Nasfund boss Mitchell’s observations spot-on

I FIND your report of the 10th annual ethics symposium at Divine Word University constructive, especially the comments by Nasfund’s Rod Mitchell.
In fact, his bold statements as reported on Sept 9 are spot on for many of us – ordinary and simple Papua New Guineans.
Indeed, this beautiful country seems to be held at ransom by a small minority of elites, especially within the political and administrative core of this country.
We are being led to self-destruction than to prosperity.
As we are preparing to celebrate our 35 years of independence, we need to take stock of how, individually, family, village, ward, LLG, district, province and nation have thus far.
We need to assess our development over time and see whether we have made any progress in our living standards.
From general observation and statistics from both global and national organisations, PNG has not fared well in many socio-economic indicators since independence.
We continue to witness a breakdown in law and order, increase in HIV/AIDS, alarming increases in our annual school dropouts, increase in settlements and settlement-related violence, poor medical facilities in our hospitals and closure of most rural aid posts.
This is a result of corruption, poor leadership and zero commitment from past governments.
Without question, the Nasfund CEO is right to say the blame should fall on our political and administrative elites for not dealing with widespread corruption.
It is sad to note that many of these people, politicians and senior bureaucrats, have sent their children and families to study and live overseas, especially in Australia, where life is much better.
This means they have lost trust and confidence in their own country.

Franco Wawen
Via email