Buatavatava's journey home brings joy and pride to Ucunivanua

Buatavatava's journey home brings joy and pride to Ucunivanua His nine-day journey, which began in Lautoka on July 14, ends today in his home village of Ucunivanua in Verata, where family members and villagers have been eagerly awaiting his arrival. Thursday 23 July 2026 | 07:00 Sergeant Filipe Buatavatava (walking right). Inset: His uncle Alivereti Buatavatava at their Ucunivanua village, Verata residence on July 22, 2026. Ronald Kumar After years serving in the British Army thousands of kilometres from home, Sergeant Filipe Buatavatava is walking back to the village where his dream first began — inspiring a community that has never stopped believing in him. The Scots Guards Regiment soldier is leading a 236-kilometre charity march across Viti Levu to raise funds for military veterans and highlight the growing threat of drugs affecting Fiji's youth. His nine-day journey, which began in Lautoka on July 14, ends today in his home village of Ucunivanua in Verata, where family members and villagers have been eagerly awaiting his arrival. Related stories For his uncle, Alivereti Buatavatava, the homecoming is about much more than crossing a finish line. "We are overjoyed to welcome him home," he said. "Seeing him walk back into the village wearing the uniform he once dreamed of is something words cannot fully describe. As a young boy, he always spoke about joining the British Army. Many people dream big, but he worked hard, stayed focused and made that dream a reality." Mr Buatavatava said Filipe's journey had become a source of pride and inspiration for the people of Verata, particularly its young people. "He has shown our young people that no dream is too big if you are prepared to work for it. He has never forgotten where he came from, and that is what makes us even prouder. Even while serving overseas, he has come back to give something to Fiji and to speak to our youth about staying away from drugs." He said the charity march reflected Filipe's commitment to serving others beyond his military duties. "This is not just a walk. Every kilometre carries a message of hope. He is walking for veterans who sacrificed for others and for the young people of Fiji who need encouragement to choose a better path. That makes us proud not only as his family but as a whole community." As the final kilometres unfold, anticipation continues to build in Ucunivanua. For the people of Verata, Filipe's return marks more than the end of a 236-kilometre journey. It is the homecoming of a son who pursued a childhood dream, served with honour overseas and returned determined to inspire the next generation.