Comments

Need for an urgent PIFS Leaders meeting to resolve the saga and save the Forum and Pacific regionalism.

Thanks Denis, that's a very valid point, or reminder, I suppose! The big difference is that PNG has now agreed to an IMF program. Without that, I don't think Australia would have gone in. The World Bank program is still there, in the background. It did go offtrack (as I mentioned in my blog) and it will be interesting to see what happens to it. So, a messy situation, but the approach to the IMF (something the previous PM was never willing to contemplate) has made all the difference. As to why our loan is in US$, I'm really not sure. Perhaps the PNG government asked for it. I suppose a lot of their exports are in US$, so it would make sense for them to do so. Regards, Stephen.

Hi Maho, I appreciate your timely advise on this critical matter! Census is an important exercise and is as old as human history. It is a pity the last census was deemed a failure, though there are some positivity in the recently conducted DHS which is good. You proposition to ensure a good census is conducted maybe good for the short term. In the medium and long term, there is a need for proper coordination with central and line agencies of government to have an integrated, user specific population collection and usage. This will reduce cost drastically. At the moment, agencies like NSO (census, DHS, HIES), NID, DPLGA (ward recorder), PNGEC (voter roll) are collecting the same information but for different purposes. In all, I think it is not a good idea to conduct census before the election year. Regards, C. Banga

I aploud our Micronesian Leaders....

Wow! Really inspiring and challenging. Well articulated.

Thank you, Stephen. Informative presentation of material that seems to be well tucked away in official documents. Some specific points: You wrote in a 2019 blog: 'However sensitive Australia is to China’s influence, there is simply no way that Australia would move forward with lending to PNG while the latter was in non-compliance with its World Bank program. ' Is PNG now compliant, or has Australia become more pragmatic? Also, wondering why a loan to PNG would be denominated in USD. With thanks.

Hopefully our Sea of Islands doesn't drift apart will all this political upheaval. We need to get our collective spirit back- "The Pacific Way"

Very interesting article. Thanks Dr Aqorau.

Thank you for this informative piece Dr Aqorau

Thanks Dr Aqorau for sharing your perspective and many decades of experience.

A clear and authoritative discussion on the issue, thank you Dr Aqorau.

Thanks Dr Transform Aqorau. This article clearly explain what has happened and the use of your rich experience in previous meeting is highly appreciated in adding context to the current dilemma! Ko rabwa.