A delegation from the United States Embassy conducted a site visit to the Fiji Police Force’s Waterpol base in Lami last week to scope potential areas of assistance.
The delegation consisted of United States Embassy Regional Security Officer Special Agent Samuel J McRae, Defense Attaché Commander Victor Lange, US Army Attache’ Lieutenant Commander John Paul Smock, Assistant to the Defence Attache’s Office Ms Nicole Liu and Coast Guard Officer Norm Witt.
Fiji Police Force director International Relations Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ulaiasi Ravula said the visit was a follow-up on discussions held during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho last month.
During the courtesy visit, the senior US officials acknowledged Fiji’s reputation as a leader in the Pacific region in matters of security and expressed their intent on working in close collaboration with its regional partners for enhanced interoperability to be able to deliver specific assistance programs.
SSP Ravula said from initial discussions, the delegation had shown keen interest in working with the Fiji police’s Waterpol Unit to explore ways and means of enhancing its maritime capabilities.
US Embassy Defense Attaché Commander Victor Lange said the overall focus of the visit was to assist the Fiji Police Force, noting the important role it played in contributing to the growth of Fiji’s economy.
The Fiji Police’s Waterpol base is located at Draunibota in Lami and the unit also acts as a search and rescue operations centre.
