There are other ways to raise concerns, says PM

By ANTOINETTE POIVI
MEMBERS of the disciplined forces and the public have been reminded that there are other ways of addressing grievances, rather than resorting to violence.
Prime Minister James Marape said: “Police, Correctional Services and the Army are all disciplined forces. (For) issues that are legitimate, (there are) avenues in which those issues must be raised. Those responsible will attend (to them) at the earliest.”
He was responding to the protest by members of the disciplined forces yesterday over deduction in their pay this week.
“Parliament’s establishment of a tax-free threshold at K20,000 was made permanent last year when the budget was passed,” Marape said.
“This means that the tax calculations starts at K20,000 upwards.
“That was one intervention we made when the economy was tough to assist with inflation a couple of years ago.”
Marape said the administrators of the system in finance, the Department of Personnel Management and Treasury did not configure the computer as per calculation to make it permanent.
“We will correct this in the next pay. Whatever has been deducted will be replenished and get it back to normal.”
He apologised to people struggling at the lower end of the salary structure, and the inconvenience it caused to families.
Meanwhile, opportunists gathered outside the Manasupe Haus yesterday afternoon, trying to break open the front gate and set fire to the guard house.