Betelnut ban ‘not the answer’

PORT MORESBY – The head of the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea has spoken against the ban on public sale and consumption of betelnut in the national capital.

Catholic Archbishop, John Ribat, was speaking over the number of deaths related to the smuggling and selling of betelnut, or buai, in Port Moresby.

PNG Loop reports him saying the sale of buai must not be banned, but rather be controlled as it is a way to earn a living for many people.

Archbishop Ribat says other provinces have managed to control sale and consumption of buai without a ban.

He says far too many people have already lost their lives unnecessarily over the stimulant.

The Archbishop admitted that rubbish from buai is an eyesore and a health hazard, but says government controls can help address the problem, as well as responsible habits by citizens.