A market stroll stirs the patrol
By Cpl Mike McSweeney

THE patrol has barely jumped out of their vehicles and is already talking with the locals. Most of the Solomon Islanders are friendly, chatty and offer their hand in greeting.

Some of their smiles reveal red teeth, a sign they have been chewing on the narcotic Betel Nut.

It is Friday afternoon at the Central Markets in downtown Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands.

For Aussie soldiers the drill with this place is simple – don’t enter the markets unless you are part of a patrol.

As we do, the humidity begins to subside.

With black clouds still looming overhead, Pte Nik Bambrick is surprised at the size of the crowd.
“Normally the rain keeps the numbers down,” he said.

But it is payday and the locals are out in full force. There is an enormous amount of fish on display.

As we patrol, one local who has started his weekend early, asks about some criminals who broke out of prison recently.

After a brief conversation, the patrol moves on. We are offered smiles, greetings and a good deal of large fish.

Australian Federal Police officer Vic Robb explains that some of the vendors have travelled from other islands.

“They’ll stay here for a few days. This is where they sleep,” he said.

Peanuts, still in their shells, are arranged in neat clumps. There are small crabs and unfamiliar vegetables. Shy children sit with their families.

Pte Bambrick shakes hands with another local, as if they know each other well. A man shakes my hand and we introduce ourselves.

He explains he is from the neighbouring island of Malaita.

He doesn’t really have much to say, he’s just being friendly. After getting the call over their headsets, LCpl Kieron Trembath and Pte Bambrick announce it is time to go.

We make our farewells, head back to the vehicles and fight our way through Honiara’s peak-hour traffic towards the forward operating base.