by Rachel Shisei – EM TV News, Madang
Just like each and every province around the nation, Madang celebrated the country’s 40th independence anniversary in style.
Nonetheless, speeches at the ceremony were hot on the escalating crime rate in the province, and the people were reminded that the law and order problems is partly their responsibility.
“If you assist the police in handing in the criminals, regardless of whether they are your sons or daughters, the crime rate will drop,” said the Madang Governor, Jim Kas.
The Minister for Petroleum and Energy, and Member for Madang Open, Nixon Duban, also called on the people to take ownership of the province, and assist police to curb this serious issue.
Minster Duban in his speech came down hard on the Madang police force, saying they are partly to be blamed for the escalating crime rate.
“Your police coordination points are very weak no simple procedures like road blocks, spot checks or foot patrols are being carried out.
“The Provincial Police Commander is in charge of the administration, this is the Commander’s job, and he’s failed,” said Duban.
The Minister also mentioned that he, as the Member for Madang Open, will evict those communities who continue to cause problems and disturb public peace.
Meanwhile, Governor Kas in his speech had admitted that members of his government have lost focus along the way.
“My government and public service know that we are on the right track, and are working very hard to bring the province to where it is today, but most of them have lost focus, and are giving up along the way,” Kas stated.
The celebrations started and ended well yesterday, with no major problems reported as yet.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ftL5QOviSYs%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
