The National Council of Women also questioned whether the government has any plans to consult with women and youth or other civil society organisations on rearming the police.
The women’s council also says rearming the police will not reduce the country’s crime rate, as the real issues are not in rearming but at the causes of social instability, resulting in the police rearmament.
Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands National Council of Women says the Government needs to invest money in tangible programs and not in guns.
The Council says investing in economic empowerment through creating positive economic schemes for women and young people is an example.
It adds, the government should also pour money to create infrastructure where people can develop their own land, build schools to cater for growing population, invest more in the National University and address issues of decentralisation.
The SINCW statement says the Ministry responsible should now dialogue with the new police commissioner to consult further on the issue of rearmament of the RSIPF, or else missing out the voices and concerns of women, youth and children of the country.
SIBC News understands, national consultations on the Government’s limited rearmament program is yet to begin.
