Ok KT,
i understand. My dad is 92 this month.
I am some 16 years out of date now, but some things haven't changed, plus I try to keep in touch.
In a nutshell, we are peceived as being the "Yanks of the South Pacific' obviously because of our wealth and our attitudes in this area. As for more than 20 years,the USA left a power vacuum in the Soth Pacific, witch Australia, and to alesser degree NZ, filled. You can see how this came about. Our brash attitudes,and our overbearing manner as a nation, because of our greater wealth and power etc. Also,our preference to deal with Australian consultants, instad of local ones, with our various aid programmes.
Being a brown-skinned Aussie, and speaking a couple of the languages, mmant that often people forgot what I was, when talking amongst themselves. However it was enlightening, rather than offending,to hear the truth. So often Aussie Aid to NGOs is seen as circular. Inasmuch as it benefits Aussies as mucc as Peeps.
I have to go now. List your questions in order, and I will do my best. I will see if any of my PNG friends will help. Have you tried your brother too? His Tolai lady should be a mine of information. Although New Britain is quite different to the rest of PNG.
Regards......Ralph.
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