Deputy Commissioner Operations Anton Billie last week launched the Gulf province’s pre-election security operations.
Present at the launch were the Acting Provincial Administrator Emmanuel Xaviel, Provincial Manager Gulf Election Manager Poevare Tore, Members of the Provincial Election Steering Committee; Members of the Gulf Provincial Government,
Acting Southern Divisional Commander CIP Patrick Billy, Gulf Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Jeffrey Lemb; and members of the Kerema Town Business Community and people.
Mr Billie said the Pre-Election Operation launching parade is usually held to signify the Police show of strength and its readiness to deliver the security overlay for the National General Election.
Mr Billie said the people of Gulf and PNG will go into the 2022 National General Election polls this year to vote for leaders for the 11th National Parliament.
He said every Papua New Guinean of voting age is expected to make a vote that will determine their future.
He told the Gulf people to vote wisely and elect their leaders without expecting any personal benefits or rewards in return.
“For far too long greed and corruption has taken precedence over the people and the adverse effects are faced by you and I daily. We cannot blame anyone; leaders are only chosen by the people and we are partly to be blamed.
“The 2022 National General Election presents us the opportunity to decide where we will be in the next five years. We just came out from the COVID-19 pandemic and are experiencing the rising cost of living.
I’m urging every citizen of the Gulf Province to take ownership of this election and work with the police to deliver a free, fair and safe 2022 National General Election in a few months’ time.
“I call upon every member of the security forces in Gulf Province to do your job with honesty and sincerity. Do not take bribes. Do not allow illegal activities to take place. You have a duty first to your people to do the right thing,” Mr Billie said.
Mr Billie said all Commanders and the rank and file of the Constabulary are directed to take note of the following Commissioner’s instructions for the 2022 National General Election and include:
· All Police personals engaged in various Government Ministers and MP’s providing close protection duties are to cease once the writs are issued;
· There should not be any more police attachment to companies, business houses or private escorts, etc.;
· Very Important Point – There should not be any police affiliations to MPs, intending candidates or political parties;
· Anyone seen doing escorts or providing security for intending candidates or political parties will be dealt with seriously; and:
· All Commanders are required or advised to take lead and show your leadership capabilities by encouraging clean campaigning and discouraging all illegal activities.
Mr Billie said the Gulf province is a resource rich province with the potential for cash crops such as copra, cocoa, and coffee in the hinterlands, sago and betelnut. Roads, bridges, jetties and wharfs need to be built to connect these fertile lands.
“Now is the time to take the lead in nation building. Gulf should proudly take its place as a leader among leaders and show the country what it has to offer in the country’s development and progress. Gulf people led the country in nation building in the colonial and formative years of our young country PNG.
The Gulf province provided the educated elites, trade specialists and labour in the country to set the foundation in the history of PNG.
“I am urging all stakeholders in Gulf Province including business houses and the Provincial Government Authorities to assist the Police and the Electoral Commission to deliver a free, fair and safe election 2022.”
Deputy Commissioner Billie concluded that law and order and the success of this election 2022 should be everyone’s concern and that all should contribute towards keeping peace before, during and after the election.