Police Commissioner Assures Tight Security for CHOGM

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 03 September 2024 – Police Commissioner Auapaau Logotitino Filipo is confident that with the support from their overseas partners and Samoa, security for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will go smoothly as expected.

Speaking at the CHOGM Taskforce second meeting last Friday, he detailed where they are, who their supporting partners are and what needs to be done to access areas allocated for various meetings.

The CHOGM 2024 security watch is divided into four phases.

Phase One is the arrival of all leaders and delegations and disbursing them to their allocated accommodations.

Phase Two security watch will be at the forums and side events conducted at specified venues.

Phase Three will be on the main meeting of leaders which will be held at the Parliament building.

Phase Four is ensuring the safety for all leaders and delegations as they depart the country.

Beach Road Lock-down
He confirmed that from the 23-25 October 2024, the main Beach Road from Mulinu’u to Taumeasina Resort will be locked down and access roads from the back to the main road will also be closed.

The only vehicles and people allowed on the locked down area are the ones with access passes to the meetings.

Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo with the Deuty Commissioner Papali’i Monalisa Keti giving an update of the security arrangements for CHOGM.

The Commissioner said it will be a very strict meeting and access passes need to be worn at all times. He is also urging families that reside along the locked down areas and staff of businesses along the same route to register at the Bureau of Statistics for access accreditation.

For transport Access Passes, everyone needs to register with the Ministry of Works Infrastructure and Transport (MWIT).

All measures planned for the Four Phases of the CHOGM Security Watch will be put into an exercise on Monday 9 September 2024 to simulate what will happen on 25 October.

Three war ships
Three warships will monitor the border during the meeting and this support is offered by the Government of Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain.

New Zealand is also offering the service of a helicopter which will be on standby at the Faleolo International airport.

“These warships will be here not only to assist with border security but also on standby for any unexpected evacuation,” said Auapaau.

CCTV Cameras
More than 100 CCTV cameras will be installed along Beach Road from Taumeasina to Mulinu’u and also at the Taufusi traffic lights and at Vaitele.

Auapaau said CCTV cameras will be launched on 25 September 2024.

King Charles & Village security
Police will keep a close watch at Sinalei Resort where Kings Charles 111 will be staying. Police will engage the assistance of Falealii and Siumu Village Councils to maintain security in the vicinity of where the King will reside.

Only Tactical Team Armed
The Commissioner also emphasised that Samoan police will not be armed unless needed to and will be the same with CHOGM security.

He also confirmed the police recruited from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Tonga and Solomon Islands to assist the local policing will not be armed.

“The only people that will be armed if there is a need, are the local Tactical Operations Team,” said Auapaau.

The Commissioner is confident that the police and partners are ready to serve for the security and safety of CHOGM 2024.