Samoa’s Logoitino Filipo, represents Pacific forces at RAMSI memorial for fallen comrades

The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) officially ends tomorrow [30 June 2017].

But on Friday last week, it stopped for a short time to dedicate a new memorial at the Police Memorial Garden in honour of six RAMSI officers that lost their lives in the rebuilding of the Solomon Islands mission.

Three of them were from the Pacific nations of Niue, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

Speaking on their behalf, RAMSI’s Pacific Islands Contingent Commander, Leauapaau Logoitino Filipo acknowledged their contributions, commitment, bravery and ultimate sacrifice.

Attending the ceremony were family members of the fallen six, diplomats, members of the Participating Police Force (PPF) and members of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF).

Leaupaau Filipo, who would have served two-and-a-half years when RAMSI ends paid special acknowledgement to the support and love that families give their loved ones on police duties.

The formal occasion also heard remarks from RAMSI Special Coordinator, Quinton Devlin; Commander PPF, John Tanti; and Australian Defence Advisor, Wing Commander Jonathan Durden.

“The sacrifices of these men and women in rebuilding this nation will always be honoured and remembered, but we should never underestimate the loss felt be their families,” Mr Devlin said.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” was a line quoted from the gospel of Mathew 5.1-10 as part of the dedication ceremony.

In prayer, Australian Federal Police Chaplain Steve Neuhaus said: “We pay tribute to those who have died as a result of peacekeeping duties with RAMSI, praying for healing and peace as well as giving thanks for all those who served here, past, present and future.”

The late RAMSI officers whose lives were honoured:

  • Adam Dunning – Protective Service Officer, Australian Federal Police, died 22 December 2004;
  • Private Jamie Michael Clark – 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, died 10 March 2005;
  • Antonio (Tony) Luciano Scriva, RAMSI Advisor, Solomon Islands Office of the Auditor General, died 22 April 2007;
  • Chief Inspector Amos Solip, PPF Adviser, Vanuatu Police Force, died 27 April 2009;
  • Constable Sisiliah (Sisi) Puleheloto, PPF Adviser, Niue Police, died 5 August 2009; and
  • Ronald (Ronnie) Edwin Lewis – Protective Service Officer, Australian Federal Police, died 2 December 2010.

Following the dedication, Mr Devlin said it had been a beautiful ceremony and that RAMSI officers would never forget the service of these men and women to their nations and to Solomon Islands.

The memorial also serves to remind and highlight the difference that “men and women who serve in the police and defence forces are different to many others,” said Leauapaau Logoitino Filipo.

“In this job, we give ourselves unconditionally to serve, to maintain peace and freedom. If required, we give up our families, we give up our lives.

“Just as my six colleagues Adam, Jamie, Tony, Amos, Sisi, and Ronnie have done. We are prepared, and we will make that sacrifice.”