Time for change: PM

Reports by REBECCA KUKU
PRIME Minister James Marape says that the crime situation is a critical issue for the nation, and that the time has come for change.
“Corruption permeates our society relentlessly,” he said.
“Government has supported, funded and established the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC).
“We have passed the amendments to the Proceeds of Crimes Act.”
He told people attending the PNG Update at the University of PNG Waigani campus in Port Moresby yesterday that the Government would make sure that ICAC was functional.
“We will make sure that systems are well established, and that processes are in place to bring those who engage in corrupt practices to account,” Marape said.
He said it was why he created the Internal Security Ministry now led by Bougainville MP Peter Tsiamalili Jnr.
“We must also work with our disciplined forces to instill discipline in command structures,” he said.
“We want to build a simplified but workable reward system in our law enforcement teams to ensure that we attract the best people and build loyalty (from there).
“We must build prisons and ensure that the human rights of those detained are maintained.
“We must also enhance the capacity of our prison officers and put in place appropriate rehabilitation support so that those who have served their time can re-skill and contribute to society upon release.”
Marape also said the judiciary must be strengthened to ensure that only the most qualified and capable people were appointed to the bench.
“We also need to examine alternative and appropriate pathways for dispute resolution, using our village courts, district courts, national and supreme court,” he said.