Dame Jean first woman appointed as police board chair

DAME Jean Kekedo has been appointed chairlady of the police promotion and selection board.
She is the first woman in the 100-year history of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to head the board.
Dame Jean is a former diplomat and senior public servant.
She was sworn in by Police Minister William Onglo.
Deputy commissioner of police administration Joanne Clarkson was sworn in as a member.
Assistant police commissioner Highlands eastern end Anton Billie is the representative of the Police Union.
Onglo said the appointment of Dame Jean showed that the Royal PNG Constabulary wanted women to hold top positions in the organisation.
“We are pleased to have someone of her calibre on the board to convene meetings because people want to be recognised and to feel valued,” he said.
Onglo said the board now had more women than men. He reminded Dame Jean that the force had been subjected to public criticisms and faced a lot of challenges.
“But the human resource is the foundation of the force,” he said.
“Those coming up the file and rank must be properly assessed, must have good disciplinary records, good punctuality and must show professionalism in what they do.”