OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
MEDIA RELEASE
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Commissioner Inguba appeals to PNG to extend best hospitality to international visitors
Commissioner of Police Sam Inguba has appealed to Papua New Guineans to extend their best hospitality to the international visitors who will be in the country this week and over the next ten days for the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) and ACP-EU Council of Ministers' Meeting.
A total of over 500 dignitaries and delegates from 104 countries are now in the National Capital District for the 83rd session of the African Caribbean Pacific and 31st European Union Council of Ministers meeting.
Commissioner Inguba said, "Never before have we had such a high level meeting. The world will focus their attention on Papua New Guinea, and especially the National Capital District, where the meeting is taking place.
"The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, assisted by the PNG Defence Force and the Correctional Service will be out in full force to provide adequate and appropriate security coverage and response during the meeting.
"Over 1,000 men and women from the three disciplined forces are being engaged to provide security.
"Our security operations will cover land, air and sea. We consider the security and safety of our international visitors to be of paramount importance, especially taking into account acts of terrorism including suicide bombings around the world.
"Terrorism is a global phenomena and no country is safe from it. However, we will ensure the security and safety of the international dignitaries and their delegations is guaranteed. I am expecting nothing but the highest level of professionalism from my men.
"Officers tasked with protecting the visiting dignitaries, securing the meeting and accommodation venues and routes have received their operational orders.
"We are taking seriously various internal and external security threats that will directly or indirectly affect the meeting and delegates. These threats include terrorism, border crossing by OPM and the Papuan Block.
"International terrorism of course is our biggest threat. We are taking this threat seriously and have on standby anti-terrorism units from both the police and the PNG Defence Force.
"Another safety measure is to ensure that all dignitaries and members of the visiting delegations wear proper identification cards at all times. No-one will be allowed access into the meeting venue without proper identification cards.
"We will not compromise on security and safety.
"Twenty-four hour security will also be provided at all hotels where the visiting delegates are staying in. They will mount 24-hour road blocks at all entry points into the hotels, conduct foot patrols within the perimeter of the hotel and stop, question and search all vehicles and personnel moving in and out of the hotel perimeter.
"At the seaport the water police and other units will be working on a 24 hour shift. My men will conduct seaport patrol within the city bay, keeping lookout for any suspicious persons or boats.
"In the air we have engaged the Air Wing and other units. They will conduct surveillance and air support during the duration of the meeting.
"We have considered internal threats which have the potential to disrupt the meeting, cause inconvenience to our visitors or jeopardise their safety and create an embarrassing situation for PNG. These include various current and on-going political issues, planned or propose industrial actions, landowner issues, as well as the local crime situation.
"Normal police operations will continue throughout the city.
"I am confident our security forces will adequately handle the security arrangements.
"However, the overall success of the meeting depends on the assistance and cooperation of every Papua New Guinean, wherever you are in the nation's capital and in whatever capacity you are.
"Be vigilant. Report to the police anyone or anything you think will in any way compromise the safety of our international visitors. Be helpful. Make our visitors feel at home. Show them what true Papua New Guinean hospitality is," Mr Inguba said.
Commissioner Inguba also took the opportunity to thank the PNG Government and the PNG Events Council led by Director-General Aiwa Olmi for the foresight in ensuring that allowances for members of the security forces engaged in providing security for the meeting was paid well in advance.
Mr Sam E Inguba, CBE, QPM, DPS
Commissioner of Police
Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary
May 28, 2006
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For further information. Please contact:
Police Media Unit, RPNGC, P.O. Box 85, Konedobu, NCD.
Telephone: 3226 241 / 243 Mobile: 690 6618
Email: dominic_kakas@police.gov.pg
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