marshall Sahlins has studied the big man phenomenon. In his much-quoted 1963 article "Poor Man, Rich Man, Big Man, Chief: Political Types in Melanesia"[2], Sahlins revealed that in bigman system , the "leadership is not ascribed, but rather gained through action and competition with other ambitious men".

In our own terms, the bigman, as many of you would literally define, it is obviously by the measure of how wealthy a person is with many wives, many expensive cars, or has many scenic and palace-like mansions or one who has many businesses. Or perhaps you might think, bigman is someone with big potbellied abdomen who can buy more cartons of beers and win jackpots in casinos. Or one might define bigman as someone graduated with PhD from a well-known university with higher qualification. Or one might define bigman to be someone who is a CEO of a major company politically appointed. Well, all these definitions of bigman are the reasons why crimes and corruptions are destroying us today. Many people tend to define bigman by all these means and it has taken roots into our society culturally nowadays, and that's why bigman culture radically thrives and that becomes the stronghold of crimes and corruption in PNG .

However, on the contrary, we forget to define it the other way. Irrespective of one's wealth, stature, tribal affiliations, qualification or gender, the bigman should be measured by his/her sacrificeable commitments displayed for the collective good of all mankind. The Bigman should be measured by the production of quality handiwork through applying his/her productive and corruptless work ethics. The bigman should be defined in terms of maintaining acceptable personal integrity by upholding cultural, religious and holistic mannerisms. Most importantly, bigman should be defined in terms of selflessness and steady demonstration of unconditional love for all humankind regardless of gender, qualifications, tribal groupings, political affiliations, or social status.

In absence of these values, the "bigman" means nothing of importance, thereby bigman culture flourish.

Bigman culture and Political Power

The bigman culture and political power are in hot romance. Curiously bigman culture and political power, can be deduced as one entwined devil who does not believe in institutions of the government. Neither does it believes in the effectiveness of the law of our land. It can be equated that

Bigman Culture + Political Power = Corruption

The bigman in its quest to acclaim political power, creates impetus for crimes and tribal fights in Highlands provinces and rampant Corruptions in PNG. In 2014, Steven Howes, wrote an article about elections in Papua New Guinea, in which he titled "PNG’s elections: the most expensive in the world, and getting worse" [7]. Howes was basing his analysis basing on government spendings only but this also applies to candidates spending spree. Thomson Fafugian in book by R J May et al (2007) [8], reported that the
"...National elections in Papua New Guinea, particularly the Highlands Region, are
something that people look forward to — the educated elite, community leaders,
churches, businessmen and village people alike. Elections are a time when
money, pork and beer flow into the province and everyone wants to participate".

For the rich, politics has become do-or-die affair and so the reasons for violences and the election malpractices.

Another evil effect of this system of Bigman Culture is that it eats away the greatness in all of us. Bigman undervalue people, because he will see ordinary people as poor or illiterate or valueless. By doing this, bigman depletes the development energy in our country and seriously raise questions about our undertakings of citizenship. This uncalled for divide between the liberated bigman and blinded citizens have led many people to believe that we do not have an equal stake in our country. We seem to forget our rights and self-esteem, and look up to bigman as saviour and provider of all our needs.

Instead of development and progress, bigman culture ultimately breeds, I should say, devil-upment and regress.

In this country, the bigman has become the government. He loathes over others for simple reason that he can afford a balance diet where millions go cap in hand begging for food. The bigman triumphs because he can afford mansions in a country like this , where countless people are homeless, sick and unclothed. Once again, he doesn't care.

Bigman Culture when in political power, there will never be social security to cater for unemployment, old age or ill-health because he view his followers as valueless and unimportant.

Project eradicate bigman culture

The critical questions to ask ourselves are:

Do we have the power to cure and eradicate bigman culture? Do we have the zeal and will power to dismantle and neutralise this equation that breeds corruption?

Our answers should be fatty yes all the way.

Remember, when you stand up against bribery, nepotism, election rigging, etc in this National General Election, you are in actual fact fighting the systems of bigman culture. Bigman culture will be performing at its best during this NGE with massive convoys of vehicles, massive gatherings, expensive posters, expensive grandstanding and promissory speeches with all credits to one person namely "me, me, me" and that is Bigman Culture at work in its fervent to seizure our rights, our pride and our future. The bigman will give you cash for vote. Bigman will buy you cartons of beer and make you merry all through the period of election. However, the bigman culture acclaiming Political Power will breeds corruption, crimes, tribal fights etc.

During this holiday, be on a mission to deliver a project: Project eradicate bigman culture. Let's go ford to our small family unit, clans, council wards, districts, and wider provinces to preach about eradicating Bigman Culture which when marries with Political Power, will surely create doom and gloom for us and for our future. Let's take this holiday to resolve and break the epicentre of corruption, malpractices in election, crimes, tribal fights, etc in our society, which is none other than "bigman culture".

We should be prepared to differentiate who is bigman and who is "right leader" .

I hereby, propose several mechanisms to identify our good choices . In doing this, we should be able to promote well being and minimise ill-being. The PNG system of bigman culture thrives on persuasions , bribes and intimidations . Hence, once these malpractices are minimised, the bigman culture as a philosophy of suppression and oppression will suffocate.

Mechanisms to choose right leader

1. Build individual self-esteem

In Papua New Guinea today, there is an urgent need to reorder our value system. It is an emergency.

A person's standards and self-discipline set, based on the common sense and wisdom of knowing what the proper moral rules and disciplines are, and the amount of willingness to see themselves and others abide by them.

Every individual is a unique existence of this world, thus our individual's freedom of choices must not be influenced by bigman through their conniving tongues and materialistic bribes. We must not be intimidated or threatened to forcefully garner our support for their accumulation of wealth. We must know our own worth, our uniqueness and our individual rights.

As we are going towards the date of 2nd - 22nd July 2022 (polling periods), we must resolve to judge candidates not by what they have in terms of monetary value or wealth or stature, but what they can offer in terms of nation's collective welfare. Wealth, simple wealth should no longer be measured of candidate's worth.

2. Identify government or candidate with foresighted policy.

We need a caring and loving government through their affiliated political parties and the soundly foresighted policies.

A caring government can do so much by creating and enabling conducive environment to help the majority of our people by offering policies that can soften the gab between uncaring rich and the blind poor. For instance, the introduction of SME program by Marabe government was one of milestone achievement for citizens.

As it is revealed in National SME Policy [6] handbook, "the SME sector has the potential to generate over 50 percent of formal sector employment in PNG and contribute up to 50 percent of our GDP", which displays foresightedness to improve the economy and standard of living holistically.

We only need to choose a leader who can deliver and ensure this policy is implemented .

3. Choose a leader who has no record of crimes or corruption

Candidates with criminal records are disproportionately wealthy and famous so they have both the means to contest elections, as well as the incentives. These candidates thrives on the system of "bigman culture".

For this kind of "bigman" the rule of law can be viewed as potent cure to excesses of the rich.

The candidates who has records of crimes such as involving in tribal fights, stealing money, gun smuggling , fraud etc must be dejected in our choices .

4. Identify candidate who is supportive to your education

The leader with vision to support you in your education is someone who has love for his people and our children's future.

Knowledge is power. Everybody needs to pursue knowledge with energy. It liberates and tears down the cover of irrational and repress the "bigman culture".

Leaders who have records of paying school fees, buying books, buying computers or putting up a classroom for a school is a kind of candidate who should be in one of our choices.

For instance, Governor Undialu through his HUEF paid fees for five years to all tertiary students. If this was not done, some would have left school already. Further, through HRDF, Timon Takili was supplying books and computers to schools in Hela.

We need a leader who can do such.

5. Identify candidate who can vigorously fight for what's ours in the floor of parliament

In our choices , identify a leader who has a record of fighting for what's ours without fear or favour for the common good of people under his care. For instance, James Marabe has a dream to "Take back PNG" which is driven by the fact that most of our resources are taken cheaply by foreigners through deceits, fraud, bribery and persuasions. His dream is for the common good for all Papua New Guineans.

Conclusion:

Finally, I hereby urge each one of us to take responsibility for the sake of our children. We are borrowing this life from our children. Our actions today determines how our children and how our mother earth will sustain in the future.

Sound, corruption-free and stable government, sound economy for the nation and better, wiser and clean society will all be realised today and when we start today by making right choice to choose our leaders.

Avoid be bribed , intimidated, or take part in it in 2022 NGE.

Good lucking in choosing a right leader, in doing so, will eradicate old fashioned "bigman culture" practices in our society.

♦ End

References:

[1] http://bit.ly/3wEujSq

[2] James Whitley ("Social Diversity in Dark Age Greece", The Annual of the British School at Athens 86 (1991:341-365) applied Sahlins' ethnographic model to instability in settlement patterns during the Greek Dark Age, 10th-8th centuries BCE.

[3] Marshall Sahlins (April 1963). "Poor Man, Rich Man, Big Man, Chief; Political Types in Melanesia and Polynesia" (PDF). Comparative Studies in Society and History. 5 (3): 285–303. doi:10.1017/S0010417500001729. S2CID 145254059. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 October 2013.

[4] Strathern, Andrew (2007). The rope of Moka: big-men and ceremonial exchange in Mount Hagen, New Guinea. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9780521099578. OCLC 698948824.

[5] Waiko, John D. (1993). A Short History of Papua New Guinea, Melbourne: Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-553164-7, p.9

[6] Ministry of Trade Commerce and Industry, National SME Policy (2016) , p.iii

[7] https://devpolicy.org/pngs-elections-the-most-expensive-in-the-world-and-getting-worse-20140512/

[8] R J May, Ray Anere,
Nicole Haley & Katherine Wheen (Ed 1997), The Shift to Limited Preferential Voting in
Papua New Guinea, p.81

[9] PNG Loop, (2022), https://www.looppng.com/elections/school-term-dates-revised-112266

Sunday, 24 January 2021

THE DNA SEQUENCE IN THE HELA GENOME IS THICKER THAN THE BLOOD THAT CARRY OUR DESTINY:

Traditional attire of Hela Huli, Papua New Guinea

By James Marape, MP, Tari Pori

THIS article is not ethnocentric nor it undermines the rest of Papua New Guinea. It is the call of one Hela brother to another Hela brother.

Henceforth the content outline the facts surrounding the sociocultural intricacies that binds the Hela brotherhood. At this space and time, it may not be necessary, but it surely cannot be denied of these cultural heritage and historical facts as it is true in the old adage 'men who are not connected to their roots are doomed of their destiny.'

Here is the call to the 3 Hela Opene brothers in the alternate camp to join my course.

IN the hinterlands of the great landmass of the mainland of New Guinea is the land of the Hela majestically nestled on the backbone mountain ranges of the second largest island in the world.

From the grooves of the Strickland Gorge; up unto the natural beauty of Lake Kopiago and through the plains of the Papuan Wonderland (Hela Embera); the Hela Duna reigns! Mbe-Kuba-la stands aloft securely in the north watching over the land of the Hela Opena whilst Mt Bosavi stands aloft securing the southern border and watching over the land of the Hela Tuguba. Doma Peak secures the gateway to the Hela land keeping watch over the Hela Palamanda ‘puru-pirabe-anda - Hulukumaiya's Palamanda ’ in the heart of the Hela Huli to the west – and to the south, Doma Peak stands aloft keeping watch over Hela’s only daughter, Wena Hewa, in her glorious beauty of Lake Kutubu.

Apa Igini’s Mondoli Tangi nestles well at the eastern foothills of the Doma Peak and keeps the gate to Hela secure like the mighty Hela Warriors!

The history and the cultural heritage, the beauty of its panoramic geography and the greatness of its people, forge the unity of a greater Hela!

Hela ethnicity numbers in well over a million and is the biggest tribal nation in a country of 800 ethnic groups of 8 million people.

In the Land of Prophesies, cardinality of Hela laws are enshrined in the long held Prophesies of the time immemorial and talk never dies as a lineage to the biblical truth that 'in the beginning was Word and the Word was with God' hence it was with Hela’s God Datagaliwabe.

The truth of the Hela siblings: Opena, you are the first born son; Huli, I am the second son; Tuguba is the third and Duna is the last of the Hela sons. When you, Opena fought over the cassowary intestine with Huli, you were given the best of the lands to the north by our father including the custody of our only sister. You did well and multiplied.

Hulukumaiya took custody of what you left. Tuguyawini took custody of the Laitebo prophesy and Mirilia gave his only son, Pajabaja, to sacrifice for the good of us all.

Hulukumaiya loved your salt and you love my pigs and Tuguyawini's oil. Hulukumaiya's Palamanda was your Trade Center.

Fast forward 5-7 thousand years and now it is a common knowledge that Hela toiled the soils of PNG and built the networth of each provincial economy. That is the time Hela started greasing the wheels of the PNG Economy turning. And it's been turning for 43 years under the guard of those sons of whom we've built wealth for them as cargo-bois.

The time has now come for the sons of cargo-boi to continue the cargo-boi work of greasing and turning the wheels of the economy again. We must continue where our forefathers left to toil the soils again to 'Take back PNG'.

Leave the in-house issues in our Palamanda to be discussed at our own space and time as brothers, as sons of Hela. The DNA sequences in our Hela genome will surely find its oneness to sitting together to discuss all issues we need to discuss of our resources benefits. The knife is in our hands to cut the best meat we want from our pig, for ourselves and for the rest of our brothers in PNG.

We've been cargo-bois for the rest of the country and the world over, and it is now our time to come back to the Palamanda and start talking about how we share the benefits from the resources we have on our land and in our land. We need to sit together in oneness and decide on how we equitably share with our other brothers in Papua New Guinea.

We've only started with Porgera and we must conclude Porgera together on this journey to Economic Independence. We have plenty of work ahead with developing our resources in Tundaka, Pakapua, Kare, Kili-Teke, Muruk, Manada Artic, etc. These are Hela’s resources that we must share equitably amongst ourselves as Hela sons and our sister, and our 20 brothers of Papua New Guinea.

I give respect to our elders late Anderson Agiru and Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas. Late Anderson Agiru is gone and I am here in place of him with Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas in our Palamanda. I belong to you and you belong to me by virtue of our Hela genome that make our same DNA.

In the name of Hela and the destiny that we must set for Hela and PNG for Economic Independence through 'Take back PNG' policy statement and make "PNG the Richest Christian Black Nation in the world" - we must stand together as brothers, as Hela!

We are all time bound and this is the journey that we must take together in oneness as Hela, my brothers; Honorable Tomait Kapili MP for Laiagam Porgera, Honorable Rimbik Pato MP for Wapenamanda, and Honorable Sir John Pundari MP for Ambum Kobiam; come back to your Palamanda, Hela Hausman.

Hulukumaiya

Hela Palamanda

Monday, 10 February 2020

NO PROJECT FEES UNLESS PROJECT PROPOSAL SUBMITTED

MR. ANDREW ANGOBE
First Assistant Secretary for Department of Education, PNG

In line with the decision made by the Marape/ Steven Government to do away with the Tuition Fee Free (TFF) policy, schools nationwide have been questioned on whether project fees are to be collected for the 2020 academic year.

To answer this, the First Assistant Secretary for the Department of Education (DOE), Mr. Andrew Angobe, has made it clear that all government run primary and secondary schools should not be collecting any project fees at this time, unless the project proposals have been approved by the respective Provincial Education Boards.

“Parents should only be focusing on paying their portion of this year’s school fees that have been passed in the government’s new Subsidized Tuition Fee Policy.”
“Payments for this year’s fees should only commence in Term 2 because all government schools have been ordered to utilize money from last’s year’s 4th quarter of TFF funds, to run this year’s term one,” said Mr. Angobe.

Mr. Angobe, who is also in charge of monitoring schools in NCD, said that all schools in the nation’s capital should not be collecting any project fees because project proposals, budgets and plans have yet to be approved by the NCD Education Board.

“For term one alone, students are not to be sent home from attending classes even though if they have not to paid any of their fees yet. The money from last years’ 4th quarter of TFF is already available for school’s to use to cater for term one,” he said.

In addition Mr. Angobe stated that, all Provincial Education Boards will be going out to monitor and inspect the schools to see if they are in violation of this decision.

“Those Principals who are found guilty will be dealt with and will face dire consequences. They can lose their jobs or even be relieved from office if found guilty,” Mr. Angobe said.
He further went on to reassure schools nationwide that the DOE is currently working on getting this year’s funds ready for use.

Meanwhile, the parents should know the fees they will have to pay for their children as approved by National Education Board. In 2020, parents will be contributing 36.6% of the total Maxim School Fee Limit set by the NEB. The fee sectors will be as shown in Table 1. In Table 2, the overall estimated budget allocation for each component by sector is given. [Source: PNG EDUCATION NEWS]

Fee Structures for 2020 in Table 1 and Table 2

PNGFM / PNGEducationNews

Friday, 6 December 2019

ELECTION PETITIONERS THROWING BAIT INTO THE SYSTEMATISED RIVER OF CORRUPTION

By: Tarali Tarlzen HIBUYA

Let me start my prologue with a story of a man who wanted to go out on a mission of catching fish using his hook tight to a nylon string in the agitated Tagali River in the highlands (Hela Province) of Papua New Guinea. This river is wide, deep and brownish:- actually the biggest and longest in the Province. There are lots of fish in that river but not easy to catch. He roasted remainder of only few local potatoes he had in the ashes to use as baits on his hook.

He set out early in the morning’s dawn and selected a spot where he thinks is where fish will easily take his bait. He threw the stringed and baited hook into the brownish river, and in all his undertaken throws and waits; his baits were taken by fish without fish itself ensnared onto the sharp hook. Sometimes, the unseen fish in the river had to sway the string ferociously in all directions, but when pulled, nothing heavy is felt in his hopeful hand whilst his bait is gone from the tip of the hook. After all, he realizes the potatoes in his bag are all used up and his stomach achy and hungry and the dusk befall on his eyes.

The rate of charming the baits and the hilarious movements of string by the unseen fish in the big, wide, and unclear river made the man to have high hope in catching something big for his dinner but nothing caught that day until his eyes see the string no more. The day to look for other food is wasted and the pieces of sweet potatoes he had are all wasted! When the night came, he slept with hunger and regret for the wastage, only to wake up another day at the same time to look for food and declare war with the fish that took out all his baits. Only if he could fast-forward the time to next day would he use his last energy!

Now, the corruption we have in the country undertakes in many forms but one big aspect of it is BRIBERY. When you try to bribe into a system to get something in your favor, you are already throwing your bait into the systematized river of corruption without knowing the size of your catch as favor or how soon to receive it.

Bribery is normally done secretly, thus is illegal and unbounded deals in which agreements are only in the concealment of the minds. Just like unseen fish in the river making a big splash and extravagant movements of strings, it will give you fake hope to buy more time and for you to waste what you have. And its persuasive tongues of the conniving system will indulge you into paying more and more until you run dry. The more and more you believe in their con tactics, the more you will give and finally you will realize you have gone too far to the brink of bankruptcy.

The election petitioners in Papua New Guinea have been conned big time by all systems of government in Papua New Guinea. The systematized rivers of corruption may in this case be Electoral Commission officials, Judiciary Systems, Lawyers, Witnesses, Politicians, Media Outlets, supporters, etc. and etc. who may wobble the petitioners’ strings excitedly and make persuasive splashes on their systematized river of corruption to make the petitioners anticipate their catch to be just there for easier and swift seizure.

If petitioners have involved in bribery to win in court, they will find that they a fighting the losing battle at the end only to realize that they have unexploited their time, resources and energy that could have been utilized during five (5) years to prepare for next election.

My Best wishes to incumbent Hela Governor Ajai Petai Nakai Tia Igini (Hon. Governor-Philip Aja Undialu) and petitioner Hali Hogawi Tinawi Tiri Igini (Mr. Francis Mulungu Potabe) in your court battles in Waigani. Hela people and your supporters are aware of how ferocious battle you are fighting at the corridors of Waigani court houses and under the tables in the Hotels in NCD.

Picture: (L-R)-Francis Potabe & Philip Undialu

At the end when all is done and dusted, remember this post which is and will be kept or posted in this durable Hela Political Forum (Original). At least you are informed by a good citizen.

Wednesday, 16 October 2019

PROPOSAL FOR NEW HELA FLAG

Recently, the Hela Provincial Assembly decided to change the Hela Flag, so that it defines the unity of four genealogical descendants of Hela. The previous Flag shows a Painted Huli Wigman with face painting which in some ways do not display gender equality.

A. PROBLEMS WITH THE PAST FLAG:

PICTURE 1: OLD/PREVIOUS FLAG

A1. Stone Axe: Stone Axe depicts our culture and past which was used on our previous Hela Flag. Stone Axe was simple of our ancestors. However, two reasons made it not good icon. (1) It is not used by all sons of Hela. Two, it should not be placed in the middle above green colour. Green colour our middle generation, present generation, where we don’t use such tools. The black colour at the bottom shows our past. (see explanation in Section B6).

A2. WIGMEN with wig headdress and face paint does not represent gender equality. Hela is not belonging to only male gender.

A3. Blue circle in the middle do not reflects any meaning at all why it is placed as a circle right in the middle above green colour and on top of which is WIGMEN. No meaning can be derived from which.

B. PROPOSED NEW HELA FLAG

PICTURE 2: PROPOSED NEW HELA FLAG

If the Hela Flag has to be changed, then I would suggest the above flag (or similar) be officially used. My explanations for this proposed flag above are as follows:

B1. COLOUR NOT CHANGED: The colours from previous flag are not changed. These colours are: YELLOW, RED, BLACK, GREEN, BLUE, WHITE. Many shirts, skirts, bilums, caps, etc. have been made by our patriotic Hela people already, using these colours, thus the colours are maintained. This is to strengthen the SME ventures our citizens are engaging.

B2. RED WIG: One of the unique cultures that are putting our province on world map is our culture, known as “Wigmen”. Our Rugby Team is known as “Hela Wigmen”. The wig is unique and never developed by other provinces. That unique culture must be our icon thus must be shown on Hela Flag regardless of whether we are Huli, Tuna, Tuguba, Opena or Hewa. Its colour is in RED which is the colour of blood and fire, is associated with meanings of love, passion, desire, heat, longing, lust, sexuality, sensitivity, romance, joy, strength, leadership, courage, vigour, willpower, rage, anger, danger, malice, wrath, stress, action, vibrancy, radiance, and determination.

B3. FLAME & RIG: The Rig with Flame in Blue colour shows our natural resources. Hela province in known all over as a major producer of Oil & Gas, thus, must be our icon too which should display on our Flag. Its colour is mostly in BLUE which represents both the sky and the sea, and is associated with open spaces, freedom, intuition, imagination, expansiveness, inspiration, and sensitivity. Blue also represents meanings of depth, trust, loyalty, sincerity, wisdom, confidence, stability, faith, heaven, and intelligence.

B4. FIVE STARS: These represent well known Hela descendants: Hela HULI, Hela TUNA, Hela OPENA, Hela TUGUPA and only daughter Wan HEWA (smaller star because we have minority Hewas within Hela). White, an inherently positive colour, is associated with purity, virginity, innocence, light, goodness, heaven, safety, brilliance, illumination, understanding, cleanliness, faith, beginnings, sterility, spirituality, possibility, humility, sincerity, protection, softness, and perfection, which all Hela descendants aspire to have and live with.

B5. BIRD OF PARADISE: This is on PNG Flag and this shows that we are one of the provinces within Independent State of Papua New Guinea. The colour of PNG Bird of Paradise and Hela Wig are same, to say, we are Papua New Guineans with same dreams of living in this land our ours, as told in section 2.

B6. FLAG SECTIONS OF COLOURS: The Colours are defined herein:

Bottom BLACK shows Hela’s past (the dull/doom/gloomy) culture and way of life our ancestors lived. The black colour is associated with power, fear, strength, authority, elegance, formality, death, evil, and aggression, authority, rebellion and sophistication. Black is required of all colours so is our foundation, on which other colours will come out to be.

Middle GREEN shows the life, renewal, nature, and energy, which is associated with meaning of growth, harmony, freshness, safety, fertility, and environment. Green is also traditionally associated with money, finance, banking and ambitions. The Papua New Guinea is independent for 44 years; it is in the middle to show our standing with PNG and world.
Top YELLOW shows our future. It is the colour of sunshine, hope, and happiness. It stands for freshness, happiness, positivity, clarity, energy, optimism, enlightenment, remembrance, intellect, honour, loyalty, and joy. Also, it represents cowardliness and deceit too. It is placed at the top location, on which Bird of Paradise flies, to show that Hela will one day compete equally and be equal among rest of Papua New Guinea.

MAY HELA USE THIS NEW FLAG (IF YOU AGREE WITH ME)?

(C) Tarali T. HIBUYA

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