ULMWP President confirms Government-in-waiting

 The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has held a major internal meeting on the Island of New Guinea to reaffirm the Resolutions of the 2023 Congress.

Approved by ULMWP President Benny Wenda and Prime Minister (PM) Edison Waromi, 12 Cabinet Ministers and seven Regional Executives have been reaffirmed in their existing roles.

With this move, the ULMWP is building capacity on the ground and confirming its status as a government-in-waiting.

President Wenda said the ULMWP is the legitimate representative of West Papuans and is ready to represent West Papua at the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).

The first ULMWP Congress was held in November 2023 in Jayapura, West Papua.

Attended by over 5,000 West Papuans from all factions and all seven customary regions, the Congress attendees elected Mr. Benny Wenda as ULMWP President and Mr. Edison Waromi as Prime Minister.

The final Congress Resolutions reaffirmed the ULMWP’s existing 2020 Constitution, internal structure, and threefold roadmap of a) MSG full membership b) a UN Human Rights visit to West Papua c) a Self-Determination Referendum.

An internal ULMWP meeting was held on the Island of New Guinea in April 2024, and was attended by the majority of the Executive and Cabinet. All Cabinet Ministers were invited.

President Benny Wenda (centre) formalises Government-in-waiting in PNG. By Len Garae

The ULMWP Executive clarified the results of the 2023 Congress and confirmed the Constitution and Congress Resolutions.

The existing ULMWP roadmap, constitution, and Green State Vision were all reaffirmed.

President Wenda confirmed the current 12 Cabinet Ministers and seven Regional Executives were all also reaffirmed in their existing roles.

They are as follows: 

1. Department of Foreign Affairs — Dr Jacob Rumbiak, 
2. Department of Environment & Green State Policy — Ms Fanny Kogoya, 
3. Department of Home Affairs – Mr. Markus Haluk, 
4. Department of Justice & Rights of All Beings – Mr. Daniel Radongkir S.Sos,
5. Department of Political Affairs – Mr. Bazoka Y Logo, 
6. TABI – Mr. Benny Yanteo, SAIRERI – Mr. Edison Kendi, DOMBERAI – Mr. Markus Yenu, BOMBERAI – Mr. Erick Fimbay, ANIMHA – Mr. Mathias Tambaip, MEE – PAGO – Mr. Habel Nawipa, LA – PAGO – Mr. Herman Kossay, 
7. Department of Indonesia Affairs – Mr. Jack W, 
8. Department of Melanesian Affairs — Costantinopel Ruhukael, 
9. Department of Women and Child affairs – Ms Iche R Morib, 
10. Department of Social and Cultural Affairs – Mr. Sem Awom, 
11. Department of Police — Dr Frans F Kapisa, 
12. Department of Defense -Mr. Manase Tabuni and 
13. Department of Finance — Ms Esther Game.

Vanuatu celebrates top ranking in Happy Planet Index

Vanuatu is proud to announce its achievement of ranking #1 out of over 150 countries worldwide on the Happy Planet Index (HPI), for the second time since the index was first published in 2006.

Two Government ministers, government officials, representatives from the diplomatic corps, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and the general public celebrated Vanuatu's achievement of claiming the top spot in the HPI at the Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta (VKS) in Port Vila yesterday afternoon.

The new HPI rankings were revealed yesterday to compare how well nations are creating human wellbeing using their limited environmental resources.

Vanuatu claimed the top spot, as revealed in the data analysis conducted and produced by the New Economics Foundation (NEF), an independent think tank based in the United Kingdom (UK).

This index rates countries based on their overall well-being and environmental sustainability, marking a significant departure from traditional economic metrics. Surprisingly, while Vanuatu shines at the forefront, European nations find themselves trailing far behind in the rankings.

The HPI turns the old world order on its head by highlighting how rich Western nations are often inefficient at creating wellbeing for their people. Vanuatu has again been ranked in first place for the second time due to its respect-driven cultural values and practices and its commitment to environmental protection and climate action. 

In contrast, the United States of America was placed as the lowest scoring G7 nation at 122nd place, ranking low on both wellbeing and ecological footprint.

The HPI measures ‘efficiency’ using three indicators – wellbeing, life expectancy and ecological footprint. It was created by statistician Nic Marks, who said: “Promoting human happiness doesn’t have to be at odds with creating a sustainable future. The HPI’s mantra is that good lives don’t have to cost the earth, and after 18 years of rankings, this feels more relevant and timely than ever.”

Countries that rank highly on the HPI show that it is possible to live long, happy lives with a much smaller ecological footprint than found in the highest-consuming nations. 

The top 10 countries by HPI score are as follows:

1. Vanuatu

2. Sweden

3. El Salvador

4. Costa Rica

5. Nicaragua

6. Denmark

7. Spain

8. Panama

9. France

10. Chile

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Finance, John Salong, yesterday, the Minister of Health, John Still Tari Qetu, stated that an index is a statistical tool that aggregates various indicators to understand something. There are many indices in the world today, such as the poverty index, corruption index, development index, and price index of items purchased from stores or markets.

These indexes help a country understand its performance when compared to other countries in the world or region,” he said.

“We can see how we perform on these indices and how our position or score changes when indices are published regularly. For a country to be included in such an index, data must be available.

“The United Nations publishes the Human Development Index or HDI, which looks at three standard indicators of health, education, and income. Many countries view the HDI as a good tool to show progress, but almost everything reported for HDI largely depends on access to money, and HDI does not consider environmental quality at all.”

He mentioned that in 2021, Vanuatu was ranked number 140 out of over 150 countries in the world on the HDI. It is one of the worst countries in terms of human development in this index because of low income. In the same year, 2021, Vanuatu was ranked number 2 in the world out of over 150 countries on the Happy Planet Index, or HPI. The HPI ranks countries on their ability to provide happy and long lives for their people in a way that does not destroy the environment.

“The Happy Planet Index is a tool for measuring the sustainability of development in the world,” he said. 

“Many countries follow a development model that tries to grow the economy endlessly, believing that if money or the economy grows, the well-being of the people will increase. But many developments that harm the environment can make the economy grow.

“Western indices like the Human Development Index, which compare the development of countries around the world, look at income, assets or things that need money to buy (like air conditioners, trucks, and mobile phones), and access to services that require money to use (like the main power grid and public water treatment).

The Happy Planet Index is independent of money and measures countries on their ability to transform their natural resources into the well-being of their people. HPI looks at: Life expectancy, which is a standard indicator of health. The development of a country should not compromise the health of its population. The experience of well-being, which is a standard indicator of happiness. The development of a country should not compromise the happiness of its population.”

The Minister further stated that the consumption, which is a standard indicator of the quality of the natural environment, the development of a country should not spoil the natural environment that the population depends on for a long and happy life.

The HPI has been published every 3-4 years since 2006 when Vanuatu was #1 in the world. In 2006, every country in the world was included in the index, and if a country did not have an indicator, they estimated its value with another indicator.

Following the review of the 2006 HPI, many countries complained about the inclusion of other countries that did not collect data on life satisfaction. The HPI released in 2009 and 2012 did not include Vanuatu, and every other Pacific country that was in the 2006 HPI was removed, like Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea (PNG).

In 2010, Vanuatu ran a pilot of "Alternative Indicators of Wellbeing for Melanesia" through Malvatumauri with the partnership of the Vanuatu National Statistics Office (now Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics or VBoS), and a report came out in 2012. 

Following the report of the 2012 pilot study, there were other collections of statistics that took life satisfaction, and HPI asked Vanuatu to submit new data. Vanuatu returned to the HPI in 2016 and took #4 in the world and #1 in the Asia/Pacific region.

“Following Vanuatu's #2 ranking in 2021, we continue to collect well-being data and today, the Happy Planet Index has published again with new rankings for countries around the world. We see Vanuatu in the HPI again through the hard work of everyone at the VBoS on the Melanesian Wellbeing Indicator Project,” Acting Finance Minister Qetu said

Andy Calo, the Chief Statistician at VBoS, said, “Vanuatu is currently the only Pacific Island Country to have the required data needed to calculate an HPI score as a result of our Melanesian Wellbeing Indicator initiative, which has helped to illustrate the valuable contributions our culture and environment make to our collective and individual wellbeing in Vanuatu”.  

While celebrating this accomplishment, Vanuatu’s officials acknowledge that there are areas for improvement. The Government is committed to addressing challenges such as enhancing government stability, reducing violence against women, improving education outcomes, and building an economy that better meets the needs of our growing population.

“We recognise that there is still work to be done to further improve the well-being of our citizens,” stated Mr. Shing. “However, this achievement affirms the importance of our kastoms, culture, leaders, and laws in shaping a sustainable and fulfilling life in Vanuatu.”

Vanuatu remains dedicated to its mission of achieving balanced and sustainable development while preserving its unique cultural heritage and pristine environment. The country looks forward to continuing its journey towards a brighter and more prosperous future for all its citizens.

doddy@dailypost.vu

Prime Minister Manele calls for respect to democracy

PRIME Minister elect for Solomon Islands Honourable Jeremiah Manele gave his first speech outside parliament today reminding Solomon Islanders to respect and uphold the democratic process of electing our Prime Minister.

Mr Manele said past Prime Minister’s elections have been met with the act of violence and destruction which had affected our economy and livelihoods.

However, he said today Solomon Islands must show the world that “we are better than that”.

“We must respect and uphold the democratic process of electing our Prime Minister and set an example for our children and their children,” Mr Manele said.

Mr Manele won as Prime Minister with 31 votes and his contender the Honourable Member of Parliament for Auki Langalanga Matthew Wale 18 votes. A total of 49 votes were cast during the Prime Minister’s Election this morning with one absent.

The Prime Minister elect said Solomon Islands is still on the recovery path after the COVID-19 global pandemic and the 2021 riots.

He said the recent report by the Central Bank on the state of our economy is concerning and calls for a more focus and aggressive approach.

“It is not an easy task, but we will be reaching out to all relevant stakeholders as we progress on our road to recovery,” the Prime Minister elect said.

Mr Manele also outlined the immediate tasks of the Government for National Unity and Transformation. These include the appointment of the members of Cabinet, Members of Parliament oath of allegiance and the election of the speaker and deputy speaker.

The Prime Minister elected added that his Government for National Unity and Transformation has already begun work on its policy and 100 days program which will be unveiled soon.

“There are also a number of legislations that are ready to come before parliament. These include the value added tax bill, space economic zone bill, mineral resources bill, forestry bill and others.

“Cabinet will meet and decide on the priority legislations and policy programs for 2024 which include whether we need to revised the 2024 Budget or not,” Mr Manele said.

Mr Manele is the Honourable Member of Parliament for Hograno Kia Havulei and the first MP from Isabel Province to be elected Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.

“This is indeed a historic moment for my people of Isabel Province to have one of their sons as a Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.

“I will discharge my duties diligently and with integrity. I will at all times put the interest of the people and country above all other interests,” the Prime Minister elect said.

Almighty God, Loving God, Free West Papua

Almighty God, 

Our Redeemer and Saviour of the world, Our Creator and Source of Life, Love and Peace;

We come before you on this special day as we witness another year of commemoration day for the people of West Papua. 

Loving God, 

as we gather here, miles away from our brothers and sisters in the islands of Papua and in particular, West Papua, we confess the sins of humankind, the greed, the violence, the victimization, the power hunger, throughout history. 

As humans, it is difficult for us to forgive those who cause hurt, pain and suffering. But as your children, we humbly ask Your forgiveness upon us all – humankind; for perpetrators of violence and inhumane acts, for perpetrators of prejudice and injustice. 

We also ask Your forgiveness upon each one of us who may not feel directly affected by the situation, but continue to be arrogant, blind and deaf to the injustices in our Pasefika region. Lord have mercy on us, your children. 

Loving God,

as we commemorate this day, with all the history and pain it has brought about, for some it may be a day to remember victory, while to many, a day of pain.

We can only give You thanks and praise for all Your blessings and for helping your people through all the challenges, trials and tribulations they have faced over the years and continue to face today as they strive for self determination.

We give you thanks for those gone before us. 

We give you thanks for the many rich natural resources that West Papua has to offer. And we give you thanks for the people who continue to be resilient, strong and courageous in all they endure. 

We give You thanks for those today who continue to be the prophetic voice in your lands. We give you thanks for the work of the Pacific Conference of Churches, the Pacific Network on Globalization, and many others, known and unknown to us, who through their acts of service, continues to be a pillar of hope to our people of West Papua. 

Loving God, 

You are familiar with suffering and the pain of your children doesn't escape your gaze of compassion.

We ask for you to set people free in West Papua. We pray for the ones who have been oppressed and in fear for so long. We pray for those in power, who are giving the orders for violence out of greed or fear of scarcity, or prejudice.

May your kingdom of justice, peace, joy and forgiveness transform the situation. Bring courage and peace to those in the independence movement. Please bring your healing and your making things right and new.

We make this our humble prayer which we ask and plead in the name of God the Father, Christ His Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

[Prayer for The West Papua Annexation Day]

Pereifalo Family Opposes Shutdown of Santo Hydro Power Project

By Doddy Morris 1 hr ago

The Pereifalo family in Santo, on whose land the Hydro Power project was established, voiced their disagreement with the closure of the project last week, stating that it was a crooked practice by those responsible.

On April 26, 2024, the ten landowners of the water sources connecting to the main river, Sarakata River, which powers the Hydro Power project, closed the canal of the Hydro power. They stated that the closure followed discussions with the Government regarding compensation, but no action has been taken.

However, on Tuesday this week, the Pereifalo family provided a statement regarding the issue through one of their family members, Obed Perei, clarifying their disagreement and urging the Government not to compensate them since the Hydro Power Project has not damaged any of their environment.

“We, the Pereifalo family, where the Santo Hydro Power is located, thought that the group of individuals who claimed they are the landowners of the 10 streams that connect to the main river should not close the Hydro power.

“We have been declared as true Custom owners and we are the ones who obtained the green certificate on the land that the Hydro Power is located on. Such practice is referred to as trespassing on our area since the court have not given them any right on our land.

“The purpose of the grouping seeking compensation from the Government is that they only want to take money from the Government,” the Pereifalo family stated.

They go on to state that therefore, the Government should not compensate them, since the Hydro project has not damage any of their environment in their claimed stream and land, unless the court certified that they are the real land owners of the source of water that came out from their land.

“We want to make it clear that the ten streams these individuals are claiming as their water source are miles away from the actual location of the hydro power project.

“Instead of addressing their concerns at the correct site, they have come to the hydro power project's location, which is in a different area, and are demanding its closure while demanding compensation from the government. We view this as a dishonest practice,” they concluded in their statement.

The Pereifalo family is currently in Port Vila to have discussions with the Minister responsible for the Hydro Power project to compensate them.

doddy@dailypost.vu

Many Ni-Vanuatu workers in Australian prisons: Minister

Minister of Internal Affairs, Johnny Koanapo, has revealed that many Ni-Vanuatu citizens are currently in prisons in Australia for a wide range of offences, varying from what he described as “very serious” crimes to minor offences.

He made this revelation during a press conference this week.

Koanapo said that he became aware of this situation during his recent visit to Australia when he met with a Brazilian lawyer who is offering “pro bono” or free legal services to Ni-Vanuatu workers.

He stated that the lawyer is currently handling around 30 cases, which vary from very serious offences to minor ones.

The minister added that a lot of Ni-Vanuatu workers have faced many challenges. He admitted that when individuals leave Vanuatu to join the labour mobility program, they do not get briefed on the kinds of offences, for instance, some that are deemed okay in Vanuatu but considered offences under Australian law.

He explained that this is a main reason why many Vanuatu citizens end up in Australian jails.

He wants to see that this information are relayed to the workers during their pre-departure briefing.

Koanapo mentioned that some of them are serving lengthy prison terms due to the longer sentences they have received.

“Some of our citizens commit offences while under the influence of alcohol, and these offences were beyond what I can imagine,” the minister admitted.

According to him, the number of rape cases in Australia has also increased.

The Labour Minister said because of these issues, he wants to improve the governance system for labour mobility recruitment in these areas, ensuring that all individuals go through a single channel.

This approach would enable the government to monitor their departures and arrivals closely, ensuring that citizens that travel out to work are able to return home.

While Australia continues to enforce its laws, the Vanuatu government also has the responsibility of ensuring that Ni-Vanuatu individuals traveling there do not end up in prison. They should focus on their goals and return home.

In addressing these concerns, Minister Koanapo mentioned plans to send a team, possibly including the Minister’s First Political Advisor, a representative from the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and a Labour representative, to Australia soon regarding the apprentice program proposed for implementation in Vanuatu

He also mentioned the a policy paper on the labour mobility issues, jointly signed by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and himself, to be presented before the Council of Ministers, hopefully, today. Once the paper is being tabled, they aim to work the resolution of these issues outlined in the paper.

When asked to provide the exact number of Ni-Vanuatu citizens imprisoned in Australia, Minister Koanapo said the exact figure remains “unclear” to the Department of Labour, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and even the agents involved.

Koanapo clarified that currently the Labour Department oversees the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, while agents are recruiting without restriction.

He acknowledged the absence of a system wherein the names of recruited workers are registered, preventing the government from accurately tracking the number of individuals traveling to Australia for work. He noted the need for such a system to enable the government to control skilled migration effectively, so that it would know citizens that are leaving and returning back to the country.

The Minister of Internal Affairs stressed that it is his intention to review the current system used by agents by mid-year, aiming to ensure that agents are aware when workers encounter issues or go to jail

Koanapo stated that during his recent trip to Australia, he enquired with workers about their communication with agents, and they reported instances where agents did not respond or turned off their phones.

There are also some agents that demanded extra money from workers upon their return to Vanuatu.

Minister Koanapo noted the need to coordinate efforts to prevent agents from exploiting workers and take additional payments from them.

glenda@dailypost.vu

BARBARIC CRIME MUST BE CURBED

The Shadow Minister for Police Johnson Wapunai has urged RPNGC Commissioner David Manning to seriously undertake barbaric crime in PNG and bring to justice those responsible.

Mr Wapunai made this call after numerous barbaric crime being committed in various parts of the country continued to be posted on social media outlets. There is no follow-ups or certainly if police are actively investigating or prosecuting those alleged to be involved in the barbaric crime.

Mr Wapunai said: "Just in the past week, an unverified video of three women being tortured and brutally assaulted by a pack of people somewhere in the Upper Highlands was circulated widely online.

Additionally, another video of a man being slashed, cut and hogtied, with men indicated on the video indicated that they must have burned the victim alive.

These barbaric acts against fellow human beings should be condemned and prosecuted to demonstrate that this country does not tolerate this obscene behaviour.

"Regardless of whatever nature of crime being committed, appropriate authorities should step in as soon as possible to establish law and order, and bring to justice those who are alleged to have committed the crime. Sad to emphasise that it is not happening this way in PNG.

"This country is currently over-taken by deadly cycles of manslaughter, rape, touture and barbaric acts, which has led to relatives, friends and families taking the matter in to their own hands for payback. The cycle continues to date because appropriate authorities do nothing but standby and look.

"I call on police commissioner to seriously address this law and order issues before it spiralled to next level.

Mr Wapunai also questioned the police hierarchies about the investigations into the Enga Massacres and many other killings, torture and rapes that have occurred in recent times.

"Part of the reason why many people are comfortably recording atrocious crimes and barbaric acts is because authorities are not dealing with the perpetrators and bystanders severely with harsh punishment.

"Any individual involved in tribal fights needs to be identified, prosecuted and sent to jail. We cannot have tribal war veterans and murderers walking our streets freely.

Mr Wapunai said week after week and month after month, social media in PNG is folded with videos of torture, killing, stabbing, rape and other gruesome videos, yet nothing aggressive is done by the authorities.

Hon. Wapunai stressed that people of PNG should wake up from slumber and demand justice for all.

"Where is our country heading to? It is obvious that our Prime Minister and his Police Minister are not at all have genuine concern for our people and their rights. The government should be protecting its citizens by all means and at all costs.

APPROVED FOR RELEASE:

HON. JOHNSON WAPUNAI

SHADOW MINISTER FOR POLICE

Referendum App to be launched tomorrow

The Vois Blong Yumi network, which comes under Movement Red, wants to support the government through the National Referendum Communications Committee by ensuring that information about the upcoming referendum reaches as many people as possible.

To achieve this, they have created a mobile application or app that will feature all the necessary information.

Vois Blong Yumi Spokesperson, Mike Esrom and Jerry Lini

By Glenda Willie

The spokesperson for the Vois Blong Yumi network, Mike Esrom, confirmed that this App will be launched tomorrow.

He explained that all a person needs to do is download the app. Once they click on it, they will be able to access all the information conveyed through statements, videos, analysis, and photos regarding the proposed amendments and referendum.

An advantage of this app is that even if a person is in an area without Internet coverage, they can still access the information.

With just 33 days remaining until polling day, Mr. Esrom stressed that since almost everyone, even in the islands, has a mobile phone, this app can efficiently spread information.

glenda@dailypost.vu

Vanuatu and Russia reaffirm diplomatic ties after 37 years

Vanuatu and Russia have reaffirmed their diplomatic ties after more than three decades. 

President Nikenike Vurobaravu stated that diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Vanuatu were first established on June 30, 1987.

The presence of the Russian Ambassador, Dr Alexey Pavlovsky, at the State House yesterday morning to present his credentials testified to the commitment of both countries to advancing strong diplomatic ties.

He shared that the relationship between Vanuatu and the Russian Federation holds great potential for cooperation and collaboration across various fields. 

“As we stand at the dawn of a new era, it is imperative that we seize the opportunities presented to us to deepen our partnership for the mutual benefit of our people,” President Vurobaravu said.

“Vanuatu and Russia share a commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the global community.”

Through dialogue, understanding, and respect for each other's sovereignty, both countries can work together to address common challenges and pursue shared goals on the international stage.

“The Republic of Vanuatu values the friendship and support of the Russian Federation and is looking forward to exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, education, culture, and technology,” he added. “By leveraging our respective strengths and resources, we can create new opportunities for economic growth and development that will benefit our citizens and contribute to the advancement of our societies.”

The Head of State noted that Vanuatu recognises the importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening the bonds of friendship between nations

The Russian Federation’s Ambassador based in Australia, Dr Pavlovsky, conveyed his honour and pleasure to visit Vanuatu, meet the President, and present his credentials. He mentioned their anticipation to work with Vanuatu in reaffirming the partnership between Vanuatu and Russia. Ambassador Pavlovsky noted the lesser-known culture of Vanuatu in Russia and expressed interest in introducing Vanuatu arts and culture to Russia.

President Nikenike affirmed his confidence that Dr Pavlovsky’s presence in Vanuatu will catalyse greater interaction and understanding between the people of Vanuatu and Russia, hoping that the visit will deepen the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. 

“May this occasion mark the beginning of a new chapter in our bilateral relations, characterised by mutual respect, trust, and prosperity,” he said. 

Ambassador Pavlovsky arrived in Vanuatu on Tuesday this week. He will make several visits in Port Vila, including to the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, before returning to Australia, where he is based. 

He assumed his office as the Russian Federation Ambassador there in 2019, marking five years in this office this year. Ambassador Pavlovsky oversees five countries in the Pacific: Australia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Nauru, and Tuvalu. After presenting credentials to the President yesterday, the Russian representative is eager to strengthen Russia’s partnership with Vanuatu.

ezra@dailypost.vu

USA VS PNG RELATIONSHIP

It's good that the powerful country on earth has respected a tiny island nation like PNG in the way it did. 

This is a great achievement for our country and a little bit of respect towards our citizens after what happened when Mr. Biden labeled us as cannibals.

Even though the president has not issued an official apology to date, this improvement in the regulation of visa is a significant upgrade in their foreign policy position towards us.

I think they have now realized how a bad and ruptured relation with PNG would be like for them in their quest for geopolitical hegemony in the region.

The good president's unwise action towards the most strategic country in the Indo-Pacific would do more harm than good; and the potential ripple effect it would have caused in its brand name as a champion advocate for acceptance, tolerance, peace, and democracy; and its leadership as the number one world supper power. 

The PNG government must now put its feet down and try to reconsider its own foreign policy assertion towards the US and the West.

This situation, on the other hand, is good for PNG. It creates a leverage for us when it comes to negotiation. 

We have the bargaining power due to that infamous "Biden slur." The US Embasy here in Port Moresby has not wasted time. The protest would paint a very negative picture of the US in the greater Pacific, and it would be very catastrophic for the West.

It is clearly inferred here from their press release being circulated and posted on their website that they wanted to make up for what Biden has done to our country. 

They indirectly acknowledged it even though they can not issue an apology on behalf of their president.

 In that way, they wanted to dilute the tension that was already brewing up here in the streets of Port Moresby for a possible protest.

The PM should be advised that he ought to know he's in an advantageous position to ask the US and the West to do something more than they have done to us.

O'Neill failed the Manus Asylum deal in 2013 because he didn't get anything tangible in return for PNG. 

Australia was at a very disadvantaged position due to internal political pressure from Australian citizens to vote out the government had they not kept the refugees out of Australian shores. 

So, the Australian government was forced to resettle the boat people in a third-party country, defying the wish of the refugees to resettle in Australia.

If the PM was then properly advised, he would have bargained for something more since Australia had no option. 

He would ask to seal the Highlands Highway from Lae City all the way to Kopiago in Hela Province, for instance.

May be he got a personal handshake under the table, we don't know.

But if it was because of ill-advice, it is definitely a win for PMJM now if he could negotiate for the same infrastructure development of Highlands Highway. 

It is a sad scenario that we do not get the end of our bargain when we are on the diplomatic negotiation table. We have given them way too much leeway. 

The US defense pact given on a golden platter without asking them in return something tangible is a big concern, for example. 

They have now realized their flaws, particularly when our citizens threatened for a protest. Do you know what that would trigger for the Pacific? It would have been catastrophic. 

It's an insult to all our black people. It's very degrading coming from the world's powerful leader. Our fellow Pacific Island people would certainly buy into it. They aren't happy at the moment, and they sympathize with us.

It's one of those mistakes a living president would have done without properly giving himslelf much thought on the values the powerful country was built upon in the first place, so to speak.

Jen Biden's Uncle Eaten By Cannibals in New Guinea in WWII ?

US President Joe Biden claims that his uncle, 2nd Lieutenant Ambrose J Finnegan was eaten by 'cannibals' in Papua New Guinea (PNG) during World War 2.

MSNBC reported that Mr. Biden made the statement during a campaign stop in Pittsburgh, making a clear distinction between his family's military service and Donald Trump's reported criticisms of military members, as detailed in The Atlantic in 2020.

The statement has sparked debate about the appropriateness of using the word "cannibal" and its potential impact on U.S. reputation in the Pacific region, especially amid efforts to strengthen relationships with Pacific island economies amidst rising Chinese influence in geopolitics.

According to The Telegraph, Mr. Biden stated;

“He flew single-engine planes, reconnaissance flights over New Guinea,” Mr. Biden said of his maternal uncle, 2nd Lieutenant Ambrose J Finnegan.

“He had volunteered because someone couldn’t make it. He got shot down in an area where there were a lot of cannibals in New Guinea at the time.

“They never recovered his body. But the government went back, when I went down there, and they checked and found some parts of the plane and the like.”

But The Telegraph again revealed that official war records dispute all of Mr. Biden’s assertions about his uncle’s fate during the flight on May 14, 1944. Lt Finnegan was not flying the plane, nor was it shot down.

Firstly, it's crucial to note that Mr. Biden's comment was made in the context of a personal story about his family history. But Mr. Biden is well known for telling exaggerated stories. He once said his house got burnt down and that he got arrested trying to see Nelson Mandela in jail.

However, the use of the term "cannibal" carries historical and cultural weight, particularly in PNG and other Pacific islands.

Historically, Western explorers and colonizers often depicted indigenous peoples as "savages" or "cannibals," perpetuating harmful stereotypes and contributing to the marginalization of these communities.

The Pacific island economies have diverse cultural backgrounds and histories, and they value respect and sensitivity in diplomatic interactions.

The use of a term like "cannibal" by a U.S. President, even in a personal anecdote, can be perceived as culturally insensitive and may undermine efforts to build trust and positive relations.

Moreover, the timing of such statements is critical. As the US seeks to strengthen its engagement with Pacific island nations in the face of increasing Chinese influence, every word and action is scrutinized.

China has been actively expanding its presence in the region through infrastructure projects, economic partnerships, and diplomatic initiatives. In contrast, the U.S. has been working to reassert its commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Pacific islands, as part of its strategic efforts to maintain a balance of power.