Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and convicted former Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho did not receive prior formal authorization to attend a reconciliation event organized by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) last Saturday. Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa confirmed that he had not been notified of any request for their release.
During the reconciliation ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Suva, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka expressed his hope that both Bainimarama and Qiliho could participate in the proceedings. He openly sought forgiveness for the events surrounding the November 2, 2000 mutiny, acknowledging the pain caused by various past actions. Despite Mr. Rabuka’s appeal for their presence, neither Bainimarama nor Qiliho attended.
Commissioner Nakarawa reiterated that there was no formal request for release submitted to his office and emphasized the need for timely notifications concerning such matters. According to the Corrections Service Act 2006, the authority to grant short-term release lies with the Commissioner of Corrections, and any such request must follow established protocols.
This event emphasizes the importance of reconciliation in Fiji’s history. While the absence of Bainimarama and Qiliho at the ceremony may be seen as a setback, the acknowledgement of past events and the call for forgiveness by current leadership could foster a spirit of healing and unity in the nation. Such discussions are vital for moving forward collectively, allowing for better dialogue about reconciliation in the future.
In summary, while logistical issues prevented key figures from attending a significant reconciliation event, the ongoing commitment to addressing historical grievances offers hope for a more unified future in Fiji.
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