In a powerful statement that resonates with the nation's history and future, Ratu Tevita Mara, the esteemed Tui Nayau, emphasizes the integral role of the girmitiya and their descendants in Fiji's narrative. This perspective is a testament to the shared greatness that defines the country, where every individual, regardless of background, is an essential thread in the nation's fabric.
Mara's words echo the profound understanding of his late father, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, who recognized the significance of Indo-Fijians and their journey to Fiji. This recognition goes beyond a mere acknowledgment; it is a celebration of a shared history and a shared vision for the future.
The Tui Nayau's statement highlights the multiracial covenant championed by Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, a moral conviction born from the wisdom of his vanua. This covenant, rooted in the belief that a chief's mana grows by the breadth of those he shelters, extends shelter to all of Fiji, fostering unity and shared purpose.
Mara's tribute to the girmitiya and their descendants is a call to action, urging them to stay, invest, and raise their children to love Fiji as their own. Their loyalty and resilience, he asserts, are sources of national pride, especially during challenging times when division threatens to overshadow unity.
The Tui Nayau's plea to Indo-Fijians and the iTaukei community is a powerful reminder that they are not guests in Fiji but an integral part of its identity and culture. The sacrifice of their forebears has secured their belonging in Fiji, forever. This belonging is not contingent on politics or power shifts but is a fundamental truth that should be cherished and upheld.
Mara's message is a call for celebration of Fiji's diversity, not as a burden but as a blessing. It is a reminder that the nation's spirit is large enough to hold all its people, fostering a sense of belonging and shared destiny. This perspective is a powerful antidote to division, emphasizing the importance of unity and the shared greatness that defines Fiji.
