Businessman sees answer in controlling movements

By SHIRLEY MAULUDU
MADANG businessman Sir Peter Barter says among other things, the Vagrancy Act needs to be introduced as this may help in a way to address law and order issues within and around Madang town.
“What we need is a Government to recognise the importance of the private sector to increase jobs and business opportunities,” he said, commenting on law and order issues and the impact on businesses in Madang.
“The introduction of a Vagrancy Act, improve management of public funds, elimination of settlements, improve control of state land to stop illegal land grabbing and an increase in the number and capacity of police, many of whom are having to work long hours without suitable or acceptable accommodation and perhaps the reintroduction of reserve police may help.
“I, myself, have advocated for a meaningful tourism industry which if existed, would adsorb many youths and give them a purpose for being rather than being rejected as it seems today.
“I could say a lot more about this, but suffice that tourism is one of the many options that would help Madang restore its past glory.”
However, Sir Peter noted that while there had been an increase in crime in Madang, it did not require a state of emergency to be declared.
“This is an over-reaction which is not helpful,” he told The National.
“The main reason for increasing crime is primarily due to the state of the economy, lack of employment opportunities for young people leaving school and in many cases, the absolute need to feed themselves and their families which forced many to resort to criminal activities to survive.”