Wenge blasts critics

PAPUA New Guineans must not rely on others to help us build our nation but feel obliged to sweat to bring about developmental changes.
Morobe Governor Luther Wenge again made the comments in response to his critics who said he was not being sensible in his statements about banning foreign assistance, especially from Australia.
Wenge said prior to independence, when PNG still did not have mines and much money and was still trying to find its feet, Australians were of tremendous help in whatever form and kind and their assistance was greatly appreciated.
Since independence, however, he said discoveries of gold, copper, oil and gas and with the emergence of mines nationwide, the national budget had greatly improved.
“We are a resourceful country in terms of renewable and non-renewable resources and, as an independent country, must endeavour to build the nation ourselves, unfortunately, this has not been happening since independence.”
He said continual reliance on others to take the lead renders Papua New Guineans mentally and physically weak and people could not work or do things for themselves but look to others.  
Wenge said leaders such as Correctional Services Minister Tony Aimo had became weak and Papua New Guineans continued to underestimate themselves into thinking Australians were the best.
“I can see a danger of Australians taking over this country if we are not careful.
“Security storage organisations such as the Ombudsman Commission, police, Correctional Services and defence should not be headed by expatriates as the country’s secrets could be at stake,” Wenge said.
He made reference to a quote in the Bible which in general stated that people will have to toil and sweat to eat and this was what Papua New Guineans should be doing instead of waiting for someone else to come to our aid.