Disgusted by fuel price hike
I AM disgusted with the recent increase in the price of fuel. My partners and I are running a PMV operation along the Okuk Highway and we are now looking at a very high cost of operation. Similarly, basic goods and services are going to rise as a result of the increase. InterOil is literally sucking the blood out of PNG’s growing economy. The country depends on fuel to develop and generate growth, transport goods and people, conduct our daily activities, etc. The fuel price increase has made a mockery of the Somare-led Government’s economic growth policy. InterOil is an international company and in my opinion, it has taken advantage of its knowledge to enter into a 30-year monopoly agreement. As such, I see no reason why it is “feeling the pinch” as it is enjoying total monopoly. – Wayne Powae, via email

Aust support appreciated
ON behalf of the people of PNG, especially the people of Oro province, I would like to say thank you to Australians who have assisted us tremendously in the aftermath of the Oro floods through AusAID. As soon as the floods started, the then foreign affairs minister Alexander Downer indicated Australia was willing and ready to help. When Deputy Prime Minister Dr Puka Temu asked the Australian government for assistance, this set everything in motion. AusAID has made a big difference, thank you very much. Despite what our arrogant political leaders may say, the truth is we, the simple people and grassroots of PNG, appreciate and value Australia’s friendship and support. – Mangi PNG, via email

Angry over Kopiyo’s murder
I AM extremely distressed, depressed and angry over the death of my relative, John Kopiyo, a respected village councillor, church pastor and leader of Wabag’s township (Dec 7). And I am especially ashamed and bewildered by those Engans who resorted to violence in responding to the lawful voice of an elected village representative. Kopiyo was a loving community leader, father, grandfather and pastor who stood for peace, justice, truth and equality. I strongly appeal to the Enga police commander and his men to have those murderers arrested and served justice immediately. Don’t Engans have any respect for local leaders and village elders anymore? I am completely fed up. – Aipyap Wane, Tokyo, Japan

We want daddy home for Xmas
THIS is a cry for help to the human resources department of the RPNGC office. I would like to know if the men and women who were posted out to other provinces will be coming home for Christmas. My husband has been away from me for almost two years now. I’m afraid my children are growing without their father and this is affecting our lives dramatically. Can the HR department do something about this? My kids and I miss our daddy and husband dearly. At least give us a chance to have him with us for this Christmas. – Concerned wife & mummy, via email

Well done, Nasfund!
AS a contributing member of Nasfund, I would like to thank the management for producing a good financial results and making contributors happy. The small people’s savings are in good hands and credit must go to Rod Mitchell, Ian Tarutia and other senior managers of Nasfund, who are making sound financial decisions to produce such results. The members are looking forward to the 25% interest that we will be receiving in March 2008. – Nasfund contributor, Port Moresby