Kava policy is absolute

RE “Kava for airfares” (Northern Territory News, September 15).

The Galiwin’ku Community Inc has a policy of totally opposing the use of kava and supports the police in any action taken against anybody who attempts to sell or supply this illegal drug.

This council is concerned about the adverse affect on the community image caused by the above article.

Council would like to clarify certain statements from the article.

First, Andy Hassan is not a community worker on Elcho Island and is not a community development advisor for this community. In fact, Mr Hassan has not been a resident of Elcho Island since about 1996.

Second, Keith Djiniyin is not a community leader in this community. Keith is a clan leader only and there are at least 25 other clans living at Galiwin’ku (Elcho Island).

Third, the claim of meetings with government officials is a total fabrication. Council finds it hard to understand that a magistrate would accept this as true.

Richard Denaro, acting council clerk; Alfred Wunbaya, deputy chairman; Charles Yunupingu, chairman, Galiwin’ku, Elcho Island

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Fri, 23 September 2005
Source: Northern Territory News (Australia)
Author: Richard Denaro, acting council clerk; Alfred Wunbaya, deputy chairman; Charles Yunupingu, chairman, Galiwin’ku, Elcho Island (letter to the editor)
Copyright: 2005 Northern Territory News
Contact: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Website: http://ntnews.news.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/283