Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister has refuted Joe Biden’s controversial claim about his uncle being eaten by cannibals, labeling it as “loose” talk that does not reflect the US president’s feelings for the country.
James Marape remarked in an interview that despite Biden’s controversial comment, the bond between the two countries remains intact, overshadowing “one blurry moment.”
Last week, Biden recounted a story about his uncle, Ambrose Finnegan, who was allegedly shot down in Papua New Guinea during World War II, hinting that cannibals might have been involved since his body was never recovered.
According to US defense archives, Finnegan’s plane was forced to make an emergency sea landing near the island for undetermined reasons.
Papua New Guinea has long been working to overcome old stereotypes that depict it as a place of wilderness and cannibalism
Marape noted that during their four meetings, Biden consistently expressed a positive view of Papua New Guinea, never suggesting any association with cannibalism.
“I’ve met him on four occasions, until today, and on every occasion, he’s always had warm regards for Papua New Guinea,” Marape said.
“Never in those moments (has) he spoken of PNG as cannibals,” he added.
Papua New Guinea has long been working to overcome old stereotypes that depict it as a place of wilderness and cannibalism.
Marape emphasized that the relationship with the US is based on much deeper values than any single comment or joke.
He encouraged Biden and his administration to clear up the unexploded ordnance that still litters Papua New Guinea today.
In a single bomb disposal expedition on the island of Bougainville in 2014, troops from Australia and the United States destroyed 16 tonnes of wartime munitions.
The US State Department’s travel guide for Papua New Guinea highlights the presence of unexploded ordnance as a significant risk in less accessible regions.
