The National Festival Arts Committee says it remains positive about Honiara's security situation for the upcoming festival despite increased rates of violent thefts in Honiara this month.
Up to five people have been injured and one young man has died in knife attacks in Point Cruz and at the Central Market - attacks that has shocked Honiara residents and raised public concern and doubts over security arrangements for the July Festival.While the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is expected to release an official statement this week, FOPA Committee Chairman Robert Au says the Committee has already voiced their security concerns to FOPA's Police Representative and is confident the Festival will have a high security operation in place.
Over 3000 delegates from Pacific Island countries, including Australia and New Zealand are expected to come to Honiara for the Festival in July.