Bula
HUNDREDS of students in four schools up North will begin another school year learning in tents. The schools were destroyed by a devastating cyclone three years ago. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro said there were limited resources within the ministry to reconstruct the four schools.
PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed concern at the “upheavals” taking place at of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. And he has indicated that the matter would be brought before the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) when it sits next month.
Synopsis
WEST Police Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police Iakobo Vaisewa makes a strong point about the force and criminal activities.
He warns, police officers who engage in criminal activities won’t be tolerated.
It makes sense! In fact it goes without saying that it is expected of our officers.
We expect our men and women in blue to be beyond reproach. We expect them to uphold the laws that govern us, and we expect them to place value on the protection and safety of every Fijian.
We expect them to uphold the rules that serve as guidelines for their line of work.
Police work, obviously isn’t one for the faint of heart.
It isn’t work for people who will be easily misled and swayed by vested interest.
The warning comes in the wake of a case involving police officers in Nadi being investigated for allegedly taking a bribe.
It is understood the alleged incident was reported to police last Sunday.
SSP Vaisewa said such alleged incidents would not be taken lightly.
“We are police officers. We should be upholding the law and if they break the law, they will face the consequences.”
The officers had been sent on leave pending the completion of investigation.
“They are young constables, but they have been sent on leave until the investigation is completed.
“As the commissioner has stated, anybody who breaks the law will face it, so they are being investigated.”
SSP Vaisewa commended members of the public for reporting the alleged incident.
Now it is well and good that investigations are ongoing.
In the face of that probe, we reflect on the process of recruitment and ask the question, are the processes working?
Perhaps we should be reviewing that and consider the trends now evident around us.
The advent of the digital age, and impact of illicit drugs for instance, understandably connected to financial considerations can be powerful incentives for anyone.
The challenge now is going to be on how we motivate our men and women in blue to stand true to their calling.
That’s why the powers that be must consider what is fair remuneration for instance, and incentives for our officers to do their jobs to the best of their abilities.
Everything starts though at the recruitment stage, where we should be identifying men and women who are committed to upholding the laws of our country, and are passionate about their role as police officers. The recruitment process needs to be rigorous in identifying candidates who are deeply committed to the role of serving and protecting their community.
We acknowledge all those officers who are true to their calling. We thank them for their service, for their dedication and integrity, and say we appreciate them.
