WE HAVE THE BEST
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
OUTGOING Police Commissioner Matthew Varley says the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force is one of the best forces in the region.
It is also one that all Solomon Islanders should be proud of, he added.
The Australian stated this during his final press conference in Honiara yesterday.
“The RSIPF I believed is a new, strengthened and improved force from where it was so many years ago after the tension era,” Varley told reporters.
He said even then since the end of RAMSI in June 2017, he believed it is a more capable and a more professional police force.
“It is one of the best police forces, I think in the Pacific region.
“And I think the RSIPF are something all Solomon Islanders should be proud of.”
Varley said from time to time they faced their challenges and don’t always get things right.
“…but I can tell you that the people, the men and women of the RSIPF and the executive leadership team are absolutely committed to continuing to build on the trust and confidence of the people of Solomon Islands in your force.
“It has been my honour as commissioner to serve you and the people of Solomon Islands as your police commissioner over the past three years,” Varley said.
He said his contracted term as commissioner comes to an end, after almost three years.
“As much as it is sad for me to leave and I am very sad to be leaving my great team, I am also very proud of what we have achieved for the people of this nation and your police force.
“It was only two and a half years ago that the RSIPF took over full responsibilities for security from RAMSI but it seems like in that short time there as being so much done.”
He further added that the RSIPF today are a police force of 1,550 personnel and they are continuing to recruit new officers all the time.
Varley took up the top police job in January 2017 as the RSIPF’s 13th Commissioner.
Asked if he could consider extending his contract, he said it is time for him to step down.
He said his wife had scarified her job to allow him to take up the commissioner’s post here.
He added his two kids are now grown up and want to be with their grandparents and friends and it is now time for them to return home.
Varley will be farwelled on November 29, before he and his wife leave the country.
