Manam issue

THE current tension between the people of Manam and the rest of Bogia and Sumkar is still on going and the leaders of both the local, district, provincial and national government are not doing anything.
Food gardens have been destroyed women and children of neighbouring villages of the care centre of Managem left homeless.
A lot of road blocks set up by the locals in an attempt to stop the islanders from going to town to conduct their business while the childrens’ education have been jeopardised by the ongoing conflict and fighting.
There are reports that there are few police in the area but there are no reports of possible arrests of those hooligans doing road blocks and those triggering the conflict.
There are also no reports or news aired about the current tension and inhumane treatment of the people of Manam Island by the national government.
Millions have been allocated ever since the volcanic activities in 2004 but it has been misused and stolen by leaders.
A lot of misleading news articles published state that the resettlement programme for the Manam people is ongoing, but that is fake.
Women and children have being traumatised living in fear every day in the care centres thinking about what would happen the following day in the centres.
A state of emergency has been declared and people are on high alert on possible attacks.
It seems that Madang, the people and the political leaders, do not want Manam islanders to be part of the province.
It is now 15 years living in main land Bogia and still neighbouring villages are not able to get along with these people.
It seems that the entire province is fighting or in conflict with a very tiny island with a population of 8,000-9,000.
It is with great regret that our honourable member for Bogia could not stand as a leader and fight for the rights of the people of Manam and restore peace and harmony.
The Madang provincial government is one of the worst and urgently needs auditing and people found misusing their office must be dealt with accordingly.
The governor for Madang is now never to be seen or heard in regards to the Manam issue.
Can he clarify where the K6 million allocated for the Manam people is now or what has been done with those funds?
Thousands of people are now in despair and their future is so dark due to poor leadership and negligence by the government.
How long will it be until the people of Manam will be allowed to be free and live a peaceful life?
They have been longing for a better life since the one they had known was destroyed by the volcanic activity.
These people are one of the most unique in PNG.
With this am referring to their morale and strength, this is inbuilt and is a gift from above.
Manam people are like Jewish people surrounded by enemies their own land (refugees in Papua New Guinea).
Authorities can you do something?

Henry Kauke,
Upng