“Every step for my brother” — Naivalu’s emotional tribute

As 95 recruits proudly marched onto the Naboro parade ground yesterday, one young man’s steps carried a weight far heavier than his uniform.

For Taniela Naivalu, 21, the day was not just a celebration of achievement it was a tribute to a brother he lost too soon.

He completed the three-month training of the Fiji Corrections Service in honour of his late brother, Sergeant Joseph Naivalu, who died in a road accident near Kalokolevu Village, Naboro, last year. Sergeant Joseph, 26, joined the service in 2017.

His death left a void that Mr Naivalu says he has felt every single day.

“For me, this journey wasn’t just about passing out as a recruit,” Mr Naivalu said, his voice trembling. “It was about carrying forward the sacrifices my brother made, the dreams he had for our family, and the life he committed to serving others. I wish he could be here today to witness this moment. I think about him with every step I take.”

Mr Naivalu, who is also a Mechanical Engineering student at the Fiji National University, described the training as both physically and emotionally challenging.

“Every early morning run, every drill, every test reminded me of Joseph. I had to push harder, not just for myself, but to honour his memory,” he said.

Family and fellow recruits watched as Mr Naivalu struggled to hold back tears during the ceremony, a moment of raw emotion amid the disciplined marching and proud applause.

“This is for my brother,” he said quietly.

“I want to carry on the work he started. I want to serve with the same integrity, courage, and dedication that he showed every day.”

The passing-out parade, while a celebration of achievement for all recruits, became a deeply personal milestone for him a testament to love, loss, and the unbreakable bond between brothers.

For him, the uniform he now wears is more than a symbol of duty; it is a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and the promise to continue a legacy that refuses to be forgotten.