Solomon Islanders, members of the local police, Solomon Islands Alliance Force (SIAF) government representatives, diplomatic corps attended a combined church service to commemorate RAMSI’s 20th anniversary, a celebration of partnership and respect.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare joined guests in the afternoon program commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, also known as ‘Operation Helpim Fren.’
RAMSI, which operated from 2003 to 2017, represented a partnership between the Government and people of Solomon Islands and 15 contributing countries from the Pacific region. The mission’s primary goals were to restore law and order, rebuild government and economic institutions, and create a safe and secure business environment during the country’s ethnic conflict.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Prime Minister Sogavare took part in a combined church service at St. Barnabas Cathedral in Honiara.
The theme of the celebration was ‘Seek Peace and Pursue it.’ RAMSI’s 20th anniversary was a celebration of partnership and respect.
The National Government utilized this occasion to express its deep appreciation and gratitude to RAMSI’s ‘Operation Helpim Fren’ for living up to its name. During the country’s darkest days, the wisdom and guidance of its leaders led to the invitation of RAMSI’s assistance in restoring peace and law and order.
Minister of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, Hon. Anthony Veke, delivered a statement on behalf of the government during the commemoration program. He acknowledged the hard work of the Pacific family who served under RAMSI, some of whom even lost their lives in the line of duty. He extended heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all RAMSI contributing countries, governments, and people.
Minister Veke emphasized that the Pacific Regional spirit would continue to be upheld, and Solomon Islands would remain an integral part of the regional family.
In the lead-up to the 20th anniversary, from 4th July to 21st July, the Australian High Commission collaborated with the Solomon Islands National Museum to organize visits for schools from across Honiara to the RAMSI exhibition: “Rebuilding a Nation in Partnership: Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) 2003 – 2017.”
The school children learned about the mission’s legacy and how RAMSI’s intervention, at the request of Solomon Islands, marked a turning point for the region. This collective effort helped restore stability, end the Tensions, and address shared challenges.
As today’s school-age students were born after the Tensions ended and have little or no knowledge of RAMSI, these visits to the National Museum provided a valuable opportunity for a new generation of Solomon Islanders to learn about an essential part of their own history and the strong ties between Solomon Islands, Australia, and the Pacific.
The children had many questions about RAMSI, which played a crucial role in establishing more secure and prosperous conditions for their generation. Additionally, the visits allowed students to explore Solomon Islands’ rich history and culture showcased in the Museum’s main gallery.
Source: OPMC Press Secretariat and AHC
