RAMSI

The police have been without firearms since 2003, when an Australian-led intervention force entered the country to end a long period of civil unrest.

Since then, the police have relied on the regional assistance mission, or RAMSI, to provide armed support when needed.

But with the mission scheduled to leave at the end of June, the police force will have to resume those responsibilities itself.

That remains controversial, as some fear a repeat of the ethnic crisis where police weapons fell into the hands of militants.

RNZI reports senior representatives of the PIF made the consideration yesterday in Honiara after hearing the priorities and plans of the Solomon Islands government and RAMSI.

These include ongoing preparations for RAMSI's drawdown and the staged and limited rearmament of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

RAMSI Special Coordinator Justin Braithwaite made the announcement during the RAMSI 12th Anniversary celebration Friday.

Braithwaite said this is a result of good cooperation between the Participating Police Force PPF and the Royal Solomon Islands

“In terms of training you may not be aware, but the RSIPF today is one of the best-trained, if not, the best-trained police forces in the Pacific.”

The RAMSI Special Coordinator said  RSIPF is now well equipped with motor vehicles and vessels-meeting pacific standard to police its provinces and border.

Twelve years ago today, the first RAMSI police, military and civilian personnel from all around the Pacific region arrived in their thousands to “helpem fren”. 

RAMSI quickly set to work to restore law and order throughout the country. And in the decade which followed, the Mission helped successive governments to rebuild national institutions, stabilise the economy, reduce government debt and improve service delivery. 

Twelve years ago today, the first RAMSI police, military and civilian personnel from all around the Pacific region arrived in their thousands to “helpem fren”. 

RAMSI quickly set to work to restore law and order throughout the country. And in the decade which followed, the Mission helped successive governments to rebuild national institutions, stabilise the economy, reduce government debt and improve service delivery.