Rampant drug & alcohol consumption has PNG on a slippery slope

By Busa Jeremiah Wenogo

In fast growing cities such as Port Moresby and Lae weekends are no longer safe and peaceful. This is particularly the case for settlement residents. A typical weekend for residents in settlements in major cities and centers around PNG is often characterized by alcohol and drug fueled nuisance and violence. In Lae consistent indulgence in this dangerous lifestyle has seen regular fights among different ethnic groups which has led to the loss of life and destructions of properties worth thousands and millions of kina. The problem unfortunately is still ongoing. Recently confrontation between the Sepiks and the Western Highlanders brought the once peaceful Madang Town to a halt. Port Moresby too has had its fair share of problems like the recent ethnic tensions that led to the temporary closure of Gordons Market. Yet Port Moresby unlike the other centers has benefited from quick interventions by the government and the law enforcement agencies such as Police. Nevertheless, this does not seem to be enough. Amidst its high rise buildings and freeways a time bomb is ticking away as drug and alcohol consumption among its youth is quickly getting out of control.

Over the weekend me and my family were shocked to learn that one of our "wantok's" son passed away. The young man; a school leaver was in his early 20s. Details about his life began to emerge soon after he was found dead on the side of the freeway heading towards the Erima Flyover Bridge. He was said to be someone who normally hangs out with other young men, getting by each day through engaging in mischievous activities like pick pocket and harassing public for money. The money they steal always make their way into illegal drug trade and beer outlets in the settelments of Erima. Although the actual cause of death is still yet to be determined the family and surrounding neighbours who knew the young man well said that he may have died from an alcohol related incident. This young man is one of the many unaccounted youths who are losing their lives every year senselessly due to the excessive consumption of drugs and alcohol. 

The uncontrolled consumption of alcohol and drug among youths is now one of the most pressing issues that is confronting PNG as it experiences rapid development. What is more concerning is the sad reality that there seem to be no control/restriction been imposed to prevent underage and youth drinking. Out in the streets many youths can be seen consuming alcohol freely in broad daylight with no fear of being reprimanded by the authorities. Their act of open defiance poses a threat to the public and the future of this country. The thought of having this country run by drug and alcohol addicts is frightening but looks more ominous as each day goes by. Putting the statistics aside a visit into a settlement in Port Moresby or one of the major urban centres of PNG will make one realize that we are only scratching the surface of a very big problem.

In broad daylight thugs armed with pocket knives or sharp objects prowled the bus stops of the cities and major centres in PNG in search of their victims. For instance; in Port Moresby Tabari bus stop and Gordon Market are regarded as no go zone for city residents due to the high frequency of petty crimes, harassment and abuse. The presence of these wayward youths is an unwelcome sight for the public. They are viewed with disgust and are often described as pests, hindrance to Port Moresby’s bid to become a globally recognized city.

In a lot of settlements that I have been I have observed how chaotic life is. For some settlements the situation is such that it is now reaching breaking point. Consumption of drugs and alcohol are no longer a taboo in the community. Infact most families in the settlement venture into the illegal drug trade to make ends meet. Loud music blasting into the airwaves is a norm and nobody cares if the music rolls up into the night. Trade store owners operating in the settlements don’t see a need to secure trading licenses from the local authorities to sell alcohol since the local authorities exercise a lax approach to enforcement. The settlers whose convenience is taken care of by the trade stores gladly obliged. Trading of alcohol is the single largest revenue generator for most of these illegal tucker shops. All these contribute towards the notoriety of the settlement lifestyles that are well known throughout the country.       

Kids in this settlement like any typical kids longed for a happy life. Echoes of laughter can be heard amongst the shabby houses with leaky roofs as kids move about in happy mood. Their smiles are a breath of fresh air from the soggy atmosphere. With rampant juvenile delinquencies a norm in most settlements in Port Moresby and other parts of PNG; you can’t help but wonder if all these will be lost as their innocence is replaced with the harsh realities of life. Even those in schools cannot fully develop their innate abilities because of our government’s failure in introducing short-sighted reforms that only make our kids dumbs. Poor reform choice give our kids a perfect excuse to stay out of school and learn about life by hustling the streets to make ends meet. I’ve seen too many of them turn themselves in to the gangstar/petty criminal lifestyle to put to use their youth exuberance. In the process they lose respect from the community and sadly their lives. If we are not careful we could leave a generation of these kids out in the gutter of our society.   

As the family of the young man come to terms with the loss more questions than answers will linger in their minds. Each of them will no doubt feel responsible for allowing this unfortunate event to unfold. On a larger scale questions will be asked about what the government is doing or is failing to do. Will this poor family living in the settlement receive justice if the young man’s death is a case of manslaughter? Only time will tell but the road ahead looks precarious.

PNG should be a country that is for all of its citizens regardless of who they are, where they are from or what they are. Leaders should make every effort to remove this great divide between the rich and the poor. All throughout Port Moresby and other major centres of PNG this is becoming all too common.  Youths in particular are the real sufferers as they are left to fend for an uncertain future. They should not resolve to taking drugs and alcohol as a means to seek solace from the harsh realities of modern PNG. Government should strive to create an inclusive and equitable society; one that is truly embracing all our diversity. A government that thrives on disunity and problems governs not by its conscience but by its selfish-ego. PNG is not for the few elites to enjoy but for all to take pride in and excel using their innate abilities.