2003 Media Releases

THREE PACIFIC ISLANDERS TO STUDY IN HAWAII

Three Pacific Islanders from Fiji, Tonga and Tuvalu have been selected by the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies of the Pacific Command in Hawaii to attend a 12 week executive course focusing on building relationships among future leaders and decision makers within the region.

The Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies was established by the United States Pacific Command to study comprehensive security and preventive defense in the Asia-Pacific region. Participants will also examine past and present regional security issues, potential security programs, and roles and missions of the military.

The curriculum will also focus on non-war fighting aspects of security and international relations, and challenges to develop a regional perspective. Ambassador David Lyon while presenting the tickets to the participants said that the Pacific Islands are crucial for the regional stability and the United States is committed in enhancing the security posture the Pacific region.

The United States provides a number of training opportunities to both civilian and military personnel to assist in enhancing the regional security. Representing Fiji is Lt. Col. Kepa Buadromo of Fiji Military Forces, Major Kuli Fakalolo from Tonga Defense Forces and Mrs. Leilani Saitala from Tuvalu Immigration Department.