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 a variety of reactions throughout Fiji.
Akeneta Naseka Seavula, the widow of Corporal Filipo Seavula, a police officer killed by rebels during the turmoil of 2000, expressed her sentiments regarding the release. Despite the tragedy their family endured, 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 wronged us,” she stated from her home in Nakasi, Nasinu. Corporal Seavula lost his life during a confrontation at a Draiba checkpoint as he defended the country against the rebel forces that had overthrown the Fiji Labour Party-led government, led by Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.
Ms. Seavula recounted the traumatic events of that day, describing it as a Sunday when gunfire erupted shortly after her husband left for duty. “Everyone was told to take cover,” she remembered, noting the chilling presence of military vehicles and sirens later that day. Tragically, police officers later arrived to inform her 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 shared. With three young children, she felt devastated but was grateful for the support she received during that difficult time.
Her faith as a dedicated Catholic has been a source of strength since then. She has carried the Holy Rosary with her and attributes her ability to raise her children alone 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 affirmed.
“Carrying resentment holds you back. After losing Filipo, I learned to trust in God’s plan.” Now a grandmother of six, Ms. Seavula recognizes the lasting scars from the 2000 coup but advocates for forgiveness as a means of healing and rebuilding the nation.
The events of May 28, 2000, when Corporal Seavula was killed, remain one of the darkest chapters in Fiji’s history. On that same day, rebels attacked Fiji Television Limited, and Prime Minister Chaudhry along with other Labour government members were taken hostage at the Parliament complex for 56 days.