The release of George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, and Shane Stevens from prison has sparked a variety of responses across Fiji. One individual particularly affected is Akeneta Naseka Seavula, the widow of Corporal Filipo Seavula, a police officer who was killed during the turmoil at a Draiba checkpoint.
Despite the pain of the past, 24 years later, Ms. Seavula and her family have chosen to forgive Speight and the rebels. “We are all human beings. God Almighty encourages us to forgive those who have done you wrong,” she stated from her home in Nakasi, Nasinu.
Corporal Seavula lost his life during a confrontation between rebel forces and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces while defending the country after the rebels overthrew the government led by Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.
Reflecting on that fateful day, Ms. Seavula recounted her memories. “It was a Sunday, and we were living at the Nasese Police Barracks,” she recalled. Her husband had just left for duty when gunfire erupted nearby, prompting everyone to take cover. Hours later, military vehicles and sirens flooded the area. “It felt like a scene from a movie,” she remarked, remembering how an hour later police arrived with the heartbreaking news of her husband’s death. “I was in shock. I didn’t cry until I saw my son Viliame coming down the stairs. That’s when it hit me, and I broke down.”
Left to care for three young children, Ms. Seavula felt devastated. “It was painful, but I’ll always be grateful for the support I had during that time,” she added.
Her faith as a devoted Catholic has been her guiding light, with daily prayers offering strength. “Even though what Mr. Speight did was wrong, God teaches us to forgive. And I forgive Mr. Speight, my family does too,” she expressed. “Holding onto resentment stops you from moving forward. After losing Filipo, I learned to trust in God’s plan.” Now, as a grandmother of six, Ms. Seavula recognizes the enduring effects of the 2000 coup while advocating for forgiveness as a means of healing and rebuilding the nation.
The death of Corporal Seavula on May 28, 2000, is remembered as one of the darkest moments in Fiji’s history. On that same day, rebels looted Fiji Television Limited, and Prime Minister Chaudhry along with Labour government officials were taken hostage in Parliament for 56 days.