Malaita And Ramsi Enjoy Good Talks

Malaita And Ramsi Enjoy Good Talks

RAMSI Special Coordinator Tim George said yesterday he was very pleased to visit Malaita to meet with the new Premier Mr Richard Irosaea Na’amo, church leaders and the community.

“It is vital that we spend time in all the provinces, including Malaita, to listen to the views of people and their leaders. This is the best way to continue our close working relationship with Solomon Islanders living in rural areas”, Mr George.

Mr George thanked the Premier for the opportunity to meet to discuss issues important to Malaita and provide a briefing about RAMSI’s work.

“RAMSI is in a different phase to when it was first invited into the country to help restore law and order”, Mr George said.

“We are now working very closely with the Solomon Islands Government in the area of economic reform, machinery of government, and law and justice to help Solomon Islands remain safe, prosperous and well-governed.

“Another important aspect of RAMSI is that it is a regional partnership, now including all 15 countries of the Pacific and the Solomon Islands”, he said.

Premier Na’amo thanked RAMSI for its support of a number of projects in Malaita and looked forward to staying in touch with the Special Coordinator, Tim George.

“”RAMSI’s relationship with the Malaita Province and its people has been constructive and worthwhile”, the Premier said.

“We believe there are many good projects coming up and look forward to working with RAMSI in the future”.

The RAMSI delegation included the Assistant Special Coordinator, Mataiasi Lomaloma of Fiji, the PPF Commander, Will Jamieson, RAMSI military commander, Lieutenant Colonel Rowan Martin, and a representative of the mission’s Development Coordinator, Ms Christine Fowler.

Mr George said he felt energised by the day, in particular talking with people at a public meeting in the Auki market.

“It is clear that people have a strong interest in the progress and development of Malaita and their country. This is good news for the future of Solomon Islands.”

“Issues like roads, markets, guns, rearming of the police and the involvement of women in development are all important things to talk about openly”.

“I appreciate people and community leaders attending these meetings and expressing their views. It also hearing direct from RAMSI personnel working as civilian advisors, with the Participating Police Force or as a soldier in the military”, Mr George said.

Mr George said he is looking forward to travelling to every province over the next few months to meet provincial governments.

“This is a valuable opportunity and a priority for RAMSI if we are to remain an effective partner in the Solomon Islands to help it become safe, well-governed and secure”, Mr George said.

ENDS

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