The National Conference organized by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Fiji began today at the Shangri-La Yanuca Island Resort, addressing the emerging criminal trends that the nation is facing. The event, lasting two days, was inaugurated by Evan Robbins, the Program Director at the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the US State Department, who welcomed around 150 participants, including prosecutors, defense attorneys, police officers, and investigators.
The conference will feature prominent keynote speakers from both local and international backgrounds, who will explore various topics under the theme, “Fiji on the Cusp of Emerging Trends: Narcotics, Age of Criminal Responsibility, International Cooperation, AI, Cyber Security, and Mental Health.”
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms. Nancy Tikoisuva, highlighted the importance of the conference’s theme, noting its relevance to the current criminal trends in Fiji. She emphasized the interconnectedness of these issues, stating, “Drugs threaten the very fabric of our reality, affecting families, communities, churches, schools, and the whole nation.” Ms. Tikoisuva also pointed out the vulnerability of children in this context, urging a collective understanding of the implications of these trends.
Moreover, she addressed the challenges posed by cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and mental health, underscoring that combating these problems cannot occur in isolation. She called for robust international cooperation that involves collaboration among law enforcement, the private sector, and civil society to develop an effective response to these pressing issues.
This conference provides an essential platform for law enforcement stakeholders to engage with experts and share insights on emerging criminal issues, potentially leading to enhanced cooperation and strategies moving forward.
In summary, the National Conference represents a proactive step towards addressing critical criminal issues in Fiji, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among various stakeholders to better protect the community and respond to evolving challenges. Overall, the event holds promise for inspiring collective action that prioritizes the well-being of individuals and the integrity of the nation.
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