Provincial autonomy

Letters

THE issue on provincial autonomy is confusing to me as a student and a young Papua New Guinean.
In the Weekender edition of this newspaper on Friday (March 23), the cover story was about New Ireland calling for autonomous status from PNG.
Our forefathers fought hard to gain independence from Australia so that we could be united under one banner as the nation of PNG some 42 years ago.
Now some provinces who view themselves as rich and wealthy than others decide that they should be separated from the rest of PNG.
The questions that I now put forward is: What does this mean for all the other provinces?
Does this also mean that all the 22 provinces in PNG can gain autonomy?
If so, how much autonomy should they get in terms of wealth management and administration?
Will the autonomous regions/provinces work toward sharing resources and financial benefits?
Will the autonomous government system be financially feasible or will it create more costs and unnecessary job positions for public servants?
Can someone responsible please clarify this issue because once New Ireland is granted autonomous status, all the other provinces will be lining up to get autonomy for themselves.

John Mavi Jr
Student
Unitech

2 comments

  • In the past we faced many problems in terms of financial, our resources and others in self-government with Autonomous Region of Bouginvill (ARB). Up till now, we are still on rescuing our country. As a student of unversity of Goroka I strongly suggest that PROVINCAL AUTONOMY as to stop.

  • “Separated” is an overstatement. Getting autonomy doesn’t really mean being separated from the country, it simply means the provincial government would have more power over the resources and strategical planning of the province without external influences or pressure. The parliament is still the head but provincial governments will have the greater say in what’s best for the provinces

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