Female leader backs ban call

 By JAMES APA GUMUNO

A WOMEN’S leader in the Highlands region has supported the call by police to ban the live telecast of State of Origin matches in the country.

Women-in-Politics regional president Dere Cecilia supports the call on the Government by Enga provincial police commander George Kakas to stop the live telecast because of the violence it is creating, leading to deaths and damage to properties. 

Cecilia told The National from Chimbu yesterday that the three-series matches featuring the best rugby league players from New South Wales and Queensland were being played in Australia but was causing a lot of problems for people in the country.

“I have seen marriages break up, families split, supporters fighting each other resulting in deaths,” she said. She said people who did not have enough cash steal to drink and watch the game.

Cecilia said girls even sold their bodies to find money to buy alcohol and enjoy with their friends during the game.

She said this contributed to the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS, and unwanted pregnancies among girls.

“I have never seen young people go crazy over this game. More people are following this State of Origin game and followers are increasing every year,” she said.

Former Nipa-Kutubu district administrator in Southern Highlands Robin Pip supported Kakas, saying the live telecast of the game was creating more law and order problems in the country.

He said every year, more and more people got killed as a result of fights, drunk drivers were involved in accidents.

“I love to watch the game but our people are not mature enough to control themselves. The live telecast of the game must be banned.”

Pip said during the series decider last Wednesday night, a pastor of a local church and a young man fought inside his house while watching the game. Both were chased out by his wife.