Comments

From Terence Wood on Three arguments against aid, and why they’re wrong
Hi Lucille, Thank you for a great comment. I agree completely: the last paragraph is the most important. My hope is that, if the noise of the worn-out aid critiques is toned down a little, we (including the public and politicians) might have more productive conversations about aid effectiveness. On the subject of aid effectiveness, once again you make some interesting points. Although here I disagree with you slightly. I think that aid effectiveness is a more complex topic than is sometimes understood. I've explained why overheads are a mistaken preoccupation <a href="https://devpolicy.org/aid-mythbusters-low-overheads20110311/">previously</a>. Also, cash transfers are very popular with some economists, and Give Well has a very heavy tilt towards medical interventions, for a simple reason: these types of work can be assessed with Randomised Control Trials (RCTs). When circumstances are right, I'm a <a href="https://devpolicy.org/the-shocking-truth-about-randomised-control-trials-exposed-20180807/">fan of RCTs</a> as a form of evaluation. They can deliver clear cut evidence of efficacy. However, not everything that matters can be studied this way. For example, DFAT spends a lot of money on governance in Papua New Guinea. Is this a good idea? Possibly not. It may simply be the case that governance almost entirely determined by PNG's domestic political economy, and that aid really cannot change its quality. However, it's possible well-given aid can help, at least over the medium term. If aid does manage to help, given how crucial a well-functioning nation state is to human wellbeing and development, it will be aid very well spent. Unfortunately, it's hard to know aid's efficacy in this area for certain, because the type of work is not easily evaluated, at least with an RCT. I think governance evaluations can and should be improved, but they will never deliver the clear cut evidence you get from an RCT. So, governance work in PNG is something of a gamble. But given the potential development benefits, I think it's a gamble worth taking -- at least if the work is being undertaken as carefully and intelligently as possible. Similarly, some NGOs conduct advocacy trying to get the governments of wealthy countries to do more to tackle climate change. It's the type of work that cannot be evaluated in a manner that will get these NGOs onto Give Well's 'top charity' list. It's also work that may never payoff. But given the risks of climate change, it's well worth trying in my view. Thanks again for a great comment. Terence
From Thomas Mbaru on SIM card deactivation in PNG and financial inclusion
Thanks both, Amanda H A Watson and Busa Jeremiah Wenogo, for the insightful article. I do agree with you that SIM deactivation can roll back gains made towards financial inclusion. Coming from Kenya, a country on the East African coast sharing the same Indian ocean with PNG 🙂 I am hopeful that part of the formalization process of financial inclusion is by taking measures like these. We had SIM deregistration here and it went on successfully. Millions of Kenyans had their SIm card registered afresh even those in rural areas. Now phone numbers are linked to people's identities and it has not only brought order but also a sense of security. You can trace people based on the registration details captured in communication gadgets with SIM cards. We can share experiences. As long as it is well organized, it can be a smooth transition. Our M-Pesa mobile money technology here works perfect and has come a long way.
From Israel Apiko on PNG politics goes to the courts
This country is not going anywhere with power struggle each time. Our elected Leaders lack supernatural wisdom, insight and understanding. The struggle is supernatural. Bring back Theo Zurenuoc, he has some supernatural wisdom. Read the Gospel word of God in Ephesians 6:12, the principality will continue its chaos and instability with 100% right to do so because of the SEPIK Spirit Haus Tambaran. We need supernatural help. We can not fight supernatural powers with earthly intellect. So whoever is Prime Minister, get down on your knees and pray in true repentance. Get rid of what's 100% Satan's. Do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked! We will reap what we sow. Galatians 6:7
From Martin Paul on PNG politics goes to the courts
Thanks for the undeniable facts. May Good Lord will give us a good Governance to Govern our beautiful country. May God Bless PNG...
From Lucille Richards on Three arguments against aid, and why they’re wrong
Hi Terence, Your last paragraph is especially important. 
> In particular, while aid can help, not all aid works equally well.
 I think it’s important that we’re careful not to conflate "Aid is effective", with "the aid Australia spends funds on is effective". The studies you cite indicate that money spent on large public health programs is money well spent, which is a conclusion that is further substantiated by organisations such as GiveWell [1]. The evidence also shows that in the right circumstances Unconditional Cash Transfers are also highly effective, though this is quite dependant on the implementing organisation. However, the reality is that the vast majority of DFAT Aid funding does not go towards organisations efficiently implementing public health programs or cash transfers. Rather, it’s spent on UN agencies and development funds such as the ADB, as well as private consultancies and iNGOs. As far as I’m aware, all of these have higher overheads than the top ranked GiveWell charities, and on top of that, less independent evidence of their efficacy, especially on a cost-to-impact basis. [1] https://www.givewell.org/charities/top-charities
From Emmanuel Wangi on PNG politics goes to the courts
Thankyou for this explanation...it can get a little confusing for the laymen at times. So I appreciate it; thanks again!
From Julliane Terry on PNG politics goes to the courts
Thank you very much for this explanation for a lay person like me. Clarifies a lot of doubts
From Reuben kitumbing on PNG politics goes to the courts
Thank God, the challengers, is coming up, give us good government to role our blessed country PNG...
From Michael on PNG politics goes to the courts
If Opposition wins the second or third cases, there may be a vote of no confidence before Christmas. If they lose, they can still institute a vote of no confidence when parliament meets on 21 April 2021. When 28 July 2021 comes around, there will be no more vote of no confidence. If a new PM is elected in any of these VONCs, they will have another 18-month grace period (including Marape if he is re-elected). Because there are 18 months left before the 2022 elections, the new PM will be protected all the way to the 2022 elections. He will be the safest PM ever.
From Reuben kitumbing on PNG politics goes to the courts
Let the good government to our country, God bless this land. Look back and see this and a population of this country PNG.
From Jonah Tandaku on PNG politics goes to the courts
Sir, thanks for your factual updates. What would most likely happen if there's no Vote of no confidence?
From Toua Paul toua on PNG politics goes to the courts
Very informative and to the point. no waffle. thanks...excellent article
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