Nabou accident victim graduates, becomes British Army soldier
I AM REALLY A PROUD WOMAN TODAY, SAYS GRADUATE’S MOTHER Private Sailasa Laudola realises his dream after two interviews. He was among survivors of the tragic accident in Nabou, midway between Nadi and Sigatoka, last year which claimed eight lives
Fifty-one-year-old Salome Voliti praised the Lord Almighty and gave thanks for her son on Friday.
The single mother of Korovuto, Nadi, was extremely proud after her son, Private Sailasa Laudola (affectionately known as Doki in family circles), after he graduated from the British Army Armed Forces Training Centre Pirbright, Surrey, England. This meant he became a member of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.
Private Laudola, 26, of Korovuto, Nadi, was among survivors of the tragic accident in Nabou, midway between Nadi and Sigatoka, last year which claimed eight lives when two vehicles collided.
“I am very thankful and proud to be his mother and to celebrate his career with the British Army,” Ms Voliti said after her son completed the 14-week assessment.
She said her son called her earlier to explain the procedures leading up to the passing-out parade.
“At that point in time I just thought of the hard times we went through,” Ms Voliti said.
“I am really a proud woman, but if his grandfather was alive, I don’t know how he would react.” Private Laudola completed Year 13 at Ratu Navula College and was also educated at Nilsen High School, Vatukoula. Ms Voliti thanked Doki’s maternal uncle, his namesake Dr Sailasa Laudola, a practising doctor in Nadi. “Since Doki was born he was brought up at Dr Sailasa’s residence together with many children. Dr Sailasa needs to be praised for Doki’s upbringing.” Private Laudola interviewed with the British Army twice, but succeeded in his second time. First, he missed out because of financial constraints. His move to England was made possible by his uncle Naisa Koroi Misimisi and Aunt Salanieta Koroi, who is a British officer.
Nabou incident
Recounting the tragic incident on August 4 last year, Ms Voliti was in the village not knowing that her son was on his way alongside other RNC ex-scholars to watch the Deans Rugby quarter-final in Suva. “Someone told me that my son was in the same vehicle as well. I ran for him in the Nadi Hospital. He was lying there unconscious,” she said. “I saw his namesake at the emergency ward. I thanked the Lord for his keeping him safe. I spoke to the doctor and he said there was a gash on his ear. “My prayer was this at that moment, Lord I have only one child and if you think if he has other duty on earth then you be the judge.”
And her prayers were answered, culminating in his passing-out parade.