By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau — The Republic of Palau has signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 12 Pacific Island nations to enhance regional security cooperation during the 2025 Pacific Mini Games (PMG), marking the first deployment of the newly formed Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG).
The MOU, signed by Palau’s Minister of Justice Jennifer S. Olegeriil, paves the way for 20 trained law enforcement officers and technical support personnel to assist local security agencies during the games. The officers will be fully integrated into the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)’s working schedule, supporting Palau’s national police, state rangers, and other local law enforcement in securing venues, facilities, athletes, and the general public throughout the event.
“This initiative is Pacific-borne and Pacific-led,” said Minister Olegeriil in a written statement. “We are excited to showcase this innovative model of cooperation, introduced and endorsed by regional Police Chiefs under the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Conferences (PICP).”
The PPSG deployment is made possible through the Pacific Police Initiative (PPI), based in Brisbane, Australia. The contributing countries include Australia, the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, the Northern Mariana Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
The partnership brings more than just manpower. Palau will benefit from enhanced law enforcement tools, including advanced radio communication systems, drone technology, and other critical resources, significantly boosting the nation’s capacity to host a safe and secure international sporting event.
“We are particularly grateful to Australia for facilitating this concept of regional police assistance,” Olegeriil said, acknowledging Australia’s role in training and capacity development that has made the PPSG deployment possible.
The Ministry of Justice reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of all visiting athletes, officials, and local communities during the PMG, emphasizing that this regional collaboration represents a milestone in Pacific-led security cooperation.