Page 10 - IB June 2017

Cover Story
A new journey begins

Female officers of the Royal Solomons Islands Police Force march through Honiara. Photo: RSIPF
n From Page 9 down in the interim. Academic, Dr Clive Moore, noted when
New Zealand has indicated that it reviewing RAMSI’s 10th Anniversary
But the Solomon Islands’ most senior is keen to support the Solomons after that there were indications that work
official responsible for the RAMSI draw RAMSI goes, and key areas discussed was needed to bring about increased
down remains optimistic that the country include community policing and border national development.
will be safe when the Mission concludes. protection. He said this would include developing
John Wasi, said the government was Australia is also likely to strengthen the nation regarding gender equality,
ready to resume full responsibility for its presence under the new Pacific Patrol further reform in the public service,
national security. Boat Replacement programme. customary land registration, the logging
With that pronouncement came the RAMSI’s maritime and coastal patrol industry and re-a forestation, urban
call for evert Solomon Islander to take assets have been handed over to the drift, constitutional reform, job creation,
responsibility for law and order upon RSIPF and new patrol boats are expected the creation of free economic zones, ru-
RAMSI’s departure. from late next year to replace the two ral health clinics, the construction of a
Police budgets have been increased by aging vessels currently in use. new National Referral Hospital, climate
20 per cent ahead of the withdrawal and While most commentators agree that change, the future of education and the
Cabinet has endorsed the RSIPF Crime RAMSI has been successful in bringing pursuit of corruption.
Prevention Strategy, the True Cost of about stability and reform, it is a strong The end of RAMSI is not only the end
Policing Report and the Capability Plan. economy which will bring about sustain- of a chapter in Solomon Islands history,
Now bilateral talks have started with able peace. it is the beginning of a new journey.
Australia and New Zealand for contin- That will be difficult given the poor
ued support to the RSIPF. It is one way infrastructure to support the vital tour- r netrika66@gmail.com
that Indonesian influence can be watered ism amd fisheries industries.

10 Islands Business, May 2017