30 December 2021
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has officially received riot gear and equipment from China during a handing over ceremony at Henderson International Airport last night.
Present during the handing over ceremony were the Permanent Secretary (PS) of Police National Security and Correctional Services of Solomon Island (MPNSC), Commissioner of RSIPF and Senior Executives.
His Excellency (HE) Ambassador Li Ming officially handed over the riot equipment to the Supervising Minister of the MPNSC, Honorable Mr. Dickson Mua and the Senior RSIPF Executive members.
Commissioner of Police Mr. Mostyn Mangau says, “The riot equipment is a need to strengthen RSIPF capability and capacity to respond to future unrest. This riot equipment includes shields, helmets, batons and other non-lethal gear that will further enhance Police ability in confronting future threats.”
Commissioner Mangau added, “The support from PRC will not interfere with police operations and administrations as police have its own operating procedures to operate on. Solomon Islands is a sovereign country.”
Supervising Minister Mr. Mua says, “I do understand that this batch of consignment is part of a larger batch, which will be delivered in the coming months .”
Sources: RSIPF Media and Solomon Times Online.
Comment
It is reassuring that the supply of riot equipment by the PRC to the RSIPF comprises non lethal items, and any future consignments, as hinted at by Minister Dickson Mua, should also be non-lethal and in further support of the RSIPF’s ability to deal with public order disturbances in compliance with the police service’s standing orders on the minimum use of force.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
