A new Provincial Police Headquarters should be a "lighthouse for the people of Guadalcanal," the Solomon Islands Minister of Provincial Government said yesterday.
Speaking at the opening of the impressive new Henderson headquarters, Hon Silas Tausinga said the presence of such a facility in the economic hub of the province should build the confidence of the community and investors alike."This new facility will be a lighthouse for the people of Guadalcanal for a secure and safe environment," Mr Tausinga said.
Guadalcanal Province has been without a police headquarters for more than 11 years after the previous facility was destroyed during the tension.
RAMSI Special Coordinator, Nicholas Coppel said that the new headquarters were physical proof of the improved security environment in Solomon Islands.
"This new facility is designed to make a statement about law and order in the Solomon Islands. It will present to local and international travelers the physical proof of the growth and development of the RSIPF in recent years", Mr Coppel said.
In addition to the provincial HQ, the RSIPF airport police will also be stationed in the new facility.
The Premier of Guadalcanal, Anthony Veke thanked RAMSI and the Australian Government for their support.
"This new Police headquarter will empower our community and their access to its services. Thank you RAMSI for realising this need", Mr Veke said.
The new facilities are part of RAMSI's ongoing support to help improve and modernize the working environment of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) throughout the country.