Public servants

This was the question posed to public servants by Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President, Ishmael Toroama, during the 2023 dedication service yesterday.

“To answer this question, you first have to find your purpose in your role as a member of the Bougainville Public Service,” said the president.

“This applies to our leaders as well as our civil servants.

“Having a greater sense of purpose will influence how we carry out our duties, how we set our goals and the definitive direction that we wish to embark on.

The PM was speaking at Dr Gelu’s funeral service yesterday at the Reverend Sioni Kami Memorial Church.

Marape first met Dr Gelu in 1990 at the University of Papua New Guinea. He was Dr Gelu’s student.

He thanked Dr Gelu for remaining in the public service to serve the people, despite having the capacity to move on elsewhere.

“He was a faithful, honest public servant, serving, true to his calling to a life of service to his call of duty.”

 “He was truly an authentic Melanesian and I place on merit and thank the people of Nakanai and (West New Britain.”

In his tribute to late Secretary for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Dr Alphonse Gelu, the Prime Minister described him as a public servant who served with distinction.

"Dr Gelu had all the knowledge and know-hows of politics but didn't contest in the elections but decided to serve to his call.

"We need public servants like Dr Gelu in our country."

The Prime Minister was a student of late Dr Gelu in 1990 at the University of Papua New Guinea.

“The cars you have, the money you have will not go down with you to the six feet. You leave behind your children and your reputation. They leave on. Your children and your reputation. What is a country you want to leave for your children? Is it a better country? Is it a better place?” PM Marape asked.

He was speaking at the Public Servants Dedication Service on Friday 6^th January, 2023. He reminded the public servants that everyone is ultimately accountable to God and that he is watching everything they do.

PM Marape was the keynote speaker at the Public Service Dedication Service today at the Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium in Port Moresby.

PM Marape opened his speech by recounting his experience during the last week travelling across the country visiting extremely remote and most neglected people and places.

Prime Minister James Marape reminisced his experience with the remote places he visited recently.

The strike began on Monday June 6, 2022 after workers learnt Lau had been appointed to lead them. They also questioned the Lau’s qualification and requested that the Department of Personnel Management meet with them physically to explain the process and criteria used.

Friday’s phone conversation with Secretary Taies Sansan, and the threat of disciplinary action against those who refuse to return to work, has had no impact.

The police reservists have been permitted to assist the Royal PNG Constabulary and the Electoral Commission.

The reservist officers will assist over the period of 12th May to 29th July, 2022.

Department of Personnel Management (DPM) Secretary, Taies Sansan said these officers will be put on their normal pay for the period specified, unless the services of a requested officer are essential to be running the Department’s operations, in which he or she must not be released.

The Department of Personnel Management has issued circular No. 6 of 2022 for all National Departmental Heads, Provincial Administrators, Heads of other Public Authorities, and Public Servants to release their staff with full pay during the said period.

In another Circular No. 8 of 2022, DPM has approved the release of Public Servants from their duties to have the opportunity to cast their votes during the voting period commencing July 9 to July 22.

DPM Secretary, Taies Sansan said all Public Servants are encouraged to arrange to cast their votes in their own time.

Professor Kevau was invited to give a health talk to the staff made a presentation on communicable and non-communicable diseases.

The main difference between communicable and non-communicable diseases is that the former is contagious and can be transmitted from one individual to another. On the other hand, non-communicable diseases are not infectious.

This directive was put forth by the National Electoral Commission to have government departments registered into the system.

Registrar General of PNGCIR, Noel Mobiha held a press conference yesterday to urge public servants to get their NIDs secured and registered, following a decision made by the government to address the lack thereof in this sector.

“We’ve been sending our teams to the departments, (but) none of them turn up to get registered,” he said.