Medical students at Taurama continue boycott

Student leaders at the University of Papua New Guinea’s (UPNG) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) stand firm on their decision to boycott classes today.

The SMHS were supposed to resume classes today while the main campus next week however, Medfac has decided to continue with the boycott.

Male student representative Hermin Peamo says they’ll continue with this fight as they’ve come a long way and fought a good fight.

The leaders, including course leaders and members of the UPNG Student Representative Council, made the decision last night during a meeting.

“We have talked about all possible avenues regarding our academic studies and have decided that we will continue to stand in this fight.

“Whatever risk that it might take, we are ready to face it and we are not afraid to take risks as leaders,” Peamo said after a student forum today.

Another forum will be held this afternoon to collect views from the student body at the Three-Mile campus.

Peamo said: “SMHS is really complex and diverse and we leaders have been really challenged to make strong decisions for our country and the people.

“It is our patriotism and our moral conscience that has caused us to stand this far.”

Peamo added that this is their stand and they will convey that message to their fellow colleagues and students at the Waigani Campus.

Meantime, UPNG acting chancellor Dr Nicholas Mann has urged students to avoid situations that will lead to another suspension, as they will do more damage to their academic year if they continue to boycott.

Author: 
Quintina Naime