The recently launched Milne Bay Ex Servicers Association came to the aid of villagers during the recent Bou Village floods.
The association has hit the ground running after it was launched on October 22 this year in Alotau.
MBESA was officially launched to partner with the Milne Bay Provincial Government and Administration in Alotau, and is believed to be the first of its kind in PNG.
It took four years to establish MBESA and its membership includes former members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Correctional Institution and PNG Fire Service.
It registered as an association with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) on October 22 2018.
At the launching, Milne Bay Administrator Ashan Numa, incidentally the son of a PNGDF officer, said he was honoured to launch the association and partner with them to develop Mine Bay.
Numa thanked and acknowledged the ex-servicemen who had dressed in an assortment of the uniforms they proudly wore many years in their service.
He also said he was honoured and privileged to be among the ex-servicemen who have persisted to eventually launch the association.
“It gives me an opportunity to partner with you, with your wealth of experience and expertise in different fields of the services you were involved with in your various disciplined forces to work hand in hand with the provincial government and administration of the day,” Numa stated.
“Your level of expertise will help us especially in the area of law and order in the province.”
He added the Milne Bay Provincial Peace and Good Order Committee was trying to strategize with various partners like NGOs, churches, communities and organisations like the association to tackle law and order issues in Milne Bay.
“As the son of a soldier I know what it is like growing up in a disciplined home and environment and it gives me great courage that likeminded disciplined people are able to have the courage to put up their hand to help the government of the day.”
Meanwhile, MBESA President Colonel Jack Maniana (Retired) said the association was formed after the ex-servicemen became concerned that the province was going through a difficult phase in development.
“The pledge that all servicemen and women pledged when they signed up was to support and be loyal to the government of the day and the pledge remains despite retirement from the forces,” he stated.
Col Maniana (rtd) also said the association was challenged to help the provincial and administration.
He thanked and acknowledged the many individuals and organisations who have assisted the association in its formation and launching.
(Milne Bay Ex Servicers Association President, Colonel Jack Maniana [Retired], with Milne Bay Administrator Ashan Numa with the association certificates during the launch)