Parents 'should care for their children'

AN understanding meeting that was held Monday at Malapoa College in Port Vila following the bashing of the Vice Principal of the college, Willie Sandy, a week ago, heard that wandering children are mostly involved in some of the social problems that occur in the capital city, Port Vila.

A participant in the meeting told The Independent that chiefs who were present at the gathering also expressed their grave concerns over the way children and youngsters who are supposed to be under the care of their parents, most of the time are the ones accused over some of the social problems, especially the abuse of substances such marijuana, alcohol and kava.

They told the meeting that some of the parents neglect their chilren and, as a result, children are wandering on the streets of Port Vila late at night and becoming involved in fighting, stealing and break-ins, especially when they are under the influence of alcohol and or marijuana.

The Independent was told that the suspects in the bashing of the Malapoa's vice principal had been drinking and smoking marijuana.

The Vanuatu Police Force representative confirmed at the meeting that unemployed youngsters involved in so many social issues in the capital Port Vila is a major concern which needs to be addressed appropriately.

Four suspects following the bashing incident have been questioned by the police. Names of another four are yet to be supplied by their respective chiefs to the police, for further questioning.