Security and safety in our oceans and seas are extremely important, says Minister for Immigration, National Security and Defence, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.

He made this remark during the 42nd anniversary of Navy Day celebration at the Stanley Brown Naval Base, Walu Bay, in Suva yesterday.

Joining Ratu Inoke at the celebration, were Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Rear-Admiral Viliame Naupoto, Republic of Fiji Military Forces Chief of Staff Colonel Ro Jone Kalouniwai, Royal New Zealand Navy Commodore James Gilmour and Republic of Fiji Navy Chief, Captain (Navy) Humphrey Tawake.

Ratu Inoke said the Fiji Naval Division was a symbol and a living testimony in its important role in sea transport as a lifeline of our people.

“Sea lanes are critical for trade, movement of people from Island to Island and in every aspect of development,” Ratu Inoke said.

“From the first naval outfit of the Government of Ratu Seru Cakobau in 1872 to the small naval volunteer force of 600 officers and ratings which was formed in the beginning of World War Two, to today’s modern structure of 300 personnel the Fiji Naval Division has been a proud custodian of the sea.”

Minister for National Security and
Defence Ratu Inoke Kubuabola on July 28, 2017. Photo: Vilimoni Vaganalau

Commander of the Day

Commander of the Day (Captain), Ordinary Seaman Silivano Drekena Gasau, 21, of Makolei, Solevu, in Bua was overwhelmed when he was garlanded yesterday.

He said for the past three years in Navy, yesterday was his first time to be Commander of the Day (Captain).

Mr Gasau was surprised when he learned that as the youngest officer in Navy, that was going to be the commander of the day with Ratu Inoke, other Navy Force personnel and Prime Minister present.

It is a tradition of Navy, on their anniversary; the youngest officer will have the privilege to be the Commander of the day during the celebration.

Mr Gasau said he was the first in his family of eight siblings to be in the Navy and he dedicated his hard work to parents and his team at the Naval Base.

He said nothing was impossible for him to learn because he had a great team supporting him.

He thanked his team and the Chief of Navy for giving him the opportunity. He promised to continue with his hard work and commitment to Fiji’s Navy.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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