Farewell to NZ Police Advisors

Majors Robert and Vanessa have had the privilege of networking with a variety of organisationsoverthepastfiveyearsand have formed some strong friendships along the way. However, attending farewell events goes with the territory serving in a foreign country. The most recent farewell, was to a group of New Zealand Police Advisors who worked alongsidetheRoyalSolomonPoliceForce (RSIPF) in the community policing space. These advisors connected immediately with The Salvation Army, recognizing the importance of forming partnerships with other organisations to strengthen crime preventioninitiatives. Theircommitment to developing these relationships has been a strength of the NZ approach to their support and capacity building role in the Solomon Islands. Sergeant Alex, Sergeant James and Detective Sergeant Leanne have worked in the Solomon Islands Police Support Program (SIPSP) for the past two years running family violence courses, launching the crime prevention strategy and facilitating other learning and development opportunities with the National Community Policing Department across the provinces. Sergeant Alex became a regular walking partner of Major Robert, enjoying many adventure walks around the outskirts of

ANZAC Day Dawn Service

Since COVID-19 changed the world in 2020, there has not been a public ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Honiara. So, this year’s service was of special significance for Australian and New Zealand expats living and working in the Solomon Islands. Majors Robert and Vanessa were very proud to stand alongside current ADF personnel posted to Solomon Islands to honour their service and commemorate the service and sacrifice of past ANZAC’s and defense personnel. A large crowd gathered at the cenotaph out front of the RSIPF Central Station for the Dawn Service,

MSHT Training (Report by Major Vanessa Evans)

Over the last two years I have had the opportunity to be a part of the Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands Territory Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Response Committee (PNGSI MSHTRC), which has had the task of putting together our MSHTR Strategy, Policy and Training Manual. During this month, I have had the privilege of taking 12 members of Honiara Corps through the training. Topics covered over the one day workshop included an Introduction to PNGSI Vision, Mission, & International Position, Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking, Strategy & Policy, Case newmembersjoiningtheirteam. which was led by Lieutenant Colonel Justin Bywater. Addresses were given by the Australian and New Zealand High Commissioners and a senior military representative from Australia. The Last Post was played by a bugler who was flown in for the occasion. The Salvation Army laid a wreath on behalf of the District, which was beautifully arranged by a member of Honiara Corps. The service concluded with the national anthems from Solomon Islands, New Zealand and Australia, before the public were invited to Mendana Hotel for a traditionalgunfirebreakfast.

Management, Self Care and the Trafficking In Persons Report. Some of the interesting facts that many of those who attended the training learned throughout the day was that some of them identified that they may have been victims of modern slavery. Wantok and other cultural practices can have an effect on how people may respond to reporting cases. Another interesting fact that was shared was how little knowledge there is in the churches and communityregardingMSHTandwhoand how they were to report suspected cases within their families and communities.

One of the goals that I have for MSHT this year is that we will be able to hold awareness programs with other partners throughout the Pacific Games which will beheldinNovember.

The Salvation Army Solomon Islands

District Officers - Majors Robert & Vanessa Evans

PO Box 323 Honiara,Solomon Islands

Phone: (677)30344

Fax: (677)30344

Mobile: (677)7494524

Email: solomon.islands@png.salvationarmy.org

Website: www.png.salvationarmy.org

Support Needs:

 Building funds for new Officer Quarters: You can support by donating funds to contribute to the construction of Officer Quarters at our village churches in the provinces.

 Purchase of furnishings for Officer Quarters: You can support by donating funds to purchase furniture and appliances for Quarters at each of our village churches.

 Purchase of Toyota Hilux for SAES: You can support by donating funds to purchase a suitable vehicle to tow our Emergency Services trailer.

Please contact Major Robert Evans at robert.evans@png.salvationarmy.org for more information if you are able to help with any of these needs.

Prayer Points:

 Construction of Container Shelter at Burns Creek Settlement

 New Mission in Western Province Bonosi Village

 New Mission in South Malaita Sute Village

 New Mission in West Are’are Kiu Village

 Establishment of a District Emergency Relief Fund