The Quarantine Division (the Division) (formerly known as the
'Quarantine') is the Division that is responsible for protecting
Nauru borders from the entry and spread as well as multiplication
of pests and disease-causing organisms. Furthermore, it is the
first line of defense in the border protection system for Nauru
against the incursion of alien species that could prove detrimental
to the environment and potentially cause endangerment of natural
plant and animal species.
The Division is divided into 2 subdivisions which are:
- Trade/Airport Operations ; and
- Seaport operations.
The Division oversees incoming cargoes both at the seaport and
airport providing conditions, requirements and procedures to ensure
the safe movement of plants and animals into Nauru.
For the past year, the Division has not confiscated any food or
food products but seized them at the borders and handed over to
Health inspector for further action. The Division seized 160 Bamboo
poles which were disposed by burning as bamboo is prohibited in
Nauru.
For the past year, 12 traps were used at different locations in
Buada District. 3 types of lures were used: Trimed Lure, ME Lure
and CUE Lure. Traps are collected every 2 weeks. Some traps were
damaged or a person may have moved or emptied the traps which would
have resulted in the number of flies trapped.
| Type of Fly |
Number of Flied Collected |
| B Cucurbita Melon Fly |
1860 |
| B Fraunfeld Mango Fly |
37,358 |
| Bactocera xanthodes Pacific Fly |
115 |
The Yellow Crazy Ant Project consisted of dissemination of
public awareness materials such as brochures and information sheets
throughout the communities. The Project was aimed at assisting the
Division to monitor the dangerous species to which none has yet
been found on Nauru.
Due to current travel restrictions that have been imposed during
the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, certain international
workshops such as the Pest Diagnostics Workshop was postponed to a
later date. Despite the set back, a virtual introduction of
participants was conducted allowing a forum for quarantine officers
to exchange thoughts and ideas on the subject.
Our Team
| Position |
Name |
| Director of Quarantine |
Sheba Deireragea |
| Principal Quarantine Officer |
Amy Tsitsi |
| Senior Quarantine Officer |
Tremaine Dick |
| Quarantine Officer |
Kazna Benjamin,
Pat Cook,
Kane Akubor,
Link Uera,
Normal Cook,
Wilkes Deiye,
Zac Detenama,
Kyle Bretch |
| Clerical Officer |
Simon Khazimen |
Objectives
- Ensure safe imprt and export that does not alter the Nauru
environment or harm the livelihood of the people of Nauru.
Motivation
Protecting the people from pests and diseases.
Strategic Plan Priority Area 4: Cost Cutting
Sectors
Cross-Goal 2
Strengthen Parliament, audit, justice, law, order and border
control.
Cross-Goal 7
Sustainable use and management of the environment and natural
resources for present and future generations.
Achievements
Maintaining a COVID free Nauru
Nauru Quarantine collaborates with other border protection
agencies in border management. The interactive efforts between
these instrumentalities has become more than essential during these
times of the Corona-virus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Section faces many challenges especially when taking
precautions to disinfect incoming cargoes, shipping barges and
equipment for the safety of Nauru. In being vital front-liners in
the COVID-19 'Capture and Contain' movement, the Section has played
its part in keeping Nauru COVID free.
Increase in Revenue
Seaport and airport activity has been hectic with the arrival of
cargo ships and freighter flights. Along with the reinforcement of
dog licencing under the Dog Management and Control Act 2017,
revenue was boosted to a total of AUD83,900.
Capacity Building
Earlier in 2021 the Department of Commerce, Industry and
Environment facilitated a Food Safety Workshop especially for
quarantine officers on understanding food preparation and living a
healthy lifestyle.
It is significant to note that four (4) officers are enrolling
in Foundation for Agricultural Science at the University of the
South Pacific.
Way Forward
With the burden of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the
Quarantine Division will continue to strive in safeguarding our
borders from disease-causing organisms and pests by:
- Undertaking tasks and expected responsibilities as active
members of the COVID-19 Taskforce.
- Secure more training for the capacity building of personnel to
further improve the performance and outcome of the Quarantine
Division.
- To target a budget execution rate of ore than 90% as a key
indicator of maximum implementation of budgeted work plans.