OCTOBER 31ST 2021
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has urged the people of Papua New Guinea not to be influenced by people with vested political interests.
He said this today in light of speculations on social media and in public about planned protest marches against COVID-19 vaccination.
“I advise our people throughout the length and breadth of our country to stay away from such negative influences,” PM Marape said.
“Individuals with political, and other vested interests, are trying to rally public support to suit their own agenda.
“For instance, some of the well-known anti-vaccine voices, are known political aspirants under the guise of ‘public interest’ advocacy.”
PM Marape stressed that vaccination was not compulsory as made out to be by critics.
“As your Prime Minister in these tough COVID-19 times, we have over the last two years, maintained individual personal rights when it came to the issue of vaccination,” he said.
“At the same time, we have kept our country open for commerce, trade and business to ensure that our economy is still functioning.
“Our Government has always maintained the policy that vaccination is not mandatory, but an individual’s choice.
“I urge our people not to incite and mobilise people to cause unnecessary problems and strife in Port Moresby, and other parts of the country, when we least need it in these difficult COVID-19 times.
“If any of you has alternatives on COVID-19 prevention, cure or public policy, our National Control Centre is always open for your contributions.”
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