By GEORGINA MICHAEL
New Police Minister Sir John Pundari was officially handed the portfolio during a hand-over, take-over ceremony yesterday.
Former Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr handed over the reins to Sir John and acknowledged the support of Police Commissioner David Manning and his senior management team during his three-and-a half year term.
Mr. Tsiamalili Jr. said: “I appreciate all the police force and the support around me and I am sure you will be given the same support 100 percent Sir John Pundari.”
“This is the first as a minister for myself in the role that I played, that I am officially handing over the office. And many would take note that today it’s more a ministerial shift, not so much operational, because the Office of the Commissioner and the police force are constitutional office on their own.
“I am handing it over to a much wiser, much more experienced leader that will have broader experience and will have much wider perspective of how he’ll be able to continue to support and continue to make the changes that we need and enhance our policy In terms of running positions.”
Sir John thanked Prime Minister James Marape for having the confidence in appointing him as the new Police Minister.
“You with the experience as a young minister of the police department, I know that it has never been an easy task especially in the light of the challenges that we have with law and order and policing in the country. That is, in my few days of being in the ministerial portfolio, I can feel the weight of this new portfolio already and I must take my hats off for you as you have done really well.”