Outrage in Papua New Guinea Over Biden’s Cannibalism Remark
James Marape, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, has spoken out against comments made by US President Joe Biden regarding his uncle who served in World War II. Marape expressed his disappointment with President Biden’s remarks, stating that his country does not deserve to be remembered in such a negative light.
In a speech on April 17, President Biden mentioned his uncle, Ambrose Finnegan Jr., who served in World War II and whose body was never found after his plane crashed in Papua New Guinea. Biden’s comments about cannibals in the area have sparked controversy, as Marape emphasized that the people of Papua New Guinea should not be associated with such negative stereotypes.
Marape highlighted the impact of World War II remnants in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, where the local population still lives in fear of death due to the presence of bombs and other remnants from the conflict. He called on the United States to take responsibility for finding soldiers who lost their lives in Papua New Guinea during the war and to clean up the remaining ruins.
While President Biden’s comments may have been unintentional, Marape stressed that it is important to remember the history of Papua New Guinea accurately and respectfully. The Prime Minister urged for a more accurate representation of the country’s role in World War II and for efforts to address the lasting effects of the conflict on its people.
