Trust between communities is underpinned by good governance, says British High Commissioner to Fiji Dr Brian Jones.
Speaking at the closing of the RFMF Reconciliation and Restoration team workshop, Dr Jones stressed the need for the soldiers to build people’s trust in the institution. He said Britain had come a long way in reconciling with its past actions and citizens had worked hard to change people’s perspective.
“I can stand up as a British diplomat today and talk to you about those issues and be proud of my institution which is vitally important for me as a leader to be able to bring my team with me and to continue going out into the world and building relationships,” said Dr Jones.
“I see the same here. Restoring pride in the RFMF, restoring pride in Fiji’s institutions so that when people talk about Fiji around the world does the word ‘coup’ come into their minds?
“The next generation of soldiers, the next generation of citizens of Fiji, police officers will be that new generation of leadership for who that past is reconciled and for whom can go on being proud of their institutions and their country.”
He said while the military had made significant steps to reconcile with its past, doing the same with the rest of the country would take some time.
“The rest of Fiji has got some time ahead to start the conversations that you have been having. Sometime ahead to participate fully in what I know the government, the PM, the Commander of “RFMF and all of those in authority wish to be a full truth-telling reconciliation process. From the UK side, we will be here alongside to support Fiji’s efforts.”
RFMF Reconciliation and Restoration member Major Mesake Nadao Daunitoko said the three-day training focused on restorative justice.
“This is all part of the RFMF’s program and the restorative justice part will be the next phase of our reconciliation and restoration process,” said Maj Daunitoko.
The RFMF Reconciliation and Restoration program is expected to conclude in November.
