Peter Agovaka calls for urgent action to tackle rising crime and restore public safety in Central Guadalcanal
HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS – The Leader of the Independent Group in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal- Honourable Peter Shanel Agovaka has issued a strong call for immediate action to address escalating criminal activities in his constituency and warns that inaction risks allowing criminal behaviour to become further entrenched.
In a strong statement, the MP condemned the escalating pattern of lawlessness at Belaha and surrounding areas, where individuals allegedly involved in serious criminal activities have created fear and insecurity among communities. .The deliberate arson of a logging truck, and other violent incidents that have raised serious concerns about public safety and security.
“These are not minor incidents of disorder ; they are organised criminals who have inflicted disturbances to the peace of surrounding communities”, the Independent Leader said.
“Let there be no ambiguity, those responsible for these criminal acts are threatening the safety, progress and prosperity of our communities. They must be identified , arrested, and brought to face the full weight of justice. We will no longer tolerate criminal behaviour that puts our people at risk. The continued lack of effective action by authorities to address this issue is disappointing”.
The MP made it abundantly clear that he will not accept anything less than swift investigation, arrest, prosecution and appropriate punishment for those responsible. . “Whoever they are, whether hiding behind political connections, community ties, or the cover of darkness, they must be exposed and brought before the law. There can be no sanctuary for those who prey on the innocent”, he continued.
The Leader stated that, “when these criminals act , they are not just stealing property or burning trucks, they are damaging the reputation of Central Guadalcanal. They are driving away investors who bring jobs. They are scaring off tourists who bring revenue. They are strangling the very economic lifeline that Central Guadalcanal offers to this entire nation. And I refuse to stand idle while our future goes up in smoke alongside that logging truck.”
In a powerful plea for unity, he called upon all Guadalcanal national and provincial leaders, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, and the national government to forge a united, ironclad front. “This is not a political issue, it is a public safety issue. Let us put aside our differences and form a strong, coordinated response involving leaders, communities and law enforcement authorities. We need visible policing, swift prosecutions, and sentences that send a chilling message to anyone considering a life of crime.
You and I may be the next target. The next home invaded. The next family terrorised. The next business opportunity. So while we still have the opportunity to act, let us end this now. Let us reclaim our streets, our communities, and our peace. Because if we don’t, who will?”
The MP has vowed to raise this matter with Leaders of Guadalcanal and in Parliament. He calls on all citizens of goodwill to cooperate with authorities and report any information that may lead to the swift dismantling of these criminal networks.
PRESS RELEASE
