Unified Through History
A shared commitment to service for 148 years
This year marks 148 years of shared history between the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Police Force. For nearly half of those years, the Sukuna Bowl has served as the crowning glory of the annual sporting calendar.
The service legacy of the nation’s security forces dates back to the humble origins of the Armed Native Constabulary in 1874.
From a single ‘paramilitary force’, the separate roles of the military and Police became more well-defined in the early 1900s.
The two institutions evolved into contemporary forces but kept their customary bond in their mandated responsibilities of service to the nation – through upholding internal security and stability at home, and peace support and stability operations abroad.
Vision
The first Sukuna Bowl game was played in 1951 and was won by the Fiji Police Force.
The late Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna envisioned that sport between the two forces would foster a pathway for mutual understanding and commonality while also promoting professional relationships.
For the last 71 years, the rugby game has been an annual ‘battle’ where institutional pride and honour was fought for.
Over the years, the Sukuna Bowl competition has been broadened to include other sports in order to encourage inclusivity and wider participation.
The two forces now battle it out in soccer, boxing, cricket, volleyball, netball, athletics, and even tug-of-war.
This year marks a historic move in female participation for the two forces – the female rugby teams are preparing to compete with each other in their inaugural rugby match.
In addition to the organisational pride showcased during the Sukuna Bowl, military and Police members have always upheld their bond due to their shared service. This has been the foundation of their close relationship at home and
abroad.
Women participation
Today, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Police Force proudly serve our nation through overseas deployments.
The RFMF and FPF serve together in peacekeeping missions in the Middle East as well as in separate missions, such as Sinai and Sudan.
From their beginnings as traditionally male dominated forces, the participation of women among their ranks has ascended to visibility and marked successes.
Colonel Silipa Vananalagi was Chief Military Personnel Officer at the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Occupied Golan and Assistant Commissioner of Police Unaisi Vuniwaqa became the first Fijian to be the Commissioner of Police for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The RFMF achieved the UN-mandated 10 per cent quota for female participation in 2021.
Unique relationship
In the service of peace, some members of both forces have paid the ultimate sacrifice. This is testimony to the values of service that they hold dear at the core of their institutions.
The unique relationship between the two forces forged in the pre-colonial era is the theme for this year’s Sukuna Bowl competition.
This relationship goes way beyond than their annual sporting celebration. It is based on unity, resilience, shared customs and traditions and institutional camaraderie. It has been hardened by years of service, through blood, toil, tears
and sweat.
The military and the police place emphasis on their shared history – it is the fabric that holds them together as security forces.
We hold the people of our nation close within our institutional values and ethos. We swear an oath to serve them and uphold our constitution at all times. We acknowledge the service that members from all diverse communities have made to both the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Police Force.
This year, as we celebrate Sukuna Bowl, we encourage the people of our beloved nation to embrace the positive aspects of their shared histories and sustain them.
Embracing our shared history as a people forms the basis of our unified move forward to make Fiji a better place for future generations.