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From Albert Schram on Bikpla kumul i pundaun: the political life of Sam Basil
Indeed an accurate description of an important member of the current political class. Before, during and after Sam Basil, the lack of development and progress for the large majority people of Morobe and PNG, and the fantastic levels of corruption, remain a permanent fixture.
The question must therefore be asked, however, whether with this type of opportunistic leadership the results in the future for the country will be different from those of the past. If posturing as an anti-corruption fighter and reformer remains no more than an electoral ploy, not much will change.
From Gabriel Opa on Service delivery realities in Gulf Province, PNG
Thank you for this report. Your report is confirmed by the very few visits of the officers of the GPA and National Officers serving in the province. I sincerely hope the Provincial Administration has copies.
If only Gulf had a road system that linked all stations and most villages. With this road system, services would easily be accessed. Schools and health facilities would remain open. Public servants would move to stations, towns and stores in villages that have the facilities to access their salaries, and return on the same day safely.
From May to October, most government services are on hold. The rough weather and the rains make travel a personal choice of whether to live or die.
Salaries are paid into bank accounts and have to be accessed where there are electronic banking facilities. Today the cost of teachers and public servants travel by dinghies is very expensive – one way. If they must return the same day, they will not have the basics to last till the next pay day.
That is why teachers and public servants do not last in the remote places. In the mountains of the province they walk to Aseki in Morobe province for their banking needs, and whatever they can carry back.
Those who have not lived in Gulf Province will not know, and so will continue to look down their noses at the province's lack of progress. We who live here in the province have not given up, and will not give up – ever. With the Connect PNG road coming through from Wau and will be linking all the mountain stations to Kerema, and the road that has got as far as the East bank of Vailala River, and is now progressing from the Western bank – we can say "never die"
We are praying and hoping that Papua and Pasca LNGs will help us get going – with roads, communication facilities and uplift of all our facilities – that will enable our teachers and public servants to continue to serve in the remote places. Then we can get off the bottom of the barrel.
From Andy A Mako on Labour mobility campaign wrap: both parties make major commitments
Excellent work by Development Policy Centre for relentlessly pursuing work on Labour Mobility (arguing in favour of the Pacific) over the years, which has significantly contributed to discussions in both Australia and the Pacific, and have also helped shape policy debate/positions at the national level in Australia. Well done!
From dan unsel on The Solomons security shambles, and what it says about us
Another player is just making claims to get involved on the Solomon Islands issue and it's not anywhere near the Pacific but at the other side of the world. Aparently the EU simply doesn't have enough on it's hand with the EU Proxy War in Ukraine.
EU to step up Indo-Pacific defence presence over China fears and Ukraine example
European Union’s special envoy cites concerns ‘multilateral rules-based order will not be fully respected’ in region.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/18/eu-to-step-up-indo-pacific-defence-presence-over-china-fears-and-ukraine-example
From Hipson Homai Aiyopa on Too little, too late? Securing PNG’s 2022 national election
It's a question. Is it necessary for our government to continuously sending police forces in the Highlands because it's dangerous during election?
I mean, look at the real picture, most of those warlords are uneducated. Some of these illiterate warlords can not afford to buy pair of shoes and some cannot even enter flex into their phone. Yet they have some of high powered weapons which our security personnels don't have.
Now, the question. How did they get those guns? How do they get ammunitions? I believe, it's a complicated process for those illiterate warlords to get guns into the country and ammunitions supply. It's the educated and prominent individuals, businesses men, intending candidates and politicians who are continuously equipping those uneducated warlords to fight each other for their prestige and glory.
It's better and proper to address the issues from the root course rather than band-aid solutions.
From Negara Persatuan Republik Papua Barat on Improving livelihoods in remote lowland communities in PNG
Hari Ini Sun, 15 May 2022.
TEMA CARI FREEDOM MBISIKMBO.
WE ALL ONE BIG FAMILY IN THE WORLD COUNTRY.
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD COUNTRY NOW.
AND
FREEDOM FOR WEST
From zag Puas on Rethinking Solomon Islands security
The Compact is about US security in the region not so much about FSM security. China has been part of FSM foreign policy since independence. Both superpowers co-exist in the FSM with FSM managing them to suit its circumstances. Yes, you can say FSM contradicted itself in lecturing to the Solomon Islands and yet China persists in its territorial jurisdictions.
From Michael on Too little, too late? Securing PNG’s 2022 national election
Just how will the state enforce the new anti-gun law in tribal warfares in the highlands? Guns have been illegal for a long time but it hasn’t stopped warlords accessing it. Police:citizen ratio in PNG is one of the lowest in the world. There’s a need for increased police recruitment, training and equipping.
From Jeremie on The Solomons security shambles, and what it says about us
Excellent piece Terrence.
I particularly like your opinion on fostering respectful relationships between Pacific Island nations and larger nations. Such pathway may enable island nations to grow economically towards a better future whilst addressing challenges such as population growth and increased adverse climatic conditions.
From Ropati Junior Mualia on Labor promises to inaugurate a new era of Pacific labour mobility
Many thanks for your response. Will read through.
From Peter Clements on Timor-Leste politics: the old guard, the new president and the casuarina tree (ai kakeu)
Excellent article and perspective with a blend of politics and culture.
From peter bird on International Development Election Forums: Australian Labor Party