‘Indo-Fijians, You are Fiji’

Indo-Fijians are not guests in Fiji, they belong here, fully and forever, says the Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara in his Girmit Day message.

“To our Indo-Fijian brothers and sisters, you are not guests in Fiji. You are Fiji,” Ratu Tevita said.

“The sacrifice of your forebears has purchased your belonging here - in full and forever. No politics, no circumstance, no passage of power should ever cause you to doubt that truth.”

Ratu Tevita, spoke on behalf of the people and chiefs of Lau, called Fiji’s diversity a national blessing, not a burden.

“A nation that draws from many wells does not run dry. It deepens,” he said.

He paid tribute to his father, the late Tui Nayau and Fiji’s first Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, saying he governed always for a Fiji larger than any single race.

Ratu Tevita also called on iTaukei communities not to feel threatened by the flourishing of their neighbours.

“A confident people does not fear the happiness of others. Fiji is large enough in spirit to hold us all,” he said.

He called on all Fijians to recommit to one another and to build a nation more just and united for future generations.