Fiji is poised to become the official host for the regional policing centres of excellence as part of the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI). These centres will focus on providing training, assistance, research, best practices, and leadership in various policing areas.
This announcement was made by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during his keynote address at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 Pacific Policing Event held in Sagafili Village, Samoa. Mr. Rabuka expressed his enthusiasm for Fiji’s role by stating, “I’m happy that Fiji can put its hands forward and up, as host for one of these centres. We have the required facilities and supporting infrastructure in place, ready to support such regional initiative.”
The PPI aims to enhance policing across the Pacific through three main pillars: the establishment of regional Centres of Excellence, a Deployable Police and Peacekeeping Support Group (PPSG), and a Coordination Hub located in Brisbane. Moreover, Mr. Rabuka mentioned that this initiative could strengthen the partnership with Australia, especially regarding the Black Rock training facility in Nadi, which serves not just military purposes but also supports police training and disaster relief operations.
This development underscores Fiji’s commitment to collaboration and improvement in regional security efforts, and it holds the promise of enhanced safety and stability for Pacific nations. By becoming a hub for policing excellence, Fiji will play a vital role in shaping effective law enforcement practices in the region, fostering cooperation among Pacific Islands while contributing to a safer community for all.
Overall, this initiative reflects a proactive approach in addressing policing challenges and signifies a hopeful step toward greater regional unity and resilience.
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