MINISTER of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Anthony Veke said a lot of improvement has occurred in the Correctional Services of Solomon Islands over the past years and it is appropriate that this positive change continues to be nurtured despite these trying times.
Mr Veke made this remark when opening the 16th CSSI Senior Managers Strategic Review Conference in Honiara recently.
He said the conference was expected to harness the strategic perceptions required to further improve the current status of CSSI.
“Over the years, a lot of improvement and changes has happened within CSSI as an institution and it is only fitting that this positive growth continue to be nurtured and advanced despite our trying times.
“This year’s theme is ‘Working towards a system that works better, costs less and more efficient.’ This is a challenging theme and one that will require your experience and knowledge to draw up a fitting response to.”
“In a society, it is always expected that we put in the effort and the cost but today, we are re-inventing the focus and expect more output whilst providing a targeted cost focus.
“This theme is one that is both strategic and analytically focused. It will mean imploring your leaders to consider management systems and future planning.
“These are not easy tasks to do as leaders, but I am deeply grateful to CSSI for seeing that strategic management will have to take place in order for the organisation to continue operating as an effective institution,” Minister Veke said.
Counsellor – Governance from the Australian High Commission, Andrew Elborn, reiterated that Australia has a long history and close friendship with CSSI because it believes that a strong and effective Corrections system is necessary for Solomon Islanders to feel safe and to know there is a well-functioning justice system.
He reminded the CSSI management that they have a responsibility to lead and reflect the organisations value and that the opportunity for them to gather and reflect on these values and provide encouragement to each other to continue to work diligently in your roles is important.
“CSSI performs a critical function within the country’s criminal justice system and Australia is proud to support CSSI, particularly because as an organisation you take your corporate and social responsibilities so seriously,” he added.
CSSI Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi thanked all external stakeholders for their commitment and ongoing support to CSSI, especially the Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS), Australian High Commission.
He also thanked all his commandants and directors for the leadership they continue to demonstrate through their commitment and the high regard they display towards to their duties.
