THESE WOMEN (RECRUITED INTO THE FIJIAN NAVY)
will also play a major role in nation building
The Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, yesterday thanked the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) for the recruitment of women sailors to be members of the naval division.
He said the new recruits would play a major role at the RFMF naval division, which celebrated its 44th anniversary at the Stanley Brown Naval Base in Walu Bay, Suva. “These women will also play a major role in nation building,” he said. Ratu Epeli, who was chief guest at the celebrations, said he was not expecting to be accorded a guard of honour and a full traditional welcome ceremony.
The RFMF Navy Commander, Captain (Navy) Humphrey Tawake said they were obliged to perform a guard of honour and the traditional welcome.
Ratu Epeli, a former RFMF Com- mander said the RFMF Naval Division was formed in 1975, following the Government’s ratification of the United Nations Law of the Sea convention.
The division is responsible for maritime needs, border control and watching over Fiji’s exclusive economic zone as well as organising martime tasks and rescue missions.
Luveni recalls early days
Former navy man Inoke Luveni was happy to meet his colleagues at the RFMF Navy 44th anniversary celebrations.
He was a recruit in 1975 when Commander Stanley Brown was head of the division.
He recalled the experience when they were bringing the Kula and
Kiro vessels from Seattle in the United States of America to Fiji. “I was onboard the Kula,” he said. Mr Luveni said the two vessels left Seattle and it took 12 days to reach Hawaii and another 12 days from Hawaii to Fiji.
“We encountered a hurricane when leaving Hawaii for Fiji. We were escorted by two USA Ocean Going Tug. The American sailors urged us to return, but we told them we had to continue with the journey because the people in Fiji were eagerly awaiting us to traditionally welcome the two vessels.” Mr Luveni said for the two days they could not cook any food so they just used the dried supply. When the hurricane passed them he said all on board agreed they were lucky to survive.
“We thank the good Lord for protecting us,” he said.
“Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was also among recruits in 1975.”