Australia gives 13 vehicles and 2 boats to Vanuatu Police Force
August 21, 2024 7:30 am | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner, Reece Kershaw, has announced a commitment to upgrade the Vanuatu Police Force’s (VPF) infrastructure, including a major VT3 billion project to develop the Port Vila Central Police Station.
This announcement was made yesterday during the handing over of vehicles, vessels and equipment to the VPF and the Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) by Commissioner Kershaw, to the Commissioner of VPF, Robson Iavro, and the Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, at the Independence Park in Port Vila.
“The establishment of the Port Vila Central Police Station will support the Vanuatu Police Force in its mission to preserve public safety, combat crime, and positively impact the community,” Commissioner Kershaw stated.
The VT3 billion project will mark one of the most substantial investments in Vanuatu’s policing infrastructure, reflecting Australia’s long-term commitment to boosting the VPF’s ability to protect and serve its communities.
Kershaw said these new capabilities will be instrumental in positioning the VPF to effectively combat crime and maintain security across the region, reinforcing Vanuatu’s role in regional security.
Australia’s support for the VPF spans over two decades, with a dedicated bilateral program aimed at strengthening Vanuatu’s policing capabilities. AFP Commissioner Kershaw said the latest contributions of vehicles and equipment are more than just tools—they are symbols of the strong friendship between Australia and Vanuatu and Australia’s unwavering commitment to a safer and more secure region.
According to the Australia High Commission (AHC) in Vanuatu, during the handover yesterday, Commissioner Kershaw handed over 13 vehicles, 2 boats, and a range of high-grade policing equipment (such as IT equipment and specialist law enforcement resources) for use in the communities to the VPF on behalf of the Australian Government.
The 13 vehicles include: 2 VPF dual cab Land Cruisers, 2 VPF Isuzu D-MAX, 1 VPF media-marked vehicle, 1 JCB excavator, 2 VMF buses, 3 VMF Ford Rangers, 1 VMF medium lorry, and 1 VMF tipper lorry. The boats are 2 fibreglass boats with 40 HP outboard engines. High-grade policing equipment includes: 40 full riot gear ensembles, including shields; 300 batons; 300 handcuffs; 300 duty belts and pouches; 75 tactical uniforms and boots; 1 trailer; 20 computers; and 30 Motorola earpieces for close personal protection.
Commissioner Iavro said the handover marks a significant milestone and will advance the quality of service of the VPF throughout Vanuatu.
“As the Commissioner, I am very glad about today’s occasion,” he said. “The relationship between Vanuatu and Australia is advancing. The partnership between the Australian Police and the VPF is founded on the commitment to keep our communities safe.
“What we do as partners is to ensure our communities feel safe and secure so that they can enjoy their lives in Vanuatu.”
Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Jon Philp, said that Australia and Vanuatu are “Wan Solwora,” meaning both countries are more than just neighbours—they are partners and friends in the Blue Pacific.
“We work with the Government of Vanuatu and the VPF to understand the operational needs of the organisation to maintain public safety and the rule of law,” he said. “We work to provide them with the resources they need for that. High-quality policing requires high-quality resources, which is why what we are handing over today includes mobility assets and equipment.”
The Minister overseeing the VPF, Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, acknowledged Commissioner Reece Kershaw of the AFP, who is visiting Vanuatu for the first time.
“It is indeed a special occasion to witness the gifting of this equipment and other items by the AFP and the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) to the VPF,” he said.
“I would like to thank the people of Australia and the AFP for this generous assistance. Today, we are witnessing a demonstration of the long-term and mature relationship, commitment, and partnership between Australia and Vanuatu in terms of improving policing services to communities throughout Vanuatu.
“AFP contributions are not limited to this equipment but also include training and other ongoing efforts, both past and present.
“VPF officers have established a great working relationship with AFP and DCP officers. We deeply appreciate the impact of our ongoing partnership with Australia. Every day, VPF officers work alongside AFP and DCP specialists to create a safer and more secure future.
“This unique collaboration is based on shared interests, trust, and cooperation, and today’s gifting is another major example of how Vanuatu and Australia work together to maintain public safety and the rule of law.”
Minister Napuat further stated to all VPF members that the equipment gifted by Australia was funded by the people and Government of Australia.
“As the Minister responsible, I want to ask you all to ensure that the equipment donated today is used for its intended purposes and is well taken care of,” he said.
“You all know that our Government alone cannot provide the resources needed to help us carry out our work in the VPF, and therefore, this kind of equipment has been provided through the support of others.”
The Minister added that Australia’s relationship with Vanuatu has reached new heights, and he looks forward to seeing more of this assistance in the future .
