Minister Simatab says I will raise standards

NEW Correctional Services (CS) Minister Jim Simatab has vowed to secure funding from the national government to enhance training and capacity-building in all aspects of the service.
Speaking at his inauguration parade in Bomana, Port Moresby, on Thursday, Simatab said he was aware of the good work of the service under difficult circumstances.
“I will work closely with the commissioner and his senior executives,” Simatab said.
“I am prepared to work with the department in charting a new way forward for CS over the next medium termg.
“I am proud of the knowledge that CS has an extensive infrastructure improvement programme spanning several major jails in seven provinces and rural lock-ups in five districts.”
He said better prison facilities and better trained staff would restore the confidence and pride that detainees and members of the public had in the service.
He said in addition that would restore pride and confidence in the officers.
Simatab told the officers that in order to create a safe and secure society for all, positive and productive work values must be observed.
He appealed to all provincial administrations to render budgetary support to advance the work of the service in each province.
He told CS officers to provide a safe, secure and healthy environment to allow prisoners to change bad attitudes and become good citizens.
He praised the CS officers, saying many of them had taken part in the general election operations around the country and only a few were left to man prisons but there were no escapes reported.
“This is an achievement that we all can be proud of today,” Simatab said.