This week Samoa mourns the death of Detective Sergeant Peniamina Perite, who was gunned down in the line of duty.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
We have sent our sons and daughters to serve in UN police missions in some of the most dangerous countries across the world since the year 2000 but none have been killed by gun violence.
It is unimaginable that this is now happening in Samoa.
This incident is the latest of a series of gun-related violence that is becoming too common in Samoa.
It is a further sign of the breakdown of respect for the rule of law.
Criminals are now acting with impunity and disregard for public safety.
As often reported in the news and social media, robberies are now happening every week in shops and homes, night and day.
It is no surprise that these robberies and gun violence are increasing with the use of methamphetamine, or aisa, in Samoa,
We must all pay close attention to this breakdown of Samoan values that starts from the leadership of the country.
If airplanes and ships can violate our borders, and shipments of guns can be imported without prior licensing then how can our police be expected to defend the law?
It doesn’t help when guns seem to be the favorite solution of a senior cabinet Minister who also wants to shoot all the wild pigs in Samoa.
There is a famous saying that a man with a hammer sees everything as a nail.
Likewise, a man with a gun sees everyone as a target!
We pray for God’s protection over our families and children from such senseless violence, the safety of our law enforcement officers, and that the respect for the rule of law will return to Samoa.
Until that time, we must always believe that the pen is mightier than the sword.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP