Deputy Commissioner of Prisons Auta Moceisuva congratulates Suprintendent Salote Panapasa on her new appoinment.

Twenty prison wardens from the Fiji Prisons and Corrections National Headquarters were promoted to higher ranks in special ceremony in Suva on Friday February 26.

FPCS Deputy Commissioner Auta Moceisuva bestowing the higher ranks to the officers told them that not only were they receiving higher ranks but greater responsibilities as well.

“Let me congratulate you all on your promotions, this is part of the realigning to the Prisons and Corrections Act, 2006.

“The Commissioner has shown confidence in you and now it is your responsibility to repay him by working at the next level.

“Remember our theme for 2010 ‘Relentless pursuit for Excellence’, do not let him down.”

Mother of three Mrs. Salote Naulivou Panapasa who was promoted to Superintendent became the first female officer to attain this rank in the FPCS.

Superintendent Panapasa said that she was thankful for the confidence shown by the Commissioner and she will do her utmost best.

“I am thankful for the faith shown by the Commissioner; while I am a woman this does not mean that I am not expected to produce the goods like other officers.

“If anything I have to do better because I am a woman.

Superintendent Panapasa said that she hopes her appointment inspires other women within the service to strive for higher office.

“I hope that my appointment inspires other female officers to aim for higher position, my advise to my fellow female officers is do not let motherhood be a deterrent to a successful career.

“As mothers we are already managers of live, all we need to do is work hard and channel our experiences in our work.”

Other officers promoted were Superintendent Kelepi Tukana, Assistant Superintendents Jo Kulidilo and Govind Sami, Chief Prison Officers Isireli Dausiga, Fred Elbourne and Tomasi Vakameau, Principal Prison Officers Lemeki Rokovesa, Jone Biu and Kavekini Cagi, Prison Officer Class A Suliasi Nataqa, Viliame Rpqica, Eliki Raloka, Samuela Railoa and Apete Tavo, Prison Officer Class B Tome Goneqea, Luma Panapasa, Suresh Chand, Filimoni Seru and Vilikesa Guva.

All together 69 officers are to be promoted to fill up vacant ranks within the service.

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