RSIPF appeals to church congregations help maintain peace in lead up to election of PM

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) appeals to church congregations in and around Honiara to help maintain peace in the lead up to the election of a new Prime Minister on 24 April 2019.

RSIPF’s Inspector James Maelanga told the congregation at the Anglican St Alban Parish in West Honiara: “Your police needs you, especially members of the various church congregations in Honiara, to maintain a peaceful environment in Honiara as the 50 newly elected Members of Parliament elect a new Prime Minister (PM).”

Inspector Maelanga adds: “On behalf of the Commissioner of Police and his Executive, I would like to take this opportunity as a police officer and volunteer church worker to appeal to you members of the St Alban Parish congregation to help spread the police message to your relatives, friends, neighbours and community you come from in West Honiara- Do not resort to anything that will create violence on our streets.”

“This includes calling for protests or riots online using social media. Inciting violence is a crime whatever medium you use. Do not post online comments that encourages any crimes. Stay away from large crowds. And do not become involved in any unlawful protests,” Inspector Maelanga emphasises.

“A liquor ban will be imposed from 23 - 25 April for Honiara City and Guadalcanal Province. The Honiara Central Market will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. If you do not need to come into the city on the day of the election of the Prime Minister, then I encourage you to stay away and follow the process on radio or on social media,” says Inspector Maelanga.

Let us continue to show respect for one another and maintain peace like we did during the main election. This is a part of Solomon Islands traditional culture and church as well. Do not allow any disagreements about the outcomes of the election of the Prime Minister to cause divisions amongst us.

Let’s move forward peacefully during the Election of the Prime Minister and the formation of a government. Let’s work together for a safer Hapi Isles.

Report to your police any activity that is suspicious that may lead to breach of the peace we enjoy, move freely without fear and long for in our communities.

The police are currently mounting a very large security operation focusing on Honiara City and Guadalcanal Province. This has already started and will continue through all of next week.

There are high visibility police patrols on our streets 24 hours a day, traffic checks day and night, and police will act to curb any public disorder, in Honiara City and surrounding of the City.

The RSIPF is also continuing a public awareness program throughout Honiara City including visits to the various church congregations today.