Wednesday March 31st 2021
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae for taking the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
He said this witnessing Sir Bob being vaccinated at the PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby today, following on from PM Marape and other leaders yesterday (click to watch video below) .
“The Governor-General was not coerced, influenced or forced into taking the vaccine,” PM Marape said.
“He’s an educated Governor-General, he reads, his office advises him.
“He personally made a conscious decision to come and take the vaccine, to add boost to his own natural immunity.
“This vaccine assists in boosting natural immunity to be defensive against COVID-19.”
PM Marape said Sir Bob was “leading the way” in advocating for vaccination against COVID-19.
“That’s a good example to our citizens, and also for his dependents against the possible intrusion of COVID-19 in his own life,” he said.
Sir Bob commended the Marape Government and thanked the Government and people of Australia for helping Papua New Guinea in this time of need.
He also thanked frontline health workers, doctors, nurses, community health workers, Health Minister Hon. Jelta Wong and Secretary Dr. Osborne Liko, Port Moresby General Hospital and other hospitals and health centres throughout PNG.
“They (health workers) have gone to the extent of risking their own lives and some of them have been infected (with COVID-19),” Sir Bob said.
“I want to thank them for their loyalty and commitment to serve our people.”
Sir Bob said there had been much debate on the pros and cons of the COVID-19 vaccination, “and so I came here personally in supporting the Prime Minister to take this vaccine”.
“We are leaders who represent our people,” he said.
“We have been elected and given mandate for the good of our people, so in situations where risks must be taken, so be it.
“That is exactly why I’m here: To support the Prime Minister.
“If it (vaccine) works, good for our people.”