Quite an achievement for India Association
HEARTIEST congratulation to Dhruvi Shah for being crowned “Little Princess of the Heart 2007”. It is an achievement for the India Association for winning this crown three years in a row.
Over the past three years, Indian participants, supported by the India Association, have raised more than K300,000 for the poor children of PNG.
In my opinion, this is the most significant contribution by the association to PNG society in more than 25 years of its existence.
Harshita Varshney raised K42,000 in 2005, Shreya Shah K133,000 and Meghna Sharma K24,000 respectively last year, and Dhruvi Shah managed K107,000 this year.
What these girls achieved would not have been possible without the support of their family members and friends. And for that, we appreciate the hard work of all those concerned.
I would like to add that one person who has stood tall in all these years is Sanjay Shah. Needless to say he has been the driving force. -Kamlesh Varshney, Port Moresby

Keep polluters off the grass
RECENTLY, while I was in Mt Hagen, I got the shock of my life when I decided to take a stroll from the Highlander Hotel to the main town centre. Using the route from the coffee market lawn heading towards the Family Centre church and court house, I noticed some cars parked on the lawn. But on closer inspection, I noticed used oil, filters and other used vehicle servicing components were scattered on the lawn. I then realised that these people were servicing their vehicles on the lawn. This is not a workshop; it’s a place for people to relax. The place is now polluted as used oil is being drained on the grass. To make matters worse, this place is surrounded by the provincial headquarters, the Kapal Haus, the LLG council chambers and the court house. This is happening under the noses of the bosses and yet the authorities are not doing anything to haul up the culprits. – Kumbaeyer, NIP

Palaso a proven professional
I AM pleased to read about the appointment of Betty Palaso as permanent head of the Internal Revenue Commission (Nov 13). Palaso has proven beyond any doubt that she can lead the most dynamic of State institution, to ensure that the State purse is replenished on time and its debts are paid as scheduled. This is by no means a menial task, and Palaso is an accomplished professional who is committed to her job. She has made her people in Manus proud, and we thank the Somare Government for its continued recognition of the enormous talent that this island has produced over the years. – Fr Paul Mohe, via email

Congratulations to boxers
I WOULD like to congratulate Peter Andrew, Kenai Kul and Michael Sam for making the Port Moresby amateur boxing team to compete in the national championships in Ramu (Nov 13). Their inclusion is a boost for other youths around the city, especially the boys from Salt Nomane living around Six-Mile area. I wish the three of them all the best in their bouts. Even if they are up against better and stronger opponents, they must not throw in the towel early. – Davies Kemyo, Port Moresby

Nondugl dream in sight
I AM pleased with Treasurer Patrick Pruaitch for allocating more funds for rural development. It is fantastic that he has allocated K4 million for this year and another K10 million next year for all districts in PNG. I am from the remote Nondugl in North Waghi and with this allocation, the people of Nondugl will finally see the daylight after living in the darkness for so long. – Wuri ngamb da, via email

Capitalise on technology
I WOULD like to commend the people behind the launch of the Ambunti-Dreikikir website. We are now living in the 21st century and reading through Tuesday’s newspaper, I believe our leaders must capitalise on technology by setting up their own websites. They can make a big difference in the way we react and communicate with our leaders. – Mangi pops, via email

Arthur is a letdown
I AM a supporter of the National Alliance. But I am disappointed with the Minister for Public Enterprise Arthur Somare. I cannot understand why he is persisting with the new ICT policy to be passed by the NEC and Parliament despite it being against the wishes of the grassroots, most of whom are strong supporters of NA. His action is causing disharmony among NA supporters and it will show in the next election. Arthur must get his acts right as no one is bigger than the party. – NA supporter, Port Moresby

Take ownership of assets
I REFER to the vandalised telephone cables which are causing millions of kina not only to Telikom but also many business houses and innocent people of Papua New Guinea. The people are the losers in that they miss out on vital services and this could also see many lives lost due to the breakdown in communication. We need to take ownership of our national assets and it is about time we take responsibility for our actions. – Jonraga, via email

Look after staff
JOHN Numapo, if you want to keep judiciary integrity, then you should look after your staff. Accommodation is the priority. – Mathew Yakai, Changchun, China

 
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