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THIS article represents the sentiments of many educated professionals and students within PNG and around the world who are from Hela in southern highlands province. Please allow us space in your weekly Sunday Chronicle newspaper to express our disappointment regarding the attack of volunteers of Medicine San Frontiers in Tari last week and to convey our sincere sympathies. More than a hundred elite members of Hela have signed and presented an apology letter to the volunteers and the victim members this week in Tari. We are very sorry this unfortunate incident had happened to our friends without boundaries. Your service of kindness reached out to us while we were suffering within our own geographical, political and social confinements. Truly you see no boundaries, only people in need and reached out where many dared. We were in dire need for quality health services, disowned by a government and hated by a nation for our youth attitudes like this one which had just embarrassed us again. We do not deny there are major social problems which have been a hindrance to progress in our region and PNG. We also do not deny the Hela are kind, sharing and caring, respectable, responsible and truly adorable to befriend. The incident had portrayed a falsified image of Hela. We deplore and condemn this selfish act of stupidity which threatens to deprive the innocent majo rity from basic services. We have suffered for long because of such acts and now challenge the arrogant youth to change their attitudes. We are thankful all MSF volunteer members have condoned and preferred to serve us despite our mistreatment. Please accept our apologies. Our people have learned through this incident and will work hard to improve on our failures. We hope for an improved lasting relationship. For and on behalf of all students and professionals of Hela, James Kinu Komengi |
LETTERS
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