Maritime Capabilities to boost Operations

The maritime capabilities donated by the Japanese Government to the Fiji Police Force were ceremonially handed over to the Minister for Defense, National Policing and Security Honorable Inia Seruiratu at the Police Special Response Unit in Nasinu.

These $5.5 million worth of capabilities will greatly assist the organization in its search and rescue efforts as well as expand the Force’s maritime and capabilities that include Special Drug Operations and other natural disaster response.

Among those that were present at the occasion are the Permanent Secretary for Defense, National Security and Policing, Manasa Lesuma, the Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu, and other Senior Police Officers.

According to Honorable Seruiratu, the timely assistance also marks another milestone in both our countries' relationship particularly in the field of National Security and Policing where our engagements have been progressive.

“With the increase in natural disasters occurring in Fiji and the global pandemic, Japan’s support towards our disaster mitigation efforts and COVID 19 response to enhance resilience against the pandemic is timely”. 

The Japanese Ambassador H.E Mr. Kawakami Fumihiro while delivering his speech highlighted that his government has been assisting Fiji in various areas, but this is the first time to assist in the area of maritime law enforcement.

“This project is a symbolic one which shows the strengthening and widening of support for Fiji.

Today it gives me great joy to see that in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense and the Fiji Police Force, we have been able to practically deliver on such a commitment”.

The maritime capabilities include Patrol Boat, Rigid inflatable boats, Rescue Boats, Diving Equipment, Underwater Communication System, and Underwater Camera.