Do the work to rebuild trust: Navy chief

Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division Commander, Commodore Timoci Natuva, did not mince his words about the need for Fiji's security and defence forces to uphold integrity.

"As organisations that's in the front line, we must do the work required of us, so that taxpayers see where their taxes are being utilised," he told this masthead.

Commodore Natuva was responding to a question on recent public statements that Fijians are losing trust in the Fiji Police Force, Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and the Fiji Navy, because of allegationsof corruption.

“Similar to the military when the National Security Strategy came out, there was a sense of mistrust that was highlighted. The only way to manage that is for us to do the work.”

Commodore Natuva said there’s a need for professionalism in the defence forces.

“We must commit ourselves to the work that we do because we are doing it for the people. The navy, RFMF, and police, we are one of a few organisations that hold the Bible and swear an oath.

“In order to be true to that oath, we must maintain our professionalism. That’s the only way that we will build trust. When there’s lack of trust, it highlights that you are not doing your work effectively.”

Blame game

Commodore Natuva said a lot had been said about the drug problem in Fiji, leading to blame game.

“We all know now that drugs is a problem. We’ve talked about it for so long.

“Let’s find solutions and actually focus and do the work. It drains our energy and time to respond to everything people are saying on social media.”

Commodore Natuva said the navy was not always perfect, but they learned to readjust their operational plan.

“For us, we’re using whatever assets and funding that we have.

“These cartels have more funding; they have a lot more resources. We don’t. We must work together, but first within our own institutions, ourselves.

“We have to commit ourselves and keep doing it because the impact now is hitting the homes, the families.”

Commodore Natuva said Government must continue to support the institutions with their efforts to minimise the impact of drugs.