PRIME Minister James Marape has urged 158 Correctional Service trainees to serve with honour during their graduation at the Bomana Police College yesterday.
“Congratulations on a wonderful parade, but more importantly, congratulations on the moment in which you have completed your training and are moving on into probation officers in respective destinations to our country,” Mr Marape said.
“You are no ordinary wader class. You are passing out in the year in which your country celebrates 50 years of independence. You are special.”
He urged the new officers to embrace national unity. “Take this moment as a time in which you pledge your full loyalty, first and foremost, to your country, not to your tribe, not to your province, not to your family.
“In every fiftieth year of a country, the country must come to a reset. This training coincides with the recalibration of mindset of every Papua New Guinean.”
The Prime Minister reminded all public servants, especially the disciplinary forces, of their shared responsibility in shaping the future:
“You are not in this uniform for the service of yourself or your family, or your tribe, or your province. You are in this for the service of our country.
“Together, you and me can make our country a better place. Step by step, hand one time hand, work one time, for the betterment of our country.”
The 158 graduates will begin duties as probationary officers across the country.
The event was witnessed by dignitaries, family members and CIS officials.