Land of the unexpected – The National

PAPUA New Guinea is unique, wonderful and incredible.
Not only are we full of nature’s abundant resources, pristine environment, tranquil seas and pure fresh air, we also have great inhabitants with over 800 local dialects, customs and characteristics.
Here are some of the traits and characteristics of our people and leaders who make us different and stand out.

The only place on earth where politicians, top officials, ambassadors, local leaders and businessmen are obsessed with titles and like to keep them even after being ousted or finished from office. They also nominate themselves for superficial and outdated titles associated with our colonial past;
Where every MP uses DSIP/PSIP excuse to join the Government of the day, even though heavily criticising them during election periods;
Where Parliament back benchers remain in Port Moresby for five years when that is absolutely unnecessary. The physical presence of members is desperately needed in the electorates to kick start development projects and policies for their people;
Where paid journalists are expected to cover and embellish stories of their political sponsors;
Where big companies want to deal only with the Goverment and looks at the Opposition as a plague or pests;
Where failures and dummies are appointed to top Government positions, thus overlooking well qualified individuals;
Where pastors and clergy in the capital like to associate with Government of the day and pray for their wellbeing and wisdom to enhance their talents to plunder more public funds;
Where politicians like and are in love with the words ‘donated by’;
Where lawyers collude with politicians to steal peoples’ money by overcharging, clearing crooked deals, selling and misappropriating government properties and sending it in dribs-and-drabs overseas;
Where politicians and lawyers like to give ill-gotten money to churches, women’s groups and constituents with all trumpets blowing;
Where wives and children of politicians feel that they need to be respected and held high by people;
Where politicians and top bureaucrats are dedicated to black hair dye to camouflage greying hairs, put heavy gold neck chains and fake gold rings on chubby fingers;
Where the politicians of the nation’s capital are obsessed with seeing their image on billboards, banners, health cards and exercise books, as if looking in the mirror at home is not enough;
Where foreigners can get Government contracts without registering with the IPA. Bonus contracts and awards for willing female foreigners who also want to offer extra services in the hospitality industry;
Where rugby league players remain at 22 years of age forever;
Where the rugby union coach gives excuses for an international game loss as “stepping stone” for another upcoming international game;
Where Christians attack each other about the right day of worship while the Jews, Muslems and the other 2000 plus religions don’t care if we exist or not;
Where we are brainwashed to believe that we are the “long lost tribe of Israel”;
Where the Government thinks that West Papuans are from Jupiter or Mars and not fellow Melanesians; and
Where the police can shoot criminals for stealing while hiding politicians, lawyers and top Government officials for doing the same thing.
The list is endless and unbelievable and is unique only to PNG.

Jarra Kawage
Kundiawa, Chimbu