Comments

I still don't believe a thing they say , after spending many years in PNG I've seen it first hand they say & promise one thing and do the opposite. China do nothing for the development of other nations unless it benefits China. Basically it's how China can benefit and what is the least they can contribute for maximum return.

Are the Non TESAS student available for this help program?

It’s good to think ahead, as we are often told. Strategy 2050 makes one think that in a rapidly changing world, how far ahead should we think? Is there such a thing as thinking too far ahead?

Despite PNG's economic boom led by extractive industries, almost 40% of the country's population lives in poverty. The Government has not taken sufficient steps to address gender inequality, violence, corruption, or excessive use of force by Police. Today a MP forget what they suppose to do but they ignore.

Matt, thanks for this very thoughtful and sound summary of the role Mekere played in demonstrating that PNG could be a dynamic country with a strong economy and policies and programs designed to minimise and even eliminate, the adverse impact of corruption at high levels. The only difference of interpretation that I would have is that you omitted the central and fundamentally vital role that you and your team played in seeing this reform process through. We are indebted to Mekere. He gave us all the opportunity to demonstrate that PNG could be a better place socially and economically to the benefit of all parts of the population, not just those few who made their fortunes at the expense of the wider community in this generation and, I fear, the next as well. Paul Baxter

''A journey of a thousand miles take just a single step. I am inspired with your story''. I can relate to your story.

Thank you Ross for your insightful comments on Mekere - one of a kind, and whose work and qualities are unlikely to be duplicated. His passing came as a shock to me here in NZ where the news has just come through via Dr John Copland. Can I say that as Patrol Officer stationed at Kukipi in the early sixties I came to know Mekere's splendid father - a quiet mannered LMS Pastor based in Iokea West of Kukipi. Mekere's qualities were shining even then and he went off to Sogeri in keeping with Hasluck's policy. I later (in 1965) interviewed him for entry into the public service - a stepping stone to the University which was just opening and for which he became a foundation student. I always valued my association with him, the sage advice he provided me as he progressed through to the heights of Finance and the Treasury. I always considered that where there was a Mekere, there was hope. Your eulogy has shaken that fond belief, but I can only hope that some of his principles and qualities have rubbed off on others.im

On 19 Jan 2021 the Chairman of the ICSID Administrative Council announced the appointment of Mr Joseph Tirado as President of the Commission for the Barrick (Niugini) – Papua New Guinea conciliation hearings. Mr Tirado was appointed by the ICSID Chairman in accordance with Article 30 of the ICSID Convention. Mr Tirado (British/Spanish) is well-known as an experienced arbitrator and for his expertise with ADR. Barrick (Niugini) is represented by the New York law firm Debevoise & Plimpton. Papua New Guinea has not to date nominated a legal representative. The appointment of Mr Tirado as President of the Commission by the ICSID Chairman follows from the absence of a response by Papua New Guinea to ICSID Administrative Council requests. ICSID registered a separate request by Barrick (PD) Australia for an arbitration on 11 Aug 2020. Barrick (PD) has appointed Mr D. Brian King (U.S.) as arbitrator. ICSID notified Papua New Guinea of Mr King’s acceptance on 28 Dec 2020. If Papua New Guinea does not, within a short span of time, choose and nominate an arbitrator, Barrick (PD) may request the Chairman of the ICSID Administrative Council to appoint an arbitrator for Papua New Guinea. In the event that Papua New Guinea does not comply with its ICSID obligations the Conciliation and the Arbitral Commissions will meet and report. The Arbitral Commission, which may make orders for discovery, will use such evidence as is made available to it as the basis for its conclusions. Vailala

Thanks Stephen and good observation Bob. A point worth making is that the Covid crisis put many developing nations in considerable economic strife. The quick disbursement of additional aid from Australia to its neighbors during natural disasters is consistent with past practice. The additional aid on Covid-support was both warranted and is in the national interest. Australia cannot be Covid-free without the neighbors being in a similar position, a fact known to most Aussies!

We are an new registered company Recruitment Agent in PNG (Central Workers Recruitment Agent) we have a lot of interested Workers we need assistance in finding farmers for work. Would really appreciate your help.

I note that you don't mention the Rudd government which did not start by cutting the aid budget but by implementing its pre-election commitment to increase it substantially.

Thanks for highlighting the dental problems in PNG. Hope some media awareness would help.