Public trust vital for Pacific security: Tikoduadua

Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua has warned that declining public trust in Government institutions is emerging as one of the greatest challenges facing Pacific security efforts.

Addressing regional leaders at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva yesterday, Mr Tikoduadua said even the strongest security systems would be ineffective if citizens lacked confidence in the institutions meant to protect them.

“We can have police officers, the military, a good judiciary and the right technology everywhere, but what about the people? Do they trust us to look after them?” he said.

“If they feel the system is weak, that adds to our problem.”

Mr Tikoduadua said recent social cohesion studies by the United Nations Development Programme highlighted a worrying trend, with non-government organisations and churches often enjoying higher levels of public trust than Government institutions.

He said Governments must lead by example by demonstrating integrity and upholding the rule of law.

“The Government and its institutions that look after security must always act within the law and follow the law first before insisting that others do so,” he said.

Mr Tikoduadua challenged Pacific leaders to move beyond discussions and ensure regional forums delivered meaningful outcomes.

“We have had so many forums. Those of us here last year will wonder whether we have moved one inch from where we were,” he said.

“It is implementation that matters. Otherwise, this room will be left with only one thing — hot air — after we all leave.”

He said public confidence in policing and the justice system remained under scrutiny, pointing to unresolved investigations and court cases that had ended because of insufficient evidence or procedural issues.

These include investigations into the death of Jone Vakarisi in military custody in April.

The death of Police Constable Peniasi Racagi also drew attention after two men were accused of murder, but the case was later discontinued when prosecutors entered a nolle prosequi citing insufficient evidence.

Several drug-related cases have also ended in acquittals or dismissals, with courts citing insufficient evidence, unlawful searches or procedural breaches during investigations.

Speaking on the Department of Information's Voqa Ni Davui programme, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu acknowledged that the Fiji Police Force continued to face internal challenges, including instances of wrongdoing.

However, he called on members of the public to work closely with Police and come forward with evidence.

Commissioner Tudravu said the organisation had “nothing to hide”.

Mr Tikoduadua said Pacific nations must develop practical national and regional strategies to tackle interconnected threats, including climate-related disasters, social challenges and transnational crime.

“If we have everything and our own people do not trust us, then the work we are doing is of limited use,” he said.

“The threat will roam around freely and, for us as leaders, there will be more sleepless nights.”