AUSTRALIA will be funding the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Training Centre to be established in Honiara at the price tag of SBD190Million.
Australia’s policing support to Solomon Islands follows the request made by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele in 2024 during his discussions with his Australian counterpart Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for assistance from Canberra towards his Government for National Unity and Transformation’s policy intention for the expansion of the RSIPF.
This is to enable the RSIPF to effectively deliver policing and national security services.
The Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles during his stop-over visit to Honiara last Saturday spoke more on the agenda with Prime Minister Manele,
DPM Marles said policing and the maintenance of domestic security has been a key focus of this agenda and it is why Canberra is pleased to partner with Honiara.
“$190 Million is a significant contribution over the next four years and it really is going to deliver a transformational police force for Solomon Islands and I think, you know, when you think about the history of this country, that is going to be hugely empowering for the nation in terms of providing for peace and security here, which are ultimately the platform and the bedrock of building prosperity for human development. So, we understand why this is a priority for the Solomon Islands Government,” he said.
He said the next step in relation to this process is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two governments. This MOU will see the detailed implementation of the agreement.
DPM Marles said Australia wants to see Solomon Islands have an independent police force that is also well-trained and capable of delivering its mandates.
“And so we will be here for the duration, for as long as it takes. But this is a $190 Million commitment [will be delivered] over the next four years. It is a very significant contribution.
“And we want to see this happen at a pace. And that amount of funding over that period of time speaks of the pace at which we will see RSIPF improve its capability and start to grow.”
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
