But first, he'll observe and listen

Robert Iroga

Solomon Islands has appointed a new police chief even though many Solomon Islanders wanted Bill Morrell to retain the post. He is Shane Castles, a senior Australian Federal Police officer with 28 years experience.

Morrell admitted he was also interviewed and wanted to keep his job but was unable to do so because government did not have the funds to keep him.

The position of police chief is very important given that half of the force's officers were sacked and jailed for their part in the ethnic tension. The force is now undergoing changes.

Many Solomon Islanders believe a British is better for the job because it would make the RSIP (Royal Solomon Islands Police) neutral, given that the Participating Police Force (PPF), which comes under the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), is also headed by an Australian.

The Solomon Islands Government had earlier rejected an Australian offer to fund the new police commissioner, but reversed its decision after pressure from the Australian government.

The new commissioner was quick to defend his appointment.

Castles said his appointment was separate from RAMSI and being an Australian was not an issue.

“First and foremost, my appointment as a commissioner is separate from RAMSI. I think that needs to be understood and that needs to be communicated.

“Yes, I am an Australian, I am proud to be so, but I am here to serve the Solomon Islands police, serve the community and the Government of the Solomon Islands,” he said.

He said RAMSI and PPF have done a tremendous job in the country.

Castles said his appointment was something he took with great pride. He promised to serve the people of the Solomon Islands and its government in a professional way.

In the next couple of weeks, he would be asking a lot of questions, observe and listen.

“I am not rushing into any major decisions at this point in time,” he said.

But he admitted the great work carried out by his predecessor (Morrell). He has done a great job.

“It is now up to me to build on that, it's up to me to continue his work before making any critical or significant decisions in so as far as the RSIP is concerned,” he said.

Castles said he decided to apply for the job because it presented a new challenge for him.

While Castles was welcomed to the Solomons, Morrell was being farewelled.

“We are sorry to leave the Solomons because we both enjoyed ourselves, it's been enormously challenging but rewarding. We love the people and the country,” Morrell said.

He said they've been rewarded with what they have achieved, considering that when they first came, the situation was pretty dire.

He said the arrival of RAMSI was what Solomon Islanders wanted.

“That is essential to put Solomon Islands back on footing and allow the country to develop and move forward,” he said.