The 15th Senior Management Conference will start today at the RSIPF conference room, Rove in Honiara, 4- 8 October 2021
The theme for this year conference is “Sharing knowledge, making connections in the field of correction”
The official opening of the Senior Manager’s Conference was attended by (Guest of honour) Minister of Police National Security and Correctional Service Hon. Anthony Veke, Deputy Secretary Julia Twumasi, official from the Australian High Commission Andrew Elborn, SICA representative Rev. Dr Edward Kolohai, DFAT Advisor to Correctional Service George Samuel, CSSI Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi, Deputy Commissioners, Provincial Commandants, Ranks and Files
Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi in his opening remarks acknowledge every invited guest for attending the Senior Managers Conference
Commissioner Manelusi said CSSI has changed over time within its history with a shift from a strategy of containment to one of correction. This strategy of corrections that focuses on rehabilitation is a paradigm shift that challenges the core and culture of the correctional environment
“This strategic revolving plan is geared towards creating this rehabilitation environment. Our strategic overview statement is at the heart of this platform for transformation. The CSSI key functions and core business have remained committed in our role to Government and the citizens of our country”. Manelusi said
Mr. Manelusi reflected on the past year’s challenges and achievements for although we have, like all Ministry agencies have been greatly impacted by the events of COVID-19, we do have much to be proud of even in an environment a very limited budget provision
According to Guest of Honour, Hon. Minister Anthony Veke acknowledged the Commissioner of CSSI, the Management team, Advisors, ranks and file for the commitment that you all have put into your various areas of responsibilities to bring CSSI to this present stage and also thanked the Office of the Commissioner and the Executive for this invitation and for the active facilitation of this important annual conference amidst the current challenges being faced.
Hon. Veke said the role of CSSI was crucial to promoting the safety and security of the nation and good leadership resonated well with the whole of government UMI TUGEDA efforts to address challenges, advance growth and deliver services through better partnerships in this challenges times
“The Correctional Service of Solomon Islands forms an important component in the Solomon Islands criminal justice system mandated to provide safe, secure and humane environments with opportunities for inmate rehabilitation and reintegration”. Hon. Veke said
Hon. Veke told the participants your role as correctional officers becomes very crucial in these unprecedented times, through deliveries of effective rehabilitation programs to help inmates to reform and become good law abiding and productive citizens upon their release
Hon. Veke highlighted in his speech there have been notable advancement in the infrastructure projects for CSSI with realisation of new gensets for Tetere and Rove Correctional centres, major scoping activities for Gizo Correctional Centre landslide project and the Rove Central Correctional Centre Sewage and Water Management systems and Gatelodge refurbishment projects, all funded through the Direct Funding Agreement provided by the Australian Government through DFAT and administered through the financial procurements procedures within MoFT.
Hon. Veke wish to recognise the continuous support from important stakeholders to CSSI:
“As we have seen and experienced, the effects from COVID-19 have drastically affected our Government financial capabilities therefore, I urge you all to work smart and be innovative in your plans to mitigate the impacts of limited resources in the delivery of your core services.” Says Hon. Veke
Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi thank all external stakeholders for their committed and future ongoing support provided to CSSI especially for DFAT/SIJP and SICA also acknowledge all Commandants, Directors for the leadership and ongoing commitment and dedication
-CSSI Press