PNGBLOGS

by : Nelson Wandi At nearly half a century since its establishment, Papua New Guinea (PNG) has seen tepid progress in development, with sluggish advancement in the economy, infrastructure, and technology. Despite independence, the nation has struggled to utilize its abundant resources effectively due to the persistent mismanagement by ineffectual political leaders over the past 49 years. PNG, in truth, operates more as a dependent state, heavily reliant on financial aid from more developed nations through loans, grants, and emergency financial packages to sustain its development efforts. Repeated leadership failures marked by kleptocracy have taken their toll, causing the country to rely excessively on external resources and assistance, leading to a stagnation of state functionality over the years. Development has been stunted, with no significant improvements in public policy or emergence of modern infrastructure and technological advances in both urban and rural settings. Economic re

by David Lepi PORT MORESBY. Back in 1997, Papua New Guinea's currency, the kina, plummeted nearly 50% against the US and Australian dollars, with interest rates soaring above 20%. The nation's economic struggles echoed today's downturn with kina at US38c and similarly low foreign exchange reserves. Amid this financial turmoil, the government's chief economic adviser, Dr. Pirouz Hamidian Rad, an Australian-based Iranian and former World Bank economist, proposed a controversial fix. He suggested that PNG solicit a $US1.8 billion loan from Taiwan in exchange for diplomatic recognition—despite PNG's commitment to China's One China Policy. Dr. Rad's guidance appeared self-serving, potentially aiding in securing his $3 million salary over two years. However, this strategy was short-lived. In July 1999, with the inauguration of Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta, PNG reaffirmed its One China policy, severed ties with Taiwan, and dismissed Dr. Rad. Another Australia

by Nelson Wandi Our nation faces a critical challenge: the unchecked surge in urban populations is outpacing the growth of our economy, making it impossible to meet the needs of the densely packed towns and cities. The swelling numbers in our urban centers are occurring where services are already insufficient, leading to unsustainable overcrowding that falls short of basic living standards. A significant rise in the urban populace, consisting of both foreign migrants and local residents moving from rural areas, has filled our cities beyond their capacities. This trend, which began to sharply increase in 2011, has triggered a population boom in urban regions while rural areas are witnessing a stark decline. Rural communities are dwindling as people flee from continuous violence and inadequate government services, which have been persistent since the early 2010s. Students seeking education, workers searching for employment, and the marginalized fleeing poor conditions in villages are al

By David Lepi There is a bitter irony in the developed world's environmental strategy: nations that prospered through deforestation and fossil fuels now mandate developing countries like Papua New Guinea (PNG) to conserve forests as a climate change mitigation measure, offering financial incentives for these carbon-stabilizing efforts. This backdrop sets the stage for PNG's recent tax reforms. In December 2022, under Prime Minister James Marape's government, the export tax on logging was increased from 38% to 50%, then sharply to 70%. While these hikes bolstered the government's revenue, they simultaneously led to a dramatic downturn in the logging sector. Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey's decision has been met with staunch criticism, especially from the vociferous politician, MP Belden Namah of Vanimo Green. Namah warns that the industry, once buoyant, is now crippled, citing the closure of 57 logging projects, leaving only 10 operational. This policy, according to Nama

by Ombul Roke In recent events, Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea has been noted for his extensive international travels, the most by any leader in the nation's history. Papua New Guinea, grappling with intense geopolitical strife, rampant violence, declining public safety, spiraling inflation, unemployment, and entrenched corruption, continues to see its prime minister indulge in the use of public funds for travels with entourages comprising political allies, acquaintances, and relatives. This stark contrast paints a picture reminiscent of a pauper robed in luxury yet carelessly tossing away riches a metaphor for a leader whose actions do not reflect concern for the common welfare but rather a penchant for lavishness and excess. Marape's flamboyant political gestures have garnered international scrutiny, casting him in an unfavorable light reminiscent of authoritarian excess. In defense, Marape's spokespeople tout these journeys as productive, despite the sil

by JERRY LONGBLUT In Papua New Guinea (PNG), there's a striking imbalance between the enthusiasm for the national rugby team, the Kumuls, and the urgent necessity to tackle the country’s socioeconomic and law enforcement difficulties. Despite enduring 47 years of political instability, the nation’s focus seems to skew towards the glamour of sports triumphs rather than confronting fundamental problems that require immediate attention. This disparity in priorities becomes evident when looking at the financial support the Kumuls receive. Each year, a significant portion of the government’s budget, fueled by the hard-earned money of taxpayers and investments from the private sector, is channeled into supporting the rugby team. These funds, which could potentially facilitate economic growth and enhance vital public services, are instead being spent on the team’s activities, including costly international games. Taxpayers and businesses expect their contributions to improve infrastructur

by NELSON WANDI The current state of affairs in Papua New Guinea (PNG) raises concerns about the priorities of its citizens and government. While PNG citizens show enthusiasm in supporting the national rugby team, the Kumuls, this enthusiasm has diverted attention from critical matters such as the economy and law enforcement. It's disheartening that a nation grappling with economic challenges and law and order issues would place such emphasis on non-economic pursuits like sports. This is particularly true when considering the country's 47-year history of unstable governance. The significant financial allocation towards the PNG Kumuls each year raises questions about the efficient use of taxpayers' money. The funds come from private sector investments and the people's taxes, which are intended to fuel economic growth and public services. However, these resources are instead directed toward the Kumuls and even their participation in overseas matches. It's important to

by DAVID LEPI The fall of American and European puppet regimes around the world is something PNG should learn Whilst the ink of the PNG-US Defence Cooperation Agreement hasn't dried yet Americans are already making intrusions into the country with no regard to sovereignty or whatsoever.  The government of Prime Minister James Marape courting 'big bucks' Uncle Sam to almost selling out PNG's sovereignty can be re-looked with the same lense we are seeing puppet governments overthrown around the world.  The West's intelligence and covert agencies like the CIA, MI6 etc supply money and influence to help 'friendly governments' to stay in power.  The sudden fall of the US puppet regime in Afghanistan in August 2021 is the beginning of a humiliating debacle for Western imperialism.  According to the World Socialist Website America fleeing Afghanistan marks the collapse of a regime that was imposed through a criminal war and occupation, promoted on the basis of lies

Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has urged Prime Minister James Marape to openly express his concerns regarding Bougainville's pursuit of independence from Papua New Guinea. Mr. Toroama's call comes in response to the delay in the ratification process for the Referendum, which has exceeded the stipulated time in the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) for parliamentary approval. During the recent Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) Meeting in Port Moresby, both leaders addressed the situation. Mr. Toroama questioned the Prime Minister's fears, asking if they relate to complete detachment from PNG, concerns about the rest of the country seeking to unify with PNG, or a lack of seriousness towards the referendum's outcome. He emphasized the importance of embracing Melanesian customs and values, highlighting that Bougainville's path to independence was shaped by a long and arduous journey, marked by sacrifices of over 20,000 lives and extensive infrastructure damage. Boug

PNG Social Media is flooded with viral photos and videos of Prime Minister’s obvious blunder during France PM Macron visit at Sogeri/ Variarata Park* 1. One authentic photo; not photoshopped as alleged by few, where the Prime Minister of PNG while meeting Prime Minister of France in Variarata Park this week had K100 bills sticking out of this front side pocket. In a video recorded live during their meet showed one body guard or PM office staff walking towards Prime Minister Marape and pushed the bundle of K100 notes back into the side pocket to prevent embarrassment. From video footage by policeman and others at the scene showed that Prime Minister Marape had bundle of K100 bills in his side front pocket during his meet with President Macron. 2. In another authentic video going viral on social media last few days has been that of Prime Minister Marape while walking alongside Prime Minister Macron at the Viriarata Park side tracked within seconds and tried to shake hands with a Papuan l

by MICHAEL TAM The US-PNG Defence Cooperation Agreement was signed on May 22nd by PNG Defence Minister Win Bakri Daki and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken at APEC Haus. This occurred despite nationwide protests urging Prime Minister Marape to dismiss JT and refrain from signing the security pact. The Marape Government has consistently shown a lack of respect for the people of PNG. Marape, JT, and their officials continue to refer to the protesting PNG students as "Primitive Animals" within their internal Whatsapp Group. It is disheartening to see these politicians enjoy privileges and funds bestowed upon them by voters and taxpayers, while simultaneously discriminating against us as if they are not part of the PNG community. We must persist in our fight to expose and remove these corrupt politicians from the PNG Government and prevent them from selling PNG's sovereignty to the US through the DCA. Despite Marape's assurances to the media that PNG will not be used

 An independent geopolitical perspective    by Dominic Navue Sengi* Background for understanding US, Australia behavior I have read around some online databases such as google, Wikipedia and quora for assistance in affording clarity on how different categories of colonialist are that helps in understanding the historical background to which some of the key players, in this case US as the global hegemon and Australia are pitching their interventions into PNG and the greater Pacific Island Countries (PICs). In PNG, this has never been more glaring than now in the 21 st Century so called Free and Open Indo-Pacific Region. For this purpose, there are at least three categories of colonialist to deal with. Neo-colonist empires are different from classical and colonial empires . Persia, Rome, China, Aztecs and Egypt are classical empires , their civilizations that had expanded their territory through war, religion and trade colonialism. These incorporated lands under the direct co