The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is working in partnership with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in the lead up to the 2023 Pacific Games, which were officially launched in Honiara last week Friday.
The AFP, through the RSIPF and AFP Policing Partnership Programme (RAPPP) and Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) is assisting with operational readiness and security planning in the lead up to the Pacific Games being held from 19 November to 2 December 2023.
It is the first time in more than 40 years Solomon Islands will host the games, with 5,000 participants from 24 Oceania countries and territories to compete in 24 sports.
Members of SIAF and the RSIPF are working together through a joint planning team to ensure preparedness for the delivery of a ‘safe and green games’ as mandated by the Solomon Islands Government.
AFP Commander Solomon Islands Heath Davies said throughout the games, the AFP would provide support to the RSIPF to assist with capability through the RAPPP as well as operational support through SIAF.
“The AFP has a long-standing and well-stablished partnership with the RSIPF and we look forward to continuing this in the planning, testing and operation for the Pacific Games,” Commander Davies said.
“The AFP continues to support capacity building within the RSIPF and is ready to provide specialist capabilities and support throughout the operation, in partnership with the RSIPF.”
The official launch of the Pacific Games included a parade in Honiara which featured various floats making their way towards the Lawson Tama Football Stadium. SIAF and RAPPP members marched alongside their RSIPF partners.
AFP and Australian Defence Force (ADF) members also supported the RSIPF during a clean up of the Rove Police Headquarters and surrounding areas over the weekend.
The major clean up campaign was part of the official launch of the Pacific Games, with ministries and other organisations across Honiara taking part.
The joint planning team has identified various activities and events throughout the year to prepare for the Pacific Games, including Members from the RSIPF and SIAF traveling to Canberra in March for an observer programme, where they will focus on the planning and operational running of major events in a real time environment.
SOURCE: AFP/PACNEWS
