PRIME MINISTER HON. SITIVENI RABUKA'S ADDRESS AT THE LAUNCH OF THE MINISTRY OF POLICING AND...

Honourable Ministers and Members of Parliament;
The Honourable Leader of the Opposition;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Distinguished guests, development partners, and stakeholders;
Representatives of civil society, including the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation;
Our youth and students;
Ladies and gentlemen

Ni sa bula vina'a and a very good morning to you all.

I first wish to acknowledge the Traditional Leaders and custodians of the Land of Suva; 'Ki Nadonumai, vei kemuni na Turaga na Tui Suva, and their chiefs, past, present and emerging, and offer our respects and gratitude for their custodianship of this land since it became the seat of our then Colonial, and now National Capital since 1882.'

I acknowledge the Honourable Ministers present here today; the Honourable Leader of the Opposition and each and everyone of you-whose presence affirms and reflects our shared national commitment to security and stability and also underscore the importance of this occasion.

A STRATEGIC MOMENT FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AND GOVERNANCE
Today, we launch three important national initiatives:
i. The Ministry of Policing and Communications Strategic Plan 2025-2030
ii. The National Cybersecurity and Resilience Strategy 2026-2031
iii. The National Cybersecurity Website

Collectively, these represent a decisive step forward in advancing Government's priorities of good governance, transparency, accountability, and national resilience, while positioning Fiji to respond to emerging security challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.

SECURITY, GOVERNANCE AND THE CHANGING RISK LANDSCAPE
We are living in a period of rapid transformation.

Technological advancement, digital connectivity, and evolving geopolitical dynamics are reshaping not only how economies function, but also how nations safeguard their sovereignty, stability, and public trust. For an ocean state like Fiji, these risks must be addressed with foresight, cooperation, and resilience.

Today, security extends beyond physical borders. It encompasses:
i) the protection of our digital systems,
ii) the integrity of our institutions, and
iii) the resilience of our national infrastructure that support our economy and the daily lives of our people.

At the same time, we face increasingly sophisticated threats, including:
i. transnational organised crime and illicit drug trafficking,
ii. cybercrime and digital fraud,
iii. misinformation and exploitation of digital platforms, and
iv. emerging regional and global security risks.

These challenges require coordinated leadership, strong institutions, and collective responsibility.

STRENGTHENING GOOD GOVERNANCE, TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY - THE STRATEGIC PLAN

At the core of these initiatives is Government's commitment to strengthening:
i) institutional integrity,
ii) public sector accountability, and
iii) transparent and responsive governance systems.

The Strategic Plan reinforces ethical leadership and professionalism across the Ministry, recognising that public trust is fundamental to effective governance. It provides a clear roadmap for strengthening Fiji's national security governance, today and into the future.

It also advances a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, ensuring that security responses are coordinated, evidence-based, and aligned with national development priorities.

It sets out Government's priorities in:
developing a secure digital economy;
strengthening digital communications and cybersecurity capabilities;
combating organised crime and illicit drugs;
enhancing maritime and border security;
strengthening community policing partnerships;
modernising policing capabilities;
protecting critical infrastructure and information; and
building ethical leadership across the Ministry which in time will permeate the rest of the public service.

At its core is a simple principle: security is a shared responsibility. While law-enforcement agencies lead this effort, every citizen has a role to play.

A SHARED COMMITMENT TO ADDRESS TRANSNATIONAL CRIME AND NATIONAL CHALLENGES
The Government remains resolute in addressing the growing threat of transnational organised crime, particularly illicit drug trafficking and associated criminal networks.

Recent operations-including major drug seizures of 4.1 tonnes of methamphetamine in Nadi and community-led reporting from fishermen and villagers', assisted in the interception of 2.5 tonnes of cocaine in Vatia destruction of numerous marijuana farms across the country -demonstrate the value of partnership between Government and citizens.

I encourage members of the community to work with Government to curb illegal activities and also wish to thank all who have continued vigilance against drug abuse, illegal drugs, cultivation, and trafficking.

We reaffirm our commitment to strengthening coordinated enforcement through initiatives such as the proposed Joint National Enforcement Centre, bringing together key agencies such as Fiji Police Force, Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Immigration, Health authorities and community networks to enhance intelligence, operational effectiveness, and accountability.

At the same time, we are strengthening the Police Maritime Division's forward presence in maritime zones, including planned bases in Lakeba, Savusavu, Denarau, and Levuka to improve response capability, support maritime communities and enhance coastal vigilance against transnational criminal activity.

Key to the progress of this initiative, is the valued support of our international partners and I wish to acknowledge the Government of the United Kingdom for its support in the piloting and mobilising of the Solesolevaki ni Veitaqomaki: Matanitu, Vanua kei na Lotu (CVM-CMS) model across coastal iTaukei villages in Fiji.

Equally, we recognise that these challenges are not confined to national borders. They are regional and global in nature, requiring collective action, shared responsibility, and sustained cooperation.

VUVALE PRINCIPLES AND REGIONAL SOLIDARITY
Our approach is guided by the spirit of Vuvale - a recognition that we are part of a broader Pacific family.

This principle reinforces:
· mutual respect,
· shared responsibility, and
· collective action in addressing common challenges.

Through strengthened partnerships with regional neighbours and international partners, Fiji continues to contribute to a unified response to:
· transnational crime,
· cybersecurity threats, and
· broader regional crises.

ADVANCING A SECURE DIGITAL NATION
The National Cybersecurity and Resilience Strategy reflects Government's forward-looking commitment to building a secure, inclusive, and resilient digital economy.

As our financial systems, public services, and infrastructure become increasingly digitised, safeguarding these systems is essential for:
i. economic growth,
ii. service delivery, and
iii. public confidence.

This Strategy establishes a coordinated national framework to:
a) strengthen cybersecurity governance,
b) protect critical infrastructure,
c) enhance incident response capabilities, and
d) build national awareness and capacity.

The launch of the National Cybersecurity Website further demonstrates our commitment to transparency and accessibility, providing a central platform for information, reporting, and public engagement.

It serves as a central platform for cybersecurity awareness and education, reporting cyber incidents, sharing security advisories and supporting organisations and individuals in strengthening their digital security practices.

PARTNERSHIP AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
No nation can address these challenges alone.

Fiji values the continued support of its development partners, including Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, in strengthening our national capabilities.

These partnerships reflect our shared commitment to regional stability, capacity building, and collective security outcomes.

A WHOLE-OF-NATION APPROACH
Security is a shared responsibility.

Government will continue to lead through policy, legislation, and institutional strengthening. However, lasting impact depends on the active participation of:
· communities,
· traditional and faith-based leaders,
· civil society,
· the private sector, and
· every citizen.

This is particularly important in addressing issues such as drug abuse, cyber awareness, and community safety.

PROMOTING REGIONAL PEACE, SECURITY AND ORDER
Fiji remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting regional peace, security, and stability.

As a responsible member of the Pacific community, we will continue to advocate for:
· peaceful cooperation,
· respect for sovereignty, and
· adherence to international norms and laws.

Our national security efforts are therefore not only about protecting Fiji, but also about contributing to a stable, secure, and resilient Pacific region.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the initiatives we launch today reflect a clear and strategic vision:
i. to strengthen governance and accountability;
ii. to modernise our security and policing systems;
iii. to build a resilient and secure digital future; and
iv. to foster partnerships that support national and regional stability.

They are aligned with our broader development agenda and our enduring commitment to good governance, sustainable development, and inclusive growth.

Our responsibility as leaders is to ensure that our institutions evolve to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

With those remarks, it is my distinct honour and privilege to officially launch the:
Ministry's Strategic Plan 2025-2030, and National Cybersecurity Website.

Vinaka Vakalevu, Dhanyavaad and Thank yoU.