The AFP has stood side-by-side with its Kiribati Police Service (KPS) colleagues as part of inaugural Police National Day commemorations in Kiribati.
The commemorative event – the first of its kind for the KPS – included a formal ceremony and parade at the Kiribati Police Headquarters in Betio, South Tarawa on Friday (23 June, 2023).
The Police National Day, which is now a national public holiday, was created as an opportunity to recognise the contribution of the KPS to the people of the Pacific island country and to pay tribute to officers who have died in the line of duty.
The Republic of Kiribati comprises of 33 islands and is home to almost 120,000 people. The majority of KPS members are stationed in the capital, Tarawa, with some police spread throughout the smaller islands.
KPS officers demonstrated a formal procession in parade format, which they developed with the AFP, to distinguished guests including His Excellency President Taneti Maamau, First Lady Teiraeng Tentoa Maamau, KPS Acting Commissioner Eeri Aritiera Bauro, AFP Acting Deputy Commissioner Nigel Ryan APM and the Australian High Commissioner to the Republic of Kiribati, Her Excellency Karen Bray.
The AFP’s Ceremonial and Protocol team has been working closely with the KPS this year to bolster its ceremonial and drill capability in the lead-up to the celebrations.
The AFP has also worked with the KPS to further develop its capability within its platoons including funeral procedures, ceremonial rifle and sword drills and catafalque parties – where a guard stands watch over the coffin of a distinguished person or significant memorials.
The AFP team also helped create a drill manual to assist the KPS to continue to develop ceremonial and protocol training into the future.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Ryan said the AFP was proud to have been a part of the inaugural event.
“It was very special to stand alongside our Pacific colleagues as the people of Kiribati officially recognised the immense contributions and sacrifice that police officers make,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Ryan said.
“Ceremonial customs and protocols are extremely important as they acknowledge and celebrate the achievements, contributions and service of those working in law enforcement around the world.
“The AFP is honoured to share our capability in this space with our Pacific partners and to have played a small role in the further development of KPS’ customs and protocols.”
