Censorship sets up first-ever Provincial Censorship Committee in WSP
West Sepik has become the first province in the Country to have a Provincial Censorship Committee established to enhance the work of the Office of Censorship at the border province.
The establishment of the West Sepik Provincial Censorship Committee marks a milestone in the process of decentralizing the powers of the Chief Censor.
Chief Censor, Mr. Jim Abani, his Deputy Ms. Ilikomau Ali and the executive Management team from the Office of Censorship were in Vanimo recently to witness the swearing of the Committee members.
After the swearing in ceremony held at the Vanimo Court House on Friday 08th November 2024, Senior Provincial Magistrate, Sasa Inkung encouraged the Committee members to honor their oath which they made during the swearing in ceremony.
“Perform to your best. A lot of challenges will come your way, including money under the table to bribe you, however I encourage you to stand firm in your duties and do your work diligently for the people of Papua New Guinea”, SPM Inkung said.
He warned the committee members that any breach of their duties can lend them on the wrong side of the law and this will bring into disrepute their reputation and that of their families.
Chief Censor Jim Abani echoed similar sentiments, and further encouraged the Committee members to be ambassadors for the Office of Censorship.
“You are very special to us because you are the first provincial committee to be established. We all can work together for the betterment of the people of Papua New Guinea,” Mr. Abani said.
The Chief Censor said Vanimo was chosen to pilot the decentralization program because of its strategic location. The West Sepik Provincial Censorship Committee is unique because it has a representative of the PNGDF due to its location.
“The establishment of this committee now creates the opportunity for the Office of Censorship to extend its work from the National level to the provincial level,” the Chief Censor said.
Mr Abani said the decentralization of the Chief Censor’s powers is also a direct reflection of the Marape/Rosso Government’s desire to bring Government services closer to the people.
The setup of the committee is in response to Terms of Reference (TOR) that was signed between Office of Censorship and the West Sepik Provincial Administration on the 24th of November 2023.
“As the Chief Censor of Papua New Guinea, I am proud that such an intervention has happened during my term. It shows the Government’s commitment towards delivering services to our people, Mr Abani said.
He said the lessons learnt in the creation or establishment of the West Sepik Provincial Censorship Committee will set the framework for future implementation of similar programs in other provinces throughout the country.
Mr. Abani says the Committee will serve a term of 3 years.
Meantime, the Deputy Provincial Administrator of West Sepik Province, Dickson Dale has welcomed the establishment of the Provincial Censorship Committee.
“The establishment of this Committee is vital for the Country and Sandaun province as well. It is a success story. It will now help us to respond effectively to the invasion of sex enhancement products across our border,” Mr Dale said.