P04225.618
Image copyright:
© Australian War Memorial
This image is licensed under CC BY-NC
- ID number
- P04225.618
- Photographer
- Dupont, Stephen
- Object type
- Colour - Film original negative panorama
- Place made
- Pacific Islands: Solomon Islands, Malaita Island
- Date made
- 11 November 2003
- Credit line
- Acquired through Australian War Memorial official commission 2003
- Collection
- Photograph
- Description
- Senior Australian officials of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) arrive at the village of Rame'ai, in northern Malaita, for a meeting with local people. Left to right: an unidentified member of the Australian Federal Police (AFP); Alan Moody of AusAID, Aid Development Coordinator of RAMSI; Assistant Commissioner Ben McDevitt of the AFP, RAMSI Participating Police Force Commander; Nick Warner of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, RAMSI Special Coordinator; and Lieutenant Colonel John Frewen, Commander of the Coalition Task Force. Behind them, local people are gathering at the hall where the meeting will take place. The meeting was intended to give villagers information about RAMSI's role in the Solomon Islands. Northern Malaita had experienced considerable violence and unrest due to the activities of armed militants, including the Malaitan Eagle Force (MEF), prior to the arrival of the multi-national policing and military intervention in July 2003. The MEF surrendered weapons at a ceremony in Auki, capital of Malaita, on 15 August 2003, as part of the RAMSI-organised gun amnesty. MEF leader, Jimmy 'Rasta' Lusibaea, was arrested on 15 October 2003. Three police posts were established on Malaita by the multi-national Participating Police Force, with logistical, security and intelligence support provided by RAMSI military forces, including Australian troops deployed under Operation Anode.
Permalink: http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P04225.618
