Duban: Surveillance important

By DAVID WAPAR
MEMBER countries of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) have a huge task to provide effective land and sea surveillance in their respective regions, Police Minister Nixon Duban said in Port Moresby yesterday.
Speaking at the opening of the MSG Police Commissioners’ Conference in Port Moresby, Duban said: “Each of our countries (Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and PNG) is faced with similar challenges with regards to monitoring
and surveillance.
“These include the lack of proper legislation, the absence of inter-agency cooperation, lack of infrastructure, conflicting priorities, lack of funding, lack of political will and lack of collaboration at agency level.”
He said inter-government cooperation was also a challenge.
“International crime and terrorism know no boundary so our crime-fighting strategies must transcend our international borders as well.”
Duban said MSG member countries needed each other’s support as one could not effectively ensure the rule of law in isolation.
Earlier this month, the minister met with the new Interpol general assembly president, Mireille Ballestrazzi of France, in Italy. He raised concerns about establishing a delegate for the Pacific region.
“I will be officially writing to her with regards to this. I am sure with our own delegate, we shall be able to effectively tap into the collective experience and expertise at the disposal of Interpol,” Duban said.
The minister also revealed plans to reform and transform the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) into an effective and efficient law enforcement agency.
“My intention is to properly resource and equip the Royal PNG Constabulary. I want to improve the Royal PNG Constabulary’s capability and capacity so that it will effectively and efficiently, and in the most professional manner, discharge its constitutional duties and responsibilities,” he said.
Duban believes a well-equipped domestic police would contribute to the regional and global security.
He intends to improve surveillance and security on PNG’s land and maritime provinces through collaboration with the RPNGC, PNGDF, PNG Customs and other players including our neighbouring countries.
“However, it is common throughout the world that there is always not enough to sustain all government activities.
“We can try as hard as we can but, as usual, police will not be given the funding it asks for.