Cherish every moment you have with your loved ones serving in the Force – Naidu

Life has never been the same for a mother of two for the past one and a half years after losing her husband and a daughter who were both serving in the Fiji Police Force.

While marking the Fiji Police Remembrance Day at the Police Special Response Unit in Nasinu today, Saroj Naidu says her husband was a pillar of strength for their family and when he passed away, one of her daughters wanted to follow his footsteps.

She says that she was so proud of her 23-year-old daughter until the day she decided to take her own life in October last year.

Naidu says it was so hard to accept that both her husband and her daughter was gone.

She says in just a short span of time she lost them both but she has not given up on life.

Naidu says she believes her daughter took her own life because of depression.

She has also urged all the young people out there that if they have depression, committing suicide is not the answer.

Naidu says her husband died of kidney failure.

She has also urged families to cherish every moment they have with their loved ones in the force.

While officiating at the Fiji Police Remembrance Day, the Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau says 20 police officers have passed away in the past year.

Ratu Epeli also highlighted that Non-Communicable Diseases is one of main causes of death.

Police have also confirmed that out of the 20 police officers that passed away from the 29th of September last year to the 29th of September this year, 16 deaths was related to NCDs.

They say one was a victim of a hit and run, one was drowning, there was one case of suicide and one murder victim.

Ratu Epeli says Remembrance day should not be just about fallen officers, it should also be a time to reflect on some of the challenges facing the force.

He says that he has been informed that NCD’s is a worrying Trend in the force.

Ratu Epeli says the increased demands on policing and emerging challenges requires the necessary physical and psychological support to personnel.

He says the stress of work can have multiple effects on an officer’s work and personal life.

Ratu Epeli says the impacts of these challenges are often reflected in service delivery and community or public expectations.

He says it is crucial that we have a supportive network behind the force, from senior officers and management to families and friends.

Ratu Epeli says he is glad to hear of the introduction of counselling services for police officers and families and also the incorporation of mandatory health and well-being programs into the workplace.

He says it is time to ensure that those who continue to serve our communities are given our full support.