US Officials visit Waterpol

A site visit to the Fiji Police’s WATERPOL base was conducted by US Embassy Suva Senior Officials this past week to scope potential areas of assistance.

The delegation consisted of United States Embassy Regional Security Officer Special Agent Samuel J McRae, Defense Attaché Commander Victor Lange, US Army Attache’ Lt. Commander John Paul Smock, Assistant to the Defence Attache’s Office Ms Nicole Liu and Coast Guard Officer Norm Witt.

Fiji Police’s Director International Relations Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ulaiasi Ravula said the visit was a follow up on discussions held during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho last month.

During the courtesy visit in September, the senior U.S Officials acknowledged Fiji’s reputation as a leader in the Pacific region in matters of security and expressed their intent of working in close collaboration with its regional partners for enhanced interoperability to be able to deliver specific assistance programs.

SSP Ravula said from initial discussions, the delegation had shown keen interests in working with the Fiji Police’s WATERPOL Unit, to explore ways and means of enhancing its maritime capabilities.

The US Embassy’s Defense Attaché Commander Victor Lange said the overall focus of the visit was to assist the Fiji Police Force, noting the important role it plays in contributing to the growth of Fiji's economy.

The Fiji Police’s WATERPOL base is located at Draunibota in Lami.

The Unit also doubles up as a search and rescue operations centre.

(Correction: Assistant Defense Attache, Ms Nicole Liu was wrongly quoted as the Assistant to the Defence Attache’s Office. We apologize for the error and inconvenience caused).