The front page of The Fiji Times for Wednesday, September 11 features a story about the military. Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, the Commander of the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces, has received praise from notable political figures, including former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube, for his efforts to address past military wrongdoings. Chaudhry acknowledged Maj-Gen Kalouniwai’s commitment to reconciling with those affected, particularly the Indo-Fijian community, emphasizing that considerable effort is necessary to achieve true healing. Narube highlighted that political stability in Fiji can only be attained by clearly defining the military’s role.
In another feature on the same page, Damend Gounder, Managing Director of Yatule Resort and Spa, shared insights on how support from key stakeholders contributed to an environment where local businesses can prosper. This occurred during the unveiling of the newly refurbished $5 million Yatule Resort and Spa located in Natadola, Sigatoka.
Additionally, there is a picture from the launch of new simulators in Nadi by Fiji Airways. The airline announced its Aviation Academy’s expansion with the introduction of two advanced CAE 7000XR full flight simulators for Airbus A350 and ATR-72 aircraft, along with two CAE 500XR Fixed Training Devices for Airbus A330 and Boeing 737-Max 8.
The piece also reflects on the importance of remembering pivotal historical moments that shape societies. It emphasizes how certain events linger in collective memory due to their emotional weight, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which deeply affected lives globally.
A significant historical reflection is shared about September 11, 2001, marking the moment the World Trade Center towers fell following terrorist attacks. This tragedy impacted millions worldwide, and each year, people honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost. The commemoration serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism and reinforces a commitment to empathy and justice, advocating for resilience in the face of adversity.