That time of the year again

Editorial, Normal
Source:

The National, Monday 21st November 2011

WITH another year practically in the bag, Papua New Guineans can say a lot has transpired over the last 11 months.
For the most part, it has been good and positive but there is no denying that there have been instances which had left many pondering their future and the country’s.
The tumultuous political scene has provided a caveat for what is to come in the New Year and, importantly, the uncertainty of what is around the corner.
It is with such hindsight that we use this space to advise and encourage you, the people, not to take anything for granted, not take liberties where there are none and to be thankful for a year that has provided an interesting backdrop for the country’s expanding economy and attendant its societal problems.
We are again on the cusp of another holiday season but this period of merriment, rejoicing and celebration should be approached in a cautious manner, we think. Crime, perpetrated by opportunists, accidents and violence brought about by alcohol and drug-fueled revelry will contrast sharply with communities and congregations celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the associated Christian celebrations. 
Our actions and intentions should be tempered with equal doses of vigilance and goodwill.
We are led to make this observation because of experience.
What has gone before is quite likely to happen again. Call it fate, kismet or a cycle – one cannot ignore the evidence. Somehow, this season seems to bring out all that is both good and unfortunate about PNG society.
It magnifies our humanity.
The base and the transcendent.
Therefore, we must be vigilant and alert to the dangers and pitfalls of another Christmas period but we must also be open to sparing a thought for those who are less fortunate – of whom there are many.
The Christian principles of charity, generosity, forgiveness and conciliation always seem to find a natural foothold during this period.
Another positive is what the ending of the yearly cycle means to the individual. For some, it offers a period of introspection, evaluation and a point to re-set. For others, it provides the catalyst to fulfil obligations (some long-awaited) and strengthen alliances and relationships. For many, it is a time to reconnect with family and kin, and with the places we hold dear to our hearts.
For students, especially those about to embark on tertiary education or waiting for offers and contemplating their post-secondary educational future, this anxious wait can be both nerve-wrecking and liberating. The Christmas period enables them to take stock of their lives and, often, sees them question their place in society. It can be an extremely daunting time for youths.
Parents must take the time to ensure their children are not left to their own devices or give into the excuse that celebratory gatherings are permissible without first setting the ground rules. These privileged youth are to be considered part of the adult population next year but that does not mean they act immaturely in the weeks or days before that graduation.
This Christmas, the nation’s work force, the gainfully employed and the beneficiaries of resources and those in business, generally, will have more money to spend.
A reflection of the growing economy is the rise of a middle class which has progressively contributed more in terms of expenditure and investment. But, even the increasing size of the PNG’s “middle class”, pales in comparison to burgeoning problem of an unplanned and a poorly managed growing population that gives rise to numerous developmental issues. More and more people are being left out in the cold, cut off from sharing in the nation’s wealth or simply marginalised because they lack the knowledge and/or the ability to contribute meaningfully.
Tensions rise and an undercurrent of resentment are ever present. But we appeal to those who may feel slighted by the system or are compelled to exact their pound of flesh that there are more peaceable solutions and amenable and dignified paths to tread to gain recognition and requisite action. Actions which run counter to this help no one, least of all those who carry them out.
Those actions certainly endear no one to the outwardly vicious and pointless causes that they serve.