RAMSI respects partnership with Solomon Is Govt

OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL COORDINATOR REGIONAL ASSISTANCE MISSION TO SOLOMON ISLANDS

RAMSI respects partnership with Solomon Islands Government

The Special Coordinator of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), Tim George, today said that RAMSI respects its partnership with the Solomon Islands Government and takes it seriously.

Mr George said that RAMSI actively pursues ways to improve its programs working closely with the Government and responding to feedback.

“We were invited here by the Solomon Islands Government, and we take the partnership seriously observing it both in spirit and action,” Mr George said.

Responding to recent media reports, Mr George said that under the Facilitation of International Assistance (FIA) Act, legislation passed unanimously by the Solomon Islands Parliament in 2003 to set up RAMSI, all RAMSI personnel are exempt from the requirement to obtain a visa.

“Consistent with the FIA Act, the Government has always been provided with up to date lists of RAMSI personnel. In fact, we report monthly to the Government about all of the advisers that come into the country,” he said.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Government to clarify its own new procedures to process RAMSI exemptions.

“We have a variety of consultation mechanisms with the Government and Public Service and we always welcome feedback,” he said.

The Solomon Islands Government is involved in many different ways in RAMSI program development and recruitment.

The Special Coordinator noted that Solomon Islanders direct the work of the 130 RAMSI civilian advisers to support the development of the nation. RAMSI staff and advisers are recruited on a merit selection basis and Solomon Islanders can apply.

The civilian advisers work with the Government to rebuild and strengthen the public service, improve management of the economy, build up the law and justice institutions such as the courts, and help fight corruption. The Participating Police Force is helping build up the Solomon Islands Police Force and the RAMSI Military contingent provides support to the PPF.

Mr George said that RAMSI is a partnership between the Government and the people of Solomon Islands and the 15 participating nations of the Pacific Islands Forum.

ENDS

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