Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka acknowledged that his office did not adhere to the proper protocol while attempting to include his predecessor, Voreqe Bainimarama, and former Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho, in the recent reconciliation process held at Queen Elizabeth Barracks last Saturday.
During the event, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed his desire to have both individuals released from the Fiji Corrections Service to participate in the ceremony. He reportedly made multiple requests to the organizers to wait for Bainimarama and Qiliho, who were en route but ultimately did not attend.
Rabuka conveyed his apologies to RFMF Commander, Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, for the oversight, explaining that he mistakenly directed his request to President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere instead of the Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner, Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa. Notably, the Prime Minister recognized that the President lacked the authority to grant release for the two men.
In reflecting on the missed opportunity, Rabuka stated, “We had tried but could not make it happen,” highlighting the challenges in navigating the complexities of the situation.
This event underscores the importance of following established protocols in governance, which can facilitate smoother processes in significant national events like reconciliation ceremonies. The Prime Minister’s acknowledgment of the error is a step towards fostering better communication and cooperation among the branches of government. As the nation continues its journey towards reconciliation, this incident may serve as a learning experience for future efforts.
Summary: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka admitted to not following proper channels when attempting to include Voreqe Bainimarama and Sitiveni Qiliho in the reconciliation ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Barracks. Despite efforts to wait for their arrival, they ultimately could not attend, highlighting the need for better communication and adherence to protocols in governance.
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