Saturday 30th August, 2025
The Governor General of Papua New Guinea has called for an improvement to the country’s military health facilities to care for the physical wellbeing of service men and women.
Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae said this while formally commissioning the Pacific Islands Veterans League, as a recognized League at the recent black-tie dinner at the APEC House in Port Moresby.
‘As we celebrate our 50th Independence Anniversary this year, and the 60th anniversary of the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment, it is time we seriously direct attention to the physical wellbeing of our servicemen and women. By that I mean developing and improving our military health facilities to cater for both physical and psychological rehabilitation of our Defence Force,’ he said.
‘This should be geared towards providing and sustaining professional and specialist services for mental and emotional support through therapy, professional counselling and guidance, as well as regular physical exercise and fitness program, in all our military establishments throughout the country,’ Sir Bob said.
Sir Bob said at the August 30th event that he believes this will go a long way in addressing psychological trauma, mental stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other such mental issues that affect a lot of our servicemen.
‘Through such rehabilitation programs, our servicemen will be able to reorient back into civil society and are better able to deal with, and avoid resorting to unhealthy and harmful habits such as drug and alcohol abuse, violence and engaging in criminal activities,’ he said.
Iterating the importance of the League, Sir Bob added that it stood as a solemn tribute to those who have served with distinction and sacrifice and will actively seek out and support veterans who face hardship, those who gave so much in service and now deserve our unwavering care, recognition and respect.
The dinner was an inaugural fundraising event for the newly established PIRVL headed by President Retired Major General Jerry Singirok.
Singirok said the PIRVL was a discussion among kindred retired servicemen that became reality with the formal dinner which attracted more than 200 people from PNG, Australia and New Zealand.
Serving members of the Force displayed various military gear, and archives at the event, which was decorated by the many traditions and protocols observed in the military – a treat for civilians who watched on with great interest and pride.