Somata Village in the Russell Islands, Central Province has become the latest village on the Island to set up rules to prevent crime from happening in their community.
The Somata Village rules were launched during an awareness talk at Somata Village conducted by police officers from Yandina Police Station on 22 July 2018.
Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Central Province Superintendent Patricia Leta says, “The Village Chiefs and Crime Prevention Committee (CPC) Members of Somata village came up with their Village rules.”
PPC Leta says, “The rules are to discourage youth from playing loud music after late hours, using abusive words and unnecessary disturbances in the village while under the influence of liquor.”
She says, “These are the main issues happening in their communities. A fine will be imposed on those breaching the rules.”
PPC Leta explains: “A village Chief, Mark Rangilaoi decided to come up with the village rules to resolve minor cases within their communities. Any fines paid for breaching the rules will assist the community to meet the expenses as members of the Crime Prevention Committee move from place to place to resolve issues.”
Superintendent Leta says, “I would like to thank the members of the CPC and Village chiefs for this great initiative and I to appeal to all the good people of Central Province to follow this great example. It is a high time that we make changes within our own communities. We don’t wait for changes to come. We should initiate changes ourselves.”
So far three communities within the Russell Islands already have their Village rules. They are Losioleni, Sifola and Somata.
Speaking during the launch of the Somata Village rules, Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Yandina, Staff Sergeant Thomas Fakatonu says, “I would like to thank you for taking such initiative so that you have control over anti-social behavior happening within your community. I urge you all to adhere to these rules.”
Staff Sergeant Fakatonu also spoke about law and order and the expectation of the Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIPF) for members of the community to assist police prevent crime.