Tomuriesa evacuates students

By TAUNA GEORGE
STUDENTS from Kiriwina-Goodenough, Milne Bay, attending the University of Goroka have been evacuated to Port Moresby over the weekend for their safety.
The 23 students were met at the airport by their MP Douglas Tomuriesa who had arranged their flight from Goroka and accommodation in Port Moresby.
“We are so thankful to the Lord for the safety of our children since day one of clashes at the school because parents back home have been really worried,” Tomuriesa said.
“When the clashes started last week, I had to make sure that the students’ safety was my number one priority.”
The university has suspended classes for two weeks and students were advised to vacate the campus.
“We will monitor the situation within the next two weeks and if it is under control, we will send the students back to Goroka,” Tomuriesa said.
“If the semester is suspended, we will still be in charge of their wellbeing.”
He said it would be unfair to see the students not attend classes because his office had spent so much money on scholarships.
However, Tomuriesa offered to assist the students to travel home and return for classes next year if the semester was suspended.
“If any student withdraws because of the situation, I can guarantee that there will be school fees available for next year,” he said.
Meanwhile, final-year student Elliot Modoyoyu said all the students were relieved to be evacuated from Goroka because the campus was not safe at present.