So rich and yet so poor

APEC is here and I wonder what the agenda is.
It is an important meeting for the country and the Asia-Pacific region.
It is indeed historic for the country to convene such a high-powered meeting which many Papua New Guineans are proud of.
Many important economic issues will be discussed, with the aim of expanding our economy domestically and abroad for the benefit of the country and its people.
In saying that, I have a suggestion that I want to raise with the hope that a national leader participating in the important discussions this weekend can take note of.
The Government should put every Papua New Guinea citizen on national Government pay system.
There is no reason I can find to see why our Government cannot do that. We are literally blessed with rich natural resources in the land, on the land, in the water, on the seabed and even in the air.
Our people are suffering, maybe not all, but certainly the majority of us.
Where is the money from these resources being squandered?
Our people in the rural and remotest corners of the country do not know what is happening in the towns and cities. They care little about the Government because the Government does not care about them.
They are living innocent lives in harmony with nature and the environment from which they get their sustenance. Sometimes they are visited by people who wish to exploit their natural resources and when they finally do, give little, if any, consideration for the owners of the resources.
Once the resources have been depleted, the extractors leave as happy partners with the Government, while local people have all the damages in the environment to worry and complain about. Very sad!
In the towns and cities, the majority are on their toes every day looking for ways to make ends meet. You name it, informal roadside betel nut vending, firewood vending, selling of 50t greens at the markets, ice water on the streets, pick-pocketing, prostitution – all just to see each day off.
Should our people be living like this for the rest of their lives? Should their off-springs follow in the same path?
Why, oh why in PNG, a nation so rich in resources? I am penning this piece for the attention of the bigmen in our Parliament House to consider our plight. Seriously we are going downhill.
At least in this very important meeting, our leaders should consider raising an agenda to discuss a Government pension for all citizen of PNG. Please do not sink the idea at Ela Beach and watch it wash away.
We the silent majority are suffering in all corners of the country.

Gabriel
A former Didiman – POM