Western Border Awareness Program strengthens community partnership in Choiseul and Shortland

The Ministry of Police, National Security & Correctional Services (MPNSCS) has successfully concluded its Western Border Awareness Program in Choiseul and Shortland, Western Province, reinforcing community understanding of border security and the role of government agencies in protecting the Solomon Islands’ borders.

The program was delivered across border communities in Choiseul and Shortland as part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote awareness, compliance, and cooperation in national border management. Customs, Immigration and Police officers posted at Western border also supported the program in terms providing important information to communities on the enforcement requirement related to clearance of goods and movement of people.

The MPNSCS National Security team was led by the Deputy Secretary for National Security, Mr. Anthony Kivolyn, and the Deputy Director for Border Security, Mr. Denson Varirokesa. During the visit, the team also paid a courtesy call to the Premier of Choiseul and Western Province.

In his opening remarks to the Joint Awareness Programs, Mr. Kivolyn thanked the Premier, the Provincial Executive, and the people of Choiseul and Western Province for their warm welcome and hospitality.

“I bring you all the warmest greetings and sincere acknowledgments on behalf of our Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon. John Tuhaika Junior, and the Acting Permanent Secretary, who are in full support of this crucial gathering and our work in the border space,” Mr. Kivolyn said.

He said the initiative was aligned with the Government’s national border security and management priorities and the Solomon Islands National Border Strategy 2020, which calls for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to border management.

“This awareness program is important because border security is a shared responsibility. When communities understand the laws, the risks, and the procedures, we are all stronger,” he said.

“We can better prevent illegal activities such as smuggling, human trafficking, unauthorised crossings, and the spread of diseases or pests that threaten our health and livelihoods.”

Mr. Kivolyn said the program sought to address misinformation and strengthen understanding of key border arrangements, including the Lofung Project, traditional border crossings, and the roles of partner agencies such as Immigration, Customs, Health, and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

The awareness team included officers from the Ministry of Police, National Security & Correctional Services, and Customs and Immigration, who engaged directly with community members on border-related matters and the importance of cooperation in maintaining safe and secure borders.

The Ministry of Police, National Security & Correctional Services continues to prioritise community engagement as an essential part of its national security mandate, particularly in border provinces, where awareness and collaboration are key to supporting law enforcement efforts. The awareness topic covered were

– MPNSCS Press

Gaomai community gathered together during the awareness.

Koliai community members gathered during the awareness.

MPNSCS team pose for a photo with the Choiseul Provincial Government.

MPNSCS team pose for a photo with the Western provincial premier and his PS after during the courtesy visit at the provincial headquarter.

Poroporo community in Choiseul attending the awareness program.

Representatives of the Taro township attend the awareness program.