After serving 24 years with the British Army, Apisalome Naqasima, a villager of Lawai in Nadroga, wants to return to Fiji and contribute to nation-building by participating in the next general elections.
But before he steps into a role where he hopes to make a genuine impact in Fiji, Mr Naqasima said his journey has taken him from the streets of Samabula to the suburbs of Warwickshire in England where he now works as a Custody Detention Officer with the Warwickshire Police.
Mr Naqasima, who has maternal connections to Naboutini, Saqani in Cakaudrove, said before his big move to the UK, he had a life in Fiji that was centred around the teachings of his faith and his grandparents.
“I grew up on Bureta Street in Samabula North in my grandparents’ house alongside both my parents and my two siblings, Litia and Aaron,” he said.
“I attended Veiuto Primary School from Class 1 to 6, then forms 1 to 7 at Suva Grammar School, where I became Deputy Head Boy in 1996. I also spent a year at Sigatoka Methodist College.
“Our household was centred around Jehovah’s Witness beliefs and customs, which provided structure and guidance throughout my upbringing.
“My paternal grandparents were my primary influences and played a crucial role in moulding me into the person I’ve become.
“My paternal grandfather was a medical doctor and also my namesake and my paternal grandmother was a nurse.”
Mr Naqasima said he wanted to pay tribute to his maternal grandmother, who was particularly influential in shaping his character and values.
“The strong family foundation and religious principles instilled in me during these formative years gave me the discipline and moral compass that would later serve me well in military service.”
With these strong foundations, the Lawai villager said he applied to join the British Army in 2001.
“My decision to join the British Army came at a crossroads in my life. I had initially applied for and been selected to attend the Fiji Army officer cadet training program in early 2001.
“However, I ultimately chose not to attend because I had already committed to joining the British Army.
“This decision was not made lightly, and I felt hesitant about leaving everything familiar behind.
“The first few months in the British Army were particularly challenging due to the dramatic changes in weather, food, and most significantly, being separated from my family for the first time.
“The adjustment period tested my resolve, but the values instilled by my grandparents helped me persevere.”
However, despite this initial personal struggle, the father-of-four said his stint in the army was life changing.
“My military career was marked by both significant achievements and considerable challenges.
“Among my most notable experiences were my two deployments to Iraq and three to Afghanistan.
“These operational tours tested my professional capabilities and personal resilience in ways I could never have imagined.”
He said key to his military service success was the support of a loving home.
“Throughout this demanding career, having a supportive wife (a registered nurse) and children proved essential in maintaining a balanced family life.
“The sacrifices made by military families are often underestimated, and I’m grateful for their unwavering support throughout my service.”
Now, after a successful 24 years with the British Army, Mr Naqasima is looking forward to the path ahead, starting with completing his studies.
“My primary motivation for completing my BSc in logistics management and currently pursuing a BA in business management degree at Northumbria University has been to serve as a positive role model for my children.
“I want them to understand that learning never stops and that personal growth should continue throughout life.
“Having invested 24 years in military service, I recognised the importance of translating those skills into civilian qualifications that would enable me to contribute meaningfully to society in new ways.”
With his path forward clearly set out, Mr Naqasima said he wanted to make an effective impact on his country of birth by participating in the 2026 general elections.
“My decision to consider entering Fiji’s 2026 elections stems from a genuine desire to contribute the skills and experience I’ve gained through military service, law enforcement, and logistics management.
“As a devoted family man, I’m particularly concerned about the rising drug and crime rates affecting Fiji’s youth, who represent our nation’s future.
“My background in security, discipline, and organisational management positions me to address these critical challenges facing our communities.”
