There were four key issues that are capable of disadvantaging PNG as a result of the agreement. (1) A diminution of PNG sovereignty (in this, I might add, it shares a problem with Australia). (2) The agreement could make PNG a target in any war (presumably between China and the US, which would also drag in Australia). (3) It will diminish not enhance the legitimacy of PNG’s justice, legal and security institutions, and also shake their morale. (4) PNG does not have the same experience as countries with a very different security outlook and historical connection with the US, and does not need this deal. “Any argument that such agreements happen in other countries so they should happen in PNG is completely misguided and seriously erroneous.”

A HABIT THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO KICK

Contributor Robert Forster writes to me: “You have made clear that all work is taxing and yet you soldier on. It is an affliction shared by many broadcasters and journalists. It is the revelation of what is new or that which urgently needs to be known that drives us. My own problems are nowhere near as debilitating as your own. Nevertheless I am about to draw the curtain on my occasional comments on PNG. This involves the release each month until Christmas of four photo-heavy essays and then the big full stop. I wish you well and remain pleased that I was able to regularly read the valuable range of articles you were so ready to assemble.”

I reply to Robert: “You are correct about the [writing] affliction. In process, it’s not unpleasant. While I write, I’m not ill. Until the devil eventually - and too quickly these days - catches up with me.  Then I’m allowed my regrets. I wish you luck in trying to kick this most wonderful of bad habits.”  [Robert has assembled a photo-essay on patrolling in PNG, ‘Tapini Patrol No 9 of 1974-75’. It has been carefully curated and is a delight to read and study. However at 26 pages and with numerous images, it may be a bit much for me so I’m thinking about the best way of presenting the essence of it in Recent Notes and I’ve asked Robert to let us know where else it might be found in its entirety.]

POLITICIANS ARE OUR SERVANTS NOT OUR EMPERORS

Can you picture the scene as Bing Image Creator has pictured it? A Papua New Guinean politician returning home from parliament in Port Moresby is feted by being carried in a home crafted sedan chair resting on the shoulders of his faithful electors. This is not a customary part of PNG tradition. It’s been borrowed and it is distasteful. PNG’s leaders need to understand that they are not emperors.

Pogo Terence (Niugini Wantok) comments on the social media site X, once known as Twitter: “The people have cultivated the mentality of treating elected representatives as demigods. It's now deeply rooted in PNG society, akin to cult mentality. Unless we see our elected reps as our servants, we will forever remain subservient.”

And likewise my friend the great activist and writer Duncan Gabi: “We Papua New Guineans will remain in this subservient position until and unless we come to the realisation that politicians are public servants elected by us and therefore should not be elevated above those who gave them the power to govern.”

Alfred Rungol comments: “Something needs to be done. We cannot just talk and talk while corruption strives within our system. Corrupt officials use public funds to continue illegal activities while the majority of the people suffer. Some of us have done our part thus I hope others do the same.”

NIKKEI ASIA ASKS IS MARAPE A PM IN PERIL?

Rurika Imahashi, a staff writer for Nikkei Asia, has written a lengthy and wonderfully researched and presented piece examining James Marape’s dilemma in managing PNG’s relationships with the USA and China as they move apart and in the face of mounting political, economic and social pressures at home. I must say here that it was unfortunate in the extreme that PNG officials didn't respond to Nikkei Asia’s requests for an interview with Marape.

“As well as walking a high wire between boosting security ties with the US and stepping up trade with China,” Imahashi writes, “Marape is under growing pressure at home…. Marape needs to produce results in accelerating economic development [and] soothing social and tribal tensions that frequently erupt in violence. Imahashi quotes UPNG academic, Patrick Kaiku, who says: “There is a tendency to see him as an empty talker. Marape says a lot of wonderful things people want to hear, but in the actual physical infrastructure or policy implementation he is found wanting."