GOVERNOR MARUM ACKNOWLEDGED INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS FOR SUPPORT WITH RELIEF SUPPLIES

EAST New Britain Governor Michael Marum has sincerely acknowledged the assistance of international partners Australia and New Zealand for their assistance and support with relief supplies to the people who were affected by the recent cyclone Maila earlier this month.

Governor Marum was with the Gazelle MP and Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong and PEC officials to meet the Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Australian Ewen McDonald, who was in the province together with the team delivering relief supplies.

“We the people of East New Britain, thank you Australia and New Zealand for coming to assist us. This support will go towards the people that were affected,’ Marum said.

High Commissioner Mr. Ewen McDonald was in the province for a few hours before returning to Port Moresby, to see the damages and coordination, demonstrating their support towards PNG and commended everyone involved in the response and recovery effort.

The High Commissioner said that there have been continuous discussions with political leaders from the province, and that their team is focused on responding through humanitarian aid.

“I was very concerned about the loss of lives here.”

“The governor and the Minister have outlined some of the damages caused to the infrastructure and also the livelihoods of the people,” he said.

Items conveyed on the plane include medical supplies, tents, purification tablets and other essentials that would assist people.

“So, we are working very closely with our partners. IOM are here, in terms of funding that we’re providing for that. We are providing support but you are on the ground doing the hard work with the people affected here, and I want to thank you for that,” he said.