October 23, 2024
CHOGM UPDATE
Samoa Police Welcomes King Charles III: Leading Security for CHOGM 2024
Wednesday, 23 October 2024 – The Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services (SPPCS), in partnership with international and Pacific law enforcement agencies, is proud to announce the successful arrival of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla in Samoa today. The royal couple was greeted at Faleolo International Airport with a Guard of Honour by SPPCS officers, with Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo leading the official welcome.
Following the arrival ceremony, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were safely escorted by SPPCS officers to their accommodation in Siumu, where local villagers, holding lanterns, lined the roads to warmly greet the royal visitors.
King Charles III’s visit coincides with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), a pivotal event where the SPPCS plays a central role in maintaining security and ensuring the safety of all participants. The Samoa Police, along with its international and regional partners, has taken the lead in protecting Heads of Government, dignitaries, and delegates, marking a significant moment in our nation’s history.
This collaborative effort represents a major achievement for SPPCS, as it demonstrates our ability to lead and coordinate with global law enforcement agencies in ensuring the highest standards of security for an event of such magnitude. For the first time, SPPCS, alongside our Pacific and international counterparts, is at the forefront of safeguarding a global summit, an achievement that will be remembered as a milestone in our service’s history.
As part of their visit, King Charles III will deliver a keynote address at CHOGM on Friday, focusing on key issues such as environmental resilience and ocean conservation. In addition, His Majesty will visit key sites across Samoa, including a mangrove forest, a National Park, and Samoa’s Botanical Garden, where he will plant a tree to inaugurate a newly designated area known as “The King’s Garden.”
For SPPCS, this historic moment highlights not only our commitment to the safety and security of Samoa but also our ability to stand as a key player in global security efforts. As we lead the security operations for CHOGM, this partnership with international and regional law enforcement is a testament to the strength and professionalism of the Samoa Police.
We are proud to be part of this historic event and will continue to ensure the security and success of CHOGM 2024.