PC Online Tidbits

Retailers in East New Britain (ENB) are expressing significant annoyance with their town manager over the imposition of new trading hours. Businesses, particularly those in the retail and supermarket sectors, are now required to close by 5 p.m. Hardware, spare parts, and tire repair shops face an even earlier deadline, needing to shut down by 4:30 p.m. The article criticizes this unilateral decision, stating the Town Manager failed to consult with the local Chamber of Commerce.

The author argues that public servants, who typically finish work earlier, should be more considerate of business operations. The piece questions the logic behind these restrictive hours, especially as these businesses are a primary source of revenue for the town authority. The article contrasts ENB's situation with modern cities worldwide where shops often operate 24/7, citing the King Kakaruk Chicken shop in Port Moresby as an example of extended hours operating without issue, possibly due to its proximity to a police station.

“

Public servants work for us and the least they can do is consult and hear alternative opinions.

Beyond the trading hours issue, the article addresses concerns about district administration officials failing to return to their electorates as previously advised by the Ombudsman. It highlights a situation where one district's administration has been based in Port Moresby for nearly two years. In another instance, an entire provincial administration is reportedly ensconced in a hotel in the provincial capital, accumulating bills exceeding K1 million for accommodation, meals, and car hire. The author questions whether this constitutes a legitimate use of District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) funds and calls for the Prime Minister to address this "flagrant ignorance of their orders."

Lastly, the article touches upon the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. It disputes claims made by politicians regarding the amount of wages sent back to home countries as remittances. The author of the original report suggests that workers spend approximately 60% of their wages in Australia, sending about 40% back, which amounts to a significant sum weekly. For many Pacific nations, this influx provides a substantial economic boost. The article notes that Papua New Guinea (PNG) appears to lag behind other Pacific countries in this regard and suggests that more effort is needed to increase participation and ensure the money earned directly benefits the people.

“

Is that legitimate use of DSIP funds, Mr Prime Minister.