Businesses weary of crime

By SHIRLEY MAULUDU
THE West New Britain (WNB) Chamber of Commerce and Industry is fed up with ongoing law and order issues, following the damage to some business houses during a rampage by locals on Monday night.
Chamber president Ian O’Hanlon said police in Kimbe needed time to “regroup and reassess” before allowing businesses to re-open.
“Kimbe is a ghost town today (yesterday),” he told The National.
“In the interest of safety, our provincial police commander, Peter Barkie, has requested all banks, business houses, schools and markets to close while he and his team regroup and reassess the situation.
“With limited numbers and resources, our West New Britain police with the support of security firms, did an amazing job of saving lives and properties last night (Monday). “Unfortunately, a few business houses did succumb to break-and-enter and looting.
“The chamber members are getting very tired of the ongoing lawlessness in our province and call on the national authorities to stop neglecting one of the biggest economic contributors to the national purse.”
The rampage followed the shooting to death of 16 escapees on Sunday from Lakeimata Prison.
O’Hanlon said police manpower should be increased.
“Increase numbers, increase capacity and increase resources to the CIS Lakeimata, MS19 riot squad, WNB judiciary and the WNB police department,” he added.
“Please support our Governor and Member for Talasea and Nakanai, who are funding national responsibilities out of their own SIP (Services Improvement Programme) allocations.”