Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has commended the relief and rehabilitation work being undertaken by the Australian Defence Force on the island of Koro.

He made these comments while addressing the 635 Joint Task Force of the HMAS Canberra which was off Koro.

“Fiji has experienced some strong cyclones before but none have been as destructive and devastating as the one we experienced a fortnight ago which caused so much destruction and brought about loss of life.

“I now want to thank the international community, in this case the Australian government and the Australian Air Force, Navy and Army for being here with us and helping us get through these hard times,” he said.

Mr Bainimarama also highlighted the resilient nature of the Fijian people during these times of natural disaster and that their presence on the island would uplift the spirits of those affected.

“You will have experienced going ashore and seeing the devastation on the island but you will also see the resilience and candid attitude of ordinary Fijians and you will always see smiling faces wherever you go and your presence here has helped us to rebuild Fiji in the next six months going forward,” said Mr Bainimarama.

Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin assured their continued assistance in providing relief and rehabilitation to affected areas within the country.

“There was a lot of pressure on the turnaround in Brisbane a week ago to make haste and get over here and it was very important earlier on after a storm or natural disaster like this to get the support in as quickly as possible.

“The task is not done yet as there is still a lot to do and even though we will be kept away from our loved ones, this is a good cause and we will do it to the best of our abilities,” said Air Chief Marshal Binskin.

The Prime Minister was also briefed on the unified operations being undertaken by personnel of the Australian Defence Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces in order to ensure a return to normalcy for the people on the island. He was also taken on a tour to Koro High School, the Nasau Government Station and the Nasau Health Centre to witness firsthand the progress of rehabilitation works by both disciplined forces.

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