The recent release of George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, and Shane Stevens, a former member of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit, has sparked a range of reactions throughout Fiji.
One individual significantly affected by these events is Akeneta Naseka Seavula, the widow of Corporal Filipo Seavula, a police officer killed by rebels at a checkpoint during the 2000 unrest. Despite the pain of her loss, nearly a quarter-century 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 wronged us,” she expressed from her home in Nakasi, Nasinu. Corporal Seavula was shot during a confrontation involving rebel forces and military personnel as they attempted to subdue the uprising that ousted the government of Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.
Ms. Seavula recounted the traumatic experience of that day. “It was a Sunday, and we were living at the Nasese Police Barracks. My husband had just gone to duty when gunfire erupted nearby. Everyone was told to take cover,” she recalled. Later, military vehicles and sirens filled the area. An hour passed before police delivered the heartbreaking news of her husband’s death.
“In shock, I didn’t cry until I saw my son Viliame coming down the stairs. That’s when the reality hit me, and I broke down,” she said, reflecting on the anguish of raising three young children alone after her husband’s death. “It was painful, but I’ll always be grateful for the support I had during that time.”
Ms. Seavula, a devoted Catholic, said her faith has been a source of strength, with the Holy Rosary being her constant companion since her husband’s passing. She attributes her ability to raise her children to her dedication 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. “Holding on to resentment prevents you from moving forward. After losing Filipo, I learned to trust in God’s plan.”
Now a grandmother of six, Ms. Seavula recognizes the enduring impact of the 2000 coup and encourages forgiveness as a means to heal and rebuild the nation.
Corporal Seavula’s death on May 28, 2000, was a significant tragedy in Fiji’s history. That day, rebels also attacked Fiji Television Limited, while Prime Minister Chaudhry and members of the Labour government were held hostage in the Parliament building for 56 days.