JONE Qilatabu walked a long and uncertain road before finally marching onto the parade ground yesterday as a fully fledged, bona fide policeman.
For a time, Qilatabu’s life had revolved around the rugby paddock and the daily struggle of being without steady work and a regular income. Opportunities were scarce, and confidence even more so.
All that changed on Friday last week when he was accepted into the Fiji Police Force as a special constable following a bruising 16-week basic recruit course.
Qilatabu, of Bau in Tailevu, said the training transformed him, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Once shy and hesitant in public, he emerged with confidence, discipline, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“I am ready now,” he said, reflecting on the lessons and values instilled during training.
“I know I can give my full potential to the community,” he said.
And his biggest fan, his mum Senimili Seini proudly stood by his side, to reflect on her own life’s journey which has been equally marked by struggles and sacrifices.
A single mother, she raised three sons on her own. The elder two are already serving as civil servants, but it was the youngest, once the baby of the family, who brought tears of pride to her eyes at the passing-out parade in Nasova.
“I am very proud of him. Raising my boys alone was not easy but today makes it all worth it.”
Qilatabu, 23, offered a simple message to young people facing uncertainty everywhere: “Live well, stay faithful and let perseverance guide the way.”
