AROB welcomes first fire fighters
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville welcomed its first fire fighters since the crisis at the Buka airport in a small but significant ceremony over the weekend.
Secretary for the ABG Department of Community Government Mrs Belinda Maree Lanbong who officiated at the welcome ceremony, congratulated and welcomed the team of firefighters on behalf of the administration.
The team of twelve fire fighters consisting of four women and eight men were recruited in Bougainville following the restoration of fire services in AROB early this year and were sent to Port Moresby for a ten-week of intensive training which ended last week.
“Your return today is a truly significant moment in Bougainville's journey towards self-determination. We are all incredibly proud to see you back after 10 long weeks of intensive training to become certified officers,” Mrs. Lanbong said.
Fire services is a function of the Directorate of Disaster and Emergency under the ABG Department of Community Government and according to Secretary Lanbong the restoration of fire services is a critical step in the ABG’s drawdown of powers and functions from the National Government.
“Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the Papua New Guinea Fire Service, we have made remarkable progress. We now have a fire truck in Buka, six PNG firefighters who have been with us for over six months, and today, we welcome you—our first 12 Bougainvillean firefighters since the Bougainville Crisis. This is an extraordinary achievement for our region,” she said.
Mrs. Lanbong explaining that a functioning fire service is important for investor confidence, creating opportunities for businesses to insure their assets and encourages a stable environment for growth.
“This progress is a testament to the true partnership and collaboration between our Department of Community Government and the PNG Fire Service,” she added.
National Member for North Bougainville Hon. Francesca Semoso was also present at the welcome ceremony and challenged the firefighters to serve with commitment and diligence as Bougainville depends on them to deliver this important service.
“Congratulations to the young men and women fire fighters who have returned home – you were chosen to serve as firefighters and you are the first since the crisis, so respect your uniforms and badges and serve Bougainville well,” she said.
Secretary Lanbong acknowledged Hon. Semoso’s continued support and that of the government of PNG in restoring vital services across Bougainville.
She further challenged the firefighters to serve Bougainville with commitment and pride as the real work has only begun
“To the four women and eight men who stand before us, your families, and the entire Bougainville community you will serve: congratulations and welcome home. The real work has now begun, and together, we can.”
ABG Department of Community Government will continue to work to extend this service to Arawa and Buin, in partnership with all stakeholders.
The fire fighters were met by their parade commander at the Buka airport and marched out to a waiting crowd of ABG dignitaries, families and friends.
As tradition has it, they were sprayed by the Bougainville fire truck – an initiation ritual or ceremonial water salute to welcome new firefighters into the family of fire service.
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