The Keto-Tapasi Progress Association is born

After almost 15 months of hard and persistent work we have finally received our certificate of registration from the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA). After a visit to Goroka Post Office a couple of weeks ago I was overjoyed to find an official looking envelope in my PO Box. It’s been tough going and the monthly meetings in the village with the representatives from the eight clans is finally starting to show results.

Here’s a copy of the certificate we received…

(The magic bit of paper that now gives us legal status as an incorporated entity)

This certificate of incorporation for the eight Keto-Tapasi clans is huge step for these rural folks. The rural folks in PNG have it tough and they are all but forgotten by their elected leaders. This milestone gives them the structure to not only embrace change but also take a proactive role in how development and progress unfolds within their communities. In simple terms it’s called responsibility. So many PNG rural communities are just sitting their waiting for something to happen, an association will provide the village folks not only with a vehicle to influence and guide change but will also allow them as a community to have a decision into what and how development projects are delivered.

Last weekend when I carried the certificate into the village and as I showed the folks what I was holding in my hand there was almost an air of disbelief. Finally! The task and chore to get this small bit of paper seemed like an impossible task to many and with good reason. In Papua New Guinea any work that involves interaction with a Government entity can and does lead to disillusionment, frustration and utter confusion. Many a people give up before the job gets done due to the general incompetence and passing the buck syndrome by public servants in this country.

But we persevered!!

Our next job? To open a bank account and deposit the K2000 which is just sitting there waiting. A simple task? F^&* No!! But we will persist and we will get there. The Bank requires a mountain of paper work, a task which we have already started. In addition to the standard forms, stat decs and letters of introduction we need an executive and the main purpose of our meeting in the village last weekend was to elected/appointed Assoctaion Board members.

This we did and we did it well!

(A little bit of “school” before starting the process of appointing officers – eg: consensus rather then elections)

After a couple of hours of deliberation, discussion and ultimately consensus the following leaders of the Keto-Tapasi community were appointed:

Chairperson:   Pastor Russell Poka (Tapasi)
Vice Chairperson:   Wase Nime (Keto)
Treasurer:   Lina Nolo (Tapasi)
Secretary: Foxy Poka (Tapasi)
Project Officer:    Peter Jim (Tapasi)
Project Officer:    David Arapi (Keto)
PR and Public Officer:    Robert Schilt (Namel man!))

*** Note that we must be one of the very few associations in the Highlands of PNG to have a women for Treasurer. A huge step forward if I may say so!!

And signatories on Association cheques:

Robert Schilt Public and PR Officer (Principal)
Russell Poka        Chairperson
Lina Nolo              Treasurer

Next item on the agenda?

A celebration has been planned for Thursday, 23rd of October. On the day there will be sinsing groups and mumu pits by each of the eight clans. Invitations have already been sent out to various VIP’s and of course there will be a couple of hours of mandatory speeches.

Also… (and this one is extra special)

A decision has been made by the locals that I will bilas on the day. From the head up which I am lead to believe is a style of bilas reserved for clan and tribal leaders. In addition to the head bilas I will have the privilege to hold a chief’s spear during my speech. Symbolic perhaps? You bet!!

Photos from our visit to the village can be viewed by clicking here.