LCpl Rod Paterson gets a hand from local kids as they help clean up Honiara. Photo by WO2 Gary Ramage, 1JPAU(P)

Helping in Honiara

From Capt Sarah Hawke in the Solomons Islands
THOUSANDS of residents turned out recently for the Clean Up Honiara Day that was made a huge success through the support of soldiers serving with RAMSI.

The day was organised by the Honiara City Council through their Honiara Beautification Committee with strong support provided by RAMSI.

Despite the busy tempo of the military involvement in RAMSI operations to help restore law and order in Solomon Islands, more than 150 soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea volunteered their time to assist the local people clean up their capital city.

The soldiers supported the teams of locals working at various sections of the clean up area, which ran along the main road through the city.

Military trucks collected hundreds of bags of rubbish that was taken to the Honiara dump.

Military coordinator for the Clean Up Honiara Day Lt Samantha Holliss said it was great to see so many local people turning out for the day.

"We were pleased to be able to support the Honiara Beautification Committee and help make a difference in Honiara," she said.

Chairperson of the Honiara Beautification Committee Keithie Saunders said they have had clean up campaigns previously.

"What made this one so special was not only the enthusiasm of the RAMSI personnel working alongside Solomon Islanders, but the RAMSI logistic support in providing rubbish bags and the transport provided to get the filled bags to the tip".

Royal Solomon Islands Police officer, SSgt Henry Kahui was working alongside RAMSI military personnel outside the RSIP Headquarters at Rove said most of the police had come in to help.

"It was really good to help clean up the environment and we hope this can happen again in the future," he said.

In thanking the soldiers for their efforts, the Commander of the RAMSI Military Contingent, Lt-Col John Frewen said he was impressed by what he had seen that day.

"I witnessed military members working hard in partnership with the people of Solomon Islands at all the clean up sites," he said.

"The results were dramatic and was yet another sign of the enthusiasm of personnel serving in Solomon Islands to help make a difference."

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