Tag Archives: #corruption

Sir Michael Somare: The money trail

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By PNG Echo. Sir Michael Somare claims he has never received illegal payments. Oh, really? The Community Colleges rort – and the proof of the pudding… On 16th August 2010, the then Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Sir Michael Somare, received the sum of $US280,000 into his personal account (#0374026963) at the Scott’s Mall branch of the Standard Chartered Bank in Singapore, drawn on the account of M/S Questzone Offshore Limited (“Questzone”). See below. Then, on the 1st September 2010, Somare received a further $US 280,000 into the same personal account from the same drawer. See below. Finally, on Continue reading Sir Michael Somare: The money trail→

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Money politics

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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→

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