It is with deep sadness and anger that I address the tragic killing of young Jessica Enoch Yori.

A bright and promising life was cut short in its prime, and this is utterly heartbreaking, unacceptable, and a stark reminder of the violence that continues to plague our city.

I call upon the police to make it their highest priority to find those responsible and bring them swiftly to justice.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the late Jessica Enoch Yori, including the Hon. Francis Alua Yori, Member for Karamui Salt Nomane, her grieving uncle.

The continued harassment, violence, and loss of life faced by women and girls in Port Moresby is not just tragic—it is intolerable.

As a city, we have committed ourselves to making Port Moresby a safe and livable city for all, with a special focus on the safety of women and girls.

This is not merely a goal—it is a moral imperative. Over the years, we have invested heavily in projects and programs aimed at ensuring the security of our residents, but this recent tragedy underscores that there is much more work to be done.

We will measure the success of our city’s transformation by how safe, free, and empowered our women and girls feel.

They must be able to live without fear, access opportunities, and participate fully in the life of this city.

This horrific incident is a setback, particularly in Boroko, where we launched the Boroko Transformation Program last year, alongside the Bus Stop Warden Program.

It was a mistake to discontinue these critical initiatives, and I take full responsibility for that. Today, I am announcing the immediate reinstatement of both programs.

Additionally, I am moving forward with urgency to implement the Safe City CCTV Program, which has been approved in the National Budget.

I have requested the immediate release of funds from the Treasurer to ensure swift action. A competent company will be engaged without delay to install CCTV cameras across high-risk areas, providing an extra layer of security for our residents.

The Boroko Transformation Project and Bus Stop Warden Program will be reinstated and extended to key areas, including Boroko, Tabari, Gordons, Waigani, Koki, and 2 Mile.

Finally, our upcoming Women’s Summit and Expo, scheduled for November 9-13, will be dedicated to finding real, lasting solutions to the challenges facing women and girls in Port Moresby. Together, we will work towards a future where every woman and girl in our city can live without fear and with the full dignity and respect they deserve.

Approved for release:

NCD Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop

(Writing from Bangkok, Thailand while attending the conference for lasting and sustainable peace in urban centres and cities hosted by UNDP, UNHabitat and ESCAP and attended by Mayors and Governors of Asia Pacific Region)