Betelnut ban signed into law

Caption:    Governor Parkop flanked by the Buai Ban Controller Terence Moka.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, October 27, 2013 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

THE betelnut saga continued last week with the unanimous decision by the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) Board to legalise the National Capital District Betelnut Control Law, last week at City Hall.

After being passed the law was signed by Governor for NCD Powes Parkop, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Inter Government Relations Leo Dion- to be gazetted soon before the end of the month for implementation.

Despite this Governor also announced that the nut will still be sold within the city limits temporarily while the markets outside the city are completed.

“By the first of November I want our people to know that the ban I have signed into law and the law gives me the power to make a declaration.”

“My objective is to get the betelnut out of the city- the selling either wholesale or retail and the chewing out of the city so it helps us maintain what we have achieved up to now.”

“At this time we are not able to relocate either wholesale or retail out of the city yet, because the markets as you all know up at Laloki, Sabusa, and Rubirogo are not ready yet.”

This will be allowed through the declaration three wholesale and 5 retail markets to be allowed in the city that will continue to operate for producers in Central Province; particularly Kairuku and Mekeo area, and also from Gulf Province to come in and sell wholesale the betel-nuts.

The three wholesale markets are Lareva Market, Gerehu Stage Four (Portion 3112), and Hanuabada Market- with the other retail markets Nine Mile Market, Erima Sawmill, Tokarara Market, Sabama Market, and Talai Gorobe Market.

“I want everybody to turn up there and respect the decision we have made.”

“From me the governor and our management, we want to thank our people in our capital city for what we have achieved together.” 

“I want to congratulate them they’ve done very well- everybody from the sellers to the chewers, public servant, working class people, we have delivered something that could be described as a miracle.”

He said that many people thought that it was impossible that they could accomplish the ban in the city.

Governor Parkop also thanked both the Provincial Governors of Central Kila Haoda, and Gulf Havila Kavo, for their support in being forthright in showing the way and the leadership that is needed to show that they all can achieve a win-win situation as well, despite many in both provinces surviving on the trade of betelnut.

He also made special mention of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and a good number of Members of Parliament who have supported his move to ban the nut in the capital city.

“I want to make this clear that this is not a vendetta or crusade launched by me Governor Powes Parkop against the chewers and sellers.”

“It is a common view of my colleagues in parliament- they see the need for what we are doing.”

“So those who are hesitating, dragging themselves must know that the entire nation is backing this plan.”

The new law will enforce a fine not exceeding K500 for those caught chewing or selling the nut- failure to pay will result in community service with a minimum of two hours and above- all at the discretion of the enforcement officer.

Those refusing both penalties will be arrested and locked up at the designated lockup cells at the Waigani Police Station to be tried by a magistrate- if found innocent they will be let go, however, if found guilty will be charged three times the original fine.

Fines for those that exceed the allowable limit of two kilograms of betelnut in vehicles or small boat craft is K1,000, operators of ships and planes K9,500, operators or owners of buildings or officers will be held responsible if betelnut is sold or chewed on premises and fine K5,000.

Infringement notices will be issued for any of the offences.

Information on the law will be published in the media, and for more information in regards to the ban- the temporary hotline numbers are; 76535835 or 71496414.