Explore Pacific politics, culture, and history: Bougainville’s independence struggle, John Momis at 83, Robert Louis Stevenson’s legacy in Samoa, the Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme, and memories from Papua New Guinea.
Edited by Keith Jackson | Summary version | Main link: https://www.pngattitude.com/abc-diaries/
Bougainville’s Grand Old Man – John Momis at 83 | Bill Brown MBE
At the end of July, former Bougainville President John Momis and his wife, Elizabeth (Ibua), visited our home in Bilgola, New South Wales. They were returning from talks hosted by the New Zealand government in Christchurch.
Elizabeth, a former nun, UPNG graduate, and headmistress of Asitavi High School, was the life of the gathering. Momis, now 83 and facing health challenges, reflected on Bougainville politics, noting the failings of current leaders.
Despite age and health, he still drives long hours from Buin to Buka for meetings. With Bougainville’s independence referendum in 2019 showing 98.31% support, the upcoming elections in September will be crucial. While Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of independence, Bougainvilleans grow restless. The next president may well declare: “Enough is enough! We are out of here.”
The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in Samoa | Daniel Kumbon
Writer Richard Napam recently visited the Robert Louis Stevenson (RLS) Museum in Samoa, exploring every room of the famous author’s home. As a budding novelist with his first book Stunned by Light, Napam drew inspiration from Stevenson’s works such as Treasure Island and Kidnapped.
For Pacific writers, Stevenson remains a powerful influence, and visiting his former home is a reminder of the region’s literary connections.
A Foreign Legion for the Pacific? | Chips Mackellar
The French Foreign Legion is a world-famous fighting force made up of men from many nations, united by the motto “Legio Patria Nostra” (The Legion is our country).
Could the Pacific develop its own version—a Pacific Legion? Such a regiment would unite Pacific Islanders beyond national, tribal, and ethnic divisions, creating a unique military identity for the region.
Senator Jess Collins Praised for First Speech | Bob Lawrence
In her maiden parliamentary speech, Senator Jess Collins argued that Australia needs not just a political but also an economic strategy for the Pacific Islands.
She highlighted the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM), which brings Pacific Islanders to Australia to fill labour shortages in agriculture and primary industries.
-
In 2025, 31,460 Pacific Islanders have worked under the scheme, including 2,120 from Papua New Guinea.
-
Tongan workers in Australia send more money home than Australia provides Tonga in aid.
Collins praised the scheme but criticised the red tape holding it back.
Protecting the Grave of Sir Hubert Murray | Dr Margaret A. Rose
Dr Margaret Rose called for greater protection of Sir Hubert Murray’s grave and legacy. Her late husband, Professor Francis J West (1927–2025), a noted Murray biographer, would have supported the efforts to preserve his memory.
Memories of Port Moresby’s Four-Mile Club | Geoffrey Dabb
The passing of Australian rock’n’roll star Col Joye sparked memories of his performance in Port Moresby around 1969 at the Four-Mile Club (Comworks establishment).
Dabb recalls Col Joye’s light-hearted attempt at the novelty song Little Arrows, which amused the crowd and left a lasting impression.