Mother Karalaini Tuikubulau had every reason to shed tears of joy for her son, Sosiceni Vusonivere.

Mr Vusonivere won two awards – The Baton of Honour and Best Recruit in Physical Training – during the Fiji Corrections Service passing-out parade at Naboro, Lami.

Ms Tuikubulau said she was not surprised that her son scooped the Baton of Honour award because he was always disciplined.

“He is also very respectful and I thank the good Lord for his excellent achievement,” she said.

Grandmother Adi Tamana Livi said when Mr Vusonivere left their home in Bureta to join the training she told him – “You must come back home with the Baton of Honour.”

Mr Vusonivere did just that.

His grandfather, she said was also a corrections officer.

Mr Vusonivere was attending the Fiji National University (FNU) at Koronivia when he applied for the recruitment drive.

After he graduated with a certificate in fisheries his application was approved.

“I never gave up and I passed all the mental and physical tests,” he said of the gruelling 14 weeks of training.

He thanked his family for their support, the Corrections Commissioner and training officers for having faith in him.

Another award recipient was Temporary Corrections Officer Class C Nikhil Mikesh Mani.

The 18-year-old said the training was tough but glad that he had passed the physical and mental tests.

Mr Mani said he would work hard to keep his job. He had lost his mother and father, but his sister was at Naboro to show him some family support.

The Commissioner’s Trophy was presented to Kameli Boro while the Best Platoon in Drill was presented to the Bravo Platoon.

Eight women were part of the 72 officers who graduated.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback:  maikab@fijisun.com.fj