PNG Mission activity and challenges in the 21st century
Brian Cahill writes from Tapini, Diocese of Bereina, PNG where he has lived and worked for almost thirty years:
I've just had a few stressful days working through appointment issues for our teachers appointed to Catholic Agency schools in the Tapini Area. It all has to do with false and misleading postings put up for teachers appointed to our schools. Originating from government officers overstepping their authority. Their are only two appointment authorities under the Education Act 1983: the agency being the recommending authority and the PEB being the appointment authority (acting on the recommendation of the agency).
The appointments posted at Konedobu for Goilala schools contained multiple errors, not reflecting the recommendation of the Agency or a decision of the PEB. Most telling were the so called tenure appointments put forward without the recommendation of the Agency that were all rejected by TSC and returned to the Province. WHO IN THE DIVISION OF EDUCATION OR GOILALA DISTRICT EDUCATION IS DOING THIS? ...NOT THAT WE DON'T KNOW!
Moreover to stage a signing of resumption forms on mass at the Granville Hotel yesterday, rather than in the district, is a total disgrace. The DEC, School Inspectors, Appointment officers and whoever else on the government side of things with education responsible for this should be charged. The Granville is where you buy beer, not resume duty as teachers! This gathering was orchestrated through the bugle call of phone messaging (largely done by black listed teachers with the agency) trying to pull teachers into a resumption activity contrary to the lawful instruction given by the Agency through the CES. This is confusing to our young teaching officers, who are left questioning what is going on. Things are hard enough given the situation in Goilala. Government officers with your own agenda, back off and respect the role of the Agency. Stop this corruption! CC, Governor, Member, Goilala CEO, PA, Education Adviser, Bishop.
Rochus Tatamai MSC was Bishop of Bereina in the past. He is now Archbishop of Rabaul. He wrote:
Thank you Fr Brian Cahill MSC for raising this ongoing and chronic pandemic that undermines and destroys the mutual spirit of genuine partnership for the sake of the common good of our younger generations and for the promotion and enhancement of proper integral human development. As a major player in the development of this beautiful country, the state agencies responsible for delivering quality services. Education in this regard, there had been chronic disrespect and lack of commitment in the spirit of true partnership for the sake if the common god of our people. We will not sleep nor be silent until both the letter and the spirit of the Unified Education Act is restored and upheld to its full integrity and dignity.
