etired Lieutenant Colonel Neumi Leweni, a former Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) spokesperson, diplomat, and civil servant, has returned to service under a special contract to document the proud 50-year history of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division.
Tasked with compiling and publishing a commemorative book, Lt Col Leweni is also overseeing overall preparations for the Navy’s golden jubilee celebrations in July.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Lt Col Leweni shared insights into the ambitious project, its challenges, and its significance for Fiji’s military heritage and national identity.
Preserving our naval history
Lt Col Leweni was approached in 2021 by then-Chief of Navy (now RFMF Deputy Commander) Rear Admiral Humphrey Tawake to lead the effort in chronicling the Navy’s five-decade journey.
“I got a plan together, assembled a team by September 2021, and we began working according to our strategy,” he said.
However, the project faced hurdles, primarily due to gaps in historical records.
“Our culture doesn’t always prioritize preserving information,” Lt Col Leweni explained.
“The archives within the RFMF and Navy were insufficient, so we turned to newspapers notably The Fiji Times, Fiji Sun, and the now-defunct Daily Post in order to piece together stories.”
Notably, The Fiji Times proved invaluable, providing details such as the names of the first Fiji Navy recruits in July 1975.
“Without these records, reconstructing our history would have been impossible,” he acknowledged.
Why this naval jubilee matters
The Fiji Navy’s golden jubilee is not just some ceremonial milestone, but rather an opportunity to zoom in on the institution’s evolution and explore its critical role in national security, regional cooperation, and disaster response.
“We designed the book for two key audiences: the general public and academics,” Lt Col Leweni said.
“Taxpayers fund the Navy, so they deserve to understand its contributions. For students, this will serve as an academic resource, documenting the Navy’s growth from 1975 to today.”
Because the book has been structured chronically by decade, it highlights pivotal moments, including the Navy’s involvement in peacekeeping, humanitarian missions, and its adaptation to modern maritime threats.
An invaluable resource for the future
With support from the University of the South Pacific (USP), the book will carry an International Standard Book Number (ISBN), ensuring its credibility for researchers and military scholars.
“We’ve been meticulous with dates and events so that anyone including students, naval officers, or historians can use this as a reference,” Lt Col Leweni emphasised.
The publication will also feature personal accounts from pioneers, among them is former Prime Minister Rear Admiral Voreqe Bainimarama, offering a human perspective on the Navy’s challenges and triumphs.
The jubilee is for the nation
“There will be weekly activities leading up to the big day,” Lt Col Leweni revealed.
“We want the public to witness the Navy’s capabilities and understand how they can support its mission.”
From open ship tours to exhibitions, the celebrations aim to showcase the Navy’s operational readiness and its vital role in Fiji’s development over the past half-century.
“Fifty years is a long time, and the Navy has transformed dramatically,” Lt Col Leweni reflected.
The official anniversary falls on July 25, 2024, but festivities will begin two weeks prior, with public events designed to foster engagement.
Members of the then Royal Fiji Navy on parade at the Naval base in Walu Bay. Picture: RFNS
The RFNS Savenaca (right) conducting join operations within Fiji’s EEZ. Picture: RFNS
The late President and Tui Cakau Ratu Penaia Ganilau being escorted by a young Lieutenant Voreqe Bainimarama. Picture: RFNS
