HONIARA (Pacnews) — Twelve police officers are in Taiwan to train as personal protection body guards, Solomon Star reports
It’s not immediately clear whether the group’s exercise in Taipei poses any immediate threat to the current bodyguards to the prime minister, who are mostly officers of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.
The group is expected to undergo intensive training, which could also involve arms.
Police said discussions are continuing between the government and police on plans to rearm the Solomon Islands Police Force.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has publicly revealed his desire to have the officers protecting him armed.
He stated earlier that he would like to see Solomon Islanders take on the role saying that he was not comfortable being surrounded by RAMSI officers.
Civil groups in Honiara have heavily criticized this suggestion.
The Solomon Islands National Council of Women last month urged the government to reconsider its decision and take into account the safety and well-being of its citizens.