Waimin: A PNG society changing from within
22 May 2010
BY JOE WASIA
FOR THE LAST 35 years PNG’s rural societies have been neglected by successive governments.
We continue to plead for basic services like health, roads and education, but our cries are never heard. What can we do? Maybe we have to do something within our own societies.
Here is an initiative taken by a tribe, without any government help, that wanted to build their society.
Waimin tribe, the largest tribe in the Wapemanada district of the Enga Province took the initiative. The Waimin comprises seven sub-tribes with a population of about 9,000.
In September last year, the whole tribe dedicated their land to the Lord, the creator of the universe. They said they wanted to serve the Lord and develop their own land with the help of their elites, businessmen, churches and the community itself.
The initiative was taken by village chiefs George Puu, Abodan Awali, Palus, David Kiso, Kopo Lana and James Kii, supported by businessmen Robert Lasak, Johnson Tolabi, Patrict Komba, Philip Rex and the PNG Four Square Church President, Pastor Timothy Tipitap, and Chief Justice, Sir Salamo Injia, and others from the tribe.
The whole tribe carried a box containing a bible and called it the ‘covenant box’ to show that the tribe made a covenant to serve the Lord so that Lord will protect them and bless their land.
It was witnessed by many officials from various government departments and other prominent leaders from the Province.
An interdenominational crusade will be held on 29 September in commemoration of the covenant.
This was a challenge for the tribes of the province. They had to make strong regulations on how they could maintain peace and harmony so people could lead enjoyable lives.
They prohibited unnecessary compensation payments, tribal fighting, card playing, rape, marijuana smoking, and drinking alcohol and homebrew.
Though it started recently, there are already many positive results. There is a major health center funded by the Foursquare Church, new elementary schools, a regular road clean up, and new churches and houses.
Health indicators, social lives and the local economy have started to improve.
It’s a precedent that other PNG societies must follow to maintain peace and bring development into rural areas without crying for government assistance.
Blatant arrogant and uncaring leaders no longer represent the people’s voice.
Thanks, Joe, for the nice article. I believe it will be a lesson for many in PNG and abroad.
In PNG there is no basic infrastructure services reaching the people as our elected leaders are deeply involved in systematic corruption and bribery.
Posted by: Waimin Kaiam Natokaw | 12 June 2012 at 11:50 AM
Hi Dean - I'm a descendant of Hermann Heyen, the father of Johann and Gerhard Heyen. Hermann is my great great grandfather.
I'm in contact with the family of Gerhard but not with the Johann Heyen family. I live in the hometown of them both; Papenburg, Germany.
My research reveals that Johann had at least three children: Hermann Heinrich [Harry], Marguerite [Rita], Kathleen Elizabeth [Kitty] and perhaps Alice.
Your grandma must be Rita, your grandpa is Bert E Nicholls and your father is John, right?
I've a picture that shows Johann and his wife Emma Edwards and three kids (ca 1-4 years old) and a lot of other pictures from ca 1910.
Please reply to my message.
[email protected]
Posted by: Kai | 31 October 2010 at 01:26 AM
Well said, Edwin, and I fully support your sentiments. The current mob of MPs have proven to be failures many times over, so most need to be changed after 2012 by the good people of PNG.
Posted by: Reginald Renagi | 21 June 2010 at 02:06 PM
There has been too much misleading, misinformation and corruption in PNG during the term of Somare-led government.
It seems that the Prime Minister and the Members of Parliament are voting blindly or are trying to protect their corruption by abusing the constitution by amending the existing laws for no justifiable reason.
That is not supposed to be. PNG needs some young and vibrant minds to make the difference and clean the mess. Can't wait long.
Posted by: Edwin Kulu | 21 June 2010 at 01:57 PM
Community empowerment is of paramount importance. I welcome such moves by churches and respective community leaders in a province where social disorder is a big problem.
Enga must have more business people and educated elites going to the community and teaching them how to live an ample life.
I also really appreciate Cr Paul Kurai from Wabag who is one of few elites from Enga. who believe in community empowerment
May God bless those who are humble in heart.
Posted by: Mala Piyao | 08 June 2010 at 06:35 PM
Thanks, Joe, for the article. It is interesting to hear such great initiatives.
I think its the best initiative taken by the Waimin tribe. Why can't all societies do that, since our government can`t do anything to help us.
The government system here is eaten away by systematic corruption and we can`t restore it.
Therefore, I think it would be better if all PNG societies could follow what the Waimin tribe did to develop our own land without any government assistance.
Posted by: Kaiam Bees | 28 May 2010 at 03:39 PM
Dean, sounds suspiciously like it. Contact me direct at [email protected]
Posted by: Rossco | 24 May 2010 at 07:42 AM
I was reading Ross Wilkinson's obituary of Gerhard (Gerry) Heyen posted on 7 January on PNG Attitude.
I'm researching my family history and believe I may be a distant relative of Gerry.
My great grandfather was Johann (John) Heyen and he and his brother, who was also called Gerhard, were seafarers, and this is mentioned as part of Gerry's family heritage in the obituary.
Do you have any information regarding the family history of the Gerry Heyen mentioned on your site?
I'd be interested to see if he is a relative.
Posted by: Dean Nicholls | 22 May 2010 at 07:08 PM