RAMSI Congratulates Fiji on their Independence Day

The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) today congratulated Fiji on the occasion of their Independence Day.

RAMSI Special Coordinator, Tim George, said Fiji has been a major participant in RAMSI since the mission was first formed in 2003.

"Fiji has continued to support RAMSI both in the leadership of the mission by providing a senior public servant to fill the position of Assistant Special Coordinator and by providing personnel in a number of important areas of the mission.

"Fiji continues to make a particularly strong contribution to RAMSI's Participating Police Force", Mr George said.

Mr George said everyone appreciated the efforts of Fiji in support of RAMSI's partnership with Solomon Islands and the mutual goal of building a safe, well-governed and prosperous nation.

"On behalf of all members of the mission, we wish Fiji well on their Independence Day celebrations," he said.

He said he would particularly like to congratulate Assistant Special Coordinator Mataiasi Lomaloma, as well as the seven Fijian police officers currently serving in the Participating Police Force (PPF) as well as the two civilians serving under RAMSI's Development programs.

"RAMSI has been able to access some highly skilled and experienced individuals from Fiji, as well as the region; their contribution is invaluable to the mission".

Mr George said the strong support RAMSI has received from the region and its peoples is what has made the mission so resilient.

"Without the contribution and commitment of the Pacific nations RAMSI would not be enjoying the level of success it has today, their participation in the mission is crucial," he said.

Fiji has provided police officers to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands since July 2003 and more recently have had civilians working under RAMSI's civilian programs.