Be honest with the people

IN times of crises, accurate information is important if we are to maintain order and for people to remain calm.
When there is no information flowing, people will be susceptible to rumours and that does not help anyone.
And what is Lae Metropolitan Chief Supt Chris Kunyanban has alluded to in his statement.
He said correct and vital information on the Covid-19 had not reached most people around the country which was causing anxiety and confusion.
Basically, lack of information on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) and vaccination has posed challenges in service delivery, including police work.
Let’s be honest, a lot of our people who don’t have much education are gullible to whatever information is spread and that is how misinformation and panic will start. When it comes to information dissemination in PNG, enough is not enough.
What our people need right now is accurate, consistent and regular information.
All information should be tailored to the specific situation which can then increase the efficiency of information dissemination and provide people with more time and more accurate information to be informed and make better decisions.
Chief Supt Kunyanban made the observation after a protest march held last Friday at Eriku in Lae. He said appropriate authorities must address the matter quickly.
“They have concerns and seek answers to questions they or even I cannot answer,” he said.
“So they staged this protest.

“We must create an avenue where appropriate authorities must listen and have proper dialogue with (the people).”
We concur with him that if there is no safe space for them to air their concerns without fear and intimidation, we will face more similar situations.
He is right to point out that many times, the police face the people when decisions are not made properly by the authorities. We try to address and defuse the situation.
The people’s questions must be answered.
Misinformation has led to misunderstanding which resulted in attacks on health workers, including the St John Ambulance in Lae.
While the Government has stepped its efforts in advocating for vaccination, it is important for everyone to get facts from trusted sources.
In the modern era the number of communication channels has rapidly increased. Information technology development has made the transfer of information easy and fast in all aspects of human activity.
And let’s use that to promote content around basic infection prevention practices, symptoms of COVID-19 and when to seek health care.
Let’s share facts and accurate information about the coronavirus. The way we communicate can affect the attitude of others.
In an age where information is mass produced and accessible at the touch of a button what the public really must have is relevant knowledge.
The intensive flow of information ensures information needed for good decision-making.
The media’s job in maintaining balance between truth and public perception and to always remain just and objective.
But with social media, it is just the click of a button, news about murder, rape, car theft and many more in the country are uploaded, even if it just rumours.
Social media is vital source of information and education. Used correctly and with proper control mechanisms, it can result in positive development for the individual as well as the community at large.
The public might want to ask whether to take social media seriously as a source of information and education
In times like this, everyone should take on the responsibility of telling the truth about public issues.
And all forms of media must be used correctly.