Many residents have suffered from looting and there is much anxiety and tension, but now people at least know that if there is a major threat the brothers will soon be on the scene. Even commercial companies have been asking for the brothers to act as security guards. Inevitably in such a situation, rumours abound and there are remarkable stories of the brothers' powers. Despite the brothers' best efforts, one of the patrol boats was commandeered to fire on a group of villagers gathered on the beach, but word quickly got around that the brothers had put a jinx on the boat when the bullets passed harmlessly over the heads of the villagers and on the way back to base the propeller fell off The boats have been deployed since. Without any doubt, the Anglican religious orders in Solomon Islands have shown amazing courage, literally putting themselves in the cross fire and going backwards and forwards across the lines to try to reduce tension and bring support and comfort of villagers in the battle zone.
Peace talks are now under way at last and are likely to drag on for weeks.
There are fewer guns to be seen in Honiara and some police are returning to duty. There will be difficult questions over disarming the rival groups. Many have suggested the brothers should monitor the handing in of weapons but there should be some international monitors as well. There is a strong hope among church and community leaders that Britain will offer assistance with rebuilding the police force. Most people agreed that this is a crisis which Solomon Islanders must sort out for themselves and the hope must be that if a way forward can be found this former British protectorate will come to greater political maturity.