Australia delivers more vehicles to RSIPF

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force today received 13 vehicles from the Australian Government to beef-up its capability.

They include nine vehicles for the Police Response Team, four for the newly created mobile protection unit.

These were in addition to 60 guns also donated to the RSIPF this morning.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has commended Australia for the support saying: “What we have witnessed today was not the outcome of an overnight decision but its result of months of planning and discussion by two respective governments.”

He personally expressed his appreciation to his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese for his government’s support.

Sogavare said his government places security as a priority amongst its policies and as a priority “we must improve and enhance the capability of the RSIPF.”

He added: “What we have today is the realization of the government policy.”

Speaking on behalf of the AFP, Acting Deputy Commissioner Lesa Gale who flew in for the ceremony said the partnership programme (AFP/RSIPF) said four vehicles and the establishment of the RSIPF mobile proection unit have been designed specifically to support protection of critical infrastructure, high office holders and dignitaries.

As for the Response Unit vehicles she said it would enhance capability to safely response to high risk incidents ad public order management.

Australia says it will provide details on costs of the capabilities later to the pres.

• News@SBMOnline2022