Church facilities ‘out of bounds’

By REBECCA KUKU
Catholic church facilities are not to be used for campaigns, the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands has instructed.
CBC president and Archbishop of Madang Anton Bal said parishes must not allow political campaigns in church facilities, including in its schools and health centres.
“Politics come and go,” he said.
“They are seasonal events, but those services are there to still support our people after elections.
“Other public utilities, such as roads, bridges, public vehicles, and transportation must also be respected at all costs.
“They are there to help us make our life go on smoothly.
“We know from previous elections and after elections, that there were social disorder and destruction.
“We had times of hunger, increase of people with HIV/AIDS, children without proper parents, family breakdown, school fee problems etc.
“We shouldn’t forget that we have to keep our human dignity in high esteem and practice proper moral conducts.”
Bal said politics was a part of every human person’s life, but it should always be guided by the principles of honesty, transparency and good moral conduct.
“Lay church workers have the right to stand for elections as candidates, support and vote for candidates they believe are in good standing in the society, who could contribute positively to the development of the people and the country as a whole,” he said.
“However, to maintain the independence and integrity of the church, we advise that active and full-time church workers voluntarily step aside from their active ministry during the time of the campaign and election period.
“This separation is not because politics is bad and evil but rather because the practice of politics in Papua New Guinea naturally divides people, which is against the church’s principle of unity.”
Bal also called on citizens to use this opportunity and privilege as people of a democratic nation to support parties and candidates who have good moral conducts, good family life and good political platforms, not because they were family members, tribal members or associates.

Candidate for Morobe seat focuses on self-reliance

SAVE PNG’s executive director Jennifer Baing says a competent Government is one that helps Papua New Guineans become self-reliant.
“That should be the focus to forward communities and the country,” the non-government organisation (NGO) woman leader said.
Jennifer, 42, who is contesting for the Morobe regional seat, said working with the people and communities as business partners should, therefore, be the strategy to achieve what was needed.
She is standing on a People’s Movement for Change ticket in general election.
The party is led by incumbent Northern Governor Gary Juffa.
Jennifer said: “Leaders are expected to work with the people to work their land and sea to earn good money.
“Agriculture, fisheries and renewable resources, such as carbon trading, can help raise the income of Morobe.
“We should also create a safe and secure business environment for local and foreign investors to invest in the province, thereby increasing job opportunities for the people.”

Lone woman puts hand up to contest SHP governor’s seat

By PETER WARI
RUTH Undi was the only woman among 13 candidates who nominated for the Southern Highlands regional seat in Mendi last Thursday.
Undi joined her male counterparts to appeal to their supporters for a peaceful general election as the previous election had experienced violence.
As expected, the provincial capital saw an influx of vehicles loaded with supporters of the candidates front up at the Mendi police station for the nominations.
The candidates came with their witnesses and were nominated with the process facilitated by election manager Jimmy Alwin and other officials.
The candidates were allowed time to address the people after nominating.
Businesswoman Undi was the first to be nominated and was followed by former chairman of PNG Power Peter Nupiri, former Nipa-Kutibu MP Philemon Embel, Governor William Powi, Joseph
Kobol, Alfred Walne, Bernard Kaku, Augustine Rapa, Alex Awesa, Jerry Kiwai, Steven Evekone,
Junior Tol and musician Augustine Emil.

Rookie contestant anxious but excited for city race

By LULU MAGINDE
BUSINESSWOMAN, working mum and candidate for the National Capital District regional (NCD) seat, Sylvia Pascoe, says as a first time contender, she is anxious but excited for what is to come.
“I really enjoy talking to people, it’s what I’m looking forward to the most. When we were doing party awareness, I really enjoyed meeting different groups of people, talking to them, finding out what’s actually going on,” she said.
“I am a hardworking person, I raise my daughter, run my business and am campaigning all at the same time and it’s all good, it’s just like a normal day to me.”
Crediting her work life for crafting her skills in politics, Pascoe said that as she was in the business of events, things did not feel too foreign to her.
On being a member of Sir Peter Ipatas’ The People’s Party, she said she was drawn to the party’s values of putting people first and it had a track record as seen in how Enga was administered.
“The plan is to get right into campaigning starting by connecting with the people,” she said.
“If I could be the ‘Governor Ipatas’ of Port Moresby, then I believe we’re going to help fix this city.
“The things that I’m talking about resonate with a lot of people, it doesn’t matter what part of the city you live in.