Members of the Third Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) and families commemorated the accomplishment of the Republic of Fiji Military Force (RFMF) Chapel renovation coinciding with the Infantry Day in a Church service on 23rd June 2019 at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks (QEB) in Nabua.
The service was graced with the presence of the Commander in Chief, His Excellency the President of Fiji, ret’d Major General Jioji Konousi Konrote, the Honourable Prime Minister Rear Admiral ret’d Ratu Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Commander of RFMF (CRFMF) Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto, and the Commander Land Force (CLF) Colonel Manoa Gadai.
The RFMF Chaplain Reverend (Rev) Major Ilaitia Tuwere and his Assistant Rev. Captain Viliame Tunidau officiated the service. It was indeed a blessing to have the President of the Methodist Church in Fiji (MCIF) Rev. Dr. Epineri Vakadewavosa as the Chief Guest who conducted the significant and sacred service of re-dedicating the chapel and blessing the new equipments namely the sound system, steel chairs and the shed components all donated by 3FIR.
Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment colours were marched into the chapel and placed on the flag stand in front of the church to signify the importance of the service and also the infantry day. Rev Vakadewavosa greeted HE the President, the Hon Prime Minister, CRFMF, CLF and all family members present saying it was indeed an honour for him to be invited to sanctify the memorial occasion.
“I want to thank the Commanding Officer and members of the 3rd Battalion for exemplifying your faith in the excellent renovation work witnessed today. In 1967, I was enlisted into the RFMF and still remember my regimental number as 2119. During my three weeks at QEB, I learnt a lot and the church service was always held at the Garrison Hall which is now the Tuvasu Hall. At that time, the church attendance was always small in number and what I witness today is totally the opposite which proves that the transformation and renewing strength of the Holy Spirit dwells within your lives. As the President of the Methodist Church in Fiji, I can tell you that RFMF members are a living force within the Methodist church in Fiji today,” said Rev Vakadewavosa.
The birth of the RFMF Chapel started way back in 1964 when social gatherings, RFMF dance and church service were all held at the Garrison Hall now known as Tuvasu Hall. RFMF Church Elder (Vakatawa) back then Mr Osea Pulu requested the then Commander RFMF Colonel Read on building a new church to have a proper place of worship. The RFMF Church congregation at that time included soldiers and members of the marine quarters.
Warrant Officer Class One Vakaciwa who was later promoted to Captain, a notable figure within the RFMF and also a staunch member coupled with Waisake Sivoi, Paula Ravutia and Kelepi Bainivalu from marine quarters convened series of meetings to fundraise for the new chapel. More members of the congregation got involved in the project as the burning desire to erect the new chapel got stronger. Charity funds by ex-servicemen from Malaya and the Solomon Islands also contributed to the fundraising. The red diamond shape of the chapel from an aerial view commemorates all infantry man, as the first Fijians to go into the battlefields were all infanteers. Throughout the commonwealth countries, all infantry man had to undergo corp training before they are badged with a red diamond to officially become an infanteer.
Eventually in 1973, the RFMF memorial Chapel was completed. At 0900 hrs on 11 November 1973, the RFMF Memorial Chapel was Opened by the Late Honorable Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and blessed by the late President of the Methodist Church in Fiji Rev Andrews.
Today 23rd June 2019 marks 45 years from when the chapel was built. The 3rd Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment members fundraised a total of $150,000.00 to renovate the Chapel in commemoration of the sacrifice the ex-servicemen from the Solomon’s and Malaya and family members of the marine quarters at Delainabua did to build this sanctuary.
The Hon. Prime Minister was extremely delighted with the renovation. “What a remarkable project. Thank You CO 3FIR for such a job well done. This is a fine example of teamwork,” said the Prime Minister.
CO 3FIR concluded by saying that the Infantry Day is a day of reflection for all soldiers in the RFMF. He said it has been a pleasure for the 3rd Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment to renovate the RFMF Chapel which is also an extension of their faith and at the same time building up their Espirit De Corp.
