The Joint Task Force Command of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, in partnership with the Government of France, officially opened a newly constructed Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Facility today at Blackrock Camp in Nadi.

The ceremony was attended by His Excellency, Mr. Benjamin DELANNOY, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the French Republic; Colonel Pierre SALES, Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia (FANC); members of the French delegation; senior RFMF officers; and other distinguished guests.

In his welcome address, Commander of the Joint Task Force Command (JTFC), Brigadier General Manoa Driuvakamaka Gadai, expressed gratitude to the French Government and FANC Engineers for co-sponsoring and working closely with RFMF Engineers to complete Stage 1 of the project.

“This facility is a milestone in our operational readiness. It will serve our United Nations Quick Reaction Force Company and our newly established Counter-Terrorism Unit based here at Blackrock Camp. More than just a building, it is a symbol of trust, cooperation, and our shared commitment to regional security,” Brigadier General Gadai said.

Brig Gadai also highlighted the deep historical ties between Fiji and France, dating back to World War I when Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna served with distinction in the French Foreign Legion, and through decades of joint service in UNIFIL in Lebanon. Special recognition was given to LCL Arnaud BOUYSSOU, Permanent French Defence Attaché, and Major Marc de VIVIES, French Cooperation Officer to JTFC, whose leadership and commitment were instrumental in bringing the project to completion.

Quoting from Scripture, Brigadier General Gadai remarked, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain” (Psalm 127:1), and indeed, this facility shows the power of unity and shared purpose.

The new CQB Facility will enhance Fiji’s peacekeeping capability, strengthen counter-terrorism training, and further deepen defence cooperation between the RFMF and the French Defence Force.