Madang gets new police chief
Madang police has welcomed a new Provincial Police Commander (PPC) amidst confusion.
The sudden change came as a surprise to both police officers and members of the general public in the province who are now questioning the motive behind the shift, especially when the country is nearing the 2027 National General Election.
According to recent media reports from the Police Commissioner, David Manning, the changes are part of the ongoing evolution in the RPNGC, which are essential to meet the operational requirements and improved discipline, and effective policing across the country.
A handover/ takeover quarter parade was held this morning at the provincial police headquarters at Jomba Police Station as part of the farewell formalities for Mr Baim and to welcome the new PPC, Chief Inspector Vakaruru Uraia.
Chief Inspector Uraia is a retired police officer from Fiji who has served the New Zealand police force for 35 years.
He has a background in criminal investigation.
His predecessor, Superintendent Robert Baim, who served as Madang's top cop for three years since 2023, said he was grateful to be handing over the command to Uraia.
However, prior to that, Baim provided a detailed verbal rundown of the overall police operations in Madang Province.
He told the new PPC that Madang is a big command with 250 plus policemen and women, more than 200 reservists, and tasking is a bit difficult; especially with limited resources.
" I am more than happy to hand over the command to you. I am also grateful you came to serve my province. I am a local man from Madang, and I am only a phone call away if you need my help or any advice.
" Don't take advice from junior officers. Seek advice from your sectional heads. I don't take advice from the junior officers. They will talk nicely in front of you, and then they backstab you.
" Stick to yourself, trust your section heads, and maintain your command," Baim said.
Mr Baim also highlighted the challenges that Madang police face in their everyday quest to maintain law and order.
Chief amongst them is the shortage of manpower, which has seen Madang engaging more than 200 reservists throughout the province who work tirelessly but are not on the payroll.
" We liaise with the Madang Provincial Government for their allowances.The
provincial government has been very good in assisting us, however; their allowances for last year are yet to be paid.
" The Madang Government's has been very supportive to Madang police in the last three years, and I highly appreciate the working collaboration," Baim said.
He added that logistics is also a major hindrance to effective policing in the province, but this does not stop the officers from performing their duties.
Mr Baim became emotional whilst highlighting the willingness of officers to work extra time without getting paid any allowances.
" We have very hard-working police officers. They work tirelessly. They don't claim overtime.They have the heart to serve.
" They need good leadership. They need very strong leadership. Madang is one of the province that needs strong leadership in command and control.
" And these hard-working men, the warriors I call them. They will be in the forefront.
" I have taken back Madang. Madang is now safe and peaceful unlike before when it was referred to as the "murder capital," Mr Baim said.
Meanwhile, Chief Inspector Uraia thanked the outgoing PPC for the insights provided on the challenges of leadership, emphasising that he is not here to just take over from him, rather to carry on the passion and services that he has provided for Madang.
As he takes on the baton from Baim, he is mindful of the chain of command.
" Coming from an investigative background, I am very strict with standards, and that's what I intend to do. I will be speaking with the sectional heads so we become good role models.
" As I take on the baton from Mr Baim, I would also to wish him all the best in the next phase of his journey, " Uraia said.
Whilst all other formalities of the handover/ takeover were completed today, the new PPC has asked that he review the contents of the HOTO instruments before he can sign in the next one or two days.
The handover/ takeover was witnessed by the Acting ACP for the Northern Command, Samson Siguyaru, a handful of senior government officers, members of the general public and the media.