Call for regional security boost

By ROSELYN ELLISON
HEADS of government agency boards in the New Guinea Islands (NGI) want the Government to strengthen security in the region.
Deputy Asst Comm of Police (ACP) for NGI Paul Kamuai, on behalf of the regional agency heads of boards, called on the Government to establish a regional base to respond to illegal entry of vessels and foreigners.
The heads held a meeting in Kokopo, East New Britain (ENB), last Friday to discuss strategic issues and identify solutions.
ACP Kamuai told The National yesterday that representatives from agencies such as PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority, National Fisheries Authority (NFA), PNG Customs Service, Health Department and police attended the meeting aboard the PNG Defence Force patrol boat HPPNGS 04.
He said among issues discussed were PNG waters, Customs, immigration and foreign labour concerns in ENB and the region.
“Police fully support the efforts by PNG Immigration to strengthen border security in NGI,” he said.
ACP Kamuai said the meeting was also attended by ENB deputy administrator for corporate services Grace Abore Burua.
“Further to the efforts by PNG Immigration, we want a forward-base set up in the Duke of York Islands due to recent spike of illegal activities and the emerging presence of illegal movement of foreigners in remote areas such as Kavieng, Manus, West New Britain and ENB,” he said.
Burua said the ENB government was equally concerned about the illegal activities in remote areas, including the maritime areas.
She said the ENB administration and government were willing to work with relevant Government agencies to help strengthen border security in the region.