by Ronald Toito’ona
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has confirmed that the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) will take full command of security operations during the upcoming 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, scheduled for 8–12 September in Honiara.
He told Journalists, after witnessing a police capability demonstration at Rove last Friday, in a capability demonstration in preparation for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
The PM said, he was highly impressed with the RSIPF’s preparedness and is confident in their ability to lead.
“I was very impressed with what I saw and I’m confident that the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is preparing well for the meeting,” PM Manele said.
He acknowledged that some international partners have expressed interest in offering security support, but the government has been clear.
“While some partners have expressed interest in taking on frontline roles, we have made it clear that this is an opportunity for the RSIPF to demonstrate its capacity — the result of months of training both locally and abroad, including in Australia and China.
He added, this is not only important for the RSIPF, but also for Solomon Islands as a country.
“It’s something we should all be proud of, and I encourage the public to continue working closely with the police, especially through community policing.
“Our partners, including New Zealand and China, are also contributing through community engagement and liaison efforts as we prepare for the forum,” the Prime Minister sa
He explained that the police-to-population ratio remains a challenge, but ongoing recruitment and infrastructure support are helping to close that gap.
The Prime Minister noted that external partners will continue to play a supporting role through community policing initiatives, technical assistance, and logistical support.
He also thanked New Zealand and China for working closely with local communities to enhance security readiness.
“This is not only important for the RSIPF, but for our country. Hosting such a major event allows us to strengthen national systems, build public confidence, and improve sectors like law and order, tourism, and small business,” Manele added.
According to the PM, the 54th Pacific Islands Forum will mark only the third time Solomon Islands has hosted the event, with the last being in 1992.
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