“THE Government has removed our uniforms but it has not removed our combat skills and techniques. We are prepared to do anything to make the Government regret its ignorance.”
This threat was issued by a Highlands ex-serviceman president last December.
“Our official position is that we have done our part and paid all the entitlements belonging to the ex-servicemen. The money is not with Defence anymore.”
With that the statement, the door was shut by Col Paul Mai, chief of PNGDF personnel last May but in all likelihood, it was in reference to those soldiers displaced after 1989.
“I certify that the plaintiffs’ appointed representatives Jack Wagambie (now deceased) and Joseph Kupo of Moresby on the 26th day of November 1990 did obtain a judgment of the National Court in their favour and that by that such judgment the total sum of K9,975,600 was awarded to their 188 plaintiffs, while judgment was also entered for such other plaintiffs as assessed and now assessed to be 782 plaintiffs in the amount of an exgratia sum totalling K32,136,560.99 is now also awarded to them.” - This confirmation came from Francis Kuvi, acting Solicitor-General on Oct 20, 2004, on Form 1 (Claims By and Against the State Act).
The origin of this order comes from a decision by Judge Brown in October 1989 and confirmed a year later in 1990. In 1993, cabinet reaffirmed the court decision with its decision no. 129/93, meeting No: 44/93 entitled: Retrenchment payments to ex-servicemen by virtue of Court Order No 58 dated Nov 26, 1990.
On Aug 11, 1993, NEC authorised retrenchment payments to be made to the 188 claimants; directed the Department of Defence to conduct the audit and process the retrenchment payment to eligible ex-servicemen; and, directed the Department of Defence to formulate a retrenchment policy for Defence Force servicemen in consultation with the Department of Personnel Management.
Decision has confirmed decisions year in and year out and yet, the wait has been interminable for many. Well over 100 and by some count, 200 may have died without receiving just rewards due them by right.
Far too many frustrated ex-servicemen have given up completely on receiving any benefits while others are threatening to engage in violence and instability. Yet others have completely lost total confidence in the ability of Government and governance.
Ben Bomai, regimental No 84847 of Kup in the Western Highlands, served 15 years before he was discharged in March 1985. The aircraft engineer had this to say: “We joined the force in the days of “Yes, Sir.” We did not fail our country but the Government has failed us completely.
“Many millions are spent on themselves. We read about it in the newspapers but they can not pay what they owe us. I do not know if all governments do this but I can say that our Government has completely forgotten the people. We have lost confidence in it.”
Capt Samuel Sirifave, 54, Reg. No 86368 of Openga village in Asaro, EHP was discharged on July 31, 1983.
He says: “I survived by pushing wheelbarrows on the streets of Port Moresby, selling bottles, store goods and anything people would buy. If you know Capt Aba Bina, he is another one who has done the same. He is called Mr S**t because of what he sold.
“I have spent well over K10,000 on this case to get some of the money owed me. I have not received a toea yet. I believe the Defence Force hierarchy is responsible. It claimed that there was no such order to pay the ex-servicemen so they transferred the court order to the Department of Personnel Management.
“The DPM knew these were ex-servicemen so they transferred the responsibility back to Defence. A state of confusion occurred which caused the delays. Even now, I find it hard to understand that the Defence Force has never accepted responsibility.”
Joe Kupo, Reg. No. 88258, holding the rank of corporal and acting sergeant in the PNGDF Intelligence Unit, hails from Gumine, Simbu province. He was named in court documents as one of the two men representing the soldiers.
Over the years, he has been branded a conman and all manner of names but he refuses to give up. His wife and sons have already deserted him. He has managed to beg, borrow and sell betelnuts to fend for himself and to pay for his way around the various lawyer’s offices and Government offices.
“I am sick to death of what is happening. I am so angry and recently when my high school daughter was taken away by a man, I could have killed him but I have survived his long by being patient. I have to be patient but how many others can be patient. How many children can be patient when their parents are dying off without receiving their just rewards. I ask you. Where is the fairness in this system.”
Gabriel Tamgoi, 55, Reg. No 83717, spent 16 years in the force before his discharge orders in August 1983. He is waiting now for his ex-gracia payment as ordered by the court so he can retire to his native Tavuiliu village near Rabaul, Gazelle. He has no job and he lives off the good graces of his son-in-law and daughter in Port Moresby.
“I am waiting to go home. Mipela olgeta, krai bilong mipela I pundaun long deaf ears. Somare has said before that we will get our money but tok bilong Somare tu paia nating. This has not happened. Mipela wet iet.”
And there are hundreds more out there who might have minced their words. Anger and frustration lies very close to the surface.