Cabinet endorses college for all disciplinary forces

By HELEN TARAWA
THE National Executive Council has endorsed the establishment of a Joint Forces College which will be tabled in Parliament during its sitting starting today.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Davis Steven commended “the leadership in the three disciplined forces for using their own resources to ensure the idea was put to action”.
Steven said the country needed cohesion in the disciplined forces.
“A lot of work is already occurring but the legal policy framework needs to be put together so we can push for budget support and resourcing,” he said.
“We want to start investing in our disciplined forces and the leadership.
“Our intention is to ensure this legislation is passed and the 2021 national budget captures this programme.”
Police Minister Bryan Kramer said the disciplined forces should work in cohesion and respect.
“In this college, they will be able to train together and serve the country together,” Kramer said.
Correctional Services Minister Chris Nangoi said with the changes in technology, the disciplined forces needed to be rehabilitated.
He commended CS Commissioner Stephen Pokanis who is the chairman of the college.
Pokanis said the three disciplined forces had started training together in 2016.
Defence Force commander Maj-Gen Gilbert Toropo said a budget to support the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure to increase capacity was needed.
The college is being set up at the Igam Barracks in Lae.