Dear Editor,

Speaking in Parliament last Wednesday when contributing to the debate on the 2017 Appropriation Bill 2016 (2017 Budget), the Hon Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, the Hon, Stanley Festus Sofu, called for the collective support of all Solomon Islanders towards to the work of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force in ensuring a safe and secure Solomon Islands.

Minister Sofu emphasized the importance of the entire nation supporting the local police in ensuring national safety and security in light of the June 2017 exit of RAMSI.

Whilst Minister Sofu said he was confident that as RAMSI leaves, the Solomon Islands Government will take on the responsibility of ensuring that the RSIPF is capable of effectively providing policing services to communities nationwide, each and every Solomon Island also has a responsibility to play their part.

The Minister emphasised,“RAMSI is leaving and, I as the Minister responsible for policing and national security, I would like to take this opportunity to call on all Solomon Islands to render support to our local police as they take charge again of policing in the country.”

“It is not the responsibility of the government alone to ensure a safe and secure Solomon Islands.

It is the responsibility of all Solomon Islanders-men and women, young boys and girls, leaders of all walks of life, village chiefs, church leaders, all 50 Members of Parliament and our Provincial Governments.”

We all need to work together with our police to ensure our safety and security and to avoid a repeat of the unfortunate situation that warranted the arrival of RAMSI.” Minister Sofu concluded.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short