Tommy Tomscoll

In a statement, McLay said the racial undertones are very serious and show that the Minister will resort to any measure to prove a point.

He said the Minister needs a lesson on how a Chamber of Commerce operates.

“The movement is to benefit all its members so they can operate in a good commercial environment, free from as much political interference and administrative bureaucracy as possible.

“PNG grown vegetables is a great idea and is worth support from all corners of our society.

Opposition Leader Don Pomb Polye has described the ban as ‘unplanned, abuse of power and uneconomical.’

Mr Polye said when the ban fully came into effect, it would affect many business houses and even the producers overseas.

“I understand there is no alternative to cater for the bag shortage.

“Such bans should have been debated nationwide through workshops but nothing of such took place,” he said.

Polye said this means everyone would be ‘dancing to the minister and his board’s music.’

Maria Linibi's comments come after members of her organisation have been calling her for assistance and information on how to cope with the drought and frosts.

A national strategy meeting has been held in Port Moresby today to nut out a plan for responding to the disaster, brought on by the powerful El Nino event.

It is estimated that almost one million people have been affected, and the assessment so far is that immediate aid will be required for areas devastated by frost.