Marist OBs-SGS OBs move to reconcile

With the aim to prevent future school brawls between Marist Brothers High and Suva Grammar School, the Marist OBs has made suggestions toward reconciliation with the president of the Old Scholar Association of SGS.

Marist OBs president Nesbitt Hazelman said this will be pursued in consultation with both school principals.

The move follows the recent street fights between students of the two schools in Suva that landed three students in hospital and a current Marist Brothers High student charged with two counts of assault,awaiting his next court appearance on October 17.

Speaking to FijiLive, Hazelman said the Marist OBs fraternity is disappointed by the recent events, saying the action of a few current students has tarnished the “proud RED FIRE SPIRIT that we the old boys hold very close to our hearts."

He said the Old Boys fraternity has taken it upon themselves to assist the school in anyway to stop any such violence occurring again.

Hazelman joined the Police Commissioner Brigadier Iowane Naivalurua in his visit to the school on Tuesday to reiterate concerns “of the un-Marist behavior."

 “It is totally unacceptable and we support the police in the action that they have and are taking.

“The actions of a few student of Marist has tarnished the proud RED FIRE SPIRIT that we the old boys hold very close to our hearts. This year spells the 75th year of Marist multiracial education in Fiji a proud moment for all who have been privileged to be taught at the school.”

Hazelman said the rivalry between SGS and Marist has always been there, “however the pack mentality of moving around in large groups is something new.”

“The rivalry was taken out on the field through sports in the class room through the National Quiz through academic excellence.”

By Lavenia Vuadreu