PNGBLOGS

by KAPEMA KORU The US-PNG Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) is a pivotal arrangement that demands an understanding of the broader geopolitical landscape. Papua New Guinea (PNG), strategically located in a region of growing significance, must navigate through a complex matrix of national security, regional stability, and international relations. The DCA with the United States is a critical piece in this intricate puzzle, reflecting the need to balance diverse and sometimes conflicting interests. Criticism of the DCA often arises from a perceived disregard for public opinion in PNG. However, while public sentiment is vital in a democratic setup, the underpinnings of defence pacts often involve multi-layered considerations. These include addressing security threats, regional alliances, and long-term national interests, which may not always be transparent or understandable to the general public, yet are instrumental in shaping such agreements. Re-evaluating the DCA involves a careful ana

  6 Constitutional Sins of Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai: An Analysis of 2022 PNG Elections By A Concerned Papua New Guinean The 2022 Papua New Guinea elections were marred by violence and ill-preparation, casting a shadow over the constitutional integrity of the electoral process. The role of the Electoral Commissioner, Simon Sinai, has come under scrutiny, with allegations of significant constitutional breaches. This analysis aims to unravel the complexities and implications of these purported missteps. 1. Late Appointment of Electoral Officials Sinai's decision to appoint Returning Officers (ROs) and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) at the last minute proved detrimental. ROs, responsible for tasks such as validating and updating common rolls, were appointed too late, receiving training only on the eve of voting. This delay likely compromised their ability to manage the elections effectively. 2. Mismanagement of Opening of Writs The extension of the Opening of Writs, foll

by PAUL R. TAGALU The PNG LNG Project, envisioned to be a cornerstone of Papua New Guinea's economic advancement, found its architects in Arthur Somare and Kerenga Kua. These men stood at the helm during the project's negotiation phase, a period that was to shape the future economic trajectory of the nation. Arthur Somare, son of PNG's revered leader Sir Michael Somare, held the reins as the Minister for the Independent Public Business Corporation (IPBC). With a political legacy to his name but questioned qualifications for the monumental task at hand, Somare found himself in the position to make decisions that would have profound implications for the country's economy. Criticized for his lack of formal education in relevant fields and real-world business acumen, Somare’s decisions during this period are now dissected for their wisdom and long-term impact. At Somare's side was Kerenga Kua, a legal advisor whose expertise would be called upon to navigate the complex

by STEVEN TEKO James Marape's political journey and behavior have been characterized by a profound disconnect between his professed values and his actions, casting him in a light similar to the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing. Marape's tenure as the Finance Minister under the PNC banner was notable for its duration but became infamous when he resigned, alleging corruption within the O'Neill government. His resignation was dramatic and public, and he positioned himself as a whistleblower against corruption. However, his failure to provide any concrete evidence or to file any formal complaints against the alleged corruption has led to skepticism about the sincerity of his claims. In the throes of political turmoil at the Laguna camp, Marape made an unexpected bid for the prime ministership, despite having previously stated he had no such ambitions. This attempt was unsuccessful, failing to secure the support of the majority of MPs. In a subsequent effort to gather su

by David Lepi In the world of literature, George Orwell’s "Animal Farm" stands out as a stark allegory of political dynamics. Readers with a penchant for political narratives will find themselves revisiting the tale, particularly for its colorful cast of characters, including Moses, the raven. This pet of Mr. Jones the farmer overthrown by his own animals was an intriguing storyteller. He spoke of a utopian place called "Sugarcandy Mountain," where, he claimed, the burdens of labor and suffering would eventually dissolve into a lifetime of bliss. As the narrative progresses, the times grow tougher for the animals working tirelessly on the farm. It is during these periods that Moses would abscond to distant lands, only to return when the questions about his tales waned. Upon return, he'd weave his stories anew, promising an idyllic future free from oppression and hunger. In an odd parallel, despite the animals' recognition of Moses's fabrications, they s

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