Let them not die in vain – PM

Let them not die in vain – PM

By Iva Danford , Vijay Narayan
Monday 02/11/2020
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at the mutiny Commemoration.

“Let them not die in vain”

This was the message by the Prime Minister and former Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Voreqe Bainimarama while speaking to the members of the RFMF, Police and Navy after the 2000 Mutiny Commemoration Church Service today at Queen Elizabeth Barracks.

Fallen loyalist soldiers Private Osea Rokosirinavosa, Private Temo Veilewai and Private Simione Rawaileba were killed during the 2000 mutiny.

Bainimarama said we should also remember the fallen Police officers and soldier during the 2000 coup.

Constable Filipo Seavula was shot dead by rebels in Nasova in May 2000 while Corporal Raj Kumar and soldier Joela Weleilakeba were killed by rebels in a gully on an isolated road near Adi Cakobau School leading to Navuso village in Sawani.

A wreath-laying ceremony was held today where the fallen soldiers and other soldiers were remembered for protecting the then Commander.

Families of the three loyalist soldiers also took part in the ceremony.

The Prime Minister says it is always a touching moment for him when it comes to the 2nd of November because of what was done and what had transpired.

Bainimarama says it was one of the saddest days because the soldiers killed each other. He says 2000 was a dark year and it should not be repeated.

Bainimarama adds that he was not talking to them as the Prime Minister or a politician, but as the former Commander of the RFMF and someone that knows what is happening.

He says their role is to uphold the 2013 constitution.

Meanwhile Reverend Captain Viliame Tuinidau shared a touching message where he thanked the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama for leading Fiji to where it is today.

Reverend Tuinidau says this day in 2000, only gun shots and cries were heard in the camp.

He says the wives and children of the soldiers were wondering back at home if their husbands and dads were going to return home.

Reverend Tuinidau says those soldiers who gave their lives will never be forgotten for their sacrifice to Fiji as a nation.

Also in attendance were the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto, Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu, Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service Francis Kean, Director-General For Fiji’s National Security Council Brigadier-General Jone Kalouniwai, Chief of Staff RFMF Captain (Navy) John Fox, Land Force Commander Colonel Manoa Gadai, Commanding Officer 3FIR Lt Col Aseri Rokoura and other officers from the RFMF, Navy and Fiji Police Force.


FEATURE NEWS
Parents pushing children to go out and sell drugs – Father Sigarara
A qualified psychologist has raised concerns on how our society, that professes to be Christian, have become so cold that even parents and adults are ...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Residents from Lami to Nausori likely to face water cuts due to water turbidity
Thousands of residents living in areas between Lami to Nausori are likely to face water cuts due to a steady increase in raw water turbidity levels ...
24 minutes ago

18 people undergoing treatment after bus collides with 4x4 vehicle in Lautoka
18 people are currently being treated at the Lautoka Hospital after a Goundar Shipping bus collided with a 4x4 vehicle this afternoon. Police have ...
54 minutes ago

Barriers to digital finance leave vulnerable Fijians struggling
Vulnerable groups across Fiji—including elderly villagers, low-income families and rural communities face significant obstacles in accessing ...
1 hour ago

Education Ministry investigates alleged grant misuse and workplace harassment at Ba school
The Ministry of Education is investigating allegations of misuse of the Free Education Grant and workplace harassment at a primary school in Ba, ...
1 hour ago

Bureau of Stats completes Employment and Unemployment Survey, report expected mid 2025
The Fiji Bureau of Statistics has completed its Employment and Unemployment Survey last month, wrapping up a data collection activity that took a ...
1 hour ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Sporting federations demand answers from FASANOC
National sporting federations who are part of Fiji Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee or FASANOC, are still calling for answers and ...
5 days ago

Continuous Radiology and Pharmacy services are now expected at Government Hospitals
Serious concerns are being raised by the public as the Ministry of Health has decided that radiology services and pharmacies at Government hospitals ...
5 days ago

Ratu Wiliame Katonivere declines Presidential nomination after an internal audit and investigation report
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka confirms that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere decided to decline Rabuka's nomination of him to serve a second term ...
6 days ago

TOP