Service certificate presented to former Defence staff members

A TOTAL of 140 from the ceiling of 290 general labour staff in all the Defence Force establishments were retrenched last June.
Some of these general labour staff had been with the department since the colonial era and the change of commands within the PNGDF until last June when the 140 staff were identified and retrenched.
They performed duties such as general cleaners, tea boys, handymen, storeroom workers, and gardeners among others.
Defence Secretary Frederick Punangi yesterday presented the certificate of service and commendation to the 12 of the 24 former Murray Barracks based staff.
Last Tuesday Mr Punangi presented the same two documents to 14 retired general labour staff at Goldie barracks and then last Wednesday to 18 staff members at Taurama barracks.
Among those who received their certificates was Mol Sine from Simbu province, who received the documents on behalf of her late husband Kuli who died last year.
The other recipients were Patrick Kaia from Central province who served for 34 years, most years serving as cook and Tom Sunusu and Charles Sobuna, both from Oro who served mostly as tea boys in the last 34 and 36 years respectively.
Murray Barracks commanding officer Karl Hayai acknowledged the contributions made by the retired lot, and the same sentiments were expressed by Director for Marine Commander Murphy Kila, on behalf commander Commodore Peter Ilau.
Mr Punangi told those present including serving general labour staff that in the past such working group did not have a recognised structure in the public service but now the Personnel Management Department is working on establishing this.
Mt Punangi and his delegates would also be conducting similar presentations to six retired staff at Igam barracks in Lae; 20 in Moem in Wewak and 33 at Lonbrum Naval Base in Manus province.