A memorial to six men and women who lost their lives while serving the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands was dedicated in Honiara on Friday.
Families of the deceased, officials from the Solomon Islands government, RAMSI and the governments of Australia, Vanuatu and Tonga were present for the dedication at the police memorial garden at Rove.
A family member lays a wreath at the RAMSI memorial Photo: supplied / RSIPF Media Unit
During the ceremony the bible verse, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God', was read.
Speaking at the dedication the special co-ordinator for RAMSI Quinton Devlin said the memorial would be a lasting tribute to the sacrifices of the six RAMSI personnel, as well as a reminder of the personal investments made by their thousands of colleagues from 15 nations in returning peace and stability to Solomon Islands.
A week of ceremonies and events to farewell and thank RAMSI and its participating countries begins with a prayer service on Sunday June 25.
As part of the ceremony wreaths were laid in memory of:
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, Tonga Police, died 5 August 2009; and
Ronald (Ronnie) Edwin Lewis - Protective Service Officer, Australian Federal Police, died 2 December 2010.
RAMSI Commander, John Tanti (left) and RAMSI Special Coordinator, Quinton Devlin at the memorial dedication Photo: RSIPF Media Unit
