 |
|
Australian
troops march with Fijian troops Combined Forces Task group
parade on the one-year anniversary of RAMSI.
|
 |
|
Minister
of Defence Senator Robert Hill and Minister Defence – New
Zealand Mark Burton are shown around Guadalcanal Beach Resort,
home RAMSI troops by Capt Smith.
|
|
Photos
by Cpl Belinda Mepham, 1JPAU
|
Op
Anode milestone
A
year after RAMSI’s arrival in the Solomon Islands
From Lt Chantal Llora in the Solomon Islands
THE arrival of RAMSI one year ago has made the country a markedly
different place.
The Solomon Islands was suffering from civil unrest and the ruthless
militias alongside corrupt police force were the ruling power,
this all changed on the July 24, 2003 when a military contingent
arrived in support of the Participating Police Force (PPF).
The military contingent has made a significant contribution to
the process of restoring security and law and order, something
that was lacking in the landscaped beauty of the Solomon Islands.
The military has provided security to the PPF to help in the restoration
of law and order and to provide economic and fiscal support.
The three-phased mission which began with a gun amnesty produced
amazing results with over 3700 weapons handed in by locals eager
for the change. One year and a lot of hard work later, the criminals
are behind bars, the Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIP) has been
eradicated of corruption, peace is restored and the locals couldn’t
be happier.
Sammy, a local who works as a groundskeeper at the Australian
High Commission is happy at the work RAMSI has done and the work
opportunities they have helped to create, I work everyday now
and before last year I could do nothing.
We like you being here,” Sammy said.
As part of the RAMSI Anniversary celebrations, events for the
community as well as RAMSI personnel have been organized.
A concert was held for RAMSI personnel, a parade was run through
the main street of Honiara and various sporting events over the
week proved not only a good morale booster for the troops but
also provided an opportunity for the locals to show their appreciation
for what RAMSI has done for their country.
Over the next few weeks the military will begin its drawdown but
are eager to point out that they are not leaving until the work
is done, and this is emphasized by the attitude of the new rotation
coming into base.
Pte Ashley Rowan a member from 2RAR who arrived in the Solomons
a couple of weeks ago said “its pretty exciting being here at
this point of the game, there is still a lot of work to do and
a long way to go, but you’re really able to see the progress and
the impact we have had on the community and will continue to have.”
The days in the Solomons rotate from a hot and humid 40 degress
to a rainy 35 and living in tents with limited showering water
would be enough to bring any good soldier’s morale down, but not
these.
All you have to do is take a short stroll down the main street
in Honiara and see the smiling faces and children waving at you
before you realize how worthwhile your job is and what a large
impact you have had on so many people.
