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Not sure if you are aware, but DFAT has invested in private sector development across the Pacific in its "Pacific Step Up". The Market Development Facility (MDF) the program i work with, co-invests with private sector and key market actors in the countries we work with in the Pacific on innovation that unlocks economic growth in key sectors (https://marketdevelopmentfacility.org/). I work to facilitate DFAT funds to support the development and establishment of private sector led Business Development Services that create an eco-system that nurtures MSMEs to grow. We also publish the results we have gathered (using the DCED approach) that are showing indications of success of this approach, including amongst vulnerable communities and women-led businesses (Eg. Read our report published in 2020: https://marketdevelopmentfacility.org/partners/women-at-work/). There are criticisms of the approach to Aid in the Pacific. But investing with private sector is something that has been explored over the last decade.

Gordon - thank you! But you missed out my favourite book by the late, great Will L.B. Bogarde (aka Nick Storr) who gave so much to development that it did him in. https://www.amazon.com/Times-Price-Haircut-Will-Bogarde/dp/0754109607

Well said!

For the whole world, the whole world excluding China, and for many, many individual countries the period since the 1970s has been one of major improvements in living standards. I would direct any readers interested in this claim to the information on Our World in Data, in particular that on poverty globally, by region, and country. https://ourworldindata.org/extreme-poverty Their website is very helpful, and covers other living standards indicators although I find the extreme poverty discussion particularly helpful. I am sure the authors can answer any questions on the DHS if they wish, but I would also just like to please flag that the alternative repeated (not panel but repeat cross section), namely the census (if you wanted to rely on less ideal proxy variables, like housing or population) or the HIES, do not take us through to the present (rather, around ten years ago), so the DHS is not only the best source but the only source that can do this quantitatively in a nationally representative way. With best wishes, Ryan

Great perspective. As an international aid worker based in PNG this post resonates with me. The nature of our work is complex at the best of times, but COVID has added multiple additional lawyers of complexity. And all too often, the personal cost of families separated and living in an environment of endless uncertainty and separation can take its toll.

And the reason for choosing the last two decades is? A bit more casual empiricism: `The best source to answer it is the PNG Demographic and Health Surveys for 1996, 2006 and 2016–18'. I do hope there will be comparison with other countries when for so many in so many countries the period since the early 1970s is not one of major improvements in living standards. Why should conditions for the bulk of PNG's population be any different might be worth asking.

I am a migrant in Tatana and been living for nearly 11 years and agree with you on that ... the community in Tatana do not see a link between education and employment. If that link is defined well to give meaning to sustain and improve their well-being I believe it will be a powerful factor to harness and use association with business arm to involve the community to take ownership ... I am aiming to do that ...

Thank you Stephen for another insightful and accurate dive into the issues we confront. It's always important to see all sides of a story, especially one that has and continues to cause so much disruption and has a strong ripple effect throughout our cohorts. We as AE's and the AEA have long rallied all in power to fix the loopholes that drags these things out. Thank you also to Mark and Johnathon for providing valuable comment across the spectrum. From our side, as a major AE, we fully support strong governance and a strong cop on the beat who thoroughly investigates and deals decisively with proven issues. We AE's also often feel battered and bruised, probably never more so than in recent times. Maybe our mantra of the good and happy stories far, far outweighing those verified sad and injust acts has got a little lost.

Bula Steve.... Yes, I agree with your conclusion. Vili

Hi Gordon, I look forward to receiving your fortnightly news letter GMM

Extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Brij. We met and became friends at ANU. He was a true gentleman and indefatigable fighter for truth, justice and an unwavering voice against injustice. To his family, the Girmitiyas and all those who fought for justice and their rights in Fiji my deep condolences. Jhotis Singh Guyana.

The concerns raised through conversations that the author has shared is fairly typical for a lot of Pacifica people. The fact that the people see the need to vaccinate to be able to buy and sell, and to keep their jobs though is universal. The disappointing thing though is the use of the pejorative "anti-vax" narrative. I do not know about PNG's overall vaccination rate (for things like Measles, Polio, TB, etc) but what is being witnessed worldwide is not so much anti-vax but vax-hesitancy. Having been living and working alongside my Pacifica brothers and sisters (and being one by citizenship), I (we) are typically a skeptical bunch who smell a rat when being coerced into something. History and customs has established it that way. Nevertheless, Pacifica people do get vaccinated for a raft of tropical and other things, but just in this case, they are simply using their innate hesitancy.