2016 has been a challenging year for the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.
Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Brigadier-General Gilbert Toropo, said this during the end-of-year church service on Friday.
“As we move forward towards 2017, we can now reflect on what 2016 was like.”
Toropo says 2016 has not been an easy year for the PNGDF, with challenges of limited funds, resource and manpower capacity.
He thanked all his staff and team players for guiding the rest of the force through 2016 and ensuring that the force stayed on course in achieving some of its milestones.
“I commend the branch heads, their staff, the unit commanding staff and your teams for persevering and persisting despite the tough challenges.”
Despite the hurdles, Toropo says PNGDF has continued to maintain its core activities of patrolling the borders, maintaining surveillance and keeping up-to-date with their fisheries and bilateral partners agreement.
“We have achieved a significant number of our activities and I thank all the members of the force for your professionalism, dedication and commitment throughout the year.”
He urged members to reflect on 2016 and what they have achieved.
Remember that you have sworn an oath to serve the Queen and PNG, which is your ultimate commitment as member in the force, Toropo states.
(Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Brigadier-General Gilbert Toropo, during the end-of-year church service on Friday)