SECOND BATCH OF CUSTOMS COHORT TRAINED

After the successful completion of Military training of Customs officers, Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCS) has ventured into another training program for the second batch of Trainee Customs recruit cohort.

This time, a total of 16 Customs Officers will be trained by the Fiji Navy. The cohort induction programme includes cohort 6-weeks residential induction and 6 weeks on- the-job training for trainee Customs Officers.

“The main purpose of this intensive induction programme is to ensure new recruits are provided with the relevant competencies and skills to deliver world-class services to our customers. Of course, work commitment and discipline are a critical factor for competent FRCS Officers,” FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Visvanath Das said.

While speaking to the trainee Customs Officers during the induction yesterday (06/06/2017) at the FRCS Regional Training Centre in Nasese, Mr. Das highlighted the importance of FRCS to the new recruits.

“We are here to facilitate legitimate trade and travel, ensure border security and revenue collection for funding the State for provision of public goods and services and this means a service to the nation, a calling for helping Fiji Grow and thus it is a 24/7 call,” Mr. Das said.

“You are the second batch of cohort induction – the first batch having undergone this programme earlier this year and are now helping to keep our borders safe at the Nadi Airport,” he said.

“This type of holistic induction programme will equip the FRCS to better protect our borders. It is important that we build the essential networks with other border agencies for effective and efficient collaboration and partnership to achieve the desired outcomes for helping Fiji Grow,” he added.

Fiji Navy welcomed the trainee Custom Officers with open arms during the induction.

“Our roles and responsibilities overlaps, the Navy and the Customs and it is a privilege for us Navy to have you in Togalevu to engage in this training programme. We are here to serve the public in regards to protecting our borders,” Naval Officer Jervis Robinson said.

Trainee Customs Officer, Alisi Faivakibau from Lautoka was in tears yesterday during the induction. It took her 15 years and sacrifices along the way to get till here. Despite having commitments towards her children and family, there is no looking back for her.

“I had a positive attitude towards this. After 15 years, there’s no looking back. I sacrificed for a really long time. My husband is over the moon because this is my first ever biggest achievement. I want to thank FRCS for giving me this opportunity to make my dream come true,” she said.

Photo Caption: Second Row 4th from the left: Alisi Faivakibau along with other Trainee Customs Officers, FRCS Executives, staffs and Fiji Navy representatives at the Batch 2 Cohort Induction held at the FRCS Regional Training Centre in Nasese.

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