Law & Order

He made this statement after attending to a peace reconciliation ceremony in the district recently.

“Goilala is the only district that has absence of law enforcement agencies in the district that includes, police, correctional service and magisterial service.

“In recent times we only do bandage solution and this must change in the nature of addressing law and order issues.

“Goilala is a remote district that we all know and it is about time we all stake holders take responsibility in addressing the issue,’’ Aia said.

Ward members, Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and the communities of Livuan-Reimber Local Level Government along the NCR Rd in Gazelle district have agreed to stand together and come up with solutions on minimising the rate of law-and-order issues.

In a combine law and order meeting held yesterday at the Rabaul District headquarters in Kurakakaul, 16 wards of Reimber and the nearby wards of Balanataman LLG in Rabaul district attended and raised their views and especially concerns on the recent string of PMV holdups.

The Porgera community has publicly condemned the ongoing tribal fighting between the warring Nomal and Aiyela clans and the killing of innocent people.

They have directed the warring factions to take their ongoing fight, outside of the Porgera Valley.

In an unprecedented show of support, various community groups and clans yesterday protested into the Pogera Station and aired their frustrations including calling on the Government to declare an immediate State of Emergency (SOE) in the Valley.

The peaceful protest coincided with the celebrations of the National Women’s Day held on Friday 24th March, 2023.

Governor Sir Julius Chan was present to accept the petition. He said his government stands ready to support women’s issues in the province.

The women dressed in black and purple silently marched with banners and placards from the Kavieng National Court house through the main town area and proceeded down to the market and to the Government Legislative Assembly building.

The women were joined by New Ireland PPC Albert Beli in the peaceful protest.

While commenting on what the sector patrol units are doing around the city, he commended his men for stepping up in the fight against crime in the city. 

"We will continue to do that by showing our presence throughout the city through motorist and foot patrols," Metsupt Sika said. 

Sika was pleased with the officers who responded to a situation at Erima yesterday evening which prevented a crime from happening. 

Member for Lae and Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso, reemphasised his commitment when applauding the regular police patrols at top Town, Eriku and Main Market.

“It’s comforting to see these men in blue in public places. All of them are volunteers who have raised their hands to fight crime and keep our city safe and clean,” said DPM Rosso.

Rosso said LCA will maintain its relationship with the law and justice sector to keep Lae city safe for its citizens, including investors and visitors.

ENB Governor, Michael Marum, Gazelle MP and Minister for Fisheries & Marine Resources Jelta Wong, Pomio MP Elias Kapavore and Kokopo MP Eremas ToBaining Jr held the first awareness last Saturday January 28, 2023 in Kokopo with a 3 kilometer walk for peace. 

Rabaul MP Graham Rumet did not participate due to another prior commitment and was represented by LLG presidents.  

Speaking at the Southern Highlands Provincial Assembly’s first meeting in Mendi Town on Thursday, the Prime Minister said for unity to grow.

“We must adhere to rule of law, and this starts with us the leaders. Let us observe the rule of law at all times.

“If we observe the rule of law in our societies, there will be no fighting but peace will prevail amongst our people.”

He also advised public servants to work accordingly and lawfully.

He said that is why the New Ireland Provincial Government is allocating K3.917 million towards Law and Order.

 “We are putting K1.25 million for policing and to implement the resettlement and enforcement of Vagrancy Act,

“K1 million for Police and CIS, K500,000 for Provincial Law Enforcement.

“K1.017 million for Village Court and Land Mediation Officers”, he added.

For the Local Level Government level he said K5.5 million has been allocated to build LLG staff houses for the Ten LLGs which will complement the Council Chambers already built at the LLG’s.

The call was made by the Acting Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Gabriel Bandy, following the escape of six remandees from the Kerevat Correctional Institute.

Acting PPC Bandy stressed though it is only the beginning of the year, they are already reporting crimes of armed robbery and murder.

The Acting PPC believes other government departments within ENB can assist police by providing some intervention to address the ever-increasing rate of unemployed youths.