Comments

Well said Matt. Mekere set a high standard, but introduced reforms that demonstrate that it is possible in PNG to set policies and programs that are designed to improve the wellbeing of the ordinary citizens of this great country. The accumulation of wealth and influence by just a privileged few is a tragedy that robs the people of PNG of the financial and social well-being that they are entitled to expect. PNG is a relatively wealthy country. Its resources base far surpasses other South Pacific nations, and to the extent that these are exploited, the benefit should be shared by all. This would see health, education, public safety, transport and economic prosperity being available to all, not just to a selected few. We need others to follow in the path that Mekere pioneered, and adopting the principles of governance and public service that Mekere epitomised. Reform and economic justice is achievable. We need those who share Mekere’s vision to stand up and take up the challenge. Otherwise we see another lost 20 years, to the detriment of this generation and the next.

Yes it has been a feature in Samoa for a number of years although not always observed as diligently by the visitors as we might loke

Hi Zechariah, the riot indeed painted a bad image of the country. I hope the government investigation also covers the kidnapping and sexual assault cases which appeared on social media, but seemed to have not picked up by the mean-stream media.

Great overview and analysis Andy, Port Moresby and PNG is becoming more unsafe with time. There were also a reported case of kinaping a Child believed to be of Chinese origin and women and girls raped. What transpired on the 10th January has pinned a bad image for investors to invest in the country going forward.

Very succinct read and thank you for putting it together. Samoa is also using a similar 'black out' period where the focus is on internal policy, budget and priorities. Australia and other development actors are increasingly aware of this and incorporating into their own project life cycle planning and engagement priorities.

I am interested in working for the program..

Good observations, Tony Guan. Thanks.

The best kind of analysis this blog has to offer: a clear overview of context, backed by data, with clear recommendations. Thank you! > Formal sector employment peaked at 300,000 This is so incredibly low compared to the population. Gives an idea of how tough it must be to get a decent job for unqualified workers.

Mark, I concur with your comment. The politicians are power hungry for money, they should perform their duties as the law and policy makers. Our laws must be reviewed to remove their financial powers. I believe that will resolve all the corrupt practices associated with politicians and State bureaucrats.

Hi Dr. Hukula Thank you for your comment Since I only managed to analyse 152 cases for my Bachelor of Arts with Honors Sub-thesis (due to the word limit of the sub-thesis) these were the results. If I did analyse all the cases (2000+), who knows the results might show an equal number of employed and unemployed women reporting their cases to the FSVUs. But from interviews with the FSVU officers in 2020, most victims were unemployed women at that time. However, they always withdraw their cases. Thank you for sharing the links as well.

Hi David, I hope the investigation initiated by the government also uncovers sexual assault on women during the riots. I heard stories about it on social media, but was not reported by the mainstream media, so it wasn't include in the blog.

Hi Warren, I agree with your view on land reforms for development in PNG. Land scarcity (given more than 90% is customary owned) is a key determinant of the high cost of production (rent) in the country - which contributes to high price of goods and services, and generally holds back development in the country. It is a complex issue to deal with but one that must be tackled head on by the government and policymakers of the country.