29 January 2019 Case Dismissed: Reflections on My Time at the PNG University of Technology

29 January 2019 Case Dismissed: Reflections on My Time at the PNG University of Technology

Today I learned that the "false pretence" case against me was dismissed in September for lack of evidence. I have mixed feelings about the news.

I'm glad the public now knows what my family and I knew all along. But I'm still left in a difficult position. After being falsely accused, undergone various attempts to dismiss me wrongfully, arrested and detained, I've had no real chance to clear my name in a full hearing.

The case was dismissed because no evidence was ever presented. I believe this shows the accusations were politically motivated. They were meant to harm me, and financially they did.

My story and my PNG traditional storyboard

My story board


This beautiful traditional storyboard was made by Henry, a Papua New Guinean artist from Sepik, after I returned from my first exile in Australia on 3 April 2014. It has been hanging in my office in Papua New Guinea, now in my office in Italy.

The storyboard depicts my imaginary visit to the Sepik village, where Henry the artist hails from.The text on the storyboard reads:

"Dr. A. Schram, it is good you care. Most wellcome to PNG heritage". "Thank you tru for choosim Papua New Guinea. Your stay in PNG will be a historical one & commendable to the citizens. Mi hamamas tru long u".

(In English: Thank you for choosing PNG. ... I am very happy for you")

Indeed I believe my 6 years in the country have brought some good, though many colleagues in the university management and council were utterly resistant to implementing any positive change, preferring instead to serve themselves exclusively, and to play the corrupt politics, of greed and inflated ego's in Waigani .

For many of the students coming from villages just like these, however, we are sure we have brought some truth, light and hope.

What is touching is how most people in the country have been so kind and welcoming. Although Papua New Guinea is not the only story in my life, having worked as a professor in other wonderful countries like Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Guatemala, my PNG story is the most memorable and interesting.