We are the People of PNG! We are Only One People

Image credit: Lucas Kiap

By Lucas Kiap

PNG is not belonging to any tribe, ethnic group, province or region. The country is larger than any individual, group, or region for that matter. Everyone regardless of who they are, if they belong to this country, they must without fear or favor; contribute to the development or shaping in whatever way they can. 

We are living in a society that is quickly changing. We are no longer belonging to Sepik, SHP, Western Highlands or any other province. We are Papua New Guineans and we are part of the global community. No one in this country should think and act as if this country belongs to them or their tribe or province or they belong to that tribe, ethnic group, province or region. This is a Stone Age mentality and should not be encouraged by anyone in this country today. 

Before people used to think about building bombs and weapons of mass destruction to destroy and kill each other. Today, people are increasingly becoming aware that’s they can’t live without each other. Despite their differences, they are learning to live with each other. They are establishing and forging relations and friendships with each other despite their differences and disagreements. 

Look at China and USA. Though both countries have a lot of differences and disagree on many things and issues, nevertheless none of them can do without each other. Both realise the importance of each other in this global community, in which PNG is part of it. Despite their big differences, both are forging close ties with each other and the rest of the world. 

Promoting of regionalism and tribalism are Stone Age mentalities. In the modern era, we must all learn to live with each other and promote peace and build a safer and secure society. Don’t think that O’Neil is the first PM from SHP so I will support him regardless of what he does or the decisions he makes for PNG. Or the Sepik’s might think the same about Sir Michael Somare. This kind of thinking is not good for the country. O’Neil is the PM of PNG and everyone has the right to say what they want because after all, his decisions and actions do not only affect the SHPs but the rest of the country. Because of such mentality this country gets nowhere. 

If we continue to support leaders along tribal, provincial and regionalism lines, we will continue to suffer slowly in our rich country. The leaders we support they eat the best part of the meat and keep all the meat to themselves and throw the bones at us. We fight over the bones like sick dogs. 

The leaders we support, they send their kids to overseas schools while we send ours to run down schools or even stay at home. They seek medical treatment with best doctors and in best hospitals overseas while we die of curable diseases. They party and live in expensive houses while we continue to live in bush huts or in settlements. They drive around in flashy cars while we travel miles and miles to get into town or sick medical treatment. 

In this country, we all deserve the better because our country is rich in natural resources and have so many potential to be one of the greatest nations on earth. The problem we have is the leadership problem. PNG is being run by a network of political cronies, stealing and building their empires while preparing for the next elections. Those who are benefiting are those who have connections with politicians and government officials. They have been using us and they are continued to use us for their own gain. The rest of us are only becoming spectators. 

Remember your child is not half human and half animal so that when hungry will find food in the rubbish bins or need shelter will sleep under a tree. You child needs a better future. Don’t let the future remain worse for your children. 

Let’s all as one nation and one people rise up and demand change and better life in this country blessed with untold wealth and beauty.