August 10, 2025
Samoa Police Ava Ceremony to Welcome Pacific Nations Crew for Operation Ika Moana 2025 Apia, Samoa
The Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services (SPPCS) held a traditional ava ceremony yesterday, Saturday 9th August 2025 — to officially welcome participating Pacific nations to Samoa for the Operation Ika Moana, a regional maritime security operation set to take place throughout the week.
The ceremony, held at the SPPCS Academy at Tafaigata, brought together representatives from partnering Pacific Island countries, symbolizing respect, unity, and collaboration under shared cultural values. The ava ceremony, a deeply rooted Samoan tradition, served as a fitting cultural prelude to the week long joint operation.
It was also attended by senior officials, Commissioner of Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority and Chief Executive Officer of Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries showcasing unity to ensure overall safety of Samoas’ waters.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Commissioner Lafaitele Herbert Aati expressed Samoa’s pride in hosting this regional initiative. Operation Ika Moana aims to enhance maritime surveillance, information sharing, and coordinated response across Pacific Island nations in efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and other transnational maritime crimes.
As host nation, Samoa plays a central role in the logistical and operational coordination of the exercise, showcasing its commitment to regional security partnerships.
The Ava Ceremony was concluded with dinner hosted by SPPCS. SPPCS extends a warm TALOFA AND WELCOME to all the participating crew and observers of Ika Moana to Samoa, our home and our island paradise.