A collaborative team, supported by the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, has successfully established Crime Prevention Maritime Security Committees across the nine tikinas in Kadavu. This effort stems from the Community Policing-Vanua-Multi-agencies Crime Prevention and Maritime Security model introduced by Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during a Kadavu Provincial Council meeting in July.
The initiative, titled “Solesolevaki ni Veitaqomaki; Matanitu, Vanua kei na Lotu,” aims to strengthen community policing and maritime security in coastal regions. It integrates traditional authority and vanua governance to enhance crime prevention and maritime safety.
By collaborating with various stakeholders including the Republic of Fiji Navy, Fiji Police Force, Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, and local ministries, the program empowers licensed boat operators and community members to act as ‘eyes and ears at sea.’ This approach aims to improve monitoring efforts in Fiji’s maritime areas. Kadavu has been chosen as the pilot site for the solesolevaki initiative.