Talofa lava and warm greetings to you all.

Reverend Elder Tesimeta Afamasaga

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia – Honourable Penny Wong

Honourable Cabinet ministers

Australian High Commissioner – Your Excellency Mr. Will Robinson

Acting Commissioner, Executive and management of the Samoa

Police, Prisons and Corrections Services

Distinguished guests

Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is a distinct honour to join you today to officially open the Tuasivi Police Maritime Office here on the beautiful island of Savaii.

Today marks an important milestone in the continued strengthening of Samoa’s law enforcement capabilities, particularly in maritime safety, border security and the protection of our people and resources.

As a small island developing state, our ocean is not just a boundary, it is our lifeline. It sustains our economy, connects our communities and forms part of our national identity.

However, with this vast ocean territory comes significant responsibility.

The effective management and protection of this maritime space is therefore not optional – it is fundamental to national sovereignty, economic resilience and public safety.

This new Maritime Office enhances our operational readiness to:

• Safeguard our maritime borders

• Combat illegal activities at sea

• Strengthen search and rescue capabilities

• Ensure the safety of our fishermen and coastal communities

Importantly, it ensures that the people of Savaii are served by infrastructure that reflects equal commitment to their safety and wellbeing.

This achievement is also a testament to the enduring partnership between the Government and people of Samoa and the Government and people of Australia.

Through mutual respect and shared values, our cooperation in policing, security and capacity building continues to grow from strength to strength.

On behalf of the Government and people of Samoa, I extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of Australia for its ongoing support in strengthening our maritime capability and institutional development.

True partnership is not measured only in infrastructure, but in shared vision – a vision of stability, resilience and prosperity for our Pacific region.

While this facility is an important asset, its true value lies in the men and women who will serve here.

To our officers stationed at this Maritime Office:

You carry a significant responsibility. This facility is entrusted to you as a base of professionalism, integrity, and service.

– Your work protects lives.

– Your vigilance protects our sovereignty.

– Your leadership builds public trust.

Government will continue to invest not only in infrastructure, but in training, leadership development, and institutional strengthening to ensure that SPPCS remains modern, disciplined and community-focused.

As we officially open this facility today, we do so with confidence in the future of Samoa’s security framework.

This Maritime Office stands as a symbol of progress – practical, strategic and forward-looking.

In closing, I congratulate the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services, the project partners, and all those who contributed to making this vision a reality.

– May this facility serve our nation well.

– May it strengthen safety across our waters.

– May it reflect the unity and cooperation between our nations.

It is now my honour and privilege to officially declare the Tuasivi Police Maritime Office open.

SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA.

Photos by the Government of Samoa [Leota Marc Membrere]