The RSIPF has appealed to the public in Honiara for their cooperation as it launches “Operation G75 anniversary” to provide security during the 75th Battle of Guadalcanal Anniversary which will be held in Honiara from 5 – 9 August 2017
Several hundred dignitaries and family members and relatives of soldiers from United States of America, Australia and New Zealand who fought during the Battle of Guadalcanal during the Second World War will be in Honiara for the anniversary.
The various commemorations and special activities planned or the occasion will include visits by naval ships from the three countries, a National Service of Remembrance at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Honiara, the unveiling of a new monument on Bloody Ridge and a major conference at the Solomon Islands National University.
The police operations will include traffic, high visibility patrols in specific spots around town and security at the various venues where the various activities will be held. It will include 390 police officers from Honiara City, Guadalcanal Province, Traffic, Maritime, Fire, EOD, the Police Response Team and the RSIPF Band.
On 7 August the Commonwealth Street and the junction that leads to the Yacht Club will be closed to the public from 7.30 am to 10 am. The domestic wharf will be accessed only from the eastern gate near the Low Enterprise company. The area will be open again after 10 am.
“We appeal to members of the public in Honiara to cooperate with police during the operation as it will mean delays in the traffic during the days of the anniversary and to be mindful of their behaviour especially as we have these dignitaries with us for the couple of days,” says Deputy Commissioner, Gabriel Manelusi, who will be overall Operation Commander of Operation G75 Anniversary.
“Most, if not all members of our public in Honiara are law abiding citizens so we appeal to those few who usually spoil things for the rest, to think again before doing anything that might ruin what Solomon Islands is known, the “Hapi Isles”.