Port Moresby Police boss Andy Bawa farewelled

The National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Andy Bawa officially stepped down as the Chief of police in the city today during a hand over takeover parade in Port Moresby.

Bawa who served in NCD command since a young police cadet officer and made his way up to the head of the Metropolitan command was appointed as the Deputy Assistant Police commissioner for the Highlands Divisional command in Western Highlands Province following the massive recent reshuffle in the police hierarchy.

Bawa said it was a tough decision but he had to comply with directives. If he could have it his way he would remain in NCD.

He assured the public that it was a crucial administrative decision done for the best interest of the country and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and that he was not demoted nor was he removed as a consequence of misconduct or ill discipline.

During his career he has established a working relation with business houses, the communities at large who have given him their support to reduce lawlessness.

He admitted that the support he had received and the friendships established was invaluable towards building his career.

Meanwhile the decision to transfer Bawa to the Highlands Regional command did not go down well with city residents who gathered in front of Boroko Police Station to express their dissatisfaction. They described Bawa as a protector, a peacemaker among the community who served the people indiscriminately.

He established a working relation at all levels of the society as a testimony to the outcome of community policing and the need for a transformation within the constabulary.

One of Bawa’s main highlight was the stabilizing of the NCD command during the political impasse period in 2012 and the turbulent change over of the former police commissioner Tom Kulunga and former NCD Met Supt. Fred Yakasa.

He had been exemplary and was a person who walked the talk as a disciplined senior officer towards his subordinates and superiors.

Bawa will be replaced by acting Chief Inspector Benjamin Turi as the new NCD Metropolitan Superintendent. Along with the changes at hand the Acting NCD Central Assistant Police commissioner Jerry Frank and NCD Superintendent Operation Chief Inspector Silas Wayagure will be transferred to other posts next month. PNG Today/PNGFM