JUANITA Matanga has created history by becoming the first female Police Officer to be promoted as Deputy Commissioner, the second in charge of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
Commissioner Frank Prendergast revealed this at a press conference on Thursday.
Mr Prendergast said that the promotion of Ms Matanga was indeed an excellent decision for the future of the RSIPF.
“With her vast experience, knowledge, dedication and hard work, Juanita Matanga deserves the rank that she has been promoted to.
“Her leadership qualities displayed throughout her time as Acting Commissioner has been amazing and therefore is the rightful choice of being the Deputy Commissioner of the RSIPF,” Mr Prendergast said.
Mr Prendergast also highlighted that leadership in Policing is of great importance as it requires time, dedication and experience.
Asked on her reaction towards the promotion, Ms Matanga said that she was indeed honoured to have been promoted to one of the highest ranks within the RSIPF, adding that with that she also knows her responsibilities and what is expected of her from the RSIPF, the Government and the people of Solomon Islands.
She added that working together is vital toward the development of the RSIPF and also in the development of the country.
“The key is to work together with my executive colleagues, the entire force and also the general public as together we can help build an even more peaceful and better Solomon Islands,” Ms Matanga said.
Along with Ms Matanga, 13 other senior officers were promoted yesterday.
By JEREMY INIFIRI
