PNG AT 51: INDEPENDENCE MUST ALSO BEGIN WITH THE INDIVIDUAL Jerry Wemin   President at PNG HR Institute   As Papua New Guinea celebrates 51 years of Independence, we should reflect not  only on political independence, but also on what independence means at the level  of the individual. A nation may be politically independent, but its people must also  experience personal freedom, dignity, self-reliance and empowerment. To me, true independence begins with the individual. Personal independence means  being physically and mentally fit, disciplined, ethical, hardworking, productive and  economically empowered. It means developing the knowledge, skills, character and  determination to take responsibility for our own lives and contribute meaningfully  to our families, communities and nation. Political freedom alone cannot guarantee personal freedom. If we are unable to  provide for ourselves, continually dependent on others for our basic nee...

Papua New Guinea must move beyond mindset change and begin delivering measurable results with a clear national vision for the next 50 years. Jerry Wemin • 1st President at PNG HR Institute 1d • RESET @ 50 MUST NOW GIVE WAY TO RESULTS AND A CLEAR VISION FOR PNG’S NEXT 50 YEARS The Prime Minister’s 51st Independence message rightly calls on Papua New Guineans to work hard, become more disciplined and take greater responsibility for their future. Those are important values. However, at this stage of our national journey, leadership must go beyond a cultural-change message. “Reset @ 50” may be useful as a call to change attitudes and behaviour, but the nation also needs a clear account of what has actually been achieved and a measurable vision of where we are going. An Independence message from the Prime Minister should tell the country, in simple terms: What has improved? What has been delivered? What problems have been solved? What measurable outcomes have been achieved in the econo...

  Jerry Wemin • 1st President at PNG HR Institute 1d • PNG SOEs: PERFORMANCE MUST SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS For decades, many of Papua New Guinea’s State-Owned Enterprises have struggled with weak commercial returns, poor performance and continued dependence on government support. After more than 50 years of Independence, one question must be asked: What measurable value are our SOEs delivering to the State and the people? On the eve of PNG’s 51st Independence Anniversary, MVIL publicly declared approximately K50 million in dividends to the State. MVIL, PNG Ports and a few others continue to demonstrate that SOEs can perform when there is capable leadership, strong governance, commercial discipline and accountability. Congratulations to CEO Mr Bafinu Koi, the MVIL Board, management and staff. This is the type of Independence message we should celebrate: Results. Performance. Accountability. Dividends. Celebrating SOEs must be supported by evidence. Which SOEs are profitable? Wh...

Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica says Papua New Guinea could become the “next Dubai of the Pacific,” highlighting major opportunities for trade, investment, and regional growth.   PNG is the next DUBAI of the Pacific, says Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister. Source:  FijiSun Mr Kamikamica said regular Fiji Airways services to PNG could make it easier for businesses and investors to move between the two countries and expand commercial ties. He made the comments during the relaunch of the Fiji-PNG Business Council, which aims to strengthen trade and investment links between the two countries. Fiji is pushing for stronger air connectivity with Papua New Guinea to unlock trade and investment opportunities in an economy Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has described as the “next Dubai for the Pacific”. Mr Kamikamica said regular Fiji Airways services to PNG could make it easier for businesses and investors to move between the two countries and expand commercial tie...

  Jerry Wemin • 1st President at PNG HR Institute 1d • IS DENATIONALISATION OF CITIZENS HELD EXECUTIVE POSITIONS IN PNG @51, ALSO MEAN LEADERSHIP DEPENDENCE? Many years ago, I terminated nearly 100 non-national employees in a single day. The decision was lawful, justified and necessary to create space for qualified Papua New Guineans. It prompted the Prime Minister of the day to ask: “Who is Jerry Wemin?” But removing expatriates was only half the job. We invested more than K1 million annually over 3–5 years in training, coaching, mentoring and preparing nationals to take over. My conviction has never changed: Papua New Guineans are capable, but capability must be deliberately developed, trusted and given opportunity. As PNG marks its 51st Independence Anniversary, we must confront an uncomfortable contradiction. In parts of both the private and public sectors, SOEs, listed companies and PNG-owned businesses, executive positions once held by nationals are increasingly being fi...