The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, recently addressed concerns raised by Brigadier-General Manoa Gadai regarding the escalating drug issue in Fiji. During his speech at the End of Year Parade at the Force Training Ground, Major-General Kalouniwai stated that Brig-Gen Gadai had overstepped his boundaries of command with his public comments.
A post on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s Facebook page highlighted that while Brig-Gen Gadai received a verbal reprimand for his remarks, the Commander recognized that the concerns expressed stemmed from genuine compassion for the welfare of the Fijian people. Following the incident, Brig-Gen Gadai apologized and acknowledged his misstep.
Major-General Kalouniwai emphasized that, despite crossing the line that safeguards the hierarchical order of command, Brig-Gen Gadai’s message resonated with the realities facing Fiji today. He described it as reflective of the fears and worries of many citizens, encapsulating the sentiment of a silent majority seeking solutions to a pressing problem that threatens the nation’s very fabric. The Commander articulated that the issue of drug abuse has widespread implications, affecting families and communities throughout Fiji.
The statement from Major-General Kalouniwai brings to light vital conversations about drug-related challenges in the country, highlighting the need for collaboration and the importance of understanding the community’s concerns. This acknowledgment of the emotional and existential crisis caused by drug abuse signals a call for collective action to address an issue many Fijians view as critical to the nation’s future.
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