$10.3Million Will Boost Development of RFMF
Abudget allocation of $10.3 million will enable the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) to place great emphasis on institutional knowledge and fostering human capital development.
This will be done through training development and programmes. Minister for Defence Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, while responding to the 2018-2019 National Budget in Parliament on Monday, said such training was important for the correct posturing of military personnel and enhance interoperability with counterparts such as the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces during natural disasters.
THE BUDGET, HE SAID, WOULD COVER:
Overseas training; In-house training, including promotional courses; and Increase in meal allowances and periodic replacement of headto-toe kits.
Ratu Inoke further revealed that the allocation would expand the RFMF band which was formed in 1917, evolving over the years and earning them a legacy and reputation.
He added there was a need to expand the military band to establish a navy band targeting unemployed youths with talent and interests in music facilitated by the Ministry for Youth and Sports Training Centre.
For the RFMF Engineering Unit, Ratu Inoke added, plans are in place for the construction of a new warehouse at Jerusalem Road in Nabua to manage the distribution of goods and services within the military.
He said the warehouse would facilitate storage and distribution of Human Assistance and Disaster Relief stores.
The $1.4 million allocation for RFMF peacekeeping, Ratu Inoke said, would cater for the operational capabilities of military personnel serving in the Middle East and maintenance works for the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles. Edited by Epineri Vula