Fijian Police Chief Takes Over PNG Madang Command

Papua New Guinea's Madang Province has welcomed a new police commander, Chief Superintendent Vakaruru Uraia, who has assumed leadership of the provincial police command following a handover ceremony at Jomba Police Station.

Chief Superintendent Uraia, originally from Fiji, replaces Superintendent Robert Baim, whose employment contract has expired. The incoming commander brings 35 years of policing experience in New Zealand, where he served in various divisions before retiring a few months ago and being recalled to take up the Madang posting.

Fijian Police Chief Takes Over PNG Madang Command/Photo supplied

During his career in New Zealand, Chief Superintendent Uraia gained extensive experience across several areas of policing, including service as a Detective Superintendent.

He said his return to policing was driven by a sense of duty and that he intended to uphold professional standards within the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

Chief Superintendent Uraia also thanked the Madang community for the welcome extended to him and said he looked forward to serving the province.

The formal handover documents had yet to be signed as the incoming commander continued reviewing the relevant records.

For outgoing commander Superintendent Baim, the transition came unexpectedly. He was attending a conference in Lae, Morobe Province, with his team when he received notification of his replacement on Friday, October 23.

Despite the sudden change, Mr Baim welcomed his successor and briefed him on the challenges facing the Madang command, ongoing projects and the management of policing operations across the province.

He also acknowledged the contributions of police officers, business houses supporting law enforcement activities and members of the public.

Mr Baim formally handed over the command on Monday and said he would remain available to assist Chief Superintendent Uraia if required.

Superintendent Baim remains unattached pending a new assignment from the Police Commissioner.

The provincial command appointments are made under the Executive Director Program supported by the Australian Government, through which officers serve on non-ongoing contracts. The arrangement has resulted in some outgoing provincial commanders remaining without postings for extended periods.