The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) formalized their commitment to work in partnership in protecting Fiji from illicit trade and travel, at today’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony held at the Republic of Fiji Navy (RFN) Headquarters in Walu Bay.

The signing ceremony was effectuated by the FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Visvanath Das and the Commander Fiji Navy, CAPTAIN (N) Humphrey Tawake attended to by senior officials from both agencies.

The MOU cements FRCSs’ and RFNs’ (of the RFMF) commitment to cooperate and coordinate their resources (through Information Sharing; Specialist Training and joint Operations out at sea) for the sole purpose of protecting the integrity of Fiji’s sovereignty and Fijians, against transnational illicit activities. Such illicit activities include money laundry, importing of prohibited goods including arms and ammunition, etc.

Mr. Das said one of the Statutory responsibilities for both parties is to protect Fiji and this MOU will enable both parties to achieve this.
“FRCS will provide relevant trainings to RFMF officers relating to boarding, search and seizure of goods and Customs duties,” Mr. Das said.
“This MOU will enable both parties to share information relating to the movements of all vessels within Fiji Territorial Waters. The information shared will be used and handled responsibly within the parameters of the legal limitations,” Mr. Das added.

Mr. Das acknowledged RFMF for the partnership efforts.

“We are grateful to RFMF for agreeing to share information which will assist all of us. FRCS looks forward to a great partnership and cooperation for the betterment of Fiji,” he said.

The Commander of the Fiji Navy, CAPT. (N) Tawake reiterated the sentiments shared by Mr. Das adding that this partnership was well overdue.

“The Fiji Navy will provide the relevant support needed by the FRCS to effectively carry out its regulatory functions within the 12nmiles territorial waters of Fiji. With the shared vision of partnership amongst government agencies such as the one displayed at this morning’s MOU signing ceremony, the year 2020 seems to be a promising one; strengthening border security including Customs duty enforcement”.

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