Icac core to country’s reputation, students say

Education

STUDENTS have described the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) as fundamental to the reputation of PNG being known as a country of peace and prosperity.
The students of the De La Salle Secondary School took part in a chat room radio programme last Wednesday.
Grade 11 student Isaac Timothy said the Icac was a constitutional office to eradicate corruption in the country.
“Though PNG is still developing, the establishment of Icac is a positive step because what our leaders are now trying to do is to set a precedent that will change the pathway of our country and our future generation for the better,” Timothy said.
“For far too long has the wantok system eaten away our integrity causing a detrimental toll on the lives of many.
“The positive impact that Icac will have will be for the younger generation to benefit from and carry forward in breaking these forms of corruptive systems.”
Grade 10 student Anthony Kaiopuna, who plans to be a doctor, described corruption in PNG as being proportionate to a pandemic due to the deteriorating impact it has on the public service.
“Corruption is rife and causes so much deprivation, suffering, and death,” he said.
“Health, education and living standards have declined and many young people are being forced to roam the streets and engage in acts of violence because there is no plan to cater for their needs and to empower them.”
He said people of good will were paramount to ensuring Icac’s overall operation was activated.