Dear Editor,

THE online webpage of the Solomon Star newspaper continues to feature an editorial piece, first published on 16 November 2017, relating to an allegation of unlawful detention and assault by the RSIPF reported by two youths.

Without going into the specifics of the allegations made the story raises in my mind whether or not it is time to introduce legislation in the Solomon Islands that governs the major part of police powers over and above the statutory provisions relating to police contained in the existing Police Act and Regulations.

The reputation and standing of the re-built RSIPF cannot be allowed to be sullied by allegations of misconduct but, equally, misconduct that is proven cannot be allowed to go unpunished.

In 1997 I issued this order to the then members of the police service to try to ensure proper conduct, both on and off duty.

“It is the duty of every member of the Force to cultivate good relations with all sections of the public, and always to bear in mind that, where such relations do not exist, police officers work under a severe handicap and cannot therefore. be fully efficient,

“In their daily dealings with the public, police officers are often required to exercise firmness, and sometimes obliged to resort to force in the exercise of their duty. Firmness, however, must be tempered by tact, patience and good humour, and any force used must be the minimum necessary to secure compliance with the law.

“Members of the Force have special powers not possessed by the ordinary citizen, and it is of the utmost importance that these powers should be used with discretion and forbearance.  Harsh or oppressive conduct, incivility, and the use of unnecessary violence can in no circumstances be justified or tolerated, and are punishable offences against discipline.

“Members of the Force must avoid altercations of any nature.  If an officer is wantonly assaulted he has the legal power to arrest his assailant.

“Arguments with members of the public on matters of duty must be carefully avoided; it rarely convinces anyone and naturally irritates persons smarting under some real or imaginary grievance.

“All ranks must, moreover, constantly remember that one offender in this respect may give a bad name to the police generally, and that a display of surliness or ill-humour, or the harsh or oppressive use of authority, by one police officer may have the adverse effects of a far-reaching nature on the Force as a whole.”

In 1984, in the UK, the government introduced The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984

This Act is commonly referred to as PACE and it governs the police powers of investigation, including arrests, detention, interrogation, entry and search of premises and the taking of samples.

Quoting from In Brief.co uk, a leading legal website, the legislation contains PACE Codes of Practice, which police officers should consider and refer to when carrying out various procedures associated with their work

The Act attempts to strike a fair balance between the exercise of power by those in authority and the rights of members of the public.

There are 8 Codes of Practice laid down in the Act.

“Failure by a police officer to adhere to the Codes of Practice does not render them liable to criminal or civil proceedings. However, their failure to adhere to what the Codes state can be introduced as evidence in civil and criminal proceedings (PACE, s 67). Additionally, any evidence obtained by the police in relation to the investigation of any criminal offence where they have failed to adhere to PACE, can be deemed inadmissible in court thus harming the case against the defendant.”

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

Dear Editor

MY recent letter to the media mentioning that the Indian Prime Minister had promised in 2015, to provide several of the smaller islands states in the Pacific region, including the Solomon Islands, lighting for 200 homes in each of 14 island states with electricity generated by renewable energy sources, brought immediate comment from three doctors in service at the NRH.

The old English proverb asserts itself with complete assurance: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Like many time-worn sayings, this claim that mind always rules over matter rings true only some of the time. Sometimes we don’t have the will; sometimes we lose our way.

Have I witnessed a new spirit emerging,however,from this trio of doctor and a spirit that will continue to emerge amongst Solomon Islanders till eventually the country’s over-dependency on foreign aid will be radically diminished?

One must hope so, but perhaps not in my lifetime.

In support of the refreshing and enterprising commentary by the doctors, it might be worth recording that total dependence on foreign aid means that it becomes the opiate of the Third World.

In a similar way to how the development of the welfare state in some developed countries has helped undermine society by removing the need for communities to develop themselves through cooperation and exchange but by instead supporting and facilitating anti-social and irresponsible behaviour, foreign aid has largely encouraged Third World governments and their populations to rely on hand-outs instead of on themselves for development.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

This is what the SIBC reported.

“Diabetes cases at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) Diabetes Clinic are increasing every day, local health experts say.

“NRH medical consultant Dr Jones Ghabu revealed the alarming trend during World Diabetes day.

“ Ghabu said diabetes cases reported at the NRH were becoming more common, everyday.

“Most people come to the hospital with heart problems, kidney problems, high blood pressure and even infections,” he said.

“Currently we are normally receiving one case of heart attack and stroke a day.”

“The most common type of diabetes seen at the hospital was leg infection and there had been an increase in leg amputations at the hospital.

“Today, surgeons at the national referral hospital perform two to three amputations in a week,” he said.

“This means that is increasing and we don’t know whose legs they are going to amputatetomorrow, it might be one of us or one of our family members, and that is why we need to take serious actions against diabetes.”

Much of the blame for this increase in diabetes can be attributed to replacing traditional foods with imported, processed food which has contributed to the high prevalence of obesity and related health problems in the Pacific islands, according to a WHO report.

The report, from which I quote, says –

“Scattered across the Pacific Ocean are thousands of islands which make up three regions known as Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Beyond the image of white sandy beaches and carefree lifestyles, the Pacific islands are facing serious health problems, the prime culprit being imported foods.

“In at least 10 Pacific island countries, more than 50% (and in some, up to 90%) of the population is overweight according to World Health Organization (WHO) surveys.

“WHO defines overweight as having a body mass index (BMI) equal to or more than 25, and obesity as a BMI equal to or more than 30. Diabetes prevalence among adults in the Pacific region is among the highest in the world.

“About 40% of the Pacific island region’s population of 9.7 million has been diagnosed with a non communicable disease, notably cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension. These diseases account for three quarters of all deaths across the Pacific archipelago and 40–60% of total health-care expenditure, according to a meeting on obesity prevention and control strategies in the Pacific held in Samoa.

“Dr Temo K Waqanivalu, technical officer for nutrition and physical activity at the Office of the WHO representative for the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji, partly blames poor diet for the region’s health problems. “Promotion of traditional foods has fallen by the wayside. They are unable to compete with the glamour and flashiness of imported foods,” he says.

“People in the Pacific islands may know what constitutes healthy eating but, as in many parts of the world, governments struggle to change people’s behaviour. In eight countries, less than 20% of people surveyed reported eating the recommended five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day. The often calorie-rich and nutrient-poor imported foods have a stronger appeal.

“A major challenge for Pacific island countries is to reinforce nutrition education in schools by promoting healthy eating practices. “Even as kids we know what we are supposed to eat and not eat; there is a very good level of nutrition education in Fiji,” says Ateca Kama, senior nutritionist at Fiji’s National Food and Nutrition Centre. “The challenge is for us to translate knowledge into behaviour. For example, schools teach good nutrition as part of the curriculum, and then they sell junk food in the school canteen because they need to make a profit.”

“Historically, food was imported from Australia and New Zealand, but now it comes from much further afield: China, Malaysia and the Philippines. Nutrition labels are not only inconsistent but often not in English, the common language spoken in most Pacific island countries. Mandating clear, consistent labelling is crucial. The simpler, the better. Simple nutrition signposts can be useful and should be encouraged, and ingredient labels are really important for monitoring food safety and quality.

“Increasing the proportion of locally grown, nutritious and less energy-dense traditional foods in the diets of Pacific islanders is also essential, says Waqanivalu.”

Turning to the Journal of Education and Health Promotion for general dietary guidelines for the people in the Solomon Islands in order to help reduce the incidence of diabetes I came across this information which I would earnestly request be followed

“Modern dietary management of diabetes essentially involves modifications of the quality and quantity of food to be taken by the diabetic patient. The following guidelines are applicable to diabetes irrespective of type, weight status, age, gender, or occupation. Most of the carbohydrate consumed should be in the form of starch (polysaccharides) such as maize, rice, beans, bread, potatoes etc.

“All refined sugars such as glucose, sucrose, and their products (soft drinks, sweets, toffees, etc.) and honey should be avoided, except during severe illness or episodes of hypoglycemia. These foods contain simple sugar, which is easily absorbed causing rapid rise in blood sugar.

“Non-nutritive sweeteners, e.g., Canderel, saccharine, NutraSweet, aspartame are suitable sugar substitutes for diabetic subjects.

“Animal fat such as butter, lard, egg yolk, and other foods high in saturated fatty acids and cholesterol should be reduced to a minimum and be replaced with vegetable oils, particularly polyunsaturated fats.

“Salt should be reduced whether hypertensive or not.

“Protein (fish, meat, beans, crab, crayfish, soyabean, chicken, etc.) and salt are restricted for those with diabetic nephropathy.

“Cigarette smoking should be avoided by diabetic patients. Alcohol should be taken only in moderation.

“The items allowed for free consumption include: Water, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, aubergine, peppers, and vegetable salad without cream. Any brand of tea, coffee, or drinks that contain very low or no calories.

“For patients too ill to eat solid food, a fluid or semi-solid diet should be substituted (papaya, soya bean, custard, etc.).

Patients treated with insulin or certain oral hypoglycemic agents, e.g., sulfonylureas must be advised to eat regularly and often to prevent hypoglycemia- 3 meals a day plus suitable snacks in between, e.g., fresh fruits.

“Small meals spaced over the day, rather than 1 or 2 big meals, are helpful in avoiding post-pyramidal peaks in blood sugar.

“Food can be powerful in preventing and reversing diabetes. However, dietary approaches have changed as we have learned more about the disease. The traditional approach to diabetes focuses on limiting refined sugars and foods that release sugars during digestion-starches, breads, fruits, etc. With carbohydrates reduced, the diet may contain an unhealthful amount of fat and protein. Therefore, diabetes experts have taken care to limit fats- especially saturated fats that can raise cholesterol levels, and to limit protein for people with impaired kidney function. The new approach focuses more attention on fat. Fat is a problem for people with diabetes. The more fat there is in the diet, the harder time insulin has in getting glucose into the cells

“EFFECTS OF THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLES ON THE HUMAN HEALTH

“Fruits constitute a commercially important and nutritionally indispensable food commodity. Being a part of a balanced diet, fruits play a vital role in human nutrition by supplying the necessary growth regulating factors essential for maintaining normal health.”

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

SOLOMON Islands new Prime Minister has said his government will not forget its traditional development partners and seek to work ever closely with them in seeing to the needs of the nation.

 The Solomon Islands must improve its renewable energy sources and I would request the Prime Minister to be mindful that over a weekend in 2015, 14 Pacific nations met in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan for a summit on the subject of renewable energy.

 At that summit, the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, pledged to give its island neighbours enough solar power to light up thousands of homes.

 Mr. Modi, said on that occasion, “We now commit to provide solar electrification to 2,800 homes – 200 in each Pacific Island country. This will save kerosene worth abbot $1 million.”

 Outlying his ideas the Indian Prime Minister explained his plan was to help the smaller nations deal with the effects of climate change in the coming decades.

 Mr. Modi also mentioned that India would also work with researchers in the Pacific nations to provide better human resources and technologies to deal with natural disaster management with early warning and response systems.

 India has had diplomatic relations with the Solomon Islands since May 1987 and relations are friendly with political interaction between the two nations very comprehensive.

 In the most recent past India has offered some 15 scholarships to the Solomon Island under Technical Cooperation Programs and also offered grants for a range of social programs as well as giving some US$50,000 during the deadly floods that raged through Honiara in 2014.

 As the relations with India are on a sound footing and the new government in the Solomon Islands is keen to maintain its ties with its traditional donor partners, I would urge the PM to seek assurances from the Indian Government when the 200 homes in the Solomon Islands will be provided with lighting as promised by Prime Minister Modi.

 Yours sincerely

 Frank Short

THE Solomon Islands has a new Prime Minister and a newly constituted body of Ministers to govern the nation until the next general election in 2018.

Much is expected of the government given the relative poor state of the economy, the high rate of unemployment, perceptions over corruption, deficiencies in the education and health sectors, almost stagnant infrastructure development, gender inequality climate change and environmental issues affecting livelihoods and food security in the rural parts of the country, to name put a few of the challenges the new administration must tackle.

I wish the government well and hope to see change, soon, in fiscal control and particularly in rapid aid to the health sector and in the provision of basic health services.

Prior to the election of the Prime Minister last Wednesday, the SIBC issued rather a stern warning which read, in part,  “Now or never: this has to be the theme for the election of the new Prime Minister.”

“If our MPs do not get it right this time; if they don’t exercise good judgment to correct all their previous errors; if they don’t put the interests of their people and country first – then they and their successors will never be able to look after this country.”

When I read the SIBC’s statement, I was reminded of one of the themes in Charles Dickens’s book ‘Great Expectations’ which referred to moral regeneration when one of the book’s characters started climbing the social ladder, gained wealth and  followed this by a degradation of his integrity

With all the talk of corruption in the Solomon Islands it is imperative that the country’s new leaders render significant services to the people in the areas of education, anti-corruption, health, ethics, judicial responsibility, rule of law, democracy and good governance.

In this age of increasing globalization, I believe the government must reflect on the nation’s journey so far, so the country can do better in the future and leave a better legacy for posterity.

This brings me to the topic of nation building and the new government must give added consideration to nation building which is always a work-in-progress needing nurturing and re-invention.  Nation building is about building a common sense of purpose and strengthening those institutions which symbolize the political entity and having a common sense of purpose, having a sense of a shared destiny and a collective imagination of belonging.

The political game play of the last few weeks underscores my points and adds weight to the view that a viable nation must be synonymous with achieving modernity and have institutions and values which sustain the collective community in these modern times.

I have no right or authority to express what Solomon Islanders expect of their leaders but having been a very close observers of events and happenings in the Solomon Islands for the past 20 years,  I have a fair estimation of what the expectations might be and here are a few thoughts.

Leaders must be committed to the rule of law and have a demonstrated sense of fairplay, vision, ability, integrity and can see beyond the ostentatious pomp of office.

Leaders are not wanted who have no sense of tomorrow, other than that of their bank accounts.

Leaders who lead by deeds and not by words, achievers, not deceivers.

Leaders that will leave their foot prints on the sands of time and leaders who will live forever in the hearts of Solomon Islanders.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short