Immigration meetings held in Alotau, CMO supports local school in need

Alotau hosted two significant meetings over the weekend for the Citizenship Advisory Committee [CAC] and the Immigration and Citizenship Advisory Board.

Chief Migration Officer [CMO] Wellington Navasivu said both meetings were critical for Papua New Guinea and particularly important for Milne Bay Province.

“The Citizenship Advisory Committee and the Immigration and Citizenship Advisory Board are two very important meetings for our organization. The CAC, which is a constitutional body, interviewed over 10 applicants from Milne Bay for citizenship on Saturday,” Mr. Navasivu said.

“These applicants can expect a decision from our Minister for Immigration, John Rosso, once we complete the formalities. New citizens may be confirmed in the coming weeks.”

While in Alotau, Mr. Navasivu also took the opportunity to visit Cameron Secondary, his former school, after, hearing of its food shortage crisis affecting boarding students.

Upon learning of the issue, he made a personal contribution through his family, which was delivered the day before. The following day, the Immigration and Citizenship Advisory Board also came on board to support the school.

“I personally delivered some rations, but after speaking with the teacher in charge, I approached my staff and got the support of our management. At the direction of our Advisory Board and Chairman Dr. Eric Kwa, we bought additional food supplies to donate to the school,” Mr. Navasivu said.

“It’s part of our community obligation.”
Cameron Secondary School currently has 137 boarding students of which 87 are girls and 50 boys. According to the school, they are still waiting on the release of their third-quarter Government Tuition Fee Subsidy and were underpaid for both Term 1 and 2.

Teacher in charge of the school mess, Mary-Louise Naromin, expressed deep appreciation for the support.

“This ration will really help with our administration, especially as we are yet to receive our government funds,” she said.

“We’re now in Week 4 and still have six weeks before the end of the term. These supplies should carry us through to about Week 8.”