DOZENS more Australian police officers arrived in the Solomon Islands on Wednesday as preparations continue for the much-awaited regional sports event set to boost friendship and brotherhood among countries in the Pacific region.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) will lead the security operation for the Pacific Games in partnership with the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
The 100 additional personnel sent from Australia will join AFP members already assigned in the Solomon Islands.
The Pacific Games will run from November 19 to December 2, 2023, with athletes from 24 countries and territories – including Australia and New Zealand – expected to join the event.
Australia will be sending 75 athletes to compete in the continental multi-sport event held every four years.
The tickets which cost between 30 to 200 Solomon Islands dollars each are now available for purchase.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was the first to purchase tickets and urged the islanders to support the event.
This is the first time that the Solomon Islands will host the continental event.
Members of the AFP will extend their presence in the Solomon Islands until June 2024 to assist with the general elections.
