THE SERPENT STILL LIVES ON
By GRAHAM TENAEN ROBINSON
The O'Neill- Dion government majestic speeches captured in parliament on consecutive occasions echoed change for this country released a vibe that saw the old and new crop of leaders display unwavering support in changing this country, with the paradox ascertained in reality stating; “the world’s richest and poorest live in this country.”
The rather ‘old mix new’ political front brings to the table, a once upon a time enemies that drew fierce lines in battle, sleep together at night with wide-open eyes, adulterous in nature and desperate in kind with intention to keep this country from the one destined to deliver it from the pain and misery faced by a silent majority.
So benevolent in nature that commands authority is a man that leads the pack bearing a scar with an untold story to date, how millions of kina found its way into mysterious accounts the writer dreams of knowing to date. Yet time will take it’s toll over the next five years showcasing the workings of the same man infiltrating systems of governance and bureaucracy to drive change in this country. The argument therefore states otherwise when it involves the other part of the sentence; ‘at the expense of others’.
Obviously, no thought of care what individuals achieved for the betterment of this country, let alone be driven by the thought of building relentless scores of one man’s vision-his legacy.
Yet as promised through with the Government Caucus was collective decision making no longer seem their common language, only the rule of law; ‘I say, you follow.”
What happened to the grandest of speeches during the 9th Parliament, recorded and played on radio and television as national coverage on the day sitting that spoke in bold letters, ‘change’ a promise that stated fair representation for all that would benefit 7 million Papua New Guineans.
The very persons comprising government Ministers who promised Papua New Guinea change have suddenly played second fiddle letting ‘the man’ take on various micro management roles in his full capacity as Prime Minister for this country.
Thirteen weeks on since the formation of government we’ve hoped for a better yet what is seen in a suburban street says otherwise where children still fishing along the contaminated waterway continue to enjoy their childhood livelihood sport with understanding, its ok to live under K3 (equivalent to US$1.25) poverty line under world bank standards.
These children represent the 11% of our population who live in poverty.
After selling vegetables the entire day at the local market, a weary mother balances weight; juggling a baby in one hand while carrying firewood in the other taking full ownership of her lifetime occupation.
This woman represents 64% of our population who are in the informal sector.
A young male, recently completed tertiary studies, sits on the road side in deep thought, cars flashing past, he deeply ponders survival having counted the 200th day without job offers since his graduation.
He represents 4% of our educated population without jobs.
The hard working husband walking home with a frail of expression in his eyes manages half hearted smiles at the passing public knowing the reality between owning a car and becoming a politician will never come to realisation.
The hard working husband represents 30% of our total population who have jobs.
The scurrying middle aged widow all dressed neatly with Bible in hand hopes to make it in time for night fellowship to join others in offerring prayer for this great country and its leaders.
She represents 6% of population who are dedicated to church missions throughout Papua New Guinea.
All that was promised in parliament on the day MUST bear fruition and not at the expense of another good person for vested interests.
Such a dreaded experience can never eradicate the serpent that will live on in various forms is a lesson that must be learnt that no matter how loud we cry or how heavy our heart bleeds, even with attempt to kill the serpent……….it still lives on.
The rather ‘old mix new’ political front brings to the table, a once upon a time enemies that drew fierce lines in battle, sleep together at night with wide-open eyes, adulterous in nature and desperate in kind with intention to keep this country from the one destined to deliver it from the pain and misery faced by a silent majority.
So benevolent in nature that commands authority is a man that leads the pack bearing a scar with an untold story to date, how millions of kina found its way into mysterious accounts the writer dreams of knowing to date. Yet time will take it’s toll over the next five years showcasing the workings of the same man infiltrating systems of governance and bureaucracy to drive change in this country. The argument therefore states otherwise when it involves the other part of the sentence; ‘at the expense of others’.
Obviously, no thought of care what individuals achieved for the betterment of this country, let alone be driven by the thought of building relentless scores of one man’s vision-his legacy.
Yet as promised through with the Government Caucus was collective decision making no longer seem their common language, only the rule of law; ‘I say, you follow.”
What happened to the grandest of speeches during the 9th Parliament, recorded and played on radio and television as national coverage on the day sitting that spoke in bold letters, ‘change’ a promise that stated fair representation for all that would benefit 7 million Papua New Guineans.
The very persons comprising government Ministers who promised Papua New Guinea change have suddenly played second fiddle letting ‘the man’ take on various micro management roles in his full capacity as Prime Minister for this country.
Thirteen weeks on since the formation of government we’ve hoped for a better yet what is seen in a suburban street says otherwise where children still fishing along the contaminated waterway continue to enjoy their childhood livelihood sport with understanding, its ok to live under K3 (equivalent to US$1.25) poverty line under world bank standards.
These children represent the 11% of our population who live in poverty.
After selling vegetables the entire day at the local market, a weary mother balances weight; juggling a baby in one hand while carrying firewood in the other taking full ownership of her lifetime occupation.
This woman represents 64% of our population who are in the informal sector.
A young male, recently completed tertiary studies, sits on the road side in deep thought, cars flashing past, he deeply ponders survival having counted the 200th day without job offers since his graduation.
He represents 4% of our educated population without jobs.
The hard working husband walking home with a frail of expression in his eyes manages half hearted smiles at the passing public knowing the reality between owning a car and becoming a politician will never come to realisation.
The hard working husband represents 30% of our total population who have jobs.
The scurrying middle aged widow all dressed neatly with Bible in hand hopes to make it in time for night fellowship to join others in offerring prayer for this great country and its leaders.
She represents 6% of population who are dedicated to church missions throughout Papua New Guinea.
All that was promised in parliament on the day MUST bear fruition and not at the expense of another good person for vested interests.
Such a dreaded experience can never eradicate the serpent that will live on in various forms is a lesson that must be learnt that no matter how loud we cry or how heavy our heart bleeds, even with attempt to kill the serpent……….it still lives on.
