Waqainabete Graduates with Flying Colours

Never lose hope in life nor doubt yourself. Put God first, in all the things that you do, he will crown all your efforts with success.

Republic of Fiji Military Forces navy chief petty officer Atunaisa Waqainabete was constantly reminded of these words to achieve the impossible.

With his parents separating when he was four and not much an average achiever academically, Mr Waqainabete turned all negative to positive when he graduated with honours from the University Fiji with a Bachelor of Law.

To add icing on the cake, the Kiuva, Bau, Tailevu native has maternal links to Naroi, Moala, in Lau also picked up two medals; as outstanding Student in Law and the Justice Devendra Pathik School of Law award.

“I was a failure. In Form 4 (Year 10) I managed a C-grade, and repeated Form 5 (Year 11). I failed Form 6 (Year 12) and could not even complete the diploma program back then,” Mr Waqainabete said.

“I was not a bright student. I must share this; particularly I came from, a broken family. My parents separated when I was four years old. To the young ones, despite the challenge we go through in life; I’m a testament to that.”

“Never be afraid to dream big. Once you realise your dream, make it a priority to strive and pursue excellence. Be able to see the potential in you and look into potentials in education.”

Education

Mr Waqainabete had attended Nausori District School for primary then to Queen Victoria School up to Year 11, then to Ratu Kadavulevu School for Year 12.

After RKS, he enrolled at the Ba Fiji Institute of Technology (now Fiji National University) to do his Diploma in Commerce.

“I was a failure. In Form 4 (Year 10) I managed a C-grade, repeated Form 5 (Year 11). I failed form 6 (Year 12) and could not even complete the diploma programme back then,” he said.

“I was not a bright student. I must share this; particularly as I came from, a broken family. My parents separated when I was four.

“To the youth, I have a word to share with you; despite the challenges we go through in life stay positive. I’m a testament to that.

“Never be afraid to dream big. Once you realise your dream, make it a priority to strive and pursue excellence. Be able to see the potential in you and look into opportunities to upgrade your knowledge through education.”

Employment

Mr Waqainabete was recruited by the RFMF in 2006 and served a tour of duty in Sinai from 2007-2008.

The year later he joined the navy in 2009 and started as an ordinary seaman, he is now a petty officer.

“The navy is one of the institutions that has helped me realise a sense of purpose in life and be able to see the potential in me.

“The pushed me to pursue further education.”

He is grateful to Navy Commander Humphrey Tawake and the institution apart from allowing him pursuing his study and the necessary support to be able to pursue law.

“It has been is the Navy that has provided me with the support, granting me the institutional approval to study.

“Capacity building is part of the Fiji Navy strategic plan. I am serving a bond with the Navy,” he said.

Sticking with dad

With his older siblings moving on Mr Waqainabete stuck around with father who was then a civil servant.

His father is always encouraging him to study, advising him to take up law.

His 76-year-old father lives with him.

“I am taking care of my dad now. He’s sickly, with dementia. I always give credit to him because he has always been there for me.

“In his condition now he might not understand the significance of what I have achieved; I am still grateful to his upbringing and support – when we just had each other when I was four.”

The Journey

The journey was not easy for the father of four children.

There were a lot of challenges as he also had to balance family commitments.

“With many responsibilities and tasks I had to balance my time well with my studies, particularly with law,” he said.

“It is not always an easy programme because it requires commitment, dedication, and time. I’m grateful that God has always been my source of strength. Without God, I am absolutely nothing.

He admits that his wife Kelera Duvula played a big role in his academic journey.

“I thank my wife, sincerely. She is in the engine room, supporting me throughout taking up all the family responsibilities to allow me to strive and excel academically.”

Marine sector

Climate change is one of the pressing issues in the maritime sector.

“That has created many legal challenges in terms of the maritime security landscape not only of the nation-state but also in the region.

“In addressing those legal challenges, one needs to have a coordinated and integrated approach, incorporating legal policies, and operational mechanisms to enhance resilience and sustainability.”

A statement from the Fiji Navy thanked CPO Waqainabete for his sacrifice, determination and hard work.

“Vinaka vakalevu to his (Waqainabete) family for the everlasting support,” the statement said.

“The Fiji Navy looks forward to CPO Waqainabete’s contribution and work in protecting and strengthening the resilience of Fiji’s maritime security and maritime domain.”

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