A TOTAL of 125 participants from Solotavui Village in Nakasaleka, Kadavu participated in the Boat Master License and Restricted Engineer Class 6 training last week.
The training enables participants to operate boats safely and legally within Fiji’s waters.
A total of 119 participants completed the Boat Master Licenses (BML) training while six completed the Restricted Engineer Class 6 training.
The Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua, was chief guest at the graduation ceremony.
Present also at the graduation was the British High Commissioner to Fiji, Kanbar Hossein-Bor and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative for the Pacific, Munkhtuya Altangerel.
The training empowered women, youth, and persons living with disabilities to play a role in community vigilance and maritime safety.
Mr Naivalurua during his speech reminded the graduates of their contribution towards maritime security, economic empowerment and resilience as they completed their training.
“Our graduates will form part of the Fishing and Boat Operators Security Cluster, becoming the ‘eyes and ears’ at sea, helping to safeguard our coasts and marine resources while providing for their families,” he said.
“You are receiving trust, responsibility, and the opportunity to shape the future of your families and communities.
“This is how we cultivate a culture of national security consciousness where awareness, vigilance, and responsibility are not left only to the police or the state, but are carried in the daily lives of our citizens.”
He reiterated his team’s clear guided mission to rebrand Kadavu, focusing on awareness and community outreach to be at the forefront of tackling the cultivation of illicit drug substances.
“My visit to Kadavu this week is guided by a clear mission, to support and strengthen frontline integrated enforcement efforts.
“These efforts target illegal cultivation and trafficking of drugs, the illicit movement of contraband and transnational organised crime activities through our waters, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and the increasing threats and negative impacts of climate change.”
He acknowledged the efforts of international partners, including the government of the United Kingdom and the United Nations family, for providing assistance in maritime safety, security, community resilience, and livelihoods.
He reaffirms partnerships between the Coalition Government and international agencies to provide sustainability and support the development of Fiji’s Maritime Security Strategy.
British High Commissioner to Fiji Kanbar Hossein-Bor also spoke on the training offered to the villagers.
“By supporting Fiji’s communities to lead at sea, we are not only helping to secure maritime safety, but also strengthening resilience, livelihoods, and unity against shared threats. This partnership shows what can be achieved when nations stand together,” he said.
UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Resident Representative, Munkhtuya Altangerel, said Kadavu was showing that inclusion was strength when women, youth and persons with disabilities are equipped with maritime skills. The graduation ceremony was held on Friday, August 29.
