RSIPF GIFTED WORLD CLASS CAPABILITIES, THANKS TO AUSTRALIA

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has accomplished a number of milestone achievements today- the upscaling of its Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit at Hells Point, the enhancement of the Police Operation Center and Maritime Division Gifting Ceremony.

The achievements were witnessed first- hand by Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP who paid visits to three different locations including the Hells Point at Alligator Creek, the Maritime Aola Base and the Police Operation Center at Rove.

At the Hells Point, Prime Minister Sogavare witnessed bomb experts showcasing their new set of equipment, current capacity and UXO demonstration. A number of the capabilities are world class.

From the Hells Point, the Prime Minister was whisked to Aola base to witness the Maritime Division gifting ceremony of new police maritime uniforms and pay tribute to the Australian government’s assistance under the Australia Defense Cooperation Partnership to rearm the patrol boats.

Delivering his guest of honor speech, PM Sogavare said there is an unprecedented security environment where threats are challenging for small island states and Solomon Islands is no exception.

“Therefore, it is critically important that our police are well equipped and fully resourced with the right capabilities and capacities. It was against this backdrop, that the Solomon Islands Government requested support from the Australian Government to arm the new Guardian-Class patrol boats,” Sogavare stated.

At the Rove Police Operation Center (POC), PM Sogavare witnessed demonstrations of new displays and capabilities, live drone feed, communication system and demonstration of 360 degrees imagery and video of Honiara and Pacific Games sites on TV display.

PM commended the RSIPF and partners for enhancing the capability of the Police Operation Center to monitor and provide real- time surveillance on the games venues and villages during the games.’

The Prime Minister hailed the people and government of Australia for developing the capabilities of the police force in the areas of maritime, police operation centre and the EOD.

PM Sogavare spoke highly of the gifted patrol boats adding that the government and people of Solomon Islands received them with sincere appreciation.

The Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton said, today’s handovers cemented the depth of Australia’s partnership with Solomon Islands, including as Solomon Islands’ primary security partner.

H.E Hilton added, Australia takes very seriously Solomon Islands’ request to provide security for the Pacific Games.

“Australia is committed to providing these capabilities ahead of the Pacific Games and we have delivered as promised. With these capabilities the RSIPF is ready for the Games,” H.E Hilton added.

“These capabilities are world class and requested directly from Solomon Islands’ leadership to ensure they meet the needs of Solomon Islands beyond the Pacific Games and National General Election.”

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