A CLAIM for compensation payment by members of the National Reconnaissance and Surveillance Force (NRSF) has resurfaced after more than 30 years of false promises by successive OUR Party-led governments.
The NRSF Veteran Association re-lodged the claim last week on behalf of its 446 members who served on the Solomon Islands-Papua New Guinea Sea border during the Bougainville crisis which began in 1989.
Association Chairman Joseph Dykes Daiwo has written to the Minister of Police and National Security, inviting the Minister to a roundtable discussion, adding his members are willing to negotiate the compensation claim of $200, 000 each or a total of $89,200,000.
The initial claim was for $300, 000 per officer or a total of $133.8 million.
In his letter, Mr Daiwo acknowledged the $100, 000 per member payment which Mr. Daiwo described as a “token of appreciation” after the troops returned from the Bougainville operation.
“It should not be confused with the compensation payment which the Association is seeking on behalf of its members,” he once said.
“The NRSF … held its meeting on 20th January 2025 and agreed in principle that the NSRF Veterans Association Chairman write to the government to re-engage the government for a roundtable negotiation on the matter.
“Sir, our recent submission was based on clinical scenes whereby the Commissioner of Police failed to address the following important points:
- Compensation for Negligence of Duty and Care;
- Failing to provide physical and psychological health services; and
- Failing to compensate 10 years’ holiday payment during the 10-year operation
“There are lots of genuine reasons in our report dated 13 October 2023, circulated to all responsible ministries concerned.
“It is a sad scenario that the government of Solomon Islands has deliberately failed to address and find amicable solution to put this matter to rest once and for all. Perhaps we do not believe in the process of court system to find alternative lasting peace but we believe on mutual discussions with responsible authority to finding lasting solution in this matter.
“I must once again bring to the attention of the government of the day, that this issue is sensitive and should not be treated in any way the government sees fit to put a halt in facilitating the payment,” the letter dated 24 January 2025, said.
Solomon Star has obtained a copy of the two-page letter, signed by Mr Daiwo.
“The NSRF Association committee members are ready to negotiate with the government to reduce the total amount to an affordable amount ($200,000 per person from the original amount of $300, 000.00.)
“We have a total of 446 police officers who were deployed during the Bougainville crisis along the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea Border, from 1989 to 2000.
“During those 10 years, we have proved to the Solomon Islands Government our confidence, capability, loyalty and high discipline that the communities along the border, Choiseul and Shortlands proved to be safe and secure during the crisis,” Mr. Daiwo said in the letter.
“It is also evident to the people and government of Solomon Islands that our commitment and sacrifice will forever (be) remembered by generations after generations.
“Sir, with sincerity, humble and kind heart, invite you to a roundtable discussion on this border issue and to find lasting solution which will reveal lasting peace in our Hapi Isles.”
Mr Daiwo said a good number of “our officers have passed away, (but) this issue will always trigger our memories of those of us who still remain until the government reached an everlasting solution that will conclude the old chapter.
“We are looking forward to a peaceful negotiation and finding lasting solution with the government on this issue once and for all,” he said.
The two-page letter was also copied to the Minister of Finance and Treasury, Attorney General, Special Secretary to the Prime Minister, Commissioner of Police, Chairman of Police and Prison Service Commission, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police and National Security, Secretary to Prime Minister (SPM) and the Commissioner of Prison Service.
By Alfred Sasako
