It is impossible to go past a visionary leader in Fiji and the Pacific like the name of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna.
This was highlighted by the Lands and Mineral Resources Minister, Filimoni Vosarogo, when speaking on the life of Ratu Sukuna at the Fiji National University’s lecture theatre in Nasinu last month.
“Some leaders are gifted, some who are gifted become leaders,” he said.
“There is no better example of that statement than the statesman, soldier, and chief we today remember, Ratu Sir Josefa Vanayaliyali Lalabalavu Sukuna.
“It is impossible to think of visionary leaders of Fiji and even in the Pacific to be able to get past the name of Ratu Sukuna.
“For example, which other Pacific countries have a native land system that is demarcated, surveyed, known to belong to a particular tribe and has laws that embed that relationship between people, their land, and their resources.
“The establishment of the Native Land Trust Board (NLTB) now iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) was the brainchild of the late Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna.”
Mr Vosarogo, according to a Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources statement, said Ratu Sukuna fought for the administrative system to stand as a guardian of all natives and to filter usage of land as the nation’s economic need demands.
He added that Fiji was looking for young leaders who could lead the Ratu Sukuna way – to walk the talk.
“Leaders who would be able to carry on their shoulders the burden of the nation and its future, just like Ratu Sukuna did many decades ago,” he said.
Apart from the art exhibition held at the Nasinu Campus and the public lecture, the FNU Natabua campus also organised their Ratu Sukuna Day celebration.
To end the three days celebration in Lautoka, the NaWerelevu lecture theatre at the university’s Natabua Campus was filled with enthusiasm as students participated in singing, dancing, arts and poetry activities to honour and commemorate the life of the late statesman.
Celebrating Visionary Leadership for Fiji was the theme of this year’s Ratu Sukuna celebration around the country.
