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The National, Wednesday 24th April 2013
A VOLUNTEER running a course on teaching children with special needs pointed out something which is very true and we hope relevant authorities can take it up. Parents who have children with disabilities need a lot of help and counselling to accept their children’s condition. For children with hearing and vision impaired they have to be reassured that there are places in schools in PNG for their children.
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VERY true, Kessy, that the crime rate in the country has gone from bad to worse. There is no fear in the perpetrators anymore. Why has PNG turned out like this? In the 1980s and early 1990s, this was not the case. People had respect for each other, respect for authority and respect for women. And we agree with you that if we really want a peaceful PNG, we need to address the root cause of the problem.
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WE hope someone in authority will take note of ordinary Papua New Guineans sharing their thoughts on this issue. There is a pressing need to improve internal security. A major overhaul of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and law enforcement agencies to enforce law without fear or favour, police presence in all communities, and communities working together with law enforcement agencies to uphold our constitution.
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INVEST in agriculture and infrastructure. Get the people off the settlements in towns back to their villages so they can work the land. The majority of Papua New Guineans are within the age group of 15 to 40. These happen to be the most vulnerable group as well. Get them involved in things that will not make them commit crimes, be in school, have a job, or learn some life skills.
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POLICE in West Sepik say they hope a new Family and Sexual Violence Unit will encourage women to report such crimes. The new centre at the Vanimo police station is a joint project between the governments of PNG and Australia. We hope the centre is given reliable resources for its upkeep and the services provided are consistent.
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A WAR veteran says Anzac Day should always be
remembered for the sacrifices and the mateships made in combat. During the Kokoda battle he says the role of the local Papua New Guinean villagers, fondly known as the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angles, should always be remembered. The usual fun and games ceased as we realised we were going into a serious situation, people kept their thoughts to themselves.
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IT’s amazing how the days blend together. It used to be January and suddenly we’re heading to May then June and it we would have clocked half the year.
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