19 Sep 2008

RAMSI frustrated over lack of capacity in local Solomons force

5:35 pm on 19 September 2008

The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands is disappointed over the apparent lack of positive change in some sections of the local Police Force.

This was revealed during RAMSI's presentations to the Solomon Islands second national premiers' conference that is underway in Temotu's provincial captial Lata.

The acting Police Commissioner, Peter Marshall, says RAMSI's efforts to upgrade the Solomon Islands Police Force had achieved 75 percent progress.

But he says some sections of the middle management team are having difficulties taking ownership and responsibility for the Force and cannot do their duties diligently as they are expected to do.

Mr. Marshall says if RAMSI were to pull out from the Solomon Islands tomorrow, the Solomon Islands Police Force will be faced with some hard work.

He says the situation will be made much more difficult if and when RAMSI's logistical supports are withdrawn.