AUKI police have dispersed a group of protestors who voiced their disagreement over COVID-19 safety measures recently imposed in Auki, Malaita Province.
The group of protesters marched to the Malaita Provincial Administration Office with banners carrying slogans that read; “say no to no jab no job, no lockdown for Auki, free Malaita, say no to jab,” and many more.
The protest took police by surprise as protestors did not get permission from police to stage the unexpected protest.
However, protestors said they are exercising their right to voice their view regarding the COVID-19 safety measures in Auki.
But some Auki residents felt that the protest is untimely especially during the COVID-19 community transmission in Auki.
Those who protested are aiming to meet the Malaita Provincial Premier, but unfortunately the premier was not present at the time of the protest.
Protestors then put up their protest signs at the Provincial Administration fence and were met by police who successfully dispersed them.
Information obtained by Solomon Star claimed that most of those who were involved in the protest are betel nut vendors who are unhappy about the Malaita Provincial Executive’s decision to close down Auki Betel-nut Market last week.
Some of the protesters are those who were denied access to offices and businesses in Auki because they did not get the COVID-19 jab and therefore, did not have vaccination cards.
In the meantime, Acting Provincial Police Commander (PPC) for Malaita Province Inspector Charles Edward Koto has called on the public in Auki to observe COVID-19 safety measures as COVID-19 community transmission continues to increase in Auki.
He said such public assembly is unsafe especially when COVID-19 is here in Auki.
By WILSON SAENI in Auki
