From silence to strength: Bakani family speaks out

The widow of late Native Land Trust Board (NLTB) - now iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) general manager Kalivati Bakani has called for survivors of Fiji’s political upheavals to unite and guide the nation’s healing process.

Valeria Bakani made the emotional appeal during her testimony at the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (FTRC) public hearing at the Suva Civic Centre today.

“I think some of those who were directly or indirectly affected by the coups, like us, should get together,” Ms Bakani said.

“They, in my view, will have a better understanding, wisdom, strength and humility to help guide us into healing.”

Her husband was suspended from his position as NLTB chief executive after the 2006 political upheaval, detained, and later charged with about 25 counts.

Mr Bakani was imprisoned in 2014 and died in custody in July 2016 from declining health, Ms Bakani said.

She joined the hearing virtually from the United States, described how soldiers escorted her husband from his office like a prisoner in February 2007.

“We were at a loss as to what was going on because we knew then that my husband did not do anything wrong,” she said.

She said her family endured constant surveillance with soldiers questioning Mr Bakani at their home, forcing them to step down from church duties at the Wesley Church at Butt Street, Suva.

“Such oppression and intimidation caused psychological, emotional, spiritual, physical and financial trauma, the depth of which one couldn’t fathom,” Ms Bakani told the commissioners.

She said her husband had withdrawn his Fiji National Provident Fund savings to cover basic needs, legal fees and mortgage payments after being unable to find work.

The Bakani family’s two daughters, Nani and Fina, attended the hearing in person, while sons Maika and Kali joined virtually.

Ms Bakani thanked the FTRC for its work in addressing trauma from the political upheavals.

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