Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has acknowledged that his office did not adhere to the proper protocol when attempting to involve former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho in a reconciliation event held at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks last Saturday.
During the ceremony, Rabuka expressed his request to President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, asking if the two could be temporarily released from the Fiji Corrections Service to participate in the proceedings. Reports indicate that Rabuka had asked the event organizers on two occasions to delay the ceremony for Bainimarama and Qiliho, who were en route but ultimately could not attend.
The Prime Minister recognized that he should have directed his request to the Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service, Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, but opted to send a note to the President instead, as he did not see the Commissioner present. He further stated that the President did not possess the authority to grant their release, leading to a time crunch.
Rabuka apologized to RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai for the oversight, emphasizing his regret over the mix-up.
The incident raises important questions about the channels of communication within government processes, as well as the implications of including former leaders in national reconciliation efforts. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, this situation underscores the commitment of the Prime Minister to foster unity and acknowledges the importance of involving all relevant stakeholders in such critical processes.
In summary, while the reconciliation event did not proceed as planned with the attendance of Bainimarama and Qiliho, the Prime Minister’s intentions reflect a desire for collective healing. Moving forward, the government’s learning experience could lead to more robust procedures for including key individuals in national discussions, paving the way for a stronger and more unified Fiji.
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