On 6th August 2025, the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI) officially received national accreditation and registration for its Certificate III in Correctional Practice, marking a transformative milestone in the professionalisation of the nation’s correctional services.
The accreditation was formally handed over by the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA), under the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), during a ceremony held in Honiara. SITESA Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Constance Nasi, presented the certificate to the Honourable Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Jimson Tanangada, who in turn handed it to CSSI Commissioner Mactus Forau. The certificate was then commissioned by Pastor Joseph Olawale of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
Delivering the keynote address, Honourable Minister Jimson Tanangada described the occasion as both a personal privilege and a national milestone.
“It is both a pleasure and a privilege for me to join you here today for this very important occasion—the official handing over of the training accreditation and registration of certificate programs for the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands Academy,” he said. The Minister emphasised that the accreditation represents more than a procedural achievement—it is a strategic leap forward in CSSI’s evolution.
“This is not just a ceremony; it is a milestone achievement. It represents the fulfilment of a vision, a commitment to professionalism, and a major step forward in our national journey to build a capable and standards-based Correctional Service in Solomon Islands.” He highlighted that the formal recognition of CSSI’s training programs by SITESA signals a shift in how correctional services are perceived and developed. “This accreditation sends a clear message: CSSI is not only a security institution—it is a learning institution. One that is committed to developing its officers through formalised, nationally recognised qualifications.”
Minister Tanangada linked the achievement directly to the policy priorities of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), led by Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele. “This is exactly the kind of outcome envisioned under the GNUT’s policy direction. Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, the government has prioritised institutional strengthening, professionalism, and skills development across the security sector. Today’s achievement is a fulfilment of that policy commitment in action.”
He extended sincere appreciation to the Minister for Education and Human Resources Development and the MEHRD team for their instrumental role in the accreditation process. “Your Ministry’s role through SITESA has been pivotal. Your presence here today reflects the unity of purpose between our agencies and the importance of this achievement for national development.”
The Minister also acknowledged the Australian Government’s enduring support through the Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership. “Over the years, this partnership has gone beyond infrastructure and logistics—it has reached deep into capacity building, institutional reform, and leadership development.”
He gave special recognition to Queensland Correctional Services (QCS) for their technical guidance and mentoring. “QCS officials have worked closely and consistently with our CSSI team to bring this accreditation project to life. Their support has been critical, and it is a partnership we deeply value.”
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Mr. Rod Hilton, echoed the significance of the milestone and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to CSSI’s development. “Correctional services are a vital part of the law, justice and security architecture. They ensure offenders are held accountable while providing rehabilitative environments that prepare inmates for reintegration into their communities.”
He outlined several key achievements made possible through the Solomon Islands Australia Partnership in Justice (ASIPJ) Program:
– Infrastructure Development: In 2024, Australia handed over new ERG modular office and staging storage facilities and archives facilities to CSSI—critical infrastructure that enhances the safe and effective management of correctional operations.
– Professional Twinning Program: The ongoing partnership between CSSI and Queensland Correctional Services (QCS) has facilitated professional exchanges, technical mentoring, and operational strengthening. QCS officials have worked closely with CSSI to support the accreditation process and build institutional capacity.
– Regional Learning and Exposure: Australia supported CSSI-led visits to Vanuatu and Australia earlier this year, enabling officers to learn from regional approaches to rehabilitation and reintegration. These experiences are informing CSSI’s review of its own rehabilitation framework to ensure it is both locally grounded and regionally informed.
– Training Accreditation Support: Supporting the SITESA accreditation of CSSI’s Training Academy and Certificate III in Correctional Practice is the latest milestone in the partnership. It reflects a shared commitment to strengthening CSSI’s capacity to deliver high-quality correctional services and invest in its workforce.
“Australia and CSSI have been working together toward SITESA accreditation since 2021. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, persistence, and dedication of CSSI staff, led by Commissioner Mactus Forau,” Mr. Hilton said.
Commissioner of Correctional Service Mactus Forau said, “it is with great pride and heartfelt gratitude that I stand before you today to mark a historic achievement for the CSSI – the formal accreditation and recognition of the Correctional Service Academy’s Training programs.”
“This accreditation represents a major milestone for our institution, validating the skills, knowledge, and professionalism of our Correctional officers. It opens the door for ongoing improvement in the quality of our training and supports regional recognition of our workforce capabilities”, says Commissioner Forau
Commissioner Forau continue to acknowledge and thank the Australian Government, through the Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership in Justice Program, for their unwavering support to the correctional sector and also thanked SITESA for their unwavering commitment and guidance throughout this process.
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