Thirty-five Fiji police officers are attending a diplomacy training facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), ahead of their deployment to Samoa to assist with security operations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this month.
Opening the training was the Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations (ACP) Livai Driu who stressed the importance of the deployment.
“Officers, you are all seasoned enough to know your respective roles and responsibilities in a major event such as Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. You may be going as Fiji Police officers, but while in Samoa, where the eyes of the world will be on, you are representing the Samoan government and Samoa Police Service.”
“You cannot, and must not, do anything that will bring disrepute to the meeting and hosts. We have faith in you and know that you will surely fly the Fiji flag proudly.”
Superintendent of Police (SP) Rakesh Chand will be the contingent commander consisting of an admin officer, a Sergeant Major, Forensic experts, intelligence and transnational crime personnel, personal protection officers and motorcyclists.
Also present during the opening was Fiji’s Roving Ambassador to the Pacific Island Countries and Territories and Agencies of the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific, William Toganivalu, and senior MOFA officials.
ACP Driu said the deployment is an outcome of collective will show by chiefs of police through the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) and facilitated by the Pacific Community for Law Enforcement Cooperation (PCLEC).
“This Pacific CHOGM is said to be able to deliver concrete solutions to global challenges through the principle of talanoa, fostering inclusivity, transparency, and dialogue. We do not often get this opportunity, so let us work together, as the successful hosting of this meeting, does not only benefit Samoa but the region.”
The contingent will depart for Samoa on Sunday 14 October, 2024.