Former military personnel who participated in the 2000 takeover of the Sukunaivalu VC Barracks, along with their families, convened yesterday for a day dedicated to reflection and healing.
The event was spearheaded by Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), who engaged the attendees in a talanoa session. He emphasized the significance of confronting past events and expressed his satisfaction in witnessing the former soldiers acknowledge their mistakes.
For many of these individuals, it was their first visit back to the barracks since the 2000 coup.
The gathering instilled a sense of relief among both the soldiers and their relatives.
Rupeni Vosayaco, a former lieutenant of the CRW Unit, shared that he felt liberated following the event and extended his gratitude to the RFMF Commander for organizing such an initiative. He deemed the occasion historic, remarking that the Commander’s readiness to connect with them indicated a positive change from prior leadership.
Vosayaco also voiced hopes for an end to the coup culture in Fiji, highlighting that it has resulted in divisions and suffering within families and communities.