Award those who give their time
The National, Thursday 18th April 2013
I DISAGREE with your editorial suggesting Papua New Guineans working abroad should be considered for our national awards.
I do not know the criteria but logic tells me that
it is a PNG-based award and, as such, those who have had direct impact on a cross-section of Papua New Guineans should be recognised.
It is for the people, regardless of their pay le-vel, who give a large part of their time to serve the country.
Expatriate Papua New Guineans do contribute to our development in some ways but it would be difficult to quantify their input.
The argument to use them as role models is a good one but, again, how do we quantify that?
There are many variables which need to be considered.
For example, Marcus Bai was considered a role model when he was playing for Melbourne Storm 10 years ago.
How many Papua New Guineans are now play-ing in the NRL?
I believe none of the current crop of PNG
players in the NRL have parents who live in a vil-lage like Bai’s parents in Ulamona, Bialla.
For now, let the awards be bestowed on people who give their time to serve PNG.
I suggest setting up a different award system for PNG expatriates helping the country or bringing in foreign remittance, as they are also national assets.
Kindin
Queensland