The Vanuatu Police Force Southern Command has a new commander, with Assistant Commissioner of Police Jackson Noal formally handing over the position to Samson Garae after nearly four decades of service.

From a press release it states that Noal joined the Vanuatu Police Force in 1988 and served in several units throughout his career before taking up the position of Commander South in 2018.

The formal handover on Monday, 31 August, marks the end of his leadership of Southern Command as he prepares to retire from the Force after almost 38 years of service.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Noal reflected on his long career, saying the Vanuatu Police Force had become an important part of his life since he joined as a young officer.

He encouraged officers to remember the lessons and guidance shared during his years of service and urged them to remain loyal and committed to the Force.

Noal also called on officers to give the same level of support to Samson Garae as they had given him during his time leading Southern Command.

Taking over the command, Commander Garae says his leadership will focus on strengthening discipline, professionalism, accountability and engagement with communities.

He identified five key priorities for Southern Command — discipline, respect, professionalism, accountability and strong community engagement — which he says are essential to maintaining public confidence in the Police Force.

Garae stressed that police officers must carry out their duties with integrity and treat members of the public with respect and dignity.

He also called for stronger teamwork and communication within the Force, including effective cooperation through the chain of command and between different police units and stations.

Community partnerships will also be a key part of his leadership approach.

Garae said closer cooperation with communities, government agencies, traditional leaders, churches, businesses and other organisations would help strengthen policing and public trust.

“Good policing is built on trust,” Commander Garae said, stressing that discipline and respect in the execution of police duties would help strengthen the confidence communities place in the Vanuatu Police Force.

He called on officers to give their full cooperation, commitment and support as Southern Command moves forward under his leadership.

“Our goal is simple: to work in a close and strong partnership, with respect, to keep our communities safe and secure.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for Southern Command, as Noal begins his retirement following almost four decades of service and Garae takes on responsibility for leading policing across the southern region.