BY NED GAGAHE
Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) has called on the Commissioner of Police to ensure that the Solomon Islands Police Officers Association (SPOA) convenes its long-overdue Annual General Meeting (AGM) without further delay.
SICTU’s National Secretary, Adrian Tuhanuku, made the call on Monday, July 28, 2025, questioning why the SPOA AGM continues to be postponed despite being issued a clear directive by the Commissioner of Police for it to proceed.
Tuhanuku stressed that SPOA serves as a critical platform for fostering effective partnerships and supporting operational initiatives involving bilateral police cooperation.
“SPOA provides a vital platform for facilitating partnerships, including the possible secondment of personnel under agreements with bilateral partners’ police forces.
“This structure helps ensure such initiatives are less politically charged and more distinctly police-driven,” Tuhanuku said.
He also highlighted the association’s important mandate in representing the welfare interests of police officers throughout the country.
“A revitalised SPOA is essential for fostering greater ownership and commitment to a revised Scheme of Service for Police and Correctional Officers,” Tuhanuku said.
He reiterated that SICTU therefore calls for the urgent commencement of the SPOA AGM to restore proper representation and ensure officers’ welfare issues are addressed through appropriate mechanisms.
SICTU is the national umbrella body for workers’ unions across Solomon Islands, including sector-specific associations like SPOA.
The SPOA AGM, which has been postponed on multiple occasions, is expected to bring together police officers nationwide to discuss key matters that affect their welfare, working conditions, and professional development.
“This meeting must be held in full compliance with the association’s own constitution. Convening the AGM will also serve as a tangible demonstration of support from the Police Executive for the fundamental right of police officers to freedom of association; reinforcing its commitment to strong governance within the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF),” Tuhanuku said.
For feedback, contact:[email protected]
