BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

FORTY-EIGHT men and women who make up the Iriqila Community Police Service Committee (ICPSC) vow to restore law and order in Iriqila Community, Vella La Vella, Western Province.

The newly formed team made its first successful operation on 5 January this year, uprooting marijuana plants within the community—an action that signalled its firm commitment to community safety even before its official launch later this month.

ICPSC Chairlady, Edah Pige, said the 48-member Community Police Service has been commissioned by community chiefs and blessed by the church to carry out its responsibilities.

She said during the recent festive season, several offenders were fined for committing various offences, a move she described as an early indication of the committee’s resolve to enforce community by-laws and promote discipline.

Pige said Iriqila is one of the largest communities in Vella La Vella, and its size presents ongoing challenges to maintaining law and order.

“Clinical records show that between 2003 and 2013, the average birth rate was 26 births a year at the Iriqila clinic, meaning about 260 births were recorded over a 10-year period,” she said.

She said Iriqila is also home to people from different ethnic backgrounds, which further complicates efforts to manage social order within the community.

According to Pige, the establishment of the ICPSC comes at a critical time to help revive the once peaceful nature of Iriqila Community.

“We are grateful for the new policy directives from the national police service that emphasize enhanced community policing initiatives.

“Our understanding is that the ICPS is an adjunct entity—set up within the RSIPF on a voluntary basis—to serve as the eyes and ears of the police in every respect. We highly value this honour and privilege.

“With strong community support, the ICPSC will play a key role in restoring peace, safety, and respect for the rule of law in Iriqila,” she said.

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