Port Vila, Vanuatu — A high-level delegation from the Solomon Islands Correctional Services (CCSI) is currently in Port Vila on a week-long study visit, aimed at deepening justice sector collaboration between the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
Led by Correctional Services Commissioner Mactus Forau, the eight-member team includes senior officials from the Correctional Services, the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, and representatives from the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands. Among the delegation are Deputy Commissioner of Operations Michael Nagu, Director of Parole Douglas Mamaka, Director of Programs and Industry Jimmy Aega, Staff Officer Thompson Pada, Correctional Centre Advisor George Samuel, Deputy Secretary Julia Tuvumasi, and First Secretary for Governance & Stability Sarah Lailey.
Their mission: to explore Vanuatu’s correctional operations, particularly how they align with national legislation, and to draw lessons that could inform an upcoming legislative review of the Solomon Islands’ own correctional framework.
This visit forms part of a broader Justice Twinning Program a bilateral initiative between the two nations formalized in 2024 to foster stronger regional cooperation and knowledge exchange in justice, police and correctional systems.
On arrival Monday, the delegation was warmly welcomed and began their itinerary on Tuesday with an in-depth presentation by Vanuatu Correctional Services. The session provided insights into the structure, rehabilitation programs, and day-to-day management of correctional centres across the country.
On Wednesday, the team met with two former inmates now thriving as small business owners—powerful stories of redemption and successful reintegration. The group also visited community-based correction initiatives, including sentenced individuals contributing through meaningful work at Onesua Presbyterian College and Takara Community in northeast Efate.
Thursday’s itinerary included visits to all correctional facilities in the capital, ranging from maximum to minimum-security units, as well as the female correctional centre. That evening, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed between the two correctional services, cementing a commitment to future collaboration, staff exchanges, and program sharing.
Director of the Department of Correctional Services, Johnny Marango, explained to the detainees that the purpose of the visit was for the two Correctional Services to share knowledge and collaborate on ways to improve their operations. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two wantok Melanesian countries, noting that it would be easier to work together since both nations speak similar languages—Bislama and Pijin.
Commissioner Mactus Forau stated that the visit was not a coincidence but took place at the right time. He highlighted that the leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group have already agreed that Pacific Island nations should share knowledge and experience across various sectors, including security, fisheries, environment, agriculture, justice, and more.
He added, "I believe our leaders have shown great vision and wisdom, and it is up to us, the people, to build upon that foundation to make Wan Solwora Pacific a safer and better place to live in the years to come."
The trip will conclude Friday with a courtesy call to the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat, reflecting the Pacific region’s broader push to promote inter-country learning and integration across government sectors.
The delegation will return to Honiara on Saturday, 24 May 2025, bringing with them valuable insights and strengthened ties with their regional counterparts.