26 June 2019, Apia Samoa. The Samoa Australia Police Partnership (SAPP) kick-started the week with the valuable contribution of two 30-seater buses and ten motorcyles to the Samoa Police Service (SPS).
The gifting of vehicles, worth approximately WST $400,000, could not have arrived at a better time with just 9 days until Samoa officially celebrates the opening of the Pacific Games, and welcomes athletes and officials from all over the region, including Australia.
Following a blessing of the vehicles from Reverend Superintendent Tuaena Lomano Paulo, the Australian High Commissioner Her Excellency Sara Moriarty, together with Government of Samoa’s Minister of Finance Sili EpaTuioti, officiated the gifting.
In her remarks Ms Moriarty hoped the contribution would prove useful in transporting the hardworking men and women of the Samoa Police Services back and forth from events and incidents safely throughout the Games and beyond,
“While the Pacific Games family is ‘One In Spirit!’, Australia and Samoa are ‘One family, standing strong together’,” Ms Moriarty said.
“We are standing beside Samoa to ensure the safety, security and protection of the community and country, and the athletes, officials, friends and family who will be visiting this beautiful country,”
“Through the Samoa Australia Police Partnership, we will continue to foster strong bonds of cooperation between the two police services for many years to come,”
“Today, I am delighted to officiate the handover of the buses and motorcycles, and hope these vehicles will continue to serve you well long after the Games have ended,”
In addition to today’s vehicle gifting, the SAPP have assisted with the establishment of a Command Centre in the Police Headquarters building, and the provision of other operational equipment, such as metal detecting wands, and folding gazebos.
Ms Moriarty said “we are thankful for these joint efforts to ensure preparations made are for a safe, effective and enjoyable Pacific Games experience,”
“This support is in addition to a suite of SAPP training, delivered in consultation with the SPS to increase the effectiveness of, and ensure community confidence in, the Police,” Ms Moriarty ended.
The Australian Federal Police have enjoyed a long and enduring partnership with Samoa, with the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre in operation since 2008, and the establishment of the SAPP in 2009.
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