Friday, 28 May 2010
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A FEELING OF PATRIOTISM HAS NOT BEEN FULLY REALIZED
THE feeling of patriotism that should be a binding force for everyone who lives in this land has not been fully realized, says Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.Speaking at the opening of the Na Kakavaki Building at Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Memorial School, Mr Qarase said it was important that we overcome our differences and try to find a common ground that we can move towards.
"Countries do not become complete at the stroke of a pen, because like Fiji, once they are freed from colonialism, they begin a journey to find themselves and to decide what kind of society they want," said Mr Qarase.
"Colonialism caused much division among our communities and the distrust and suspicion with which we viewed each other, led to a lot of hurt and distress".
Mr Qarase said to truly understand the present and the way that our future is shaped, we must look back in history and learn from past mistakes.
He said Ratu Sukuna was a towering leader who made vast contributions to the welfare and stability of our country during colonial rule.
"Each year Ratu Sukuna Day is celebrated but without the scale and commitment worthy of his stature but this year there are plans to change and transform that to a truly national occasion that befits such an eminent man," said Mr Qarase.
The visions that Ratu Sukuna had for Fiji, reached beyond the indigenous community because he felt that his responsibility as a chief was to the nation as a whole, and he therefore felt obligated to improve the welfare of all citizens, Mr Qarase added.
Mr Qarase said Ratu Sukuna was a good example of a chief who held strong to his moral and ethical principles and he also had natural authority and powerful mana.
"When we think of Ratu Sukuna, it is only natural that we think about the role of chiefly leadership and its importance for Fiji".
Mr Qarase also paid allegiance to the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, who was greatly influenced by his uncle Ratu Sukuna, but both chiefs brought to life the best qualities of Fijian leadership that is inherited.
The formation of the Native Land Trust Board was brought about by Ratu Sukuna's vision that land policies were required to reflect the needs of a multi racial community.
"The NLTB would ensure that Fijians had enough land for their maintenance and support, with the surplus to be leased by members of the Indian community and others," said Mr Qarase.
Extract from The Fiji Times 05-24-05
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