A 13 year old boy of Labasa Sangam Primary School received bravery award from the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau today after he saved his family from a house fire last year.
Semi Bale Mara recalls it was early in the morning in December when he woke up after he felt heat on his blanket and realized that his grandfather’s home in Tuatua Labasa was on fire.
Mara said he quickly got up and struggled through the house to wake up and get his family members out of the house which was later destroyed by the fire.
Mara who was the youngest award recipient this afternoon said it is his first time to meet the President and he is happy to receive the award.
Other award recipients included Colonel Paul Manueli for the Companion Order of Fiji for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Fiji.
Officer of the Order of Fiji recipients included Physiotherapist Cathy Wong, former Police Commissioner Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua and Apakuki Kurusiga for distinguished service of a high degree to Fiji and distinguished service in a responsible position.
The Civil Service Medals were awarded to Permanent Secretary for the Public Service Commission Parmesh Chand, Finance Permanent Secretary Filimoni Waqabaca, Works and Transport Permanent Secretary Francis Kean, Immigration Department Director Nemani Vuniwaqa, itaukei Affairs Permanent Secretary Savenaca Kaunisela and Prisons Commissioner Ifereimi Vasu for outstanding merit in the civil service.
Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa
