Bula
Two stories make the front page of The Fiji Times for Saturday, March 1.
Starting today, all police officers have been instructed to participate in a spiritual enhancement program aimed at fostering personal growth, improving relationships, and enhancing work performance.
Have you forgiven Bainimarama, “Yes, for what?” In this week’s ‘Conversation with the PM’, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the former prime prime was justified in his actions to remove his privileges as a former PM. “I felt he was justified in what he did against me. In fact, I told my uncle, Militoni, when it happened. I said, ‘It’s perfectly okay.’” “Right now (then), he feels that I unfairly got to where I got to. And he thought he was serving the people of Fiji by taking them away. So, I accept it.” Mr Rabuka did not want to contest the decision in court. “I just waited until they restored it.” Mr Rabuka said these personal experiences have shaped his commitment to reconciliation. “Yes, [they inspire me] to make sure that we don’t have any more skeletons in our wardrobe,” he said. “I want people to know what burdens we each carry. What makes you more worried about your children than other parents are worried about their’s? Full report on Pgs 34 and 35.
The big story in Business: FIJI, as a country that charges Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods, may be in danger of being hit by a US tariff missile. Westpac senior economist Justin Smirk said while Fiji’s exports to the US and imports from the US were comparatively small, and we could be sheltered from the United States’ tariff onslaught under its new president Donald Trump, the fact that the US was looking at reciprocal tariffs, to the extent of looking at Value Added Tax (VAT), may bring Fiji into the US tariff radar. – More on PAGE 13
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Synopsis
The revelation that all police officers have been directed to undergo a spiritual enhancement program for 21 days, beginning today, will attract attention.
The program, outlined in a circular to senior officers around the country, by Director of Operations, Senior Superintendent of Police Kasiano Vusonilawe, mandates that officers abstain “from immoral behaviour that may tarnish the image of the organisation”.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu is obviously looking at ways to enhance the image of the force.
Once held in high regard, the force has seen its image tarnished over the years, and public trust erode.
This hasn’t been made any easier by the connection of police officers to the illicit drug trade which has impacted public perception further.
Allegations of police brutality, assault of people in custody, and other misconduct have not done any good to address major concerns and challenges.
The force has lost respect, and the confidence of many Fijians and it is not going to be a walk in the park to regain the trust of people.
In the face of that sits the need for a reset of priorities.
That means officers taking ownership of the institution. It means a change in mindset.
As part of the program, there will be “fasting” on kava, alcohol, cigarette consumption at all police premises, institutional quarters and compounds during over 21 days.
SSP Vusonilawe said all serving Police Force members are to join in prayer at 12pm daily. and prayer points, according to the circular can include Community Policing strategy and approaches, building of a new Police HQ, elimination of drugs and restoration of the trust of the public, the upcoming national general elections, the Government of the day, the support of the vanua and community to Police operations, unity of religious bodies in Fiji, work ethics and relationships within the Force and a sustainable and effective Fiji Police Force.
Now this isn’t the first time this approach, to incorporate religion, has been taken either.
Under the leadership of Esala Teleni from 2007 to 2010, it was part of the direction he wanted the force to take. Sceptics may suggest at the time, it was extreme, with families expected to be part of nightly events organised at Nasova in Suva for instance.
We reflect on the Police Reset program announced by the Minister responsible for the force, Pio Tikoduadua and wonder whether this could this be geared towards that?
Commissioner Tudravu is expected to implement the plan.
The document outlined five specific areas that needs to be addressed by the Commissioner.
They include structural changes in the police, capacity building for a modern police force, community engagement and public trust, sustainable development in policing and international cooperation.
Mr Tikoduadua said the Police Reset initiative was born out of a pressing need to modernise our police force, to align it with the rapidly changing landscape of crime and public safety.
We hope there will be consideration for the diversity within the police force. We reflect on the fact that it is multi-racial and multi-religious, which raises the question of how this spiritual program will be perceived by officers of different faiths.
We wonder whether the program allows space for officers to engage with their own religious practices?
In saying that, this may be a challenge when we consider inclusivity and respect for diverse beliefs, while working toward a common goal, which is to restore the integrity of the police service.
While this spiritual enhancement program and the associated reforms are bold steps, they are not a cure-all. There are complex challenges, and we say Commissioner Tudravu’s efforts to address these issues head-on are encouraging. Regaining public trust and respect will take time.
However, the success of this initiative will depend on people willing to take ownership of their roles within the force and are willing to make a change.
