A Special Constable is happy that Government is finally compensating special constables like her “correctly”.

Make Cuqu, 34, of Joma Village in Naceva, Kadavu was in tears and welcomed the news.

On Thursday, the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum announced in the 2018-2019 National Budget that Government was restructuring human resources within the Police to regularise more than 600 special constables and other Government wage earners within the Force.

“These women and men are working full-time in the vast majority of instances, and deserve to be compensated correctly,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

“This is the first phase of a five-year restructure, and in this first phase these new regularised positions will see an increase in salaries to bring them in line with what full-time officers are receiving, and $24.6 million is allocated for that purpose.”

Special Constable Cuqu said it hurt her when they conducted major operational tasks and contributed to the force in a big way.

And at the day she felt that the pay grade too was not matching the work they did for the force.

“At times I felt disheartened when we were perceived differently and labelled not important by some of our seniors because I was a Special Constable,” she said.

“We work as Police officers during the eight-hour shift. My eight years in the Force was an opportunity for me as a Special Constable to be recognised for my work and dedication.

“I am extremely happy about the pay rise. It is great news for all Special Constables around the country.

“It makes me happy when it comes to my work. With the pay increase, I can now better manage my family’s welfare.”

Edited by Percy Kean

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