CS workers ask for a permanent commissioner

THE Correctional Service Employees Association of PNG (CSEA) has called on new Minister for Correctional Services to appoint a commissioner to allow stability and progress in the department.
The CSEA president Daniel Mollen said in a statement that the new minister needed to appoint a commissioner as the Correctional Service (CS) had been under an acting commissioner for a prolonged time.
The CSEA congratulated Prime Minister James Marape for his election and welcomed Chris Nangoi as the new CS Minister.
Mollen said like other departments, the CS had its share of challenges it had tried to overcome to achieve its primary goals and objectives.
CS is under the leadership of the acting commissioner Stephen Pokanis, who had formulated the department’s strategic plan 2019-2022, and annual work plan for the national government to support the department’s key priority programmes and activities.
“As an industrial representative I want to ensure harmonious working relationships are established between employees and the management of the Correctional Service,” Mollen said.
He said, in the interest of stability and progress, acting commissioner Pokanis needed to be made permanent.
Mollen said the appointment of a commissioner of CS was crucial in order for the department’s hierarchy to fulfil its development plans.
“I have no doubt that under Minister Nangoi’s competent leadership we will be looking forward to working as a team,” Mollen said.
“I am also confident that you will take charge of the combined efforts to secure the necessary funding to release project for the prison system.”
Mollen also called on staff of the correctional services, inmates and other stakeholders to support the new minister and his office in pursuit of development for the Correctional Service.