Is it just me or does anyone else see the irony of our aid-needy government aiding the government of Fiji with K50 million? Especially when a majority of our major health centers are in urgent need of renovation, medical supplies and qualified health workers? Not to mention the number of critical bridges and roads that need urgent repair in order to boost the rural economy and deliver much needed goods and services! Funnier still wasn’t lack of adequate funding one of the core reasons our very own elections had so many hiccups?
Oh yes it is imperative that we enhance bi-lateral relations with our Melanesian neighbors for a multitude of political, social, economic and national security reasons BUT really? Commodore Bainimarama has wisely agreed to assist Papua Niugineans with something that Fiji is capable of sharing and has a proven track record with its standard of tertiary education and tourism.
Personally I can’t say the same for our Mista Prime Minista! Giving financial assistance when you’re not financially secure yourself, can be likened to walking across an obviously old, rotting wooden bridge to cross a raging flooded river!
On a final note I hope someday soon Mista Prime Minista gives an equal amount of funding to those outstanding projects that are a necessity to many Papua Niugineans like collapsed bridges, craterous or non-existent roads, well resourced and accessible health centers and schools…the list goes on. There’s so much that could be done with a spare K50 million if put in the hands of the correct (honest and reliable) people.
....©Klaireh
PAPUA New Guinea will provide K50 million to assist Fiji prepare and hold elections in September next year.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill announced this during a media conference after he signed a communiqué with Fiji prime minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama at the Parliament House yesterday. O’Neill told Bainimarama that PNG was happy with the preparatory work done so far which included the enrolment of voters and work on a new national constitution.
“Papua New Guinea has always stood by Fiji and try to assist where we can.
“And now we have committed K50 million as our contribution to making sure the election takes place,” he said.
The amount will be aid in two installments of K25 million.
“So we hope that this whole contribution will enhance Fiji’s election and we look forward now to working closely with the Fijian government on that,” O’Neill said.
The elections will see Fiji return to parliamentary democracy. O’Neill said PNG was ready to help in any way possible.
Fiji plans to help Papua New Guinea develop its tourism and hospitality industry by offering 15 scholarships to PNG students to study at the Fiji National University school of hospitality in Nadi. The PNG students can take up studies from next month. O’Neill said Fiji had a well-developed tourism sector which Papua New Guinea could learn a lot from.
Both countries also agreed to hold a ministerial forum bi-annually. A senior officials meeting will also be established and PNG will host the first one next year. O’Neill said the two countries were the biggest in the Pacific and there was now increased trade and investment.
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