Deputy Commissioner, Operations, in the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, Juanita Matanga has applauded and congratulated police officers deployed to the western border as they continue to provide security under the COVID-19 State of Public Emergency.
DC Matanga met with the frontline officers at the Kulitanae Forward Command Post in the Shortland Islands on 23 March 2021 as part of her one-week visit to the Shortlands and Choiseul Province.
During the meeting, DC Matanga told the officers, “During my previous visit to the Shortlands I met with the FAMOA Trust Board to allow access onto their islands for RSIPF officers when carrying out duties to protect our border against the COVID-19 entering our country through nearby Bougainville.”
“Today the purpose of my visit is to talk to communities about the ongoing interaction between Shortlanders and the Bougainvilleans. We have to work hard to stop this interaction as the risk of the COVID 19 to entering our shores is very high with the rapid increase of cases on Bougainville,” DC Matanga explained.
“In order to get information on the ongoing interactions between our people and the Bougainvilleans, we need to work together with our people in the communities here. The security of our citizens rests upon our shoulders as we are mandated to protect lives and properties of our people,” DC Matanga told officers.
“My good officers, you have to continue to maintain the required health measures to protect yourself as you wait to be vaccinated as required by all front liners for safety purposes.”
“I understand the current deployment of officers to the western border has been extended from one month to two months and since your deployment the same number of officers has been maintained until now. With all the challenges you had gone I am pleased to know that you continue to maintain high security on our side of the common border with Papua New Guinea,” said DC Matanga.
“I want to applaud and congratulate your team for your commitment to perform your job professionally for the sake of our families and our people. We will continue to support you and the next team that will be deployed after your group.”
DC Matanga added, “To our good people in the Shortland Islands, police cannot do this alone. With your help we will be able to ensure that the COVID-19 will not enter our shores through the western border with Papua New Guinea.”
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