Right to ban betel nuts in NCD

 ALTHOUGH the NCD go­­vernor wants to ban be­tel nuts in the city, many have shown opposition. 

Many people have ar­gued that it is part of their culture, it is offered as a token of appreciation du­ring ceremonies, etc. 

Sure, but this happens in the villages, not in towns or cities. 

For example, when you buy buai at a bus stop or any road side stall, you start chewing and spitting.

Is that part of your culture?

The seller is not offering the nuts for free but you are buying them, so how is that associated with culture?

Others say the ban will affect the income of the growers, especially those in Gulf and Central.

But betel nut is not the only crop they grow. 

There are other crops such as banana, coconut, sago, kaukau, etc. 

Therefore, the ban will not really affect them as they can switch crops.

Vendors said selling buai is their only means of survival but that is a lazy person’s ex­cuse be­cause no hard work is involved.

Those who cannot cope with the changing regulations in the city must pack up and leave.

Go home and do some real work.

Anti-Betel Nut

Port Moresby