PM: Don’t be misled

PRIME Minister James Marape has advised members of the public not to be swayed or misled by “political aspirants” trying to organise protest marches against the Coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination.
“I advise our people to stay away from such negative influences,” he said in a statement.
“Individuals with political and other vested interests, are trying to rally public support to suit their own agenda.
“For instance, some of the well-known anti-vaccine voices are known political aspirants under the guise of public- interest advocacy.”
He was responding to social media posts about a protest march held in Lae on Friday which was stopped by police, and one planned for Port Moresby today.
“I urge people not to incite and mobilise others to cause unnecessary problems in Port Moresby and other parts of the country, when we least need it in these difficult Covid-19 times,” he said.
“If any of you have alternatives on Covid-19 prevention, cure or public policy, our National Control Centre is open to your contributions.”
Marape stressed that vaccination was not compulsory as made out to be by its critics.
“We have, over the past two years maintained individual personal rights when it came to the issue of vaccination,” he said.
“At the same time, we have kept our country open for trade to ensure that our economy is functioning.
“Our Government has always maintained the policy that vaccination is not mandatory.
National Pandemic Response Controller David Manning said a march planned for today in Port Moresby was illegal, and any gatherings of more than 20 people will not be tolerated by police.
Manning told The National that the planned peaceful protest against vaccination had not been approved by the National Control Centre, NCD Health Authority or the National Capital District Commission.
Manning, who is also the Police Commissioner, said any such gatherings would be dispersed by police.
“While everyone has their rights to do what they think is best, protests marches are also the time for opportunists to take advantage of and create a chaotic situation which is not conducive to anyone,” he said.
“The NCD Health Authority, city manager and the NCD metropolitan superintendent as a body is entrusted with deciding measures specific to the NCD.
“And this includes whether to have a lockdown or not.
“This body (and) the National Control Centre approve events and activities within the city.”
Deputy Defence Force Chief Commodore Philip Polewara also rubbished claims that soldiers would join the protest march.
“No PNGDF personnel will be taking part in this march and they have been warned,” he said.