RSIPF thank New Zealand Defence Force for NGE assistance

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has officially thanked the New Zealand Defence Force in a ceremony today (11 April 2019) at the Rove Police Headquarters for their assistance during the National General Election (NGE).

The New Zealand Defence Force was part of the Combined Task Group which included the Australian Defence Force which assisted the RSIPF and the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission with contingency logistics support

RSIPF Commissioner, Matthew Varley says, “I wish to thank the New Zealand Defence Force Commander and personnel for providing transport to enable our officers to travel to various locations across the country during the lead up to polling, counting and announcement of the results of the NGE.”

He adds: “New Zealand assisted RSIPF with its helicopters to enable our officers to respond very quickly to incidents happening around the country during the NGE. Without that type of logistics support our officers will have to travel in boats or walk to access the areas of incidents reported in remote areas where roads are not available.”

“In recognition of that help, I present the New Zealand Defence Force an International Law Enforcement Co-operation Citation in the a form of a certificate, with an RSIPF plague which is an award under RSIPF Commissioner’s Award,” says Commissioner Varley.

The Commander of the New Zealand Defence Force team also presented a plague to the RSIPF Commissioner as a gesture to the friendship of the RSIPF and NZDF.