Q for MB #2

[Tree]

Question here.

Aren't  Partnerships, KTA's, MOU's, PA's, JVOA's,PFCA's, OT's, Farm-Ins, and JV's serious agreements between serious and qualified parties?

Doesn't it cost those parties millions of $ in  DD/legal fees to research, generate, negotiate and bottom-line rights and responsibilities within?

Would seem to me that this is the route for long range planning for performance, not flippant responses to changing political/economic winds.

[Tree]

Follow up Question.
Aren't exploration licenses governed by laws in a Common Wealth Nation and don't bi-lateral trade agreements between free nations make it as secure as possible for foreign investors to operate in country?

[Palm]

Yes, yes, and yes but only to the point that there really is a certain degree of political stability within that Commonwealth. We are just now getting that in PNG. Under Somare he tried to be too involved in things to the exclusion of his dept heads; his photo ops were too numerous. People went directly to him and instead of channeling things to his appointed dept heads he wanted the lead. This lead to things not getting done, a gutted DPE, etc. Oneill has changed all of that. No doubt IOC got caught up in too much Somare direct-access. O'Neill has now said, "No you must work WITH the dept heads and pay them more homage. Work through the channels, not around them and you will see things happen more quickly."

Also O'Neill has gotten support for the 30 month grace period before a vote of no confidence can be taken. Somare's rule was riddled with no-confidence votes. O'Neill is a businessman/administrator who just happens to be a politician/PM. Somare was a politician/PM who just happened to be just that.

O'Neill has already made that huge step needed to gain confidence from outside investors; we are seeing quick results in 4 short months.

[Tree]

"Also O'Neill has gotten support for the 30 month grace period before a vote of no confidence can be taken."

Takes 3 votes in Parliament to extend that Grace Period.  Vote#1 was basically unanimous was it not.  Opposition leader Sussman, err, Namah formally endorsed the extension just this week.  Should be firm support for O'Neill from within.

[Getitrt2]

IOC management regards that approval of the 30-month period as a very important event.

Tree, you make some important points. Shorts would prefer people not understand those observations and the significance of them, and the indications they represent of the significant progress going on toward huge accomplishments and events before they are finalized and announced. They counter the ridiculous arguments that it would have already happened if it were going to, or won't happen because it hasn't, a favorite of sussman's.

[bertl05]

Yes, yes, and yes but only to the point that there really is a certain degree of political stability within that Commonwealth. We are just now getting that in PNG. Under Somare he tried to be too involved in things to the exclusion of his dept heads; his photo ops were too numerous. People went directly to him and instead of channeling things to his appointed dept heads he wanted the lead. This lead to things not getting done, a gutted DPE, etc. Oneill has changed all of that. No doubt IOC got caught up in too much Somare direct-access. O'Neill has now said, "No you must work WITH the dept heads and pay them more homage. Work through the channels, not around them and you will see things happen more quickly." Also O'Neill has gotten support for the 30 month grace period before a vote of no confidence can be taken. Somare's rule was riddled with no-confidence votes. O'Neill is a businessman/administrator who just happens to be a politician/PM. Somare was a politician/PM who just happened to be just that. O'Neill has already made that huge step needed to gain confidence from outside investors; we are seeing quick results in 4 short months.

Well said Palm. Oneill seems to have a very good grasp on what it takes to calm the waters and get the ship moving in the right direction.

[Tree]

Yes, yes, and yes but only to the point that there really is a certain degree of political stability within that Commonwealth. We are just now getting that in PNG. Under Somare he tried to be too involved in things to the exclusion of his dept heads; his photo ops were too numerous. People went directly to him and instead of channeling things to his appointed dept heads he wanted the lead. This lead to things not getting done, a gutted DPE, etc. Oneill has changed all of that. No doubt IOC got caught up in too much Somare direct-access. O'Neill has now said, "No you must work WITH the dept heads and pay them more homage. Work through the channels, not around them and you will see things happen more quickly." Also O'Neill has gotten support for the 30 month grace period before a vote of no confidence can be taken. Somare's rule was riddled with no-confidence votes. O'Neill is a businessman/administrator who just happens to be a politician/PM. Somare was a politician/PM who just happened to be just that. O'Neill has already made that huge step needed to gain confidence from outside investors; we are seeing quick results in 4 short months.

Well said Palm. Oneill seems to have a very good grasp on what it takes to calm the waters and get the ship moving in the right direction.

Si Senors, Palm and Bert.   It's all about Gov't culture and that's changed.

I think  Phill realized early that the effective way to operate in PNG in early years was to by-pass as many corrupt, interchangeable Gov't types which were in your way with their hands out and deal with The Grand Chief directly, and leave it up to him to herd the Beaurocratic Cats.  Somare ill, the Cats proweled.

New paradigm in PNG may be O'Neill has empowered the Ministers - as he expects performance and accountability and lawful behaviour - Private sector goes through proper audited channels and O'Neill's door is open if there is a grievnce.  Seems to be working and if so will have lasting benefits to PNG.