Shane Stevens, a former member of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) unit, was invited to mark the 24th anniversary of the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua. During this significant event, he shared poignant moments with the families of CRW soldiers who lost their lives during the attempted mutiny.
Although Stevens chose not to address the media, he played a prominent role in the reconciliation and restoration ceremony, which was led by RFMF Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai. Recently, in September, Stevens received a Presidential pardon from the Mercy Commission after serving a lengthy sentence for incitement to mutiny. His time in prison totaled 21 years, 8 months, and 20 days, during which he made progress that led to recommendations for his pardon from the Fiji Corrections Service.
Stevens’ release was concurrent with the release of George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup. Additionally, the ceremony included former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, who were invited by current Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who sought their temporary release from imprisonment to attend the commemorative festivities. Unfortunately, they could not be present for the traditional apology presentations made by the military.
This gathering serves as a vital step towards healing and reconciliation within the community, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the past while working toward a more unified future. The ceremony reinforces the values of compassion and restoration, emphasizing hope for a society that can learn from its history and move forward together.
In summary, the anniversary event not only commemorates the past but also symbolizes the possibilities of forgiveness and reconciliation in Fiji’s journey towards healing.
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