PNG's environment office needs upgrade

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PINA Nius) — Senior Papua New Guinea statesmen Sir Pato Kakaraya says the country’s Office of Environment and Conservation must be regraded to its previous standing as a department.

Sir Pato said he was not happy about the Government’s decision to lower the department’s status to that of an office.

He said the department’s role was a crucial one where it took care of Papua New Guinea’s resources ensuring that they be used sensibly and wisely.

Sir Pato added that more money and resources must be allocated to the department so it could carry out is functions efficiently.

He said he would be happy to give assistance to the office in whatever way he could adding that he hoped to revive and head an environmental awareness movement.

Sir Pato made the remarks when he paid a courtesy call to the Vice Minister for the Office of Environment and Conservation, Mr Bevan Tambi, the director, Dr Wari Iamo and staff.

He was accompanied by his son, Consumer Affairs Council Director, Dan Kakaraya.

Sir Pato was responsible for pushing the creation of an Environment and Conservation department and the then Youth, Recreation and Women Affairs department. 

As Minister for Environment and Conservation from 1978 to 1980, he was behind the enactment of most of the environmental laws including the Environmental Planning Act, the Water Resources Act and the Crocodile and Fauna Protection Act.

Sir Pato said that at the threshold of the new millennium and as a senior statesman, he strongly believed that pioneers like himself must play an active role as fathers of the nation.

His son, Dan Kakaraya added that the younger generation must respect the older generation who have done a lot for PNG, learn their ways of performing in the past and putthat knowledge to good use.

Sir Pato is renewing his relationship with ministries he held in his three-terms as member of the House of Assembly and the first National Parliament from 1972 to 1984.

Sir Pato was Minister for Youth, Recreation and Women Affairs from 1977-1978 and was Minister for Environment and Conservation from 1978 to 1980.

Although educated only to Grade 6, Sir Pato was elected to the third House of Assembly and the first National Parliament in the 1972 general elections for the Wapenamanda Open Seat and was re-elected to the seat for a total period of fifteen years.

Prior to entering politics, Sir Pato Kakaraya joined the Lutheran Mission in 1958 as a youth leader and translator until 1966. 

He was also advisor to Waso Limited for four years, then joined the Wabag Native Trading Company in 1971.

For his dedication and service to the community and politics, he was awarded the Queens Medal in 1994 and the KBE last year.

Mr. Tambi and Dr Iamo thanked Sir Pato for visiting their office, saying they were pleased and privileged to meet the former minister.