Deadliest Journeys - Papua New Guinea
Best Documentary・2 minutes read
Papua New Guinea is a lawless land with high crime rates, relying on private security companies armed with bows and arrows. Local drivers face dangerous conditions on the treacherous Highland Highway, with some like Kevin resorting to betel nuts for energy during long journeys.
Insights
- Private security companies in Papua New Guinea, armed only with bows and arrows, are relied upon due to ineffective policing and high crime rates, highlighting the extreme measures taken to ensure safety in a lawless land.
- Gerard Philip, a Frenchman dominating the economy of Papua New Guinea, has amassed wealth through various businesses, transforming consumer society and highlighting the entrepreneurial opportunities amidst the challenging and dangerous environment of the region.
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Recent questions
What challenges do drivers face in Papua New Guinea?
Drivers in Papua New Guinea face numerous challenges, including treacherous roads, high crime rates, and the need for constant vigilance to protect their cargo from looters. The Highland Highway, a vital route for transporting goods, is known for its dangers, with few drivers willing to take on the risks involved. Additionally, drivers like Kevin must contend with the consumption of betel nuts to stay awake during long journeys, as well as the threat of attacks by armed looters targeting valuable cargo like pasta and rice. Security measures, such as carrying loaded firearms, are essential for drivers and business owners to protect themselves in a region where crime rates are high.
How do private security companies operate in Papua New Guinea?
Private security companies in Papua New Guinea play a crucial role in providing protection for locals due to ineffective policing and high crime rates. These companies, armed only with bows and arrows, are relied upon by communities to safeguard against criminal activities. In a region known for its lawlessness, private security firms offer a sense of security for businesses and individuals who face the constant threat of theft and violence. Despite their limited resources, these companies are an essential part of the security infrastructure in Papua New Guinea, where traditional law enforcement may be insufficient.
What economic challenges does Lae, Papua New Guinea face?
Lae, the economic capital of Papua New Guinea, grapples with significant economic challenges, including poor infrastructure and high poverty levels. Referred to as Pothole City, Lae's roads are in disrepair, making transportation difficult and hindering economic development. The city's high poverty rates contribute to social issues and impact the overall quality of life for residents. Despite its economic importance, Lae struggles to overcome these obstacles, highlighting the need for investment in infrastructure and poverty alleviation programs to support the city's growth and development.
How do business owners protect themselves in Papua New Guinea?
Business owners in Papua New Guinea face the constant threat of crime and must take extensive security measures to protect themselves and their assets. In a region where crime rates are high and law enforcement may be ineffective, carrying loaded firearms and implementing strict security protocols are essential for business owners like Gerard Philip. Transporting large sums of money or valuable goods requires heightened security measures to prevent theft and ensure the safety of individuals involved in business operations. These precautions are necessary to navigate the challenging business environment in Papua New Guinea and mitigate the risks associated with conducting business in a high-crime region.
What role do pilots play in Papua New Guinea's remote areas?
Pilots in Papua New Guinea play a crucial role in transporting essential supplies and providing access to remote areas that are otherwise difficult to reach. With unpredictable weather conditions and treacherous terrain, pilots like Antoine face significant challenges in flying over the country to deliver goods and services to isolated communities. In regions like Kaintiba, where planes are vital for medical emergencies and transportation, pilots serve as lifelines for residents who lack access to other forms of transport. Despite the risks involved, pilots are instrumental in connecting remote villages with essential services and support, highlighting the importance of aviation in addressing the logistical challenges of Papua New Guinea's remote areas.
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Summary
00:00
Highway dangers and riches in Papua
- Papua New Guinea is located 150 kilometers north of Australia and is known as one of the world's last lawless lands.
- Lae is the economic capital of Papua New Guinea, often referred to as Pothole City due to its poor infrastructure and high poverty levels.
- Private security companies, armed only with bows and arrows, are relied upon by locals due to ineffective policing and high crime rates.
- Kevin, a highway driver, meticulously checks his truck before each journey to avoid potential attacks by looters targeting his cargo of expensive staples like pasta and rice.
- The Highland Highway in Papua New Guinea is a treacherous 700-kilometer road that is vital for transporting goods, with few drivers willing to take on its dangers.
- Kevin earns 1,200 Euros a month, four times the wage of a teacher, and spends over 60 hours a week driving on the highway.
- Betel nuts are consumed by drivers like Kevin to stay awake and energized during long journeys, acting as a stimulant and ceremonial tradition in Papua New Guinea.
- Gerard Philip, a Frenchman living in Papua New Guinea for over 20 years, has made his fortune through the highway, owning multiple businesses and dominating the region's economy.
- Gerard's businesses, including a supermarket, bakery, and butcher's shop, have transformed consumer society in Papua New Guinea, with a turnover close to 30 million euros annually.
- Security measures, including carrying loaded firearms, are essential for business owners like Gerard when transporting large sums of money in Papua New Guinea, where crime rates are high.
21:37
"Adventurous pilot braves Papua New Guinea"
- Gerard Philips is honored and has a place at the tribunal.
- Taking good care of coffee plants can lead to wealth as coffee is valuable in Gumine.
- An adventurer turned pilot in the 1990s after traveling the world.
- Flying over Papua New Guinea for 16 years is risky due to unpredictable weather.
- Antoine, a young New Zealander pilot, has flown over 1,000 hours above the country.
- Weather conditions can affect flying decisions, with makeshift radios used for weather reports.
- Antoine transports essential supplies to remote areas like Kaintiba, where planes are crucial.
- In Kaintiba, planes are vital for medical emergencies due to the lack of other transport options.
- Billy faces roadblocks while transporting construction machines, with local villagers assisting non-four-wheel-drive vehicles.
- Tribal wars in Papua New Guinea have evolved to include modern weapons, leading to increased fatalities.
40:42
"Remote drivers face dangers, priest aids villages"
- In remote areas, drivers are instructed to never stop if they accidentally hit a villager or an animal to avoid potential dangers.
- Billy faces challenges during his journey, needing to constantly monitor his cargo and make emergency stops to fix issues with the machines and chains.
- Father Matthew, a dedicated priest, navigates treacherous terrain to reach remote villages in Papua New Guinea, providing essential services and support to the impoverished population.
- Father Matthew's efforts are crucial in connecting remote villages with authorities and essential services, as many areas in Papua New Guinea are neglected and face significant poverty.
