Nawi Island Marina sign agreement in Savusavu

Nawi Island Pte Limited in Savusavu, Vanua Levu, has taken a significant step towards improving inter-agency cooperation and ensuring the con­tinued protection, safety and bios­ecurity of Fiji's borders.

Last Thursday, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nawi Island Marina at Nawi Island, for­malising a strategic partnership to strengthen cooperation in the de­livery of their respective services and mandates under Fiji's laws.

The agreement establishes the sharing of relevant information and resources, consultation and mutual assistance during joint op­erations when required, and coor­dinated surveillance activities to safeguard Fiji's borders.

The partnership also aims to pro­mote, enhance, and strengthen co­operation in line with the vision and missions of the respective or­ganisations, while supporting ca­pacity building on matters of mu­tual interest.

Under the partnership, Nawi Is­land marina will provide desig­nated operational space for border agencies operating within the ma­rina and facilitate access to CCTV live monitoring to support surveil­lance and enforcement activities.

The marina will also support the secure and confidential sharing of relevant information with border agencies.

Fiji Revenue and Customs Service chief customs officer, Nausad Ali, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji act­ing chief executive officer Surend Pratap and Nawi Island marina general manager Jitendra Prasad, along with officers from the respective agencies and Nawi Island chief of security Clarence Reid, marina manager Grace Lee & Ops/HR Manager Annie Simpson, Nawi is­land's marine biologist Sarah Ma­kutu was also present.

Speaking during the event, Mr Ali highlighted the importance of partnerships in strengthening bor­der security.

"Strong partnerships and engage­ment make us more effective in protecting Fiji's borders," Mr Ali said.

"Border security remains a criti­cal priority in ensuring compliance and supporting legitimate industry participants."

At the same time, he added that those who engage in illegal activi­ties will face the full consequences of the law.

"Through collaboration such as this, we strengthen our collective efforts to ensure that every Fijian is protected from harmful and illicit substances entering our shores," he said.

"We acknowledge and thank Nawi Island Marina for their support in providing space and resources to assist our officers in carrying out their duties."

Officers from the FRCS Savusavu office also welcomed the collabora­tion, noting that the partnership will enhance operational coordina­tion and strengthen surveillance efforts within the marina and sur­rounding areas.

Mr Pratap shared his thoughts and appreciation for the collective efforts and dedication demonstrat­ed by everyone involved.

He highlighted the importance of strong partnerships and collabora­tion in maintaining effective biose­curity measures and safeguarding Fiji's natural resources and agri­cultural sector.