Communities rallied this week to stage a march, as a show of strength against the escalating law and order problems currently being experienced in East New Britain Province (ENBP). The march commenced at the Ralum Police head quarter and ended at the Kokopo main market. ENB Governor Michael Marum, Minister for Fisheries and marine resources and Gazelle MP Jelta Wong, Provincial Administrator Levi Mano, police, CS, public servants and NGOs were all out to show solidarity against the lsurge in lawlessness in the province. ENB Governor Mr Marum said addressing law and order concerns is a shared responsibility. “The march today is a follow up of a peace walk which was held in the beginning of this year.” “We are marching again today to show that there are still no changes to the stats that we are seeing.” “When we march, we expect every stakeholder to participate, that includes business houses, communities and every individual to show that you are concern about the rise in criminal activities in the province.” Mr Marum urged locals in the province to assist authorities in any way they can to help reduce crimes in the province. “This Christmas is all about family and let’s celebrate it in a true way of Christmas,” he said. Gazelle MP Mr Jelta Wong also said the surge in law-and-order issues in the province has taken its toll on businesses and ordinary people. Mr Wong said the last three months, the total loss of businesses due to closure and armed hold ups in the province is projected at about K30 million. He said every individual whether in the province must thrive each day to practice common sense in whatever they do. “Today, schools are being burnt down and ongoing community fights result in closure of businesses etc.” “We want services and when the government provides, we don’t take care of it.” Mr Wong also calls on public servants, local leaders, and police to be role models. Meanwhile, the province also welcomed their new ENB provincial police commander. Chief Inspector Felix Nabanat will now take over the reign as PPC from outgoing PPC Chief Inspector Januarius Vosivai.