RSIPF & RAMSI PRAISED COMMUNITIES AND ORGANISTIONS
Assistant Police Commissioner, Gabriel Manelusi presenting during the consultations at Ohiola village (Photo by RAMSI Public Affairs).
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RASI) have applaud the active engagement of communities and organisations in the government’s decision on its limited rearmament project.
A joint RAMSI-RSIPF media statement said workshops have been conducted for the media, women, youths and communities on the project, around Honiara since August this year.
Permanent Secretary for Police Edmond Sikua said, the Ministry has received positive response from communities for the limited rearmament project even at an early stage.
He said the public also raised valid issues for the government to consider as it finalises its decision on the project.
Acting Police Commissioner Juanita Matanga said RSIPF appreciates the effort from local media organisations to inform the audience about government’s decision for a limited rearmament of the Force.
She said RSIPF also had challenges but welcomes the constructive feedback.
Meanwhile, RAMSI Special Coordinator Justin Braithwaite said the mission sees the public’s responsive decision as part of rebuilding confidence in the force.
Mrs Braithwaite urged communities in the country to trust the Police as they take on the limited rearmament program.
She said the new RSIPF with the 70 percent turnover has benefited over the past 11 years from the capacity building by RAMSI.
The consultation group of the limited rearmament project consist of representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Police and RAMSI.