Money politics

By PNG Echo A lawyer from the Western Highlands told me that one of the ingredients in acquiring and maintaining ‘bik man’ status in the Highlands is by displays of generosity: giving away money and goods. This revelation goes a long way to explaining the prevalence of ‘money politics’ in the national life of Papua New Guinea. For although, the practice may seem benign and even …well…generous, when there are expectations associated with the gifts – and let’s face it, even in the traditional culture, ‘bik man’ status is an anticipated reward of such generosity, it so easily slips into Continue reading Money politics

Share Button

More Fraud Squad cases unravel

By PNG Echo What do Attorney General, Ano Pala, Aloysius Hamou and Francis Potape have in common? Well, while the recent circus that was the Vote of No Confidence was keeping the whole nation entertained and distracted, in the nation’s courts, the three, abovementioned, gentlemen’s criminal charges were being overturned, quashed, and disallowed. All three were cases being prosecuted on behalf of the Fraud Squad – featuring Messrs Gitua and Damaru. These cases have been variously found to be incompetent, ill–conceived, or both as indeed was the case against Justice Sakora – thrown out too. Other Fraud Squad cases still Continue reading More Fraud Squad cases unravel

Share Button