RSIPF mourn the passing away of one of its long serving officers

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is mourning the loss of one of its senior officers who died after a short illness at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara on 20 January 2019.

The late Chief Superintendent Vincent U’upwe was from Mwajoa Village, Ulawa Island, Makira Ulawa Province. He died after serving RSIPF for 33 years.

Police Commissioner Matthew Varley says, “Vincent was recruited way back on 1 July 1985 and after completing his training at the Police Training School he was posted to Kukum Police station as a probationary constable for two years and was confirmed as a Police Constable after that.”

He adds: “During his service in the RSIPF Vincent was posted to various departments within the Force. He started off at the Police Prosecutions Department as a Police Prosecutor and was quickly promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He was posted to the Central Police station in Honiara on General Duties where he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSgt). He was then posted to the Human Resources Department. He made his way up through the ranks of Inspector, Superintendent and in December 2016, he was promoted to Chief Superintendent.”

Commissioner Varley adds: “He also took up leadership roles from time to time within the executive as Supervising Assistant Commissioner in different portfolios including Operations, Provincial and, Crime and Intelligence.”

He was appointed the Director of the National Intelligence Department (NID) following his promotion in 2016. His positive contributions in leading the NID will always be treasured.

“This is a great loss for the RSIPF. Vincent was truly a man of integrity. He has dedicated his time to his duties and the RSIPF. He gave himself unselfishly to serve the RSIPF and the country as a whole. His unwavering commitment and hard work will surely be missed by the RSIPF,” says Commissioner Varley.

He adds: “On behalf of the RSIPF Ranks and Files I would like to convey our deepest condolences to the immediate family and extended family members of Vincent. We salute him for his services.”

A funeral service for the late Chief Superintendent will be held in Honiara tomorrow before his body will be transported back to his home village in Ulawa.