Police Inspector Sisa Tuicoro Jr. initially perceived the basic diplomacy training course he recently completed as a brief program. However, he found the experience exceeded his expectations. The 37-year-old law enforcement officer from Vuniwai in Saqani, with maternal connections to Qeleni on Taveuni, was among 16 graduates from the program held on September 21 at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva.
This eight-month course marked the United Nations Association of Fiji’s inaugural initiative aimed at enhancing leadership through diplomacy. Inspector Tuicoro noted, “We started out with 28 participants, but only 16 graduated. That’s how strenuous the program was. It wasn’t easy.”
Completing the program demanded significant sacrifices from Inspector Tuicoro, including time away from family and friends as course activities and debate sessions sometimes extended into the early morning hours. He shared, “We had students from various fields such as medicine, law, and psychology.” The curriculum provided valuable direction, goals, and guidance, helping participants eliminate negative influences.
Toward the program’s conclusion, Inspector Tuicoro and his peers engaged in intensive three-day submission sessions that frequently began at 8 PM and concluded by 3 AM, primarily focused on debate and extensive contributions. The training equipped him with skills in negotiation, diplomatic affairs, and even table etiquette.
“This was an eye-opening experience, vastly different from my daily police duties. It encouraged us to think outside the box,” he explained. With regular interactions involving dignitaries and ambassadors in his security role, the program offered him a refreshed perspective on executing his responsibilities.
Having served in the force for 15 years, Inspector Tuicoro emphasized the importance of balancing security duties with diplomatic protocols, skills he learned during the course. “I joined with another police officer, and we had to manage a heavy workload together,” he said.
He underlined the critical support he received from his family, stating, “They are the backbone of everything you do. Without proper support, success is challenging.” He recounted how, despite the exhaustion from late Friday shifts, his family motivated him to attend early morning classes. Today, he celebrates the fruits of his hard work.