Tekwie apologises to Somare

THE only woman candidate for the Vanimo-Green seat held by Belden Namah has apologised to Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare for way he has been treated by Belden Namah.
Dorothy Tekwie issued the apology in Madang as a sign of respect to the former prime minister and founding father of the nation upon learning of his visit to her electorate.
Sir Michael was in the province to support to his National Alliance candidates.
“It has been a trying time for the seven million people of the country seeing how one man and his network of likeminded people rubbishing the Constitution,” she said.
“I am pleased that Sir Michael found the time to go to Vanimo. What has happened to him, we the people of Vanimo apologise for the contribution of our MP towards the displacement of the prime minister elect.
“It has been proven in court and yet the manner in which  our MP has conducted himself is being viewed as a major threat to the democracy of this beautiful country.
“His actions have embarrassed us and damaged our image.
“That was unbecoming of a deputy prime minister.”
Tekwie said the fact there was a huge turnout during Sir Michael’s visit showed the people were fearless.
“That in itself is a statement of reinstating him.
“I thank Vanimo-Green for turning up in such numbers and supporting the chief while according him the respect that he deserves,” she said.
“The manner in which he (Namah) has ‘raided’ the court house is the same his campaign officials and supporters are using to intimidate and threaten candidates and their supporters.”
 She said under the PNG Greens Party, one of the first policies to be implemented would be a blanket ban on the export of round logs, to throw out the Special Agriculture Business Leases, clearer visions and mandate on environmental laws; the ban of home-grown imports from other countries; housing for all employees and a compulsory review of all timber permits.
She took her two guests, Senators Rachael Siewert and Penny Wright from the Australian Greens Party on a tour to the Usino Bundi area as far as the Ramu Nickel mine site of Enekwai, where their candidate Josephine Toure Mandawe will contest.