I BEAR the blame. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said this yesterday on the 24th anniversary of the attempted mutiny of the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua by the Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) unit soldiers.
While seeking forgiveness from the families of CRW soldiers who died on November 2, 2000, Mr Rabuka said the attempted mutiny was just one of a string of events involving the military that happened because of his “disobedience” on May 14, 1987.
“All of the things that George (Speight) did. All of the things that Admiral (Voreqe) Bainimarama did. They all started on May 14, 1987,” he said.
“And I should bear the blame.
“I began this journey. It all started because of May 14, 1987 on a Thursday when I had chosen a group of people who ultimately changed the course of Fiji’s history.”
Mr Rabuka also sought forgiveness from the RFMF.
“Today I ask for your forgiveness to the members of the family.
“I ask for your forgiveness. To those of you who were hurt and felt the pain within your families.
“To you our leaders in the military and all of the officers at all ranks of the RFMF.”
The Prime Minister added he was grateful to be in a position where he could lead the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission following the endorsement of outgoing President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
“I am thankful that I am in this position as Prime Minister to introduce into the House of Parliament of Fiji under the leadership of the head of State His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
“To allow for the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to end all of that and bring us all to realisation that perhaps that we have done something that has hurt people. But they all did what they did because of me and what I did in 1987 so I pray that God will grant you the spirit of forgiveness to forgive me and all of those who wrongly obeyed my orders.”
