University of Papua New Guinea

Stephen Pokawin - 00:37:39

Interview: 
Stephen Pokawin
Time: 
00:37:39

Stephen Pokawin reflects on the role of the university in presenting and debating contrasting views on independence, and the general acceptance of independence.

Stephen Pokawin - 00:19:41

Interview: 
Stephen Pokawin
Time: 
00:19:41

Stephen Pokawin reflects on the regional politics between self government and independence, especially in relation to New Britain and Bougainville. He discusses the splits in the country by party and region.

Stephen Pokawin - 00:15:23

Interview: 
Stephen Pokawin
Time: 
00:15:23

Stephen Pokawin discusses issues of racism and colonialism at university and the role of leaders and academics. He discusses his options on graduating and his work with the Department of District Administration when he was sent to Manus in relation to local government, when his father died and he requested a posting to Manus in 1974.

Stephen Pokawin - 00:13:25

Interview: 
Stephen Pokawin
Time: 
00:13:25

Stephen Pokawin reflects on his identity as someone from Manus Island or from PNG. He discusses provincialism at the university and the test to mix and build relationships with those you studied with, and the push from independence to do this.

Stephen Pokawin - 00:10:11

Interview: 
Stephen Pokawin
Time: 
00:10:11

Stephen Pokawin reflects on overseas influences and the intellectual excitement at the university. He recalls a trip to the Western Highlands with the Lutheran Development Services and beginning to talk to communities about the changes including independence and self government.

Stephen Pokawin - 00:06:41

Interview: 
Stephen Pokawin
Time: 
00:06:41

Stephen Pokawin describes how he got involved with independence, the association of the Pangu Pati with the independence, and his switch at university from studying English and Anthropology to studying politics due to the excitement of the period after the 1972 elections. He recalled a visit to the university by Michael Somare to a packed lecture theatre and the freedom of the academics to engage in politics.

Stephen Pokawin - 00:03:16

Interview: 
Stephen Pokawin
Time: 
00:03:16

Stephen Pokawin states that at that time in Port Moresby independence was not an issue, at UPNG most teachers were Australians, and that independence did not become an issue for him until the aftermath of the 1972 election. He remembers the visit of the United Nations mission to Manus Island in 1962 and the discussions surrounding independence.

Stephen Pokawin - 00:00:54

Interview: 
Stephen Pokawin
Time: 
00:00:54

Stephen Pokawin discusses his schooling on Manus Island, beginning at a mission school run by Americans, later attending Manus High School in 1966, and his selection as part of a group of six to attend University of Papua New Guinea in 1970 and his uncertainities around Port Moresby.

Lawrence Titimur - 00:15:50

Interview: 
Lawrence Titimur
Time: 
00:15:50

Lawrence Titimur discusses working with the personnel of the Public Service Commission and the debates at university around independence. He notes a lack of excitement concerning independence and the departure of many Chinese.

Lawrence Titimur - 00:12:25

Interview: 
Lawrence Titimur
Time: 
00:12:25

Lawrence Titimur remembers that all PNGs studying in Australia were brought together at each holiday to be flown back to PNG creating a strong cohort. He discusses commencing a law degree in PNG in 1973, working with the Development Bank in Rabaul for six months, returning to university in 1975 while working for the Public Service Commission.

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