While Guadalcanal Provincial Government (GPG) is generally in support of rearmament of certain sections of the Police, it calls for a stringent governance process in place for the use of the arms.
Deputy Premier, Honourable Rolland Seleso, made the call following RAMSI’s current consultations on the rearmament process.
Seleso said, RAMSI and police must come up with effective governance process in the use of arms- who should be accessing the armoury, how secure it will be and under what circumstances firearms should be used.
Seleso claimed that only two weeks ago, Police and RAMSI have indiscriminately discharged tear gas at a group of men at Henderson without considering the presence of women and children there as well.
“I was called to address an issue there when few women told me about the teargas being fired at their direction and how little children were frightened and shocked with fear,” Seleso recalled.
The Deputy Premier emphasized that if Police and RAMSI are not using teargas responsibly how much more the use of guns and live rounds.
Seleso added that in light of the recent incident, GPG is concerned that at this stage police are not adequately capable to handle teargas or let alone firearms.
“We need more professionalism in terms of manpower- men who can control their emotions in the discharge of their duties especially under duress situations,” Seleso stated.
“The sections of Police to be rearmed must be men who are well trained,” Seleso added.
The Deputy Premier, meanwhile, reiterated the call for RAMSI and Police to strengthen the governance process surrounding the use of arms.
