Simon proud to be a security guard

By ZEDAIAH KANAU
SIMON Seviol Tona is proud to work as a security guard.
He is also privileged to be working as a security guard today for a government institution – the magisterial services at Boroko in Port Moresby.
“This is my first job working with a government department so I have to do my duties more diligently.
“As a court security, we not only protect the property but give directions to the public when they’re in the court premises.
“We also communicate with the (police) prosecutors by taking in the remandees (into court) and bringing them back to (court cell) custody because we hold the cell keys.
“Our job is sometimes risky because we get into fights with jail remandees when they try to escape. We basically protect property, protect lives and give directions to the public.”
Simon, 47, is from Nayufa village in Upper Bena, Eastern Highlands. He is married and has two children – a son who is 21 and a daughter, 20.
He completed Grade 10 in 1992 at the Rintebe High School in 1992 in Upper Bena.
He came to Port Moresby and began working as a security guard in 1993, first with the Guard Dog security firm before joining Security Max (now G4S) in 1995.
He left Security Max and was unemployed for some time before applying for a vacancy advertised in the papers for security work with the Magisterial Services.
Simon began working with his new employer on Aug 16, 2005, and was stationed at the Down Town Family Court in Port Moresby. He was stationed there for 13 years before being relocated to the Boroko District Court last year.

“ The job might not be what everyone wants but I respect it because it gives people who might not have a good formal education a job.”

Simon finds working as security guard for the government agency more flexible and he is happy with what he is doing. He is also happy to be providing food and supporting his family as a security guard.
One thing he has observed over the many years working as a security guard is how some people look down on them. Some people think that it is an easy job, a walk in the park so to speak, that all you do is sit, stand and watch over properties over your scheduled hours before going home. In other words, nothing much to do.
He urges people who look down on security guards to “wear the shoe” to understand the role they play in society.
Simon also knows of people now enjoying top jobs in the public and private sectors who had started off as security guards.
“The job might not be what everyone wants but I respect it because it gives people who might not have a good formal education a job.”
He has seen young people, mostly school dropouts, who became security guards, saved money, and later upgraded their school marks or pursued further education.
“I love my job as a court security guard. I respect the institution (magisterial services) and the people working for it. I will wear this uniform until I reach my retirement age.”