Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer has re-emphasised his justification to set up a Commission of Enquiry to inquire into matters of major importance and concern.
He made reference to the cause of the riots and arming the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in preventing crimes.
He highlighted this at the opening of the 2023 Legal year last week.
He recalls that in his opening address last year he recommended that a Commission of Enquiry be considered to set up with appropriate terms of references.
“In my opening address of the law term for last year I suggested that a Commission of Enquiry be considered to be set up with appropriate terms of reference.
“I wish to simply add that I think there is good justification for this,” he said.
Justice Palmer said it is important to keep in mind that determining the cause of the riots is one of the terms or issues for consideration.
“There is no guarantee that an enquiry will get us the right results.
“There are however, many other questions, which may need to be considered.
“For example, the role of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), in preventing crime, protecting life and property, maintaining peace, law and order in the streets, may form an integral part of the enquiry.
Sir Albert further added that if we talk about providing the RSIPF with the right equipment and arms in their policing duties, then may be such an enquiry will help to identify these instead of being presumptive about them.
He said this is not the first time China Town has been unlawfully encroached upon.
“If I remember correctly, I think this is the third time this has happened.
“Surely there must be some important lessons to be learned, if we wish to ensure that there is not a repeat in the future.
“There is no question in our minds that China town is going to be rebuilt.
“The question in everyone’s mind however, is whether there is any assurance that the safety and security for that part of the town will be guaranteed?
“Then there are key persons or groups that may need to be given opportunity to be heard, such as the Victims, the Chinese Community, the Business Community, Churches, Provincial Government leaders, in particular those from Guadalcanal and Malaita, Honiara City Council, Women and Youth group leaders, and the list goes on,” Sir Albert said.
He said perhaps out of such an enquiry if done well, meaningful, helpful and practical solutions or suggestions may be made for the future safety, security and protection of that important business part of our city, if we agree that that is so.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
