NATIONAL Capital District Governor Hon Powes Parkop has expressed sorrow and anger over the recent killing of young Jessica Enoch Yori, calling for swift justice and outlining urgent steps to enhance security in the city.
In a statement, Governor Parkop condemned the violence and reiterated his commitment to making Port Moresby a safer city, particularly for women and girls.
“It is with deep sadness and anger that I address the tragic killing of young Jessica Enoch Yori. A bright and promising life was cut short, and this is utterly heartbreaking, unacceptable, and a stark reminder of the violence that continues to plague our city,” Parkop said.
“I call upon the police to make it their highest priority to find those responsible and bring them swiftly to justice. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the late Jessica Enoch Yori, including the Hon. Francis Alua Yori, Member for Karamui Salt Nomane, her grieving uncle.”
The Governor said that violence against women in Port Moresby remains a persistent challenge, despite efforts to improve security across the city.
He noted that ensuring the safety of women and girls is not merely a goal but a moral responsibility. The killing of Jessica Enoch Yori serves as a tragic reminder that more work must be done to fulfill this commitment.
“The continued harassment, violence, and loss of life faced by women and girls in Port Moresby is not just tragic—it is intolerable. As a city, we have committed ourselves to making Port Moresby a safe and livable city for all, with a special focus on the safety of women and girls,” Parkop stated.
“We will measure the success of our city’s transformation by how safe, free, and empowered our women and girls feel.”
Parkop acknowledged past efforts, such as the Boroko Transformation Project and the Bus Stop Warden Program, as crucial to the city’s safety.
However, the discontinuation of these initiatives left vulnerable areas exposed, particularly Boroko, where the recent tragedy occurred.
In response, the Governor announced the reinstatement of both programs, extending their coverage to key areas across the city, including Tabari, Gordons, Waigani, Koki, and 2 Mile.
“It was a mistake to discontinue these critical initiatives, and I take full responsibility for that. Today, I am announcing the immediate reinstatement of both programs,” Parkop stated.
In a bid to further bolster security, the Governor revealed the Safe City CCTV Program, approved in the National Budget, will now be fast-tracked. The program involves installing CCTV cameras in high-risk areas across the city to provide an additional layer of protection for residents.
Parkop has requested immediate funding from the Treasurer to ensure the program is implemented without delay.
“Additionally, I am moving forward with urgency to implement the Safe City CCTV Program, which has been approved in the National Budget. A competent company will be engaged without delay to install CCTV cameras across high-risk areas, providing an extra layer of security for our residents,” he explained.
Governor Parkop also shared details of an upcoming Women’s Summit and Expo, set for November 9-13, which will focus on finding lasting solutions to the challenges women and girls face in Port Moresby.
This event is part of the city’s broader efforts to create a safer and more equitable environment for all its residents.
“Our upcoming Women’s Summit and Expo will be dedicated to finding real, lasting solutions to the challenges facing women and girls in Port Moresby. Together, we will work towards a future where every woman and girl in our city can live without fear and with the full dignity and respect they deserve,” Parkop added.
