Vusonilawe Inspires Police Officers to Stay Committed

President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere recently presented two prestigious awards to Senior Superintendent Kasiano Vusonilawe the Director of Operations of the Fiji Police Force, in Bali, Indonesia.

SSP Vusonilawe was awarded the Fiji Police Force Long Service Medal and the Fiji Police Medal, both considered to be the highest medals in the Fiji Police Force.

“It is one of the most memorable events of my life. The medals are a recognition of my dedication and service to the Fiji Police Force. To receive these awards from my home country’s President in Bali is truly a memorable experience,” he said proudly.

SSP Vusonilawe joined the force on August 16, 1993 and reflected on his 31-year journey, sharing his motivations, challenges, and the evolution of policing in Fiji.

INSPIRATION AND EARLY LIFE

From humble beginnings in Labasa, SSP Vusonilawe was driven by a desire to support his parents and secure a stable future.

Financial constraints and the lack of opportunities in his village led him to join the police force, a decision that would shape his life’s path.

“In the village, there was no source of income. My family had a farm but it was only for the family. So coming from a farming background, it was impossible to pursue further studies.

“I really tried hard to join the police force to help my parents so that before they leave this earth, I would be able to pay them back for looking after me,” he said.

SSP Vusonilawe’s journey to become a Police officer is marked by memorable experiences, including the challenges of boarding school, where he often travelled long distances on horseback because he did not have enough bus fare.

“Ever since I was in class one until secondary school, I would have to go to school by horseback from my home to school. It was very far and would often take me hours to travel,” he recalled.

On 16 August, 1993, he was recruited to join the police force. Previously, the training lasted for six months, but it had been shortened to four months. Reflecting on the rigorous six-month recruitment process, he highlighted the differences between then and now.

“The training back then was really tough. Our instructors were very tough. They taught us the hard way of discipline and we still have that now. It’s in our blood.

“So I always tell the officers back home, we have three generations of the Fiji Police officers. Those who are in the colonial era, which were our instructors before. Then comes the technological era, which is challenging the leadership of the Fiji Police now,” he said.

His first day at the police training school was particularly tough, with only $15 to his name.

“On my first day of my training, I only had the fare from the jetty in Labasa to Nasese. In the afternoon, I would wait for my colleagues so that we can have dinner together which was a free meal for me,” he recalled.

He said the salary at that time was around $100 per fortnight.

“After graduation, me and some of my colleagues took around 15 bags of empty Coke bottles to the Coca- Cola factory by taxi. It was about 25kg. Afterwards, we would divide the money amongst each other,” he said.

Despite these hardships, he persevered, driven by a determination to succeed.

“The humble beginning really triggers us. I used to tell the new recruits to never forget their humble beginnings. Because if they forget it, they can’t keep the job.

They will do whatever they want to do which may not be in line with the policy of the organisation,” he added.

Looking ahead, SSP Vusonilawe called for genuine commitment from police officers and encouraged them to stay focused on their mission despite negative perceptions.

“We have to think positively and keep moving forward. Change is possible, but it requires genuine and committed officers,” he concluded.

He is currently studying Leadership Management in Jakarta, Indonesia and will graduate in July, 2024. He said he is grateful for the opportunity to study in Lembaga Ketahanan Nasional RI, a prestigious institute in Indonesia that focuses on educating and training national leaders.

By: Monica Aquilar

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