Pacific Police Support Group for CHOGM welcomed

By Lise Schmidt/

Apia, Samoa – 18 October 2024 – The law enforcement officers from the Pacific who will work alongside Samoan police with the CHOGM security were welcomed at Samoa Police Academy, Tafaigata yesterday.

The officers are from the Cook Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, and the Australian Federal Police who will play a crucial role in providing Close Personal Protection (CPP) for dignitaries attending the event, alongside 150 police officers from New Zealand and Australia, as well as 200 Auxiliary Police officers from Samoa.

In welcoming the officers, Samoa’s Minister of Police, Faualo Harry Schuster acknowledged the collaborative efforts to ensure security and effective policing during this pivotal gathering.

Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, highlighted the importance of unity among Pacific Island nations as they prepare for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024.

“This gathering exemplifies the Pacific Aiga coming together,” said Commissioner Filipo.

“We assemble to fellowship and offer words of encouragement as we gear up for this historical event. Your presence here underscores the strong regional cooperation among Pacific law enforcement agencies, reflecting our commitment to engagement for the benefit of our region.”

The ceremony marked a pivotal moment in the deployment of the newly formed Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG) that includes representatives from 11 Pacific countries. This initiative received endorsement from Pacific Leaders during the Pacific Island Leaders meeting in Tonga earlier this year.

The international team comprises 42 personnel from the Pacific Community for Law Enforcement Cooperation (PCLEC) and additional officers from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Fiji.

Commissioner Filipo emphasized that this diverse assembly not only enhances the security framework for CHOGM 2024 but also solidifies the bonds between Pacific nations.

The Pacific Police Support Group is set to play a vital role in ensuring a safe and successful gathering of Commonwealth leaders.