THE K8 billion budget recently passed by Parliament is evidence of a healthy economy but the benefits are not reaching the large majority in the rural areas, archbishop of Port Moresby Sir Brian Barnes said in a statement yesterday.
Sir Brian said the Government may have the good intention of empowering the people with the allocation of K10 million to each district next year, but experience had shown that this might not work.
“The K10 million is a lot of money. Will each district have the capacity not only to use it effectively, but in the space of one year, to just use it?” he asked.
He paid tribute to the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee of performing extremely well in uncovering corrupt practices in many of the Government bodies.
Sir Brian also commented on other issues in the country such as violence against women, competitions in the communication industry, the recent disasters in both Oro and Milne Bay provinces, and the elections this year.
“Although the elections this year overall were successful, it was disappointing to see only one woman elected,” he said, adding that in order to correct gender imbalance in Parliament, the Government would do well to use the option of nominating se-veral women members of Parliament.
“Whilst trying to find solutions to our individual problems, we need to give thanks for the gift of life itself and thus reflect on the fact that our being here is part of God’s plan for each of us.
“The coming of Christ to our world is an important part of that plan, as is the gift of faith which helps us to be clear about what Christ means for us,” he said wishing everyone the blessings of joy and peace this Christmas.