EHP athletes starving at Taurama Barracks!

Over 300 athletes from the Eastern Highlands team currently billeted at Taurama Barracks in Port Moresby for the 2009 PNG Games are yet to be fed!

I just got of the phone to Eli who is in Moresby as a member of the Women’s Hockey contingent – and she tells me that individuals are chipping in for bread, biscuits and flour balls but as yet they have not been served a hot meal (that is three days without a meal!). Apparently there was a heated debate at the Barracks this evening when officials informed the EHP team that they have basically run out of cash. No cash… no kaikai!

(I was also thrilled to hear that the Manus team is due to drop of some food for the Eastern Highlanders in the morning. Onya guys!)

To aggravate the seat of emotions further – several officials when boarding the balus at Nadzab yesterday evening – were intoxicated and had just made it to the airport in time after what appears to be a few days of R&R in Lae.

How does one respond to the above?

I’m going to abstain from sharing my thoughts on this debacle and on this occasion allow silence to speak louder than words.

I sincerely hope, for the sake of the dedicated sports men and women of the Eastern Highlands Team and the pride of the Province itself, that the food and water situation is mitigated and sorted out quick smart.