Police: Crowds behaved well

 By MALUM NALU and TONY KIP

POLICE in Port Moresby are happy with how the Pacifc Games opening ceremony on Saturday night went, especially the crowd behaviour.

Crimes division director Peter Guiness, the commander at the Sir John Guise Stadium, said this after the colourful and spectacular opening ceremony.

“We didn’t encounter any problems,” he told The National. “Tonight went very well and I’m happy with our security arrangements.

“We are looking forward to working tomorrow (yesterday) and onwards.

“People came in and they went out and we had no major security problems.

“Everybody worked well, including the spectators. I’d like to commend the spectators for their behaviour. They were very well-behaved.

“The show was very good and everybody really enjoyed it. It’s good for Papua New Guinea.”

Providing security at the stadium and around the city were police officers, soldiers and Correctional Services officers. They were assisted by private security firm guards. National Capital District-Central Assistant Police Commissioner Jerry Frank said the crowd behaviour must be maintained right to the end of the Games on July 18.

“Let us maintain peace and respect during the two weeks.”

He said the management and control of traffic in Port Moresby went according to plan. “Traffic (flow) in the city is good and we have traffic officers taking control of vehicles,” he said.

He said there were “a few issues” with some drunkards trying to cause problems but they were dealt with promptly.