Fourteen New Police Vehicles handed over by the Government of Japan to Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services.

In a significant move towards bolstering human security, the Government of Japan handed over fourteen new vehicles to the Ministry of Police, Prisons & Corrections Services earlier today, February 2, 2024. The handover ceremony, held at SPPCS Headquarters, witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa, H.E Mr. Senta Keisuke, and the Minister of SPPCS, Honorable Faualo Harry Schuster.

The ceremony opened with Rev. Dr. Alesana Pala’amo, emphasizing the theme “Call for Assistance,” drawing parallels from the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus Christ called his disciples, and they answered. Rev. Dr. Alesana Pala’amo highlighted the parallel by stating, “The important thing for us today is that Jesus calls his disciples, and they answer,” underscoring the alignment with the Government of Japan’s swift response to SPPCS’s request.

H.E Senta Keisuke, representing the Government of Japan, expressed Japan’s commitment through the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects, amounting to USD $353,988 (approximately SAT $948,000). He articulated Japan’s sincere hope that this support would enhance Samoa Police’s ability to protect and serve the public more efficiently.

The fleet of vehicles, comprising seven Land Cruiser double cab pickups, five Land Cruiser trooper carriers, one 30-seat coaster bus, and one Isuzu cargo truck, is equipped to meet the demanding needs of law enforcement. This enhancement enables SPPCS to respond swiftly and effectively to various situations and ensures robust security arrangements for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Honorable Faualo Harry Schuster extended gratitude to the Ambassador of Japan to Samoa and the Government of Japan for their continued assistance to the Ministry through this project, emphasizing the invaluable ongoing support for the work of SPPCS.

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic ribbon-cutting by H.E Senta Keisuke and Honorable Faualo Harry Schuster, marking not only the physical transfer of vehicles but also symbolizing the strengthening of ties between Japan and Samoa in the pursuit of ensuring the safety and security of the Samoan people.