RAMSI Reassures Weathercoast Community

OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL COORDINATOR

REGIONAL ASSISTANCE MISSION TO SOLOMON ISLANDS

MEDIA RELEASE 12 September 2008

RAMSI Reassures Weathercoast Community

Today the Deputy Premier of Guadalcanal and a senior Solomon Islands Police Force officer joined a delegation of RAMSI officials to reassure people on the Weathercoast that they are here to work with the community for a peaceful Solomon Islands.

Deputy Premier of Guadalcanal, Bradley Tovosia, was joined by Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Edmund Sikua, RAMSI Assistant Special Coordinator Mataiasi Lomaloma, Commander of RAMSI’s Participating Police Force (PPF) Denis McDermott, PPF Adviser Bill McGeachie, and Commander of RAMSI Military Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Weir.

The delegation met with the community at Barnabuluka Village on the Weathercoast Guadalcanal and explained the need and importance of working together to maintain peace and law and order. They also talked about the reasons for apprehending people who hide known criminals.

RAMSI Assistant Special Coordinator Mataiasi Lomaloma said the aim was to build the confidence of the local community about what was happening.

“The meeting was a chance for the community to hear from the highest levels what has been happening, why it needs to happen and to ask for the community’s support to maintain law and order,” Mr Lomaloma said.

“We want to reassure people that we are here to support and protect everyone and we can do that by working with the community to achieve everyone’s goal of a peaceful Solomon Islands.”

Commander of RAMSI’s Participating Police Force, Denis McDermott, emphasised that community consultation is essential, particularly when negotiating to have known offenders hand themselves in.

“RAMSI came to the Solomon Islands to help restore law and order. This would not have been possible without the cooperation of the community.

“Police and the community still need to work together so the people wanted for very serious crimes can be apprehended and face justice.”

Police will continue to work closely with the Provincial Government and the community.

ends

© Scoop Media