Van2017 has secured 43 groups of security operators, with 23 from Private Security firms and 20 groups coming from community services in Efate, making a total of 436 security guards to be deployed at all Games’ venues and villages.
After months of interviewing, screening and selection processes, the Van2017 Security department has finally awarded contracts to successful applicants.
“This is a very important day for us today”, said CEO Clint Flood, when welcoming the operators for a service contract signing at the Van2017 head office.
For many of you, your work is going to start on November 1, 2017 at Korman. There is a lot of training to be done, a lot of work to be done and while we want you to be a security team, you are more than that and we want you to be ambassadors for the country.
We want you to ensure that our assets are safe, that our spectators and athletes are safe, we want you and your team to be the Ambassadors for Van2017 and for the country.
So that means making sure that all of you understand if there is issue – you know what to do, when to report things and how to ensure that a small situation does not become a big issue.
It is those things which we want to make sure through the training over the next six weeks, that you all understand how we all must work together.
This is one of the most important operations we do, because we must demonstrate to all our guests, that they are be safe, their belongings are secure, but more importantly they will be welcomed to villages, venues and where ever else.
You play an important role because you represent this community, you are living in this community and some of you may have athletes in your families.
You need to take ownership of each area that we are going to give you - it’s very important.
We are going to pay you but the money should not be the important thing, what is important is we are working together to make sure that we are seen to be one group that we deliver the best we can for and on behalf of the country to the rest of the Pacific and all our friends and family who are coming to the Games to celebrate.”
To me, as CEO, this is the most important thing to do because it is going to give me peace of mind and comfort that our venues, spectators and athletes will be well taken care of.
But you have to make sure that the services are delivered on time; you have to make sure if the boys and girls show up drunk, they are off.
It is up to you to make sure that the standards are maintained.
We also want you to laugh, smile, shake the athlete’s hands, all this is to happen without any issues. All we want to do is make sure that everyone of us makes us proud.”
Mr Flood urged all security Group Leaders to take seriously all the training provided by the Vanuatu Police Force and Van2017.
“I urge you all to show up on time, no kava, no dirty uniforms - because it reflects on all of us. Discipline is also paramount.
You are one of the most important sections for delivering these games, without you and working cleaning groups, we could not deliver. We are thankful for having you.
He said the Security Training period will be from October 9 to 27 at the Police College in Port Vila, where 436 security guards will be divided into groups of 79 people per intake.