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Fiji Secures US Support to Counter Illicit Trans-National Maritime Operations |
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Fiji’s ongoing effort to combat the illicit transnational maritime activities has been recognised and strengthened through the new Shiprider Agreement signed today between the Fijian Government and the Government of United States of America. The agreement was officially signed by the Minister for Defence and National Security Honourable Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and Charge d’ Affairs of the US Embassy, Mr Michael Goldman It has been developed through the concerted collaboration between the Fiji’s Ministry of Defence and National Security, Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United States Embassy in Fiji. The signing ceremony held this morning at the Ministry of Defence Office was witnessed by the US senior defence officials and senior government officials. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is grateful for the fruition of the Shiprider agreement as, it yet again signifies United States commitment towards the enhancement of Fiji’s national security interests. Minister Kubuabola said the support by US Government will significantly assist Fiji Navy to enhance its capabilities in guarding Fiji’s borders from illicit maritime threats and transnational activities. He also thanked the US Government for its tremendous support through the Shiprider Agreement, which will largely empower the Fiji Border Security Stakeholders to intensify its efforts to protect Fiji’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone. “I would like to thank the United States officials and Fiji government officials for bringing this agreement to conclusion. It will greatly assist our navy officials and border control to monitor the yachts and vessels entering our seas and combat the transnational crimes and trafficking along with the unreported and unregulated fishing,” Minister Kubuabola reiterated.
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Several members of Public Accounts Committee of the Fijian Parliament visiting Wellington this week took advantage of a visit to the Wellington City Council’s Southern Landfill yesterday to glean a few ideas for waste management in Fiji. This included the Hon. Alexander O’Connor, Assistant Minister for Health, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Opposition parliamentarian and Ms. Priya Chand, Parliamentary Secretary who were accompanied by the Fiji High Commission New Zealand staff.
The Southern landfill is an impressive setup particularly as it focuses on recycling and minimising the damage to the environment at the landfill.
Other remarkable features of the landfill were its gas collection, electricity regeneration, green waste mulching and water table management. The Hon. O’Connor, an engineer by profession, was particularly impressed and intends to develop a few ideas for the Fijian Government to consider.
The PAC members were invited to attend the Pacific PAC training seminar in Wellington facilitated by UNDP from the 12th to the 13th December.
The PAC members, including Deputy Chair, Hon. Mohammed Dean, MP, were hosted to afternoon tea at the Fiji Chancery. It was an opportunity for the Parliamentarians to meet the Locally Engaged Staff at the Mission and also update the staff on the work and concerns of the Public Accounts Committee.
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