Dear Editor – A comprehensive review of crime trends and statistics awaited in the RSIPF’s Annual Report for 2020.
Prior to the release of the RSIP’s annual report for 2020, Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau in one of his recent press conferences told journalists that disturbances and disorderly behavior topped the local crime statistics for last year.
Traffic offenses were next, in 2020 followed by assault”, the police commissioner said.
Given we have been told, that last year saw a 55% increase in sexual offenses against children under 15 years and, allegedly, according to the Solomon Star, also, a 90% rise in cases of rape in 2020, I await further clarification in the annual crime statistics to get a better understanding of what the police commissioner referred to as “assault.”
Mr. Mangau, when he spoke with local journalists, told them, quote.
“When the town is fast developing, people will continue to come into urban areas, causing an influx in unemployment, and an increase of criminal activities. These are the challenges the police will continue to face each time.”
I am sure what the police commissioner outlined is true, but offenses such as disorderly behavior and offenses that often lead to more serious matters, including sexual assaults and abuse of the liquor laws, are not simply confined to urban areas but are more widespread throughout the country.
A letter in the Solomon Times Online contributed by Mr.Patterson Divasia, a prominent leader from the Kolosulu community in east-central Guadalcanal, paints a true picture of what is occurring in his own community giving rise to illegal activities, but perhaps an indicator of illegal activities being experienced in other areas of the country and concerns that will increasingly focus the attention of the police if it is a fact that the consumption of illegal alcohol and drugs selling and use is widespread.
In his letter, Mr. Divasia raised these concerns, and I quote.
“The high use of kwaso and marijuana by youths in his community continues to be a problem.
“Social problems are one the main issues that arise in the community because of such substance abuse, so we have very young people involved in such activities.
“I see a lot of these young people have unsolved family problems, some of them are just bored and being influenced.
“It is sad to say that our community is not safe for women and children, a lot of them face intimidation,” Patterson said.
I hope some of the issues are being addressed.
Frank Short
solomonislandsinfocus