Recruits reminded of role

The 63 new recruits of correction officers who graduated after the 15 weeks of training on April 24 were reminded on the importance of their role towards enhancing the services provided by the Fiji Corrections Services. 

The Fiji Corrections Services passing out parade program was officiated by the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Major General (Ret’d) Ioane Naivalurua was held at the Naboro Corrections Complex.

PS Naivalurua, who was the Commissioner of Corrections from 2006-2013 and responsible for the paradigm shift from containment to rehabilitation congratulated the new recruits but impressed on them what graduation meant.

“The role of corrections officers is a noble profession and it comes with great responsibilities in ensuring integrity, accountability and transparency of the services delivered by the Fiji Corrections Services,’’ he said. 

He emphasised on the importance of having the qualities of great leadership and commitment to serve the nation and stated that given Fiji’s historic achievement as being the first Pacific island nation on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Fiji is regarded as a global leader in terms of advocating the protection of human rights. 

PS Naivalurua also imparted to the new recruits the 11 principles of excellence in service which they should always base their life on when in the service;

1. Always value Excellence in all that you do,
2. Not to settle for average,
3. To always pay attention to detail,
4. Remain committed to what really matters,
5. Display integrity and sound ethics,
6. Show genuine respect for others,
7. Go the second mile,
8. Demonstrate consistency,
9. Never stop improving,
10. Give 100 percent, and
11. Make excellence your lifestyle. 

PS Naivalurua also commended the Fiji Corrections Services for its progressive developments and commitment to service delivery.

He also made a timely reminder and humble request to family members who attended the occasion.

“I plead upon your total support, prayers and understanding in supporting your sons, daughters or nieces and nephews who have taken up this noble but tough vocation of restoring lives.

“For there will come a time when they will rely on it in the course of their work, sometimes they will fall, they will almost give up, they will go ashtray but it has been our experience that those who have a strong family unit will always stand strong when tested.”

Meanwhile, Ravinesh Ram, 24, from Waiqele in Labasa was the top man of the day after he took out the Baton of Honour award. Ram said the course was the toughest thing he had ever done but thoughts of his parents struggles kept him going everyday.

“Discipline is not new to me because it is being taught at home so it was easy for me to do what was required here, but the physical training was very tough and I am glad was able to get through with this award.”

Ram paid tribute to his fellow recruits who were very supportive to him and now counted them as his own brothers and sisters.

Other awards went to Opeti Bainua who top scored in all exams and also to Temesi Rokotui whose platoon was the best in drill.

(Picture by Fiji Sun News Ltd)