Last Friday was a day of peace and healing after a tragic incident at Waigani Market, which resulted in the loss of five lives.
The incident involved members of the Enga and Goilala communities living around the area.
However, in response to this sad event, NCD Governor Powes Parkop took the important step of bringing together leaders and representatives from both the Enga and Goilala communities.
The peace negotiation ceremony was held at Unagi Field in the presence of Assistant Police Commissioner Benjamin Turi, newly appointed NCD Metropolitan superintendent Warrick Simatab, and many members of the public.
The purpose was to strengthen peace and resolve the problems that have affected both ethnic groups.
Governor Parkop expressed his deepest condolences to both communities for their loss.
He thanked the Enga and Goilala people for coming forward peacefully, showing their willingness to work with the police to find a solution to the problem that occurred at Waigani Market.
He strongly condemned the inhuman and unlawful killings.
According to him, this is a serious problem that deeply affects the NCD community.
Governor Parkop explained that everyone has rights protected by law.
He continued there are two types of rights: fundamental rights and qualified rights. Among these, the right to life is the most important.
“We are not animals to be killed like pigs or cows,” Governor Parkop said. “We are human beings, and we must take care of our lives seriously.”
He also stressed the importance of respecting the law and the country’s Constitution, which protects all citizens.
“However, whereas some people obey the law, others do not. When people take the law into their own hands, it causes problems in the city,” he told the peace ceremony at Unagi Field.
Furthermore, he reminded everyone that Papua New Guinea is a Christian country, as declared by Parliament. Therefore, people should live according to Christian values by protecting the life that God has given us as a precious gift.
Commander for NCD/Central Police Command, Assistant Police Commissioner Benjamin Turi also expressed his deepest condolences for the deaths—four Goalila and one Enga person.
He acknowledged Governor Parkop’s leadership in bringing the two groups together to solve the serious problem before it worsened and affected the city further.
“Leadership means representing the people. Governor Parkop’s efforts for the Goalila and Enga people are very commendable,” said Mr. Turi.
“Any illegal activities or problems in the city must be reported quickly to the police to keep the city safe.”
He added that the city is not the place to cause trouble. The issue started with young people from both communities, and they must take full responsibility and cooperate with the police to ease tensions.
Moreover, Mr. Turi called on the NCD office of wardens to employ more Goilala and Enga people to help improve security and protect the city.
After speeches about peace, Governor Parkop showed his respect for both communities by giving K30,000 in total—K20,000 to the Goilala and K10,000 to the Enga community.
In a special moment, an Enga businessman, Alo Kiap also stepped forward to represent the Enga community.
He brought K20,000 in cash along with K10,000 worth of pigs and Coca-Cola. This generous gesture demonstrated the Enga way of solving problems and promoting peace with the Goalila community.
“In the midst of confusion and fear, I am surprised but grateful to witness Alo Kiap making history in NCD,” Governor Parkop said.
He further explained that while there have been many disputes between Enga and Goilala people before, none has seen such a brave person representing the Enga community to bring peace.
“What Mr. Kiap has done will save lives so that no other Enga or Goilala will die from such inhuman actions again,” he added. “He promotes peace not only for these two groups but for all Papua New Guineans living in NCD.”
The Governor also called on all businessmen and educated citizens living in NCD to take responsibility for any problems that arise.
“People may create problems, but we must take ownership of our city. I am doing everything I can to develop and protect lives and the city. We must show love and respect because this city is the face of Papua New Guinea,” he said.
In response, Goilala community representative Lucas Baino accepted the peace initiative and the donations offered by the Governor and Enga representatives.
“This problem is coming to an end. We, the Goalila community, understand and accept what has been offered,” Lucas said.
“We will not retaliate. This is the peace we want, and we will live by it.”
He also apologized to the public for the fear caused among people traveling and doing business at Waigani Market.
Lucas assured that peace would bring an end to those fears.
To officially mark peace, Goilala representatives offered betel nut, a traditional symbol of peace, to Enga community representative Alo Kiap, Governor Parkop, and Assistant Commissioner Benjamin Turi.
In conclusion, Governor Parkop acknowledged the new peace between the Enga and Goilala communities, thanking the Goilala people for accepting it.
“I am very grateful for the Goilala and Enga communities. Now you can live together peacefully in Waigani, working at the market and living normal lives again,” he said.
This day reminds us of all that even after tragedy, peace and reconciliation are possible when people come together with respect, courage, and love.