Comments

From Dr Helen M Hill on The South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty: 35 years on January 25, 2021 at 8:19 pm

Very good to be reminded of all this history this week, it shows what can be done when civil society gets properly organised at a regional and international level, I'll never forget hearing about the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior at the Nairobi Women's Conference where there were lots of Pacific women who were able to get the anti-nuclear message out to people from many regions. Congratulations to ICAN for carrying on the struggle started by YWCA of Fili, USP people, churches and other groups in the Pacific.

From Uday on Food as if by magic: how can Australia thank its seasonal workers? January 25, 2021 at 4:12 pm

Hi Mike, I wish to pursue the topic that we discussed particularly with some interest on current protests by the farmers in India. Having read the NITI Aayog's document that aims to double the farmer's income and the introduction of new farm bills your insights would be interesting to the readers. Regards

From Andrew Morris on Insights on China’s 2021 white paper on international development cooperation January 25, 2021 at 12:02 pm

I still don't believe a thing they say , after spending many years in PNG I've seen it first hand they say & promise one thing and do the opposite. China do nothing for the development of other nations unless it benefits China. Basically it's how China can benefit and what is the least they can contribute for maximum return.

From Gaius on PNG’s tertiary loan programs: present and past January 24, 2021 at 9:21 pm

Are the Non TESAS student available for this help program?

From Shailendra Singh on Another Pacific plan, really? January 23, 2021 at 11:38 pm

It’s good to think ahead, as we are often told. Strategy 2050 makes one think that in a rapidly changing world, how far ahead should we think? Is there such a thing as thinking too far ahead?

From Willie Bemabua on Assorted MPs, assorted parties: James Marape’s coalition January 23, 2021 at 6:40 pm

Despite PNG's economic boom led by extractive industries, almost 40% of the country's population lives in poverty. The Government has not taken sufficient steps to address gender inequality, violence, corruption, or excessive use of force by Police. Today a MP forget what they suppose to do but they ignore.

From Paul Baxter on Morauta’s masterclass in economic reform: part two January 23, 2021 at 3:28 pm

Matt, thanks for this very thoughtful and sound summary of the role Mekere played in demonstrating that PNG could be a dynamic country with a strong economy and policies and programs designed to minimise and even eliminate, the adverse impact of corruption at high levels. The only difference of interpretation that I would have is that you omitted the central and fundamentally vital role that you and your team played in seeing this reform process through. We are indebted to Mekere. He gave us all the opportunity to demonstrate that PNG could be a better place socially and economically to the benefit of all parts of the population, not just those few who made their fortunes at the expense of the wider community in this generation and, I fear, the next as well. Paul Baxter

From Jeremiah sakal (LLB) on My education journey… from the Sepik River January 23, 2021 at 6:21 am

''A journey of a thousand miles take just a single step. I am inspired with your story''. I can relate to your story.

From Bill Barclay on Mekere January 22, 2021 at 9:40 pm

Thank you Ross for your insightful comments on Mekere - one of a kind, and whose work and qualities are unlikely to be duplicated. His passing came as a shock to me here in NZ where the news has just come through via Dr John Copland. Can I say that as Patrol Officer stationed at Kukipi in the early sixties I came to know Mekere's splendid father - a quiet mannered LMS Pastor based in Iokea West of Kukipi. Mekere's qualities were shining even then and he went off to Sogeri in keeping with Hasluck's policy. I later (in 1965) interviewed him for entry into the public service - a stepping stone to the University which was just opening and for which he became a foundation student. I always valued my association with him, the sage advice he provided me as he progressed through to the heights of Finance and the Treasury. I always considered that where there was a Mekere, there was hope. Your eulogy has shaken that fond belief, but I can only hope that some of his principles and qualities have rubbed off on others.im

From Vailala on The Porgera mine in PNG: some background January 22, 2021 at 1:24 pm

On 19 Jan 2021 the Chairman of the ICSID Administrative Council announced the appointment of Mr Joseph Tirado as President of the Commission for the Barrick (Niugini) – Papua New Guinea conciliation hearings. Mr Tirado was appointed by the ICSID Chairman in accordance with Article 30 of the ICSID Convention. Mr Tirado (British/Spanish) is well-known as an experienced arbitrator and for his expertise with ADR. Barrick (Niugini) is represented by the New York law firm Debevoise & Plimpton. Papua New Guinea has not to date nominated a legal representative. The appointment of Mr Tirado as President of the Commission by the ICSID Chairman follows from the absence of a response by Papua New Guinea to ICSID Administrative Council requests. ICSID registered a separate request by Barrick (PD) Australia for an arbitration on 11 Aug 2020. Barrick (PD) has appointed Mr D. Brian King (U.S.) as arbitrator. ICSID notified Papua New Guinea of Mr King’s acceptance on 28 Dec 2020. If Papua New Guinea does not, within a short span of time, choose and nominate an arbitrator, Barrick (PD) may request the Chairman of the ICSID Administrative Council to appoint an arbitrator for Papua New Guinea. In the event that Papua New Guinea does not comply with its ICSID obligations the Conciliation and the Arbitral Commissions will meet and report. The Arbitral Commission, which may make orders for discovery, will use such evidence as is made available to it as the basis for its conclusions. Vailala