Grandmother Unaisi Tinaitaqiri beamed with pride yesterday after travelling all the way from Kashmir in Lautoka to witness her grandson’s passing out parade at Togalevu Naval Base, Lami.

Joni Vunibaka was one of the new recruits for the National Fire Authority.

“He’s the first person in the family to become a fire-fighter and I’m so proud of him,” said Ms Tinaitaqiri.

Mr Vunibaka, 23, who was influenced by his friends to apply this year, dedicated his achievement to his family and especially to his grandmother who raised him.

“The 10 weeks training was hard, most of the time I just wanted to give up, but my family kept me going so it’s been worth it,” said the proud Lau native.

“I’m ready to be posted wherever in Fiji they will station me to.”

Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment Minister Parveen Bala said: “The National Fire Authority is an essential service and an important arm of Government because it is an emergency response organisation that deals with people and their livelihoods.”

Chief guest Mr Bala said Government’s continued support to the development of NFA’s service to the Fiji community and had provided $3.6 million in Government grants this year.

“The values of discipline, courage, honesty, respect, team work, loyalty and service to self should always be instilled within you,” said Mr Bala.

He thanked the support of the families and friends present during the parade in Togalevu outside Lami.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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