Minister for Internal Security, Peter Tsiamalili, along with the East New Britain (ENB) Provincial Executive Council (PEC) recently attended a dialogue in Kokopo regarding the emerging law and order concerns along with other important matters in the province.
The Ministerial-Provincial Dialogue was a high-level dialogue that provided the platform for all stakeholders in the law enforcement space to engage in more strategic approach in addressing law and order issues in the province and the New Guinea Islands (NGI) region.
According to Tsiamalili, the discussion was a proactive move towards promoting collaboration, dialogue, and real action in dealing with the critical problem of internal security within provinces.
“In a rapidly changing world, the significance of maintaining law and order cannot be stressed. Societies grow when their citizens feel safe, protected, and empowered to follow their aspirations without hindrance or fear.”
A breakdown in internal security may undermine trust and impede economic growth and social advancement.
“We have met against this backdrop, recognizing the critical need for setting a course towards a more secure and resilient East New Britain Province.”
The dialogue will serve as the cornerstone for developing a comprehensive and effective strategy to address and secure prosperity envisioned.
Meanwhile, Acting Provincial Administrator, Levi Mano, said that the people of East New Britain are generally peaceful, courteous and respectful; something that has made the province envied by all visitors.
However, he stated that in the last five to ten years, this scenario has changed, and the province has observed a drastic increase in lawlessness in certain sections of the community.
“The provincial administration and the provincial government under the leadership of the ENB Governor, Michael Marum, has already endorsed a couple of policy submission through our PEC by establishing community policing and building couple of police posts in certain hotspot areas in the province.”
The dialogue was attended by the Police, Correctional Services, Courts and the private security firms in East New Britain province.