BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
A challenge at Central Islands Province (CIP) police are currently facing is the movement of outboard motors (OBMs) despite there are restrictions for boats and vessels travelling to and from Honiara.
According to CIP’s Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Superintendent David Soakai, people of the province have been taking the risk in doing so on which they are now ‘counter policing’ to manage this area of concern. Superintendent Soakai said due to weather as well is a big challenge including the spread of geographical locations in CIP.
Nevertheless, the full force currently is trying to work towards controlling and preventing the restrictions of movements imposed, and deal with those who have taken up the risks of movements.
“Anyone trying to continue doing such illegal movements, I believe we will catch up with them for breaking the law. Through the power of the state of emergency, it will make it easier for us in our duty,” reminded PPC Soakai.
“Do not take risk at your own hands because the penalty of this offence is very heavy that many families cannot afford during this state of emergency restriction of movements on OBMS and vessels. During such hard times we should be using such money on things that would help our families in areas of health and food needs rather than spending them on such huge penalties.
“People in communities should take the right channel instead, to address their issues such as for travelling. Come forward and present an application in exemption for movement so that we can process them through the right channel.
“Though it will take time but we kindly ask for patience so that we can process everything in a proper and professional way. In doing so, we can manage and contain the spread of Coronavirus [Covid-19] as well.”
As a result CIP Police is currently stepping up in monitoring OBM and vessel movements, three people on board a boat are alleged to be arrested last night at Small Ngella for crossing the emergency zone from Honiara.
It is understood that certain ships travelling to harbour at CIP when the first community transmission of Covid-19 was announced in the country have also been reported to authorities and being dealt with.
Fishermen wanting to sell fish, people wanting to flee from Honiara and also the situation of food shortage experienced at CIP are some of the reasons reported by locals as to why OBMs have been travelling in and out of the Honiara emergency zone during such times.
