DEPUTY PM HON. BIMAN PRASAD'S SPEECH AT THE COMMISSIONING OF THE RFNS TIMO

The High Commissioner of Australia to Fiji and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, His Excellency Ewen Macdonald;
Cabinet Ministers;
The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces,
Major General Jone Kalouniwai;
The Commander Fiji Navy;
Distinguished Guests;
Men and Women of the Fiji Navy;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
 
Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.
 
I would like to begin by acknowledging the traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we stand today, Ki Nadonumai, vua na Turaga na Tui Suva and pay my respect to their Chiefs, past and present, as well as emerging leaders and members of the Vanua o' Nadonumai who may be present here this morning. I acknowledge their role in caring for the Vanua.
 
It is indeed a pleasure to be here this morning on such an auspicious occasion to commission the third

Guardian-class patrol boat RFNS Timo into the Fiji Navy fleet.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to acknowledge the government of Australia’s commitment to deepening our security cooperation with Fiji under the enhanced Vuvale Partnership with the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP) embodies our dedication to collaborative efforts to strengthen regional maritime security and address common security challenges.

The gifting of the RFNS Timo is testament to the enhance relationship between our two nations. This state of the art vessel will complement and strengthen the capability of the Fiji Navy fleet in safeguarding Fiji’s waters, protecting our natural resources and upholding regional security.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we must recognise the growing threats that Fiji and the broader pacific region face in our maritime borders.

Fiji’s maritime security is foundational to ensuring that international trade can continue without disruption. Our maritime borders amplify another layer of complexity, which requires innovating and coordinated approaches to tighten security.
 
In addition, Fiji’s maritime aspirations lies in the 2050 Strategy of the Blue Pacific Continent highlights the paramount importance of maritime security in achieving both national imperatives and fostering broader regional collaboration and partnership.

With our focus on safeguarding maritime interests, the 2050 strategy outlines the pivotal role that maritime security plays in realising Fiji’s long term objective for the pacific to be a “region of peace.”

At the endorsement of the National Security Defence Review (NSDR) in line with the Fijis national Development Plan (NDP) recognises Fiji’s dependency on its oceanic resources for our livelihood and economic security but also emphasizes Maritime Security and Maritime Domain Awareness as a key cornerstone of national strategic priorities that emphasises the imperative of bolstering maritime security capabilities.

This is necessary to safeguard Fiji’s waters and maritime interests against a myriad of threats including non-traditional threats posed by:
i) transnational crime,
ii) Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing,
iii) drug trafficking,
iv) human trafficking and
v) the national security impacts of climate and environmental changes.

The recent influx of drug detections across the country further highlight the critical role of maritime security, as these incidents indicate a delivery method that would have only been possible by sea.

The RFNS Timo will contribute to the protection of vital trade routes, ensure the sustainability of our marine resources, and defend our nation’s interests far beyond our shores. Her presence will enhance our readiness, strengthen our partnerships with allies, and promote peace and stability in our region.

This RFNS Timo guardian patrol boat will greatly improve the capability of the Fiji Navy which will be complemented by the Maritime Essential Services Centre and the C-27 Spartan Aircraft to ensure that Fiji responds effectively natural disasters, and increase naval and coastal rescue capabilities.

To the officers and crew of the RFNS Timo, you are entrusted with a great responsibility. To serve with honor, duty, and loyalty. Your work will contribute directly to the defense of our nation, and your efforts will echo through the years, as future generations of sailors look to you as an example of excellence and courage.

This commissioning ceremony also symbolizes the strength of our partnerships with other nations. In an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape, collaboration and mutual respect among global maritime powers are paramount.

The RFNS Timo will not only protect our national interests but will also serve as a bridge for cooperation in regional security initiatives and humanitarian efforts. Our Navy’s commitment to peacekeeping, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions remains steadfast.

As we move forward, we must recognize the hard work of all those involved in bringing the RFNS Timo to life — from the design and construction teams to the officers who will steer her, and to the families of our servicemen and women who offer their unwavering support.

It is through your dedication that we can confidently say that the RFNS Timo will uphold the values and traditions of our Navy while embracing the challenges and responsibilities of a new era.
 
To conclude, I wish the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division well in its future endeavours and hereby formally commission the RFNS Timo into active service on this day, 25th February 2025.
 
Vinaka vakalevu, Dhaanyabaad and Thank you.