TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands (TSI) has commended the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force junior officers of Guadalcanal Province who refused the bribe offered by their superintendent.
Instead they did the right thing and reported him to authorities.
It is alleged that the junior officers were offered bribe money from their superintendent presumably from the Chinese as part of a scheme to release Chinese employees of a controversial casino that operated illegally on Guadalcanal jurisdiction and were arrested by Guadalcanal police.
Superintended Clement Marigeni was alleged to have received $25,000.00 from the owner of Cyber King Casino and tried to share $5000 between the junior officers to buy their loyalty.
The junior officers however declined the bribe offer and instead reported the allegation to the authorities, resulting in the Commissioner of Royal Solomon Islands suspending the superintended.
“This is the conduct the country and the public expect of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force,” TSI chief executive officer Ruth Liloqula said.
“And TSI commends the young officers for professionalism and staying loyal to their oath protecting Solomon Islands by upholding the Code of Conduct and values of the Police Force,” Ms Liloqula added.
“All government officials in position must not only see this as an excellent example of what they should do when confronted with bribery offer or but practice this instead of the speed fees that people are expected to pay in order to be served.”
Ms Liloqula said the Superintend abused his position of power in accepting the bribe in the first place and in trying to bribe others.
“This is corruption and TSI commends the Commissioner of Police for the actions that it has taken with regard to this bribery case.”
Meanwhile, TSI said it is of the view that many public officials know exactly those involving in the “ghost companies” expressed by the Opposition this week.
“They should come forward and report them to the authorities or are you also receiving benefits.
“These young officers have shown you the way and do not let them down.
“You should follow suit and stand up to be counted.
“Bribery is one of main practices that eats into all levels of government sectors.
“TSI is encouraged by the stand taken by these young officers taking the responsibility in reporting such practice to authorities.
“Young people it is your future that is being eaten by corruption but you too can make a difference like these officers are doing. Together let us stump out corruption.
“If all Solomon Islanders serving government can do as the junior police officers did, there will be a very big drop in corruption by bribery in our country.
“For the police officers you are starting something that if continued will build back trust and confidence in the Police Force.
“To those Chinese involved in this saga let this be a warning that this has to stop.”
Meanwhile, Ms Liloqula said TSI hopes the Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Force give special recognition to these brave junior officers.
