AUCKLAND: Almost a decade since the Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands was established, Solomon Islander Dolores Devesi is celebrating what RAMSI has done in her homeland.
Devesi and her family immigrated to New Zealand in 2008 and last night she attended the launch of the RAMSI: A History in Pictures exhibition.
She says her decision to leave the Solomon Islands had nothing to do with safety concerns.
In fact, she says the most significant benefit of RAMSI’s presence in the Solomon Islands is that it has helped locals feel safe again.
“They removed all the weapons on the street that people were so afraid of,” she says.
Before RAMSI entered the Solomon Islands, Devesi recounts that she and her family lived in constant fear after her parent’s home in Honiara was destroyed during the period of civil unrest.
Because of the danger, Devesi and her family had to relocate to another province.
Sense of security
She says RAMSI created a sense of security for the locals and because of it she felt safe enough to move her family back to their home in Honiara.
Devesi attributes RAMSI with allowing them to “feel safe again in our own home.”
RAMSI was formed in 2003 in response to the Solomon Island government’s call for assistance during a time of civil unrest and political upheaval.
Fifteen Pacific countries, including New Zealand and Australia, responded by sending teams of police and military personnel.
RAMSI has made a significant difference to the stability and development of the Solomon Islands through partnering with the local government and police.
By providing mentoring and training programs, RAMSI has been able to help restore law and order.
Devesi says the Solomon Islands police force became “divided in the conflict” and RAMSI played a vital role in “reviving” policing in the Solomon Islands.
‘Test of time’
Deputy Special Coordinator for RAMSI Wayne Higgins told the audience at the launch of the exhibition yesterday “the partnership between RAMSI and the Solomon Islands has stood the test of time”.
Higgins praised the New Zealand police and military members that had spent time with RAMSI.
“The hard work and commitment of police and military has been outstanding in making a difference in the lives of thousands of people in the Solomon Islands.”
After almost a decade of RAMSI involvement, Higgins said it was time for RAMSI to “step back” and allow Solomon Islanders to continue independently.
As RAMSI begins the transitional period of phasing out of the Solomon Islands Higgins and his team are working to ensure sustainable outcomes for the local people.
The RAMSI: A History in Pictures exhibition is on display in the Aotea Centre, Auckland, until March 29.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 New Zealand Licence.
Jessi Mee
