Central Malaita Student Association Blog Site: OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR RAMSI

(Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat)

22 June 2007

The Pacific Islands Forum Task Force set up to review the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has completed its second phase of consultations and has expressed satisfaction at the high standard of submissions received during the process.

The review was mandated by Forum Leaders following a submission by the Solomon Islands Government at their meeting in Nadi, Fiji, last October.

“We have been greatly impressed by the quality of submissions from all stakeholders during both phases of the consultations. This clearly reflects the importance they attach to the current work and future directions of RAMSI,” Messrs Kaliopate Tavola (pictured on the right) and Neil Walter, co-leaders of the Task Force said.

“Both national and provincial governments, RAMSI, non-government organizations, civil society, churches, the business sector, professional associations, traditional leaders, community, women’s and youth representatives and others we met have given a lot of thought to their submissions on a road map for RAMSI,” Messrs Tavola and Walter said.

The Task Force is also encouraged by the commitment shown by the Solomon Islands Government, RAMSI and the member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum to ensure the Mission delivers on its mandate stipulated under the Facilitation of International Assistance Act of 2003.

“We encountered a high level of appreciation for the important work done by RAMSI, in conjunction with the Solomon Islands Government, since the difficult times of a few years ago. The recent improvements in cooperation under this partnership will mean the more effective delivery of assistance to improve the lives of Solomon Islanders, especially those in the rural areas,” the Task Force said.

“Without prejudicing our report, it is no secret that there is overwhelming support for RAMSI to remain in Solomon Islands as it still has important work to do in the country. We will be considering a number of suggestions put to us as to how RAMSI and the Solomon Islands Government can further enhance their effectiveness as partners working together in such areas as law and order, justice, the economy and capacity building.”

Messrs Tavola and Walter said: “We are encouraged by the goodwill shown recently through such actions as appointing a Solomon Islands Government Special Envoy to RAMSI, the demarcation between the development component of RAMSI and AusAID-funded projects and the appointment of the Pacific Island Forum’s Representative to Solomon Islands.”

The Task Force has expressed its thanks to the Solomon Islands Government and RAMSI for their willing support during the two-phased consultation process.

The Forum RAMSI Review Task Force will now compile its report for submission to Forum Foreign Affairs Ministers, through the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum.

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