Thursday 12 July 2007

The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) today congratulated Kiribati on the occasion of their Independence Day.

RAMSI Acting Special Coordinator, Jonathan Austin, said Kiribati had provided personnel to the Regional Assistance Mission from day one.

“Kiribati has always demonstrated a strong commitment to the Solomon Islands and RAMSI by contributing members of its police force, even though it has a small population and a small police force,” Dr Austin said.
 
Two Kiribati police officers from the seventh police contingent are currently in mission working to build the capacity of the Solomon Islands Police Force.

Kiribati Contingent Commander, Tabuia Kaiekieki, says being in the mission helps him understand police from other countries, and exchange information, experiences and skills.

“Whilst in mission, I have learned so many things. Some of those things I will adapt when I return to my workplace”, Mr Kaiekieki said.

Dr Austin said he wished i-Kiribati well on their National Day and thanked them on behalf of the other 14 countries of the Regional Assistance Mission for their valuable work in helping the Solomon Islands be a safe, well-governed and prosperous nation.”.
 
“As a regional mission, the experience of each and every Pacific nation helps the Solomon Islands stand up strong”, he said.

15 countries contribute to RAMSI: Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.