Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI)

RAMSI is a partnership between the Government and people of Solomon Islands and the contributing countries of the Pacific region, including Australia. It is a long-term activity aimed at helping create the conditions necessary for a return to peace, stability and a growing economy.

RAMSI focuses on restoring law and order, stabilising the economy and rebuilding the basic machinery of government. The initial presence of more than 1,800 defence force personnel and 300 police officers, drawn from ten Pacific countries contributing to RAMSI, helped to restore order.

RAMSI has gone through three phases since its inception in June 2003:

initial stabilisation focused on restoring law and order and stabilising government finances
consolidation of the rule of law, the beginning of public sector reform and measures to improve the economy (began 2004)
capacity development to promote recovery of self-reliance by Solomon Islands (began mid-2005).

Australia's contribution to RAMSI is a whole of government initiative that involves broad Australian Government expertise, including deployment of certain agency officials to Solomon Islands. These agencies include the Australia Federal Police (AFP), Treasury, the Australian Office of Financial Management, Department of Finance and Administration (DOFA) and Australian Customs Service (ACS).

Capacity development is now central to RAMSI's efforts. Strengthening capabilities of individuals and organisations is essential to ensuring long-term sustainability. It is a medium to long-term task that requires a strong mutual commitment to joint planning, implementation and monitoring.

A joint Solomon Islands Government - RAMSI Capacity Development Working Group comprised of Permanent Secretary and RAMSI Principals provides a high-level joint mechanism for oversight and review of counterpart arrangements and capacity development activities.

A RAMSI-wide definition of capacity development has been endorsed and capacity development workshops are held regularly for RAMSI personnel and Solomon Islands counterparts.

For more information on RAMSI see: www.ramsi.org

September 2007