Kadavu Chiefs and Council agree on project to report suspicious activities at sea

The Chiefs and members of the Kadavu Provincial Council have unanimously agreed to pilot the ‘Solesolevaki ni Veitaqomaki’ model in Kadavu Province.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has launched a model, also known as the Community Policing-Vanua-Multi-Agencies Crime Prevention and Maritime Security.

This project aims to leverage the role of the Vanua in monitoring and reporting suspicious activities at sea.

The Prime Minister emphasised the country’s comprehensive approach to preventing criminal and security activities both on land and at sea.

Rabuka stressed the importance of community awareness regarding maritime vigilance, aligning with his vision of an ‘ocean of peace’ for Fiji and the Pacific Region.

Chairman of the Bose ni Yasana o Kadavu, Isikeli Vuniwaqa says that fishermen and women now have the opportunity to report suspicious yachts or illegal fishing activities to authorities for intelligence gathering and action.

Vuniwaqa says this initiative aims to protect communities and safeguard Fiji’s maritime resources, preparing the nation to address current and future naval threats through a multi-agency approach.

The Maritime Security Committee brings together key actors from Fisheries, Foreign Affairs, Fiji Police Force, Fiji Navy, MSAF, Biosecurity and Fiji Revenue and Customs.

This collaboration is crucial for Fiji’s maritime security.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, Mason Smith emphasized the importance of securing Fiji’s maritime space.

Meanwhile, United Kinddom’s High Commissioner, Dr Brian Jones highlighted the need for strategic coherence and unified actions to safeguard Fiji’s maritime domain, with the UK firmly supporting these efforts.

He also emphasised that the UK’s support for Fiji’s Maritime Security Committee would effectively address pressing maritime security threats, particularly benefiting vulnerable groups, including women and girls.