RABUKA BACK IN OFFICE

The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) farewelled and paid tribute to four of its retiring serving members on Tuesday.

Retiring were Principal Corrections Officer Vika Vereivalu, who served 34 years, Corrections Officer Class A Ravendra Kumar, who served 24 years after spending six years in the Fiji Police Force, Principal Corrections Officer Anainasa Ligaiviu, who also served 34 years, and civilian staff Veniana Rabua, who served for 19 years.

“I have enjoyed my many years in corrections, we have been through our ups and downs, but I take back many special memories,’’ said an emotional Mr Kumar.

“Because of the FCS I have built my family, my house, bought my car and lived a life of discipline and service. Now I look forward to fishing.”

Mrs Vereivalu, also married former FCS officer, Serupepeli, who retired last year from the service.

“Being a corrections officer is no easy calling, I am glad, however, that the hand of God put my husband and I into the work of helping change lives,’’ she said.

“We are blessed to have worked here, and our five children have been raised and benefited from the work we did as rehabilitation officers. Corrections will always be in our hearts.”

Mr Ligaiviu said he would always remember the challenges when the organisation moved all its efforts from corrections to rehabilitation. “If I have to think about my career here, it would be how I was tested and how I overcame many challenges to improve myself first in order to change the life of a person,” he said.

Mr Ligaiviu said he had bought a piece of land to farm in Naitasiri, but planned to travel with his wife when borders opened.

Ms Rabua was the long serving reception officer and personal assistant to the office of the Deputy Commissioner for 19 years.

“FCS has been my life, and I will treasure serving here because FCS has also helped me build my family. I have made many friends who I now consider my family,” she said. Commissioner of FCS, Commander Francis Kean, thanked the retirees for their dedicated service.

“There is a time for everything, and today (Wednesday) marks another chapter in your life - a chapter that many of us will also reach,” he said.

“You can all be proud of your decades of loyal service to the Fiji Corrections Service, Government and the citizens of this country.”

Fiji Corrections Service

rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj