PNG must thank Aussies for helping us

I WOULD like to convey my condolences to families who lost loved ones in the ferry disaster and offer thanks to the Lord for saving more than 240 lives.
I must commend and thank the Australian government who al­ways come to our help when­ever a disaster strikes PNG.
As my family waited anxiously for news, our prayers were answered when the Australians and other friends rescued my younger brother.
He was in the sea for almost four hours before he was rescued.
I was able to talk to him over the phone and he described other passengers’ plight which was worst than his. 
I believe the relationship between PNG and Australia will continue to grow.
We must never say we do not need Australia because we need each other to progress and face the challenges ahead of us.
We need each other to pursue each others’ interests.
We must teach the children of both countries to treat each other with dignity and respect.
Every country will experience man-made and natural disasters.
However, in our case, there is a need to minimise the frequency .
One effective way is to strengthen the National Disaster and Emergency Services (NDES).
This state institution must have a human face to respond to citizens’ plea for help in times of disaster.
It must work with the corporate sector and NGOs.
The government, with support from Australia and other donor partners, must immediately design a capacity building programme that focuses on improving and building the capacity of the NDES.

John Watmelik
Rabaul