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From Kaella KOLLE on A rare aid success story brought riches to Bougainville but will it last?
I was looking for development aid evaluations that were neither press releases from donors nor little-accessible study reports, and came across this blog. It's refreshing to read a nuanced and constructive piece that does not strive to provide a definite answer at all cost, and formulates important questions instead. I was also unaware that about cocoa production was such a high-stake issue in Bougainville. Thanks for this great learning opportunity!
From Norma Wau on Solid waste management in Papua New Guinea
We see waste as just a waste however many developed countries see waste a resource. Only need is if we invest time, resource and energy on how to sustainably manage and use waste it will benefit us in return.
From Fiji Think Tank on RSE policy changes: Timor-Leste joins; employers’ costs reduced
Congratulations, Timor Leste, a country that straddles the Arc of Melanesia (Oceania) and that of Asia. Despite the excessive costs of airfares + complex travels into Australia but more so Aotearoa NZ, it opens door for job opportunities. However, the challenges remain in the manner these seasonal workers are treated i.e accommodation facilities (is it warm, clean etc), cost of repayments for airfares etc as opposed to hours worked each week + rates applied. What about the worker (s) 'Health | Cultural Wellbeing' in view both Australia & Aotearoa NZ are foreign to these workers! Mind you, add in the cost of seeing a Medical Doctor after registering as a Seasonal Worker can be quite expensive. Often, these issues surface when one meets these Seasonal Workers at random Community Gatherings or just meeting up in the streets and asked how each one is getting along? Timor Leste & other Sovereign States in Oceania sending their peoples for Seasonal Work, as well as receiving countries - Australia & Aotearoa NZ to look much closer to some of the areas mentioned above. We also get to hear, how these workers do not really have a clue of the legal details in their Contracts because it is written in English but not translated into one's Indigenous Language (s), for these workers to fully understand the legally binding clauses embedded within those Contracts.
Rifky Pratama Wicaksono headshot
From Rifky Pratama Wicaksono on Beyond the rhetoric: youth and anti-corruption efforts in Indonesia
Interesting read, Garry!
From Fiji Think Tank on Fiji politics: generational change is neither optional nor easy
A military man versus another in earnest. Sounds like "Cloak and Dagger" syndrome.
From Fiji Think Tank on The FICAC Commission of Inquiry fiasco in Fiji
Riveting expert academic opinion piece from Prof Jon Frankel. Vinaka Vakalevu. What is mind boggling re COI saga is what appeared to be bias leanings by COI duo team J.M & A.L. towards the trio (R.C, Pule'water', A.F). Why was the limelight on them in video captured throughout the entire time? Was it about them? Or something else? Yes, someone's head ought to roll for causing such a rukus in Fiji❗️It ought to begin from the initiation of COI Process, selection of COI Team through to those who filed the complaint and whoever else involved in advising PM SLR.
From Elsie Kaia Joseph on Pacific labour mobility over the last year: continued growth
PNG needs a Seasonal Workers Recruitment Policy similar to Vanuatu that the PNG Labor Mobility Unit need to abide by. The current arrangement with Dept of Treasury PNG is not workable and recruitment is solely in the hands of the Recruitment officers working with PNGLMU. PNG remains the lowest sending country in the Pacific, although it is the largest.
From Martinho Barreto pires on RSE policy changes: Timor-Leste joins; employers’ costs reduced
We workers from Timor Leste are very enthusiastic about this RSE program because this is our chance to work hard and earn money for our family in the village. We receive a wage of $5 per day in Dili and it is very difficult for us to live. Thank you NZ, thank you RSE. This is a very good opportunity.
From Kingtau Mambon on Uncertainty surrounds PNG’s local government elections
Hi John, apologise for the late response, but hope you find this information useful. Councillors will vote for presidents in eight provinces, and people will vote for presidents in 12 provinces. The link provides additional details. https://www.thenational.com.pg/sinai-explains-two-methods-used-in-electing-presidents/
From Kingtau Mambon on Uncertainty surrounds PNG’s local government elections
That's true, Graham. I've firsthand experiences of seeing councillors using their private money to fund public things in their villages. Government should probably bring back the provincial government system with more autonomy.
From Kingtau Mambon on Uncertainty surrounds PNG’s local government elections
Joe, that's a great idea. Provincial autonomy will give more visibility to LLGs and wards.
From Kingtau Mambon on Uncertainty surrounds PNG’s local government elections
Hi Michael, the Electoral Commission will decide on these. And I think they have decided already. Here is the link with answers to your questions from the Electoral Commissioner himself: https://www.thenational.com.pg/writs-to-be-issued-on-thursday/
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