Tomscoll wants firemakers arrested and charged

PNG Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Honourable Assik Tommy Tomscoll today called on police to arrest and charge anyone making fires irresponsibly that has resulted in loss of homes and properties, food gardens and income generating cash crops.
Minister Tomscoll made the call after noting the number of losses from bush fires which are exasperating and multiplying the losses from the El Nino induced drought though out the country. Media reports this week note fires devastating 302 oil palm blocks in West New Britain with oil palm trees, food gardens and homes going up in flames, fires raging, razing and racing towards Indonesia’s Merauke Regency from Morehead in Western Province, and loss of food gardens and cash crops in other parts of the country from fires.
“Making a fire for whatever purpose – and not managing it – that results in the kind of losses we read about is no different from robbery and vandalism. These are serious offences. Police must arrest the perpetrators and prosecute them,” the Middle Ramu MP said, adding others will note how seriously this is viewed.
“It is going to be tough enough for the nation to recover from the dry spell and its impact on food gardens, cash crops and livestock. But what about those families whose life earnings and investments have gone up in smoke because someone thoughtlessly lit a fire for whatever reason? ” Mr Tomscoll said.
“Lighting fires irresponsibly when leaves and grass are very dry, and near other families’ properties, has to be criminal in nature. Households and nations as a whole cannot afford this kind of irresponsible compounding of the naturally El Nino induced hardships, hunger resulting losses of lives. We cannot control nature. But as human beings we can use our common sense, sense of respect and do the right thing,” he added.