Work in unity for a better PNG

IT is projected by the World Bank that PNG’s GDP will fall to about 3 per cent by the end of the year.
It may be lower that due to the effects of the Covid-19.
We have experienced significant growth in the last five years compared to other Pacific nations.
Our economy was doing well – the former government borrowed and funded tangible projects (sealed roads, upgraded hospital, new and renovated government offices, bridges, world-class sporting facilities, etc).
One can argue that these projects costs were inflated but the main thing is that we are seeing the benefits.
Some of the benefits worth mentioning are the reduction in traffic in Port Moresby, increased in number of students attending class, our athletes are doing well in sports (second placed in the last Pacific Games) and we are hosting international sporting events.
Currently, we are experiencing reduction in the economic activity.
The slogans “Take back PNG”, “Make PNG the richest black nation” and “Leave no child behind” are too vague.
We cannot use these slogan as a goal or pillar to achieve our Vision 2050.
Not sure who we are taking PNG back from because most of the ministers, including the PM, were part of the former Government.
The former government’s goals were simple and easy to work with – free education and free healthcare.
Again, we saw a lot of projects during the former government’s term which increased employment opportunities for our youth (mostly unskilled labour who took part in the construction of roads and buildings).
But now we are experiencing high crime rates because these youths are now unemployed.
The best thing that the current Government should do is learn from what previous governments have done and avoid their mistakes.
Build on what is good and make it better.
True leaders do not criticise other leaders, they put their differences aside to build the nation.
Let’s not let Waigani politics affect our children, the majority of who are in the rural areas.
The current Government have come up with good initiatives but they need to see these initiatives to the end – Help for tertiary students, super fund relief for those without jobs due to the Covid-19, funds for SMEs etc.
Action it before saying it – action speaks louder than words.
Can the Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister James Marape, stop criticising other leaders, put aside their differences and work together to build our nation.
Build on the good and leave the bad out.
At the end of the day, we are one people, one nation, one country.
God bless PNG.

Zuguru – Bena Bridge