Big field of candidates for PNG writers’ society election
28 August 2012
KEITH JACKSON
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN to one of those annual general meetings where the time came for the committee to be elected – and no one wanted to be secretary, or treasurer, or anything very much?
I clearly recall in Kundiawa in the 1960s when I was made captain of the cricket team because no one else wanted to organise the games, the teams, the equipment, the coir matting…
For me as a batsman with no need for any part of the bat than the edge, a fielder who magnetically attracted balls until they reached the hands and a bowler more suited to knitting, captaincy was the only way I could get a game of cricket.
Well the same cannot be said about the first elections of the PNG Society of Writers, Editors and Publishers – which are being as keenly fought over as the recent PNG national elections.
Every position is contested, including a mighty field of 13 for the three committee positions, and we already know one thing for certain – we are heading for a very talented and dynamic leadership group for the national literature body which, in future years, will administer the Crocodile Prize and related activities.
The candidates for election are broadly representative of PNG’s geography, there is a good gender balance and a nice spread of age and professional capability.
The election is being conducted in two parts. Members who have registered to attend the annual general meeting on Monday 10 September will cast their votes at the meeting.
Those members who cannot attend the AGM have already been sent voting documents and will be able to cast their votes by email so long as they arrive by Sunday 2 September.
And, for the record, here’s the list of candidates for each of the committee positions:
PRESIDENT
Amanda Donigi Publishing professional. Managing Editor of women’s magazine, Stella. Current Executive Officer of Society
David Gonol Lawyer (Assistant Registrar, National Court). Author of I’ve Grown to Love Jesus (2011) and many academic papers. Now writing a book on ‘underlying law’
VICE PRESIDENT
Amanda Donigi [see above]
Bernard Yegiora Lecturer in International Relations DWU. BA(Hons) LlB MIntRels (Jilin). Interested in promoting Crocodile Prize
David Gonol [see above]
Jimmy Drekore Analytical Chemist, Newcrest Mining. Founded Simbu Children Foundation 2005. Won Crocodile Prize for poetry 2011. Current committee member of Society
Martyn Namorong Blogger and buai seller. Won Crocodile Prize for essays 2011
Steven Ilave Sr Development Economist with over 20 years experience working with PNG government, UN, World Bank, ADB, AusAID and World Vision. Writes poetry and songs as a hobby. Has started first book
SECRETARY
Amanda Donigi [see above]
Basil Peutalo MD Freedom Enterprises Ltd. Social & community development specialist
Marie Rose Sau PA Bank of PNG. Career does not involve a lot of writing but her strong passion is to express thoughts, feelings and views through poetry
Ruth Moiam Public Diplomacy Coordinator, Australian High Commission. Current committee member of Society. Key organiser of events surrounding Crocodile Prize
TREASURER
Gina Samar Started writing short stories in 2002. Believes that if there are books in PNG written by PNGeans, then PNGeans will be encouraged to read
Ruth Moiam [see above]
COMMITTEE (3 to be elected)
Basil Peutalo [see above]
David Gonol [see above]
David Kitchnoge Accountant. Writes essays and poems. Articulates a strong sense of social justice in his writing. Current committee member of Society
Francis Nii Administrator, Simbu Children Foundation. Economist by training. Author (Paradise In Peril) and essayist. Founder Simbu Association of Persons With Disability
Imelda Yabara Freelance graphic artist, writer, blogger. Ex sub–editor The National, PR with Teachers Savings and Loans & DWU. Regional winner Pacific Commonwealth Broadcasting Association Short Story Awards. Eventually wants to be a publisher
Jimmy Drekore [see above]
Julius Violaris Construction Manager. President National Museum & Art Board. Community activist (incl libraries). Budding writer
Leonard Fong Roka Mature age student DWU. Believes that writing is a front in the fight to restore freedom and a peace. Writes of personal experiences during Bougainville conflict. After graduation will live a life of writing about Bougainville politics and culture
Michael Dom Researcher, NARI Labu Livestock Station. Prolific and much published poet. Has also published many technical articles. Would like to publish volume of poetry
Nick Piakal Information Officer, SPSN. Graphic designer with background in IT. Contributes to a number of blogs
Pochon Lili Accountant. Entrant in 2011 Crocodile Prize
Regina Dorum Lab technician, chemist, gold buyer. Aspiring novelist. Wants to enhance writing skills to become full time writer
Steven Ilave Sr [see above]
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