Briefs

Well done, Jacob
I TAKE to congratulate Jacob Yowai, the De La Salle Grade 12 student who took this year’s dux award (The National, Nov 12). Jacob is from Yowai village, Nomane, Simbu. Anyone who has been to this part of the country will understand the hardship faced by students, parents and teachers. For Jacob to take this prize is fantastic. I must commend his parents and relatives for their part in his up-bringing. I encourage Jacob to continue to be humble and stay away from anti-social behaviour. Well done, Jacob. You have made many of us very proud. – Davies Gomla Gaulo, Port Moresby

Where is K5m for hospital?
THE National Government has allocated K5 million to upgrade the Henganofi Hospital because it is in such a bad state. But what has happened to the money. As far as we know, nothing has gone through the Central Supply and Tenders Board for procurement. It is almost three years since the money was allocated. Has the money been diverted elsewhere, as rumoured? The people of Henganofi need their hospital restored to a good shape, and have a right to know what has happened to the K5 million. The Member or someone at the district treasury office must explain. – Kafe Mofarave, Goroka

Stop blaming ICCC, bemobile
WHY is bemobile complaining about having to pay K4 million to Digicel? It claims ICCC is favouring Digicel. Is that true? I think the reason why bemobile is paying that amount is because there are more bemobile subscribers calling Digicel. The reason is simple; there are more Digicel subscribers than bemobile. So stop blaming ICCC, bemobile. – Observer, Mt Hagen

We’re not second class people
I CANNOT understand why Papua New Guineans are made to queue up at the crack of dawn and in the hot sun or rain at the car park of the Australian High Commission when applying for visa. It seemed we are still being treated like haus bois and meris. If that was not enough, we also have to show proof that we have money in the bank and what not. You would think that Papua New Guineans plan to disappear into thin air once we step on Australian soil. Stop treating us like second class citizens. – Ron Denis, Port Moresby

PNG an Apec member?
I WONDER whether PNG is officially recognised as an Apec membership country. I applied for an Apec card in July 2007 and submitted the necessary forms, a support letter from the WNB Chamber of Commerce and K400. To date, I have not received any response from the Foreign Affairs Department. Can someone shed some light on what is happening? – Disappointed citizen, Kimbe

BSP is here to stay
THE recent community project – renovating the cancer ward of the Port Moresby General Hospital by BSP – shows the bank’s concern and care. It is giving something back to the community by undertaking community projects in different parts of the country. – Local analyst, Goroka

Go home, carbon traders
WHY are the so-called carbon traders from Australia plying their trade here? They should leave the country and do their business in their own home. I am concerned after reading the report “Carbon sale on” (The National, Nov 12). I believe they are here because many of our people are gullible and illiterate. We must not be fooled by these people. – Bata Robu, Wewak

Keep Min culture alive
FOLLOWING the University of Goroka Cultural Show this year, I was swarmed by many people from all works of life. Some even wrote to me and told me my culture was very unique. As a typical Min man, I was very impressed with the different comments. Therefore, I am calling on the Min people (Oksapmin, Telefomin and upper mountain parts of Western province) to keep our Min culture alive. Please continue to teach our younger ones our culture. – Typical Min man, Goroka