Address issues more important to our lives

 THERE is so much anger and resentment expressed on the decision to rid the parliament of traditional masks, yet no such similar sentiments were expressed by the people, academics, MPs, media and certain churches on the erosion of PNG culture at the village and community level where it matters most. 

It sounds illogical and above all hypocritical for us  to  pass a blind eye on cultural erosion at the village and community level but make loud noises when carvings are removed from the parliament, which is rather remote and has little bearing on our everyday conduct with respect to our morale and traditional cultural values and norms.

I  noted  a general consensus by Papua New Guineans for doing away with  OBE  and  hence  learning of local languages in preference for English. 

Unlike masks, language is the essence of our lives, cultures and traditions and is the most distinguishing feature that made PNG unique. 

Yet sadly, the decision by Peter O’Neill to get rid of OBE and advocated English instead to be learned only by our children seem to have been accepted and praised as a right decision by Papua New Guineans. 

It is sad to admit that the true PNG cultural values and norms of respect, honesty, equity, sharing, caring, loving and helping out strangers with food, shelter and clothing when in need, have significantly diminished over the years. 

We have allowed outside influences of greed and pride to take over our reasoning and ethics to an extent that PNG is branded as one of the most lawless, corrupt and failed state in the world. 

Despite our blessed riches, countless still suffer and are living below dire poverty levels and yet we pride ourselves by saying we are ok. 

Let us address and make loud noises on much weightier matters that concern our lives and livelihoods. 

Robert Lutulele

Brisbane