688 PNG-SI Solomon Islands: Intervention a last chance
24th July, 2003
Leader of Solomons intervention force says operation a 'last chance'
 
 
Ambrose Pereira sdb
 
HONIARIA: 25th July -- Police and soldiers from Australia and other Pacific nations are being airlifted to Solomon Islands from the northern Australian city of Townsville, as part of the multi-national intervention force to restore law and order.  They  joined others who arrived aboard HMAS Manoora.  The Australian leading the Solomon Islands Intervention Force has promised Solomon Islanders, that the operation to revive their nation will work.  Special coordinator, Nick Warner, said: "I think it probably is the last chance. I think the decline in the economy, in the delivery of services, has been so severe over the last few years and the size of this intervention is so large and so expensive it's very hard to see that it could be repeated. But if it's the last chance, it's a chance that's actually going to work," he said.

Its a mission vital to the rebuilding the country - its law, order and its economy.  The people of Solomon Islands rejoice and hope that it once more be the 'Hapi Isles' it once was.