PC Online Tidbits

From Port Moresby, the Post-Courier offers a series of observations, starting with a welcome to the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, José Ramos Horta, on his state visit. While acknowledging the formal courtesies extended, the piece injects a dose of local perspective by recalling an earlier, more informal visit where PM Albanese was collected by Horta in a Mini Moke. This juxtaposition serves to playfully highlight the 'different strokes for different folks' approach in international diplomacy, contrasting Timor-Leste's unique style with the more conventional 'squadron of Toyota Prados' often seen elsewhere.

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Different countries, different strokes?

The commentary then pivots to critique the perceived 'motorcade nonsense,' questioning the necessity of large vehicle convoys for short trips. A comparison is drawn with the UK, where Prime Minister Starmer reportedly used only three cars, and the King a mere coach and six horses, suggesting a more restrained approach to official travel.

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We do tend to overplay this motorcade nonsense. Ten to 20 vehicles just to go round the corner to buy the betelnut?

Furthermore, the article raises a pertinent question about the underrepresentation of women in Papua New Guinea's Parliament, despite women forming over half the population and being described as holding up 'half the sky.' It laments the lack of visible advocacy for women's rights from these elected officials, contrasting them with prominent female politicians in the US like Kamala Harris and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who are portrayed as daily fighters for their constituents. The piece urges PNG's female parliamentarians to emulate this assertiveness. Finally, it touches on a more mundane issue: the perpetually murky ornamental pool outside Parliament House, humorously questioning its water source and potential mosquito larvae.

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Sadly not too much. And they have the women’s voice in their hands. They could do no worse than look at the awful mess that is US politics today. It is a mess but some of the female stars burn so brightly.