An immensely proud moment for Fiji’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), His Excellency Mr Jovilisi Suveinakama, as he witnessed for the first time, the pass off parade for the 25 Fijian recruits who have embarked upon a new journey that is both memorable and emotional.
High Commissioner Suveinakama who recently took up the post in London, was invited by the Army Training Regiment in Pirbright to attend the pass off parade of soldiers from the wider Commonwealth member countries including, Fiji on Friday 17th May, 2024.
High Commissioner Suveinakama was met by the 1 ATR Regimental Commanding Officer, Lt Col Kelly, who later introduced His Excellency to the Inspecting Officer of the day Major General Zac Stenning OBE.
Major General Stenning is the 31st Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Director Leadership British Army.
He was commissioned from Sandhurst in 1995.
The day was blessed with a beautiful sunny weather and as the High Commissioner was walking down towards the Parade square with the rest of the Commonwealth representatives, they were met by the beautiful sound of the “ISALEI” song sung by our 25 recruits as they farewelled their instructors and all those who have made their 13 weeks stay a memorable one.
High Commissioner Suveinakama was then invited by CO Lt Col Kelly to join her inspect the parade and an opportunity to speak with the new recruits and wish them well in their new endevours.
For their excellence, four recruits were recognised with the following awards:
Colenso Troop:
BEST SHOT was awarded to Craftman R Natavuto – Corps of Royal Engineer and Mechanical Engineers
BEST AT DRILL was awarded to Gunner F Salabogi – Royal Regiment of Artillery
SOLDIER’S SOLDIER was awarded to Craftman K Gumatua – Corps of Royal Engineers and Mechanical Engineers
Le Cateau Troop:
BEST AT DRILL: Sapper A Biaudamu – Corps of Royal engineers
Later, High Commissioner Suveinakama met with the new recruits and their families, some have travelled all the way from Fiji to be part of this auspicious occasion
