Residents given priority to be market guards

MEN and women living in the local area are given priority to be security guards at the Boroko Market in Port Moresby, the market’s security manager says.
“We employ those living around Boroko so they feel the responsibility to maintain the market’s reputation to be the safest market yet,” manager Kelly Eromosele said.
The 40 guards who look after the market are employed by Jemx Security Ltd, a security firm contracted by the National Capital District Commission to provide security at the market.
“We want boys living around the area to feel like they are part of us so they can look after the market and its users,” Eromosele said.
He said the strategy helped them catch trouble makers easily because the securities were once like them and knew how they thought.
“Boroko Market has had it share of pickpockets but we caught them before they could get away,” he said.
Eromosele said just because the market had a reputation for safety didn’t mean that they had not come across problems.
“There were times when customers and vendors were attacked but the security made sure to get the situation under control” he said.
Vendor Angelyn Nathan, who used to sell at the old Gordon Market, said she felt more safe at Boroko Market because the guards provided a safer environment.
“We walk into the market without looking behind our backs to watch for bag snatchers or pickpockets,” she said.
Thirty guards work during the day and 10 work night shifts with the help of police and another security firm – Guard Dog Security.