Serious lapses in security for high commission staff

11.50am

Serious lapses in security for New Zealand High Commission staff working in Solomon Islands have been uncovered in a Ministry of Foreign Affairs report.

The report, released under the Official Information Act, was undertaken after the death of New Zealand diplomat Bridget Nichols.

Deputy High Commissioner Ms Nichols, 50, was stabbed to death inside New Zealand's High Commission residential compound in the Solomons capital Honiara on March 17.

The report found three major areas of concern that needed "serious attention".

* The response capability to problems was inadequate.

* The ability of staff to be able to communicate with one another at all times and between all locations was inadequate.

* Medical help in an emergency.

However, the report found no evidence to suggest there was a "structured threat" to New Zealanders in the strife-torn country.

"The situation is one of general breakdown in law and order, erosion of policing standards and credibility and a tendency for criminals to opt for their perception of soft targets," the report said.

While that environment was "unpredictable", it was probably safer than Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.

The censored report said that while the commission's office security was "good", some small changes were suggested.

Security around the residential compounds required significant improvement, some of which had already been undertaken.

The report also highlighted poor medical cover in the area, notably that offered in the local hospital. It was not capable of meeting more than simple emergencies and its equipment was inadequate.

"Local GPs exist but there were difficulties in reaching them on the day of Bridget's death. Post needs a developed plan incorporating updated list of actual members and perhaps a back-up link to emergency first aid in Australian or New Zealand hospital."

The report also highlighted the lack of "an appropriate capability in the event of an incident." While each property had two guards, they needed to be better trained and a security manager could be appointed.

More effective phone communications needed to be developed. Options included the installation of a new repeater aerial or a new network, the report said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the recommendations were being acted on.

- NZPA

Feature: Solomon Islands

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