Keynote Address by The Right Honourable Dr. Hage GEINGOB, MP and - TopicsExpress



          

Keynote Address by The Right Honourable Dr. Hage GEINGOB, MP and Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia at The Opening of the 8th Edition SARPCCO Games 2013, Independence Stadium, Olympia, Windhoek 19 August 2013 Director of Ceremonies; Honourable Immanuel Ngatjizeko, Minister of Safety and Security; Honourable Jerry Ekandjo, Minister of Youth National Service, Sport and Culture; Honourable Ministers and Members of Parliament here present; Inspector-General of the Police, Lieutenant General, Sebastian Ndeitunga; Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Distinguish representatives of the various SADC Police Forces Representatives of the Media; Ladies and gentlemen; On behalf of the Namibian Government and the People of Namibia, allow me to extend my sincere thanks to all distinguished delegates, police sports men and women from SADC member States and officials representing international and regional organisations, for coming to Windhoek to attend this important occasion of the 8TH Edition SARPCCO Games 2013. Namibia is a young country, all of you are older than us, if we have made mistakes in our preparations for this event, please forgive us. However, we have done everything possible to make your stay enjoyable. Please feel welcome and make Namibia your home away from home. Dear sports men and women The Police Chiefs of our respective countries in the region recognised the need to create a forum, whereby our operational police men and women can engage each other and share experiences on policing standards. Hence, during the 1ST SARPCCO Annual General Meeting held at Swakopmund in Namibia, the Police Chiefs adopted Resolution 14 of SARPCCO AGM of 1999: SPORTING ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE REGION. The resolution, which was adopted by all SADC member countries, resolved to encourage on a regular basis, in a spirit of good neighbourliness, the promotion of peace and tranquillity through sporting activities among member countries. Yesterday, we witnessed the handing over of the Sword to the Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force as an incoming chair of SARPCCO, at Safari Hotel, Windhoek. This will be the third time that Namibia is chairing SARPCCO. Since inception in 1999, we have never hosted these Games. Against this background, the Government of the Republic of Namibia is delighted to host the 8th Edition SARPCCO Games 2013. Although competition is important, it is also equally important that you engage in fruitful interaction amongst yourselves to share your policing norms, traditions and values to foster regional friendship and enhance cultural cooperation through sports. Distinguished Delegates During the next 10 days of the games, we should seize this great opportunity to take all necessary measures to implement and fully realize the objectives and goals of Resolution 14 of SARPCCO AGM of 1999. On this occasion, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all those who have been instrumental in the realisation of the SARPCCO Games of 2013. Our appreciation also goes to the business community and all SADC member countries for providing both logistical and substantive support in preparing and organising these games. I am certain that all your contributions will play an essential role in ensuring that these games will be a resounding success. Distinguished Delegates Furthermore, I would like to express my deep appreciation to the Heads of States in our respective SADC countries for allowing you to be part of these games and to participate under the motto, “Combating Crime, Unite in Sport”. Dear Participants, These games are taking place at the backdrop of a severe drought which we are facing throughout the country. But we are grateful to those international and regional partners who have contributed in various ways in assisting our drought relief efforts. Similarly, at the same time, all the Namibian people across the country are commemorating the 23rd “Heroes Day”, a national event on the 26th August 2013. I would therefore, like to take this opportunity to invite all distinguished delegates to join us in solidarity to commemorate the heroes and heroines of the Namibian struggle. Comrades, as you know, you all under the banner of the Frontline States supported the Namibian liberation struggle against the South African colonial occupation. Hence, after independence, we came to be known as the Land of the Brave. Equally, in the sporting arena, our national football team is nicknamed “The Brave Warriors”. Therefore I would like to caution those of you that will face our footballers during these games: You are in for a serious battle! However, in the spirit of solidarity, may the best team win. Finally, I also wish all particpants good health, success in your noble duties, and a very pleasant stay in Windhoek and in Namibia. On this note, I declare the SARPCCO Games 2013 officially open. I thank you.
Posted on: Fri, 23 Aug 2013 09:39:34 +0000

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