The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) was formed in 2003 as Australia’s response to the request of Solomon Island’s Governor General for international aid.
At that time, the island was experiencing unrest and chaos. Australia led the mission together with other 11 nations in the Pacific committing over 2,200 armed personnel, police and civilians to end hostilities and restore order as well as deliver basic services and reconstruct the justice system of Solomon Island.The framework of RAMSI is state building designed to bring back civil order in Honiara and throughout the rest of the country; stabilize government finances; promote longer-term economic recovery and revive business confidence; and rebuild the machinery of government (Maclellan, 2006, p. 22). This humanitarian intervention has also brought harmony in the region in terms of security and economic assistance. Despite being criticized as predominantly an Australian initiative, RAMSI has effectively fulfilled its objectives and received wide support from the locals and other countries.
With this action Australia has sent an important message to the other nations in the region that help is accessible when needed and that Australia is ready to lend a hand to all the peoples of the Pacific in order to bring prosperity and peace. Over the past 20 years, through the Australian Aid, more than 500 million people in the Asia Pacific region have been elevated from their poverty state. By helping other countries improve law and order, Australia likewise strengthens its economic and security interests.In the eyes of the international community, Australia is seen as a dependable and reliable source of aid.
More so, it has a crucial role to play in creating growth and stability. Its foreign policy has benefited numerous developing nations and it has more to contribute in building a better future. With strong leadership, Australia has established strong partnerships with its neighbors and has become a superpower in the region.
