David Ketepa

I think Laurie Meintjes [Recent Comments] describes well the current scenario in PNG.

Pre-independence days, when Laurie and others worked in PNG, were some of the best days with none of these pressing issues. Most times I wish that PNG could still have been a colony until such a time where we were really ready to take the challenges to lead the country ourselves.

I think Somare and some of his cohorts were ill-advised to make the decision to gain independence.

Though I live comfortably here in the United States, deep in my heart I still feel for my siblings (still in high school) and my mom from a remote village in the Western Highlands, who find it hard to afford even such things as school fees and basic food items.

I look at how the government is treating its people, widespread corruption and high unemployment rates among others issues affecting PNG.

What saddens me, furthermore, is that the government is using all kinds of euphemisms, distortions and excuses to try to weasel their way to dismiss whatever people are doing to speak up against their actions. For example, using excessive police force for example to cool tensions.

This causes brokenness, frustrations and separates people from the government. When there is no proper relationship with the government and its people, disaster can strike and I am afraid a lot of problems might be caused for PNG and situations get out of hand in the 'Land of the Unexpected'.

David Ulg Ketepa lives and works in Detroit, Michigan. You can read his Kange Nga Kona blog here.