The Malaita Provincial Premier, Peter Ramohia, the Malaita Provincial Executive and members of the Malaita Provincial Assembly have expressed support for the decision by the Solomon Islands Government for the staged limited rearmament of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF). A presentation on the project by representatives of the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Service; the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) was provided to the Provincial Assembly in Auki on 11 August 2015.In late 2013, the Government made the decision for the limited rearmament and asked the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) to work towards rearming certain units of the RSIPF. The units to be included are the Police Response Team (PRT), the Close Personal Protection Unit (CPP) and the police providing security at the Henderson international airport. Stage one of the project, which is currently underway, includes training, construction of necessary infrastructure, development of governance, selection and procurement of firearms, monitoring and evaluation and community consultations.Community consultations commenced in 2014 and have included National Government, Provincial Government, and community consultations, as well as consultations with women’s groups, youth groups and other forums.Prior to Stage 2, the issuing of weapons to the RSIPF, the final approval of the Government is required.The meeting between the Malaita Provincial Assembly and the team from Ministry of Police, RSIPF and RAMSI also discussed the drawdown of RAMSI leading to the possible eventual withdrawal of the Mission in June 2017. Following the presentation on the project to the Malaita Provincial Assembly, there was strong support expressed for the staged limited rearmament of the RSIPF.More information on the project is available in the attached brochure.