The recent release of George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, and former RFMF Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit member Shane Stevens from prison has sparked diverse reactions throughout Fiji.
One individual particularly affected by this event is Akeneta Naseka Seavula, the widow of slain police officer Corporal Filipo Seavula. He was killed by rebels at a Draiba checkpoint during the unrest in 2000. Despite the tragedy, Ms. Seavula and her family have chosen to forgive Speight and the others involved.
“We are all human beings. God Almighty encourages us to forgive those who have done you wrong,” she said from her home in Nakasi, Nasinu. Corporal Seavula was shot during a standoff between rebel forces and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, as well as police officers, while defending the nation after the rebels overthrew the government led by Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.
Reflecting on the traumatic events, Ms. Seavula recounted her memories of that day. “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. “Everyone was told to take cover,” she remembered, noting that hours later, military trucks and sirens flooded the area.
When police officers delivered the heartbreaking news of her husband’s death, she was left 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,” she explained. With three young children to raise, Ms. Seavula faced a profound sense of loss. “It was painful, but I’ll always be grateful for the support I had during that time,” she added.
As a devout Catholic, Ms. Seavula believes her faith has helped her cope with her loss. The Holy Rosary has been her steadfast companion since 2000, and she attributes her strength to prayer. “Even though what Mr. Speight did was wrong, God teaches us to forgive. And I forgive Mr. Speight; my family does too,” she stated. “Holding onto resentment stops you from moving forward. After losing Filipo, I learned to trust in God’s plan.”
Now a grandmother of six, Ms. Seavula acknowledges the enduring impact of the 2000 coup but emphasizes forgiveness as essential for healing and national recovery.
Corporal Seavula’s death on May 28, 2000, marked a significant point of turmoil in Fiji’s history, coinciding with the rebels’ attack on Fiji Television Limited and the hostage situation involving Prime Minister Chaudhry and other Labour government members, who were held captive at the Parliament complex for 56 days.