I SUPPORT the letter “Unbecoming of a former diplomat” (Jan 24) by “Launakalana Mero” of Port Moresby.
I do so because this is the truth. Everyone has been telling Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare; successive Foreign Ministers and Chief Secretaries; and the Secretary for Personnel Management Margaret Elias that to get the migration and visa policy and procedures back on track is to get rid of the present Secretary Gabriel Pepson.
Pepson has had his five years as secretary and has nothing to show. Instead, what we have are low staff morale; inefficient management and coordination of our international relations and operation of our missions abroad; poor management of resources and manpower; and the list goes on.
The management of Migration Service and citizenship awards, visas and general movement of foreigners, especially into PNG have been at the worst level.
In fact, in Migration, despite public statements and announcement, Chinese “illegal tourists” have more than doubled to 200 a month since Pepson sent John Momis to Beijing.
Indeed, we are told the once highly respected Chancery Office in Beijing has been allegedly abused by family members of the Head of Mission.
This is a direct result of Pepson not have given Momis and Mrs Momis a proper briefing about the importance of maintaining the proper image of PNG as a nation.
The Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Sam Abal, Chief Secretary Lupari and Personnel Management Secretary Elias must act immediately to straighten out the mess.

Frustrated diplomat
Port Moresby