For showing courage and compassion by rescuing his neighbor from certain death, Reverend Amenatave Bose Raiyawa was awarded the President’s Medal at Government House this afternoon.
The 49-year-old Methodist Church minister of the Naveiwakau Circuit said he was only ‘walking the talk’ when he went to the aid of Abhay Nand early on January 15, 2010 at Naveiwakau.
“I was woken up by screams and cries and when I opened the door I realised it was my neighbor, I grabbed an iron rod and ran to his home which robbers had ransacked,” the padre said.
“Abhay was in a bad state, he had cuts on his body and was bleeding profusely so I rushed him to the hospital and stayed with him throughout until his condition stabilised.
“We should all care for our neighbor’s pain and not turn our back on their suffering because Fiji will be a better place if we do this.”
Other medals bestowed by His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau included the Officer of the Order of Fiji that was conferred to Richard Sydney Smith and a Member of the Order of Fiji (Honorary) to Kanti Lal Jinna.
The Officer of the Order of Fiji is awarded for distinguished service of a high degree to Fiji or to humanity at large.
The Member of the Order of Fiji is awarded for meritorious service in a particular locality or field of activity or to a particular group.
Eight civil servants also received the Civil Service Medal for outstanding and valuable service over a long period in a responsible position.
They are:
· Mrs Elizabeth Blanche Seru
· Ms Keiasi Masikerei
· Ms Make Liku
· Ms Phul Kumari
· Ram Murti
· Viliame Paletua
· Shri Prasad
· Amenatave Naitau
For 37 years, Ms Masikerei provided a crucial service as a typist for various ministries.
“I think I have contributed a lot as a secretary and served with various ministries except agriculture and PWD,” she said.
Mr Ram Murti believes that commitment and passion for his job as a storeman kept him in the service for 36 years.
“Being a civil servant in a way kept me away from the wrong crowds because I knew I had to be honest and have integrity. I knew that as a civil servant I was accountable to a higher standard,” Mr Murti said.
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