Key progress made

MSG Police Commissioners agree to share initiatives and experiences they undertake
LITIA MATHEWSELL
NADI
The 4th Melanesian Spearhead Group’s (MSG) Police Commissioners Conference ended in Nadi yesterday with considerable progress made on a number of key initiatives.
Co-chair and Fiji’s Acting Commissioner of Police Ravi Narayan said significant progress had been made on the set up of a Regional Police Academy to train and enhance the knowledge, leadership and operational skills of officers from the MSG region.
He said funding was a key issue although the exact amount needed for a permanent base at Nabukavesi, Namosi, is not conclusive yet, with the national Police Academy in Nasova to be used as an interim arrangement.
“The funds needed would be substantive and we are still finalising issues such as the areas of training and contribution towards the academy by MSG members,” Commissioner Narayan said.
He said the MSG’s respective Police forces were also keen to share critical information to enhance border security.
“We are going to work on a request by the Papua New Guinea Police to assist with community policing in their region,” Commissioner Narayan revealed.Permanent Secretary for Defence Osea Cawaru also noted this issue and called for efforts to achieve a framework towards a Police Women’s Network.
The next MSG Police Commissioners Conference will be held in the Solomon Islands.
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