Setting the benchmark: Powes Parkop

During his election campaign for the Moresby Regional seat, Powes Parkop was quoted as saying:

"I don't have millions of kina to give you but I have millions of ideas to share..."

Powes Parkop's swearing into office is a strong indication of the people's will and desire for a new change of leadership style as it has been publicly acknowledged that NCDC, as with most other public offices, has been the milking cow for too long - a haven for those tempted to make a quick buck and in the process, steal monies from the public purse. When I found out that a human rights lawyer had won the Moresby Regional seat and was the governor-elect for the National Capital District, I had felt an overwhelming sense of reassurance that there are truly inspirational Papua New Guineans, who use virtue and power not for the sole purposes of self-interest, status or wealth but who do have a passion to improve the lives of the marginalised and underpriveleged. Studying in the same field of profession as Mr.Parkop, a man I had never heard of or met, I now look up to this man as an inspirational role model for young Papua New Guinean's like myself, to actively play a role in the development of their country.

Last Friday's issue of The National Newspaper which included an article by Harlyne Joku entitled "Parkop suspends four senior execs" demonstrates the type of virtue and honesty that is reflected in this man's leadership.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop
yesterday suspended and charged four senior managers for alleged abuse, funds
misuse and fraud.The alleged anomalies against the city government were
committed between January and August this year, Mr Parkop said.The governor said
he would terminate the services of the manager for social services for failing
in his job.In a statement yesterday, Mr Parkop said prior to his swearing-in and
assumption of office last Aug 21, he had requested among other things the
commission’s financial report for the said period.“It had become obvious to me
that there was massive abuse of the commission’s during that period,” Mr Parkop
said.He further said the financial status and dealings of the commission had not
been secret and that he was advised by many people to terminate all his
managers.But Mr Parkop said that he had refused to do so to give them
opportunity to explain the figures in the financial statement.“This was to
ensure that whatever decision I make, it was directed at arresting the
problem
instead of undertaking a massive termination and replacement which
may not solve the problem of abuse and misuse of funds in the first place,” he
added.

Read the rest of the article here.

A few months ago, Kevin Pamba in his article "Parkos victory is a welcome benchmark" stated that "only time will tell how Mr. Parkop will reciprocate the overwhelming trust bestowed on him." I have a firm belief that the act of him suspending four senior managers for alleged abuse, funds misuse and fraud is a great cause for emulation. And for once, I am briefly persuaded and enlightened to observe that a segment of Papua New Guinean voters are not influenced by bribery, false promises, gifts or handouts, but have once voted with their conscience.