'We Will Never Forget', Families Of Fallen Comrades In 2000 Mutiny Remember Husbands And Fathers

Private (PTE) Ragiagia Salusalu was five years old when her father, PTE Osea Rokosirinavosa, died in 2000 during the attempted mutiny at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ (RFMF) Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, Suva.

“I can remember that day and I’ll never forget it as my father was one of the victims,” she said yesterday after the Remembrance Day church service at the camp.

The late Private Rokosirinavosa was shot dead while trying to take cover, following an ambush and attempted mutiny by rebel soldiers who were part of an elite unit in the RFMF – the Counter-Revolution Warfare (CRW). Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was the commander of the RFMF at the time of the event.

The RFMF, she said had wanted one of his children to join the Force and she was recruited in 2015.

“I would not like to see what happened on November 2, 2000, to be repeated,” Private Salusalu said.

“And I am also grateful to be led by senior officers who were loyal to the RFMF and the nation.”

Her mother, Elisa Tabusiga, said the November 2, 2000 event had deeply wounded her family.

“It still hurts now,” she said.

“We lost a dedicated father and no one can replace him.”

Private Rawaileba

Salanieta Rawaileba laid a wreath to remember her husband Private Simione Rawaileba who died during the 2nd November, 2000 Mutiny at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Queen Elizabeth Barracks during Remembrance Day on November 2, 2019. Photo: Ronald Kumar

Salanieta Ratuleca Rawaileba, the wife of the late Private Simione Rawaileba, said the 2000 event left their five children without a father.

“My husband died when his children needed their father’s advice and guidance,” Ms Rawaileba said.

“We will never forget the November 2, 2000 event, especially when my children lost their beloved father.”

Private Veilewai

Liku Veilewai said her late husband, Private Temo Veilewai, was shot dead while working on his computer.

“We have two children, a boy named after his father and a daughter, Melaia Veilewai,” she said.

“I also want to thank the RFMF for remembering their fallen comrades who died during the attempted mutiny.”

The Remembrance Day at Nabua marks the 19th anniversary of the mutiny.

The event was attended by senior members of the disciplined forces, Government officials and Prime Minister Bainimarama.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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