The rest of the RSIPF officers deployed to Darfur, in Sudan as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission touched down in Honiara today (22 September) to a welcome by members of the RSIPF Executive and representatives of the rank and file as well as members of the officers families.
The three officers, Sergeant Lionel Kapisa, Sergeant Jamie Hagaria and Inspector Kerry Siriheti were part of a five-member contingent, the first ever from RSIPF, on any UN Peacekeeping Mission. Two members of the group returned to Honiara a few weeks ago after a one year deployment.
“I want on behalf of the Commissioner as well as all police officers throughout Solomon Islands to welcome back the rest of our officers who have just returned from this historical deployment under the United Nations flag,” says Supervising Commissioner, Juanita Matanga.
“Our five officers have created history for our country and we are very proud of their achievements during their deployment. We look forward to officially welcoming back the five officers at a special parade to be organised soon,” says Matanga.
“There were lots of challenges during the mission but we thank God for looking after us and bringing us back safely to Solomon Islands. I believe we have done our best during our tour of duty and I hope the RSIPF and the country as a whole will be proud of our achievement. The onus is now on the next contingent to maintain or even improve on what the first group had achieved,” says Sergeant Lionel Kapisa.
The next RSIPF contingent consisting of eight RSIPF officers to the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur is now ready for the final arrangements from the UN before deployment.