Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka extends his warm congratulations and best wishes to Captain Sheemal Nand on her commissioning into the officer ranks of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF).
While giving his best wishes, Rabuka says her achievement marks another proud chapter in the continuing advancement of women within our disciplined forces.
He says 1988, when he was Commander of the RFMF, he had the privilege of opening the doors of our military to women for the first time.
Rabuka believes that women should have every opportunity to serve our nation and advance through the ranks on the basis of their ability, dedication and commitment.
The Prime Minister says nearly four decades later, it gives him immense pride to see women such as Captain Nand continuing that journey, breaking new ground and taking on greater leadership and responsibility within the RFMF.
Rabuka says her achievement is even more significant as she now stands among the highest-ranking Indo-Fijian women to have served in the RFMF.