Various services and programs by the Ministry of Defence, National Security & Immigration will be on display and promoted to members of the public at the Government Information and Referral Centre [GIRC] in Suva from October 31 until Saturday, November 5.
When opening the Defence Public Awareness week at Sukuna Park the Ministry of Defence, National Security and Immigration permanent secretary Mr Jale Fotofili said this was a special week for the ministry in a sense exhibitions were in line with government’s efforts to transform the service into an efficient, client responsive and forward looking organization.
“GIRC is part of the initiative for state reforms, and that is to enhance service delivery to all members of the public. To have an effective voice, people need to be able to understand what is going on in the public services,” Mr Fotofili said.
“Given that most government offices are located at different parts of the Suva area, members of the public often find it difficult to access these offices. For the past two years, GIRC has been the focal point for the provision of information and has become a point of referral to ordinary citizens who want to access information and assistance from Government.
“The Ministry of Defence which includes the Army, the Fiji Police Force, The Fiji Navy and the Fiji Prison Services manage the nation’s security and delivers this through the formulation and implementation of legislations, policy initiatives, programs and projects on matters of national crises/emergencies, defence, aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, national day and other celebrations.
“It is also responsible for the immigration matters that include citizenship, detention and deportation, passport, visa permits, border control, combat trafficking in person, refugee status determination and migration.”
The awareness week started with a march led by the Fiji Police Band from the Flea Market to Sukuna Park where Mr Fotofili opened the awareness week.
Entertainment by the band and the Police PR team continued at the GIRC where the public viewed photos of developments in the ministry and an opportunity to talk with officers at various booths.