9/3/2010 - The Republic of Fiji Military Forces has issued a
warning to all women soldiers: the institution will not condone those who
bear children outside of wedlock.
This was
confirmed yesterday by Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.
He has
instructed all female soldiers who have joined the Forces that they should
live up to the military standards.
This
directive was issued during a parade at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in
Nabua.
Commodore
Bainimarama told the female soldiers that he would not tolerate such
attitudes because it affects the delivery of their service.
“Yes, my
instruction has been sent out,” he told the Fiji Sun.
Land
Force Commander Brigadier-General Pita Driti said this was a common problem
in any field because it increases the burden on the officers.
He said
female soldiers should know their work and their need to br ready for duty.
“They
need to be equal to man and be available at all times,” he said.
“When
they are pregnant it adds on the burden to us.”
Brigadier-General
Driti added that pregnant soldiers waste their time when they come to work
because they could not do anything.
He said
they should understand their work description before they join the Forces.
He said
Commodore Bainimarama urged all female soldiers to take heed of these
warnings because it has affected their work and most importantly their
service to their people.
Brigadier-General
Driti said necessary actions would be taken on female soldiers who refused
to abide by these directives.
He said
more than four have been identified to be pregnant and they feel the warning
was a timely one.
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