Fiji’s President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has presented the 50th Anniversary medal to Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini, Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Colonel Siliva Raradoka Vananalagi, the Military and Police Advisor to PRUN.
The medal recognizes the contributions of both citizens and non-citizens to Fiji’s development and to humanity over the past five decades. It aligns with the President’s vision of promoting a ‘culture of appreciation and inclusivity.’
Ambassador Tarakinikini has demonstrated outstanding service, including his role as chief of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) section at the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Colonel Vananalagi has had a distinguished 35-year career, serving in various capacities such as administrator, trainer, planner, financial controller, logistician, and leadership roles at different command levels both locally and internationally.