“We are at fault, and we must be accountable for that.”
That was the message from Republic of Fiji Military Forces commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai as he addressed officers following the death of Jone Vakarisi in military custody.
Speaking in iTaukei at a RFMF family service at the Centenary Church in Suva yesterday, Mr Kalouniwai delivered a message to officers acknowledging the seriousness of the incident.
He reminded officers to exercise restraint and strictly follow the law during ongoing joint operations with police.
“No one intended for this to happen, and no one imagined it would go this far,” he said.
Mr Vakarisi died on April 17 while in military custody at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Suva.
Without directly addressing the details of the case, Mr Kalouniwai repeatedly stressed to officers the need for discipline, patience and adherence to lawful procedures.
He warned officers not to repeat mistakes linked to Fiji’s history.
“We are facing a very difficult period in our work, but we cannot allow the events of the 1990s and 2000s to happen again.
“We must follow procedure and understand that process is guided by the law.”
Mr Kalouniwai urged officers to remain calm under pressure and avoid reacting emotionally to public commentary or social media discussions surrounding current events.
“Guard your heart and do not act in haste,” he said.
“When people react too quickly, they forget their training, they forget the instructions they were given, and they forget the limits set by the law.”
Mr Kalouniwai said what had happened could not be undone, but accountability was still necessary.
He said officers must remain alert, observant and measured in their actions, despite growing tensions and criticism.
“There is a lot being said right now, much of it conflicting.
“But we must stay patient, carry out our duties professionally and be responsible for every action we take.”
Mr Kalouniwai said the military’s responsibility was not only to maintain security, but to do so ethically and in a way that protects Fiji’s future.
