Disability Advocate Honoured

The world turned dark for Setareki Macanawai when he was just 17 years old. However, losing his sight neither deterred his will nor dented his spirit. It only made him stronger.

Now, 39-years on, he is one of the region’s leading disability advocates.

Yesterday, Mr Macanawai was among the 32 people who were part of the 50th Anniversary of Independence Commemorative Medal investiture ceremony.

He said he did not know who had nominated him nor did he know how his name came up, but he was happy to be given the honour.

Mr Macanawai was in school when an accident took his sight.

“All I am going to say is that I was schooling at Marist Brothers High School. It was a sporting injury that led to me losing my sight,” he said.

“It was hard at first, but I did not want to give up. I wanted to live and  having disability did not mean that I was unable to live my life.”

He was a famous figure in the 80s and 90s as he would lead many fundraising drives and awareness campaigns in the city of Suva.

Mr Macanawai is currently the chief executive officer for the Pacific Disability Forum.

Previously, he worked as the Executive Director for the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons and as the Head Teacher of the Fiji School for the Blind.

He has presented papers at regional and international meetings and conferences, and has written several articles on disability.

Mr Macanawai was instrumental in developing Fiji’s first national policy on disability, using the Biwako Millennium Framework of Action as a model.

According to him, Fiji had come a long way in recognising the rights of the disabled. He said he was happy, but hoped more work is done especially about accessibility for the disabled.

He wanted to urge young people to know that disability was never a barrier.

LIST OF RECIPIENTS

• Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
• Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama
• Sir James Ah Koy
• Mahendra Chaudhry
• Taufa Vakatale
• Pauliasi Vatanitawake
• Dr Robin Mitchell
• Ratu Tui Cavuilati
• Adi Finau Tabakaucoro
• Dr Eci Kikau Nabalarua
• Dr Esther Williams
• Dr Angeela Jokhan
• Lavenia Bernadette Rounds Ganilau
• Joketani Cokanisiga
• Kantilal Punja
• Brig Gen Apakuki Kurusiga
• Ratu Jo Nacola
• Ratu Ilaitia Tuisese
• Brother Fergus Garret
• Maj Gen (Retired) Ioane Naivalurua
• Rev Tevita Nawadra
• Hafizud Dean Khan
• Alipate Korovou
• Lt Col Peni Volavola
• Tessa McKenzie
• Setareki Macanawai
• Daryl Tarte
• Misau Fatiaki
• Joji Qaranivalu
• Sakaraia Ve
• Jane Ricketts
• Sitiveni Raturala

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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