Caption: Hon. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama with veterans who went to Christmas Island in the 1950s to carry out hydrogen bomb testing for Britain.Photo:SUPPLIED.
Fijian veterans that were part of the British nuclear test program at Christmas Island in 1958 have lauded government’s payment to assist them with medical costs.
Seventy nine year old, Levani Nawaqa who was one of the 24 that received cheques of more than $9,000 from the Prime Minister today acknowledged government for the much needed assistance.
Hon. Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama presenting payout to a veteran who went to Christmas Island in the 1950s for hydrogen bomb testing for Britain.
“We are grateful for this assistance as it will assist us and also our families.”
The Lomanikoro villager from Rewa said that the effects of the nuclear radiation had affected his children as he does not have any grandchildren.
Alipate Toganivalu whose father is now deceased said that his family was also thankful to government for the assistance.
“For years we had been pleading through our association for assistance from the British government but our pleas have been unsuccessful,” Mr Nawaqa said.
“My late father passed away in 1985 at the age of 75 and I only wish he was alive to be here today,” Mr Toganivalu said.
“It is a happy occasion for us as four of my siblings have also been affected by the nuclear tests.”
Twenty four of the eighty veterans that are still living were today handed their cheques by the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama.
DEPTFO