The recent release of George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup, along with Shane Stevens from the former Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, has sparked diverse reactions across Fiji.
Akeneta Naseka Seavula, the widow of slain police officer Corporal Filipo Seavula, who lost his life during the coup, shared her thoughts on the situation. Despite the tragedy that struck her family, Ms. Seavula emphasized her ability to forgive Speight and the rebels after 24 years. “We are all human beings. God Almighty encourages us to forgive those who have done you wrong,” she remarked from her home in Nakasi, Nasinu.
Corporal Seavula was killed during an encounter with rebel soldiers while on duty, defending the nation after the overthrow of the government led by Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.
Reflecting on that tumultuous time, Ms. Seavula recounted the horrific memories of the day her husband died. She described it as a Sunday, with her family residing at the Nasese Police Barracks. Her husband had just left for duty when the gunfire began. “Everyone was told to take cover,” she recalled, noting the chaos that ensued with military vehicles arriving shortly after.
When police came to inform her of her husband’s death, she said, “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.” With three young children to care for, the experience left her devastated. “It was painful, but I’ll always be grateful for the support I had during that time,” she added.
Ms. Seavula, a devoted Catholic, attributes her ability to cope to her faith, which has guided her since that fateful year. She regarded prayer as a source of strength for raising her children on her own. “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 believes that holding onto resentments hinders personal progress and that trusting in God’s plan has helped her heal.
Now a grandmother of six, Ms. Seavula recognizes the lasting effects of the 2000 coup but advocates for forgiveness as essential for 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. That day, rebels also attacked Fiji Television Limited, and Prime Minister Chaudhry, along with members of the Labour government, were taken hostage at the Parliament for 56 days.