Cyclone Gavin was destructive when it struck Fiji in March 1997. In an article published by The Fiji Times on April 5, 1997, titled “Remember the Cyclone Victims: Buakula,” national sevens team manager Jone Buakula urged the national team to keep in their prayers those recovering from the natural disasters that affected Fiji that year.
Before Buakula delivered his address, the commander of the Police Mobile Force quoted the team’s favourite Bible verse Philippians 4:13.
“We pray that their families and friends will find comfort and strength during these difficult times,” Buakula said. He made special mention of those impacted by Cyclone Gavin and the families affected by the tragic Wasawasa One incident.
Buakula reminded the gathering that the national sevens team had demonstrated that with God’s guidance, any mission could be achieved. He also encouraged parents throughout the nation to guide their children with discipline, responsibility, and ethical values, noting that these principles needed constant attention in society.
The team manager made these remarks after the national players and officials were introduced to about 15,000 passionate supporters gathered at Suva’s Albert Park. The crowd had assembled to celebrate with the Government the national team’s victory in the 1997 Rugby World Cup Sevens, where Fiji won the Melrose Cup in Hong Kong.
Buakula said the players wanted him to extend their sincere gratitude to the public — including both supporters and critics — as well as to the sponsors for their genuine contributions, and to their families and friends for their unwavering support and encouragement.
