By ISAAC NICHOLAS
PRIME Minister Sir Michael Somare and Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari were not impressed with the poor turn-out and the late start of a meeting of departmental heads and provincial administrators in Port Moresby last Friday.
And the senior Government officers were at the end of a tongue lashing and a lecture about punctuality and protocol.
Public Service Minister Peter O’Neill was also disappointed with the delay and he had to wait for almost an hour and a half before the programme started at about 11am.
Sir Michael, who left the official Prime Minister’s residence at Mirigini House at 9.45am was advised that his opening address was delayed because heads of departments had yet to turn up for the meeting.
Sir Michael, who arrived an hour after the scheduled starting time, also raised the issue of punctuality.
“This morning, I was very punctual and punctuality is very important to all of us. I left Mirigini House at 9.45am to come here and was told on the way that not all of you are here.”
Sir Michael said there was “slackness” in the public service and concerted efforts were needed to improve this situation.
The Prime Minister challenged the heads of departments and State agencies to support the work of Government.
He said the Government had demonstrated through the increase of revenues that it was investing money in the welfare of the public service.
In return, he said, he expected higher performance from of all the departments.
Sir Michael said the foundations were set in the last five years and this term was dedicated to implementation and the bureaucracy should take the lead.
He said not all departmental heads and provincial administrators were present last Friday for the important meeting although Chief Secretary Lupari said letters of advice were sent to all two weeks ago with follow-up reminder calls to all.
A disappointed Mr Lupari blasted the heads of departments for keeping the Prime Minister and Public Service Minister waiting for over an hour.
“We cannot keep the Prime Minister and ministers waiting. We must respect protocol. Papua New Guinea time must stop,” Mr Lupari told the few departmental heads making their way into the Kumul Room for the meeting.
“The Prime Minister has to wait for you to come before he comes. This must be the last time that this should happen. You are the cream of the public service and it really disappoints me.”
Mr Lupari said for the heads of department to come in late was a reflection that Papua New Guinea culture of “PNG time” had not changed.
“We have to demonstrate leadership and respect for protocol; we have to come on time to wait on the Prime Minister and his Ministers,” Mr Lupari said.