By Ellen Tiamu
Papua New Guinea Customs is embarking on an extensive staff training program costing about K1.5 million. Acting Commissioner of Customs Ray Paul made the announcement at the close of a six-week training for staff at the Lae International Hotel last Thursday.
Paul said that measures were already under way to introduce a course for Customs at the Divine Word University, which will see the introduction of a master’s degree program.
Paul said fully trained officers were vital for the smooth functioning of the organization. Sixteen officers from around the country attended the course, which was a follow-up from one held in Port Moresby.
Paul said, up to May this year, 70 officers had attended some form of training and it was important that this be done even though it was expensive.
Deputy Commissioner John Pomoso urged the officers to “always strive to do what is right and maintain integrity”.
Head of Lae operations, Francis Nipuru, reminded the participants to always do the right thing even when no one was watching.
The course falls under the Strongim Gavman project, funded by AusAID with material specifically written for PNG Customs.
Australian Customs officers Haydn McComas and Ryan Hemingway were in charge of the training.
Via – The National Online.