Yama misses Manam meeting

By DOROTHY MARK
The disaster-stricken people of Manam Island, who had expected Governor Peter Yama to air their many long-standing issues, were upset when he failed to show up at the island yesterday.
Iabu local-level government president Kenny Boli said people heard Yama was landing by chopper and would hear their concerns and see for himself the situation caused by the volcanic eruption on Saturday but were disappointed he did not show up.
Madang police commander Chief Inspector Ben Neneo said Yama was supposed to arrive by helicopter but arrangements had fallen through.
Neneo said the Australian Defence Force helicopter that arrived in Madang and was supposed to be used for an emergency at Manam Island but could not be used yesterday.
He said he was told that there were certain protocols to follow in order to use the helicopter.
Neneo said he was confused about the protocol the Australian Defence Force was referring to at this time of disaster.
Several attempts to get comment sfrom the PNGDF commanding officer in the area for verification were unsuccessful.
Yama refused to comment, saying he was upset that he was not able to get to the island.
Yama said there were lots of things the people of Manam would hear from him and what plans he had for them in terms of their resettlement.
He said he had been on the ground from day one coordinating relief supplies and sending them to the affected people and yesterday was his chosen day to visit them in person and listen to their needs but missed the trip because of a simple protocol.
However, Yama thanked businesshouses that had contributed in cash and kind to support the provincial government. “JV PNG Investment gave us K24,000 in cash as logistic support for which I am humbled and so thankful to receive,” Yama said.
He said more relief supplies would be sent to the island for the people of Baliau, Kuluguma, Boda and other villages affected by lava and ash.
He said the Madang government would need help from the national government with finance to send more food to the affected people.