Police in Milne Bay have done a great job in ensuring that the province experienced peaceful festive celebrations during the Christmas and New Year period with no major incidents reported. According to Milne Bay Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Senior Inspector Ben Kua, this outcome was a direct result of the awareness on law and order conducted by police officers in the communities prior and during the festive period. The PPC reported that the four districts reported very quiet and trouble free all throughout Christmas and New Year, only encountering a few drunk and disorderly cases. Despite a lack in resources, the PPC was satisfied with the outcome of their operations. “We faced manpower and logistics problems, but my officers beat all odds to utilize any resources made available to ensure our operation code name "Peace and Respect in Communities" is fulfilled.” “I take this opportunity to thank all my hard-working members for their commitment and loyalty to serve our communities. I also extend my appreciation to foreign troops from NCD especially Mobile Squad headed by Sergeant Jeffrey Nomino and CID PHQ led by Sergeant Damien Kuasmapa.” He said they had faced a lot of issues affecting daily operations including power outages, fuel shortage, vehicles break down, financial unavailability and other setbacks, but the men and women in blue were committed to their job to ensure peace is maintained throughout the festive period. “I also thank our stakeholders, the locals MPs, councilors, communities, the Church groups and NGO groups for taking part and contribute to the peaceful and trouble-free Milne Bay festive period.” He said he is looking forward to continuing to work in partnership with all stakeholders for a better and crime free Milne Bay Province this year.