BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
MEMBER of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 7 (Vonunu, Vella La Vella) in Western Province, Rence Sore, has condemned the recent stabbing incidents and called for collective intervention to address the growing problem.
In an interview with Island Sun, he said the recent incident in Vella is a wake-up call for both the National and Provincial Governments to support and strengthen traditional governance systems, churches and community policing across the country.
Sore said such stabbings would not have occurred if traditional governance, ecclesia (church) and community policing were properly strengthened and supported at the community level.
He said traditional governance must be recognised and empowered so that chiefs can work closely with tribal members to maintain peace and harmony within their communities.
Sore also called on church leaders to strengthen pastoral visits in communities and encourage youths to actively participate in church-based activities as a way of guiding positive behaviour.
He said community policing remains one of the best strategies to curb community disturbances, harmful lifestyles and criminal activities.
“Government, both National and Provincial, must support community policing. There must be budgetary and personnel support.
“In the absence of these interventions, stabbing incidents, substance abuse and other criminal activities will continue in our rural communities,” Sore said.
He said such incidents are not isolated issues that communities can address on their own.
“These issues are happening everywhere in our country, and solving them requires collective efforts from government, churches, traditional leaders and communities working together,” Sore said.