Village youths apologise for smoking marijuana, causing problems

YOUTHS from Pausa village in Enga have expressed regret for causing problems while under the influence of marijuana and apologised to their families and community on Saturday.
More than 30 youths gathered during a programme hosted by community leader John Pupu and promised to be role models for the younger generation.
Spokesman Sam Iki said they had small brothers and sisters and should not continue smoking marijuana as this was a bad influence on them.
“We are sorry for any trouble caused to our family members and community while we were under influence of marijuana,” Iki said.
“We had no respect for our hardworking parents who raised us, our sisters and community leaders.”
He said marijuana was the cause of erratic and dangerous behaviour and also affected their ability to think clearly and sensibly.
He said this had resulted in problems in the community such as violence and crimes being committed.
Iki said the youths had pledged to take part in church and community oriented activities and do their best to encourage others smoking marijuana to give up the habit.
Good News Lutheran church pastor Pupu Leke said there were many denominations in the community and the youths could join any and take part in church activities.
He said the decision they had made was a covenant with God and He would bless and give them a good life.
“We are in the modern world and it is changing and we will never be the same, the Government is promoting agriculture and small to medium enterprises and we have to take part to receive help,” he said.
Pupu said many community leaders had never smoked marijuana and made good judgments.
They were now in their old age and youths need to change their ways to take their place.
He said youths who smoked marijuana were seen as dangerous and out of control and a threat to their own families and the community.
He said the only way to change this perception was to stop consuming the drug altogether.