Red Cross in Morobe aims to start humanitarian work again

RED Cross PNG’s Morobe branch aims to resume humanitarian relief work again after almost four years of inactivity.
The branch was handicapped with administrative issues, including the misuse of funds and vehicles.
The mismanagement resulted in Red Cross PNG head office in Port Moresby suspending its operational accounts.
In response, the branch members changed their executives at the annual general meeting in an act to restore confidence and continue their core functions in Lae and the nine districts of the province.
Branch chairman Danny Duba said his first aim was to resurrect its membership in the districts while conducting awareness to communities to ensure people understood the core roles and responsibilities of the organisation.
The Morobe disaster office has housed the Red Cross Morobe chapter over the last four years but Duba said it was time for them to set up their own office.
“We have the land and we hope to raise funds and build our own Red Cross office to enable us conduct and manage our core functions,” Duba said.
Duba took over the leadership reins from Janet Dommerholp, who is now a general assembly representative.
Other executives include Charlie Wanjar (vice-chairman), Sydney Mapo (secretary) and Peter Sasi (treasurer).
The male and female youth representatives are Jessy Kulot and Aidah Peter.
The seven core principles of the organisation are humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Duba said since their account had been suspended, the new executives would need to start fresh and appealed for support from stakeholders, partners and non-government organisations in the province.