In the remote, windswept islands of Rotuma, a quiet revolution is underway. This week, 127 graduates—ranging from elders to young people—stood proudly as they completed the Boatmaster and Restricted Master Engineer 6 training. This isn’t just another certification ceremony; it’s a turning point for maritime safety, resilience, and livelihoods in one of Fiji’s most isolated communities.
The training, delivered through a partnership between the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, the Fiji Police Force, the Republic of the Fiji Navy, the Fiji Revenue Customs Authority, and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), is part of Fiji’s broader National Security Strategy. But what sets this initiative apart is the Solesolevaki ni Veitaqomaki model—a community-based approach that bridges the gap between government, security agencies, and local knowledge. It’s not just about handing out certificates; it’s about embedding safety, governance, and resilience into the fabric of Rotuman life.
British High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Kanbar Hossein Bor, underscored the significance of this collaboration. “It is an honour to be the latest British High Commissioner to Fiji to have been invited here, marking the latest chapter in the UK’s relationship with Rotuma, which has been ever strengthening for nearly 150 years since 1881.” His words carry weight, not just as diplomatic courtesy, but as a recognition of the long-standing ties that have now translated into tangible action.
For the graduates, this training is more than a skill upgrade—it’s a lifeline. “Your achievement today is not only a personal milestone but a contribution to the safety and prosperity of your island. You are now stewards of the sea, and your leadership will be vital in protecting your people and your environment,” Bor added. In a place where the sea is both a provider and a peril, these stewards are now better equipped to navigate both.
Deputy Secretary of Defence, Ms Sainitiki Ravuso, highlighted the broader implications of the initiative. “Through this initiative, the Ministry of Defence is building stronger connections between communities and the nation’s maritime security system, ensuring that every journey, every operator, and every island contributes to the safety of the island.” This isn’t just about Rotuma; it’s about weaving a stronger, more interconnected maritime safety net across Fiji.
For the Rotuma Council, the impact is deeply personal. Chairman Gagaj Samuela Manav expressed gratitude for bringing such opportunities to the island. “It has always been a big challenge for us to access such opportunities from here. The training has not only equipped our people with vital maritime skills but also strengthened our community’s capacity to protect lives and support safe travel between our districts.” In a place where distance and isolation are constant challenges, this training is a game-changer.
The British High Commission’s support extended beyond training, including the handover of essential maritime safety equipment. This equipment isn’t just gear—it’s a toolkit for community-led efforts to ensure safe travel, sustainable livelihoods, and protection of the marine environment. Over 660 individuals across Fiji’s maritime regions have now received certification through this programme, creating a ripple effect of safety and resilience.
UNDP remains committed to this journey, working hand in hand with the Government of Fiji, the British High Commission, and the people of Rotuma. The goal is clear: to build safer, more resilient maritime communities, ensuring that no island is left behind in the pursuit of secure and sustainable livelihoods.
This story isn’t just about Rotuma; it’s a blueprint for how partnerships, community engagement, and targeted training can transform maritime safety and resilience. In an era where climate change and environmental pressures are intensifying, initiatives like this are not just welcome—they’re essential. The graduates of Rotuma are not just stewards of the sea; they are pioneers in a new era of maritime resilience.