New Year operations in the New Guinea Islands region reported no major incidents, with many welcoming the New Year peacefully.
East New Britain Province reported a quiet New Year’s Eve and day celebration with no major incidents.
Provincial Police Commander, Joseph Tabali, said as was for Christmas, the province was quiet. The only incident was a missing boat from Namatanai which was recovered on Sunday in the Duke of York waters.
In Manus, local police, assisted by Mobile Squad 18, were out in full force On December 31st, 2018, and January 1st, 2019.
Their New Year operation involved a convoy around Lorengau town, up the Somare highway and to Momote.
Manus police boss, chief inspector David Yapu, commended the people for exercising common sense which resulted in a peaceful and orderly celebration in welcoming the year.
Over in Madang, PPC Ben Neneo also said they experienced peaceful celebrations, apart from the usual noise to welcome the New Year.
PPC Neneo said one major factor that saw peaceful celebrations in Madang was the indefinite liquor ban, imposed by the Provincial Executive Council.
He also said all liquor outlets in the province should stop operating from January 1 onwards and an enforcement team will monitor and deal with defaulters.
(Picture of Manus convoy, courtesy of Reilly Kanamon)