Lutheran Shipping workers in Lae have expressed anger over a near violent confrontatation between them and security guards acting on behalf of the East New Britain Port Services.
The armed guards attempted to take over the premises stating that the property had been leased to East New Britain Port Services. This comes days after the Lutheran Bishop, and the Morobe governor declared that the Luship assets were not going to be leased.
This is the property in question at Lae’s vocal point. It’s been part of the Lutheran Shipping establishment for as long as any of the workers can remember.
On Tuesday, guards acting on behalf of the East New Britain Ports Service, tried to take over the Lutheran Shipping Property stating, they were given authority to do so, based on a lease agreement between Lutheran Shipping Authorities and the East New Britain Ports Services.
Lutheran Shipping Staff unaware of any lease agreements, resisted. The attempted takeover of the property comes days after the Lutheran Bishop Giagre Wenge, the Morobe Governor, and the member for Nawai, made a joint statement to dispel what they called rumors that the church owned property was been leased.
Member of the Lutheran Faithful have also expressed serious concerns over the manner in which the lease agreement, if any, had been reached.
Much of the controversy has been shrouded in secrecy, not many within the Lutheran Shipping Company are willing to speak out, and the church remains tight lipped over allegations of high level corruption that’s its flock have raised.
Currently, there’s a court case to resolve internal disputes over management. And as that continues, its brought the company to its knees and ordinary Papua New Guineans who rely on the shipping services, are been forced to suffer.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=A5l4b9EfOIs%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
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