People in Kariki village commend police developments in Shortland Islands

Chiefs and elders at Kariki Village in the Shortland Islands, Western Province appreciate the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNCS) for the latest infrastructure developments on their islands.

Director of Infrastructure in MPNCS Mr Dennis Etoa says, “We are here to make sure such developments reach our communities around the country. Policing is a must for those communities situated close to the Solomon Islands - Papua New Guinea (SI-PNG) common border.

“My team is currently on the ground to do an assessment of police stations at Mono, Kulitanai, Harapa and Kariki. We try as much as possible to see what the urgent needs are and where we can assist.”

“A good example could be constructing proper barracks for deployed officers down at the border and a proper mess for the preparations of their meals. Such a development is very important for our officers although the Solomon Islands Government has its long term plan,” says Mr Etoa

He adds: “I really appreciate the chiefs and people of Kariki for their strong support in dealing with land and development issues including the new staff house at the Kariki Police Post which is nearly completed.”

“We are working closely with people in the Shortlands for construction of observation posts on some of the Islands very close to the common border between SI-PNG. This depends very much on the support of our people here. We are here to provide our people with the services they need but we need their support so that the Government will provide the necessary security in this region,” says Director Etoa.