The Minister for Defence Ratu Inoke Kubuabola says there is a need to increase the Navy Personnel from 300 to 1000.
Kubuabola called for an increase in the capability of the Fiji Naval Division while officiating at the Fiji Navy Day which commemorated the 42nd anniversary of the Fiji Naval Division.
He says during his recent visit to India as he overlooked the harbor in Mumbai and watched the majestic naval ships on display, he could not help but think of the need to increase our Navy Personnel.
Kubuabola says strategies to equip and provide the tools for the increase in manpower will have to be considered.
He says Fiji is a maritime nation and a island state which demands its waters and seas protected.
The Minister added that the importance of ensuring the safety, security and the management of our seas and how it requires the extensive commitment of all state actors to tackle issues that concern our seas.
He says our maritime domain faces many threats and challenges.
Kubuabola says the adverse impacts on the security and safety of Fiji and the entire Pacific region are real as illegal immigration, terrorism, piracy and drug trafficking, human trafficking are a few issues the Fiji Naval Division now confronts.
The Minister says unlike ports of entry, access to Fiji through our maritime islands in the Lau, Lomaiviti, and Vanua Levu are open, and exposes our country and our people to risks and emerging threats.
The commemoration also saw the launching of the Fiji Naval Divisions Maritime Surveillance Centre.
