Attack on Leahy and Buchanan uncalled for

I REFER to the letter “White expats have taken EHP for a ride” (The National, Sept 28) by Nathaniel Gomae.
I wish to comment on three issues the writer raised.
Firstly, to criticise Sir Danny  Leahy and Sir Dennis Buchanan was repugnant and could only come from a person lacking in substance as both men are deceased and have no way of defending the accusations.
They made substantial contributions to the highlands and to PNG and were recognised by the national government by their knighthood for services to the economy and business in general.
Secondly, the comment that we all should have the right to operate business freely is commendable and both John and Simon Sia of Bintangor should be given that right.
Over the years, they have contributed significantly throughout the highlands.
However, I believe that the protests we witnessed over the past 12 months are targeted at illegal businesses that are operating as tuck shops, kai haus and second hand clothes outlets.
These small business ventures are supposedly reserved for Papua New Guineans.
Lastly, the writer’s comment regarding Laga Industries has no credence and lacks understanding of the issues.
In 1996, the company decided it needed to expand nationwide.
This meant purchasing 6ha of land (with government title) so as to bring all production and dispatch to one central location.
Goroka had no land of that size available in 1996.
Another major problem we faced, as had other manufacturers in Goroka such as Cottee’s and Rothmans, was the very high cost of freight compounded by the ongoing raskol-related problems along the highway.
Relocating to Morobe resolved these issues. Hence, our move to Lae in 1997.
Since then, the company has grown considerably with more than 500 employees and remains committed to our philosophy of replacing imports with PNG-made products of quality and value.
Reverting back to the writer’s commendable attribute that “we live in a big global village now and one should be free to move and do business anywhere”, I see no reason why this should not apply to Laga Industries.

Phil Frame
Lae