Be careful with statements

THE public has read Ntional Pandemic Response Controller David Manning’s response to the Indian flight fiasco.
Manning, who is the Police Commissioner, used harsh language and asked for the Government to take diplomatic action against to India.
Before putting ink on an official statement, we need to think twice as we can’t withdraw it later, unlike verbal statements.
CapaJet last week released their statement denying the claim by the controller, proving they have the clearance from the same controller.
Having read the statement, anyone with commonsense can understand the mistake is with us and our own inability to handle the situation.
At the same time, the facts and figures released were inaccurate and the controller was talking out of emotions, just as our politicians do.
We should be very careful in dealing with nations that we have diplomatic ties with.
I understand the controller is not equivalent to the high commissioner or ambassadors of any nations by rank and position.
Moreover, accusing a country and its high commissioner without studying the facts, without listening to them and without a proper investigation is improper and immature.
If this happened in any other nation, they would have summoned the diplomats, taken statements and if necessary, go to the media after proper briefing with the related ministers and offices.
We should be extra careful about making allegations against other countries and their delegates in Papua New Guinea.
Manning said “I am angry and disappointed at the way the Indian High Commission in Port Moresby deliberately participated in the deception that resulted in unauthorised passengers, including four Coronavirus (Covid-19) infected persons, arriving in PNG”.
This statement sounds as if the Indian High Commission deliberately brought the Covid-19 Delta variant to PNG through deception.
CapaJet clearly indicated that every Indian and other foreign nationals had valid visa and have been fully vaccinated.
The company said they had the approval from the controller. They have released the letter issued by the controller.
I was closely waiting for the apology from the Indian High Commission, but I realise that they are silent because it’s not their mistake but our own failure.
They are not immature like our officers to respond quickly without proper thinking and consultation.
Two of our soldiers, without taking any Covid-19 vaccine, were on the flight as well.
Papua New Guinea’s high commission in India should be investigated for this.
Why were the soldiers allowed to board the plane when they were not vaccinated?
We accused CapaJet, who did so much for us to repatriate 250-plus PNG passengers and assisted us with deliveries of personal protective equipment, ventilators, medicines and other equipment.
Every nation has the right to protect its citizens, however, before taking action and making public statements such as Manning’s, we should deal with issues properly as this issue is serious and affecting two friendly nations and a friendly aviation company who assisted us.
This is not the Parliament where we can talk anyhow we wish to.
Papua New Guineans have deep respect to the nations such as India, who has always been friendly to us and assisted us in many ways.
Our Indian friends have contributed enormously to the development of PNG in terms of health, education, banking, information technology and many other fields.
Many Indian missionaries have been serving our communities for decades to improve our living standards.
We should have considered all these aspects before making irresponsible and immature statements.
I have studied in India and have worked with many Indian colleagues as my bosses and I feel it is my duty to respond to support them and point out the failure from our side.

Whistle Blower,
Pom