The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto, strongly reminded male cadets of a Suva school to get rid of the macho man stigma.

“Your strong hands will be stretched out not to harm, but to protect women and children,” Rear Admiral Naupoto told male students during the Gospel High School cadet passing out parade on Friday.

“At this young stage of your life you should make a commitment that you will grow up to be a man who will respect and protect women and children,” he said.

Rear Admiral Naupoto said the issue of domestic violence was widely highlighted through the media around the country or to an extent that students may have encountered the tragic experience at some point of their lives.

“We continue to hear women being bashed by husbands and boyfriends,” he said.

Rear Admiral Naupoto said bashing women and children doesn’t make any man stronger, but rather disgraceful.

“If you witness a girl being hurt, do not allow peer pressure to make you ignore it or even join in. Take the side of the girl who has been hurt. That is where a real man should stand,” he said.

To map Fiji into a destiny free from domestic violence against women and children, Mr Naupoto said it could start in school where male students should respect female students.

“You are the future of our nation – make it a destiny where Fiji is more caring, respectful and protective of our women and children.”

“That future starts with you now,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Naupoto thanked the students for an excellent parade and said that cadet training should instill important virtues that would help them in the future.

Award Recipients List

Best Company Drill- St Mathew House

Best Platoon Drill- St Mark House

Best Male Platoon Commander

Kelvin Prasad

Best Female Platoon Commander-

Seruwaia Raulovu

Most Clean Area-St John House

Best Discipline Company- St Mark House

Best Male Cadet- Viliame Cikatamana

Best Female Cadet- Devisha Rao

Baton of Honor- Iliesa Moceituba

Overall Winner- St John House

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

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