Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna is often referred to as Fiji’s statesman.

Earlier historians such as Deryck Scarr had presented Ratu Sukuna as a traditional iTaukei leader whose education abroad aided his political career, and this, according to the University of the South Pacific (USP) historian Dr Nicholas Halter, could be an inspiration to youths.

By encouraging the growth of contemporary institutions in Fiji, biographers such as Mr Scarr have argued that Ratu Sukuna did more than any other person of his generation to lay the foundation for self-government.

Mr Scarr said Ratu Sukuna’s vision determined the path that Fiji would take in the years to come.

Ratu Sukuna travelled to England in 1913 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree at the Oxford University. He was the first iTaukei to do so at that time.

University of the South Pacific (USP) historian lecturer Dr Nicholas Halter on May 16, 2023. Photo: Jone Salusalu

He resided at Wadham College at the time of the outbreak of World War I.

Dr Halter said the achievement among many others could be seen as an inspiration to youths.

“I suppose one of the things that many people in Fiji credit Ratu Sukuna with, is his education,” Dr Halter said.

“He could be seen as an inspiration to youths who want to pursue higher education, and it sort of shows you how education can open new pathways for you.”

Dr Halter said the coming Ratu Sukuna Day public holiday would be a chance for people to consider all aspects of Ratu Sukuna’s life, not only his education, about the role of chiefs in society.

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