Security firms have been retained by the East New Britain Provincial Government to assist maintain peace and good order in Rabaul Town.
This, after a month of a spate of law-and-order issues that have affected businesses, schools and key institutions like health and banking services, including a number of families losing their homes and damage to properties.
Black Fox Security Services and NKCL Security will cooperate and assist the police to man access road from Rapolo junction to Rabaul Town patrolled and free of loitering groups harassing travelers.
Governor Michael Marum together with the Minister for Fisheries and Gazelle MP, Jelta Wong, Acting provincial administrator, Levi Mano, Acting Rabaul District Administrator, Freddy Lemeki and Acting Provincial Police Commander Januarius Vosivai met with the Rabaul Business community recently at Rabaul Hotel to discuss a way forward.
Governor Marum provided a brief of his immediate plans to restore and maintain the rule of law in Rabaul Town and called for their support to make his plans work.
He said a ‘Ranger’ type youth engagement program will see a total of 20 youths representing the affected wards, will be identified with the assistance of the ward development committees to assist the two security firms.
Members of the business community raised concerns on the need for police reform, action and complete reorganization was also discussed strongly by many speakers.
The leaders raised concern that law and order is a shared responsibility and not just the responsibility of police and courts.