The Australian Border Force (ABF) has further strengthened its partnership with Samoa’s Ministry of Customs and Revenue (MCR) through the donation of essential equipment and safety gear. The handover ceremony, held at the Customs Office in Matautu on Wednesday, 2nd October 2024, was officiated by Reverend Elder Molī Molī of the EFKS Matautu-tai parish. The ceremony marked another milestone in the long-standing relationship between Samoa and Australia.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, H.E Will Robinson, reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing border security with the delivery of equipment, including two Smiths high-scan cabinet X-ray units, Narcotic Identification Kits, four personal radiation detectors, and personal protective equipment (PPE), such as high-visibility vests and safety boots. Additionally, ABF experts provided two weeks of specialized training for Customs and Biosecurity officers, focusing on the safe operation of the equipment and advanced inspection techniques.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa, who is also the Minister for MCR, Hon. Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, accepted the donation and expressed his sincerest gratitude to the Australian government and the ABF for their ongoing support. He emphasized the importance of the donation in safeguarding Samoa’s borders and acknowledged ABF Inspector Michelle Bond for her role in facilitating the initiative. He also urged MCR staff to ensure that the new equipment is used effectively to enhance the Ministry’s border enforcement efforts, ultimately benefiting Samoa.
The ceremony concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and the exchange of gift certification related to the donated items between the ABF and MCR.
