BY JOY OFASIA
SOLOMON Islands High Court Judge Ronald Talasasa raised his concern over the increase of sexual offenses in Western Province during the Western Province Second Appointed Day Celebrations in Honiara.
Ronald Talasasa emphasized the importance of mutual respect and highlighted the concerning increase in sexual offenses within the provinces, noting that such cases have the highest number of prosecutions in Western Province courts.
“If we all can respect each other, we can bring together a better and more prosperous Western province and Solomon Islands as we journey on,” Judge Talasasa said in his remarks at the official celebration to mark the Western Province Second Appointed Day held at Panatina village, east of Honiara.
The Solomon Islands faces challenges in addressing sexual violence due to lack of resources, cultural attitudes, and inadequate training for law enforcement and healthcare professionals. Government and civil society organizations are working to improve response, raise public awareness, and improve training. Non-governmental organizations like the Family Support Centre provide counseling and support for survivors. A comprehensive approach is needed to ensure everyone is safe from sexual violence.
The Western Provincial Government was established on December 7, 1981, and this year’s Western Provincial Second Appointed Day celebration is the 42nd.
Ronald made his reflection on the theme of the event, “Embrace the past, unite the present, and rewrite the future,” by urging the people of Western Province to embrace the past by remembering how the province has journeyed from the past until now.
“Today, we all can unite to rewrite the future by learning from the past. And to do that, the change must be in us,” he said on Wednesday.
Western Province Day falls annually on December 7, and this year’s celebrations mark an important chapter in the history of the province.
