TWO police officers successfully completed an exercise program on board a New Zealand warship recently.
They are Constable Georgina Taupongi from the Transcrime Unit and Constable Edward Sugagari from the Maritime Unit.
The joint program was conducted by the HMS Wellington and funded by the Australian Defence Program.
Acting Police Commissioner Juanita Matanga disclosed this to the media yesterday.
She said HMS Wellington normally travel around on good will visits but with the assistance of the Australian Defence program, two officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and two police officers from Vanuatu were funded to travel to Noumea.
Ms Matanga said the officers boarded the warship from Noumea and along the way were assisted as observers on how to do their job when travelling out at sea.
When asked if this is an on-going program, she said this exercise is one of its own, the first of its kind.
“It is very encouraging to see a joint program between the defence forces, maritime and police officers from two difference countries that came together to be part of the exercise.
“During their trip to Solomon Islands, they did sightings and boarding where one happened at the Vanuatu sea water that was led by the Vanuatu officers and supported by RSIPF personnel as part of the exercise.”
She said another sighting that occurred at Solomon Islands water was led by Solomon Islands but supported by Vanuatu.
“The Joint operation was successful.
“We appreciate HMS Wellington to have supported the RSIPF officers and also the Australia Defence that has enabled our officers to participate in joint program.”
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN