From Nayavu Police Post to International recognition: Police Constable Susana's journey of faith and service

At the small Nayavu Police Post in Tailevu, Police Constable Susana Ligaqaqa is best known for her quiet determination and the way she brings people together.

It is here, among families and farmers, that she has built Crime Prevention Committees, worked with Government agencies, and lived out the principles of Duavata Community Policing.

Last Thursday night, that same spirit carried her onto a stage in Melbourne, where she was honoured with the Australasian Council of Women and Policing (ACWAP) Excellence in Law Enforcement in the Pacific Region Award.

Also shortlisted for the awards were Inspector Makitala Masira, Sergeant Latileta Ryland, Corporal Paulini Valaibulu, and civilian Ana Naisoro.

The 39-year-old mother’s journey from a rural outpost to international recognition is a story of perseverance, faith, and service.

Beginning as a Special Constable in 2005 and fully absorbed into the Force in 2020, she has served at Totogo and Korovou before her posting to Nayavu. She hails from Nasaqa, Wailevu, Macuata, with maternal links to Dakuinuku, Sawakasa, Tailevu.

For Constable Ligaqaqa, the award belongs not to her alone but to the many who have stood with her.
“I acknowledge the support of the Commissioner of Police, and fellow Nayavu Community Post officers, my family, ACWAP, AFP, AIPM and the New Zealand Police,” she said with humility.

Her message to other women and young girls: “Be, and believe in yourself, never compare yourself to others. Carry your work with dignity and pride, trust and believe in God for He oversees our hard work and will reward us accordingly — and continue striving for excellence.”

Her recognition highlights the impact of grassroots policing efforts, the kind that often go unseen, but which transform communities.

The award was presented during the ACWAP Awards night in Melbourne, which followed a two-day regional conference themed “Advancing Together.” Fiji Police was represented by seven officials, including Inspectors Vasemaca Naborisi and Loraini Kaitabu, who attended the AIPM Leadership Conference.

For those who know her back in Nayavu, the moment in Melbourne was no surprise.

It was simply the region recognising what her community has long seen — that she carries her work, and her people, with dignity and pride.