Bulolo/Wau's young and vibrant leader Honorable Sam Basil

Papua New Guinea's politicians or so called Members of Parliament (MPs) regard themselves as 'big man' once they're given the mandate by the people through the electoral process. They completely forget where they started from and how they ended up there.

That means they don't have time to have a conversation, or send an email every five minutes, or even have phone conversations with simple people like you and I.

But I see different colors shown in the approaches in a young leader of Mr. Sam Basil's calibre- the first time MP for Bulolo/Wau electorate in the Morobe Province in Papua New Guinea. I don't know this young MP very well; however, what fascinates me is the fact that he is very humble and can be approachable by every levels of people. I came to sense that he doesn't care who he talks to but he has a big heart for the grassroots people in Bulolo/Wau and PNG at large.

Needless to say, I am not even from Morobe or Bulolo/Wau for that matter but this guy amazes me with sending emails every 2-3 minutes. In my life time, I've never conversed with an MP and this is indeed my first time to have a conversation with the Bulolo/Wau MP. Below is the conversation Mr. Basil and I had since he arrived in Washington, DC. What he told me might surprise some of you folks out there.

(Bulolo/Wau MP, Hon. Sam Basil and US Ambassador to PNG Mrs. Leslie Rowe)

David Ketepa: It is fascinating to read your blog. I am from Mt. Hagen, WHP but currently live in Michigan, USA. It's a first of it's kind to have a PNG MP having a blog. This is always a great sign. The elite of Bulolo/Wau will appreciate your efforts in creating a blog to inform them. I know you'll be busy but if you do have sometime or need any information to get around here; just holla at me.

Hon Sam Basil, MP: Nice to hear from you. Is there anyway we can catch I am currently in Washington DC and by Wednesday we will be in Columbus,Ohio and then finish our trip into North Carolina.
Pls contact me on (contact details held for various reasons) and sorry for the blogs I just started the blog and there is not enough info. as yet because time factor is what I don't quite have at the moment. I'd be glad to catch with you but if we can't then bro. good luck, I met with Brian may be you should know him see my blog at Brisbane airport his pic. was posted there. Anyway are you close by ? (Sorry I may be too lazy to look at the maps)

David Ketepa: Thanks so much for replying to my email; though I know that you're busy. This shows that you're truly a leader for the grassroots. I am excited to meet you; hopefully in Columbus, Ohio because it is just four hours away from where I live. If I had known where your location/staying would be in Ohio; that would even be closer. But I wonder when you will get to Ohio and if you did on a working day, I might not get there because I would have to work. However, I would let other PNGeans in Ohio (a bunch of them living there) to know your coming so that they can have an opportunity to meet you. It doesn't hurt to keep our communication lines open and I would love to read the latest developments on your trip and back home in PNG on your blog. I added your blog on my blog list.

Hon Sam Basil, MP: Thank you David,
We will be into Columbus, Ohio by Thursday (22.01.09) and will be there for two or three days I would be glad to meet some wantoks in Ohio. If you can't make it then pls ask some countrymen to catch up as it is also becoming a little lonely and I also would like to compare/interact with them regarding the American culture and government. (Its good to get such info. from our own).

David Ketepa: will surely let them know. Do you know which hotel you're staying? It would be best if you give your hotel details so they can meet you there or contact you. I will be working till Saturday so will not make it but I'd love to give you a call if I had known your # in the hotel you're staying.

Hon Sam Basil; MP: OK got confirmation now as follows;
Dep. Washington DC Thursday 22.01.09 arrv. Columbus, Ohio 14:45hrs hotel Columbus Renaissance Hotel, 50 North Third Street, Ohio 43215. Tel (614) 228 5050
Thanks again and hope to meet up with them.

David Ketepa: That was quick. I put up a toksave on PNG message boards here in the US. I won't put all your contact details, location, etc....instead I put my name and email address so if anyone wants to meet you they should contact me first so that I can give them the details as you've just forwarded. I will probably give you a call during one of those days if you weren't busy. Is it for real, I am really talking to an MP? Wow!! that's amazing and I am so proud of you. It's fascinating for me to see you as young and vibrant leader rising so fast to keep in touch with the elite no matter where they come from in PNG. I admire your approaches.

Hon Sam Basil; MP: Thanks and hear from you soon bro. hope we meet someday and I understand we all share the same view about PNG. Malum Nalu just email me few moments ago and ask me of how exciting about tomorrow and I returned mail to him saying I am actually not happy. Because what I saw here in Americas politics especially upholding of the constitution and the respect to the rule of law with strong democracy has brought America to where it is today. In PNG we are still struggling, health services are not penetrating into the rural areas, law & order is still a problem and corruption is miles high on the agenda.
I told him that the old guards still have the upper hand in PNG's politics while the young politicians who were voted in recently build their extra ordinary lifestyle in Pom and the very influential leaders in Govt. are feeding their daily extra expenses which has suppressed the new leaders to stand together and say enough is enough but I hope it will change one day.

David Ketepa: I share the same sentiments with you and I hope and pray that leaders like you and a few others stand up so firmly to bring our country back from all these political corruption and chaos. I've written up a blog (www.pngemmiyet.blogspot.com) to go against on such issues as mismanagement, corruption, bribery, wantokism, nepotism, etc.....It's fascinating to see a leader who has same visions as I do. I can't wait here and see my country going to the dogs and seeing my folks in the village struggle to acquire basic services.It's terrible back in PNG but I see some potential in you. I will keep these communication lines open because I see that you've alot to offer to your electorate (Bulolo/Wau), Morobe and the country at large. I wish there could be more Sam Basils in PNG. God bless your leadership and I will constantly follow your developmental plans and developments in your electorate and decisions you make regarding PNG. You motivate me and you just hit the nail right into the coffin on issues I raise through my blog and letters to the editor via our national papers.

Mr Basil was just elected into office and from his blog and among my email friends, I would say that he has done remarkably well and I congratulate all the people in Wau/Bulolo for making a right choice in electing him. Even though; he is young, he is already fired up and ready to change Bulolo/Wau and ultimately, PNG.


Note: Those in Columbus, Ohio, refer to the MPs schedule (above) and meet him there for some maus wara (jokes) in a true PNG style. I can't wait to call him when he gets to Ohio.