Prime Minister Marape tells PNG citizens to build livelihoods, not seek handouts

Prime Minister James Marape has called on Papua New Guineans to move away from relying on personal financial handouts from politicians and instead make use of Government programs, financial institutions and business opportunities available to them.

 Prime Minister Marape tells PNG citizens to build livelihoods, not seek handouts

Mr Marape said he had become increasingly concerned about the number of people repeatedly contacting him by text messages and other means seeking personal cash assistance, apparently under the belief that the Prime Minister had unlimited money at his disposal.

“I want to make it very clear that the Office of the Prime Minister is not a money-making machine for individuals, supporters or anyone expecting easy cash,” Mr Marape said in a statement.

“Neither is the Prime Minister a personal bank with endless funds.”

He said he remained prepared to assist people facing genuine hardship where possible, but such help should not become a permanent expectation.

Mr Marape said the Government's responsibility was to create an environment where people could improve their livelihoods through employment, business and access to essential services.

He pointed to Government investment in education, basic health services, small and medium-sized enterprises and financial access through institutions including Mama Bank, National Development Bank, BSP and other financial providers.

He also highlighted District Services Improvement Program funding, saying each district receives DSIP funds, with 10 per cent directed towards economic activities and SME development.

“Every citizen has a district treasury, a District Development Authority and a provincial government that can assist with SME startup opportunities,” he said.

“People should be approaching these institutions and taking advantage of the programs already established for them.”

Mr Marape cited a Government partnership with Mama Bank in Tari, where families can access startup loans ranging from K300 to K5,000 to establish small businesses.

He said the National Development Bank was positioned to assist businesses seeking expansion, while BSP could provide support to enterprises moving into another stage of growth.

The Prime Minister said PNG had produced many entrepreneurs who built successful businesses by recognising opportunities and working consistently rather than seeking regular financial assistance from politicians.

He referred to a Tari businessman who began with a small trade store in 1986 before eventually acquiring properties in Cairns, Port Moresby, Lae and other locations.

He also mentioned a Pangia businessman who started purchasing coffee as a young boy in the early 1970s and later built a substantial property portfolio in PNG and overseas.

“These people did not build their success by asking the Prime Minister or politicians for money every week,” Mr Marape said.

“They worked hard, identified opportunities and built their businesses step by step.”

Mr Marape said repeated requests for personal financial assistance were disappointing when established Government programs and institutions were available to help citizens become economically independent.

“I encourage every Papua New Guinean to stop looking for easy money,” he said.

“Government exists to create the right policies, expand the economy and provide opportunities for our people to participate in economic growth.”

He said the country's economic future required people to embrace enterprise, innovation and hard work.

“Our future will not be built through handouts,” Mr Marape said.

“It will be built through enterprise, innovation, hard work and the determination of our people to create wealth for themselves, their families and our nation.”