Dear Editor – Your newspaper yesterday carried a report of alleged burning of machines, equipment and a growth centre at Vanikoro last Sunday.
If the report is substantiated it raises serious concerns because I personally relayed information to RAMSI’s Special Coordinator , via RAMSI’s website, on two occasions prior to the arson attacks, after receiving confidential information from Honiara of the potential for serious trouble with the arrival of a barge and what was suspected to be logging equipment.
This is what I wrote to the Special Coordinator on 7 June.
“Office of the Special Coordinator
RAMSI
HONIARA
Dear Sir.
Two nights ago I relayed a message to you, via this website, of potential trouble at Vanikoro following the expected arrival of a tug and a boat carrying what was suspected to be machinery to be used in logging operations.
Although the report I received was unconfirmed, it was passed to you in view of local concerns for an outbreak of violence.
I have now been advised that the boat has arrived at Vanikoro but is being blockaded by villagers with still the possibility of hostilities occurring.
You might wish to look into the report, or alert the local RSIPF members, if not already aware of the incident.
It would be appreciated, please, if this message could be acknowledged since the previous message was not.”
Frank Short
Former police commissioner
Bangkok, Thailand
