The Hon Prime Minister’s Speech at the Passing out Parade – Batch 69

0

Salutations

  • Honourable Minister for Policing and Communication – Hon. Naivalurua;
  • Excellencies, Ambassadors &High Commissioners – Fellow Pacific Brothers;
  • Pacific Island Forum Secretary General – Mr. Waqa;
  • Development Partners;
  • Members of the Diplomatic Corp;
  • Senior Government Officials;
  • Senior officials from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Fiji Police Force,
  • Distinguished Guests,
  • Ladies and Gentlemen.

 

Bula Vinaka and a warm good morning to you all.

 

  1. Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we stand today, Ki Nadonumai vua na Gone Turaga na Tui Suva, and pay my respect to their Chiefs, past and present, as well as emerging leaders and acknowledge their role in caring for the Vanua.

 

  1. Distinguished guests, members of the Fiji Police Force, development partners, proud family members, and most importantly, the graduates of Recruit Course Batch 69.

 

Introduction: Service to Nation and Community

 

  1. Today marks an important milestone not only in your individual journeys, but also in the continued strengthening of one of the nation’s most important institutions. Your graduation represents the successful completion of a demanding period of training and the beginning of a career dedicated to service, responsibility, and the protection of our people.

 

  1. As you take your oath and don the uniform of the Fiji Police Force, you assume a responsibility that extends far beyond law enforcement. You become guardians of public trust, protectors of the rule of law, and custodians of the principles that underpin a safe, stable, and democratic society.

 

Recognising the Achievement of Recruit Course Batch 69

 

  1. The members of Recruit Course Batch 69 have completed 132 days of rigorous training that has tested your discipline, resilience, judgement, and character. Through your commitment and perseverance, you have demonstrated the qualities required to serve with professionalism and integrity.

 

  1. On behalf of the Government and the people of Fiji, I congratulate each of you on this achievement.

 

Policing as a Pillar of Good Governance and National Development

 

  1. The role of policing has never been more important. In an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world, national security is no longer confined to traditional forms of crime. Fiji, like many countries, faces emerging challenges ranging from illicit drug trafficking and transnational organised crime to cyber threats, financial crime, and other complex security risks.

 

  1. These challenges have direct implications for our communities, our economy, and our national development aspirations.

 

  1. A safe and secure society is fundamental to economic growth, social stability, investor confidence, and public wellbeing. Without security, development cannot flourish. Without public trust in institutions, governance cannot be effective.

 

  1. This is why the work of the Fiji Police Force remains central to Government’s broader vision of building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Fiji.

 

Upholding Integrity, Accountability and the Rule of Law

 

  1. As officers of the law, your authority must always be exercised with professionalism, impartiality, and respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens. The uniform you wear represents not power, but responsibility.

 

  1. Every interaction you have with the public will either strengthen or weaken confidence in the institution you serve.

 

  1. Integrity therefore must remain the cornerstone of policing. The people of Fiji expect and deserve a Police Force that is accountable, transparent, and committed to the rule of law. Public confidence is earned not through words, but through consistent conduct, ethical leadership, and professional service.

 

  1. This expectation becomes even more important as Government continues to strengthen governance frameworks and institutional reforms across the public sector.

 

Responding to Emerging Security Challenges

 

  1. Fiji continues to confront increasingly sophisticated security threats, particularly the growing challenge posed by illicit drugs, transnational organised crime, cyber-enabled offences, and other forms of criminal activity that threaten the wellbeing of our communities.

 

  1. The illicit drug trade, in particular, poses a serious threat to our social fabric, public health, economic productivity, and the future of our young people.

 

  1. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated national response that combines effective law enforcement, prevention, community engagement, and strong partnerships across Government, civil society, faith-based organisations, and international partners.

 

  1. As police officers, you will be at the forefront of this effort.

 

Strengthening Public Trust Through Community Policing

  1. Effective policing is built on trust. The strongest police services are those that work alongside communities, understand local challenges, and foster relationships based on mutual respect and cooperation.

 

  1. Community policing remains a critical pillar of Fiji’s approach to public safety. It recognises that maintaining law and order is a shared responsibility between the Police Force and the communities it serves.

 

  1. I encourage each of you to embrace this principle throughout your careers.

 

Institutional Reform and Modernisation of the Fiji Police Force

 

  1. Government remains committed to strengthening the institutional capability of the Fiji Police Force through improved training, professional development, technology, and legislative reform.

 

  1. The ongoing modernisation of policing legislation, including the Police Bill and other supporting reforms, is intended to ensure that the Force remains responsive to emerging challenges while operating within a clear framework of accountability, transparency, and good governance.

 

  1. These reforms support Government’s broader objective of building stronger, more resilient, and more effective public institutions.

 

Regional Cooperation and the Pacific Vision of Security

 

  1. The Fiji Police Force has a proud history of contributing to regional security and capacity building across the Pacific.

 

  1. The participation of officers from the Tuvalu Police Service in this training programme reflects the strength of regional partnerships and our shared commitment to peace, security, and stability.

 

  1. Through cooperation, knowledge sharing, and professional development, Fiji continues to contribute to the broader Pacific vision of an Ocean of Peace, where regional prosperity is supported by collective security and mutual respect.

 

Government’s Commitment to Building Institutional Capability

 

  1. Government acknowledges the operational challenges faced by the Fiji Police Force and remains committed to strengthening its institutional capability within the context of prudent and responsible fiscal management.

 

  1. In this regard, we acknowledge the valuable support of development partners, particularly the New Zealand Police through the Fiji Police Partnership Programme under the Duavata Partnership Agreement.

 

  1. Such partnerships play an important role in enhancing leadership, training, operational effectiveness, and organisational resilience.

 

Appreciation to Families and Loved Ones

 

  1. Today would not have been possible without the support of families and loved ones.

 

  1. Government extends its sincere appreciation to the parents, spouses, children, relatives, and friends whose sacrifices, encouragement, and unwavering support have enabled these graduates to reach this important milestone.

 

  1. Your contribution to their success is recognised and deeply valued.

 

Charge to the Graduating Officers

 

  1. To the graduates of Batch 69, the journey ahead will be demanding. You will encounter situations that test your judgement, courage, and commitment to the values you have been taught.

 

  1. In those moments, remember that the true measure of a police officer is not found in authority, but in character.

 

  1. Serve with integrity. Lead with humility. Uphold the rule of law without fear or favour. Treat every citizen with dignity and respect. And never lose sight of the trust that the people of Fiji have placed in you.

 

  1. Through your service, you will contribute not only to the safety of our communities but also to the broader national goal of building a secure, well-governed, resilient, and prosperous Fiji for future generations.

 

Conclusion

 

  1. I congratulate each of you on the successful completion of your training and wish you every success as you begin your careers in service to our nation.

 

  1. I leave you with the words of President Theodore Roosevelt: “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing; the next best thing is the wrong thing; and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”

 

  1. Vinaka Vakalevu.

 

  1. May God bless you, the Fiji Police Force, and our beloved nation of Fiji.

 

[END]

 

 

Translate »