Lack of physical fitness was identified as the cause of high rate of absenteeism from work through sick leave among Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) personnel.

Acting Commissioner of Corrections Salote Panapasa revealed this on Sunday during the monthly parade at the Naboro Corrections Complex.

Ms Panapasa said the FCS would continue to stress the importance of maintaining fitness levels and wellness among all personnel.

“It is becoming apparently clear to me that many of you are putting on a bit of weight and look out of form so you should look at yourself in the mirror,” Ms Panapasa said.

“I expect all institutions to be running their own fitness training programmes in the coming weeks to prepare your troops for the Commander’s RFL in November.”

Required Fitness Level (RFL)

The RFL will be upheld, according to Ms Panapasa, and will continue to be a requirement for promotion or admission to courses.

“You have access to your gyms and are given time three-days per week to attend physical training sessions – there is no excuse, we must get rid of these elements of laziness that is creeping into the work habits in FCS,” Ms Panapasa said.

“We have to be fit because it also contributes to your work, if you cannot pass a simple RFL, you will be lazy at work and eventually get sick.

“You will begin to use the excuse of being sick when you are actually lazy – sa lesu tale tiko mai ena gauna qo na Monday fever (it’s now coming back – the Monday fever), when you overindulge in the weekends and cannot make it to work.

“This will not happen if you are well and fit.”

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj