Communities in and around Taheramo on Ulawa Island in the Makira-Ulawa Province will benefit from a new police station officially opened on 22 May 2018.
The new police station funded by the National Government under the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services includes the actual police station and four staff houses. It will be manned by four police officers.
The Minister of Police, Hon. Moses Garu, the MP for Ulawa-Ugi and Minister for Commerce, Industries, Immigration and Labour; Hon William Marau, the Premier of Makira-Ulawa Province, Hon. Stanley Siapu and other senior Government officials attended the opening ceremony together with local Chiefs, women, youth and school children.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Commissioner of Police Matthew Varley says, “I am pleased to attend this occasion with my Assistant Commissioner Provincial, Provincial Police Commander for Makira-Ulawa Province and my officers to take custody of the new police station from the National Government.”
Mr Varley says, “Truely it is not really our police station. I say that because this police station is for the community. The station will assist the communities keep law and order on Ulawa Island. Our job is to work with you in the community to make sure you are safe and there is peace for everyone.”
“This police station is a visible sign of partnership. The partnership that must exist between police and people to ensure this country is safe for the future of our children,” Commissioner Varley says.
He adds: “This is a place of safety, peace and friendship and I want all of you to feel welcomed to this police station. This is the same message I send to my officers who will be stationed here. Their job is to make you feel welcomed to the station.”
“To my officers who will be working here, please do take care of this police station that has been entrusted to us by the National Government. Use it to take care of the communities on Ulawa.”
At the same time, the Chairman of the Ulawa Council of Chiefs, Douglas Teiaitala says, “This event marks another significant milestone in our communities here as we now have the police present amongst us to ensure there is law and order for our people. Let us all work together to assist the police who will be working at this station to prevent crime in our communities.”
The opening ceremony ended with feasting and entertainment attended by several hundred guests from Honiara, Kirakira and the local communities.