The Minister for Policing, Honourable Ioane Naivalurua, officially opened the 25th International Blue Light Youth Development Conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nadi today.
The event brings together delegates, experts, and partners from New Zealand, Australia, and across the Pacific, united under the theme “Policing with Purpose – Building Trust and Confidence.”
The Conference provides an opportunity to share experiences, strengthen collaboration, and explore new approaches to youth development and community policing across the Blue Pacific.
In his opening address, Minister Naivalurua extended a warm welcome on behalf of the Fiji Government and commended the Blue Light movement—originally founded in New Zealand—for its positive impact in promoting trust and partnership between the Police and communities.
“The Blue Light model offers an answer rooted not in fear, but in relationship and responsibility,” Minister Naivalurua said.
“Policing is not just about enforcing the law — it is about building trust and confidence through engagement, visibility, and partnership.”
The Minister reaffirmed the Coalition Government’s full support for the Blue Light initiative, highlighting its alignment with the Ministry’s commitment to proactive and community-centered policing that builds safer communities and stronger relationships between the people and their Police.
Minister Naivalurua shared Fiji’s success stories under the “Policing Through Sports” initiative — particularly the Devo Babas rugby program which began in Nadi with 23 unemployed young men from Navakasiga, Bua.
Today, the initiative has produced 10 Police Officers, 3 National Sevens players, and several professional rugby players competing internationally, demonstrating the transformative power of sports, mentorship, and community engagement.
“Through sports, faith, and teamwork, many who once went off track have found belonging again — not through punishment, but through participation and relationship,” the Minister said.
He further underscored that policing must remain relevant across all sectors — economic, maritime, rural, and urban — by aligning security with development and law with livelihood.
Minister Naivalurua also shared his guiding principles for leadership and partnership, known as his “Secret Formula”:
• Veiwekani Vinaka – Good Relationships
• Cakacakavata – Working Together
• Duavata – Unity and Oneness
“When there is veiwekani vinaka, collaboration becomes possible. When there is cakacakavata, progress becomes sustainable. And when we live in duavata, our nation becomes unbreakable,” he said.
He called upon regional and international partners to continue strengthening cooperation through the Blue Light movement and community policing frameworks, describing them as critical to rebuilding trust, restoring hope, and redefining policing for a changing world.
“Together — as a world, as a region, and as a nation — let us build policing that protects with compassion, leads with integrity, and serves with purpose,” Minister Naivalurua concluded.
“Because a safer world begins with safer communities — and that begins with us, here in Fiji.”
The Conference will continue over the next three days with plenary sessions, panel discussions, and workshops focused on youth engagement, partnership building, and community transformation.