RSIPF farewells ADF’s Defence Advisor

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has bid farewell to the Australian Defence Force (ADF)’s advisor, Colonel Justin Bywater, on 9th January 2025.

Senior members of the RSIPF executive and the RSIPF & AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) gathered at a brief ceremony at the Rove police headquarters to farewell Colonel Bywater.

Colonel Bywater was deployed into the country in 2021 and has since then worked alongside the RSIPF under the ADF’s Defence Cooperation Program (DCP).

He works closely with the RSIPF’s Explosion Ordinances Department (EOD) and Maritime, achieving significant milestones.

In his four years in the Solomon Islands, Colonel Bywater’s work covered various aspects in support of the RSIPF. They include support toward activities of the exercise coast watchers, supporting the commencement of WBO and EBO works, support toward work to complete the RSIPF’s Aola wharf upgrades, support to upgrade provincial boat facilities, replacement of the RSIPF small boats fleet, and jointly designing a new medium boat fleet for the RSIPF, which will commence delivery this year.

During the farewell ceremony, RSIPF commissioner Mostyn Mangau dwells on a lot of the achievements the RSIPF and Colonel Bywater achieved together.

Commissioner Mangau expressed gratitude for the incredible contributions made by Colonel Bywater, particularly his support during significant national events such as the Pacific Games in 2023 and the National General Elections in mid-2024.

AFP RAPPP Commander Heath Davis noted that Colonel Bywater has had huge impacts on the RSIPF & AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) and the RSIPF, and this is something Colonel Bywater should be proud of as he leaves.

Commander Heath congratulated and thanked Colonel Bywater for all the support he provided while he was in the country, especially during recent national events.