Comments

Everyday corruption is indeed not unique to PNG. However, the only difference would be the context in which these practices occur. For insurance, gift-giving in Nigeria using its own informal systems for reciprocity (ISRs) may not have the same degree of influence or form, as that of wantok system in PNG (Melanesia). There is a lot that we do not know about ourselves (or even if we know, we tend to ignore) when it comes to our traditions and moral obligations to the state. Western interventions can go as far as the system allows. Beyond that, we must deal with the context - development dynamics and challenges in cross-cultural settings sometimes can be difficult to reign in successfully. We have laws, but these laws are weak because they are not respected. One way to cut out corruption at the retail level (demand & supply of corruption) is to digitize all government transactions. Feel free to tease out ideas.

I have been following the story line here in Port Moresby. Your brief commentaries in the intricoes of politics, politicians and foreign influence in politics in PNG rings familiar tone and views held by so many displaced and marginalized populations in both urban settlements and in rural villages. Our time bomb will one day sooner to explode. Joseph Sukwianomb, tiikiiembshiiemb.blogger.com

Hello there Mr.Winn, I have much to talk about on this very important issue. Therefore, I think I need to have some direct discussion with you first and foremost from where we can chart out a leeway as to how best an effective strategy to curtail such a monster of a pandemic can ever be contemplated seeing that corruption has already grown its roots right throughout the entire nation: from every organ of state employing (politicians & public servants) and civil society including the private sector organisations. Please give me your phone number through email. Regards Richard Sasuara Port Moresby Papua New Guinea

Lunch money and so on has been around forever being a signature feature in pretty well all developing economies. I would be interested in the focus of your thesis, for example, are there ways to manage corruption at the retail transactional level or are we going to stay with the old AusAid gold standard of impossibility forever?

Dear Gordon, thanks for the article and so lovely to see the words about James.

Congratulations Kelly and Professor Stephen Howes for a comprehensive study on the 2022 budget

Honest Professionals always give a true picture of the subject of discussion, in this case the 2022 PNG Budget. Interpretation or understanding of the subject (2022 PNG Budget) would be influenced by any Political Affiliation, I would think. That is why this article is interesting. I am not an Economist, so have no idea regarding the issue. From this article, I would conclude that as always, the theory behind the PNG 2022 Budget is good, however, we have to wait for the implementation. Great article!

Thank you so much, Barry, and via some googling of you, loved rummaging through your blog site just now. You have a lovely turn of phrase.

For those readers who want to know more about the media sector in the Pacific region, you may be interested to know that there will be a webinar held soon that will focus on the issue of media freedom. The webinar will be on December 13th 2021 at 11am Canberra time. The lead author of this blog post will be one of the panel members during the panel discussion. Other panel members will include experienced Pacific journalists. More information is available at this link: https://dpa.bellschool.anu.edu.au/news-events/events/8230/state-pacific-2021-media-freedom-pacific-covid-19-era-update Amanda

Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV is a major problem facing individual members of the Community in PNG. The Accusation usually involves immediate family member, people in power and standing in the community- Religious Leaders, Educated persons, and Community leaders. We should take certain steps to addressee SARV cases at the first stage of SARV which is the 'Accusation Stage'.

Great piece Gordon and although we remain forever hopeful that the age of better ODA - enlightenment will descend upon us its seems as if the default response amidst COVID is 'more of the same' - sadly.

Thanks so much, Robert. Me too! I found the book a real tonic after my experience in the salt mines. But are the guards up for it? I hope so – certainly the ghastly, defensive and passive-aggressive one I dealt with most recently would not be but I hope that's the exception rather than the rule! Best wishes Gordon