RSIPF meets with church leaders and representatives in Honiara

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) today met with about 70 leaders and representatives of different churches at the Rove Police Headquarters in Honiara to explain the role of the police under Orders declared by the Government under the current State of Public Emergency to prevent the coronavirus (COVID-19) from entering Solomon Islands.

Under the State of Public Emergency, RSIPF has a key role in assisting the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the leading agency in the implementation of public health measures to prevent any outbreak of the COVID-19 in the country and as well as preventing specific criminal activities arising from the implementation of the Orders.

Speaking to church leaders and representatives, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Operations Juanita Matanga says, “Church leaders in and around Honiara are asked to adhere to the Orders announced under the State of Public Emergency especially the curfew which will be enforced as from 8pm Friday 10 April 2020 to 5 am Saturday 11 April 2020 and 8pm Saturday 12 April to 5 am Sunday 13 April by organizing their Easter celebrations taking into consideration the times of the curfew.”

DCP Matanga adds: “During the curfew police will set up roadblocks within the emergency zone from Alligator Creek east of Honiara and Poha River west of Honiara to ensure the curfew is observed. Anyone breaching the curfew will be dealt with under the Orders declared.”

“There will be heavy penalties including fines and imprisonment for anyone who disobeys the Orders that are being issued by the Government. Let us cooperate with our Government as they put in place measures to ensure that this deadly virus does not enter our beloved Solomon Islands,” says DC Matanga.

She adds: “I would like to thank the public for their good behavior since the State of Public Emergency came into effect on 25 March 2020. The RSIPF is confident our people will continue to observe the Orders announced under the State of Public Emergency. Let us work together to ensure that the measures the Government and its agencies have put in place will prevent the COVID 19 from entering Solomon Islands.”