Respect visitors, call to residents

 By BENNY GETENG

POLICE have advised people in Milne Bay to respect and make welcome tourists who will be in Alotau on Monday for the Kundu and Kenu festival.

Provincial police commander Chief Supt Joseph Morehari said more than 3,000 tourists would arrive on the cruise liner Pacific Dawn. 

People from other provinces are expected to be there over the weekend for the three-day festival.

“My appeal to the public is to enjoy the festival and celebrate in a peaceful manner,” he said.

“Prime Minister Peter O’Neill is expected to be in town for the occasion and for the opening of the new main wharf in Alotau. So I urge people to be mindful of their actions when these people arrive in town.”

Morehari said police officers began a special operation from yesterday to ensure the festival was trouble-free.

He said prison officers would be helping police in a joint operation during the festival, which begins on Monday and ends on Wednesday.

“Police are on full alert to maintain public order and will crack down on those causing trouble and nuisance,” he said.

“Those thinking of consuming home-brew and other illegal substances such as drugs (marijuana) will be arrested on the spot and dealt with accordingly.”