Biga Lebasi

Biga Lebasi states that he welcomed the suggestion that Papua New Guinea become one nation separate from Australia. He recalls that blacks and whites lived together well on Kwato Island but that when he came to Port Moresby to attend Sogeri High School he encountered racism, describing an event when he was refused service at the Steamships supermarket. He states that he became bitter and thought independence might be an answer to this racism and he looked to the USA and South African experience.

Biga Lebasi outlines his motivations for becoming a journalist, stating it was not to expose racism, but because he enjoyed writing essays at school. He recalls that his first career choice had been to become a medical officer  ̶  a dentist  ̶  but that he had never received a reply to his application. He recalls visiting the newspaper offices and his relationship with the editor.

Biga Lebasi recalls that there was not much discussion about independence at Sogeri, and that he felt he had no one who could provide advice to him.

Biga Lebasi describes the racial discrimination in Port Moresby in the 1960s when he was restricted where he could sit on the bus and in theatres. He recalls an incident at the Ela Beach RSL club with work colleagues and being refused service. He recalls another incident when he was sent to photograph a society wedding in Lae but not allowed into the reception.

Biga Lebasi discusses his decision not to renew his membership of the Pangu Party when he became a journalist. He recalls feeling violent about some issues and how his work on the newspaper mellowed his feelings.

Biga Lebasi discusses his treatment at the South Pacific Post and his first real assigment covering the Local Government Council meeting at Hanuabada. He recalls that he went on to cover question time in the House of Assembly and his impressions of the members of the House of Assembly.

Biga Lebasi recalls that there was no actual connection with blacks in America but that he adopted their music and dress styles.

Biga Lebasi discusses his knowledge of political troubles and potential trouble makers leading up to independence.

Biga Lebasi gives his opinion on the Papuan separatist movement and his belief in sticking together.

Biga Lebasi recalls keepings his views on independence to himself and the trouble with some whites at a community hall meeting.

Biga Lebasi expresses his relief at independence of no longer being tied to Australia and how independence personally inspired him in his career.

Biga Lebasi states that after independence his wages did not improve and that whites straight from high school would receive four times his salary.

Biga Lebasi discusses the increasing localisation at the Post Courier and Air Niugini. He links the political move to independence with personal growth and change.