On the island of Rabi, Martin Iakoba was elated when he received the prestigious Baton of Honour, distinguishing him as the best recruit of Batch 67 during the recent Fiji Police Force passing-out ceremony.
Iakoba is the first person from Rabi to receive this esteemed accolade.
With maternal ties to Savusavu, police constable Iakoba is the son of Jacob Karutake, the administrator of the Rabi Council of Leaders.
“While growing up, Martin always aspired to be the best in everything,” a proud Mr. Karutake said. “His determination and hard work were evident from a young age, culminating in this well-deserved recognition.”
According to Martin, his journey to becoming the top recruit was fraught with challenges. The former Marist Brothers High School student recalled the grueling initial phase of his training.
“The first two weeks of training were incredibly challenging,” he said. “There were moments of doubt, but I kept reminding myself of what was at stake.”
By embracing the daily obstacles and persevering through the difficulties, Martin found his stride. “Once I started to accept the obstacles we faced every day, I got used to it. Today, I am honored as the best of Batch 67.”
As the weeks of training drew to a close, his excitement grew, knowing he was on the verge of realizing his childhood dream. “During my high school days in Flagstaff, I often saw police officers in uniform and aspired to be one of them. I set my goal to become a police officer to help keep communities safe.”
Despite falling short on his first attempt at joining the police force in 2020, Martin remained undeterred. His resilience paid off when he received the call to join the BRC 67 Training.
“Nothing is impossible. It’s all in the mind,” he said. “I programmed my mind to adjust and cope with whatever was thrown at us.”
Throughout his training, Iakoba’s focus remained steadfast. His peers and instructors noted his dedication and leadership qualities, eventually earning him the Baton of Honour award.
Reflecting on his journey, Martin emphasized the importance of perseverance and mental fortitude. “Training was tough, but every challenge was an opportunity to prove myself. I kept thinking about my family, my community, and how I wanted to make them proud.”
As he prepares to serve in the Fiji Police Force, Martin eagerly anticipates reuniting with his family and friends. “I couldn’t wait to share my experiences as a recruit with them.”
Mr. Karutake echoed this sentiment, stating, “Martin’s achievement is not just his own; it is a triumph for our entire village. He has shown that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”
PC Martin Iakoba’s story stands as a testament to the power of resilience and ambition. It serves as a beacon of hope and a source of motivation for aspiring individuals from small communities, proving that dreams can become a reality with dedication and effort.
As he steps into his new role as a police officer, he is not just a protector of the peace but also a symbol of what can be achieved through perseverance.