The Fiji Corrections Service this afternoon farewelled and paid tribute to four of its retiring serving members.

Retiring this afternoon, were Principal Corrections Officer Vika Vereivalu who served 34 years, Corrections Officer Class A Ravendra Kumar, who served 24 years in FCS after spending six years in the Fiji Police Force, Principal Corrections Officer Anainasa Ligaiviu who was also served 34 years and Civilian staff Veniana Rabua who served for 19 years.

“I have enjoyed my many years in Corrections, we have been through our ups and downs, but I take back many special memories,’’ said an emotional Ravendra Kumar.

“Because of the FCS I have built my family, my house, brought my car, and lived a life of discipline and service. Now I look forward to fishing.”
Vika Vereivalu, also married a former Corrections Officer, Serupepeli who retired last year from the Service.

“Being a Corrections Officer is no easy calling, I am glad, however, that the hand of God put my husband and I into the work of helping change lives,’’ she said.

“We are blessed to have worked here, and our five children have been raised and benefitted from the work we did as rehabilitation officers. Corrections will always be in our hearts.”

Ananinasa Vereivalu, said he will always remember the challenges that came with the big shift from containment to corrections when the organisation moved all its efforts towards rehabilitation.

“If I have to think about my career here it would be how I was tested and how I overcame many challenges in order to improve myself first in order to change the life of a person.

“We went through many Commissioners with Mrs Vereivalu, we came in together as very young high school graduates and am glad we managed to complete it together as well and have all grown our families here too.”

The Rukua villager from Beqa, said he has brought a piece of land to farm in Naitasiri, but first of all when the borders are opened he plans to travel with his wife.

“I thank our Commissioner and Senior officers for today, it was quite emotional for us all. It will very hard to adjust to a life of retirement,’’ he added.

Veniana Rabua was the long-serving reception officer and personal assistant to the office of the Deputy Commissioner for 19 years.

“FCS has been my life, and I will treasure serving here because FCS has also helped me build my family and I have made many friends who I now consider my family.

Commissioner of Corrections Commander Francis Kean thanked the retirees for their dedicated service mentioning that it was a special achievement to reach even retirement age.

“There is time for everything, and today marks another chapter in your life- a chapter that many of us today will also reach.

“Hopefully, this period of retirement for the four of you will be a blessed one where you will enjoy the pampering and love of your children.

You can all be proud of your decades of loyal service to the Fiji Corrections Service, Government and the citizens of this country.

“We wish you well in your retirement journey with your spouses and family members and we hope to see you again in our future Corrections events.

Feedback: rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj