Twelve officers graduate on IMAS level 1 in Honiara

Regional law enforcement officers were among the twelve officers who graduated at Hells Point in Honiara on International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) level 1 today (28 March 2024).

Among the twelve graduated, four officers from Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), a Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), two Nauru police officers and five Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

Five RSIPF officers from the provincial police stations were among the twelve graduates. They will be the ones attending reports from the communities and passing information to the EODD. This now provides more bomb specialists across Solomon Islands.

During the graduation ceremony, Deputy Secretary (DS) National Security from the Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Services (MPNS&CS) Mr. Trevor Unusu says, “The professionalism, dedication and level of commitment displayed during the duration of the course formed a vital part in ensuring the successful outcome which will make more difference in policing in your respective jurisdictions and within the Pacific region.”

DS Unusu says, “I take this opportunity to thank the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands through Australian Defence Force (ADF) for their unwavering support. With this support, two ADF EOD mentors have been here to mentor the instructors and help where necessary.”
DS MPNS&CS Mr. Unusu says, “From the ministerial level, we will ensure whatever means of support we can provide as I am aware most of you will be coming back for IMAS level II training. On behalf of the Solomon Island Government let me congratulate you for your success.”

Student Representative Chief Sergeant (Sgt) Richard Kelola of the RPNGC acknowledged the RSIPF Commissioner for inviting them for the very challenging training as EOD personnel which is internationally recognized.

Sgt Kelola says

the training is all types of explosives ordnance, type of fuses in military explosive and detonators involved in firing. The training helps us on how to respond to reports of unexploded ordnance (UXOs).

Mr. Kelola says, “The skills and knowledge we gained here will help us to mitigate and dispose of items safely without anyone being hurt. We will go back and enforce what we have learnt here.”

The four weeks training commenced on 2 March and finished on 28 March 2024.