The recent release of George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, and Shane Stevens from prison has sparked mixed reactions throughout Fiji. One individual affected by these events is Akeneta Naseka Seavula, the widow of Corporal Filipo Seavula, a police officer 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 rebels, stating, “We are all human beings. God Almighty encourages us to forgive those who have done you wrong,” from her home in Nakasi, Nasinu.
Corporal Seavula was shot during a standoff between rebel soldiers and members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces as he defended the nation against the overthrow of the Fiji Labour Party-led government of Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.
Reflecting on that day, Ms. Seavula recounted her painful memories. “It was a Sunday, and we were living at the Nasese Police Barracks. My husband had just left for duty when gunfire erupted nearby. Everyone was told to take cover,” she recalled. Hours later, military trucks and sirens flooded the area. An hour after the initial chaos, police delivered the tragic 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,” she said. Left to care for three young children, Ms. Seavula expressed her deep sorrow but also gratitude for the support she received.
Her strong Catholic faith has helped her through the difficult times, with the Holy Rosary providing comfort since 2000. She attributes the strength to raise her children to her belief in God. “Even though what Mr. Speight did was wrong, God teaches us to forgive. And I forgive Mr. Speight, my family does too,” she stated. She emphasized that holding onto resentment hinders progress and shared how she learned to trust in God’s plan after losing her husband.
Now a grandmother of six, Ms. Seavula recognizes the lasting consequences of the 2000 coup but advocates for forgiveness as a means to heal and rebuild the nation.
The death of Corporal Seavula on May 28, 2000, is remembered as one of the darkest days in Fiji’s history. On that same day, rebels attacked Fiji Television Limited, and Prime Minister Chaudhry and members of the Labour government were held hostage in the Parliament complex for a staggering 56 days.