The RAMSI Secretariat in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has established a National Organising Committee (NOC) to organise a series of activities to farewell the Regional Assistance to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) upon the completion of its mission in Solomon Islands.
RAMSI’s withdrawal from Solomon Islands is scheduled for the end of June.
NOC consists of various sub-committees that will take care of protocol, security, cultural entertainment, a thanksgiving service and publicity arrangements for this event.
These sub-committees consist of officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, Ministry of Infrastructure and Development, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Home Affairs, Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and RAMSI.
The theme of the RAMSI Farewell as agreed on by NOC is ““Helpen Fren: For Peace, Progress and Prosperity of Solomon Islands.”
The RAMSI Farewell will be a weeklong event, which will commence on Sunday 25th June 2017, with a combined thanksgiving service at Maranatha Hall.
The sub-committee set up within the Ministry of Home Affairs to put together the Thanksgiving Service programme said work on the programme for ecumenical church service is on track.
Director of Civil Affairs in the Ministry of Home Affairs, William Misibini, who chairs this sub-committee said the final programme will be printed soon and disseminated to invited guests.
“RAMSI has impacted on the lives of Solomon Islanders and as such requests the general public to turn up at the thanksgiving service which will be their final event with RAMSI,” Mr Misibini explained.
“We will share and give thanks to each one in the word of God and also say thank you to the people who have dedicated their lives for this nation.”
Due to the extensive work required in regards to entertainment and cultural activities the NOC has set up a sub-committee within the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to spearhead work on ensuring the overall RAMSI Farewell programme is filled with cultural activities.
This sub-committee is headed by the Director of Culture in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr Dennis Marita.
In a broadcast on SIBC on Thursday 18th May, Mr Marita outlined some of the cultural activities his sub-committee are organising.
He said, “Musical concerts will be part of the entertainment activities for the event.
“There will also be an exhibition of RAMSI’s work as well as artworks by Solomon Islanders.
“My committee is also organising various cultural performances to welcome the leaders of RAMSI participating countries and other guests during a grand finale to be held on Thursday 29th June at Lawson Tama.
“The cultural event will add colour and flavour to the RAMSI farewell.”
“The RAMSI Farewell is a significant event for celebration by all Solomon Islanders as it symbolises Solomon Islands readiness to stand on its own again after 14 years of assistance by its Pacific friends out of a chaotic situation.
“The celebration will also be an emotional one because Solomon Islanders will be saying goodbye to friends who have given their time to serve Solomon Islands and as such have become a significant part of their daily lives.
“My team will ensure the celebration is fitting for its purpose and also create a festive atmosphere for Solomon Islanders and their regional friends to celebrate their final moments together.”
Updates on the progress of preparation by other sub-committees will be provided in due course.
