Former military personnel involved in the 2000 takeover of the Sukunaivalu VC Barracks, along with their families, gathered for a day of reflection and healing yesterday. Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), led the event, emphasizing the importance of addressing the past. He expressed satisfaction with the former soldiers’ acknowledgment of their mistakes.
This marked the first visit for many of the attendees to the barracks since the coup occurred in 2000. The gathering provided a sense of relief for both the veterans and their families.
Rupeni Vosayaco, a former CRW Unit lieutenant, shared his feelings of freedom following the event and expressed appreciation to the RFMF Commander for facilitating the occasion. He described the gathering as historic and noted that the Commander’s willingness to interact with them represented a significant change from previous leadership. Vosayaco also expressed hope that the culture of coups in Fiji would conclude, as it has led to division and suffering within families and communities.