By Lillian Sopera Keneqa – EMTV News, Port Moresby The theme for the 2019 Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption:
Transparency International PNG believes in recent months, the country has seen a lot of political changes that have shaken the foundations of the country’s democracy. Citizens need to be reassured that the basic laws preserved in our Constitution are upheld. And that every citizen is also aware of their right to quality justice and responsibilities as citizens. TIPNG Chairman, Lawrence Stephens said, “Ensuring justice is everyone’s responsibility. That’s an interesting concept.” He added, “In the village community when you hear rumors about who was stealing whose betel nut or who was in whose garden but you don’t see anybody actually volunteering to do anything about bringing about change.” TIPNG has officially launched their 13th Annual Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption – which will take place on the 9th of June. Through its theme, TIPNG wants to draw people’s attention to how corruption affects the quality and accessibility of justice. At the same time, the walk against corruption also aims to show national unity in the laws and institutions that we have in the country – institutions that are supposed to ensure justice. Department of Justice and Attorney General (DJAG) Secretary Dr. Eric Kwa said “For us as the sector, we consider justice to mean peace. Peace in our communities. Peace in our villages. When there is peace, then there will be law and order.” Deputy Police Commissioner Jim Andrews added,“Justice equals Enforcement plus Reporting”
Representing Correctional Services on behalf of Acting Correctional Service Commissioner, Stephen Pokanis, was Bomana College Acting Commandant, Chief Superintendent Kiddy. He said, “The criminal justice system is right at the end of the track.so we only take care of those who come into our custody, who are found. But we have a role to play in this aspect as well.” The Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk is TIPNG’s major fundraising event. It also aims to create greater awareness about corruption and provide citizens with an opportunity to peacefully express their opposition to corruption. Chairman Stephens said, “TIPNG uses this fundraising activity to continue to remind citizens and organizations that corruption needs all of us to be courageous.” The Walk Against Corruption will be led by the Secretary of the Department of Justice & Attorney General, Eric Kwa, Deputy Police Commissioner Operations, Jim Andrews and Acting Correctional Service Commissioner, Stephen Pokanis.]]>“We have good laws but they’re just lying idle, but human beings will be able to put and enforce these laws.”
