RSIPF benefits from ADF training for NGE

Various departments and units within the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) this week benefitted from training delivered by members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) on board HMAS Choules which was in Honiara on a three-day visit from 3 March 2019.

“ADF teams trained officers of the RSIPF in maritime firefighting, maritime damage control, land transport planning, first aid, radio communications, public relations, kitchen operations and hygiene as well as leadership,” says RSIPF Commissioner Matthew Varley.

Commissioner Varley explains: “This training forms part of the preparations by the RSIPF for the National General Election (NGE) on 3 April 2019. We are most grateful for this assistance before the RSIPF operation for the NGE starts on 18 March.”

He adds: “This comes ahead of the logistics assistance from the Australian and New Zealand Governments to the RSIPF and the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) for the NGE which is expected to be announced soon.”

“I want to make it clear that the assistance from the ADF and New Zealand is solely about logistics support to our RSIPF operations. The RSIPF will be fully responsible for the security operation during the National General Election,” Commissioner Varley emphasises.

He says: “RSIPF has been preparing for the NGE over the past year and I want to assure the government and people of this country, that your police are confident that we will deliver a safe and peaceful election.”

“The RSIPF is prepared and ready but we cannot do it alone. We need the support of everyone including the candidates, their political parties, supporters and the public at large to uphold the law for safe and peaceful elections. Whatever you do, observe the laws of this country,” says Commissioner Varley.

The RSIPF with assistance from the Correctional Services of Solomon Islands will be deploying more than 1,500 officers to provide security throughout the country to assist the SIEC carry out the Election.