‘Greedy people’ let the needy go without

Sydney
1 Dec 2002

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‘Greedy people’ let the needy go without

Caritas makes sure ‘the money gets to the people who need it

By Damir Govorcin

Many people in desperate need in Papua New Guinea have missed out on receiving assistance because of corrupt officials taking the money, says Justine McMahon of Caritas.

This was a result of the “irresponsible” way the Australian Government delivered aid to places such as Papua New Guinea where corruption has been widespread.

“The Government would hand over a cheque and leave it up to those in charge to distribute the money,” she said.

“But, due to the corruption, greedy people would pocket the money and those in desperate need of assistance would go without.

“Caritas closely liaises with its partners in the Pacific, making sure the money gets to the people who need it.

“The people in Papua New Guinea are industrious and so full of life. They have endured incredible hardships, so it’s up to everyone to give them a helping hand.”

Violence in Papua New Guinea has twice forced Caritas to suspend its program.

“People were scared that Caritas was going to withdraw their support,” says Justine, who has been Caritas Australia’s Pacific programs co-ordinator for the past three years.

“Many people, from community and Church leaders to ordinary people, came and asked us to stay and continue our work.

“We have made a difference to people’s lives.”

Justine paints a grim picture of the island nation.

Civil war, high unemployment, drought, a weak currency and lack of law and order have made it hard for people to survive.

Justine’s job is to liaise with Caritas’ partners throughout the Pacific, looking at ways to establish projects which will allow the people to become more self-sufficient.

She also works closely with the diocese in each area.

“On my latest trip to Bougainville, I assessed more than 30 applications, all of them seeking assistance in starting small income-generating projects,” she says.

“It was good to see thata significant number of applications were from women’s and youth groups.

“That is a sign that people are starting to get back to ‘normal’ after the fighting.”

Caritas has also played a pivotal role in re-establishing the education system on Bougainville “by supplying struggling communities with hardware materials for classrooms and curriculum materials”.

“I visited a school funded by Caritas and the look on the kids’ faces was priceless,” says Justine.

“They were so happy to be learning and gaining an education.”