What’s the motive behind Polye’s IMF appointment?

 MANY Papua New Guineans are wondering about Treasurer Don Polye’s appointment as chairman of the world’s most powerful financial institution, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB). 

We do not understand what his appointment has to do with PNG. 

In fact, there are many discussions over theories that indicate there are more negatives than positives. 

First, there is the theory that Polye will be used as window dressing by the IMF and the WB to advance their interests in PNG and around the region. 

Second, what is PNG in the eyes of the modern economies of the United States of America, Britain, Australia and Europe? 

PNG is a minute player on the global scene, so we are amazed and puzzled by his appointment. 

Is it because of the LNG project, the associated Sovereign Wealth Fund and its subsequent control?

The wars we see around the Middle East are all about oil and gas.

We wait to see what unfolds in the not too distant future. 

Third, Polye is not an economist, nor does he possess a great deal of experience in the field. 

Papua New Guinean professionals such as Sir Mekere Morauta, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, Noake Beangke or David Sode would have made better candidates for the position if ever there was a nomination called or. 

With due respect to Polye, I believe he is way out of his depth to take up this international post, even though he is an engineer. 

On another issue, parliamentary dictatorship has emerged in our country in which parliament process is used to pass pre-emptive and preconceived laws to “right’” the “wrongs”. 

Constitutional amendments are now done regularly on the parliament floor without public engagement. 

We are seeing the Ok Tedi takeover as history in the making. 

The people of Western must not be led to believe that Peter O’Neill’s model of ownership will serve their interests. 

How do the people of Western and PNG know that this model will result in better service delivery compared to PNG Sustainable Development Program under an experienced professional such as Sode?

Bush Economist

Mendi