Why "Morobe Block" in NCD?

By Alexander Palai

Out of 22 province in PNG only one (1) province, and in only one City - the City of Lae were Papuans welcomed & land area specifically located, and dedicated & even called "Papuan Compound" for Papuan family to settle down & proudly educate thier children. Some of the prominent sons and daughters of Papua were born, bred & educated in Papuan Compound's own Milfordhaven Primary School, Bugandi & Busu High School. Prominent Papuans like, Wari Vele, Howard Lahari, Vai Kereva & many other big names were born and bred right there at Papua Compound.

In appreciation of that historical fact, another great son of Papua Late Sir William Skate who visited and spent weekends at Papuan compound while studying at Unitech, in consultation with other other Motu Koitabu leaders, earmarked, formally allocated and facilated 7 parcels of land (Agriculture lease) here at 9mile in NCD for Morobe families to settle down (not for free of course). That was a historical reciprocity.

Frank Makanuay; First time MPs

Hindsight is a beautiful thing but it's application being used by everyone making assessment on LBS shooting incident, the murder charge, and the denial of bail, firstly by Police, and later by the National Court only pinpoints to the gravity of crime itself and the discourse only brings out the horrifying tragedy on both sides, and their families, that if a simple common sense had prevail, some maturity or wisdom applied to descalate whatever tension that preoccupied the meeting, which in the end forced a Glock Pistol to be introduced into the meeting and conversation, all of this could have been avoided.

The beauty of Hindsight makes you assess this horrifyingly ugly situation.

This brings to a point I have tried to discuss on my page a few times but it never became a subject of interest by those who follow me.

First time MPs, power, fame, and fortune.

In all honesty I think, if LBS was to live his life again, I am positively sure the only thing he would change is the last few months in his life after he became an MP. I am sure as he sits in jail, in remand as he awaits the Court hearing, he is thinking and making his mind over with pangs of regret, that he should surrounded himself with mature people to guide him in his leadership role representing his Motu Koita people.

Sudden power and fame, can make a First Time MP feel invisible, untouchable, and entitled. They can easily get caught in the bubble of big men mentality, get drunk in the powerful euphoria of fame. It is easy to forget reality and where ones humble beginning began, if one is not grounded but floats with the new found power and fame, rubbing shoulders with some of the most powerful people of the country. 

Another important consideration.

The pressure of being politician in the Png context is about money. People who help a budding politician in PNG to ascend to power and hold office as an MP, expected to be paid. They will forcefully attached themselves to and some of them will genuinely help you, but it hound ne er escape you that behind it all, they want money. They will ask, and demand politely at first, and when the response is not favourable they will make threats and intimidate.

Sometimes a First Time MP who is enjoying the euphoric drunken bubble of power, fame and fortune will arrogantly ignore this and react by trying to display their own power, fame and connection, and owning a gun, holding it in your hand gives takes the fear out of you, and respect out of you, it makes feel you feel invicible, untouchable and it gives you the feeling of entitlement to power.

First Time MPs, power, fame and torture.

Throwing a cat among the pigeons, this country has been run in the last three years by First Time MPs holding senior economic portfolios in the Cabinet. We are in deep recession. You work in out.

Country’s debts high, says IMF

March 11, 2022 The National

THE country’s debts “are at dangerously high levels”, according to the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) report, which also warned against the adverse effects of “overspending”.

The IMF country report February 2022 released on Wednesday stated that “debt levels are at dangerously high levels and set to increase further as overspending leads to deficits which are in turn, externally financed”

“Macroeconomic vulnerabilities stem from PNG’s elevated public debt level: the debt sustainability analysis confirms that PNG remains at high risk of debt distress.”

Ialibu-Pangia MP and former prime minister Peter O’Neill said the IMF report “somewhat contradicted an economic update brought to Parliament by Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey recently”.

O’Neill said the damning report revealed the true state of the PNG economy and how the country’s finances were being managed.

“Our country’s debt has now increased three-fold, according to the IMF, and with the deficit increasing further than expected for 2021 because of over-spending and 2022 looking to exceed K6 billion, it is no wonder the IMF are very worried about PNG’s economic position,” he said.

“The report also noted the lack of transparency and reporting of Coronavirus (Covid-19)-related funds.”

The report stated that “Covid-19 -related procurement, including posting details of beneficial owners of successful bidders has not been updated since mid-2020.”

O’Neill said:

 “There are too many contradictions between the Treasurer’s glowing report of the economy and the IMF’s fact-based assessment.

“But one I would like to point out is the use of the temporary advance facility.

“This is being abused by Government to print money.

“It must come to a stop and the Government, as the IMF rightly points out, needs to repay to the Bank of PNG what has been borrowed.

“I encourage the Government, particularly the Treasurer, to speak truthfully about the state of the economy as our people have a right to know the extent of the damage that has been done in three short years.

“I also encourage the IMF and multilateral and bilateral partners of our country to be timely in their assessments and reporting as it has been over two years since the last assessment was done when PNG borrowed US$263 million.”

Read. Here:

https://www.thenational.com.pg/countrys-debts-high-says-imf/

....ends.

Prime Minister James Marape and the coalition government that held office post - 2019 Laguna Effect under Marape/Basil regime have no time to measure up to the bar set by IMF.

The last session of Parliament as PNG goes to the polls this year is set for next Tuesday 22 March 2022.

And, the legitimacy crisis of state that prompted regime change, or ' palace coup' masterminded by Tari MP who in the aftermath was elected PNG's eight Prime Minister still lurks.

It seems. We wish all sitting MPs well as they defend their seats in Parliament. It is every man or woman for himself or herself. 

Adam Smith's proposition on ' invisible Hand of God' says the selfish interest of the ruling elite may or may not translate into the service of Her Majesty the Queen of England's measurement of the Common Good.

Let our people learn from the mistake or lessons of the past, if any.

( Photo caption: Treasurer Ian Ling Stuckey - his assurance to Parliament and our people across the country on the rescue package to resuscitate the PNG Economy followed by the government has been disqualified by the IMF; Prime Minister James Marape - reforms he brought about since taking office will take time to produce the results; Ialibu/ Pangia MP Peter O'Neill - the former Prime Minister who was ousted in a ' palace coup' masterminded by Tari MP and Finance Minister in the PNC - led regime prior to the change of government in 2019 accused the Prime Minister of failing to stop the freefall of the PNG Economy; Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare - after his passing last year, the new generation leadership is challenged to improve its game in the national interest as opposed to serving parochial interests; East Sepik Governor Allan Bird - the Sepik prophetic zeal to lead the country with a difference when it matters means the 2022 NGE results are critical for Sepik leaders to re - invent themselves to feel the national pulse with the glue gone, Father of the Nation dead).

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT ARRESTED AND CHARGED FOR MURDER.

 Thursday 17th March 2022

Port Moresby North West MP Lohia Boe Samuel was arrested and charged for murder and locked up at the Boroko Police Station cells today.

Commander NCD/Central Assistant Commissioner Anthony Wagambie Junior said the MP was invited to Boroko Police station, escorted to the NCD Homicide section and charged today under section

300 sub section (1) (b)(ii) of the PNG Criminal Code Act.

The firearm is owned and licensed to the Member of Parliament.

Mr Wagambie said the investigators had to piece together information and evidence before effecting the arrest today.

At the time of the incident, the MP was in the company of one of his staff and the deceased.

Commander Wagambie said while we understand the emotions and public outcry through different forms of media, the Constabulary has a Constitutional duty to perform and must remain focused throughout the investigation. He stated that Police Investigators had to gather evidence and information to ensure that the right person is charged for discharging the firearm resulting in death.

The Member for Moresby North West has been detained at Boroko Police Station cell and refused Police bail.

His staff member, is currently being interviewed.

Approved for release :

Anthony Wagambie (Jr) QPM DPS

Divisional Commander

NCD /Central

Frank Makanuay: Arrested, and charged, and no bail

Am sorry for Lohia Boe Samuel. I know him personally. A few times after he became an MP, whenever he would see me in public places where we had crossed paths, he would extend the first gesture to acknowledge and greet me. He would address me as kaka, in his Motu lunguage it means older sibling, a label of respect and this resonates in my own dialect, kaka means big brother. I respected him.

What happen is a tragedy. Indeed for him and his family, and his career as a politician and a Motuan leader.

The greatest tragedy however, is that the incident has stopped Motuan people and their aspiration and intention to be represented through the office of the MP for Moresby North West. Whether this tragedy will stop the growth of this Motuan aspiration momentarily or permanently remains to be soon, but no one can deny that LBS ascension to be a national leader was excellent and that it happened at the right time.

He was beacon of hope for the MotuKoita people not only in Moresby Nort West, but also in Moresby South, in North East, where the Koitabu people have become a minority.

This is truly a tragedy.

I don't know what happened, but my young MotuKoita brother is a victim of fame, power, fortune. The people in and around him, should worked hard to help him keep his foot firmly planted on the ground, and find a better way to deal with issues of a post election win.

Truly this is a tragedy because it could have been avoided.

Frank Manakuay: Fuel price, The tale of reality

I feel the pinch of the fuel price hike. I don't know if you feel the effect of it too. I hope you do, so we can suffer together...lol

This morning I took K50.00 Diesel for my Ten Sitter Landcruiser. For K50.00, I recieved only 11 litres. I note the needle on the fuel gauge stop just a little short of the quarter tank. I make four trips around the back road, back and forth, each day for work and school run. I was shocked to discover that on my way home this evening the orange warning light came on. It literally means come tomorrow, I have to fork out another K50.00 for fuel, money I don't have.

It now confirms the estimate that since the diesel price went over K4.00, I will be paying K250.00 Monday to Friday, in two weeks that's a whopping K500.00...throw in another K100.00 for two weekends...its an easy K600.00... 

And now making matters worse is the road construction being done at the main Waigani intersection, presumably the most busiest road intersection in NCD. As a result there is now literally long lines of traffic jam for those of us who live in Moresby North West, doing daily runs with schools and work office in Moresby South or Norh East. We sit in traffic jams along 9 mile to Erima, Gerehu Morata route, and the tunnel near Police Headquarters in Konedobu every morning. So in essence fuel is used either by sitting idle in a traffic jam or taking the longer route around the City limits your consumption is still comparatively high.

Previously though, K50.00 used to give me close to 30 litres of diesel and it would usually take two and a half days, sometimes even three days, just doing the same usual runs before the orange warning light comes on.

Take Back Png huh? Richest black Christian nation huh?

What about West Papua? It’s our Ukraine

 04 March 2022, AMICHAEL KABUNI | Academia Nomad

PORT MORESBY - It took less than a week for the world to come together to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Sanctions were applied to Putin, oligarchs and the Russian Central Bank, there was a suspension of SWIFT banking services and weapons and aid money were supplied to Ukraine.

But the question many are asking, especially in the Pacific Islands, is what about West Papua?

West Papua has been illegally occupied by Indonesia since 1963. Brutal abuse and human rights violations have continued unabated since then and are endemic.

The United Nations Human Rights Commission said on Tuesday that:

“….between April and November 2021, we received allegations indicating several instances of extrajudicial killings, including of young children, enforced disappearance, torture and inhuman treatment and the forced displacement of at least 5,000 indigenous Papuans by security forces.”

The UN knows what is happening, so the obvious question is why isn’t the UN, European Union, United States or Australia doing anything about it?

The issue is complex, and I want to talk about just one, and probably the most important, aspect: the geopolitical benefits of pleasing Indonesia.

Indonesia has been and is an important ally of the US and Australian, the two powers with the highest stake in the region.

During the Cold War, the theory of the ‘domino effect’ of Communist ideology spread through South-East Asia.

Indonesia was an important ally of the West against communism and it actively suppressed Communism.

To please their ally, the US and other Western countries left Indonesia to occupy West Papua following the so called Act of Free Choice, branded as ‘Act of No Choice’ by many people.

It was a form of referendum where about 1,000 representatives of West Papua were forced to sign a document integrating West Papua into Indonesia.

Today the same countries are worried about the rise of China. And they continue to ignore Indonesian atrocities in West Papua.

Southeast Asian countries need US help to stand up against China so remain silent. India has border conflicts with China so it remains silent. Japan has its own conflicts with China, and Australia values Indonesia as an ally.

There are rumours that China sympathises with West Papua, although it appears ironic that a Communist country with a poor record of human rights would be sympathetic or human rights abuses in West Papua.

The reason could be that Indonesia has claims over some parts of the South China Sea which China considers its own and that Indonesia has criticised China over its imprisonment of Muslim minorities.

There are allegations that China maintains a modern day labour prison camp for an estimated one million Muslim Uyghurs. China calls it a re-education camp.

Indonesia, the largest Muslim nation on earth, has condemned China over this issue and rumours started emerging that China then decided to support West Papuans.

It looks like a classic case of ‘my enemy’s enemy is my friend’.

In the Pacific, only Vanuatu has consistently supported West Papua’s independence and spoken up in the UN.

Papua New Guinean, which shares a 700km land border with Indonesia, has been very cautious. Indonesia has huge standing army compared to PNG.

Countries in the region have called for commission of inquiry into West Papua, but it has never taken place.

Further calls to allow journalists into West Papua have been ignored. In the absence of an international presence, Indonesia controls the narrative.

So here is how world politics seem to play: If there is an invasion or occupation or atrocities against a group of people that affects the interests of the West, and the US in particular, there is condemnation and action.

The difference between Ukraine and West Papua is that, in Ukraine, Russia is the aggressor.

Russia is the enemy of the West. So the invasion is considered illegal and killing civilians in Ukraine amounts to war crimes.

In West Papua, the same or even worse has been occurring for over 70 years. Buts it’s been carried out by an ally of the West.

Unless the geopolitics in the region change and US and its allies no longer need Indonesia, it seems the West will continue to ignore West Papua.

It’s possible that one day China can step up its support for West Papua.

There’s no help from Australia, which also supplies arms to the Indonesian military.

The Pacific Islands countries are the only realistic voices. They have to do what Vanuatu has been doing.

DOES THE GOVERNMENT ACTUALLY BUY FOOD?

My friend Tanya Zeriga-Alone asked the above question in relation to my earlier post about the need for PNG to increase its internal revenue. And one way it can do that is through a comprehensive import substitution program, with a focus on food.  

Replacing imports by producing our own food keeps our wealth in PNG and our people aren’t robbed of employment and income. It not only makes PNG food-secure but most importantly lifts our citizens out of poverty. There is already a ready market for the food in PNG. And an increase in economic base and employment means more tax revenue for the country.    

For example, Thailand’s strong import substitution development policies of the 1980’s and 1990’s reduced poverty from around 60% to 13% by 2004. The World Bank figures show that Thailand has the best record for reducing poverty per increase in GNP of any nation in the world.      

Now, let’s get back to Tanya’s questions: “Does the Government actually buy food? So what does it do with it?”    

Private consumption expenditures by households in an economy is accounted for by the government as its consumption. So to calculate its GDP [income], the formula is GDP = Consumption + Investment [by private businesses] + Government Spending + [Export minus Import].  

When you buy rice at the shop, you are actually paying a farmer in say Vietnam. That money goes to the rice importer [say Trukai] and eventually gets transferred to the Vietnamese farmer. The PNG Government records that as its imports.  

I believe the answer to PNG’s prosperity lies in agriculture, and particularly food production and how the nation feeds itself. We can earn money from oil, gas, mineral, copra, nickel, etc, and will still spend it on food every day.  

For example, everyday millions of plates of rice is served and eaten by Papua New Guineans throughout the country. Papua New Guineans consume an average of 400,000 metric tons of rice annually. PNG government records this as its consumption. Papua New Guineans transfer an average of K700 Million of their hard-earned money overseas every year to buy rice. The Government records that as its imports.    

 

Now, let’s get back to the GDP formula. And IMAGINE!

 

▪ PNG keeping K700 Million per year to buy rice produced by PNG farmers;

▪ K400 Million per year to purchase milk produced in PNG; and

▪ K200 Million per year to purchase chicken raised in PNG.  

That is already saving K1.3 Billion for just 3 food alone, creating employment for thousands of people, growing our economy and lifting people out of poverty.    

 

Let’s ask ourselves:    

▪ Can Papua New Guineans grow rice? If so, why is the National Rice Policy not implemented, discussed nor funded?

 

▪ Can Papua New Guineans raise chicken? If so, why are we continuing to import K200 Million worth of cheap chicken, to compete with our chicken farmers, kill our poultry industry and send thousands of Papua New Guineans into poverty and hardships?

 

▪ Can Papua New Guineans plant corn that can produce stockfeed?

 

▪ Can Papua New Guineans grow grass and maize to feed the cows?

 

▪ Do Papua New Guineans need specialized University degrees and skills to plant rice, raise chicken, plant corn, potato and grass?

 

▪ Haven’t we Papua New Guineans been farmers cultivating our land for thousands of years, just after the Garden of Eden?    

 

Shalom Beloveds. Tingting! #TogetherWeCan

>>>>>>>

Image 📸: IAI’s Kuk Chips food stall at Vision City, Port Moresby. [We can produce our own potato chips and give K150 Million every year to our farmers, replacing potato chips]🤷‍♀️🇵🇬