…commit to forging stronger ties
TOSHAOS representing the various indigenous villages across Region 10 and the police high command in the area held lengthy discussions on ways to improve security in their communities.
The indigenous leaders have also committed to forging stronger ties with ‘E’ Division Commander Linden Lord, Deputy Commander Jermaine Harper and other ranks, to provide the needed assistance in fighting crime in their villages.
They were at the time holding discussions at the Regional Toshaos Conference and election of an executive body at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Mackenzie, Linden.
While the Toshaos related that they are cognisant that the constitution allows them to give permission to anyone, including the police to enter their villages, they are of the view, however, that permission must be always granted to the police at any given request to perform any raid or intelligence-led operations in their communities.
They also believe that any toshao who fights against the police is a toshao that does not have the best interest of his/her village at heart and should be investigated for corruption. The toshaos related that there are rising cases of drug abuse in their villages, as well as sexual abuse and have opted to get the police involved, even though this may cause their relationship with fellow villagers. Toshao of Muritaro, Lorretta Feidtkou, noted that one position she took is to invite the commander into her village and he was privy to what is transpiring in the village before meeting with residents. In that way, the villagers, especially those committing crimes, would become aware that the ranks are cognisant of what is happening and would be less inclined to commit crimes, even petty ones.
BE A LEADER, DON’T BE POWER DRUNK
In his address to the toshaos representing the villages which include Muritaro, Malali, Rockstone, Kimbia, Calcuni, Wairuni River View, Deputy Commander of ‘E’ Division, Jermaine Harper, urged the toshaos to forge stronger communication ties with the police and to remain humble, thus not becoming power drunk with the position that has been bestowed upon them by the law.
Harper reminded the Toshaos that while they constitutionally represent the security of the village, the police constitutionally represent national security and has a right to perform their duties in the interest of the law. “Our main concern in the division, in looking into the villages, is to ensure that the security aspects of it come first and that you are happy where you are living,” he said. Harper, however, related that one of the things observed by him and the commander is, there are situations that are concealed, since the villages are very tightly knit and information is not given.
“If they are wrong things happening in the village that needs to be addressed by the police, you need to come forward, you need to stand firm in your village,” he urged, adding that sexual abuse is one crime of concern occurring in the indigenous villages.
He reminded the toshaos that they have already matured to adulthood and they should allow children that same opportunity and this cannot happen if they are abused and mistreated. Their sworn duties is not only to control their villages, but also to ensure that their people are safe and happy. If they build a close relationship with the police, crime can be tackled quickly and the perpetrators can be taken into custody before any greater harm is caused.
Harper related that there was an incident in a particular village in the division where information about crimes was not forthcoming and the police was basically prohibited from entering the village by the toshao. Upon his removal, scores of cases of abuse and other forms of crime were discovered and now the police has a great task ahead in dealing with the mountain of cases. This, he said, could have been avoided, if the toshao and villagers were more respectful of the law.
SECURITY CONCERNS
In raising their concerns, the toshaos, who also serve as rural constables, said that they are not properly equipped and armed to respond to crimes before the police arrive. They alluded to the recent case of a toshao being beheaded in Region Seven, because he was not properly armed. “We don’t have any firearm to go and do any apprehending of people who are violating that law….we have to be armed, we cannot go empty-handed, it is terrible for us,” Toshao of Kimbia Ricky Boyle said.
He also stressed that the toshaos are not properly identified and are not recognised by perpetrators when they turn up to crime scenes as the officials do not have proper identification, not even a precept.
Deputy Commander Harper said that he understands their fear and encouraged them to apply as a group for their firearm, since that might expedite their application and approval. He also offered to assist in the application process.
Following these discussions, through a democratic process, the executives of the Regional Toshao Committee were elected. Toshao Ricky Boyle from Kimbia was elected Chairman, while Toshao Andre Lindee was elected deputy chairman. Boyle said that he feels honoured to be elected chairman for the regional committee and is prepared to work for the betterment of the villages collectively.
“I will ensure whatever is budgeted in parliament and so, can be filtered down to different communities, so that we can push our agenda forward, so that we can satisfy all the needs of the communities,” he said
Regional Chairman Renis Morian reminded the toshaos that indigenous peoples are very important to regional and national development and promised that the RDC will continue to support these villages.
