MINISTER for Defence, Hon Dr. Billy Joseph paid a courtesy visit to Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Goldie River Training Depot yesterday, accompanied by Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Rear Admiral Philip Polewara.
Minister Joseph was received in a warm welcome ceremony by the Commanding Officer (CO) Lt. Col Adrian Soti and his leadership team with a Guard of Honour.
The visit was an initiative of the Minister to better understand the challenges of each division in the PNGDF and to better advocate for the force in the National Executive Council (NEC) and the National Government.
The visit is part of an ongoing vision of the Minister to fully revitalise and modernise the country’s Defence capabilities.
Minister Joseph was briefed by the CO Lt. Col. Soti and instructors of each wing on the challenges they encounter in the force.
“Although, I note the challenges in each division within the force, funds are limited so we will look at them one at a time and ask some of our stakeholders and development partners to assist us,” said Minister Joseph.
He assured the officers that he will look into the challenges and address them to the relevant authorities for a change.
The officers finally gave a tour of the facilities at the unit and spoke to different wing senior instructors and their senior staff during the visit to better understand their needs.
Minister Joseph plans to visit other PNGDF units around the country in the coming months to further understand the challenges within the force with a vision to modernise the country’s Defence capabilities.
