By Loretta B Manele

Solomon Islands is in the driver’s seat in terms of what priorities they want to see pursued first and quickest and in the most significant way.

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles voiced the above when speaking to media on Saturday, January 18.

He was referring to Australia’s $190 million dollar funding that will go towards increasing the capacity of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

When asked what areas the funding will accommodate, Marles said the heart of the MOU of this agreement with Solomon Islands is on the partnership to grow the Solomon Islands police force through the establishment of a training centre in Honiara.

He highlighted that the importance of quality and high-class training for police is essential in terms of enabling them to do their job.

Moreover, Marles pointed out that in terms of specific priorities from the discussions on how the Solomon Islands police force will grow, this is something they see that should rightly be led by the Solomon Islands government.

“That is what will happen with the MOU that we will be working with the Solomon Islands in concluding as quickly as possible.

They are in the driver’s seat in terms of what priorities they want to see pursued first and quickest and in the most significant way”

Marles stressed that training is a key part of it but at the end of the day, they are here to respond to the priorities that are set forth by the Solomon Islands government.

“It is their police force which we are helping to support here and we are very mindful of that”

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