As of yesterday afternoon, the hospital is temporarily closed. The PNG incentive fund is sponsoring a project to build a new hospital here. A company has been hired to build the hospital and subcontracts out part of the work to others. One of the local tribes would like to get something for themselves out of the hospital being built, and they have created problems in doing this. In the past, they stopped our hydroelectric power because we weren't paying them for our gravel, which was on our land. Their demands are excessive whether for the cost of materials or for their labor.
2 days ago the local folks threatened a cement truck coming to pour concrete and wouldn't let them pass. The local folks wanted to be the ones to pour the concrete despite having never done this before, and wanting a large sum to do so. When Dr. Bill, the hospital administrator, found out about this he wasn't happy. This isn't the first time this has hap
pened, and likely won't be the last unless something changes. As a way to make a statement that the interfering of the building of the hospital won't be tolerated, he shut down the hospital. The hospital serves a large population of patients from many different tribes, when it is closed, lots of folks are affected by it. Typically in this situation the other local tribes will somehow influence the tribe at fault to do what needs to be done in order to get the hospital open again. He has met with the local tribal leaders, and thus far they haven't said they will make sure the project continues unopposed. Until that happens, we will be closed. We will continue to see our inpatients, and care for OB emergencies, but that is all. Pray for a quick and peaceful resolution to this problem. Until that comes I will enjoy some quieter days over the Christmas weekend.