MEDIA STATEMENT: APPEAL FOR PEACE AMIDST UNREST IN PORT MORESBY

Today is a sad and somber day for our beloved city, Port Moresby, the capital of our beautiful nation, where, regrettably, we witnessed internal strife. While it is easy to cast blame, in the end, no one emerges as a winner or loser. As residents of this city, we collectively suffer, losing our peace and the essence of what makes our city special.

The cause of these unfortunate events was the gathering of our city's dedicated police personnel at Unagi Oval, seeking to address discrepancies in their salaries. The cost of the ensuing looting and destruction is substantial, and my heart goes out to all the businesses in the city that have been affected. To you all, it is indeed a dark day, and as the Governor of our city, I share the pain you are currently enduring.

I appeal for normalcy to be restored and for looting to stop while maintaining our view that what has happened is unacceptable, unforgivable, and unjustified under any circumstances.

I now implore the city's police leadership to regain control and direction swiftly. We cannot afford to allow this turmoil to persist another night or day. We must uphold our pledge to safeguard the people and the state. Let us restore order and stability in our city with the support of the PNGDF.

To the citizens, I appeal to you to cease the looting and vandalism of properties. These businesses contribute through taxes, enabling me to manage our city. Without them, our progress as a city would have been hindered. We are inflicting harm upon ourselves. Let us desist from further harm to businesses and government properties.

I call for restraint and calm from all of you. We will collaborate closely with the National Government to restore normalcy. This city belongs to us, and together, as one, we can rebuild our communities and businesses.

I appeal for Peace. Thank you.

HON POWES PARKOP LLB LLM MP

NCD GOVERNO