CS farewells 4 officers

By ZEDAIAH KANAU
CORRECTIONAL Services (CS) Commissioner Stephen Pokanis has advised retiring members of its executive team not to rely on their pensions alone to sustain themselves during their retirement.
Pokanis made the remark when farewelling four senior executive team members on Friday at the Bomana Training College.
“Do not forget that you have a pension and that pension is not something that you take for granted,” he told the four who retired and other CS officers.
“The pension gives recognition to the good and exemplary conduct in your distinguished careers and is a blessing from our Government to you. Always remember that what is happening today may change tomorrow. Be wise, live on what you have.
“When you retire, do not rely on pension but do what you can to sustain your living.”
Pokanis said the CS pipes and drums band would be reformed after one of their long-serving members, Joseph Akulea, also known as Wanpis, retired after four decades.
CS Minister Chris Nangoi paid tribute to the retiring officers on behalf of the Government. “Over the years, these great men, contributed to the CS and the country as they made their way up the ranks,” Nangoi, who is also Sumkar MP, said.
“During their years of service, the CS has seen changes and progress with the establishment of rural lockups, home grown prison industry, legislation reviews and reforms and also CS strategic plans.
“During my term as the Minister for CS, I was very fortunate to have worked alongside these great men who have served this institution and the country in their various capacities.”
Nangoi said that one of the major milestone achievements while working with the men was Pokanis’ appointment who brought stability, command and control within the ranks.
The retiring officers are four senior members of its (CS) executive team; assistant commissioner for Southern Region Henry Wavik, MBE (46 years in service), assistant commissioner for Highlands David Kanumbom (46 years), deputy commissioner Dennis Piandi (48 years) and assistant commissioner for New Guinea Islands Phillip Eka (46 years).
Akulea was thanked for his service (46 years).