Two men from Koro have been given bravery medals for their heroic efforts to rescue villagers on the island during Tropical Cyclone Winston in February, 2016.
They were recognised for their efforts by President Jioji Konrote.
Emosi Delaibatiki and Sakaraia Koroi from Nasau village in Koro were awarded bravery medals under the Order of Fiji.
Delaibatiki who was 17-years-old at the time saved his mother, two sisters and grandmother.
He says he knew that he needed to step up at the time because his father was in Sinai on peacekeeping duties.
After safely evacuating his family, Delaibatiki returned to the village to help the others.
Another bravery medal recipient, Sakaraia Koroi rescued a family in the village.
After rescuing that family, Koroi went back and rescued a woman who was a stroke patient despite already having an injured leg and arm.
Sixteen people received medals under the Order of Fiji at the Investiture Ceremony at State House.
The Fijian Government in 1995 instituted the order of Fiji to recognise achievements or meritorious service by citizens of Fiji and, occasionally, as honorary appointments, by non citizens.
LIST OF MEDAL RECIPIENTS
Companion of the Order of Fiji
Honourable Murray Stuart McCully (Honourary)
(Former New Zealand Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade)
Officer of the Order of Fiji
Anthony Bruce Whitton
Member of the Order of Fiji
Narendra Prasad
Medal of the Order of Fiji
Lorosio Jope Qiriamo
Lepani Raisowalu
Daya Ram
Raymond Mukesh Mano Mani Reddy
Pastor Rocco Leo
Kameshwar Prasad
Isaia Saukuru
Rajesh Kumar Patel
Praveen Chandra Naidu
Bravery Medal
Samueli Sautamata Ritova
Sakaraia Koroi
Emosi Delaibatiki
Special Award: Global Health Leadership Award
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Inoke Luveni
(On behalf of the family)
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