Creating jobs is next challenge

A SENIOR bureaucrat in Waigani, who is well past the retirement age, is allegedly refusing to vacate office and give way to a younger successor.
The 70-year-old man, who has spent more than half his lifetime in the government service, is determined to hang on because he believes he still has much more to do.
His dedication is commendable but his eagerness to remain in office highlights a major obstacle to succession planning by government departments and agencies.
Our young graduates from universities and colleges have high hopes of securing employment with the government but the public service, which is the largest employer in this country, does not seem to be in a hurry to cater for this ambitious and highly motivated group of people.
The public service retirement age is currently 55 years but it is understood there are many bureaucrats who have crossed that threshold and are still gainfully employed by the government.
In the case of the senior bureaucrat, his reluctance to leave his current comfort zone could be the result of his fear of what the future holds.
Or it may be because of the absence of a well-structured pathway that beckons him to make that jump.
Indeed, it would be wise of the Government to create this pathway for retired public servants, which would enable them to continue making useful contributions to the nation, through private enterprise.
While it is understandable that not all retired public servants will want to pursue private enterprise, there is a need to offer opportunities to those few who are business-minded and want to become their own bosses after years of working for others.
The development of small to medium enterprise is a key government objective, which will, among others, help to alleviate the unemployment problem in Papua New Guinea.
Unemployment is a major problem in this country and can be likened to a time-bomb waiting to explode.
It will get worse if the Government does not offer employment creation opportunities for more of our citizens.
At present, our cities and towns are littered with unemployed youth and older people.
They may be the victims of their own circumstances but they need to be given opportunities to secure self-employment or paid employment.
The O’Neill Government’s free education policy is a wonderful initiative and a blessing for ordinary Papua New Guineans. Parents no longer have to worry about giving their children decent education up to Grade 12 because that is now the Government’s responsibility. 
But before we start thumping our chests over what a great idea tuition free education is, we need to be aware of its consequences or implications. 
The most positive consequence of this policy is that a well-educated population will ensure the country grows and develops in meaningful and beneficial ways.  The negative consequences must be avoided.
There will be more children leaving school who are better educated but the percentage that makes it to tertiary institutions, including universities, will swindle as there will not be enough places to accommodate them all.
Even if all or most of our children were able to earn university degrees, where do they go from there?
Finding and creating jobs for these new graduates will be a real challenge for any future government. We therefore applaud Trade and Industry Minister Richard Maru, who has been spearheading initiatives to increase the capacity of Papua new Guineans to venture into the small to medium enterprise.
As far-sighted as he has been with the National Development Bank, the former chief executive officer-cum-politician has ensured the NDB is cashed up through the budget to enable aspiring Papua New Guineans to venture into new businesses and expand current ones.
Maru’s initiatives will instil business confidence in our people as well as grow and nurture a strong financial savings culture.
A well-educated and business-minded population is vital growth and prosperity as PNG moves ahead in these challenging times.