Community spirit in the Solomon Islands
By Capt Al Green
Volume 11, No. 43, May 18, 2006

Becoming friends: Chap Steve Brooks with some cheery chums in the Solomon Islands. Photo by Capt Al Green

THE military profile on the Solomon Islands has been necessarily strong but not all aspects have involved a show of force.

Now the padre has stepped up to develop community relationships beyond the peacemaking/peacekeeping role that has driven the weight of effort in recent times.

The Cheery Chums initiative by 1RAR chaplain Capt Steve Brooks aims to put a human face on the deployment of troops. His role in the program is to coordinate soldier and police visits to schools.

"We want to demonstrate genuine friendship and get across the point that our presence is not about creating dependence but instead we're promoting mutually supportive relationships based on respect," he said.

The process also aims to show youngsters that they can play a constructive role in the Solomon Islands' future.

"We communicated that we're here to support the Solomon Islanders developing their own solutions and that they, as young citizens, have a real stake in that."

The first day of the activity was a hit, as young soldiers, airmen and police talked about their life experiences and role in the mission.

Participants were encouraged to speak of their own positive experiences of family life and their ability to resolve disagreements through communication devoid of violence.

In a gesture of thanks for the visit, the students sang hymns and folk songs.

Soccer balls and net balls were presented to the students and RAMSI personnel joined in an impromptu game of soccer with the sports-mad youngsters.

The Cheery Chums initiative marked the third week without violence since the arrival of 3 Bde soldiers on April 19.

Combat armour and helmets are now not visible in an effort to help promote a return to normalcy.