Two members of St John Fiji have been honored for their years of service to the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem Fiji during a medal investiture ceremony in Suva on Thursday.
St John Fiji National Council chairman Dr. Ratu Vereniki Raiwalui was invested as a Commander of the Order of St John, while Emma Mariani Bovoro was invested as an Officer of the Order.
Presiding over the ceremony, Knight of St John and former Fiji president Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said the event was a significant occasion for the order, which was established in 1939 and marked its 85th anniversary this year.
“To be honored today and recognized for their years of service to the order and the people of our beloved nation,” Ratu Epeli said.
He stated that the Order of St John Fiji was looking to further expand its mission.
“This follows the recognition of their efforts during the COVID-19 period when many lives and families were safeguarded, thanks to the service provided by St John Fiji,” he noted.
“At the same time, it highlights the crucial need to decentralize and extend their work to our most vulnerable communities.”