Honiara, 15 August 2025 – The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have completed their first joint security training, aimed at strengthening capacity, improving coordination, and building stronger working relationships between fisheries security officers and law enforcement.
The three-day MFMR Security Officers Refresher Workshop, held from 12–14 August at the Rove Police Academy, brought together seven fisheries security officers for intensive skills training in modern security tactics, discipline, and inter-agency problem-solving.
Permanent Secretary of MFMR, Dr. Christain Ramofafia, said security underpins all aspects of the Ministry’s work.
“From multi-million-dollar assets to staff safety and investor trust, security protects everything we work for,” he said. “This training is an investment in resilience – not just procedures.”
Training topics included operational gap analysis, professional conduct, and coordination with police in responding to threats and incidents. Officers also shared experiences in handling real situations, such as preventing unauthorised access to fisheries facilities and dealing with petty crime.
Dr. Ramofafia said the partnership with RSIPF gives MFMR officers the opportunity to learn from law enforcement professionals and build lasting networks to maintain security at fisheries precincts.
“I am confident you will return to your posts better equipped, more professional, and ready to work closely with RSIPF to uphold the law, maintain peace, and keep our facilities safe,” he told participants.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Ms. Karen Galokale, said the training supports the National Security Strategy 2025–2028, which highlights maritime security and inter-agency cooperation as key to protecting national resources.
“As security officers, you are the frontline defence — protecting valuable assets, supporting law enforcement, and maintaining peace and order in strategic locations,” she said.
Pacific Islands Oceanscape Programme for Economic Resilience (PROPER) under the World Bank provided funding support for the training workshop.
Dr. Ramofafia thanked PROPER for making the training possible and said he hoped similar refresher courses could be held annually.
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