NUMBERS GAME VS MIND GAMES WITH PM
By RENATA LAVEIL We have a very deflective and directive Prime Minister at the ‘helm’ of this country, by now most Papua New Guineans are not blind to the tactics used by O’Neill to downplay any question or issue that is put to him, especially questions regarding money. Yesterday, he openly denied in parliament the government having issued any bonds totalling K500 million as alleged by the Opposition Leader, Hon. Belden Namah during his Budget response. In an article dated 17th April 2013, on the Business Advantage it was reported that the Papua New Guinea Government was apparently exploring the option of US Dollar bond to help finance its deficit budget. According to International sources the PNG govt engaged Barclays, J.P Morgan and BNP Paribas to assist with possible bond issue which should raise as much as US$ 500m (K1, 199 million est.) allegedly for the government coffers. While it could not be confirmed when the PNG government’s proposal to expand to the international market eve