Women in Solomon Islands are one step closer to having access to modern medical equipment to detect cervical and breast cancer.

The Commander of the RAMSI Participating Police Force (PPF), Denis McDermott, met Lady Alice Waena, wife of the Governor General at Government House on Tuesday, where a small ceremony was held to present a cheque for $169,755.

The cheque represents the total of proceeds raised from last year's Pink Ribbon Day fundraiser.

Lady Waena expressed her profound gratitude and deep sense of appreciation to the members of RAMSI who helped in the whole process.

"Women who suffer from cancerous ill-health will be assisted through the purchasing of modern equipment which would help the health authorities at the National Referral Hospital carry out early detections of problems, relating to cervical or breast cancers," said Lady Waena.

Lady Alice is the Chairperson of the First Lady's Charity and was also named as Patron of the Pink Ribbon Day at a dinner held to raise funds in October last year.

Commander McDermott said he was extremely pleased to hand over the cheque and that as Lady Alice is a former nurse, he had great faith that she would know exactly where best these funds could be directed to enhance women's health.

"Plans are already underway for this year's Pink Ribbon Day," he said. "I hope that even more people can be involved in organising the event this year."

Commander McDermott acknowledged the efforts of the many Solomon Island businesses and community organisations which graciously supported this important cause.

"Their generosity helped the event achieve its aim of assisting women in Solomon Islands prevent cancer."

Lady Alice was very grateful for the work and effort in obtaining such a large amount of money which will be used for cervical and breast cancer research and treatment.

"We sincerely hope that the "Pink Ribbon Day" 2008 will provide an opportunity to, once more, get our acts together, to continue to support the cause of humanity," Lady Waena said.

The Pink Ribbon is an internationally recognised day set aside for fund-raising for women's cancer research and treatment and events are held annually in many countries of the world.

Also present at the ceremony were the members of the First Lady's Charity, including Mrs. Doris Sikua, wife of the Hon. Prime Minister, Mrs. Renni Hooten, wife of the Australian High Commissioner, and Mrs. Ann Lyon, wife of the British High Commissioner.