In 2010 when I was in good health, I had the chance to return to the Solomon Islands when I presented a lengthy report to the members of the then Truth and Reconciliation Commission then in session at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara.
After presenting my lengthy submission, a lady member of the Commission, I believe the Deputy Chairman and from Chile, asked me what I considered to be the best asset of the then SIP and I told her to her surprise, "Not firearms but the SIP Band."
She seemed taken aback by my immediate answer, so I explained,
I told her in my time as the SIP Police Commissioner my policy was based on the sound principles of community support and welfare and best executed by adopting a broad practice of community policing and the SIP band was an important element in demonstrating a more passive approach to the implementation of my objectives.
Now 27 years since my initial appointment in serving the country as the Commissioner of Police, I am very pleased that the RSIPF Police Band continues to function and importantly in the passive role I had so many years ago outlined for its community support.
Sincerely
Frank Short
www.solomonislandsinfocus.com.
