Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, has expressed his intention to address unresolved matters in the Police department while awaiting the conclusion of the investigations in which he is involved. He has temporarily stepped aside from his responsibilities within the Immigration and Police sectors due to allegations concerning the improper issuance of passports to foreign nationals’ children linked to accusations of human rights violations by Grace Road.
In light of this, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has taken over the oversight of these ministerial portfolios. Tikoduadua, who has been a driving force behind the Fiji Police Force reset program, emphasized the importance of promptly appointing a new Commissioner of Police. “We have been waiting for a very long time, even though I am no longer the Minister for Police; I know the urgency is there,” he remarked, noting the numerous initiatives pending completion.
He highlighted the successful renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the Vuvale Partnership, signifying deeper cooperation between Fiji and Australia not only under the Pacific policing initiative but also through enhanced bilateral relations. The timely appointment of the new Commissioner and the amended MOU slated for Cabinet review will be crucial for advancing police objectives.
Tikoduadua mentioned that a dedicated consultant would mentor the forthcoming Commissioner of Police, along with four additional personnel—three from Australia and one from New Zealand—who are expected to join the Fiji Police Force to help elevate operational standards.
He acknowledged the initiatives started, such as the “Restore Blue” campaign, and the collective strategies developed with Australian and New Zealand counterparts that have been submitted to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Police for effective implementation. While he awaits a reshuffle decision from the Prime Minister, he remains committed to his unfinished work.
This situation reflects a pivotal time for Fiji’s law enforcement, as leadership changes and international partnerships are set to play a transformative role in addressing both ongoing issues and future developments within the police force.
In summary, Minister Tikoduadua is focusing on overcoming pending challenges in the Police department while awaiting the outcome of investigations. The transition in leadership and ongoing international cooperation may lead to significant advancements in Fiji’s policing standards, which is a hopeful prospect for improving overall public safety and trust in law enforcement.
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