Make ethical decisions

THIS is a grievance regarding the “closing-of-town-over-the-weekend” regime in some provinces of Papua New Guinea, especially in Northern.
Firstly, I acknowledge that Papua New Guinea is a member of Commonwealth of nations and, therefore, it is a must that she complies to the conditions and regulations set or passed by the Commonwealth.
However, I believe that PNG as a member of the Commonwealth and her government, are the main determinants of how to implement the conditions and regulations passed from the Commonwealth.
Those in authority must always remember that they represent the interests of the people and therefore they must make choices, including laws, that are people friendly.
Broadly speaking, PNG is subscribed to liberal democratic ideologies that promote equality, rights, and freedom; and above all trade and privatisation.
Being a member of the Commonwealth poses some challenges to the country and to those in authority.
The liberal democratic ideologies and some new regimes passed from the Commonwealth are at conflict.
We now experience this with “closing-of- towns-over-the-weekend” regime in some PNG provinces.
This, I personally see, is unconstitutional. And if it is a law, it does not serve the interest of the majority of the citizens of PNG.
I have witnessed much struggle in communities.
Currently, almost all PNG families are more reliant on groceries, and especially imported food products for their daily survival.
Implementing “closing-of-town-over-the-weekend” in some provinces in the country, and especially in the Northern, is causing inconveniences and rise in crime.
Those in the ghettos (settlements), block holders, and the entire province, after experiencing a long drought, and in the midst of it, have experienced food shortages.
Again with this new regime, the food shortage over the weekend is becoming a problem.
This is an appeal to the National and provincial governments, and especially the Oro government to really reconsider what they are implementing.
I am not opposing your authority, but I suggest you employ ethical decisions.
Choose “middle-axiom’ and ensure that your decisions and laws that you pass are fair, just, and people-friendly.

Alfred Aru Demesi
Student, UPNG