| Sports |
by Dr MICHAEL
UNAGE
Tough to make
ends meet
AN unfortunate incident occurred to me at
the Port Moresby airport that I want to share with you. Some of you may
have encountered similar experiences.
Travelling during the weekends can be frustrating at the airport around
this time due to the elections.
Security at the airport has been tightened to monitor the movement of
arms and drugs.
I was due to check in for a flight to Goroka (PX 960) on June 16.
There was a long queue in front of the check-in counter and there was
only one lady tending to all the passengers, some of whom were bound for
Wewak.
After about 45 minutes, I finally reached the counter but a man at the
security counter in a blue uniform moved a person ahead of me.
When I raised the matter with the man in uniform, he said that I made a
fuss of it, I would have blood running down my nose.
I feared that if I insisted for some minor justice to be done in that
chaotic line, I would have two or three security guys pounce on me.
The main issue I want to raise, however, has to do with another incident
at the security check before we enter the departure lounge.
I put my hand luggage through the scanner and removed my mobile phone
and coins in my pockets and placed them in a tray.
After clearing the scanner, I picked up my two pieces of luggage but
completely forgot my mobile phone.
When I realised it a few minutes later, I went to the security personnel
to inquire about my items.
The two men and one lady declared that they did not see them or know
anything about them.
The lady was supervising the scanner check while the two men were
handling the trays.
I believe that my items went into a bilum belonging to one of the
guards.
I thought of insisting on a search, but decided against and left very
despondent.
I then struck on the idea of borrowing a mobile from a friend to call my
number, in the hope that the phone would ring and betray its location.
The response I got was one that we are quite used to: “The number you
are calling is either switched off or is outside the network coverage
area.”
Again, I was defeated.
My only suspicion is that all three security personnel knew the
whereabouts of my mobile phone.
They were the only ones handling all the items that pass through that
checkpoint.
I doubt if any traveller would risk stealing in such a situation.
Soon after, I laid a complaint with an officer from the Civil Aviation
Authority (CAA). He questioned the security personnel but came back with
nothing.
I told him that my mobile phone had important contact numbers, and if
those security people did take it to sell in the streets later, I was
willing to pay for its return.
The impression I got from the CAA officer was that these people had been
doing such things for a long time and I was just one of many victims.
He told me that he did not want to pressure them, and to make them look
as suspects in any way. The gentleman got my other contact numbers and
said he would call me as soon as he knew the whereabouts of my mobile
phone.
He never called and I tried my mobile number again. It rang but no one
responded to the call.
It is frustrating when systems put in place to protect people and their
properties end up doing the reverse.
While I assume some responsibility over my loss, I also feel that the
rules at the security check cost me and my family another K500.
If I had the resources, I would fight the matter in court.
The incident reminds me of a time when I was overseas.
I was travelling in a tram in an European city and lost my wallet and
other important documents.
I inquired at the reclaim office.
The staff promised to do their best and asked for my contact details.
About an hour later, they asked me to return to the reclaim office –
they had found my items, fully intact.
In 1998, I travelled from Rome to Singapore. At the Changi airport, I
dropped my airline ticket as I rushed from terminal one to terminal two.
When I realised it, I rushed back to terminal one and contacted the
security officer there.
He told to wait at a designated area and 10 minutes later, much to my
relief, he returned with my ticket.
Memories of these experiences came naturally as I mourn over my mobile
in my own country where systems put in place to care and serve the
travelling public are robbing people.
Most security companies employ people without conducting a proper check
on their background.
I believe many of these people live in the settlements and they have
learned to survive without jobs and usually, no food on the table.
Security companies do not pay much to those they employ to do guard
duties.
These people who have families would therefore need to supplement their
income. I am a victim of this situation.
 
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