Police prepare for Pacific Games

PORT MORESBY – Papua New Guinea police have launched a pre-event operation as a lead-up towards security surrounding the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby.

Speaking at the launch of the operation – code-named Playing Games in Paradise – the National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop said the government had invested over one billion kina in the infrastructure developments of sporting facilities, venues and roads in preparations for the Games in July.

He said the Games would provide opportunities to showcase the country’s progress in sporting codes.

He said it would create a pathway for Pacific island athletes to pursue careers in sports internationally and most importantly prove that PNG has potentials to attract opportunities.

“It is a chance to rise and show the country’s progress,” he said.

“We are a strong nation, and mature people, while taking our place in the region,” Parkop said.

He said it was an opportunity for police to make a positive impact on the negative views about internal security issues in Papua New Guinea.

“It is a time Papua New Guinea changed the negative views the world and the Pacific region have towards us.”

He said visitors arriving for the Pacific Games and the citizens of the country will depend on local police for security.

Central Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Jerry Frank said 1100 police personnel would be engaged in the pre-event operations ahead of the Games opening.