Post-malarial Rudd Jr celebrates 2nd birthday
07 March 2010
BY ILYA GRIDNEFF
AAP – IT HASN’T
been all birthday cheer for PNG’s most famous toddler, Kevin Rudd Junior, recovering
from a bout of malaria on his second birthday.
The birthday boy marks his second year today with a cake cutting ceremony attended by local dignitaries.
In an interview covering the Australian-PNG relationship, Kevin Junior's family stressed to me the importance of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd tackling climate change.
Malarial mosquitoes have moved into the colder climates of
the
"Climate change is here, it never was before," father Esau said. "Little Kev had malaria, but he is doing fine now.
"He is in good health, looking strong and well for his second birthday."
Kevin Rudd Junior was born in
Thrilled parents Esau and Lina Kitgi, from the isolated Degi village, named their new-born in honour of the Australian PM who was in PNG shoring up relations shortly after being elected.
Esau took the opportunity to again invite the boy’s namesake to visit their village. "Everyone would love to see him in Degi, especially little Kev," he said.
Loven Forapi, Kevin Junior’s uncle, is preparing a special 12-page briefing for new Australian High Commissioner, Ian Kemish.
"We will update him on the latest information about Kev Junior," Mr Forapi said, adding that Kevin Junior embodied the spirit between the two countries that was cemented in World War II.
The family is aware of fluctuations in the opinion polls on PM Rudd's popularity and believe the Australian electorate will see through Mr Abbott's 'can do' antics.
"We would never change Kev Junior's name and think PM Rudd is doing a great job," Esau said.
This story reminds me of an annecdote I heard a long time ago. The 'drum' was that a malaria research station was built in the EHD because presumably, the climate was a lot better than the humid coast. After the station was built, it was discovered that there was no malaria in the area and to justify the station, some of the right kind of mozzies were brought up from the coast.
Sounds like a great bar room tale I'll grant you. Can anyone confirm it?
On a more serious note, it's a pity the blue anti mozzie nets Rotary is distributing haven't yet made it to Kev jnr's village. If only his parents could protect little Kev between sundown and evening, I understand the mozzie that carries malaria apparently only strikes during those hours.
Posted by: Paul Oates | 07 March 2010 at 04:20 PM