The Pacific Centre for Border Management and Security (PCBMS) was officially inaugurated at Fiji National University (FNU), marking a pivotal moment for border management and security training in the region. The ceremony, which took place at FNU’s Namaka Campus, was attended by a variety of leaders from customs, immigration, biosecurity, and private sectors, as well as significant government officials.
Professor David Widdowson, CEO of the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies in Australia, highlighted the long journey behind the establishment of the PCBMS, revealing that the idea was initially conceived in 1998, emphasizing its 27-year development timeline. He described the PCBMS as a “centre of excellence” that will provide comprehensive training not only in customs but also in biosecurity, immigration, and maritime enforcement—a crucial resource for both public and private sectors, including customs brokers and freight forwarders.
Widdowson also noted that the centre’s influence is anticipated to extend beyond Fiji, attracting students from throughout the Pacific and even the Caribbean. He expressed optimism about the PCBMS’s potential impact, saying, “I can really see this centre taking off.”
The centre’s creation was made possible through a partnership among FNU, the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies, the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO), and the Fijian government. Emphasizing the importance of border management, Widdowson remarked that this initiative is crucial not just for revenue collection but for maintaining national security and prosperity by safeguarding against harmful goods and ensuring lawful entry into the country.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, underscored the centre’s significance by stating that it represents a “bold step forward” for regional stability and trade facilitation. He expressed pride in the project, viewing it as a lasting legacy for the Pacific region.
Additionally, FNU Vice Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo Baba commented on how the PCBMS aims to enhance the university’s ability to offer world-class education in border management and security. The flagship program announced is a Bachelor of Border Management, which has received formal accreditation from the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
During the launch, tributes were paid to the late Watisoni Rauicava, a customs consultant and assistant lecturer at FNU, acknowledging his contributions to the customs profession and his vision that helped lay the groundwork for the PCBMS.
In summary, the PCBMS stands as a significant investment in training and education that aims not only to bolster Fiji’s border security capabilities but also to promote regional cooperation, resilience, and economic prosperity through enhanced capacity in handling modern border challenges. The hope is that this initiative will contribute to a safer and more secure Pacific region.
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