The Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF), Major General Mark Goina at the recent National Security Seminar, voiced his intention to increase the Country’s National Security Capability and shed light on the current status of the Force after the Defense Assessment of 2021. He stated that the Defense Assessment 2021 observed that over the years, the PNGDF has suffered very serious capability decline. He said that they have recognized this and are looking towards immediate intervention. “This has been addressed as the 2023 Defense White Paper suggests. The work the PNGDF is currently doing is to stabilize…
Author: Nigel-Francis MADO
The Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF), after undergoing the Review of the Defense White Paper has pledged to stand ready to support the government in their aspirations for nation building. Commander of Defense Force, Major General Mark Goina, stated that after a successful review, the PNGDF would like to assist and improve services in remote areas. He explained that as part of the PNGDF’s core mandates in protecting the sovereignty of the country from external and domestic threats and supporting the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), the review was timely and is in line with their aspirations for…
The emerging threat in the country right now that needs the attention of law enforcement authorities and the state, is the trade of illicit substance and money laundering. This was stated by the Acting Deputy Commissioner Special Operations Donald Yamasombi during the second day of the National Security Seminar held at the Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Research Institute (NRI) in Port Moresby. Yamasombi stated that this is not only the case in the country but also across the region, following the recent series of drug busts that have occurred over the past 3-4 months, indicating a paradigm shift from…
Speaking at the second day of the National Security Seminar, Acting Deputy Commissioner Donald Yamasombi said corruption is what gives rise to transnational crimes in other countries. Speaking on factors that make it conducive for these crimes to occur, the DCP said there are certain conditions that allow it to happen. “Here I’ve got about 4 conditions or factors that encourages transnational crimes to happen.” These 4 factors include; Poor Governance, Corruption, Poverty and Geographical Positions. DCP Yamasombi largely stressed on both Corruption and poor governance as both factors themselves are almost inherent attributes that contribute to the rise in…
The conclusion by Chair of the National Energy Authority Board, Mr. Joseph Gabut on addressing the need for clean renewable energy, stated that the need for smart energy solutions is a key aspect in Energy Security and Diversification. “We need smart technology solutions for the remotest areas of PNG (Papua New Guinea) to bring power.” This is in line with their aspiration and goal to have over 70% of the country with electricity by 2030 under the National Rural Electrification Roll-Out Plan. He added that smart technological advancements are key to bring power for the remotest areas of PNG. Gabut…
The Correctional Services (CS) Commissioner, Stephen Pokanis with regard to concerns raised on National Security has called for the establishment of the Joint Forces College. Basing his statements on the National Security Plan and the Plan of Action, the Commissioner stated that one of the recommendations was to revitalize the intelligence agencies along with the establishment of the Joint Forces College, but since the Act was passed in 2018, nothing has been done since then. “The Joint Forces College by law has the same status as the Universities of this country. From 2018 and up till now nothing has been…
Unemployment still remains a major issue in as far as National Security is concerned, but sadly there are no statistics to pinpoint accurately how this rate has grown. The National Research Institute Council Chair, Wilson Thompson in his opening remarks at the National Security Seminar this week, said about 30, 000 to 40, 000 school leavers come out of the education system and that’s just from secondary schools these figures represent. “That’s from Grade 10 and 12. What about the university’s that are graduating, where are these people going?” Thompson reiterated that this is a serious problem that needs to…
Easter around the country was relatively quiet this time round with a few exceptions in places such as Daru. Acting Police Commissioner Dr. Philip Mitna has thanked the public throughout the country for a peaceful Easter weekend. Most of the police commands have been quiet with a few isolated incidents, but these were at manageable levels. There was only one suspicious death of a 20-year-old male on Saturday night which led to looting and damaging of public properties by angry relatives and opportunities in the township of Daru, in the Western Province. Thanks to the swift response by local police…
After a very successful recent Solwara Reggae Tour in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Singer Island singer/songwriter Taina Gee said he is keen to return to perform again in the country. Taina, is well known for hit song collaborations with artists such as Sharzy, Sean Rii, O-Shen, and Betty Toea to name a few. Currently based in his home Solomon Islands, he is hopeful to make a return to PNG soon. Taina, who accompanied the Devandeh, Mossa and crew from Wantoks/DMP who were in the country last month, were blown away by the ecstatic reception they received. Apart from the tour,…
Since Thursday last week, blackouts have affected police operations in Kerema town and have become a major concern for Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Jeffery Lemb. Although all may have seemed quiet over the Easter Period, PPC Lemb said they are now receiving reports from all over the Province. “The blackouts have greatly affected our operations in terms of reporting.” “We have been having trouble with filing and receiving reports from our stations and this is greatly affecting our performance.” He added they have been having difficulties sending reports to Police Headquarters but said that they are now receiving incident…