Fijian troops received peacekeeping award of the United Nations Interim Forces In Lebanon at the Fiji Multi Task Force Protection Unit Compound on Friday May 12, 2017.
Invited guests from other contingents accompanied the Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL, Maj Gen Michael Beary who was the Chief Guest at the medals parade. Invited guests labelled the occasion a unique one in the UNIFIL due to the various activities that were part of the occasion. The guests were amazed with the first impression of the day with Cpl Karikaritu’s paintings on the ‘T’ wall which portrayed the image of the beautiful coastline of Solevu village in the Province of Bua, the origin of his beloved spouse. The main factor that contributed to the guests’ amusement was the display professionalism of troops with their brilliant military drills during the actual medals parade. It was followed by the various items performed by the Fijian troops to entertain their guests.
Invited guests were later invited to relish on the refreshments while they were being entertained by the Fijian Dance Group, the display of Hapkido and Fijian tranditional dances. The entertainment enticed the Head of Mission to delay his departure until the entertainment program was completed. The occasion was concluded with the singing of the Fijian farewell song ‘Isa Lei’ prior to the departure of the chief guest.
Members of the Fijian community serving with the United Nations within the region and their families continued the celebration with a lovo party and the entertainment of the Sukanaivalu serenades.
The master of ceremony, Warrant Officer Class One N. Logaivau stated that the successful conduct of their medals parade and various activities of the occasion depicted the excellent teamwork, commitment and sacrifice by all members of the Company.
