Papua New Guinea Minister for Environment and Conservation Benny Allen MP Speaks Against Bribery

I read this article today [Monday February 4, 2008] from one of Papua New Guinea's Newspaper [The National] and found it quite interesting. Taking a stand against bribery is very courageous and I would like to commend Benny Allen MP, the Minister for Environment and Conservation for his stand against bribery.

Allen speaks against bribery

By ENNIO KUBLE
A GOVERNMENT Minister has revealed that he had been offered three bribes in his first five months in office by three different foreign companies of which he refused.
“If multinational companies can make inroads to the highest office to solicit their interest, others down the rank should be very careful,” Minister for Environment and Conservation Benny Allen said when calling on the newly sworn in members of the Environment Council to be wary of such unscrupulous approaches.
Mr Allen was using his experience to point out to the newly appointed members of the council for the need of transparency and for the members to practice professionalism and maintain a high degree of independence.
He called on the council members to help him build up the department together.
“I would not accept the bribes offered because I did not apply to be a minister of Parliament and a minister subsequently,” Mr Allen said.
“I did not have the qualification, however, the people have the trust in me and put me there. I made the decision for the good of the people, the children of this land and the country.”
When pressed about the bribe, Mr Allen without disclosing much detail, said the three firms were investors who wanted to go into business through shortcuts.
“Sorry, I will not accept what you are offering,” was what he told the investors.
He said he wanted to operate with principle.
“I am appealing to all staff of the department to do the same,” he urged.
The Department of Environment and Conservation issues environmental permit licences to developers engaged in developmental projects on both the land and sea. [The National Newspaper, February 4, 2008]

Liverpool is the European Capital of Culture 2008

January 11th and 12th weekend was the start of the European Capital of Culture celebrations in Liverpool. There were more than 1,300 performers - from schoolchildren to ex-Beatle Ringo Starr at the launch of Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture.

According to the Liverpool City of Culture Company website [www.liverpool08.com] , they will be hosting a year- long programme of more than 350 events. Many of these events will be free and are set to attract an extra two million visitors to the city. Good news for the City of Liverpool in terms of the much needed economic boost!

Papua New Guinea's Help Save Climate Change Talks In Bali,Indonesia

The stand by Papua New Guinea against the United States of America at the Bali Climate Change Conference this year is something worth mentioning here as the year 2007 draws to its close.

Many people in the USA probably may have never heard of Papua New Guinea. But the point here is that, it is about time smaller countries like Papua New Guinea take a firmer stand against bigger and powerful countries like the USA and not be complacent about many of their unfair policies toward them, be it in trade agreements or in global environmental issues.

Liverpool Wantok: A Papua New Guinean in Liverpool Blog Site

Welcome to my blog site "Liverpool Wantok". I have lived in Liverpool for over ten years and have seen quite a lot of changes within the city as it prepares itself for next year 2008. The year 2008 is special to Liverpool because Liverpool City will officially become the "European Capital City of Culture". The City in its preparation, has launched their own website www.liverpool08.com.

Whilst there has been quite significant infrastructural changes within the inner city of Liverpool, I am hoping like many other residents of this great city for these changes to become a catalyst for economic regeneration and many more job opportunities for the local population.

My only problem is the flow of traffic into and out of the city that seems to be increasing throughout this year with on going road works. Lets hope for a much improved situation next year!

By the way, if any "Wantok" from Papua New Guinea is passing by Liverpool, you can contact me through my websites www.onetoks.com or www.melinuk.org.uk and drop me an email using one of those email addresses. JBN.