Force farewells former head

 By SHEILA MALKEN

MEMBERS of the Defence Force farewelled Brig-Gen Francis Agwi and welcomed their new commander, Brig-Gen Gilbert Toropo, in a parade last Friday.

Agwi had served for 40 years in the military, with four years as its commander.

Agwi will be the Papua New Guinea’s High Commissioner to New Zealand.

Agwi joined the PNG Defence Force on Jan 12, 1976.

Toropo thanked Agwi for his professionalism  in the force and his stewardship as commander.

“You took command during periods of difficulties and challenges in the PNGDF and the country, especially with resource constraints, which from time to time, impeded the PNGDF’s capacity and capability to respond to threats and disasters,” Toropo said.

Agwi told Toropo that he had no reason to tell him how to run the force.

“All management tools are out there,” he said. 

“The Constitution and the laws of PNG need to be complied with in building a vibrant force.”

Agwi thanked the government of Sir Michael Somare for appointing him as commander.

“Today marks an historic occasion in my military career and my life as all good things must come to an end,” he said.