It’s been only a week since newly appointed NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika took office and the police boss is not wasting time to address crime in the City. For someone who does not mince words, Met Supt. Sika has expressed that he is taking time to settle down in office before he commence to addressing law and order for the city. At the moment the new Met Supt. is looking to get his command in order before he can turn to other pressing issues. “My intention is to have the confidence and courage to provide the leadership and to basically stabilize the structures in place internally and to make sure that my intention is driven through the line managers in the command structure to where my focus is to address crime.” He stated that NCD is a very challenging command, adding that the crimes committed are unpredictable and there is no telling when and where they will occur. "Also, the ratio of policemen to the city cannot cater for the number of citizens in the capital, but will make sure to try to work smarter to minimize crime." “There is so much going on but at least there is order in the city. So moving forward, with the limited resources and manpower we have, we are still able to ensure that there is still security and law and order in the city.”

Thanks to the generosity of the Japanese Government, K10 million grant was presented this week for the development of bridges to commence next year. Moresby South MP and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justin Tkatchenko thanked the Japanese ambassador, Nobuyuki Watanabe for their support, stating that for a long time Japan has always shown their dedication, commitment and loyalty to PNG. “Japan has helped build our country since independence. So I would like to say a big thank you to the ambassador, to your country and to your people for your continuous support in economic driven activities in PNG." He added that one of the many projects that Japan has played a piviotal role in establishing was the Jacksons International Airport, and now they have gone further to fund the expansion of the Nadzab Airport in Morobe Province. He reiterated that one of their priorities now is to make sure the bilateral relationship between both countries remain strong and to continue to grow stronger. K10 million worth of 8 metal bridges will be a great relief for the people of the highlands and will be allocated to the Department of Planning & works to appropriate in areas that are in need. Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to PNG, his Excellency, Nobuyuki Watanabe, expressed the same sentiment that Japan and PNG have enjoyed a cordial relationship for quite a long time, even predating independence. “Japan and Papua New Guinea have enjoyed a cordial relationship since well before the independence of PNG. Enhanced by progress of PNG in areas of such as diplomacy, trade and mutual cooperation." The ambassador further pledged to work harder with Minister Tkatchenko to further strengthen ties.

NCD police have initiated investigations into the damaging of equipment at the Port Moresby General Hospital after two isolated incidents were reported by the Hospital staff. NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika has stated that the damaging of vital blood monitoring equipment, costing K25, 000 and destruction of the main doors of the emergency entrance, as per reports from the CID, were done on separate occasions and are being investigated as isolated incidents. “On the 15th [Thursday], last week, a soldier under the influence of alcohol, proceeded to damage equipment after a fellow soldier who was involved in accident did not receive treatment due to a shortage of staff at the Emergency ward.” The other incident over the weekend shared similarities with the former, with the soldier damaging the doors of the Emergency Ward. The Criminal Investigation Division [CID] has already taken charge of the investigations and are now waiting on witness statements to be submitted by workers at the hospital and the RP Security Firm that are in charge of security around the Hospital. The police will be working closely with the Military as they too are looking into the incident and have already identified those responsible. “The commander of the defence force have already been notified and aware of this incident, there was a memo that came out stating that they will be investigating and I think the soldiers have been identified.” After thorough investigations they will hand over those responsible to the police who will then determine the appropriate actions that will be taken.

Police in Western Highlands Province (WHP) have reported no major disruptions within the last two weeks of the festive operation period, something which the Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Superintendent John Sagom, said was attributed to the leadership portrayed by the community leaders. While operations for the festive season have kicked off in many parts of the country, operations for WHP have been relatively smooth apart from the minor issues, such as petty crimes and other minor offences. Sagom stated that he is grateful for the support from the community leaders and is hoping that they can continue this positive partnership. “I would like to thank the leaders of the communities in the city (Mt. Hagen) for their leadership and taking the initiative to address issues at their level before they escalate into bigger issues.” Sagom was quite content with the operations so far, which saw police step up presence at key points to monitor malicious or suspicious activities and at the same time give assurance to the people and stake holders that they are in safe hands. The PPC also thanked business houses for their support in the operations, especially Tininga Limited. Also, I am grateful for the support from the business houses here in the province, and I cannot thank the PNG Defense Force enough for their continuous support in handling issues. I know they are in Hagen City for their own reasons, but I am grateful for their support when a callout is issued, they are ready always to support us.” For this festive period in the WHP, police are looking to crack down on drunk commuters as they set up roadblocks on the main roads leading into the city. Sagom said he is looking to make sure that the main roads and streets remained free from people driving under the influence of alcohol. Sagom also spoke to the provincial government to address this issue and in the coming days, a ban on alcohol will be issued in the lead up to Christmas. Meanwhile, investigations into the suspicious murder that occurred over two weeks ago is progressing as the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) in the city come up with evidence to determine the facts surrounding the crime committed. PPC Sagom also stated that currently investigators are still searching to find out more information before compilation a submission. He added that a lot has happened during the course of the investigations and the information needs to be accurate, so they can apprehend the suspect and let justice take its course.

During the launching of Gulf Provincial Police Festive Operations, the Gulf Provincial Administration pledged to support the Gulf police in their endeavors in ensuring the safety and security of the people. Gulf Provincial Administrator, Mr. Emmanuel Xavier, when giving his welcome speech thanked the Gulf PPC, Lemb for the initiative, stating that it is a duty on the annual calendar to prepare for the operations and take responsibility of the season in a special way to make sure that peace and good will in the spirit of Christmas is maintained. “I thank you all police personnel from the Gulf Provincial Police Headquarters in Kerema and Kikori, who are always ready and available.” He added that PNG is a tough country and the people of Gulf tend to be really tough and one challenge the police will be looking to address extensively is alcohol abuse. Xavier stressed that the operations must be done within time and cost, thus the Provincial Administration has set up a liquor ban in the province to deter petty crimes. “The liquor ban is to ensure that the special gift of peace that we look forward to every Christmas is valued, honoured and kept and must be the reason for us to respect each other.”

A parade on a damp and rainy day in the capital of the Gulf Province, saw the police proudly march into the field of Kerema Town to mark the end of the first phase of the Festive Period operations and launch the second phase. The presentation also coincided with the funding assistance for Gulf Police presented by the Kerema Open Member Thomas Opa and also the Gulf Provincial Administration. Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Jeffery thanked all that had put an effort into supporting the operations. He added that this is a special moment for the police as they head into the festive period and urged that they would have come this far without the undivided support of all stakeholders. “For this Christmas, Police will be out in full force to make sure that this Christmas and New Year is celebrated in a peaceful and meaningful way." There are 40 Regular Police Officers that cover the whole of Gulf but Lemb stated that they will be utilizing the 300 Reservist and Auxiliary Officers to conduct operations. For Kerema Town specifically, there will be no curfews imposed this year but PPC Lemb warned that this does not mean that the people can take advantage and cause problems. During the launching Kerema MP Thomas Opa presented a cheque of K150, 000 for police operations this festive season from the DSIP for festive operations. Opa said he is pleased with the initiative taken by PPC Lemb and is pledging to continue working with Gulf Police to ensure safety remains top priority for the people. He further added that he would extend his assistance to help out with uniforms for the officers and also Dinghy’s for the police to also conduct patrols along the waterways in the near future.

Police in the Hela province have confirmed that 20 lives were lost just recently due to an ethnic clash between two tribes in the North-Koroba area. Hela Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Joseph Tondop said 10 lives were lost on both sides as a result of the tribal clashes. “The clashes were a result of a suspicious death that had occurred 2 weeks prior and a person from an opposing tribe was accused for the death and killed. This led to payback killings and the all out clash.” At the moment, police have managed to quell the fighting and have beefed up their numbers in the surrounding areas at the Koroba station with support from a unit from the PNG Defence force, while investigations commence. Tondop has also engaged two teams of mediators to travel to meet both factions so negotiations for peace can commence. Situation on the ground is maintained but the Chief Superintendent believes community leaders should take the initiative and ownership to address these issues locally before they spiral out of hand. “There has been a lot of killings and we don’t want to hear of anymore. Community leaders should take responsibility to address when they are minor issues at the community level before they escalate.”

The new Provincial Police Commander (PPC) for Hela province Chief Superintendent Joseph Tontop when responding to the call made by the Opposition Leader on a state of emergency to be declared for the province, said that there is no need for that. Tondop said that a state of emergency is not what Hela needs at this point in time, rather good leadership, men and logistical support to conduct police operations is what is needed to curb the law and order issues in the province. “For a very long time law enforcement has been breached in the province and it’s clearly shown in the rise in crime. As for a state of emergency, there really is no need for one. All the province needs is good leadership. I am already here, all I need is manpower and resources.” Tondop explained that before he took up office in the province, there were only 65 police officers covering the whole of Hela. He is now working towards getting additional support from Police Headquarters in Port Moresby. “I am in the process of seeking 2 more Mobile Squad Units and a platoon of men from the PNGDF to help with the peace restoration in the province.” Meanwhile, throughout the past week the PPC travelling extensively through the province to meet with community and village elders to talk about maintaining peace in the province and will be looking to meet up with other stakeholders this week in the provincial capital Tari, to address these issues.

The new Southern Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Joseph Puri has taken a different step to ensuring peace and stability within the province remains paramount this festive period after a tough rollercoaster ride during the National General Elections. Puri, who took office last week, has launched a different type of operation this festive season, which has seen a positive reception with the people of SHP. The operation, he says is more of an awareness campaign targeted at youths. Codenamed: A Silent Night in SHP, for the past week police have been focusing on building police rapport with the people and raising awareness on the adverse effects of negative behavior. “The operation is codenamed silent night to reflect on those nights where people went to bed in fear of what might happen in the near future and to the sound of gunshots, and is to give assurance that this festive period, there will be silent nights.” Operations started last week and so far people have been very receptive to the awareness programs being conducted by SHP police. Aside from taking a different approach to peace keeping in the province, CSP Puri believes the true meaning of Christmas is still being misinterpreted by many at large. Puri stated that because of this many people think they can do anything to celebrate the festive period thus many have resorted to believing that it’s just about having a good time. “Our operation was launched to not only advocate to minimize violence but also to bring across that message of the true meaning of Christmas, which is to spend time with those that are special to us.” While also speaking on the Christmas Operations, CSP Puri is now calling out to all leaders of Southern Highlands to return to the province this festive period and to help plan and rebuild after the chaos following the National General Elections. “Christmas is the right time to do an overhaul, a check and balance where we can recap on what has happened and look forward to planning ahead to what we can do to rebuild the province.” Puri stated that in his stay since he arrived in SHP, he has seen the potential of the province to excel in business and believes that all they need is the leaders to present opportunities to the people.

In celebration of 9 years providing service and assistance to young women of the nation, the Miss Pacific Island Pageant PNG crowned the next cultural ambassador to represent the country at the regional stage. MPIP Chair, Molly O’Rourke believes that the pageant is not only a beauty pageant but a pageant with a purpose. O’Rourke stated that over the years, the platform has created a holistic approach to empower young women in cultural awareness, confidence building, integrity, self-worth and education. “MPIP PNG has groomed many women, who are now in public, in their respective fields, enjoying their lives, in the country and all over the world.” O’Rourke also thanked all those responsible who came together to support the platform, both in cash and kind. This included the official sponsor, Telikom Limited, the official telecommunications partner, the Institute of Business Studies University, the MPIP scholarship partner and Moore Printing. Silver sponsors includes, official Pageant Accommodation Partner, Crown Hotel, official pageant transport, Budget Rent a Car, the Tasion Group and official hair and make-up partner Trends Beauty International. With Prize sponsors, House of Gemini, Palmolive, Asia Aromas and Telikom Limited, and lastly the contestant spopnsors, Sanctuary & Rapopo Resorts, Alibi Bar & Grill, Relaxo, Italpreziosi South Pacific, Tiare Vavine Central Province and Vodafone PNG. She thanked them all for the support during these trying times and for giving the opportunity for the six contestants to participate in the crowning event.

An extravagant event to cap off a tough week of activities saw a beautiful culmination last night, when the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant PNG crowned a new queen to represent the country in next year’s regional Miss Pacific Islands pageant. A stunning display of elegance, beauty and intelligence, there could only be one queen. All contestants were judged on three categories on the event night, Best Sarong, Best Talent and Best Traditionally Inspired Dress. 23 year old Josie Nicholas from Central Province walked away with the crown, after taking the Traditionally Inspired Award [An outfit she designed herself] in the special awards category and Best Topic Presentation for her presentation earlier this week. Nicholas went on to clinch the title and will be representing the country on the regional stage next year in Samoa. Coming in at 1st runner up, Miss Rapopo & Sanctuary Resorts, Leilani Konjib who got the Miss Humanitarian Award for raising the most money for her charity and the Telikom Peoples Choice Award, coming out on top after sifting through 37, 000 votes. Miss Vodafone, Natania Kook was the most active among the rest with her fiery personality. She came in 2nd Runner up, becoming Miss Photogenic and taking the Best Talent Award. Other special awards included, Miss Personality which went to Miss Alibi, Writer Collin, with Miss Vavine Tiare Central Province, Vavineleva Geno-Noga taking the Best Sarong wear.

Japan Development Company will be looking to make sure that things run smoothly as they journey throughout the country to survey all proposed Special Economic Zone (SEZ) sites. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chair of the JDI, Shoichi Kobayashi, expressed that they are very honoured to be in the country to undertake this great initiative. Dr. Kobayashi and his team have had experience in pioneering SEZ around the world and hold vast knowledge of SEZ implementation. Kobayashi added that due to the vast resources that are found all over the country, the program is very much practical and can advance greatly in the country. Dr. Kobayashi also believes SEZ’s can help create job opportunities for Papua New Guineans. At the moment, Dr. Kobayashi explained that as soon as the master plan is set, he will be focusing on attracting investors to the country and creating employment. “I cannot guarantee anything, I am not a magician but this system works in the world. Almost 147 countries have adapted it, not all have been successful but almost 5,000 SEZ’s have been implemented. If other countries succeeded, then why not PNG.” Drawing from over 30 years of experience, Dr. Kobayashi believes that this undertaking will benefit the nation as a whole in transforming the economy and generate revenue to propel the country to reaching Economic independence and creating employment for young people. “PNG has a different economic status. You have a lot of resources and land with a relatively small population that is very much diversified in culture.” He added that for the SEZ implementation to be accurate, proper coordination between all stakeholders is key in orchestrating successful programs.