Gulf people not desperately reliant on betel nut sale

 I WRITE to express my view in regard to the front page article “Parkop faces death threat” (The National, Jan 7). 

As Kay Aves, we know that it does not belong to any of us Keremas or Mekeos, but from some desperate, undisciplined individuals feeding on the husks of betel nuts. 

For your information, the people of Gulf do not heavily depend on betel nuts as a major income-earner as one would perceive. 

Betel nut selling was a game and we have enjoyed the fun, but now, we understand fully that the time has come for the game to end and we are all happy. 

We lose nothing and thus, have no grudges against our good leader who make real decisions. 

Chewing is a part of our everyday social culture, but responsible chewing, cleanliness and self-respect have also been our way of life. 

The so-called commercial use of betel nuts has abused and tarnished the importance and values the nuts have in our culture. 

This is evidently being demonstrated in markets, public places and the streets of Port Moresby, mainly by a certain group of people, including the general chewing public and some well-educated people. 

The death threat is a dumb thing for any mentally-civilised person to do. 

Those of us with genuine brains can undeniably see and appreciate that the ban has enormous positive environmental, social and health impacts on our once filthy capital city. 

We love the ban 100%. 

We also urge Governor Havila Kavo, members of Gulf, the provincial administration, the Central governor, his members and all peace-loving citizens of Gulf and Central to stand together with Parkop in encouraging and promoting this wonderful idea of a total buai ban in the city. 

For all the Mekeos and Kay Aves, it is time to move forward;  a new chapter has begun, so let us preparefor the LNG and other big agricultural endeavours.

No betel nutter, Via email