Don’t abuse the award system
I HAD previously written to this column calling for the abolishment of the so-called “award system”.
Recently, a former top Central senior public servant rightfully declined to accept a medal.
He said he had been offered a similar medal before.
Whether he did so intentionally or by mistake, he said he could not accept the medal for doing nothing.
It is a mockery when medals can be bestowed on people who have “done nothing” while hardworking men and women in both the public and private sector who deserve recognition are overlooked.
The award system should not be used to “honour” someone for performing some favour or for his political affiliation.
It is to honour people who have contributed meaningfully to the nation to improve the lives of the people and image of the country.
I believe one deserving recipient is Nasfund Ltd chief executive officer Rod Mitchell, a quiet achiever who has brought much benefit to private sector employees.
The recent announcement of a 37% interest payment to Nasfund members is a milestone under his stewardship.
Under the previous NPF management, millions were stolen and to add insult to injury, those responsible remain free.
Mitchell and his compatriots have worked tirelessly to not only turn Nasfund around but also into a hugely profitable and well-managed fund.
On behalf of the contributors and their immediate families, I thank and salute the Nasfund team.
If I were the Prime Minister, I would have distributed all the medals to these hardworking and honest individuals.
Otherwise, abolish the practice as we are only aping foreign culture.

Steven Supi Palisa, Port Moresby
Letters