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US President Joe Biden claims that his uncle, 2nd Lieutenant Ambrose J Finnegan was eaten by 'cannibals' in Papua New Guinea (PNG) during World War 2.

MSNBC reported that Mr. Biden made the statement during a campaign stop in Pittsburgh, making a clear distinction between his family's military service and Donald Trump's reported criticisms of military members, as detailed in The Atlantic in 2020.

The statement has sparked debate about the appropriateness of using the word "cannibal" and its potential impact on U.S. reputation in the Pacific region, especially amid efforts to strengthen relationships with Pacific island economies amidst rising Chinese influence in geopolitics.

According to The Telegraph, Mr. Biden stated;

“He flew single-engine planes, reconnaissance flights over New Guinea,” Mr. Biden said of his maternal uncle, 2nd Lieutenant Ambrose J Finnegan.

“He had volunteered because someone couldn’t make it. He got shot down in an area where there were a lot of cannibals in New Guinea at the time.

“They never recovered his body. But the government went back, when I went down there, and they checked and found some parts of the plane and the like.”

But The Telegraph again revealed that official war records dispute all of Mr. Biden’s assertions about his uncle’s fate during the flight on May 14, 1944. Lt Finnegan was not flying the plane, nor was it shot down.

Firstly, it's crucial to note that Mr. Biden's comment was made in the context of a personal story about his family history. But Mr. Biden is well known for telling exaggerated stories. He once said his house got burnt down and that he got arrested trying to see Nelson Mandela in jail.

However, the use of the term "cannibal" carries historical and cultural weight, particularly in PNG and other Pacific islands.

Historically, Western explorers and colonizers often depicted indigenous peoples as "savages" or "cannibals," perpetuating harmful stereotypes and contributing to the marginalization of these communities.

The Pacific island economies have diverse cultural backgrounds and histories, and they value respect and sensitivity in diplomatic interactions.

The use of a term like "cannibal" by a U.S. President, even in a personal anecdote, can be perceived as culturally insensitive and may undermine efforts to build trust and positive relations.

Moreover, the timing of such statements is critical. As the US seeks to strengthen its engagement with Pacific island nations in the face of increasing Chinese influence, every word and action is scrutinized.

China has been actively expanding its presence in the region through infrastructure projects, economic partnerships, and diplomatic initiatives. In contrast, the U.S. has been working to reassert its commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Pacific islands, as part of its strategic efforts to maintain a balance of power.

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Funded by Taxpayers, Not by Politicians: PNG's Tax Chief Urges Media to Highlight the Real Source

"In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes" as Benjamin Franklin once stated

As certain as it is, tax, is one topic that certainly intimidates many, even the most learned.

And that is how the Commissioner General of IRC, Sam Koim, started his recent address at the PNG National Press Club event organized by the Media Council of Papua New Guinea.

Koim has called on the media to change the way they discuss and portray the use of public funds.

While Koim's call was directed to the media, nothing is further from the truth with the real culprits being the elected members of parliament who are famously known for large billboards and banners branding their names and face as being the ones paying for such services.

Busses, classrooms, hospitals, and events are all known to be branded under the politicians who then use the taxpayer's money to bring those very services to the taxpayers who break their backs to pay the taxes.

Koim says "Currently, discussions about public spending often overlook the fact that these expenses are financed by taxpayers' money"

The Tax Chief strongly emphasized the need for more awareness for the general public to know their tax financing vital public services, infrastructure projects, and the salaries of public servants - and doing in a way that promotes transparency and accountability and that the taxpayers understand and appreciate the value of taxes they pay.

He also highlighted the difficulties faced by IRC, particularly with tax evasion, uncontrolled tax incentives, inefficiency, and low productivity but at the same time revealed the comprehensive plan of action, including the implementation of advanced monitoring systems, simplified tax laws, digital transformation, and strong anti-corruption measures.

IRC's vision according to Koim is to establish a modern and efficient tax administration and he is optimistic about the progress made and emphasized the importance of improving tax collection mechanisms.

It helps to note that PNG netted K9.7 billion in tax revenue in 2022 with Prime Minister James Marape saying "This is a record achievement in a fiscal year, where IRC was able to surpass its annual target in the space of only eight months"

Koim also mentioned the possibility of proposing tax rate reductions in Salaries Wages Taxes, and Corporate Income Tax provided that compliance improves, and revenue impacts are positive.

He however admitted that the quality of taxpayer-funded expenditures remains a significant challenge.

While IRC is not responsible for spending the funds, he emphasized the importance of taxpayers seeing the value of their taxes.

He urged for prudent spending and stated that "every kina saved is a kina earned."

Image: Commissioner General of IRC, Sam Koi/ICR

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Taste of home: new betel market catering for Solomon Islands seasonal workers in Australia - ABC Pacific A new market has emerged supplying more than 3,000 Solomon Islander seasonal workers in Australia with a taste of home.

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HAPPY YNEW YEAR to you all my lalokau❤️ customers and lalokau ❤️friends,🎉🎊🎉🎊may u all enjoy🎶🎊🎉❤️

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Business will resume on the 11th of January 2023
With that I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New year❤️💕😊

A rat swallowed a diamond and the owner of the diamond contracted a man to kill the rat.

When the rat hunter arrived to kill the rat there were more than a thousand rats bunched up and one sitting by itself away from the pack.

He spotted and killed the one sitting by itself and to the owners surprise, it was the exact one that had swallowed the diamond.

The amazed owner of the diamond asked:
How did you know it was that rat?

He responded: Very easy…. When idiots get rich they don’t mix with others!