Solomon Islands' national archivist says students, researchers and future generations of Solomon Islanders have a treasured resource in a collection of official publications from the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), spanning 13 of its 14 years in the country.
Quinton Devlin and Margaret Inifiri Photo: RNZI/Koroi Hawkins
The collection was gifted to Margaret Inifiri by RAMSI's special co-ordinator, Quinton Devlin, after a parade through Honiara's central business district in honour of the mission.
"These documents will be a treasured resource for Solomon Islanders now and in the future," said Ms Inifiri. "Students, researchers and future generations will be able to access important and contemporary records about the events that have shaped our country."
"Were so pleased to be able pass on these records to the people of Solomon Islands," said Quinton Devlin, RAMSI Special Coordinator. "Preserving a public record of the successes and challenges that we faced together will help us all to value the experience even more in years to come.
The documents also include a complete set of the annual Peoples Surveys (2006-2013), which tracked public perceptions about RAMSI and provided a unique insight into the opinions of Solomon Islanders on a wide range of other issues, including business and employment, law and order, public accountability and access to services.
According to the Peoples Surveys, public support for RAMSI never dipped below 85 percent although some academics have been critical of the surveys saying people interviewed did not have full understanding of RAMSI's role in Solomon Islands.
The collection of RAMSI publications and historical newspapers will be catalogued and accessible to all Solomon Islanders through the National Archives of Solomon Islands.