Remove primitive mentality

FOR far too long Papua New Guinea’s development has been held at ransom due to this chronic predicament that has long destroyed the fabric of our communities, public institutions and has spilt into our schools and tertiary institutions. As a former UPNG student, I have witnessed my fair share of clashes between different ethnic groups, most of which stem from trivial arguments that could have been solved amicably instead of someone having to lose a limb or their life in the process.  Yet, we call ourselves intellectuals. This is the 21st century we live in and it’s about time we did away with such primitive behav-iour. I firmly believe that once we eradicate the idea or notion of ethnicity and see ourselves as proud Papua New Guineans, then and only then will our county move forward.

– Samuel Kajoi, Papua New Guinea