Recordkeeping in PNG
Presented by Jason Korni.
This paper will briefly take the audience on a journey through the history of Papua New Guinea. It will note some of the very important turn of events in the history of the country - the oral tradition of passing down the archival records through stories, of records written on the body through traditional tattoo, and later, the decisions and actions taken by the founding fathers during the colonial period before and after independence in recording and capturing valuable records in a complex society. Keeping abreast with the ever changing environment of records and archives whilst adopting and adapting to societal changes has been difficult. Nonetheless, the records of the history and the rich cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea will be managed and kept in the Archives to preserve the past for current and future generations.
Included in this paper, is an exclusive interview with the Chief Archivist of the The National Archives of Papua New Guinea, Mr. Jacob Hevalawa. Jacob will outline the work of the National Archives functions and responsibilities, how it is coping with the ever changing environment of records and archives technology and how the Archives is co-ordinating, liaising and adopting to new standards. The National Archives is critical in assisting both public and private entities in keeping proper records and archives. A major focus is to achieve accountability, transparency and good governance for the country.
The changes to recordkeeping which were brought to Papua New Guinea under the Westminster system and the growth of government departments are described through information from interviews with (a) a Records Manager of a State Department and (b) the National Housing Corporation, a body set up by the Government just after independence to provide affordable housing.
There remains today a large divide between traditional life in the provinces, and modern international life in POM. Resolving the potential clash of operating modern international business in provinces where traditional hunting and gathering is the daily routine continues to be a challenge for companies such as Oil Search, Lihir Gold, Santos and Exxon.
PNG RAMA
As PNG discovers the needs to keep records of business, a groundswell of support gave birth to the Papua New Guinea Records and Archives Management Association. PNG RAMA was established in 2007 with assistance and support from several quarters, primarily the RMAA. The author of this paper, and Founding President of the Association will briefly outline PNG RAMA’s plans, vision, mission and objectives.
It has a big task on hand to collaborate and team up with PNG National Archives in order to work with all national and international stakeholders, primarily the Records Management Association of Australasia (RMAA).
Education and training remain the keys forward for any developing country, and PNG RAMA can play a major role in the records management industry –
- providing training and networking to public and private records management practitioners
- organizing and participating in national and international seminars and conventions regarding the trends in records and archives management
- remaining an active member of RMAA
- participating in PARBICA at all its Pacific region meetings These activities will be foundational in improving records and archives throughout Papua New Guinea.
