ARCHBISHOP SMITH CONDEMNED ASSAULT INCIDENT

Archbishop Adrian Smith of the Solomon Islands Catholic Church. Photo: Courtesy of cathnews.acu.edu.au

Archbishop Adrian Smith of the Catholic Church has condemned the assault and robbery on San Isidro Care Centre’s Director Brother George van der Zant, last Friday at Aruligo. In a statement, Archbishop Smith says it is sad to see a lack of respect for the work being done for the needy and handicapped. A Father Cor Hooymayers of the Catholic Chancery office expressed similar sentiments, saying people who want easy money should be ashamed to demand it from those who take care of the needy and the handicapped. The statement also says the local community has arranged for groups to act as security for the Care Centre. It says Brother George is currently being treated at the National Referral Hospital and hopes to return to Aruligo with hopes for an early OK from the doctors. Three men allegedly broke into Brother George’s house on Friday night and took off with money and other valuables after assaulting him. The matter has been reported to the police for investigation.