Colonel Raymond Numa

Those were the words of retired and outgoing Chief of Staff, 87235 Colonel Raymond Numa after serving 41 years in the PNGDF.

In a small but significant handover takeover ceremony yesterday, Colonel Numa thanked the PNGDF saying it was a privilege to be serving the country amongst some of the best in the military line of work.

Col Numa challenged the new chief of staff (CoS) of the mammoth workload and task that lie ahead, adding that he was confident of the new CoS’ ability to carry on the task from where he left off.

Following Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s orders for the PNGDF to initiate immediate response to the earthquake yesterday, PNGDF Chief of Staff, Colonel Raymond Numa, has confirmed the presence of troops on ground.

Col Numa said PNGDF personnel are stationed exclusively in Southern Highlands, Enga and Hela provinces, while the headquarters is based in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province.

10 teams from different barracks and units in the country converged upon Murray Barracks to battle it out in the biannual event.

The tournament was played using the rugby 10s format.

“We all came together to show the spirit of comradeship and being together in showing the colours of unity. Thank you and congratulations to all the teams. Well done,” said Numa.

Numa also gave thanks to God for the success of the three-day tournament.

Numa said PNGDF is no exception and there are many physical, social, cultural and psychological factors that are beginning to emerge.

“Some of these common problems that cause burdens are in the form of culture, disasters, HIV/AIDS, drugs, alcohol and depression,” he said.

A World Health Assembly resolution passed in May 2013 has called for a comprehensive, coordinated response to mental disorder established at the country level.