retaining skilled personnel is the biggest challenge facing the Republic of Fiji Navy as trained personnel leave for better-paying opportunities, Navy Commander Timoci Natuva says.
Commander Natuva said the navy was building new capabilities, but keeping the people needed to operate them remains a greater concern.
“One of our big challenges now is sustaining our people, making sure that our people stay in the navy,” he said.
He said recruiting people was relatively easy, but retaining them was more difficult because of pay, allowances and opportunities available outside the navy.
“There are more opportunities out there in terms of the skill set that we have.”
“A lot have, in the last few years, some have resigned, left for greener pastures in Australia, New Zealand, US, some to other agencies in Fiji.”
Commander Natuva said the loss of trained and technically skilled personnel presents a significant challenge for the navy as it expands its operational capabilities.
“All the technology capability is good, but for us here the people is the priority.”
He said the navy was working to ensure personnel are properly looked after through pay, allowances and welfare support.
Commander Natuva said retaining the navy’s personnel would remain critical to ensuring the service could sustain the capabilities it’s building.
