RAMSI says vinaka vakalevu

MEDIA RELEASE Friday 10 October 2008

RAMSI says vinaka vakalevu – thank you very much to Fiji on their Independence Day

Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands Special Coordinator, Tim George, has congratulated Fiji on the occasion of their 38th anniversary.

Mr George said Fiji has been a major participant in RAMSI since its inception in 2003.

“Fiji has provided support to RAMSI leadership through the position of Assistant Special Coordinator, and by providing police and civilian advisers to help develop the skills and confidence of their Solomon Island government counterparts,” Mr George said.

Mr George said the mission and its regional partners appreciated Fiji’s efforts in support of RAMSI’s goal of building a safe, well-governed and prosperous nation.

“On behalf of all members of the mission, we wish Fiji well on their Independence Day celebrations,” he said.

Keva Robarobalevu is part of a team of RAMSI audit advisors helping to build the skills and knowledge of auditors in Office of the Auditor General.

“Our aim is that when we leave, our Solomon Island counterparts will be able to continue to uphold transparency and accountability of public funds,” Ms Robarobalevu said.

She said it was personally satisfying to see the commitment, determination and confidence of the auditors that she is working with grow each day.

“What will be even more satisfying is to look back at the end of my time in Solomon Islands and say, ‘yes, I contributed to the building of the Solomon Islands Office of the Auditor-General which is now running effectively and at a level comparable with its neighbouring Pacific Island audit institutions.

Also serving with RAMSI is Ms Unaisi Vuniwaqa, head of the seventh Fiji police contingent.

She said it was an honour to come to Solomon Islands to serve with the mission and that it had certainly enriched her policing experience.

“To lead the seventh Fiji police contingent is indeed an honor which I do not take lightly,” Ms Vuniwaqa said.

Ms Vuniwaqa said it is a challenge to work in an environment different from her home.

“To work closely with fellow officers from the other contributing countries along with the Solomon Islands Police Force is an experience of it’s own that makes it all the more interesting,” Ms Vuniwaqa said.

“Culture plays a major role in how things are done in any police force particularly in the Pacific Islands and Solomon Islands is no different.”

Ms Vuniwaqa is also the Welfare Officer for all Pacific Island Contingent members.

“There are some differences in our cultures yet there are also similarities that are common in almost all Pacific Cultures including Fiji and Solomon Islands,” Ms Vuniwaqa said.

The 7th Police Contingent from Fiji consists of eight members; six males and two females. On average they have more than 20 years of experience in policing.

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