New CS Commissioner wants highest standard of discipline and time management

 The Papua New Guinea Correctional Services will be strict on discipline and prudent time management.

Incoming Acting Commissioner, Bernard Nepo echoed this reminder when addressing his officers and prisoners at the Bomana prison facility on Thursday during a parade hosted to officially farewell the outgoing Commissioner, Stephen Pokanis after five-years of service.

 The discipline and time management will be in line with the theme ‘We Will Change’ under the leadership of Acting Commissioner Bernard Nepo.

When outlining his key intentions within the first three months period, he stressed on enforcing discipline in the CS and called on all CS officers across all correctional institutions in the country, including the prisoners, to drive this change.

“We will strictly work on discipline and managing time wisely. I understand the number of CS officers is insufficient compared to the number of inmates but we will strictly work on important areas to further enhance efficiency in operation, punctuality and capacity building with the manpower we have,” Mr. Nepo said.

The Acting Commissioner noted the challenges confronting the CS and pledged to address some of them as best as he could. Initiating release programs for prisoners is among his top priorities.

In addition, CS Minister Joe Kuli emphasized the need for the courts to speed up the court systems so prisoners serve their time and leave the prison camps.

Meanwhile, the contributions of the outgoing Commissioner Stephen Pokanis, who was instrumental in driving some changes in the CS over the past five years, was acknowledged by the incoming Commissioner and Minister responsible.