A total of 58 civil servants were honored for their dedication and service to the nation during the Civil Service Medal investiture ceremony at the State House in Suva yesterday.
President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, who officiated the ceremony, acknowledged that over 100 nominations were approved for the civil service medal award. He noted that since its inception 29 years ago, the number of awards given in this category has been inconsistent.
“I sincerely expect this trend to gradually change in the subsequent years,” Ratu Wiliame said. “We will agree that this year’s allocation of civil service medals is not substantial. You have my assurance that the substantial call for nominations for this category of awards will be accomplished. I’m proud to say today that this is the beginning of more to come.”
Ratu Wiliame emphasized that the awards, along with supplementary decorations and special accolades, are meant to inspire others to excel in their own service delivery while recognizing acts of bravery and dedication to humanity.
“We celebrate the health practitioners, service providers in the civil service, and educators who cross rivers, mountains, and terrains to get to their work destinations. This week is celebrating you and your selfless dedication to serving our people and our nation,” he added.
One of the Civil Service Medal recipients, Sosiceni Manulevu, 50, has served five presidents over the past two decades as a gardener at the State House. The native of Logani, Bau, Tailevu expressed his gratitude for being recognized, attributing it to patience, hard work, and determination.
The Civil Service Investiture ceremony will continue this afternoon.