Serve and protect,
President Katonivere tells batch 64
“YOUR service is not to man but to a more powerful being. You must not treat the Oath of Allegiance as mere words.”
These were the words of advice from the President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere while officiating at the Fiji Police Force passing out parade of 180 police recruits from Batch 64 that have been awarded Level 4 Certificates in Policing at the Nasova grounds recently.
“In taking the Oath to serve on the Holy Books of your choosing, you must always remember that your word is your bond, so your Oath is for your country, your people and to leadership, and most importantly on behalf of your families and kinsmen.”
“You have chosen to be a Police Officer to serve and protect the laws of our beloved country, it is a part of an honourable profession, and you must never take your calling lightly,” the Head of State said.
“You have been chosen for a reason. From the many thousands who desired to be in your place,
you have gained the trust of your Commissioner of Police, who has seen in you all the calibres of a person to be trusted and relied upon to execute the duties of serving as a Police Officer.” “Service to mankind is an honourable calling.” President Katonivere hailed the families of the recruits as the “unsung heroes” as without their support these officers would not have been able to come this far and it will be their sacrifices that will allow them to serve their country.
History was also created as majority of the parade appointees were women with President Katonivere commending the force for its diversity, inclusivity and giving equal opportunity to everyone.
President Katonivere also acknowledged the cooperation between the Fiji Police Force and their New Zealand counterparts.
He said this was a display of cooperation between regional police forces which was commendable as it reinforced Fiji’s commitment to working alongside its regional partners for a safer Blue Pacific.