Fiji’s progress as one of the most economically-developed countries in the Pacific is supported by the initiatives made by Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna years ago.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka shared this in his Ratu Sukuna Day message to the people.
He said one of Ratu Sukuna’s most notable contribution was the setting up of the Native Land Trust Board (NLTB) to “create greater efficiency, transparency and legal certainty” on native land leases.
“The system of leasing out native land was often chaotic, haphazard and corrupt and this was another pressing reason for the reform he was now thinking about,” Mr Rabuka said.
“The high chief embarked on a campaign to visit all the Fijian provinces, convening meetings in village after village.
“Sometimes he travelled by road but more often he ventured by foot along tracks and pathways.
“Then, finally, it was done and he had negotiated a consensus that applied to every landowning unit.
“Roads, housing, urban and city developments, industrial estates, manufacturing enterprises and other businesses, hotels and resorts and agricultural ventures, are established on native land through the system he conceived and brought to reality.”
PM Rabuka said Ratu Sukuna’s decision to participate in World War I was because Britain, “the country that had taken Fiji under its wing” was threatened, because for him, “it was a matter of duty and loyalty”.
“What Ratu Sukuna went through speaks to us of why war must be condemned and rejected and, ideally, banished from the earth.
“The extracts from his letters of terrible battles are truths of our history and cannot be ignored.
“Ratu Sukuna put this dreadful conflict behind him, finished his university studies and embarked on a journey of service to Fiji that leaves us forever indebted to him.”
Mr Rabuka said the late statesman’s advice of sacrificing community interests for the benefit of the whole should be followed, if necessary.
“Let us today imagine Ratu Sukuna’s spirit hovering over Fiji, willing us to walk together further along the road to reconciliation and peace.”
