The Business Community of Rabaul Town has expressed deep concerns over the escalating law and order issues that have recently plagued both the town and the wider province. During a Rabaul Business Community meeting held on Tuesday at the Rabaul Hotel, Business owners together with provincial and district leaders were present to discuss effectively addressing the issues. Present at the meeting to receive the concerns and suggestions of the business houses was the East New Britain Provincial Member Micheal Marum, acting Rabaul District Administrator Freddy Lemeki and Town Mayor Changol Manuai. Also present was the ENB Senior Provincial Magistrate Samuel Lavutul. Rabaul Hotel Owner Susan McGrade, who hosted the meeting, said that the business houses in Rabaul employ around five thousand to six thousand employees. She further said that though they are assisting in terms of employment, their businesses and employees are also at risk. Chairman of the Chinese Community in Rabaul and Representative of the Hongland Group of Companies Tom Tong also voiced similar concerns. “As an employer, we are struggling to keep our staffs or have stable employees. Most of our workers leave out of fear. Though we provide good security, we are still at risk as we can only do so much,” Tong said. Acting Rabaul District Administrator Freddy Lemeki said that they are working together with the Provincial Administration, Provincial Government, Police, Magisterial Services, Correctional Services, Churches, and relevant stakeholders in addressing law and order issues. Lemeki said that a Police Reservist training is scheduled for the month of April and added that this would assist in beefing up the manpower which is a major challenge for the police in the province. He said that from this program, the reservists can be deployed to hotspots and do foot patrols. The District Administrator also announced that an eviction exercise is also planned for the coming months to evict illegal settlers in Rabaul Town.