Senior Government officials today signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the National Combined Law and Security Agencies group (NCLASA) with the ultimate objective of ensuring that all Fijians are safe and secure.
Minister for Defence, National Security and Immigration Joketani Cokanasiga said this is a new beginning for all organisations present as Fijians all have a role to play in maintaining a safe and secure Fiji.
“In order for us to ensure our citizens are safe and secure, Government must be informed and appraised of security threats, emerging trends and moreover be equally responsive in terms of assessing, analysing and implementing the required responses,” Mr Cokanasiga said.
The signing of today’s MOU will commit relevant government ministries and agencies to coordinate closely with each other to strengthen the various frameworks that looks after Fiji’s security and defence. This includes food security, border security, cyber security etc.
“The NCLASA MOU signed today will provide the necessary framework which will underpin sharing of information across organisational boundaries for national purposes”, said Defence minister Mr Joketani Cokanasiga.
“It will provide a paradigm shift in security circles from a “NEED TO KNOW to NEED TO SHARE basis”, he said.
Mr Cokanasiga told government officials present at today’s signing that in order for government to mitigate emerging threats of transnational crime and unsustainable resource exploitation, an integrated approach by government will be required.
Ministry of Defence permanent secretary Jale Fotofili pointed out that he is optimistic that through the co-operation from all government agencies, the main objectives of the MOU will be accomplished.
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