We must rid the streets of drunks

 A VIOLENT attack on several school children by a group of drunken men at a popular market and shopping centre in Port Moresby last Friday must be condemned in the strongest possible way.

The nasty incident would have gone unnoticed had it not been for the fact that two of the victims were the children of a senior government minister, who issued a statement over the weekend condemning the unwarranted and cowardly attack.

Mining Minister Byron Chan, who had to rush his children to hospital for treatment, called on the police and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) to beef up security at public places.

“My children are traumatised and I call on the relevant authorities to immediately stop alcohol consumption in public places,” he said. 

“NCDC must now impose strict laws and penalties for people drinking alcohol in public places and causing public nuisance and bodily harm.”

We agree with Chan that this social sickness must be eradicated for the safety our women, girls and children in the capital city.

While we support Chan’s call on NCD Governor Powes Parkop to impose a ban on drinking of alcohol in public places, there are existing laws that prohibit such activities. 

Unfortunately, these laws not are being effectively enforced by the police and other relevant authorities, which have resulted in incidents such as the attack on the minister’s children and their friends at Manu Autoport, in Korobosea.

The consumption of alcohol in public places was quite uncommon in the 1970s, 80s and 90s because of the strict policing of the relevant laws, including the Summary Offences Act. 

As financial and operational problems began to affect the Police Department at the start of the new millennium, there were fewer foot patrols and other community policing activities by the constabulary. 

Undoubtedly, the absence of police on the streets of Port Moresby, Lae and other urban centres prompted the increase in crime and other illegal activities such as consumption of alcohol in public places.

As well, the policing of traffic laws became lax and led to mayhem as unlicensed drivers, unregistered vehicles and drunken drivers ruled the roads.

It is unfair to blame the Police Department solely for the country’s social ills as it is everyone’s responsibility to abide by the laws and respect each other’s rights to co-exist in our society.

However, drunken men and teenagers who continue to harass and attack innocent people, especially women and children, in public places must face the full force of the law. 

If the current laws are too lenient, they must be amended to enforce tougher penalties for unlawful or criminal acts committed by people under the influence of liquor. 

As Chan stated, the police and NCDC authorities must step up and start enforcing the laws on the consumption of alcohol in public places. They should take immediate measures to prevent people under the influence of alcohol and other drugs to cause violence and commit other unlawful acts in public places.

For a start, this particular group of drunkards who caused grievous bodily harm to the minister’s children and their friends must be immediately apprehended and charged.  They will continue to be a menace to innocent and law-abiding people if allowed to get away with this crime.

It is imperative that Port Moresby is devoid of drunks in public places in the same manner as betel nut sellers and chewers.

With the forthcoming 2015 Pacific Games and the 2018 Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit, the Government and its relevant agencies must ensure that the nation’s capital becomes a model city that provides an environment conducive to hosting these international events.

PNG’s image abroad has always been tarnished by law and order problems as foreigners generally view our country as a crime haven. The mere absence of foreigners walking on the streets of Port Moresby is proof of a capital city that has a bad reputation for allowing criminal elements and drunks to roam at will.

Parkop has a lot more on his plate than betel nuts.