Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua says the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs and Defence is recommending an increased budget allocation to the Republic of Fiji Navy, currently only receiving less than 20 percent of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces resources.
Qereqeretabua says maritime security emerged as a critical issue with Fiji's vast exclusive economic zone and rising threats such as drug trafficking and illegal fishing.
While supporting the motion Independent MP Virendra Lal says Fiji's exclusive economic zone spans 1.3 million square miles, yet our ability to monitor and protect this vast area remains limited.
Lal says the Republic of Fiji Navy, tasked with safeguarding our maritime borders, faces significant challenges due to inadequate resources and outdated equipment.
He says the report highlights the need for increased budget allocations to the RFN and the acquisition of modern patrol vessels as these steps are essential to combat illegal fishing, drug smuggling, and human trafficking, and other illicit activities that threaten our maritime security.
Lal says the challenges we face in maritime security are complex, but they are not insurmountable, with the right investment and strategic planning, we can transform the RFN into a force that not only protects our borders, but also contributes to regional stability.
While supporting the motion Independent MP Rinesh Sharma says he has been highlighting the entire week about securing our domestic borders and our exclusive economic zone, referring to concerns raised about the monitoring of Fiji's exclusive economic zone, drug infiltration, and the challenges of ensuring full surveillance due to the availability of only one patrol vessel and two smaller boats.
Sharma says the cooperation with regional partners, local communities, and government agencies helps to address these limitations.
He says the issue that he found was that in 2023 to 2024, the total budget for RFMF and Fiji Navy's was $103.1 million, and Fiji Navy got 18.3 million.
