Solomon Star News

“STOP them ask them and turn them away,” is a simple but stern message issued by Police commissioner Peter Marshal in relation to renewed reports of prostitution.

Mr Marshall was responding to a questions raised during a press conference yesterday in relation to fresh reports of organised prostitution by Asian women in the country.

“The important thing to take into account and is the best way to stop the young Asian women if they are brought in here as prostitutes, is at the airport,” he said.

He said it would be much more helpful and easier that way because they come in through the Honiara International Airport.

“They lined up in the queues at the airport and the authorities have only got to ask particular questions if they look suspicious, of certain age, are reasonably attractive, don’t have any particular means of support, don’t know where they are going to be living and don’t have any particular agenda or itinerary of why they are here in the Solomon Islands – turn them around, they have got no business being here.”

Mr Marshall said the international airport is where it needs to have strong interdiction.

“Turn people around who cannot satisfactorily explain why they are in the Solomon Islands,” he stressed.

He said it creates four times as much work once a woman visitor who has no money and no explanation for being here but is allowed in and practice prostitution.

“If she has some silly explanation and is going to be here for a month or more, she knows nothing about the Solomon Islands, has no work and she doesn’t know who she’s going to stay with, don’t let her into the country.

 “It will save police a lot of work; we are always picking up investigations after they come into the country.”

The police commissioner said it is therefore a joint responsibility for the police, immigration and customs officials to take steps if appropriate for people who are here for such illegal undertakings.

“Do not take the soft option and let them into the country – they should be stopped at the border, turn them around, that’s my message.”

However, in relation to the fresh reports, Mr Marshall said police will pick it up if they have more information.

“Certainly if members of the public have got information about particular addresses and are incline to give it to the police, we will act upon that.”

By EDNAL PALMER