Parkop to launch party in Mt Hagen

NCD Governor Powes Parkop is scheduled to launch his Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Mt Hagen on April 10 and gauge support in the Highlands region.
It will be his first trip to the Highlands after serving as governor of the nation’s capital.
Mr Parkop will attend a gathering in Wurup’s Three Kona village to launch the party’s Western Highlands branch and to register members.
SDP interim acting branch president for Western Highlands, Paul Kintip, said the aim of the visit was to seek support from the public and to identify potential candidates in the province for the 2012 national election.
He said the visit to the village was no coincidence as the party had identified a potential candidate in the area to contest the Anglimp open electorate in the coming national election.
“Our aim is not only to vie for the top post come 2012, but also to address serious issues affecting the country,” he said.
Mr Parkop, who is currently in China, has confirmed through his electoral office that he would be in Mt Hagen on April 10 for the gathering.
He is also expected to meet with leaders and potential candidates in the seven districts of the province.
Roni tribal chief Timon Kerua, who is also Anglimp’s peace and good order chairman, said the community would welcome the governor and his delegation.
“We are not pleased with the way the country is being managed.
“We want Mr Parkop to identify honest leaders to lead this country without any of the current politicians.
“This country is now surviving in the hands of Christians.
“Christians are the ones preventing this country from falling as the Government is becoming useless to the people.
“We are happy to work with a new party and new leaders to see changes and development,” he said.
The people of Roni, who have never contested any national elections, are prepared to support one of their sons, Israel Alphonse, to contest in 2012 national elections under the SDP.
Mr Alphonse, who is based in Port Moresby, said it was not about money and wealth but rather an issue of being honest with the people and leading them in the right direction.
“It is about time we talk about developing human lives rather than talking about wealth, fame and pride,” he said.