Strengthening Pacific Solidarity: FCS and His Majesty’s Prison of Tonga Sign MOU

On this date, at 1:00 PM Fiji Time (2:00 PM Tonga Time), a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed virtually between the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) and His Majesty’s Prison of Tonga. This significant milestone reaffirms the deep-rooted partnership and shared commitment to excellence in corrections management between the two Pacific nations.

In their respective speeches, both Commissioners hailed this momentous occasion as a “living testament to Pacific solidarity,” emphasizing the mutual dedication to fostering regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing.

The MOU outlines a framework for collaboration in key areas such as training, capacity-building, and the exchange of best practices. As part of this agreement, five officers from Tonga will arrive in Fiji tomorrow. Four officers will join the ongoing recruit course at the FCS Training College, while one will be attached to the College for specialized training and mentorship.

Commissioner of Corrections, Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating:

“This MOU signifies a strengthened commitment to addressing common challenges and advancing the professional standards of our respective institutions. Together, we can achieve more for our officers, inmates, and the communities we serve.”

His Majesty’s Prison of Tonga also expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration, underscoring the value of mutual learning and cultural exchange in enriching corrections management across the Pacific.

This partnership not only enhances the professional development of corrections officers but also reinforces the shared vision of creating a safer and more cohesive Pacific region.