Thursday 14 May 2020
COVID-19 State of Emergency Controller David Manning has applauded the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) for its panel discussions with the civil society on the COVID 19 pandemic.
The discussions today brought together representatives from the National Board for Disable Persons, the Rural Industries Council, PNG Council of Churches, Farmers and Settlers Association, the Gordons Market Vendors Association and other civil society representatives.
The Executive Director for CIMC Ms Walis Yakim said the purpose of the panel discussion was to bring civil society together to get their views on the government’s approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, and submit their views to the Government through the SOE Controller David Manning.
The COVID-19 Question & Answer presenters interviewing Paul Barker from the Institute of National Affairs during the CIMC panel discussions.
Mr Manning commended CIMC for their initiative and assured the Council that any recommendations from the CIMC will be considered and taken into account as the Joint Agency Task Force prepares its report to Parliament for its consideration as the SOE comes to end on June 2.
“The Civil Society is an integral part of the country representing community and interest groups and their views are important. COVID-19 does not restrict itself to a particular setting and infects across the board from all levels of society and we are happy that this consultation took place.
“I look forward to receiving the outcomes of the discussions,” Mr Manning said.
He said the Joint Agency Task Force Media and Public Information Unit was present to get the views of the participants to be aired on its daily COVID 19 Question and Answer program on radio and television, on Friday 15 May.
Department of Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra was also addressed the discussions on what the department was doing in regard to the start-up of the schools.
CIMC is a semi government body reporting to the Ministry of National Planning that brings government policy to the civil society for discussions towards ensuring views of the people are captured in government policy discussions.
The COVID-19 Question & Answer presenters Steve Mase and Joseph Ealedona sharing a light moment during the CIMC panel discussions
Media contact: Chief Superintendent Dominic D. Kakas, BEM, DPS
Team Leader – COVID-19 Media & Public Information Joint Agency Task Force
Mobile: 75430557: Email: ddkakas@gmail.com