Retired Officer Devoted 34 Years Ensuring Security

Aretired Police officer says he is happy to have devoted over 30 years of his life serving the citizens of Fiji by helping to keep them safe.

Tevita Ralulu, 62, became a Police officer at the age of 18.

“It has been an honour and I am utterly happy that I served the public at large to ensure there is security for people,” he said. On Monday, Mr Ralulu was part of the launching of the Fiji Senior Citizens Week at the Holiday Inn Suva Conference Room. Mr Ralulu said this was the first time he attended the event and commended the authorities for their commitment.

“The Government is serious about helping people, which we appreciate a lot,” he said. “The progress being about senior citizens welfare is like in overseas countries where they organise such events for the elderly who have contributed to society.” Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa said the programme organised by the ministry was to recognise the contribution of senior citizens to the Fijian economy.

“It’s a day for them to look back on their contributions to society and for us who have benefited to show our appreciation,” she said.

“It is a good way of reminding the younger generation of Fiji that there is a group of senior citizens here that needs attention, love and compassion.

“We want to encourage families to pay the elderly members a visit. At least once in a while because this will mean so much to them.

“We celebrate it every year and every year it keeps growing bigger.”

United Nations Population Fund director Bruce Campbell said that growing older does not diminish a person’s inherent dignity and fundamental rights.

“The 2018 theme aims to promote the rights enshrined in the declaration and what it means in the daily lives of older persons,” he said.

“Raise the visibility of older people as participating members of society committed to improving the enjoyment of human rights in many areas of life and not just those that affect them immediately.

“Reflect on progress and challenges in ensuring full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons.”

Mr Campbell said the 2017 census showed that the population of 75 plus years of age, made up approximately 1.6 per cent of the population while 55 plus made up 13 per cent of the population.