The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today at MoFT.
As the primary law enforcement agency of Solomon Islands the RSIPF will work in close partnership with MoFT to achieve its objectives of enforcing the law, protecting property and maintaining civil order in a manner that is accountable, lawful, fair, transparent and responsive.
MoFT is responsible for a wide range of responsibilities as it facilitates the provision of sound advice on economic, budget and fiscal policy to the Solomon Island Government. The core tasks of the Ministry include financial reporting, revenue collection, border protection, government procurement and payments, preparing and managing the annual recurrent budget, and national statistical services. Ministry services include the implementation of good governance practice.
This MoU will establish a framework to facilitate a collaborative approach in the investigation of crime related matters, through the sharing of resources, provision of information and use of subject matter expertise in both agencies.
This includes collaboration with respect of investigations into allegations of corrupt, criminal and or seriously improper conduct including joint investigations. The MoU will facilitate the exchange of information about crime related matters to the extent permitted by relevant legislation, so that information received by either party can be dealt with, effectively and efficiently by the most appropriate agency.
Under the terms of the MOU the RSIPF and MoFT may consult each other in relation to matters where the other party has a specific expertise or qualification that is relevant to an investigation. The MoU will also assist in avoiding duplication of effort as information about investigations will be shared.
The Memorandum of Understanding supports and builds on the capacity of the Ministry of Finance to develop and sustain an environment that is transparent and responsive to the needs of the people doing business in the Solomon Islands.
Permanent Secretary MoFT, Mr. Harry Kuma stated ‘The MoU supports advancing governance, growth and social services and also our collective responsibility of working together for teamwork against Corruption.’ The MoU provides an avenue for the Ministry of Finance and Treasury to directly communicate with the RSIPF on incidents of abuse of public funds that are criminal in nature. The MoU provides a platform for addressing corruption allegations in relation to public officers and members of the community who transact through government systems in a timelier manner.
The RSIPF Commissioner Frank Prendergast said ‘The establishment of the MoU will build on the successful operational relationship between two Solomon Islands Government entities involved in the fight against corruption and fraud; the Ministry of Finance & Treasury and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.’ The MoU supports the efforts of both agencies in combatting corruption and fraud in the Solomon Islands and will assist in the timely and effective investigation of offences by ensuring that MoFT and the RSIPF are working together, and sharing information, experience and expertise.