Briefs

To ban or not to ban alcohol?
THERE have been many calls made to ban alcohol. They include some Government ministers and MPs but not a single squeak from the many goody two shoes non-governmental organisations. When it comes to issues that affect their rice bowls, they are the  first to jump up and down screaming blue murder. Yet when people are being murdered because of alcohol-related incidents, their silence is deafening. With the festive season coming up, what is the Government’s stand on this issue? Do we ban alcohol or is it status quo? The report released by doctors from POMGH about alcohol-related incidents from domestic violence to drink-driving and murder must be treated seriously by the authorities. – Jonathan, Port Moresby 

What alcohol ban in Bulolo?
I REFER to the report in The National (Oct 27) about Bulolo imposing a year-long ban on alcohol. It was proposed during the district planning committee meeting by Bulolo MP Sam Basil and was unanimously supported by Morobe Governor Luther Wenge and other members. However, that is not what I am seeing in Wau as all the liquor selling outlets are still open and plying their trade. The drunks are continuing to harass women at the market and bag snatching and other petty crimes are on the rise. I call on Mr Basil to tell us what is happening. – Yombusi, Wau

Not a day to celebrate
THIS is in regard to the wrong perception that many people have on Dec 1, World AIDS Day, as a day to celebrate. Should we really celebrate? I believe it is more appropriate for the day to be referred to as a day to commemorate what this modern-day scourge has done to the people. There is nothing to celebrate in the true sense of the word. This killer virus is eating into all corners of the earth. Therefore, instead of
“celebrations”, people should be thinking hard and remembering those who have lost their lives and ways to help those who are living with the virus and prevent further spread of the disease. – Sawa Nalum, Port Moresby

NCD needs Parkop
SINCE Powes Parkop took over as NCD governor, the residents of Port Moresby finally get to see development projects taking place. Our capital city is now living up to its name. We now have investors from all over the world coming here and commercial activities have increased tremendously. NCDC generates its own income from taxes and it is good to know and see our money is being used as intended. From my personal observation, I believe we can move further if Mr Parkop were to remain as NCD governor for a few terms. – Concerned resident, Port Moresby

Thanks, Marape
ON behalf of the 40,000 plus teachers nationwide, I congratulate Education Minister James Marape for awarding a 13% outstanding salary increase for teachers this year as mentioned in Parliament in October. Teachers are hard working public servants and form the backbone of this country. We shape and mould the young people of PNG. We produce lawyers, engineers, accountants, police, agriculturalists, etc. Yet, we are the lowest paid public servants in PNG. The Somare Government has finally recognised our efforts and the 13% outstanding salary is a first of its kind. – Dickson Diwi Kinde, Mt Hagen

Right move by Arnie
I REFER to a foreign report about California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s move to ban plasma TV from being sold in his state. It was certainly a step in the right direction. California is the fourth biggest economy in the world and if the actor-turned-governor dare to impose a ban, it means he must have been warned not only about the 30% extra energy being consumed but the dire effects from plasma TVs that the manufacturers are not telling us. I will not venture into that but wait for reports from the medical and scientific communities on the side effects of plasma TV. In the meantime, what is the Speaker of Parliament planning to do with the plasma TVs that have already being delivered to the offices of our MPs? – Hasta la vista, Port Moresby