Operation Beautify appeals to the eye

Community policing takes many forms, and staff deployed to the Timor Leste city of Suai are leading a beautification project to return some visual order to the place.

Situated 138 km southwest of Dili, Suai is the capital of Timor Leste’s Covalima district and has a population of 23,000.

Hamilton Sergeant Pete Whittaker, recently appointed District Commander of the Covalima district, is overseeing Operation Beautify with other New Zealand officers as part of the United Nations Policing mission (UNPOL).

“We’re fortunate enough to have six Kiwis posted down here,” says Pete.

“We have some really positive plans to enhance the community policing concepts and capabilities of the Police De Nacional Di Timor Leste (PNTL).

“We’ve been given the full approval, support and best wishes of the ambassador and hopefully we’re able to make a difference during our mission.”

Phase 1 of Operation Beautify is underway led by Counties Manukau Sergeant Erin Johnston and Te Puke Constable Shane Blanchard.

While obtaining resources is a work in progress, to date they’ve coordinated the removal of vegetation and rubbish along a 1 km stretch of the Suai main street and spruced up a welcome monument in the town.

The work is carried out in extremely humid conditions.

Shane and Erin’s work is being well received by the locals who shout out “obrigado kiwi malai” which means ‘thank you Kiwi foreigner’.

“The boys have made huge in-roads in the clean up phase,” says Pete.

“The change is immense. It’s been difficult to get some locals on board but we’re finding more and more community support and assistance each day.

“The other UNPOLs have bought into the scheme and plenty of muscle is being shown. PNTL and language assistants are also lending a helping hand.”

“Suai will certainly be a changed place once this project is complete.”