Former governor: Consider well-being of people

 A FORMER National Capital District governor has called on incumbent Powes Parkop to reconsider the stand on the total betel nut ban in Port Moresby.

Wari Vele, pictured, said other alternatives should be provided for the vendors who depended on betel nut sales to earn a living.

“I agree with the governor’s idea of the ban with the city looking clean. But this is a snap ban,” Vele said.

Vele said Parkop should consider other alternatives for the vendors from Central and Gulf.

“Betel nut has been their cash crop for years and if he stops it coming into the city, then he should help the people look for other ways for them to sell,” Vele said

“Consider exporting it to other provinces by opening up airports and wharfs so the people can export.

“Just open venues that will help people to continue with their sales out of NCD.”

He pleaded with Parkop to consider the well-being of the people from Central and Gulf and reach a win-win situation.

“Regulate it properly so there will be no effects of destroying the betel nut plantations that many have relied on for years,” Vele said

Vele made a call to Papuan leaders to wake up and come to the aid of their people.

“This betel nut ban has been forced down the throat of many betel nut income earners, this snap ban will not help but there is so many negative things that will happen,” Vele said.