By MATROM JOHN
Christmas is a time for giving, particularly to those less fortunate than ourselves, like the many affected by the recent cyclone and associated flooding in Oro province.
Such is the case of Central province leaders and administrators, who seeing the plight of those in neighbouring Oro, went out of their way to deliver much-needed financial assistance.
It was a true Christmas story, showing the true spirit of giving and sharing, just like that famous Charles Dickens’ classic of the same name.
Like the inimitable Scrooge in A Christmas Story, we will neither be happy, nor receive God’s many blessings if we do not give and share.
It took almost one hour to fly from Port Moresby to Popondetta town in a helicopter.
During the trip, everyone waited anxiously to take in the extent of damage wrought by Cycle Guba in Oro Province.
We flew over over the Oven Stanley ranges into the Kokoda gap and passed the Mount Koiari villages on a Hevilift chopper.
On board, the Central provincial government team which comprised of Governor Alphonse Moroi, provincial administrator Raphael Yibmaramba, EMTV cameraman Edwin Wavu and myself were on a mission to deliver K50, 000 to the disaster-stricken province.
Near the Central/Oro border, we could see large flooded rivers with dead trees lying on their banks, lots of debris and washed-away villages.
We could vividly see huge landslides on the mountainsides.
Rivers flowing from the mountains of Central province and joining up with rivers of Oro - during the heavy rains - had caused massive damage to infrastructure, homes and gardens belonging to the people.
As a sister province to Oro, Central provincial government saw a need to step in and help.
The chopper finally landed on a field near a basketball court right opposite the Popondetta General Hospital.
From here, a vehicle took the delegation to Vudal University’s Oro campus, to a building which was set up as the disaster-coordination centre.
Governor Moroi and his team were welcomed and met by Oro deputy provincial administrator and State of Emergency (SoE) controller Paul Namono, provincial administrator Monty Derari and the disaster coordinating team.
Upon presenting the cheque of K50, 000 and the Team Central’s donation of K850 in cash to the devastated people, Governor Moroi said disaster struck anyone at anytime.
“Like any donor agency, the Central provincial government decided to step in and assist with the funds since Oro province shares the same border,” he said.
“There are intermarriages between the two provinces and the Central provincial government saw a need to come in and help the Oro province.”
Mr Namono thanked Governor Moroi for the assistance and for being present in Oro province to see for himself the massive damage.
He said Central province was the first to come forward and help with funds as well as giving its leaders visit.
Mr Derari said they were touched by this gesture deep and gave an assurance that the funds would be properly used.

At this time when we remember the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, let us remember those who are less fortunate than us, by giving and sharing.

The writer is Central Provincial Administration’s Media and Public Relations Officer
 

 

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Christmas comes early for our police
THIS Christmas, while spending time with our loved ones, spare a thought for our many policemen and women who will be patrolling the streets and highways to keep us safe.
The hard-working men and women of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary last Friday assembled at the Bomana Police College outside Port Moresby for the annual Police Commissioner’s Christmas parade.
Christmas did indeed come early for them.
A phalanx of well-drilled policemen and women showed all who gathered at Bomana what they were capable of doing.
They were backed up by the famous RPNGC Band.
Police Commissioner Gari Baki urged the 4800 members of the force to uphold their loyalty and observe their oath of office to gain public confidence and support.
He said it had been an eventful year for them all with his appointment as commissioner and the 2007 general elections.
Mr Baki also pointed out that policemen and women were now among the highest-paid public servants in the country.
He also last Friday launched the Golden Handshake Scheme, a retirement benefit project, set up by the Police Association.
“I encourage people to leave the force in a more meaningful way,” Mr Baki said.
“The scheme gives us the opportunity to leave the force in a more-meaningful way.”
After all formalities, senior officer and invited guests assembled at the officers’ mess, while other ranks gathered at the other ranks’ mess for an early Christmas party.
Senior police officers charged up the occasion by leading in song.


 

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