Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka acknowledged that his office did not properly follow protocol in an attempt to include his predecessor Voreqe Bainimarama and former Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho in a reconciliation event held at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks last Saturday.
During the ceremony, Rabuka revealed that he had requested President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere to facilitate their release from the Fiji Corrections Service to join the reconciliation process. However, he later recognized that his request should have been directed to the Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner, Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, as the President does not possess the authority to grant such releases. Despite Rabuka’s efforts to delay the event in hopes of their arrival, both Bainimarama and Qiliho ultimately did not attend.
Additionally, the Prime Minister expressed his apologies to RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai for the oversight, which was not aligned with the event’s agenda.
This incident highlights the complexities of navigating political protocols and the importance of clear communication among officials. While the reconciliation event did not unfold precisely as planned, it presents an opportunity for future discussions about inclusivity and proper channels of communication in the reconciliation process, which is vital for fostering unity in Fiji.
Overall, this experience could serve as a constructive lesson for both current and future leaders, promoting a more collaborative approach in addressing the nation’s reconciliatory needs.
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