Acting commissioner challenged to push for stability

CORRECTIONAL Service Minister Roy Biyama has challenged acting commissioner Steven Pokanis to assume strong command and control, maintain stability and restore good work ethics and unity among all ranks.
“Regardless of your (Pokanis) acting appointment for three months, I want to see basic fundamentals restored. Drive ongoing reforms and transformation programmes to achieve priorities of the Government,” he said.
Biyama also praised outgoing commissioner Michael Waipo for his outstanding and long service of 43 years.
He said it was a privilege to work with one of the outstanding and long serving officers who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the department.
“I honour your rise through the ranks to be commissioner,” he said.
Waipo joined the service on June 10, 1975. He was promoted to chief inspector in 2000, superintendent in 2008, acting deputy commissioner in 2014 and commissioner in 2016.
Waipo said there were many challenges faced with the lack of manpower, escapes, and poor leadership, poor budgeting, limited logistics assets like vehicles, uniform and operational support.
He said there were also successes such as the completion of rural blocks, partnership with international organisations for officer training, strengthening the law and justice sector, promotion of officers from all ranks and files, and the establishment of the Joint Services College in 2014. “CS will move forward in their organisational structure and building their leadership also the Legislation amendments to rebuild CS.”