Nakelo, Home Of Fiji’s British Soldiers

The United Kingdom (UK) on Friday promised assistance for Fiji and the region as a gesture towards Fijians’ in­volvement in the British Armed Forces over the years.

The assurance was made by the Minister of State for the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom, James Heappey, while visiting Nauluvatu Village in Nakelo, Tailevu, on Friday.

“It is great to meet the minister and senior military officers and see how we can take this relationship forward,” Mr Heappey said.

He visited the village with representatives of the UK Armed Forces to pay tribute to the sons of Nauluvatu who had served in the British Armed Forces.

Why Nakelo?

Their relationship dated back to World War II.

Former Fiji Broadcasting Commission per­sonality Usaia Masuwale, 80, a British Army veteran from the village, reminisced on the long rich relationship between

Fiji and the UK.

“Our relationship dates back to 1981 dur­ing the arrival of HMS Encounter when they called on us for help,” he said.

“Out of the 212 Fijians recruited in 1981, six men came from Nauluvatu Village. From that day onward, we have continued our friendship and we are honoured to host you.”

Villager Filipe Rogoiruwai, 53, said the out­standing relationship opened doors of op­portunities to the villagers.

“This year, there are about 30 youths from this village alone that had joined the British Army. Nakelo is a district with 13 villages, you can imagine how many more from each of these villages,” he said.

Mr Heappey saluted the outstanding rela­tionship between the two nations and hoped for more development in the future.

“I have never been accorded a welcoming ceremony this special and it’s even more spe­cial the relationship that has been on going in here,” he said.

“You can expect more visitations from the British Forces this year to the country’s na­val base and the Army.”

Story By: Beranadeta Nagatalevu

Feedback: beranadeta.nagatalevu@fijisun.com.fj