Call for better management of buai ban

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Monday February 24th, 2014

 NEWLY-elected Kairuku-Hiri MP Peter Isoaimo says people in the electorate should not suffer from the betel nut ban imposed by the National Capital District Commission.

“The buai ban law is affecting the people adversely 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he said in his maiden speech in Parliament.

“Sadly, as I speak here today, some of my people are now at the NCD Laloki Bridge checkpoint being body-checked, harassed, their bags of food cut open in search of betel nuts and with no concern by NCD rangers and the police.

“While there is no betel nut ban in my electorate and Central, Mekeo people are denied the right to bring betel nuts to the Motuan side of the electorate by NCD rangers and police at the Laloki Bridge checkpoint.

“This NCD betel nut ban has effectively resulted in my people being ostracised, belittled, treated with contempt, sometimes manhandled and denied their self-respect.

“I thank Governor Kila Haoda for bringing this matter up in Parliament by presenting our people’s petition on Feb 14.

“I call on Governor (Powes) Parkop to immediately lift the betel nut ban in Central but carry out buai ban activities within the boundaries of the NCD.”