FRANCIS NII
KUNDIAWA - There have been certain things that signify the bond between Australia and Papua New Guinea despite what appears to be a quickly eroding relationship.
Amongst them was ABC’s shortwave service and the program Pacific Beat, which has had a history of its own in playing a vital role in the Australian-PNG relationship and development process.
But these connectors between the people of PNG and the people of Australia are disappearing.
It is ABC’s Tok Pisin service Pacific Beat that reaches all corners of PNG and the Pacific with news and other information.
It is Pacific Beat that connects people in the region and collects news and other stories and relates them to listeners.
I live in Kundiawa, Simbu Province, in the central highlands of Papua New Guinea and the most effective way I get Pacific regional news is through Pacific Beat.
When I read about the axing of the program it brought tears to my eyes because I twice participated in it and one of them was directly from Kundiawa.
My friends and relatives who heard the interview asked me when it was I had gone to Australia. I laughed and told them that I did not go to Australia; I was interviewed by phone. They were amazed.
Pacific Beat and its dedicated staff should be given special recognition for their excellent service in bringing together the region through this program.
My family and I here in Kundiawa are in no uncertain terms appealing to the Australian government and ABC to rescind their decision to axe Pacific Beat and their shocking earlier decision to get rid of shortwave radio
Instead they must revitalise and enhance their radio transmissions with special recognition for the programs they produce and the staff who make them.
Please bring back to life our Pacific Beat.