Office Of The Special Coordinator
Regional Assistance Mission To Solomon Islands
Media Release
Sunday 21 September 2008
RAMSI Values Talks With Premiers
RAMSI Special Coordinator Tim George said the chance to meet with Premiers and the Mayor of Honiara at the Premiers
conference in Lata was a valuable one.
Mr George was joined by senior officials from the development, police and military areas of the mission. The Acting
Police Commissioner and Acting Deputy Police Commissioner of the Solomon Islands Police Force also joined discussions on
the progress of rebuilding the police force.
Mr George said the talks were very constructive and useful.
“Spending time with all the Premiers is an important way for RAMSI to update provincial leaders on the progress of the
Solomon Islands-RAMSI partnership and to hear their views on the work that we do,” Mr George said.
“As RAMSI evolves to meet the aims of our mandate and the needs of the government, it is important that Premiers also be
involved in these discussions.”
Mr George and his team briefed Premiers on the Partnership Framework, support to the provinces, capacity building and
progress within the police force.
“The Partnership Framework that is currently being discussed by the government and RAMSI is a plan with agreed
activities and targets. These will be used to measure the progress of RAMSI and the government as we work together
towards completing the tasks set out in RAMSI’s the mandate in the areas of law and justice, machinery of government and
economic reform and growth,” Mr George said.
In response to questions from the Premiers about assistance to the provinces, officials outlined RAMSI programs that aim
to give them financial planning and management skills and deliver effective government services.
“RAMSI is joining hands with government and traditional donors to strengthen financial management, budgeting and
planning of development activities in the provinces,” said Mr George.
He said the overall outlook for external donor assistance to Solomon Islands was good as the nation continued to benefit
from an environment of peace and stability and better trained public servants, and strong and positive interest from the
donor community.
Mr George also proposed more regular provincial visits by RAMSI and, where appropriate, national government
representatives to meet with each Premier and their executive.
“While I have enjoyed travelling to each and every province to meet provincial governments, there is always room for
more dialogue and consultation,” Mr George said.
Mr George also extended an invitation to Premiers and their executive to meet with RAMSI officials from all areas of the
mission when they are visiting Honiara.
“RAMSI is a partnership with the government and people of Solomon Islands, and that includes provincial governments and
Honiara Town Council,” Mr George said.
ENDS