Didn't we see this film back in 1993?

J. Roughan

19 November 2009

Honiara     

 

Exactly one week ago today, and again in the same place--Lawson Tama, Honiara's citizens witnessed a re-run of the same old 1993 film of a footfall riot and other football riots that happened during the 1990s. Of course the Mother of All Youth Cyclones hit us in November 1989 which also came about in connection with a failed football game when our team lost a match in Fiji.

 

Few who witnessed the 1989 youth riot could forget the pictures of dozens of youth jumping from the Mataniko River bridge to escape police tear gas. During that episode, more than 5,000 young people caused more than $150,000 damage to stores, shops and business premises. Last week's rampage, fortunately, was mild in comparison--a shop or two looted and the football office complex burnt to the ground.

 

But this our most recent riot could have turned quite ugly had it not been for quick police action and most youth refusing to join in with the looting and riotous behavior of a small minority. In early April 2006, unfortunately, that didn't happen. During the days of 20 & 21 April 2006, Honiara experienced a complete breakdown in civic life when a mob went wild and torched almost the whole of China Town. That part of town was almost completely destroyed.

 

The strange thing about all these riots--youth cyclone, mob rule, mass stealing--authorities had warnings that something was going to happen, that preventive action should have taken place. A famous English juror, Lord Acton, gave us an important history lesson, a lesson we as a nation seem to forget. He stated: 'Those who refuse to listen to history, are soon forced to repeat it!'

 

In other words, how many times must we live through riots before we prepare ourselves for them. Last Saturday's football riot was not a rare  exception, not something unusual but was as predictable as rain over a mountain. Anytime Malaita, Honiara and Guale take to the football pitch, things other than football too often happen. As sure as God made little green apples, many followers of the above mentioned teams have other things on their mind than a thrilling football match.

 

Unfortunately, a communication link between the football organizers, the police protection unit and Lawson Tama authorities broke down. Things like that do happen! But it didn't take long for some of our youthful opportunists to seize the chance to take out their frustrations and do a little looting on the side. The police's quick action by rounding up a dozen or so possible trouble makers and sending them off to a room at Rove and later a court date is already in the cards.

 

But closing the barn door after the horse has bolted is just not enough. Not every football game results in a riot. Far from it! I have never heard of a football riot taking place when Isabel, or Choiseiul or Temotu were matched up to contest a game. Rarely does a riot start if Guale, or Malaita or Honiara are playing Central or Renbel. Football riot chances double and even triple, however, when the Honiara, Guale and Malaita play against each other.

 

Lord Acton's warning above automatically comes into play when certain teams are pitched against each other on the football field. Since we already know who they are its timely that the authorities--police, Lawsom Tama, National Football Association--double their presence, place riot shields at the ready and easily accessed and all stones, rocks and loose sticks around the football pitch cleaned away and out of sight and use.

 

May I make a suggestion? Before a major game takes place at Lawson Tama, make a thorough cleaning--employ one of Honiara's schools--to scour the whole of Lawson Tama especially along the hill down from FAA to make it impossible for rioters to access their favorite ammunition--stones, rocks and sticks.  We don't need to see another re-run of the 1993 or 2009 film again!