APEC summit

Members of the Joint Security Task Force, who were involved in security operations during November’s APEC Summit, vandalised the Parliament on November 20^th in frustration over outstanding allowances.

The initial payment arrangement by the JSTF commander was K200 per day for a period of 18 days. Members of the disciplinary forces however disagreed, saying an international summit warrants a much higher rate.

This will be conducted in a transparent process right after the APEC Leaders’ meet.

PM O’Neill said the Government is doing nothing secret but is prepared to host a successful APEC Summit next month.

When asked by this newsroom to give a response to a statement by Australian politician, Pauline Hanson, in regard to the 40 Maserati bought by the Government, he said he does not respond to racist Australian politicians who have no idea about our country.

The Financial Review reported that in his eight years as president, Barack Obama was absent only once, in 2013, when he cancelled his trip to the host, Bali, because of a government shutdown.

However, with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary playing the role as the agency responsible in supporting the government to deliver the APEC Summit - the RPNGC is ready.

Commissioner for Police, Gari Baki, made this reassuring statement, adding that with the assistance given by the Australian Federal Police, the constabulary has come a long way with its preparations towards delivering the first senior officials’ meet in Port Moresby.

Commissioner for Police, Gari Baki, told Loop PNG this morning that at the moment, he is happy with the progress of RPNGC in regards to the preparations for the 2018 APEC Summit.

He said RPNGC’s dialogue with partners abroad is ongoing and looks to be very productive.

Baki said an Indonesian team is currently in Port Moresby to look at areas where they could assist RPNGC.

A team has been flown to Vietnam, of which Baki was supposedly to go with yesterday but had to remain back because of the shooting in Southern Highlands Province.

The Traffic Directorate, in conjunction with the AFP, have been keeping traffic officers busy in the past couple of weeks.

“We have been busy training our motorcyclists and will soon be training the drivers as well.”

This first batch of officers, who have already undergone training and graduated, are now the instructors for the second batch of trainees.

There will be a third and fourth batch coming up later in the year.

About 20 motorcycles have already arrived in the country.

Police Commissioner Gari Baki assures the world and the people of Papua New Guinea that this country is prepared to host APEC in terms of safety and security.

Baki said this week that the efforts of both the Royal PNG Constabulary (RPNGC) and the PNG Defence Force, supported by the Correctional Services PNG, are recognised.

He said security for the APEC event is paramount and they’re at the stage now where planning is well into the aspects of building their capabilities.