Dear Editor – I was very pleased to read SIBC’s evening news bulletin that the Singapore Ambassador to the Pacific Islands Forum, Ambassador Matthews, has presented a range of anti-corruption books to Prime Minister Sogavare following the Democratic Coalition for Change administration’s intention to establish an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
Ambassador Matthews was also reported to have invited Solomon Islands government officials to visit Singapore to learn how the Singapore Independent Commission Against Corruption works in that island nation.
I was very grateful to the Singapore Police Commissioner, Mr Koo Boon Hui, prior to my appointment as the Police Commissioner in the Solomons when I sought help in training the members of the Royal Solomon Islands Police (RHKP) in community policing and that help was readily given and supported by the Japanese Government in part.
Several RHKP officers, including the then Deputy Commissioner, made early visits to Singapore fully funded by the Government of Singapore and the Singapore Police and the training support given was fully appreciated and led to the success of the community policing policies I implemented during my term in office.
The Police Commissioner also helped me in my quest for police uniform supplies when, at the onset of my appointment, I found the local police officers had no change of uniforms and there was no money available to acquire any.
From my personal experience of my association with the Singapore Police and the Government there I would strongly urge Prime Minister Sogavare to accept the offer of assistance so promptly offered by Ambassador Matthews.
Frank Short
Former police commissioner
Bangkok, Thailand
