The Fiji Police Force today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Air Pacific in recognition of the importance of aviation safety and security.
While the security environment worldwide has evolved dramatically, Minister for Defence Ratu Epeli Ganilau said Government has now embarked on security initiatives that are expected to enable Fiji to comply with the requirements of international mandates, conventions, resolutions and protocols that Fiji has been signatory to.
Citing a recent United States release that rated Fiji as a tier three national on People Trafficking, the defence minister stressed that this has challenged Government to put in place necessary security measures for the safety of legitimate travellers, to monitor and provide surveillance of individuals who could be connected to renowned terrorist groups and other criminal entities.
In addition, the MOU would help remove both organisational, territorial or turf mindsets and the need to be over protective of our own legitimate boundaries of operation, but without compromising corporate role, functions, and obligations at Nadi Airport.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Defence noted that the MOU "is really an indication of the remarkable achievements of the Border Police since its inception last year."
"In fact the Border Police in the rural areas and outer islands have also been empowered by Government with the role and functions of customs, biosecurity, and immigration."
He observed that the Fiji Police Force had "executed similar MOUs with Airports Fiji Ltd and Air Terminal Services pertaining to the better understanding of the roles and functions of the Border Police."