Good News on Polio
Polio vaccines have arrived in the country. The first round of vaccination to tackle poliovirus, now that the much-needed vaccines have arrived , should start nationwide very soon. This is the sort of swift response we need since two cases were detected in Lae two weeks ago. If not already done vaccinate your child the first chance you get.
Fair Workplaces
If you are a Boss Man or Meri in PNG you can get away with almost anything. Abuse of staff and unfair treatment seldom attract any sanction. Our labour regulations need urgent reform to bring them into the 21st century. A salutary tale from the UK where a renowned Michelin chef has just been awarded £20,000 by a Fair Work Tribunal after his boss ranted about ‘unreliable Mexicans’ and ‘threatened to call the Home Office’ to have him deported . Come on PNG let’s create a fairer workplace .
Meet Mr Nune Sridhar
Nine is a hard working Executive Engineer in the Irrigation section , of his native Telangana, in India. Like many of our public servants and politicians he has done very well for himself. The Anti-Corruption Bureau found 3 independent buildings, 4 luxury flats, 19 prime residential plots, a massive villa, 16 acres of agricultural land, stakes in multiple hotels , along with cash, jewellery, and substantial bank deposits. He also organised a lavish wedding for his son in Thailand, costing millions. He has done so well he could become a poster boy for some of our lot!
Super Spreader
During COVID large gatherings were banned as there was a likelihood you would catch the virus. Given the huge numbers of TB in the capital city could we not consider the Minister’s planned “TB Dinner” a risk? Maybe they could have a testing booth in the foyer? Invites are going out to all Ministers and PHA CEO’s-we have already declined ours. And why drag hard-working PHA bosses, from all over the country, away from their job to attend a dinner they can’t afford , won’t participate it and will tell them nothing they don’t know already ? Multiply the cost by 21 and it’s just a huge waste of money that could be spent in the TB fight!
Beat TB
Encouraging to see NCD Governor at workshop on TB last week. He should be there. He should be pumping funds into a campaign. Why? Because NCD has some of highest rates of TB in the world. Not PNG, the world. It is a health crisis that is the major killer in our hospitals. Can we eradicate it? It is eminently treatable. India has brought forward its target to eliminate TB. That is a mammoth task in a country of over 1.2 billion! But it shows it can be done and NCD and PNG should put all the effort and finance needed to beat this killer disease.
Right To Protest
Do we have a right to protest in PNG? Try asking the Police and see how far you go? Lots of comment about Taco Trump putting National Guard and active Marines on the streets if Los Angeles. It has not been done since 1960 by President Johnson. Ironically he called troops out to “protect protestors” in civil rights protests. A long way from what the current President is doing? Wonder when we get to the stage where authorities actually protect peoples’ rights to protest?
Meanwhile in PNG
“Everything happening right now in our streets is a product of the obsessions and grievances of a leader , whose volatile personality and quest for total dominance are fusing into an increasingly authoritarian approach to governance.” Now, settle down, it’s not PNG folks! This is a commentary on the current situation in US cities and the antics of the Great Orange Wan. Couldn’t happen here.
Run PNG Run
We all look forward to seeing Team PNG perform well at the Mini Games in Palau. PNG athletics has always maintained an internationally high standard and medalled well in Pacific and Mini Games. But we should not forget the engine room of PNG Athletics. Hard working officials like Tony Green and Bob Snow have been around for nearly twenty Games. In our 50th year we should be recognising Sir Tony and Sir Bob! How about it PNG?