Solomon Islands government declare public holiday Thursday to farewell RAMSI

Solomon Islands deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs, Manasseh Maelanga had officially issued and extra-ordinary gazette for a special Public holiday this Thursday 29 June.

The special public holiday has been declared in honour of the RAMSI farewell programme which kicked off Monday this week in Honiara.

The Regional Peacekeeping Mission arrived in the country in June 2003 on invitation by the Solomon Islands Government to help restore Law and Order following years of social unrest by armed militia groups.

The Mission formally ends its mandate on Friday June 30 after 14 years of peacekeeping operations also known as operation “Helpem Frend” (Help a Friend).

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is expected to host some of the Pacific region’s top leaders and VIPs who will be attending the farewell celebrations this week.

Sogavare has spoken highly of the Mission and its successes during the last 14 years.

A host of programmes have been organised for the leaders and the public as part of celebrations to mark the end of the mission this week.

SOURCE: SIG