23 Nov 2004

Big Solomons employer angry at lack of police action over occupation

8:37 pm on 23 November 2004

Russell Islands Plantation Estates Ltd has written to Solomon Islands Police demanding that they take action against striking workers who have been occupying company facilities in Yandina since Monday morning.

Its managing director, Patrick Wong, says the workers are trying to nullify their illegal activity by claiming they are providing security for the company, but he says they have no right to be there.

Mr Wong is calling for the enforcement agencies to uphold the law and offer protection of private property, whatever the cost.

He says unless this is done the police and the Regional Assistance Mission will have have failed in their duty to the country.

Mr Wong says this is particularly so given that police failed to act to stop the occupation despite having been given a warning it was to happen.