We understand that some of you have heard about the unrest within PNG. There have been a number of incidents but here in Madang they were quite minor. The market was closed for a week but has now re-opened. We were walking by the market on the Saturday when things were tense and saw lots of people running and so we quickened our pace and got on a PMV [mini bus] and stayed home.

A number of shops belonging to Asians, mainly Chines had been looted and people were mainly waiting for an opportunity to join in.

Yesterday Ken was in town and someone tried to pick his pocket but wasn't successful. The people around him were very concerned.

In the Highlands things have been more tense but we are fine.