‘Nothing comes easy in life’
MANOA Ratu could not hide his emotions as he hugged his son Peniasi Ratu, the baton of honour recipient at the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) passing-out parade on Friday.
Apart from his new role at FCS, Peniasi is a rugby star in the making after outstanding performances in the Coke Zero Deans secondary schools competition. The Gunu, Naviti, native of the Yasawa Islands dedicated his achievement to all the young people in the country.
“I was so blessed to have the support of my dad, sibling and my mother Bale Ratu, who is originally from Nabukadogo, Macuata, because without the support from home I would be nowhere,” the 22-year-old said. “This award is evidence that nothing comes easy in life because I had to sweat and push myself out of my comfort zone to get it.”
Mr Ratu Sr said he travelled from Labasa to witness his son’s crowning moment and the icing on the cake was when he was awarded the baton of honour.
“We can only thank God for making this possible,” he said.
The Commissioners Trophy was awarded to Moce, Lau, native Josaia Vuniwai for scoring the highest aggregate marks in all theoretical assessments conducted throughout the 14 weeks of training.
The Best Recruit in Drill award was awarded to Taione Baleiusa, while Best Recruit in Physical Training Award was given to Peni Matawalu, who hails from Lovoni, Ovalau.
Peni is the younger brother of rugby star Nikola Matawalu.
Chief guest at the event was Australian High Commissioner John Feakes.
He told the 32 new FCS staff that they had an important role to play in the rehabilitation of inmates in Fijian correctional facilities.