Role of Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands - Research Paper Example

Introduction RAMSI is an intervention force that is Australian led. Its main role is providing necessary assistance to Solomon Islands in relation to restoring law and order therein. RAMSI has really made commendable difference to general security and stability of Solomon Islands. This has been happening over the past few years. Research shows that the Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands started to operate there in the year 2003. This was after it was requested by the Solomon’s Islands government to restore law and order therein. 1 There are very many nations that supported RAMSI in this venture. They include Commonwealth, United Nations and Pacific Island Forum. There are many police officers from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji that served with RAMSI in restoring peace in Solomon Islands. New Zealand contributed a lot to the operations in this island. This included detachment of support staff, crews, engineering and four Iroquois helicopters. It also contributed a platoon from 1st Battalion in the mission during the year 2003. From the year 2003 military numbers of contributors reduced to six hundred and fifty. The platoon contributions mentioned above are provided during deployments of three months. For three months, patrols were carried out in Guadalcanal and Honiara. These patrols were planned and also controlled by military headquarters of RAMSI which has a base in Honiara. RAMSI’s police component is in charge of the overall control of security in this island. The military component played a big role in providing the necessary support. During the year 2003 New Zealand had major contributions to RAMSI. Research shows that more than thirty five New Zealand police officers and 200 New Zealand Defense Force personnel gave their services in this island. In general more than seven hundred New Zealand Defense Force personnel have given their services in RAMSI. Analysis shows that more than two hundred New Zealand police officers have served therein too. 2 On the twenty fourth July the year 2003, RAMSI deployed its help to Solomon Islands after their request. This was to help the Solomon Islands government to reduce corruption, strengthen government institutions, and reinvigorate the economy and to restore law and order. This organization consists of partnership between people of Solomon Islands, the contributing countries of the Pacific region and the Government. RAMSI is a real regional response to challenges that are regionally disposed. All the fifteen countries of the Pacific islands contributed qualified personnel to RAMSI. They include Tonga, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu, New Zealand, Kiribati, Fiji, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia and Palau among others. Research shows that personnel in RAMSI are working in each province in Solomon Islands. It currently has around three hundred police officers that can be termed as participating police force plus contingent of military personnel and one hundred and fifty civilians. There is the office of the special coordinator that is responsible for the all round coordination of all the work within RAMSI. This is implemented in liaison with parts of Solomon Islands society and Solomon Islands Government. Background During the late 1990s there were some ethnic tensions between people in the island of Malaita with those in the island of Guadalcanal where the capital Honiara is placed. These ethnic tensions resulted in violence and later on a coup in the year 2000. There was a peace agreement that was sponsored by Australia that carried out brokering in the year 2000. This played a big role in ending obvious manifestations of ethnic conflict that existed between these two groups of people. 3 Despite these interventions, there are many problems that persisted. For instance there was rampant criminal lawlessness that had very negative impacts on Solomon Islands. There were some ex-militants retained accesses to illegal firearms which were used for many unscrupulous deals. Such deals included extorting money from the government and to intimidate citizens. There was collusion between corrupt police and ex-militants which really hindered the government from tackling this problem. The entire environment in Solomon Islands was insecure. There was high extortion of government finances during that period. This led to erosion of public confidence in the government. The economy in Solomon Islands collapsed tremendously. In April the year 2003, the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands requested assistance from John Howard. After the two parties meeting the mission to Solomon Islands was officially endorsed. RAMSI’s mandate was to uphold legitimate institutions and authorities and also to reinforce them. It had to ensure total respect for the implementation of laws and the constitution. 4 The state in Solomon Islands of Solomon islands is not as important as the communities therein. The solution to the problems in this country lies in replacing the institutions therein. This is through the devolution of the existing government functions to the local level. This is through the use of civil society like Non Governmental Organizations, Church and the community. For instance service provision needs technical in put. RAMSI is strengthening the state so that it undertakes the functions at the national level. This includes maintaining the rule of law. This involves protecting the country’s EEZ that represents the interests of Solomon Island in various ventures. This includes the collection of customs duties, international forums and implementation of central banking functions. This also includes dealing with international agencies that exist in Solomon Island. Role of RAMSI in Solomon Islands RAMSI has played a very big role in Solomon Islands since its intervention in the year 2003. Research shows however that one of RAMSI’s core messages is that it does not pretend to answer all the problems within Solomon Islands. 5 Restore law and order One of RAMSI’s important roles in Solomon Islands is restoring law and order. This reason actually helps in explaining the reason as to why RAMSI is working in such an area. RAMSI has a focus in the in restoration of law and order because every citizen in each nation has the right to expect the upholding of the rule of law. So that citizens and also foreigners in a country should not be in a position to commit crimes. This includes crimes like robbery with violence and murder. This also includes crimes like corruption that includes exploitation of the community. Research shows that RAMSI is tirelessly working on the justice sector in Solomon Islands. This is because citizens in every nation have the public have the right to justice. Citizens are normally very keen to observe the going on in courts in relation to settlement of disputes, corruption and fraud cases. Surveys show that RAMSI is working with accountability institutions in Solomon Islands. This is because the citizens in Solomon Island, just like those in any other island, have the right to expect that the holders of public offices are honest. This is what RAMSI is working on in relation to the leadership fraternity of the public offices in Solomon Island. RAMSI is also working public offices to ensure that leadership is impartial. It is helping accountability institutions like public offices to put in place mechanisms to guard against corrupt dealings dishonesty and discrimination. Another area that RAMSI is working on in Solomon Islands includes government finances. This is because citizens in every country expect that all the spending decisions therein are carried out in a responsible way. This also includes carrying out such important decisions in a responsible way. This does not mean it has to be carried out at gun point. 6 According to many research findings on Solomon Island, RAMSI is really working in this nation such that the public service is rebuilt. This is because citizens in any nation expect that public servants have to be paid by the government. Not just being paid but they expect to be well paid after faithfully paying their taxes. Citizens also expect the government to carry out recruitment, management and the training and development of public servants. There are expectations that the government should be in a position to deliver the basic services that are needed. These services include health services like building hospitals. Citizens also expect that when they go to public hospitals they expect to be charged a bit cheaper. The expectation in line with education is that the government will build enough schools, colleges and universities. It is also expected that the fees will be a bit fair. Rebuilding and Strengthening the State RAMSI is working with Solomon island partners to strengthen and rebuild the state therein. This also includes rebuilding institutions. For instance the Royal Solomon Islands Police had its parliamentary element disbanded and it does not carry weapons. This means that major decisions on the future of this force will be taken up by Solomon’s Islands government. Promotion of reform and change This is also one of the major roles of RAMSI in Solomon Island. RAMSI is promoting reform and change in the public sector. This is implemented through its machinery of government program that is consistent with the National Economic Reform, Recovery and Development program of the government (NERRDP). Many of the reform programs in bigger institutions automatically challenge the laid down measures. These programs also encounter some resistance from within and also outside the institutions. 7 Solomon’s island is no exception to this rule and this is actually part of the change process. RAMSI is taking every step to initiate change in a sensitive way. This is carried out in a way which it really accords to the priorities of the stakeholders in Solomon Islands. Research shows that RAMSI has had big positive impacts in Solomon Islands. This is through partnerships with many groups and the government itself. The delivery of services in this island has greatly improved. This has had its positive impacts on the economic recovery of Solomon Islands. RAMSI has put in place Machinery of Government program that assists Solomon Islanders to develop a committed and professional public service workforce. This also includes strengthening management systems and improving the general planning. This means that the future of the public service is bright because it will be more efficient accountable and better trained. It will be in a position to deliver better services to the citizens. There is also the development of a Provincial Governance Strengthening program. This is responsible for improving the links between provincial and the national government. It will also be responsible for strengthening the provincial administration. 8 The program of the machinery of the government is playing a big role in the repair and reform process of the parliament and the cabinet. This is actually helping in the strengthening of the parliament and the cabinet. This will help to ensure that political leaders can access quality advice that will influence them to make good decisions. In the year two thousand and six, RAMSI contributed to the designing of a highly innovative induction program for four days for the members of parliament. Facilitating of peace building RAMSI’S role in Solomon Island is facilitation of the agenda of peace building through various ways. This is through various collaborative and cooperation with various bodies. This includes the support of bodies like the National Peace Council. Other collaborative activities include interaction with many groups like Transparency Solomon Islands. RAMSI also carries out quite a number of interactions in its venture of facilitating of peace building in Solomon Island. They include groups like Solomon Islands Christian Association. 9 RAMSI also supports the organizations of the local media in Solomon Island. There are also campaigns that are carried out both in the city and in the rural areas to promote peace building. They also include civic education campaigns that are carried out in every region of Solomon Island. These campaigns actually address the major issues that lead to the deterioration of peace in this island. Each shows that citizens of Solomon Island do not get reliable and adequate information concerning the decisions that are made by the government. RAMSI is working to ensure that there is transparency in the in the decisions that the government makes. This also includes the processes carried out by the government in relation to the wider community and the rest of the region. It is very clear that RAMSI’s main state building agenda is the provision of basic and important foundation where peace negotiations can take place. This actually means that RAMSI is providing a platform for the national and also the economic recovery of Solomon Island. Analysis on what RAMSI shows that it has succeeded in creating an environment where the stakeholders in this island can discuss concerning the future therein. This is an environment which is no more viewed as crisis or emergency. This is where there is freedom of expression without the fear of prejudice. In such a case citizens in Solomon island are free to exchange and articulate views whether they are controversial or not. There are various discussions and debates that RAMSI has initiated concerning peace development and maintenance in this island. This is being carried out in various provinces, and also in the national parliament. Research findings reveal that these discussions are also being carried out in provincial summit meetings. These were started in the media, private conversations and at the constituency level recently. There are also other bodies in Solomon Island that are on the front line in these discussions. They include the National Peace Council. Churches have not been left behind in this venture and also networks and civil society groups. The discussions are taking place in a structured way. This venture by RAMSI is quite long term in nature. 10 Military back-up RAMSI plays a big role in military back up in Solomon Island. This includes providing a logistical support that normally acts as an addition protection in this island. RAMSI ensures that there are enough military men in Solomon Islands who continue to support the police. This is in line with accomplishing the restoration of law and order. RAMSI draws military personnel or component from Australian, Papua New Guinea and New armed forces. RAMSI has got a military component which provides much logistical support for various operations in Solomon Islands. The operations include naval vessels, aerial transport, medical and engineering detachments. There has been assumption of these functions by civilian contractors. This military is quite essential in Solomon Islands because many people own illegal firearms therein. The ownership of such weapons has resulted in decline of law and order in this island. Law and justice RAMSI plays a big role in restoration of law and order in Solomon Island. Research reveals that RAMSI ensured that approximately three hundred police officers from all over the region are giving their services in line with their counterparts in making sure that law is restored. Solomon Island Prison Service is being assisted by RAMSI In building the local capacity. RAMSI helps in ensuring that there is security in this island. It has played a big role in maintaining prison security too. A consistent and accountable level of service has been initiated by RAMSI. 11 There were very many cases that existed in Solomon Islands. Trials concerning these cases are going on in the high courts. These cases relate to the tension period that existed in the early 1990s. RAMSI is playing a big role in helping in the clearance of these cases at the high courts. To ensure that Solomon Islands’ justice system operates, fairly, openly and effectively, RAMSI is providing administrative support to courts and key justice agencies. They include High Court and Magistrates Court. RAMSI is also providing infrastructure in terms of buildings and roads to ensure efficiency. RAMSI also provides highly qualified personnel to work in the High Court and the Magistrates Court. 12 RAMSI has carried out the dismissal of over 400 RSIP personnel. This includes a comprehensive and strategic review of the RSIP. This implementation will play a big role in rebuilding the RSIP so that it really becomes effective and so that it serves the community well. RAMSI carried out a gun amnesty in the year two thousand and three collected more than three thousand six hundred weapons which were later on destroyed. Economic governance RAMSI is working tirelessly in Solomon Island to ensure that the public finances are strengthened. This includes putting in place strategies to create a broad based economic growth. It has also helped the government of Solomon Islands to implement a program that targets economic reform in many areas. These areas include shipping and aviation sectors of the transport industry. Also included is the taxation sector. RAMSI is also playing big role in ensuring that Solomon Island has sustainable budgets. This is to ensure that the budgets therein also reflect the priorities and the policies of the government. One of the priorities that RAMSI has is to strengthen the planning processes and the economic policy. It is also helping this island to implement a strategy for debt management. It is measures to strengthen revenue collection. It is helping in provision of greater opportunities for small and large businesses. One of the major parts of this task includes giving support to provincial farmers in Solomon Island. This is because this is an agriculture based island. RAMSI has really helped in putting in place a Rural Development Strategy that is agriculturally based. 13 Macro-economic stabilization This is also one of the roles of RAMSI in Solomon Islands. It has the role of carrying out macro-economic stabilization through technical assistance. This will help gain control over the revenues, expenditures and the fiscal policy. According to research findings in Solomon Islands, economic activity is likely to be low because small business holders won’t make much effort till they are comfortable with the restoration of law and order. RAMSI has a big role of creating an investor friendly environment. This will help the economy to grow rapidly. This includes encouraging the primary production and exporting of agricultural products in Solomon Islands. Rural development Solomon Island is a rural country that developing it can be done by developing the rural sectors therein. In case the rural productivity increases, it will create an avenue for investment and also for saving for future use. In this case, RAMSI has a role of improving transport and communications at the ground level or rather in the rural areas. This is where many businesses are carried out in relation to agricultural products produced. When good communications network is established, it will help in reducing the conflicts among people in this island and the neighboring communities too. RAMSI also has a role of improving other infrastructures including; The entire telephone system in the rural areas. This will help to bolster the communication network in this Island. 14 Putting in place improvements in mass media like radio and television that carry out the broadcasting of export news, prices and extension messages. Supporting the network of training centers especially those that are rural based. This will help draw some church run ventures in Papua. Carrying out extensive research on improved agricultural practices, market development and improved products. Australia has got regional experts in the area of smallholder cash-cropping. These experts are mostly used by RAMSI in implementing these strategies in Solomon Islands. Putting in place an effective banking system that is not just convenient for the rich only but one that reaches out to all social classes of people in this country. Encourage civil society The civil society refers to the voluntary associations that occupy the entire space between the localized entities of family, tribe and clan and the state. These normally transcend parochial loyalties at the same time retaining high autonomy. In Solomon Islands the civil society includes Non Governmental organizations, churches, trade unions, professional associations and women groups. RAMSI there fore has a role of encouraging the civil society to work towards economic development. This is because research shows that civil societies like churches play a big role in promoting education through building of schools. They also promote health in the nation by building hospitals. In enhancing the civil society, RAMSI is focusing on maximizing dialogue, information flow and participation among the above mentioned civil societies. These civil societies like women groups and churches are an avenue for donor support. RAMSI has a role of encouraging cooperation and partnerships in Solomon Islands too. 15 Australia and RAMSI Australia is working hand in hand with RAMSI in restoring law and order in Solomon Island. Australia contributed approximately one thousand five hundred Defense Force personnel. Australia also contributed one hundred and fifty five Federal Police and also ninety personnel from the Australian Protective Services. Reliable sources reveal that the Australian government allocated more than $ 840 for RAMSI’s operations in Solomon Islands. This nation is also providing advisors and $23.8 million in relation to personnel so that they work with Solomon Islands Government in the stabilization of the finances of this government. There were approximately one hundred and thirty ADF troops that were deployed to Solomon Islands. This was when Solomon Island invited RAMSI to help in restoring law and order. In relation to the law and justice sector, Australia is providing $ 32, equipment and infrastructure to help in restoring rule of law. There is also placement of technical assistants in line with justice agencies and the advisory team. It is financing the partial forgiveness of Solomon Island’s public debt. It is also providing support to ensure that Solomon Island’s public servants are well paid and that the basic services needed are provided too. 16 Conclusion During the late 1990s there were some tensions that existed between the people in the island of Malaita with those in the island of Guadalcanal. The tensions caused violence which later on resulted in a coup in the year 2000. This resulted into criminal lawlessness in Solomon Islands. RAMSI has played a big role in restoration of law and order in Solomon Island. This is and intervention force that is Australian led. It is supported by very many nations including New Zealand and Fiji. RAMSI major role is restoring law and order. It is also playing a big role in rebuilding and strengthening the state. It offers military back up to Solomon Islands. This includes providing a logistical support that normally acts as an addition protection in this island. It is carrying out the promotion of reforms and change. It is carrying out facilitation of peace building in Solomon Island. It is helping Solomon Island to restore law and justice especially in the law courts therein. RAMSI is working tirelessly in Solomon Island to ensure that the public finances are strengthened. This includes putting in place strategies to create a broad based economic growth. It has the role of carrying out macro-economic stabilization through technical assistance. This will help gain control over the revenues, expenditures and the fiscal policy. RAMSI is carrying out macroeconomic stabilization of Solomon Island and also ensuring that rural development of infrastructure is proceeding. Having analyzed the roles it is very clear that RAMSI is offering invaluable services to Solomon Island which will automatically result in economic development therein. References: Amnesty International (2000): Solomon Islands – A forgotten conflict; AI Index: ASA 43/05/00 Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), Solomon Islands, Hot Topics Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), (2003): Our Failing Neighbor; Australia and the Future of Solomon Islands Downer, A. (2003): Statement to Parliament on the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), House of Representatives, Australian Parliament, Canberra Fletcher, G. (2003): Australia’s policy, strategy, mandate, Crisis and Intervention; Australian National University Foukona, D. (2002): State powers and institutions in Solomon Islands developing democracy; Development Bulletin; 60, pp. 50-53 Hegarty, D. (2001): Peace Monitoring in the Solomon Islands’, Trust and Verify (99) September-October Fraenkel, J. (2003): The Duel – The Solomon Islands; is intervention a mistake; Or a moral obligation; The Weekend Australian Financial Review; June; 14-15, p. 48 Hou, R. (2002): The Solomon Islands economy; recent developments and the impact of ethnic tensions; Pacific Economic Bulletin, 17(2):15-32 Howard, J. (2003): Ministerial Statement to Parliament on the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI); House of Representatives; Australian Parliament; Canberra, 12 August Read More