Police commit to permanent border presence at Port Denarau

The Fiji Police Force has pledged to maintain a permanent border policing presence at Port Denarau Marina after Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu revealed he had considered shutting the previous border post because it was unsafe and unsuitable for officers.

Speaking at the opening of the new Fiji Police Border Post today, Mr Tudravu said the upgraded facility would strengthen border security at one of Fiji's busiest tourism gateways.

"I came here twice, and I thought of closing down this small post because on one of my visits I saw it leaking, and it's not suitable for our police officers," he said.

Mr Tudravu said improving police infrastructure was a priority and warned that facilities posing health and safety risks would not remain open.

"My intent in coming into the organisation as commissioner is to stabilise the organisation. Part of that is looking at the infrastructure where our officers are serving. If there is a need for me to close facilities because they are unhygienic, I need to do it."

He thanked Port Denarau Marina Limited and its partners for upgrading the facility and confirmed the Fiji Police Force would continue operating permanently from the marina.

"We are here to stay. We are here to provide that security that is necessary," he said.

Mr Tudravu said Denarau was a strategic national asset, generating between 20 and 30 per cent of Fiji's tourism revenue, making a permanent police presence essential.

He also pledged support for efforts to strengthen the Fiji Police Force's specialist tourist police and border police units.

Port Denarau Marina Limited chief executive officer Cynthia Rasch said the new border police office reflected strong collaboration between Government agencies and the private sector.

"The opening of the Border Police Office strengthens our ability to work closely with the Fiji Police Force and our border agencies to provide a safe, secure and welcoming gateway into our beautiful country," Ms Rasch said.

"Security and tourism go hand in hand. Visitors want to know they are arriving at a destination that is well managed, safe and professional. Today's opening reinforces that confidence and reflects the strong partnership between Government agencies and the private sector in protecting our borders while delivering an outstanding visitor experience."