[Source: Republic of Fiji Military Forces / Facebook]

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the Republic of Fiji Military Forces is responsible for holding individuals to account for incidents involving two Guardian-class patrol boats in the Naval Division.

The PM said this in response to questions from FBC News in relation to the incidents, which took place under the same leadership.

He said the RFMF was governed by the RFMF Act, which ensures that the military is accountable for such matters.

“RFMF Commander can undertake an investigation if there is an issue with patrol boat accidents as stated in the RFMF Act. The Commander can give an instruction for a Board of Inquiry, if it has been proven that someone is at fault then it calls for a Court Martial.”

The two incidents in question involved damage to the RFNS Timo while berthing at the Walu Bay Navy Pier last Thursday and the grounding of the RFNS Puamau on a reef in June.

The incidents sparked public concerns about the Navy’s capabilities.

“A patrol boat is provided, together with the training of its crew members in Australia, New Zealand and England. The standard of services for safety and security by our naval division has not been reached by our patrol boats.”

Rabuka acknowledged the limitations within the navy and said that Fiji often relied on support from neighbouring countries to assist in naval operations.

However, he reassured the public that there were mechanisms in place to ensure accountability and that the RFMF was committed to addressing these challenges.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of maintaining the navy’s role in ensuring the safety and security of Fiji’s waters which remained a priority despite the setbacks.

FBC News has reached out to RFMF Commander Ro Jone Kalouniwai for comment but is yet to receive a response.