New Ireland is unlike other provinces I have been to, says the recently-appointed NIP provincial police commander, Gideon Ikumu.
"It is very peaceful. Even with the government delegation coming over for the opening of the Kavieng official residence, there was no need to request for extra manpower," PPC Ikumu told Loop PNG.
"The only issues we have are homebrew and drug abuse, with crimes related to them."
The PPC pointed out the similarity in crimes in the province with those in East New Britain, including sexual offences.
The Official Government Residence Kavieng was opened on Friday by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
A public holiday was declared in the province, where the entire town, including surrounding villages, turned up to join in the celebrations.
Traditional rituals dominated the event, with singsing groups turning up in numbers with mis (traditional shell money), pigs, mumu and pandanus mats.
Food was distributed to the participants as well as the crowd while the Government delegation toured the new building.
PM O'Neill was accompanied by former Prime ministers, Sir Rabbie Namaliu and Paias Wingti.
Prior to that, the delegation opened the Namatanai Government House on Thursday.