PM Marape commends PNG Correctional Services
PNG Correctional Services Easter Address: Pic by: ANGELA VAVAR
By ANGELA VAVAR
PORT MORESBY: PRIME Minister James Marape has commended the Papua New Guinea Correctional Services as being the most disciplined force among the country’s security agencies.
He stated this as he outlined an ambitious 20-year vision for PNGCS, emphasizing discipline, rehabilitation, and economic contribution through vocational training.
The Prime Minister was speaking during Easter Monday 12 April 2025 . Present were PNGCS Minister Joe Kuli, Acting Commissioner Bernard Nepo, other senior officers and staff. Mr Marape further challenged its leadership to elevate its role to nation-building and rehabilitation.
“PNGCS is not just about imprisonment; it is about correction and rehabilitation. We must equip our inmates with skills so they can return to society as productive citizens,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that every Correctional Institution must have a fully operational vocational training programme, ensuring that inmates gain valuable skills. He noted that PNG’s prisons already house skilled individuals such as accountants, lawyers, and teachers, who should be utilized productively within the system.
“We must move beyond just feeding prisoners three meals a day and having them clean. They should be learning skills such as carpentry, cabinet-making, electrical work, so they can reintegrate into society as productive citizens,” he said.
Marape said that to improve prison security and efficiency, the government was considering the implementation of biometric technology, including fingerprint and facial recognition systems, to better monitor and track inmates.
“We need a smarter way to manage security repeat offenders must be properly profiled to ensure safer reintegration,” he said.
Marape also highlighted the importance of developing industries within PNGCS, which could help reduce costs and contribute to local economic development.
“If we integrate prison labor into productive industries, the labor cost will be much lower. Instead of idly sitting, inmates can be trained in industries that will help them reintegrate into society while also reducing costs for the state,” he said.
Marape also reflected on security challenges faced by law enforcement, particularly the “Black Wednesday” incident, when officers had to maintain security with limited ammunition.
He praised PNGCS personnel for their discipline and dedication, noting that they completed their duties without demanding extra allowances.
Marape called on PNGCS leadership to think beyond short-term operations and work towards a transformative correctional system that will define PNG’s future by 2045.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to investing in correctional services, security, and rehabilitation programmes, ensuring that PNGCS is not just a detention facility but a key contributor to PNG’s development. (ENDS)
