Column 1

Testing times
Prime Minister James Marape, like everyone else arriving in the country from abroad, had to undertake the Covid-19 test at Jackson international airport. He returned from his trip to Fiji and New Zealand on Tuesday.
Pay week
It is Government pay week. Everyone is happy, especially taxi drivers who look forward to a hike in business this week. The traffic police too are erecting checkpoints on the highways.
Plate thief
Mt Hagen district court magistrate Lydia Karre told mother-of-two Rose John of Chimbu who stole 16 plates from a shop in the city that she should be ashamed of herself and to go back to her village.
Lent vow
Asked what he was giving up for Lent which began yesterday in the lead up to Easter, pal quipped: “I am giving up my New Year’s resolution!” Next?
Not in the mood
A side crew on a Route Nine bus in Port Moresby greeted everyone coming in yesterday with a smile and a “Good Morning” before collecting their fares. No one responded to him. Everyone seemed to be in a bad mood. He concluded that they must have got off the wrong side of the bed.
Prosperity gospel
They call it “prosperity gospel” – how some pastors are putting a “spin” in their preaching to become wealthy through the financial contributions of their church members. Many overseas even own private jets, posh cars and homes while church members struggle daily. They are starting to emerge in our midst in this part of the world. Be wary of wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Thought for today
Good decisions come from experience. But experience comes from bad decisions. This is life, so never regret. Learn from your mistakes and move on.
Top quote
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.