Improved maritime safety and faster response times are expected for the Mamanuca and Malolo groups of islands following the formalisation of a Joint Maritime Task Force between the Fiji Police Force and the Mamanuca Marine Protection Initiative.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in Lautoka on by Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu and Mamanuca Marine Protection Initiative Directors Paula Waqanikalou and Kevin Rotsaert.
The public-private partnership aims to strengthen maritime resources and infrastructure in the area, improve operational effectiveness and address existing gaps in policing capabilities.
The MOU is designed to support coordinated multi-agency operations and enhance monitoring across the region.
The partnership includes the provision of maritime assets and resources, support welcomed by the Fiji Police Force.
Commissioner Tudravu says the Fiji Police Force is appreciative of the initiative and its contribution to crime prevention efforts.
He says public-private partnerships benefit the wider community by enabling stakeholders to work together to address shared challenges.
The Fiji Police Force says the enhanced capability will support quicker responses to incidents and improve security across the waters of the Mamanuca and Malolo groups, which are important areas for tourism and local communities.
