Courtesy Call

A commitment to supporting more studying opportunities for members of the Fiji Police Force was made during a meeting between the Commissioner of Police and the British High Commissioner to Fiji yesterday.

The British High Commissioner His Excellency Mr George Edgar made a courtesy call to the Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho, whereby discussions were held about niche training opportunities.

The Commissioner of Police conveyed his appreciation for the support rendered by the British Government in backing the Fijian Government’s nomination for studies at the Royal College of Defence Studies.

“I am honoured to have been the first Fijian not only from Fiji but from all over the world, and am grateful because it has broadened my knowledge and changed the way I view things”.

Brig-Gen Qiliho said he was keen to strengthen police cooperation between foreign partners.

“Fijian Police officers had once received training at Scotland Yard and they came back with knowledge that made them renowned investigators and this is an area we would like to revisit”.

“We want to re-establish links at the bilateral level to engage better and enhance policing capabilities particularly in niche training because in law enforcement our priorities are the same when it comes to security matters”.

H.E. Mr George Edgar supported the Commissioners’ sentiments about training adding he was glad to have the opportunity to meet and discuss ways of strengthening relations in the field of security matters.

“I am glad to have the chance to meet and hear of the outcome of your studies”.

“I am aware that you are the first Fijian to join the course and hope for more in the years to come and will work to make sure that happens”.

The British High Commissioner said they were also in talks through the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Secretariat on piloting specific training programs in Fiji that will also benefit Pacific Police agencies.