Photo credit: Black Swan International - Left to right: David Martin, Clinton French, Gaynor Reggie, Shane Harden (centre), Joanne Hisiu, Ewald Isaak, and Michael Koupere
Black swan International has appointed and announced Mr. Shane Harden as their new General Manager in February earlier this year, 2022. Shane’s appointment as General Manager of Black Swan International brings a wealth of senior management and security expertise as he has a great track record built on his experience in the Australian Army followed by a strong Security Management Background with senior leadership roles in PNG. Most recently, Shane has held senior appointments in security management for a global conglomerate, both in Bangladesh and Indonesia. This experience has seen him make a smooth and effective transition into enhancing Black Swan Internationals operations in ensuring that their clients’ expectations are exceeded while growing the business in line with BSI’s reputation across PNG.
When asked about the progress of BSI he expressed that “Essentially our clients are among the largest commercial and Government entities in PNG, and expect they us to be responsive as their circumstances may change. It has been a challenging time not only for BSI, but for our clients as well. We have tried to adapt our way of working, to enable us to maintain our high standards”.
He also stated that despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic as with all industries, the security industry has also had its challenges, but it has also brought some positives by enhancing the standards across the industry relating to health and safety. During the peak of the Covid-19 Pandemic last year Black swan International has adapted to the New Normal and Maintained a high level of service without jeopardizing the health and safety of their staff and clients.
One of Shane’s priorities is to establish a PNG Security Committee within the security industry in PNG. “It is something that I was part of in both Indonesia and Bangladesh. I find security companies need to stop working against each other and come together as an industry and help the fight against non-compliant security companies who are cheating the government out of key revenue not only for the country but for its people”. (Employees).
Compared to other developing countries the PNG Security industry has a great base and is well regarded against other developing countries. With over 800 registered security companies within PNG, the question needs to be asked of those 800 how many are paying their staff correctly, paying the correct entitlements and how many are paying the correct taxes and GST to the Government.
Shane comes home to PNG with his wife who is a long-term resident of PNG and two sons. Mr. Harden expressed his delight at being appointed as the General Manager of black swan International and also acknowledged all Black Swan employees across the country, he said
“As the new General Manager for Black Swan International I would like to thank each and every one of you for your outstanding work over the past two years during what will likely be the hardest two years in our lifetime. Tenk yu tru olgeta!”
