(Reports by Police Media Officer Jessemie Amlakwin.)
The outgoing Provincial Police Commander (PPC) for Milne Bay Province, Superintendent (Supt) Peter Barkie, welcomed Chief Inspector (CIP) Benjamin Kua to take up his new position as the PPC for the province.
Mr Barkie, who is now PPC for West New Britain, said although it was a last-minute arrangement, he was happy to properly hand over the position before leaving for West New Britain.
“We signed our hand-over-take-over certificates, and I provided Mr Kua with a written brief and an electronic copy of all the records in the presence of all section heads in Milne Bay,” said Supt Barkie.
CIP Kua was formerly the Boroko Police Station Commander (PSC) and had been PSC for more than ten years.
Mr Barkie said, “I assured Mr Kua that I will continue to support him as he takes command as PPC for the first time and establishes his command in the province.
“As the outgoing PPC, I will make it my business to support, give him any information he needs or advice on anything, in that way we will truly serve the interest of the people of Milne Bay and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.”
Mr Barkie called upon the policemen and women in Alotau to give Mr Kua the same level of support and cooperation they gave him.
He reminded them that they all took an oath to serve the country and the Office of the Commissioner, therefore when the Commissioner appoints someone for a new position at another location, it is a command directive.
“We do not choose our bosses, our bosses are appointed and you must work with anybody that’s been appointed by the Commissioner to come here as the PPC or any other appointment for that matter and do your jobs professionally,” Mr Barkie reminded the policemen and women.
He told the incoming PPC that the Milne Bay Province went through a lot but has recovered from those ordeals and life is now progressing as normal.
“Houses were burnt down, people were killed and police personnel here in Milne Bay fought with criminals on a daily basis. But those days are over and Milne Bay is becoming safe again,” said Supt Barkie.
However, he warned the incoming PPC to be on alert as the threats were only reduced but not eliminated completely.
Mr Barkie was very pleased that Milne Bay is now returning to its glory days and said this is evident with the number of international tourists and cruise ships coming back to visit the province since the end of 2022.
“Three years ago, I was appointed PPC for Milne Bay Province and when I arrived in the province, the situation was very difficult, the criminals had the upper hand and they were better armed and in control. They became the shadow government and the legitimate government was slowly losing control.
“The criminal network penetrated the whole spectrum of the society, including the government, business houses and police as well. People were more concerned with their personal and family safety which forced them to compromise their position.
“But this year I am happy to say that the situation has changed, and the people are moving freely without having to watch their back for a shoot-out or hold-up like before,” Mr Barkie said.
A representative of the Milne Bay Police personnel, Inspector Lisa Gelusowa, said the policemen and women enjoyed serving under Mr Barkie’s leadership despite the tough situations the province had gone through.
She said the same level of support and cooperation that was given to Mr Barkie will be given to Mr Kua to restore and make Milne Bay the safest province like it used to be.
