Honiara, Solomon Islands – [17 October 2024] – In a landmark effort to combat the pervasive issue of unlawful gaming within Honiara, the Honiara City Council convened its first consultative meeting with the Gaming and Lottery Board today. This crucial gathering brought together key stakeholders, including the mayor, members of the City Council, and representatives from the Gaming and Lottery Board, to discuss the pressing challenges posed by illegal gaming activities and to develop a collaborative framework for enforcement and regulation.
Opening the meeting, the Mayor of Honiara welcomed the Chairman and representatives from the Gaming and Lottery Board, highlighting the critical importance of their collaboration. “As statutory bodies responsible for the governance of Honiara City, we must ensure that compliance with legislation and ordinances is upheld by all residents and citizens of Honiara,” the mayor stated firmly.
The mayor expressed deep concern regarding the widespread nature of unlawful gaming in nearly all communities within Honiara. “Today, it is evident that illegal gaming has infiltrated our neighbourhoods, creating an environment that undermines community safety and integrity. As the Mayor, it is my responsibility to ensure that we address this grave concern properly, effectively, and promptly,” he emphasized.
Recognizing the pervasive issue of unlawful gaming, the mayor noted, “It is common knowledge that illegal gaming has plagued our city. This is one of the most significant challenges we face as a council, and we must approach it with diligence and seriousness.” He pointed out that while the council administers city affairs, the authority to enforce the provisions of the Gaming and Lottery Act rests with the Gaming and Lottery Board.
Chairman of the Gaming and Lottery Board, Mr. Wilson Ne’e, reinforced the seriousness of the issue at hand. “We are acutely aware of the challenges posed by unlawful gaming in Honiara and across our provinces. The authority to grant and reject gaming activities resides with our board, and we are committed to executing this responsibility with integrity and diligence,” he stated.
A significant focus of the meeting was the need to revise the Gaming and Lottery Act to ensure it effectively addresses current practices and challenges in the gaming landscape. Chairman Ne’e stressed, “We are dedicated to revising the Gaming and Lottery Act to capture the realities of today’s gaming environment. Our legislation must reflect the current challenges we face so that we can protect our communities effectively.”
He further elaborated that the issues, challenges, and recommendations discussed during the meeting would be documented and utilized to facilitate further collaborative actions. “The insights shared today will be invaluable as we move forward in our efforts to combat unlawful gaming,” the Chairman stated.
The Supervising City Clerk, Mr. Jefferson Patovaki, responded to the Chairman’s remarks, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of the principal legislation. “The council strongly encourages the Gaming and Lottery Board to prioritize the review of the Gaming and Lottery Act sooner rather than later,” he asserted. “It is clear from the principal legislation that enforcement authority lies with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, and we must work closely with them to ensure effective action is taken against illegal gaming activities.”
Mr. Patovaki underscored the council’s supportive role in assisting law enforcement. “The Honiara City Council plays a pivotal yet supportive role behind the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. We share the responsibility of apprehending offenders and ensuring they are brought to justice,” he added, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the meeting.
As the meeting ended, all parties in attendance agreed on the necessity of organizing a wider consultative session the following week. This upcoming meeting aims to further elaborate on priority areas and address urgent issues related to unlawful gaming. Representatives from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force are expected to participate, reflecting a unified approach to tackle this critical issue.
The mayor reiterated the council’s commitment to assist the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force in enforcing the provisions of the Gaming and Lottery Act in the weeks to come. “We recognize that this issue requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders involved. Together, we can create a safer environment for our residents and eliminate the negative impacts of unlawful gaming,” he concluded.
The Honiara City Council understands that addressing unlawful gaming is not just about regulatory compliance; it is about safeguarding the community’s integrity and well-being. The council is committed to engaging with residents and stakeholders to raise awareness about the risks associated with illegal gaming. By fostering an informed community, the council aims to empower residents to take an active role in reporting unlawful activities and supporting law enforcement efforts.
In the weeks leading up to the next consultative meeting, the Honiara City Council will work on initiatives to educate the public about the importance of lawful gaming and the detrimental effects of illegal operations. This community outreach will include workshops, public forums, and informational materials aimed at highlighting the risks of unlawful gaming, including potential financial losses, exploitation, and its impact on local businesses.
The mayor extends an invitation to all community members, businesses, and organizations to collaborate in this essential effort to eradicate unlawful gaming activities. “We urge everyone to join us in this fight against illegal gaming. Together, we can make a difference and restore integrity to our gaming practices,” he stated.
The mayor also encouraged residents to report any suspicious gaming activities to the authorities, ensuring that community voices are heard and that everyone plays a role in maintaining the safety and security of Honiara.
Today’s consultative meeting marks a significant milestone in the Honiara City Council’s ongoing efforts to address unlawful gaming activities. Through collaboration with the Gaming and Lottery Board, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, and the community, the council is committed to implementing effective strategies that promote lawful gaming and protect the well-being of all residents.
As the Honiara City Council continues to navigate the complexities of gaming regulation, it remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that gaming activities within the city are conducted fairly, transparently, and under the law. The council will keep the public informed of developments and invite ongoing dialogue as part of its commitment to fostering a safe and secure environment for all.
This press release serves as an official communication to inform the public about the Honiara City Council’s initiatives to combat unlawful gaming activities and its commitment to community safety and regulatory compliance. Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, the council aims to create a safer environment for all residents of Honiara.
