Friday 29th September 2006  

As Tuvalu marks its Independence Day on Sunday 1 October, Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands Special Coordinator, James Batley, thanked Tuvalu for sending people to work with the mission.

“Tuvalu might have a small population but it has a big heart to help a regional friend,” Mr Batley said. 

“As the government and people of Tuvalu mark their national day, Independence Day, I want to thank them again for continuing to help Solomon Islanders rebuild their country after the tension years.”

Mr Batley noted that in May this year, the then Speaker of the Tuvalu House of Assembly, Hon Otinielu Tausi, visited Honiara to take part in the induction program for new Members of Parliament.  The program, which was supported by RAMSI, was designed to strengthen the National Parliament by encouraging better scrutiny and ethics.  The program has attracted interest throughout the Pacific.

Following the Tuvalu elections in August, the Tuvalu Parliament expressed interest in delivering a similar program there. 

Tuvalu was the eleventh country to join RAMSI when two police officers arrived in Solomon Islands in November 2004.  Currently one male police officer and one female officer from Tuvalu are serving with the Participating Police Force working alongside colleagues from around the region.  So far six Tuvaluans have worked with the mission.