By: Hon. Allan Bird | PNG Political Limelights | 21 November 2020.
I will always make decisions unselfishly for you. I only contested 3 elections and spent a lot of my resources to develop the potential of our people.
My record so far is clear, I have improved governance in our province and I have been a fierce custodian of your public funds. I have never once given a single contract to my family, friends or relatives. In fact I do not give contracts to anyone, the system does that.
My one key policy objective is to develop our economy to provide opportunities for our young people. Because I know what you want most, that is the opportunity to make your own money and improve your life.
When I travel around our region this is what you tell me “Mi tu mi man, mi laik mekim samting long strong blo mi yet”. This Sepik thinking underpins my entire political and economic philosophy.
As of mid last year, a minimum of 6 export vessels leave our province every month. That’s up from zero in 2017. Our economy is growing because “yumi wokim long strong blo mipla yet”.
The EU STREIT program is key to unlocking our future economic potential forever. Just like in Vanilla. Our future is secure. So I fight to secure that future.
More importantly the seeds of our future have been planted. My job as your Governor is already done. Our economy is growing faster than ever before.
“Pig mipla katim long big mark, yupla olgeta save pinis. Mipla ino katim pig long bush”.
Let me be frank, there are three people I believe would make good PMs. One of them is already PM, the other is my party leader and the other is Hon Abel. I have worked with all three “na ol gat gutpla pasin”. None of them are perfect, none of us are perfect.
So I will say this, so far PM Marape has been a fair PM. But I assure you all of this, if I have made a mistake, I will not contest in 2022. True to my Abelam heritage, I will stand down.
This is my promise to the Sepik people, I am an Abelam and I will live by the principles of my ancestors.
Maulu, maulu tumas!!
————————————–
My view on Australia recruiting 10,000 soldiers and giving them Australian citizenship is a very positive development for Australia and PNG. Simply because we have 30,000 young people finishing school every year and most of them are unable to find jobs.
PNG–Australia Defence Treaty: Critical Questions About Sovereignty, Security, and National Interest: Why the PNG–Australia Defence Treaty Sparks Important Questions on Sovereignty, National Security, and Future Direction As Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th Independence Anniversary, a proposed Defence Treaty with Australia raises serious questions on sovereignty, threat perception, and national interest. Dr. Bal Kama highlights […]
In 1963, Napoleon Onzem became the first Papua New Guinean to fly an airplane. Selected by the Australian administration and Ansett Airlines, he earned his Private Pilot’s Licence and opened the skies for our nation.
Most families measure time in weekends or holidays. Ours? In flight hours, logbooks, terminals, and the occasional jumpseat ride. Captain Nigel Narara shares a heartfelt Father’s Day reflection on how aviation became more than just a career for his father. It became a lifelong journey of passion, family memories, and giving back. From flying for Emirates and Etihad to mentoring…
