Police Inspector Sisa Tuicoro Jr initially assumed that the basic diplomacy training course he recently completed would be a brief program. However, he discovered that it offered much more than he anticipated.
The 37-year-old police officer from Vuniwai in Saqani, who has maternal roots in Qeleni on Taveuni, was among the 16 successful graduates from the course held at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva on September 21. This eight-month training was the inaugural major initiative by the United Nations Association of Fiji aimed at fostering leadership through diplomacy.
Inspector Tuicoro noted that the program began with 28 participants, but only 16 successfully graduated, underscoring the course’s demanding nature.
“It required significant sacrifices, especially time with family and friends, as we engaged in course activities and debates that sometimes extended into the early morning,” he remarked.
He explained that classmates included individuals from various fields such as medicine, law, and psychology. “The program provided guidance, clarity of purpose, and helped us eliminate distractions,” he added.
Towards the conclusion of the course, participants underwent three days of intensive submissions, with some sessions running from 8 PM until 3 AM, dedicated to vigorous debates and lengthy presentations.
Inspector Tuicoro highlighted the new skills he gained from the program, which included negotiation tactics, understanding diplomatic affairs, and mastering table etiquette.
“This experience was enlightening and completely different from my everyday police duties. It encouraged me to think creatively,” he shared.
Working closely with dignitaries and ambassadors in his role, he found that the training offered him a fresh perspective on fulfilling his responsibilities.
With 15 years in the force, he emphasized the importance of maintaining security for dignitaries in a diplomatic manner, ensuring protocol is respected. “The program equipped us with such knowledge,” he stated.
Inspector Tuicoro also mentioned he learned to balance the demands of security with the intricacies of diplomatic procedures more effectively.
He undertook the program alongside another police officer, managing a substantial workload. “Family support is crucial; it’s the foundation of everything you do. Without it, success becomes much more challenging,” he remarked.
He shared that there were times he had to work late on Fridays but still attended 7 AM classes the following day, thanks to his family’s encouragement. He concluded by reflecting on the rewarding outcome of his dedication and hard work.