Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka acknowledged a misstep in the process of inviting his predecessor, Voreqe Bainimarama, and former Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho, to participate in a reconciliation event at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks. The ceremony, which took place last Saturday, was intended to foster healing and unity.
During the event, Rabuka recounted that he had approached President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere to request the release of Bainimarama and Qiliho from the Fiji Corrections Service so they could take part in the proceedings. It was reported that the Prime Minister had asked the organizers to wait for the two individuals as they were en route to the event. Unfortunately, they ultimately did not attend.
Rabuka expressed regret to Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), noting that this oversight was not part of the official program. He recognized that his request should have been directed to Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, the Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service, and acknowledged that the President did not have the authority to release those in custody, leading to the missed opportunity.
In reflecting on the situation, Rabuka stated, “We had tried but could not make it happen,” illustrating the complexities involved in reconciling past leadership with current governance structures.
This scenario highlights the challenges faced when seeking unity among varying factions within a nation. The willingness of the Prime Minister to address this miscommunication openly reflects a commitment to transparency and a desire for national reconciliation, which can lay the groundwork for future collaborative efforts.
In summary, while the absence of Bainimarama and Qiliho from the reconciliation event was unfortunate, the Prime Minister’s proactive approach to remedy the situation reinforces a hopeful narrative of dialogue and healing in Fiji’s political landscape.
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