Samoa marked a significant milestone on Monday with the commissioning of its first law enforcement training center, a project valued at $33 million. 

The Police Academy, handed over to the Ministry of Police and Prison, represents a major achievement for the Samoan government, reflecting a long-cherished vision now realised with international support.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa expressed gratitude to the Government of the People's Republic of China for their crucial role in bringing this project to fruition. 

"The official opening of the Police Academy is a milestone worth celebrating," Fiame stated. She highlighted the academy as a testament to the robust development cooperation between China and Samoa.

The journey to the completion of the Police Academy began with the project’s approval by the Samoan Cabinet in June 2015. 

Following this, a feasibility study was conducted by China, and the project was confirmed through an exchange of letters in November 2017. The Implementation Agreement was signed in September 2018, with construction initially set to start in April 2020. 

However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant delays, halting progress temporarily.

Construction eventually resumed with a groundbreaking ceremony held in October 2022, and the project reached completion by June 30 of this year. 

Despite the delays, Prime Minister Fiame praised the perseverance and patience of everyone involved in the project. She extended heartfelt thanks to the Chinese government for their ongoing assistance, which made this important development possible for Samoa.

The newly inaugurated Police Academy is situated on a 16-acre site formerly occupied by the Tafaigata prison and features a comprehensive array of facilities. 

The complex includes modern classrooms, an academy office, an operations training venue, accommodation buildings, equipment rooms, spectator stands, a roofed sports field, and auxiliary facilities such as defensive driving training grounds.

Designed by Shanghai Architecture Engineering Company and constructed by Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group from China, the academy reflects high standards of design and construction. Both organisations received commendations for their dedication and hard work throughout the project.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by key figures including Cabinet Ministers, Opposition members, Members of Parliament, Chief Executive Officers, members of the diplomatic corps, law enforcement agencies, and community representatives. 

Prime Minister Fiame expressed her enthusiasm for the academy's potential to provide opportunities for Samoan youth interested in law enforcement careers. 

She encouraged the ministry and future users to make the most of the new facilities to uphold their quality and standards.

The Police Academy stands as a symbol of Samoa’s progress and fruitful collaboration with China, poised to enhance the nation's law enforcement capabilities and training opportunities.

Police Commissioner, Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo in a previous interview with the Samoa Observer said they were working towards establishing the academy as a regional training hub. 

This bold initiative has received backing from major stakeholders, including police agencies from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, as well as local educational institutions like the Samoa Qualification Authority (S.Q.A.) and the Australia-Pacific Training Coalition (A.P.T.C.).

Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo highlighted the importance of the certification process, stressing its crucial role in establishing Samoa's Police Academy as a leading center for professional law enforcement training.