38 members of the Papua New Guinea police contingent left Honiara for Port Moresby on a chartered Air New Guinea flight last Friday after successfully completing their mission in the Solomon Islands after being farewelled by the PNG High Commission in Honiara.
Mission challenges
Speaking during the ceremony the PNG contingent’s commander Perou Dranou said the operation was not an easy task. “We can only say thank you to the Solomon Islands Government for the good trust in us – operations in such deployment to help RSIPF during the past three months’ civil unrest is not an easy task,” Commander Perou said.
Despite the negativity they faced, Commander Perou said his team had done well. “This is another country, from day one despite the negativity and social media challenges that we faced, all the success, the good image is from the good work that you did, my PNG contingents you have done well so far, I am impressed,” he said.
Melanesian solidarity
Commander Perou acknowledges the Solomon Islands Government for its recognition of the PNG contingent.
“I applaud the Solomon Islands Government, for the high praise recognition with the Solomon Islands Medal presented to us by the Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau,” Perou said as he thanked Commissioner Mangau and the SI International Assistance Force for their cooperation and partnership.
Commander Perou also appreciates the PNG-Solomon Islands community, the PNG High Commission, families and other PNG nationals. “We couldn’t have achieved this high praise as we witnessed from the Police Commissioner and the SI Government, if it wasn’t for your enthused support to us.”
“You added success to our operation deployment here,” says Perou.
PNG High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Moses Kaul added to the thanks.
“Your response to step in on SI Government’s call has shown the spirit of our Melanesian brotherhood as family – In the context of your execution the course of your mission here, you have strong resilience power on your duty.”
“You have fulfilled your duty, you have accomplished your mission, you’ve have raised our flag high and I’m proud of that,” says Kaul.