Former military personnel involved in the 2000 takeover of the Sukunaivalu VC Barracks, along with their families, came together for a day of reflection and healing. The event was hosted by Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), who engaged the attendees in a talanoa session. He emphasized the importance of addressing past events and expressed approval at the soldiers for recognizing their mistakes.
This gathering marked the first time many of the participants had returned to the barracks since the 2000 coup, offering a sense of relief to both the former soldiers and their families.
Rupeni Vosayaco, a former lieutenant of the CRW Unit, shared feelings of liberation following the event and expressed gratitude to the RFMF Commander for the initiative. He described the gathering as historic and acknowledged the Commander’s openness to dialogue as a significant departure from previous leadership styles. Vosayaco also voiced hope that the culture of coups in Fiji would come to an end, highlighting the divisions and pain they have caused within families and communities.