Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama joined the Third Battalion Fijian Infantry Regiment (3FIR) of the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) in a mangrove planting activity at the Nasese Foreshore in Suva yesterday.

The mangrove planting programme was part of the Infantry week celebrations, which will conclude on June 23, at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua.

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete also assisted with the mangrove planting activity.

Acting Battalion 2IC Major Atonio Nagauna said the Prime Minister’s presence amplified his position as an advocate on climate change.

“175 men and women from different units within the RFMF are here,” Major Nagauna said.

He said Infantry Week celebrations this year were rather low because of the COVID-19 restrictions.

“On Friday we had visited PJ Twomey Hospital and the Samabula Golden Age Home conducting clean ups and minor renovation work.

“Today (yesterday) we had handed over adult diapers, health kits, laundry stuff at the Home of Compassion at Princes Road as our form of assistance and help to the elderly who reside there.”

Infantry Day will be commemorated on June 23, with a dawn service at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks.

About Infantry Day

Infantry Day was derived from  Corporal Sefanaia Sukanaivalu, Victoria Cross Winner, who was a member of the Third Battalion. He died while fighting in Bougainville on June 23, 1944 during World War Two.

The day commemorates the sacrifices of members of the Infantry, who had lost their lives during their service to the country.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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