Stop wasting funds on sports

IT is the 21st Century and yet, our leaders are seemingly blindfolded.
In recent years, most of the Government revenues have been spared on sports for a few minorities.
Papua New Guinea even has a sports portfolio, accompanied by a minister.
The nation’s budget is purposely allocated to facilitate its operations, just as any other important ministry portfolios.
Often times, it is observed that much of the State’s returns are exhausted to develop youths through sports as well as establishing several stadiums instead of hospitals, schools and other enabling environment where people can partake and nurture their well-being.
Countries that concentrate more on leisure activities are those that are developed, such as in the case of United States of America who was liberated in 1776, Australia, our leading inspiration, who was granted independence around 1906 and others.
These countries are economically sustainable and politically matured and that there is a natural tendency to amuse their citizens.
We are not there yet.
PNG will eventually reach the stage for entertainment when we have better living standards, a decline in poverty and have many development projects.
The Government is abusing our resources by investing in something that is not very economical.
The athletes do little or nothing to improve our economy, but the taxpayers’ money is spent on them.
They are enjoying the benefits of Government funding while many in rural areas do not have access to basic services.
To make matters worse, many athletes do not push themselves and take their codes seriously.
If we have to progress, the Sports Ministry should be abolished.
We can invest in sports when the timing is right.

Petrus Gand