Threat from transnational crimes remains high in Pacific, despite border closures [1]
Monday, September 13, 2021 - 18:11. Updated on Monday, September 13, 2021 - 18:12.
Despite border closures and reduced air and sea travel because of COVID-19, Customs administrations in the region say threats in the Pacific remain high from illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing fleets – as well as threats from illegal movements of people, drugs and weapons, which are often facilitated by trusted insiders.
Heads of Customs in the Pacific, including Tonga, have agreed that they need to work together with national security to ensure the region is more secure from transnational crimes.
The issue was discussed at the Oceania Heads of Customs annual meeting on August 26, held virtually with 21 of the 23 Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) members attending.
Members agreed there is a critical link between national security and regular Customs functions and that the region is more secure if all parties work together through engagements with organisations such as the OCO and the Joint Heads of Pacific Security (JHoPS).
Tonga
Tonga remains one of the few countries in the world that is COVID-19 free, but illegal movements of people and goods could change that enviable status.
Ministry of Revenue and Customs CEO, Kelemete Vahe, told Matangi Tonga today, while there is always a possibility of COVID-19 entering Tonga through transnational crimes at sea, Tonga’s border is pretty secure.
“We have closed our border and stopped vessels like yachts and cruise ships from entering Tonga,” he said.
COVID-19 quarantine tracking
OCO outgoing Chair and Head of Customs of the Federated States of Micronesia, Salvador Jacob said a good example of regional collaboration is the Australian-developed Pacific Small Craft Application, launched last year to increase information sharing and enhance border security practices.
This mobile app used by customs administrations in the region will support secure movements in the Pacific in the future as it also includes a COVID-19 quarantine tracking feature, he said.
Despite border closures and reduced air and sea travel due to COVID-19, customs administrations in the region say threats in the Pacific remain high from illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing fleets, as well as threats from illegal movements of people, drugs and weapons, which are often facilitated by trusted insiders.
Border restrictions
Meanwhile, OCO members also discussed the impact of COVID-19 on their countries and national responses, including border restrictions to protect citizens.
OCO Head of Secretariat, Richard Brennan said there was a silver lining to COVID-19, because the border closures meant they had to hold most of their training virtually.
“While it has been challenging, the positive is that we have been able to include more participants from the region. We need to continue building the capacity of our members so that we can be effective in our roles as we face and address the impacts of COVID-19 and the ongoing threats to our borders.”
Meanwhile, if borders reopen, the Cook Islands will host the 2022 annual conference and the Federated States of Micronesia in 2023.