Theft of tourist’s bag prompts apology from minister

Tourism Minister Emil Tammur yesterday apologised to a Dutch tourist who lost his bag, passport and other items while out taking photos of war relics in Rabaul, East New Britain.
He called on his people to stop painting a bad image of the province and the country and said police should take immediate action against those involved.
Andre de Jong, from Holland, had gone out early on Sunday morning to see Japanese wartime caves. He was going up
Mt Tavuvur when his bag – that he had left unattended on a fence – containing his passport and money was stolen.
“Police are going to pick up this culprit anytime now, but I want to say sorry to Andre who I understand has taken the situation calmly and responsibly,” Tammur said.
He said de Jong had declined the use of a tour guide when the manager of Barike Lodge offered to have one escort him.
The tourist is said to have told Rabaul police that he had refused a guide because it was very early in the morning and he did not think such a thing would happen.
Tammur called on the people of East New Britain to show friendliness and hospitality to tourists
“Rabaul, or anywhere in East New Britain, is normally peaceful. We are usually peaceful, loving and God-fearing people,” he said.
“What happened last Sunday is an isolated case. That’s not our style and definitely not our culture in East New Britain or in any other tourism hotspots of PNG.”
The minister, who raised his concerns with Police Minister Jelta Wong, urged the travelling public and tourists not to be deterred by the incident. He assured their safety and comfort when visiting PNG.
Tammur acknowledged and thanked the tourism industry in East New Britain, particularly Barike Lodge and Rabaul Hotel, and Dutch consular-general Stan Joyce for stepping in immediately to assist and support de Jong.