Baki praises officers’ efforts during Apec

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
JOINT Security Task Force Commander Gari Baki has told officers who were of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation security operations that they should be proud of themselves.
He gave them the message before some of them took their anger into Parliament over late payment of allowances.
“Apec leaders were very happy for us,” he said.
He said Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev walked down to Apec Haus at Ela Beach at night to view it.
“United States Vice-President Mike Pence also spent Saturday night in Port Moresby instead of flying back to his hotel in Cairns, Australia.
“Chinese President Xi Jinping and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison was also so happy with our security operation that they will provide whatever aid we need.
“Chile wants to know about our security preparations. A security team is coming to seek our advice.
“I represent Defence Force commander Major-General Gilbert Toropo and PNG Correctional Service acting Commissioner Stephen Pokanis in saying that we are proud of your performance.
“Every one of you should be very proud of your efforts.”
He said he was surprised about the allowance protest.
“I have been monitoring the radio communication over the past week and no police officers, warders or soldiers complained about allowances,” he said.
He said the 5000 members of the task force would be paid K200 per day for the 17 days from November 7-25.
“And those from other provinces, you will be paid your allowances before you board the aircraft to go to your respective provinces.”
Finance Minister James Marape and Speaker Job Pomat later yesterday revised the allowance upward to K500 per day.