The Republic of Fiji Military Forces has vowed to never allow events similar to that of November 2, 2000, to happen again as they honoured the memories of three soldiers who died during the mutiny at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks.
In a Facebook post, the RFMF stated a special service was held to remember the lives of 23905 Lance Cpl S Rawaileba, 25717 Pte O Rokosirinavosa and 27247 Pte T Veilewai.
“Today, the whole of the RFMF came to a standstill to reflect on the magnitude of what transpired in Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua,” the RFMF post read.
“As the sound of the bugle echoed through Queen Elizabeth Barracks (QEB), it reminded us of the fateful day where loyal soldiers and officers were fired upon by their comrades who had deflected in their allegiance.
“Their intentions were quite clear and spelled themselves out when they ran rampant throughout QEB, spraying live rounds all over.
“In the course of this outraged action, three innocent soldiers lost their lives.
“The survivors of the fateful mutiny recalled the day with much sorrow as they narrated the sequence of events leading to the shootout.
“As we pay tribute to the fallen, we also vow that ‘never again’ will we allow these events to happen again.”
The RFMF also stated it was an honour to be joined by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who was the commander at the time of the 2000 mutiny, and his family.
The memorial service was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony for the three fallen soldiers Family members of the fallen soldiers who were part of the service were joined by the RFMF commander Maj-Gen Ro Jone Kalouniwai, Republic of Fiji Navy commander Commodore Humphrey Tawake, Police Commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho, Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Commander Francis Kean alongside former RFMF members.
