PNG must not be Isolationist.

From the Postcourier
Sir Nagora warns against isolationist ideals

PAPUA New Guinea must be guarded against becoming insular and alienated from the rest of the world.
Not being vigilante against that attitude would be self-destructive for the nation.
The warning came from former Ambassador to the United States Sir Nagora Bogan.
Speaking at the Huon Seminar at the University of Technology in Lae yesterday, Sir Nagora said the country must be guarded and vigilant against isolationist ideals.
“It is not just about changing the physical environment and human conditions, but it cuts right through to the heart, soul and resolve of society.
“It entails building a better society by developing in each individual the fundamental values, mindset, behavour, conviction and setting up right institutions and systems that will provide solid foundations to build a strong society,” he said.
Sir Nagora said his placement in the United States gave him the privilige to look back into PNG to see what is really happening.
“In hindsight, we have seen and identified issues that we would not have identified had we remained in PNG, locked into an insular mindset,” he said.
He said the PNG society today is challenged to come up with ways and means to teach the people about love, tolerance, respect and peaceful co-existence, patriotism, national unity, to accept true democracy, discipline and wisdom.
He said today’s generation has been struggling with the questions of whether to modernise or cling to cultures and traditions, thus failing to create institutions and legacies that could be passed on with dignity and pride to the next generation.
Sir Nagora said many people have been caught up in these “social cracks” and just do not know how to get out of them.
“As the social cracks become bigger, paralysis sets in and there is a grave risk that society can degenerate to the point of social anarchy and self-destruction. The converse is to unleash their wrath and anger at society through violence and anti-social behaviour.”
He said the nation must design systems and processes to answer social, economic and political pressures.