BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
SECURING the 2023 Pacific Games was the biggest security operation in the Solomon Islands history. It demanded higher levels of human resources for a domestic security operation than is usual.
The Sol2023 Pacific Games Organizing Committee (GOC) managed to secure a number of security firms in Honiara as part of preparations to host the Pacific region’s biggest sporting event in the country.
Hong Lolekwai couldn’t resist the lifetime opportunity to be employed by Lion Heart Security Service as a volunteer security guard stationed around all the XVII Pacific Games sports venues.
“I had to go through an interview process before being finally selected to be part of the Lion Heart volunteer security team,” said the 21-year-old from the northern region of Malaita Province. “It was my first time, a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to be part of this Sol2023 Pacific Games.”
Lolekwai is also a first-year student undertaking business studies at the Solomon Islands National University.
From a security perspective, Lolekwai claimed that working at the Pacific Games presented some challenges, particularly in terms of securing a significant athletic event like the Pacific Games.
“Working with a diverse group of people is new for me because, well, I didn’t take part in major public events before. In fact, I have learned a lot from the Pacific Games. Being a security guard is challenging, though, because you have to abide by rules.
”I encountered challenges in interacting with large crowds, including those from Honiara, and also in terms of directing the athletes from different countries, especially in providing them with the appropriate guidelines or instructions within the Sport City venue,” he told SUNDAY ISLES.
Lolekwai expressed his pleasure to be part of this historical regional sporting event held in the country.
“I loved every minute of my volunteering experience as a security guard at the Pacific Games; it was a new interactive experience for me.
“In addition, it was also good to see our brothers and sisters from the Pacific coming to the Solomon Islands,’’ he added.
