Native Islander sworn in as Acting Police Commissioner of Solomon Islands after the post being held by expats

by George Herming

A native Solomon Islander yesterday rose to the rank of the Acting Commissioner of the Solomon Islands Police Force (SIPF) after the post was held by two expatriates following the social unrest.

Hailed from Temotu province, senior police officer, Walter Kola took his oaths before the Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena at the Government House in the presence of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Minister of Police and National Security Isaac Inoke and senior police officers.

Acting Commissioner Kola expressed confidence after his appointment saying it is an honour to have a local heading the police force.

“It is my commitment that I will do my best in my duties according to the constitution and I’m confident that I have the command of the Solomon Islands Police Force,” he said.

Mr Kola said one of his immediate priorities is to continue on with the process of rebuilding the force in order to have the full confidence of the community. He said the process of rebuilding is necessary in order to prepare Solomon Islanders to take control of the police force with confidence.

“It is my intention to continue the program of my predecessors in rebuilding the Solomon Islands Police Force,” he said. “There is still much to be done”.

“We must not lose sight of the strategic plans in place to ensure the force have the full confidence of the community and one day be managed without assistance of our good friends with the participating police force,” he said.

He said working together to build the capacity and professionalism of the police force will see this vision realized sooner.

Mr Kola said he was honoured to be appointed as Acting Police Commissioner and was proud of his colleague who supported him through out their duties to the country.

Source: GCU