New $1.2 million patrol boat for Police

A $1.2 million patrol boat, the M.V. Liga ni Lawa has been handed over by the Japanese Government to the Fiji Police Force.

Minister for Defence, Inia Seruiratu says the Fijian people continue to benefit from the enduring partnership between the two nations.

He says despite the unprecedented challenges brought about by the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is reassuring that the nations continue to work together in meaningful solidarity to further engagements in areas of mutual interests such as climate change and infrastructure development to foster sustainable development and disaster risk reduction.

Japanese Ambassador to Fiji, Kawakami Fumihiro says as this is the first time for them to provide assistance in the area of maritime law enforcement, it makes this project quite special for Japan-Fiji relations because despite the difficult times experienced by most countries they are widening their support for Fiji.

The Ambassador says such maritime heritage and commonality between Japan and Fiji makes the issue of a free, open and sustainable marine order under the rule of law, of central importance to both countries.

Commissioner of Police, Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho says the Fiji Police Force is fortunate that the Japanese Government continues to keep its doors open as the organisation has much to learn and gain from the existing partnership.

He says they have in place its own Maritime Unit/Sea Police Unit that will double as a disaster response unit during disaster situations. This is the last phase of the $5.5 million Japanese Government assistance to the Fiji Police Force, funded under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme.

Under the $5.5 million grant aid, the Japanese Government has provided a patrol boat, rigid inflatable boats, rescue boats, diving equipment, underwater communication system and underwater cameras.