 |
COLUMN I
COULD someone explain to us how “guided democracy” is any
more likely to achieve lasting peace and progress in PNG than the real
product?
***
GOOD morning. Robert Iroga is a young Solomon Islands journalist who
graduated from Madang’s Divine Word University barely one year ago, with a
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts, a four-year course. Within a few
weeks of completing his studies, he was confirmed as editor of the Solomon’s
newspaper, The Star.
***
IT’S worth remembering that this was at a time of great turmoil in his
country, yet the young journalist kept The Star on an even keel, earning
praise from all sides in the process. If that were the limit of his
achievements to date, he would indeed be outstanding.
***
BUT Robert has now been confirmed as the media secretary to the African,
Caribbean and Pacific group of nations, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
Role model is a tired old phrase, but it’s hard to see Robert in any other
context.
***
CERTAINLY PNG undergraduates could learn much from the ambition and the
determination of this Solomon Islands journalist. We wish Robert all the
very best in his European appointment – and offer congratulations to DWU for
producing another outstanding South Pacific journalism graduate.
***
MUCH outrage over the discovery that there’s fake Ramu sugar on the market,
allegedly obtained from China. Such backhanded activities are hardly in line
with China’s supposed support for developing our country; Ramu is a PNG icon
and its products are of international quality. Don’t buy rubbish imitations!
***
BUT this is hardly the first such product to be stocked and sold on shelves
in PNG. Enter the average city “department” store and you’ll find legendary
perfumes and after-shave lotions such as Chanel, Charlie, Arpege, Drakkar,
Boss, Dior and many others available for apparently ridiculously low prices.
***
THEY’RE fakes alright, despite the declarations on the swank packaging that
they’re made in Paris, London or Rome. But nobody lifts a finger to
prosecute these imitative pirates – nor those who make a nice little profit
flogging the spurious stuff in their stores. When will we enforce our own
laws? Cheers!
***
- Dee Nesenolis
|
|